Vagabond Travel | SOUTH AFRICA ECO EXPLORER

SOUTH AFRICA ECO EXPLORER

$4400 per person

South Africa is a haven of spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, diverse cultures and first world norms, all topped with a healthy and invigorating climate. These qualities make it an adventure destination not to be missed. A country virtually the size of Europe with over 3000 kilometres of unspoiled coastline, boasting climatic differences from searing hot desert, cool crisp mountain peaks, and varied cultures from the original Bushman to the most Western of ways.

We visit the highlights, but leave the beaten track to explore the great outdoors and visit a variety of African eco-systems. Overnight stops are all at comfortable lodges, in pristine reserves, high in the mountains, or on the beach, always in truly unique surroundings. The tour is enjoyed by those with a flexible attitude and adventurous mentality.

VEHICLE USED :
Custom 17-seater adventure truck

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS:

• Big Five” game walk

• Open vehicle game drive

• Game reserves/national parks

• Kruger National Park

• Zululand Game Reserve

• Drakensberg Mountains

• Swaziland Kingdom

• Cape wine farm and wine tasting

• African culture

• Garden Route

• Coastal hike

• Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point

• Table Mountain hike

• Unspoiled beaches

• San rock art

• Nelson Mandela memorial

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
• Sea kayaking
• Bungee jump
• Basotho pony ride
• Robben Island
• Forest mountain bike
• Knysna boat trip

18 DAYS/ 17 NIGHTS (17 nights Lodge)

12+ Age

Africa

Accommodated Tours

Africa

Destination

Africa
Departure

JOHANNESBURG/CAPE TOWN
Departure Time

0630 Every Tuesday and selected Fridays
Return Time

This tour ends at 17h00 on Day 18.
Dress Code

Neat Casual
Included

Accommodation

All Transport

Entry Fees

Group Equipment

Inclusions as per Itinerary

Most meals

Professional Guide
Not Included

Airfare/taxes

Alcohol & soft drinks

Arrival Transfer

Bottled water

Departure Transfer

Items of a personal nature ie Laundry/telephone

Optional excursions

Permits

Taxes

Tips

Travel Insurance

Visas

Our gallery

DAY 1 : JHB – BUSH LODGE Distance: 490 km

Departing from the GREENFIRE LODGE JOHANNESBURG at 06h30, we set off on the scenic road to Mpumalanga. We enjoy a lunch stop in the historic town of Dullstroom before we wind our way down the Drakensberg escarpment and into the untamed Lowveld. The road is filled with scenic beauty, from mountain passes to the Acacia trees scattered across the African bushveld. We spend the next two nights at our well-appointed GREENFIRE BUSH LODGE, situated in a private reserve unfenced to the Kruger National Park; an area where animals roam naturally and unrestricted. Being on a privately owned reserve we have the freedom to explore the wilderness in search of a variety of animals both on foot and in open game drive vehicles. The tented lodge blends into the bush and offers comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, a refreshing splash pool and stunning views over the surrounding wilderness. Dinner tonight is cooked in the traditional manner over an open fire. Meals: D (Lunch own expense) Accommodation: Bush Lodge - Twin-bedded en suite tented units Included Highlights/Activity: Scenic Drive down to the Lowveld Region, Private Game Reserve, Accommodation Private Concession

DAY 2 : BUSH LODGE

As is custom in the bush, we start the day with a light breakfast of coffee and rusks before embarking on a guided game walk within this Big 5 area. Although we will walk for some three hours, the purpose is not to cover distance but rather to search for animals and to focus on the smaller things one misses while out driving around in the bush. A Drifters guide and/or tracker will lead the walk. Before the heat of the day, we return to the lodge for a sumptuous brunch, after which it’s time to relax around the lodge and enjoy the serenity of the surrounding wilderness. A nearby waterhole in front of the camp is the source of water for many animals that come here to quench their thirst. In the afternoon, we conduct an open vehicle game drive which develops into an extensive night drive, all the time searching for animals. Groups will drive in search of animals until just before the sun set, when the guide will stop and we have time to enjoy a sundowner drink as the sun sets over the bushveld. Once it is dark we continue our game drive. Being in the bush at night provides us with the opportunity of viewing nocturnal animals.This evening we enjoy a hearty bush “braai” cooked on an open fire. Fall asleep to the sounds of the wild. Meals: Brunch Dinner Accommodation: Bush Lodge - Twin-bedded en suite tented units Included Highlights/Activity: Exclusive Private Reserve, Morning guided walk in Big 5 area, Afternoon Game drive / Night drive

DAY 3 : PANORAMA ROUTE – HAZYVIEW Distance: 195 km

Rising with the African sun, we enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting off to explore the highlights of the Panorama Route. Our first stop will be to view the impressive Blyde River Canyon, then on to Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Gods Window, and the cozy little town of Graskop where we enjoy an own expense lunch. The Panorama Route offers guests some of the best natural wonders in the area and we will spend as much time as possible at each of the highlights. This afternoon we make our way to the tranquil GREENFIRE LODGE HAZYVIEW, a log cabin built spectacularly on stilts in the indigenous forest on the banks of the Sabie River. Time permitting guests are free to walk on the property and enjoy the surrounding forest. We spend two nights here. Meals: B D (Lunch own expense) Accommodation: Greenfire Lodge Hazyview - Log Cabins Included Highlights/Activity: Panorama Route, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, 3 Rondavels

DAY 4 : KRUGER NATIONAL PARK Distance: +- 160 km

An early start, we depart at sunrise and travel the short distance to enter a different area of the Kruger National Park for a full day of game viewing. Slowly traversing in search of the many animals that inhabit this area, we enjoy the high vantage point and comfort of our well-equipped vehicle. Our guide will take time to explain the behaviour of the animals we see in this fascinating environment. Although most of the day will be spent game viewing, we will stop at various designated sites to stretch our legs, to enjoy brunch, and to wander around one of the park’s rest camps. Late this afternoon we exit the park and return to the comfort of our GREENFIRE LODGE HAZYVIEW. Meals: Brunch Dinner Accommodation: Greenfire Lodge Hazyview - Log Cabins Included Highlights/Activity: Southern section of Kruger National Park, Full Day Game Drive,

DAY 5 : SWAZILAND Distance: 290 km

We depart in the morning and enjoy a scenic drive south before we leave South Africa and cross the border into the Kingdom of the Swazi. A small landlocked country, Swaziland is rich in culture and natural beauty. Our journey today takes us into an area of spectacular scenery and past numerous traditional homesteads surrounded by vast fields of sugarcane. Our first destination is Sibebe rock, a granite mountain rising some 350m above the Mbuluzi valley. We make a short stop here at the foot of the mountain while our guide explains more about the history and beliefs surrounding Sibebe, before we continue to explore Swaziland and visit some of the local markets. In the late afternoon we drive the short distance via the Capital of Mbabane to our accommodation for the night. On arrival we check in and enjoy a catered meal. Meals: B L D Accommodation: Foresters Arms Included Highlights/Activity: Swaziland, Scenic Drive, Sibebe rock

DAY 6 : ZULULAND Distance: 225 km

Today we follow the winding roads through Swaziland and cross back into South Africa in the late morning. After completing the border formalities, we enter Zululand, an area once ruled by the infamous Shaka Zulu. The reserves in this area are lush and offer protection to a variety of indigenous animals including Black and White Rhino. This afternoon we enjoy a game experience that will allow us to appreciate the fauna and flora of the Zulu Kingdom Meals: B L D Accommodation: White Elephant Bush Camp Included Highlights/Activity: Scenic drive through Swaziland, Bush Walk

DAY 7 : DRAKENSBERG Distance: 390 km on day 7

Traveling inland today, we pass through a tranquil region of rolling hills, but don’t be fooled, this region has hosted many historic wars fought over time by the Zulu’s, the Boers (pioneer settlers), the British, and many others fighting for a stake in Africa. Our lunch stop will be at one of the famous battlefields in the area where we will have time to learn a bit more about this fascinating time in South Africa’s history. This afternoon we reach the majestic Drakensberg mountain range, “Barrier of Spears”. On reaching the foothills, we transfer to a 4x4 vehicle, and then enjoy an exciting drive on mountain tracks to the GREENFIRE LODGE DRAKENSBERG located high up in the Drakensberg Mountains with a perfect view of the famous Drakensberg Amphitheatre. Guests are welcome to skip the drive and walk up the mountain to the lodge. We spend two nights here in cozy log cabins surrounded by breath taking views and will have a day of hiking, exploring, and simply enjoying the wonders of this national heritage site. A walk to the San Rock Art gallery is well worth the effort. Pony trekking is also available. Meals: B L D Accommodation: Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge Included Highlights / Activity: - Drakensberg World Heritage Site, San Rock Art, Drakensberg Hike, Vulture Colony Optional Activities: Horse riding, Fishing

DAY 8 : DRAKENSBERG

As Above Meals: B L D Accommodation: Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge

DAY 9 : DOLPHIN COAST Distance: 300 km on day 9

A relaxed start, after a transfer (or walk) back down to our vehicle, it is with new energy that we make our way toward the Indian Ocean. Our journey today will take us through the rolling hills and natural beauty of the Natal Midlands. We stop for an own expense lunch near Nottingham Road before continuing to the Mandela Capture site for a short visit, from where we continue and travel down to the coast where we spend the next two nights. The GREENFIRE LODGE DOLPHIN COAST is located literally on the beach and the sound of the waves pounding is relentless. We will have a “free” day here to spend soaking up the sun and simply enjoying the beach and warm ocean, or to stroll through the village enjoying the cheerful hospitality. One night we enjoy a traditional fish braai on the lodge’s patio. Lunch and dinner are own expense. Guests can also choose to visit the city of Durban on their free day. Meals: B D; (Lunch on day 9 own expense) Accommodation: Greenfire Lodge Dolphin Coast Included Highlights/Activity: Nelson Mandela Capture Site, Natal Midlands Scenic Drive, East Coast, beach Optional Activities: Visit Durban

DAY 10 : DOLPHIN COAST

As Above Meals : B, Lunch and dinner on day 10 all own expense Accommodation: Greenfire Lodge Dolphin Coast

DAY 11 : WILD COAST Distance: 380 km on Day 11

Setting off early, we pass through the outskirts of Durban this morning and follow the coast south into an area that can only be described as one of the highlights of the tour – The Wild Coast. Having formerly been an independent homeland, there has been little development in this area resulting in endless unspoiled beaches, natural estuaries, rolling grassland, and a tapestry of traditional Xhosa villages. We will spend two nights at a remote GREENFIRE LODGE and will spend a full day exploring this rugged but stunningly beautiful area. Our guide will take us on an extended hike along this stretch of coastline that offers some of the best hiking routes in the country. Guests will also have time to relax on the secluded beach in front of the lodge or to go and swim in a nearby waterfall. Meals: B L D; B L D Accommodation: Greenfire Lodge Wild Coast Included Highlights/Activity: - Scenic Drive to the Wild Coast, Private Beach, Waterfall Walk, Hike along, the coast Optional Activities: None, all included

DAY 12: WILD COAST

As Above Meals: B L D Accommodation: Greenfire Lodge Wild Coast

DAY 13 : FRONTIER COUNTRY Distance: 534 km

Leaving the lush coastal forests behind, our journey will take us into what is known as the “Frontier Country”, a region that was settled in the 1820’s by European immigrants and that was host to many frontier wars. The road is defined by scattered hills and deep valleys with distant glimpses of the ocean. We cover some distance today and spend the night in comfortable accommodation overlooking the city of Grahamstown. Meals: B L D Accommodation: Mountain View Manor Included Highlights/Activity: Scenic Drive in Frontier Country

DAY 14 : GARDEN ROUTE Distance: 290 km 90 km on Day 14

Entering the renowned Garden Route today, our first stop will be at the Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park. Located in a marine reserve, the hike offers spectacular views and we enjoy a walk along the rugged coast and over the suspension bridge spanning the Storms River. We spend the night in the Storms River area. The area offers a variety of activities for guests. Optional excursions include kayak trips, mountain bike rides in the forest, a tour of the local township, and many more (own expense). Meals: B L D Accommodation: Storms River Village Lodge Included Highlights/Activity: Tsitsikamma National Park, Hike in Tsitsikamma, Suspension Bridge Walk Optional Activities: Boat Cruise, Bridge Bungee jump, Mountain biking

DAY 15: GARDEN ROUTE

Today guests will depart from Storms River and make their way to Knysna where they will spend the night and have time for some more activities. One lunch and one dinner will be own expense. Meals : B (lunch and dinner own expense) Distance: 90 km Accommodation: Wayside Inn

DAY 16 : CAPE TOWN Distance: 550 km on day 16

We leave Knysna to travel through the Garden Route’s Lake District and then to follow the "Whale Route" through Hermanus and around the Hottentots Holland Mountains. Arriving in the "Mother City", Cape Town, in the late afternoon, we check into the GREENFIRE LODGE CAPE TOWN, located in Sea Point the lodge is conveniently situated close to shops, restaurants and the ocean promenade. Cape Town is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world and we will spend two full days here - visiting Cape Point, Hout Bay, The Waterfront, secluded beaches, a wine farm, and many other attractions. We will also hike up Table Mountain. Lunches and dinners in Cape Town are own expense. Meals: B (Lunches and dinners on Day 16 own expense) Accommodation: Greenfire Lodge Cape Town Included Highlights/Activity: Cape Point National Park, Cape of Good Hope, Wine tasting, Table Mountain hike, Coastal Roads Optional Activities : Shark Cage Dive, Parasailing, Boat Cruises

DAY 17 : CAPE TOWN

Cape Town is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world and we will spend two full days here - visiting Cape Point, Hout Bay, The Waterfront, secluded beaches, a wine farm, and many other attractions. We will also hike up Table Mountain. Lunches and dinners in Cape Town are own expense. Meals: B (Lunches and dinners on Day 17 own expense) Accommodation: Greenfire Lodge Cape Town

DAY 18 : CAPE TOWN

This tour ends at 16h00 on Day 18. Clients may, however, extend their stay by booking post-tour nights at the GREENFIRE LODGE CAPE TOWN. If arranging an onward flight on this day, please allow time for an airport transfer and for check-in procedures (up to three hours). Meals: B

This tour is fully accommodated and all linen and towels are supplied. Clients will do a fair amount of walking so a small daypack is advisable. Seasonal malaria precautions may be necessary and can be purchased locally.

A valid passport is required by everyone. The tour will visit South Africa and Swaziland. It is the client’s responsibility to insure they have the appropriate visas required for this trip to all the countries we visit. Some nationalities might need to obtain visas before departure as they cannot be obtained on arrival.

The price includes all transport, accommodation, meals as per the itinerary, tea and coffee at the lodges, group equipment, permits, entry fees, and professional guide. The price does not include alcohol, bottled water and soft drinks, meals where stipulated, curios, tips and optional excursions. Before departure clients will be required to enter into an agreement pertaining to our booking conditions and general information as defined on our website and in our brochure. Clients are required to have their own comprehensive personal travel insurance.

At time of going to print the above itinerary was correct but Drifters continually strive to offer our clients the best available tour options and as such we reserve the right to change aspects of the itinerary at our discretion. During the validity of the published itinerary conditions will change, roads are improved or deteriorate often opening up new routes, contracted camps and accommodation facilities change standards, optional activities become available or are discontinued, new border posts open and old ones become congested, etc. Drifters are continuously monitoring all of the factors that make up a successful tour and as such will make amendments to the published itineraries if circumstances demand or if we believe that the change will enhance the tour.