Rambling through South Africa 2006

South Africa Overland - Johannesburg/Cape Town/Victoria Falls



South Africa is a haven of spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, diverse cultures and first world norms, topped with a healthy and invigorating climate. These qualities, as well as a relatively cheap currency, make it an adventure destination not to be missed. A country virtually the size of Europe with over 3000 kilometers of unspoiled coastline, boasting climatic differences from searing hot desert to snow-capped peaks, and varied cultures, from the primitive Bushman to the most Western of ways. We visit the highlights, but leave the beaten track to explore the great outdoors. Overnight stops are mostly at Drifters owned properties and reserves where extensive conservation and game introduction projects have created truly unique accommodation and surroundings. This tour requires a certain amount of flexibility and an adventurous mentality and is not for the 5 star luxury safari folk.

To view a video presentation of our trip, go to:
http://www.trekholidays.com/media/celebrate_sa.wmv

Included Highlights
- "Big Five" Game Walks
- Open Vehicle Game Drives
- Kruger National Park
- Hluhluwe Game Reserve
- Drakensberg Mountains
- Swaziland Kingdom
- Wine Farm and Tasting
- Karoo Desert Farm Stay
- African Culture
- Pony Trekking
- Otter Trail Walk
- Knysna Boat Trip
- Table Mountain Hike
- Unspoiled Beaches

Optional Activities
- Sea Kayaking
- Bungi Jump (Yeah sure!)
- Quad Biking
- Ushaka Marine World
- Robben Island

Saturday 21-Oct
12:35 PM Leave Flt 202 United Airlines Vancouver;
8:42 PM Arrive Washington-Dulles 5 hrs 7 min
Quality Inn Dulles Washington-Dulles

Sunday 22-Oct
12:50 PM Leave Flt 208 S A Airlines Washington-Dulles

Monday 23-Oct
12:00 PM Arrive Johannesburg 17 hrs 10 min
Drifters Inn Johannesburg, a beautiful thatched Inn is situated in Northcliff, a well-established suburb of northwest Johannesburg. With close proximity to shops, restaurants, banks, cinemas, highways, public transport as well as the delightful Emmarentia Dam, this Inn has an idyllic setting. Accommodation is in twin-bedded rooms, all en-suite. There's a lovely garden, swimming pool, shop and restaurant.


Tuesday 24-Oct: JHB - BUSHVELD CAMP D
Departing early from Johannesburg, "City of Gold", we head east to the spectacular Mpumalanga province. We visit the quaint gold-mining pioneer village of Pilgrims Rest, the intriguing Bourke's Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels, towering above the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. Finally we descend from the escarpment in the steps of the early explorers to the Lowveld bushveld where we overnight in the luxury DRIFTERS BUSHVELD CAMP, within the 30 000-hectare privately-owned Balule Nature Reserve, part of the Kruger National Park. Accommodation is in eight well-spaced luxury, insect-proof suites under thatch. Each suite has an inner tented sleeping chamber, offering the occupants the full spectrum of the sounds of the African night without compromising safety. All suites are comfortably appointed with electricity, full bathroom with shower and a private patio overlooking the seasonal Mohlabetsi riverbed. The central lodge building offers broad shady verandas and a comfortable lounge over-looking our rock pool. This feature pool is for those who wish to enjoy a refreshing swim or tan under the African sun. Animals encountered during your stay are in a totally wild and natural environment, and good game sightings are guaranteed. We are especially proud of our abundant birdlife, which is attracted by the riverine forest. Brunch is enjoyed on the veranda after returning from your early-morning activity and dinner is served under the stars in our traditional African boma. Fall asleep to the sounds of the wild.

Wednesday 25-Oct: BUSHVELD CAMP BRUNCH D
Being a privately owned property, our bush camp allows us the freedom of walking amongst the game and of viewing the animals in their natural habitat from an open vehicle with both day and night drives. All major game species are prevalent, including the renowned "Big Five".

Thursday 26-Oct: HAZYVIEW B L D
A leisurely start, we travel through the rural Bushbuck Ridge area to the sleepy settlement of Hazyview, and then on to the DRIFTERS HAZYVIEW INN, a log cabin spectacularly situated on stilts in indigenous subtropical forest on the banks of the Sabie River that is literally within the forest canopy. This afternoon we will have time to relax at the bird hide, or enjoy swimming and forest walks. Rooms are well appointed and have two rooms to a bathroom. A swimming pool, bar and lounge are provided for guests' comfort. The excellent forest walks and exciting tube rides down the river are not to be missed.

Friday 27-Oct: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK B L D
Leaving Hazyview early, we travel the short distance to the worldrenowned Kruger National Park, here we spend the entire day viewing animals from the high vantage point of our well-equipped truck. We enjoy a picnic lunch and then a night in one of the park's rest camps.

Saturday/Sunday 28-29-Oct: SWAZILAND/ZULULAND B L D
Travelling south through the Kingdom of the Swazi, our journey takes us into an area of spectacular scenery, and past numerous traditional homesteads and curio markets, then we enter Zululand, the area once ruled by the famed Shaka Zulu, a region of Game Reserves and impressive sugar cane fields. We spend the next two nights at the DRIFTERS ZULULAND CAMP, a rustic camp situated in the sand forest on our private game reserve overlooking False Bay and adjoining the World Heritage Site of St Lucia. During our stay we will do a game walk on the reserve and will conduct a game drive in open vehicles through Hluhluwe Game Reserve, We also enjoy a Zulu cultural experience. Our reserve itself offers a self-guided nature trail with guaranteed sitings of indigenous wildlife and a swimming pool for those who wish simply to relax.

Monday 30-Oct: DOLPHIN COAST B L D
A short drive today, we travel to one of the world's finest coastlines, where the unrelenting waves of the Indian Ocean continuously pound deserted beaches. Our next night will be at the DRIFTERS DOLPHIN COAST INN, situated literally on the beach overlooking the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean. This Inn provides a getaway for those who wish to enjoy the unspoilt beaches and game reserves of the KwaZulu-Natal north coast. Situated in Umdloti, only 20 minutes drive north of Durban, this Inn comprises of 10 sea-facing, twin-bedded rooms with private bathrooms. A short forest walk can be enjoyed, or further down the beach a tidal pool and lagoon can be explored. For those who wish to relax, a stunning patio and swimming pool overlook the ocean. Our time here will be spent soaking up the sun and simply enjoying the beach and warm ocean. Tonight we enjoy a traditional fish braai on the Inn's patio.

Tuesday/Wednesday 31-Oct (Happy Halloween!)/1-Nov: DRAKENSBERG B L D
After a visit to the holiday city of Durban, where we have the option of visiting Ushaka Marine World or exploring the Golden Mile and the traditional market, we travel back inland to the majestic Drakensberg mountain range, "Barrier of Spears". (Lunch today will be own expense in Durban.) On reaching the foothills we transfer to a 4X4 vehicle, and then enjoy an exciting drive on mountain tracks up to the DRIFTERS DRAKENSBERG INN where we spend two nights in cosy log cabins. We will spend time hiking and exploring the wonders of this National Heritage Site. Pony trekking is also available. Situated on the crest of the Oliviershoek pass in the Drakensberg mountains, this beautiful old historic inn has been restored to its original splendour. Nestling in the mountains on the banks of the Sterkfontein dam, with a panoramic view of the entire Drakensberg range, it is ideally located for the outdoor enthusiast, hiker or walker. A National Heritage Site, this 1000 hectare indigenous farm has to be seen to be believed. Accessible only by 4x4 or transport provided, this mountain lodge is situated at an elevation of 1800 meters above sea level and is shadowed by the greater Drakensberg peaks on the property. The closest village is Bergville, some 50km away. Home to a colony of the rare Cape Vulture and many other indigenous species including Eland, as well as lush indigenous forests, Bushmen paintings and dramatic waterfalls, the reserve is fantastic for hiking and exploring. Accommodation is in eight twin-bedded rooms with bathrooms en suite. Each room has a fireplace. Breakfasts are included, and other meals are available either under the trees in the tea garden, or by the fireside in the cosy and well-stocked pub. The surrounding mountains offer superb hiking opportunities, with wonderful rock pools for swimming, and galleries of bushman paintings. A small shop provides basic essentials. Drifters Inn also provides the ideal base for exploring Sterkfontein Dam, Royal Natal national Park, Cathedral Peak and numerous other attractions in the region

Thursday 2-Nov: LADYBRAND B D
After a 4x4 transfer back to our vehicle, we cross the Oliviershoek Pass to view the turquoise waters of Sterkfontein Dam, then on through the Golden Gate National Park, well known for its towering sandstone cliffs and wealth of unique wildlife. Lunch today will be own expense in the artful little village of Clarens - clients will have time to explore the art galleries and other unique attractions. This night will be spent on a working dairy farm near the town of Ladybrand and we enjoy a traditional "braai".

Friday/Saturday 3-4-Nov: KAROO B L D
Exploring lesser-known gravel roads, we head into the dry Karoo interior. We will travel via quaint and remote farming villages including Nieu Bethesda to the DRIFTERS KAROO INN. Our home for the next two nights will be in stone cottages on a traditional farmstead nestled against the Sneeuberg Mountains. During our stay here, we will enjoy an extensive walk in the mountainous terrain, home to a variety of interesting plants, animal and bird life. Situated 30 km from Graaff-Reinet, not far from the Valley of Desolation in the dry, semi-desert Karoo, this remote Inn provides wonderful opportunities to explore the unique fauna and flora that this area has to offer. This property has been painstakingly rehabilitated and now offers one of the most interesting and diverse nature reserves in the region. Game on the property includes the rare Cape Mountain Zebra, Black Wildebeest and beautiful Bontebok. Accommodation is in comfortable chalets crafted from local stone, each with its own fireplace, bathroom and unbelievable desert vista. A communal living area has been created within the original farmhouse, which dates back to the early settlers.

Sunday/Monday 5-6-Nov: GARDEN ROUTE B D
An early start, we head for the pioneer town of Graaff-Reinet where we spend time visiting the various museums, strolling around the town, meeting the locals and admiring the unique architecture. We then cross the mighty Outeniqua Mountains, barrier between the dry interior and the lush coastal Garden Route area. We arrive at the secluded DRIFTERS KNYSNA INN where we will spend the next two nights in log cabins hidden deep in the heart of the forest between the seaside resorts of Knysnaand and Plettenberg Bay. The Inn is comprised of five separate cabins and a central lodge, all built of timber. All rooms enjoy en-suite bathrooms and are comfortably appointed. Breakfasts are included, swimming pool and a cosy bar, lounge and relaxation area are provided. Our days here will be spent exploring this renowned region and its many attractions. We will walk in the forest in search of the elusive Knysna Lourie, we will travel the old passes road to the sitsikamma coastal National Park where we will walk part of the acclaimed Otter Trail. On our return journey, those with suicidal tendencies may try the world's highest bungi jump at 216 meters or clients may choose a sea kayak trip. We will visit sunkissed beaches, spend time in the old woodcutter town of Knysna and will enjoy a boat trip on the DRIFTERS SKI BOAT around the Knysna Lagoon and through the Heads in search of dolphins and whales (weather permitting). One lunch and one dinner will be own expense.

Tuesday 7-Nov: DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE B L D
Leaving Knysna in the afternoon, we travel to the remote De Hoop Nature Reserve, known for its towering white sand dunes and unique animal species. We overnight in comfortable bungalows.

Wednesday/Thursday 8-9 Nov (Happy Birthday to ME!): CAPE TOWN B
This morning, after exploring this unique reserve, we return to the coast to follow the "Whale Route" around the Hottentots Holland Mountains. Arriving in the "Mother City" of Cape Town in the late afternoon, we check into the DRIFTERS CAPE TOWN INN, which is situated on the Sea Point beachfront. This beautiful old inn has 12 double rooms, mostly en-suite. Shuttle service to the Waterfront runs regularly from alongside the Inn. Cape Town is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and we will spend two days visiting Cape Point, Hout Bay, the Waterfront, secluded beaches, a wine farm and many more highlights. We will also hike up Table Mountain (Lunches and dinners in Cape Town are own expense).

Friday 10-Nov
Cape Town Inn, Cape Town

Saturday 11-Nov
Cape Town Inn, Cape Town

Sunday 12-Nov
Cape Town Inn, Cape Town

Monday 13-Nov
6:00 AM Leave Flt 302 S A Airlines Cape Town
8:00 AM Arrive Johannesburg 2 hours
Drifters Inn Johannesburg

Tuesday 14-Nov
9:45 AM Leave Flt 40 S A Airlines Johannesburg
11:25 AM Arrive Victoria Falls 1 hr 40 min


Ilala Lodge offers distinguished yet affordable accommodation in a gracious and secluded ambiance. The decor evokes a bygone era of adventure and the quest of discovery in Africa. The hotel is ideally situated and is the closest to the Victoria Falls as well as the town centre. The National Park borders the front of property and wild animals often graze on the hotel lawns with the spray of the falls in the background. Ilala Lodge offers 32 rooms.
All rooms have en suite bathroom with seperate shower, air conditioning, overhead fan and satellite TV and are served early morning tea / coffee and fruit basket. The rooms are spacious with railway sleeper teak furnishings and patio doors leading onto either open lawn or a balcony where you are afforded a view of the spray of the falls from the upper level rooms.

Wednesday 15-Nov
Ilala Lodge Victoria Falls



Thursday 16-Nov
12:30 PM Leave Flt 41 S A Airlines Victoria Falls
2:15 PM Arrive Johannesburg 1 hr 45 min
6:50 PM Leave flt 207 S A Airlines Johannesburg via Dakar

Friday 17-Nov
6:25 AM Arrive Washington-Dulles 18 hr 35 min
8:30 AM Leave Flt 239 United Airlines Washington-Dulles
11:31 AM Arrive Vancouver 6 hrs 1 min

IMPORTANT INFORMATION This tour involves a fair amount of walking, so a small daypack is advisable.
- Malaria precautions may be necessary and can be purchased locally.
- Passports are required for entry into Swaziland.
- The price includes all transport, accommodation, food, coffee, tea, fruit juice at breakfast etc, group equipment, permits and entry fees, Knysna boat trip, optional pony ride and professional guides.
- The price does not include alcohol and soft drinks, meals where stipulated, curios, tips and optional excursions.