18 day South Africa Overland Explorer. Johannesburg to Cape Town

Day 1: Johannesburg - Bush Camp, South Africa

Departing early from Johannesburg, "City of Gold", you will head east to the spectacular Mpumalanga province. You will 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 you will descend from the escarpment in the steps of the early explorers to the Lowveld bushveld where you will overnight in the luxury Drifters Bushveld Camp, within the Balule Nature Reserve, bordering the Kruger Park.  Fall asleep to the sounds of the wild. Dinner.

Day 2: Bushveld Camp, South Africa

You start the day with the traditional coffee and rusks, before setting off on a game walk. You walk for approximately 3 hours in search of game, stopping regularly to learn more about the ways of the bush. A Drifters guide and tracker lead all walks. Return to camp for a late morning brunch after which it’s time to relax around the pool and to enjoy the camp.

In the afternoon you conduct an open vehicle game drive, which develops into an extensive night drive, being in the bush at night provides us with the opportunity of viewing nocturnal animals, otherwise not normally seen. This evening you enjoy a hearty bush “braai” and again fall asleep to the sounds of the wild. Brunch and Dinner.

Day 3: Hazyview, South Africa

A leisurely start, you will 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. This afternoon you will have time to relax at the bird hide, or enjoy swimming and forest walks. Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.

Day 4: Kruger National Park, South Africa

Leaving Hazyview early, you will travel the short distance to the world famous Kruger National Park, here you will spend the entire day viewing animals from the high vantage point of a well-equipped truck. Enjoy a picnic lunch and then a night in one of the park’s rest camps. Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.

Day 5 & 6: Swaziland / Zululand, South Africa

Travelling south through the Kingdom of the Swazi, your journey takes you into an area of spectacular scenery, and past numerous traditional homesteads and curio markets, then you will enter Zululand, the area once ruled by the famed Shaka Zulu, a region of Game Reserves and impressive sugar cane fields.

You will spend the next 2 nights at the Drifters Zululand Camp, a rustic camp situated in the sand forest on a private game reserve adjoining the World Heritage Site of St Lucia. During your stay you will do a game walk on the reserve and a game drive in open vehicles will be conducted. You will also enjoy a Zulu cultural experience. Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.

Day 7: Dolphin Coast, South Africa

A short drive today, you will travel to one of the world’s finest coastlines, where the unrelenting waves of the Indian Ocean continuously pound deserted beaches. Your next night will be at the Drifters Dolphin Coast Inn, situated literally on the beach.

Your time here will be spent soaking up the sun and simply enjoying the beach and warm ocean. Tonight you enjoy a traditional fish braai (barbeque) on the Inn’s patio. Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.

Day 8 & 9: Drakensberg, South Africa

After a visit to the holiday city of Durban, where you have the option of visiting the Ushaka Marine World or exploring the Golden Mile and the traditional market, you will travel back inland to the majestic Drakensberg mountain range, "Barrier of Spears". Lunch today will be at your own expense in Durban.

On reaching the foothills you will be transferred to a 4X4 vehicle, and then enjoy an exciting drive on mountain tracks up to the Drifters Drakensburg Inn where you will spend 2 nights in cosy log cabins. You will spend time hiking and exploring the wonders of this National Heritage Site. Pony trekking is also available. Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner. (One lunch own expense) 

Day 10: Ladybrand, South Africa

After a 4x4 transfer back to your vehicle, you will 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 at your 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 you will enjoy a traditional braai (barbeque). Breakfast. Dinner.

Day 11 & 12: Karoo, South Africa

Exploring lesser-known gravel roads, you will head into the dry Karoo interior. You will travel via quaint and remote farming villages including Nieu Bethesda to the Karoo Inn. Your home for the next 2 nights will be in stone cottages on a traditional farmstead nestled against the Sneeuberg Mountains.

During your stay here, you will enjoy an extensive walk in the mountainous terrain, home to a variety of interesting plants animal and bird life. Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.

Day 13 - 15: Garden Route, South Africa

An early start, you will head for the pioneer town of Graaff-Reinet where you will spend time visiting the various museums, strolling around the town, meeting the locals and admiring the unique architecture. You will then cross the mighty Outeniqua Mountains, barrier between the dry interior and the lush coastal Garden Route area.

You will arrive at the secluded Drifters Knysna Inn where you will spend the next 3 nights in log cabins hidden deep in the heart of the forest. Your days here will be spent exploring this renowned region and its many attractions.

You will walk in the forest in search of the elusive Knysna Lourie, you will travel the 'old passes road' to the Tsitsikamma coastal National Park where you will walk part of the acclaimed 'Otter Trail'. On your return journey, those with suicidal tendencies may try the world’s highest bungi jump at 216m or clients may choose a sea kayak trip. (Own expense).

You will visit sun-kissed 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 your own expense. Breakfast. Dinner.

Day 16 - 18: De Hoop Nature Reserve to Cape Town, South Africa

Leaving Knysna in the afternoon, you will travel to the renowned De Hoop Nature Reserve, known for its towering white sand dunes and unique animal species. After exploring this unique reserve, you 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, you check into the Drifters Cape Town Inn, which is situated on the Sea Point beachfront.

Cape Town is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and you will spend two days visiting Cape Point, Hout Bay, the Waterfront, secluded beaches, a wine farm and many more highlights. you will also hike up Table Mountain. (Lunches and dinners in Cape Town are own expense). Breakfast  

This tour ends at 16:00pm on Day 18, however clients are welcome to extend their stay by booking post-tour nights at the Drifters Cape Town Inn. If arranging an onward flight on this day, please allow time for an airport transfer and for check-in procedures (up to 3 hours).

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