17-Day South Africa Accommodated
South Africa "Rainbow Route" Code: SAa17
2011 Price: € 1 555 pps + local payment of ZAR
1 600 pps Single supplement: € 485 pp
(valid Jan 2011 – Dec 2011)
Group size max 12 people.
17 day small group participation camping safari
Departs Johannesburg on Saturday at 06:30am
Ends Cape Town on Monday @ ±18:00pm
Departure dates and availability right at the bottom of the page
Highlights* Mpumalanga Panorama Route – sight seeing
* Kruger National Park – game drives
* Swaziland – mountain walks
* Zululand – game drives & cultural village
* Drakensberg mountains – mountain walks
* Garden Route & Karoo – walks & ostriches
* Cape Town – Cape Point & Table MountainIncludes
* 5 nights in lodge, 4 nights hotel, 4 nights tented lodge / chalet, 2 nights cottage & 1 night log cabin.
* Entrance fees
* Use of camping & cooking equipment (except sleeping bags)
* Transport in minibus / safari truck
* Meals as per itinerary
* Professional guide
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY PRICES
Below is a list of approximate prices, in US$, for the optional activities available on the various tours:SOUTH AFRICA
Kruger N.P. night drive 25
Bloukrans bungi 120
Table Mountain cable car 10
Robben Island cruise 30
Seal Island cruise 15
Abseiling Cape Town 40
Scuba Diving 50
Shark cage diving full day (including transfer) 175
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Pre / post-tour airport transfers cost € 20 per person per transfer. Please book these with your tour.
PRE & POST TOUR ACCOMMODATION / DEPARTURE POINTS
JOHANNESBURG CAPE TOWN
Road Lodge Rivonia Lion’s Head Lodge
Cnr Rivonia Rd & 10th Ave, Rivonia, Sandton 319 Main Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
At departure there will be short meeting to discuss final arrangements of tour & inform you about the days activities. Please bring your travel voucher & insurance policy.
An accommodated safari through South Africa, trekking, cultural visits and wonderful game viewing in the Rainbow Nation.
ITINERARY
Day 1 JOHANNESBURG to MPUMALANGA [lodge -LD]
Departing from Johannesburg at 06:30am we head towards Mpumalanga where mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls & forests characterise the landscape. Few regions in the world can match the extraordinary beauty of the lowveld & escarpment. We visit Pilgrims Rest, Mac-Mac Falls and God's Window, before staying in a lodge on the edge of the escarpment near Graskop.
Day 2 - 3 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK [tented lodge or chalet BLD]
The largest game reserve in South Africa, boasts the world's greatest concentration of species, and has an amazing 16 different ecosystems. Exciting game drives provide us with excellent game viewing. Spot the "Big 5" (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) and many other animals in this true African wilderness.
Day 4 KINGDOM OF SWAZILAND [cabin BLD]
Malolotja Nature Reserve in the mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland is our next attraction. Renowned for a great variety of habitats from short grassland, to thick riverine scrub, bushveld and moist Afro-montane forest, we explore the reserve on foot to enjoy the fantastic mountain views, relax around a campfire dinner and stay in mountain cabins for the night.
Day 5 & 6 ZULULAND [tented lodge BLD]
We visit craft markets near Mbabane that have a fascinating range of handmade crafts and the local witchdoctor stall is not to be missed! We re-enter South Africa and head to Mkuzi Game Reserve, which is a safe haven for the endangered black rhino. We visit a waterhole hide and watch game come down to drink before staying in a tented lodge for two nights. An early morning game drive is followed by a cultural afternoon where we visit a Zulu village on the border of the game reserve and learn about the Zulu culture.
Day 7 - 8 DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAINS [cottage BLD]
The Drakensberg Mountains or "uKhahlamba" - the Barrier of Spears, is a 200-kilometre-long mountainous wonderland and world heritage site. From Mkuzi we move further south to the base of these mountains where we overnight for two nights in a quaint cottage. We will spend time walking along beautiful mountain stream paths, looking for Bushman rock paintings or just enjoying spectacular views.
Day 9 - 10 WILD COAST [hotel BLD]
The Wild Coast remains a relatively untouched paradise in South Africa. There are unspoilt stretches of dramatic and savagely beautiful coastline, open spaces and pristine forest areas. We stay overnight in a hotel, within walking distance of the beach and the next day is free to explore the area, meet local villagers or relax on the beach.
Day 11 ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK [chalets BLD]
The Addo Elephant National Park was established in 1931 to protect the last 11 wild elephants from extermination. Today more than 350 elephants roam through the area. The park also offers excellent viewing of black rhino, Cape buffalo and leopard, as well as a host of other large and small mammals and over 400 species of birds in the greater park area. A floodlit waterhole allows us to watch the nocturnal animals and we will stay in chalets for the night.
Day 12 - 13 KNYSNA / TSITSIKAMMA [lodge B --]
For two nights we will stay in a lodge in Knysna, which is nestled on a tranquil lagoon. We will take a day trip to the Storms River mouth where there are walks up the gorge and along the rocky coast. The Tsitsikamma National Park incorporates 80 km of spectacular sea and landscapes; a remote mountainous region with secluded valleys, costal forests with deep river gorges leading down to the sea. There is also an option of the world’s highest bungi jump. Sample seafood at one of Knysna's great restaurants (own expense). Opportunities for whale watching in season (July to November).
Day 14 KAROO [lodge BLD]
The arid Karoo is a vast and unforgiving landscape, but in the evening it softens its fierceness setting the endless Karoo canvas ablaze with glorious hues of orange and red. Famous for its ostriches, Oudtshoorn provides the opportunity to tour an ostrich farm where the more adventurous can ride one of these huge birds. For those interested a walk into the Cango Caves reveals amazing stone formations (own expense). We overnight in a lodge in Oudtshoorn.
Day 15 - 16 CAPE TOWN [Guest House Lodge B--]
Cape Town is one of the most picturesque cities in the world, with the majestic Table Mountain providing its central focus. On our way into Cape Town, we visit Stellenbosch, South Africa’s renowned wine region, for wine tasting and a cellar tour. The "mother city" has many attractions; we will visit Cape Point, the harbour at Hout Bay, enjoy the famous beaches and the V&A Waterfront. Optional visit to Robben Island (own expense). We sample the local fare at a variety of local restaurants (own expense).
Day 17 TOUR ENDS - TRANSFERS [- B--]
In the morning we climb Table Mountain, offering panoramic views over Cape Town reaching out into the bay and Robben Island. Having explored the highlights of the Rainbow Nation we take a last look at Cape Town and catch up on last minute curio shopping in the afternoon, before your tour ends at 18:00.
PLEASE NOTE: The accommodation specified in the itinerary is a guide only and is subject to availability. Alternatives will be of a similar standard
RACK Price: (valid Jan 2011 – Dec 2011)
€ 1 555 pp + local payment of ZAR 1 600 pp
Single supplement: € 485 pp (If you are traveling on your own, you will “room” with
another of same gender client. You do not pay extra when booking as a single person. If however you request a single
room, then you'll pay the single supplement.
2011 DEPARTURE DATES
18-Dec-10 - 03-Jan-11 CVa
15-Jan-11 - 31-Jan-11 CVa
22-Jan-11 - 07-Feb-11 CVa
05-Feb-11 - 21-Feb-11 CVag German
05-Mar-11 - 21-Mar-11 CVa
12-Mar-11 - 28-Mar-11 CVa
26-Mar-11 - 11-Apr-11 CVag German
16-Apr-11 - 02-May-11 CVa
30-Apr-11 - 16-May-11 CVa
14-May-11 - 30-May-11 CVag German
11-Jun-11 - 27-Jun-11 CVa
18-Jun-11 - 04-Jul-11 CVa
02-Jul-11 - 18-Jul-11 CVa
30-Jul-11 - 15-Aug-11 CVag German
06-Aug-11 - 22-Aug-11 CVa
20-Aug-11 - 05-Sep-11 CVa
17-Sep-11 - 03-Oct-11 CVag
24-Sep-11 - 10-Oct-11 CVa
08-Oct-11 - 24-Oct-11 CVa
05-Nov-11 - 21-Nov-11 CVag German
12-Nov-11 - 28-Nov-11 CVa
26-Nov-11 - 12-Dec-11 CVa
24-Dec-11 - 09-Jan-12 CVa
31-Dec-11 - 16-Jan-12 CVa
* German: These tours are lead by a German speaking translator / tour leader.
* CVa: all “Rainbow Route” departures can be combined before the “Grand Explorer” to create a complete Southern
Africa Adventure.
DETAILED
DETAILED TOUR INFO
In a nutshellA participation tour that offers an accommodated safari at a reasonable price, accommodated in chalets, cabins and hotels.
A comprehensive introduction to the Rainbow Nation - a world in one country!
Exciting trip with culture, wildlife, adventure, walking, mountains and beaches.
Kruger NP, Swaziland, Zululand, Drakensberg, Garden Route and Cape Town.
Why travellers like this trip
Accommodation – an accommodated safari through South Africa which offers the adventure of a safari with the comfort of a bed each night.
Variety - a tour that covers so much of the African experience, from the game reserves to the vibe of Cape Town and everything along the way. A world in one country!
National Parks and wildlife areas - We visit 10 national parks en route ranging from the awesome Big 5 of Kruger NP to the unique penguins and fynbos in the Cape of Good Hope.
Culture and history - South Africa has a unique and interesting cultural diversity, which we experience through contact with local people as often as possible.
Scenery - breath-taking scenery along the entire route - a world in one country!
Small group - travelling in groups of up to 12 people creates a friendly, holiday atmosphere.
Walking - every opportunity to get out and walk in the areas such as Mpumalanga, Malolotja Mountains, Mkuzi GR, Drakensberg (Dragon mountains), Storms River and Tsitsikamma NP, climb Table Mountain. Walks are easy to moderate exertion and optional. Duration from 1 - 6 hours.
Adventure - activities available include: riding an ostrich, Cango caving, Bloukrans -highest bungi jump in the world!
Accommodation
Mpumalanga – Graskop, Mogodi Lodge - 2 twin share bedrooms in each chalet with 1 bathroom shared between 2 rooms.
Kruger NP – National Park chalets - twin share chalet (or lodge tent) with en suite facilities.
Swaziland – Malolotja Nature Reserve - log cabins, rooms are twin share with 1 bathroom shared between 2 rooms.
Zululand – Mkuzi Game Reserve chalets – 2/3/4 twin share bedrooms in each chalet with 1 bathroom shared between 2 rooms. (Lodge Tents may also be used subject to availability, these are twin share en suite)
Drakensberg – Lotheni Game Reserve chalets – Rooms are twin or quad sharing with shared ablutions.
Wild Coast – Ocean View Hotel – twin share rooms with en suite facilities.
Addo – Addo Elephant National Park chalets - twin share chalet (or lodge tent) with en suite facilities.
Knysna – Log Cabin Lodge - log cabins, rooms are twin share with 1 bathroom shared between 2 rooms.
Oudtshoorn – De Hoek - chalets, rooms are twin share with 1 bathroom shared between 2 rooms.
Cape Town – Lion’s Head Lodge - twin share rooms with en suite facilities.Transport
On foot - easy to moderate walks throughout the tour.
Vehicle - for longer distance travel, place to place, we use custom built safari trucks with 12 forward facing seats. Comfortable touring and good for game viewing. Large, sliding windows and viewing hatches give everyone a good view; or Toyota Hiace minibuses with 10 forward facing seats (roof rack and trailer for equipment and baggage). There are a couple of long days of travelling but the vehicles have a comfortable cruising speed. The emphasis of the trip is "getting out and doing things".
Local Payment
A local payment is required on this safari and this will be collected by ther tour leader on departure. This covers a portion of the local operational costs including entrance and park fees. This ensures that a major portion of your tour price goes directly into the country you are visiting, benefiting local communities and contributing to the conservation of the area.
Participation
An essential part of your safari is participation – from packing away in the morning to helping with cleaning up – it’s all part of your adventure and when everyone puts in a little effort the trip will run smoothly. Your tour leaders will do all the meal preparation but we do ask the clients to help with the washing up. Team spirit is part of the fun!
Shopping
Craft shopping for carvings, candles, batiks, wirework, paintings and clothing, in Swaziland, Zululand and Knysna, is some of the best in Southern Africa.
Food
We pride ourselves on giving very good healthy meals to our clients and will provide three meals per day, except 2 dinners and 2 lunches in Cape Town where we try out local restaurants.
The tour leaders do the shopping and meal planning and meal preparation for each group. He/she will always try to obtain fresh produce wherever possible. A rough idea of what these will consist of is: Breakfast - cereals or coffee and toast or the occasional fried breakfast, Lunch - cheese, cold meats, salads on bread or rolls, Dinner - braais (local barbecue), potjies (stews), stir fries etc. We use regular plates, cups and cutlery. All cooking and eating utensils will also be provided.
We do cater for special dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian or allergies.)
We will supply fruit squash served with breakfast and tea or coffee served with breakfast and dinner. All other beverages will be for your own expense. We will not supply bottled drinking water although it is available at many shops on tour.
Difficulty
Anyone who is generally active and in good health should enjoy this trip. A combination of camping and basic accommodation makes for a comfortable tour.
Full itinerary with a couple of long driving days but also plenty of outdoors activity.
Everyone is asked to help out with the running of camp on tour. In other words if everyone spends a little time setting up camp, preparing meals and cleaning up then the tour will run smoothly and everyone will have a good time. Participation is the name of the game.
Things you should know
Includes park entrances
Your client will need a sleeping bag for the nights in the Drakensberg.
Your client will need a valid passport and visas for entry into Swaziland and re-entering South Africa. Consult the tour dossier for a more detailed list of visa requirements and consult with your travel agent or tour operator.
Common questions about this trip
What do I need to bring? A warm sleeping bag, comfortable clothes for warm days and cool evenings, walking shoes, a raincoat, hat and sunglasses, swimsuit, a small pair of binoculars also comes in very handy and most importantly - a sense of adventure!
Is it safe? South Africa, like any many countries, has it’s problems but your guide knows the country intimately and will endeavour to show you the best parts while looking after you. Be aware, but not paranoid, and you will have a great trip!
Do I need malaria tablets? Mpumalanga, Swaziland and Zululand (ie: first week of tour) is a limited risk malaria area and prophylactics are recommended.
Can I buy camera film? Film and other accessories will be available several times on tour. A camera with a zoom lens from wide angle to telephoto, 35-200mm, is advisable to capture both scenic and wildlife shots.
Can I wash my clothes on tour? There are coin-operated laundries available in the Drakensberg (day 7&8) and Storms River (day 11&12). There is also a laundry service available at the hotel on the Wild Coast (day 9&10)
