South Africa Eco Explorer: Small Group

Heading north from Johannesburg - “The City of Gold”, like many intrepid explorers have done before us, our journey takes us through the outskirts of the capital - Pretoria, and then out into the vast open plains of Africa.

Lunch today will be in the historic gold mining village of Haenertsburg. After lunch, we descend into the Magoebaskloof, a spectacular lush mountainous area presided over by the Rain Queen – Modjadi.

The last stretch of our journey today takes us into the Greater Kruger – world renowned for its protected natural environment and vast free-ranging animal populations.

For the next two nights we get cosy at our well-appointed Bush Lodge, situated in a private reserve within the greater Kruger - where animals roam freely and unrestricted. This privately owned reserve allows us the freedom to explore the wilderness in open game drive vehicles in search of a variety of animals, both during the day and into the evening.

The lodge casually blends into the bush and offers crisp comfortable beds and stunning views over the surrounding wilderness, including a water hole regularly frequented by animals. Retire to bed whilst listening to a symphony of sounds from the African Bush.

After a peaceful night's rest, we start the day with an early riser light breakfast of fresh coffee and rusks (a traditional South African biscuit), before embarking on our morning experience within the wild African bush.

Guided by a qualified ranger we explore the wilderness, with heightened senses, always on the lookout for an animal encounter while also discovering the smaller treasures often hidden from the eye. Before the heat of the day sets in, we return to the lodge for a delicious brunch, after which it’s time to relax around the lodge and enjoy the serenity of the surrounding wilderness. A nearby waterhole attracts a variety of birds and wildlife that come to quench their thirst, displaying the pecking order ever so present. Unwind with a refreshing drink while game viewing from the deck.

With the heat subsiding in the late afternoon we embark on an open vehicle game drive which develops into an extensive night drive - in search of the nocturnal animals that come out after dark. As dusk approaches we pull over and enjoy a sun-downer drink or two, whilst marvelling at the magnificent sun setting over the African bushveld.

Rising with the African sun, a hearty breakfast is enjoyed before setting off to climb the escarpment and explore the many natural wonders and viewing points in this incredibly scenic region. First stop will be to view the impressive Blyde River Canyon – the world’s largest “Green Canyon”. After viewing the Canyon we continue on to visit the museum town of Pilgrim’s Rest where we enjoy a walk down through the main street whilst reliving the days of the early gold rush.

Today's lunch will be at your own expense at a venue literally on the edge of the escarpment and offering the most incredible views over the entire Lowveld. Mid-afternoon we make our way down to the tranquil Greenfire Lodge Hazyview, a log cabin built spectacularly on stilts in the indigenous forest on the banks of the impressive Sabie River or “Fearful River” as dubbed by the locals. As well as a natural paradise this is also a working farm where coffee, limes and macadamias are produced and we will take the time to tour the workings on the property.

Waking with the birds, we depart from the lodge at sunrise and travel a short distance to enter the southern sector of Kruger National Park for a full day of game viewing.

Driving slowly through this iconic National Park - the size of Israel or Wales, we will spend the day in search of the many animal inhabitants. From the high vantage point and comfort of our well-equipped vehicle the view is excellent. Our expert guide will take time to explain the behaviour of the many animals we see in this fascinating environment. Most of the day will be spent game viewing, however, we will stop regularly at various designated sites to stretch our legs and also to enjoy an own-expense lunch at one of the rest camps in the Park.

Late this afternoon we exit the Park and return to the comfort of our Greenfire Lodge Hazyview.

Departing after breakfast we pass through the provincial capital Mbombela (Nelspruit), before leaving South Africa and crossing the border into the Kingdom of eSwatini (formerly known as Swaziland), a small landlocked country, rich in culture and natural beauty. Our journey today takes us high into the mountains, past numerous traditional homesteads, and into an area of spectacular natural beauty.

The area is home to many traditional craft industries and time permitting, we will visit one or more during our time here.

We will spend some time exploring this small country before arriving at our accommodation for the night and enjoying a locally cooked meal.

Today we follow winding roads south through the Swazi countryside, before crossing back into South Africa. After completing the border formalities, we enter Zululand, a part of modern-day KwaZulu-Natal, and home to South Africa’s largest ethnic group - the Zulu people. Formed in the early 1800’s into the most powerful regional empire by King Shaka Zulu, the Zulus influenced a large part of southern Africa.

Once back in South Africa our journey continues to the bustling coastal town of St Lucia where we spend the next two nights. St Lucia itself is home to many animals including Hippo, Crocodile and bird species.

During our stay in St Lucia we will also visit the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a Subtropical Coastal habitat with white beaches, tidal pools, offshore reefs and coastal dune forest.

This unique combination of coastal reserve and Wetland Park offers an absolutely unique experience, where we drive through the park viewing rhino, buffalo and a multitude of other large animals, before going for a walk on a deserted beach where at any time you can take a dip in the warm Indian Ocean.

The day is spent exploring the beach, rock pools, pristine dune forest and other natural habitats of this amazing Park.

During the evenings we enjoy our dinners at one of the many local restaurants (own-expense). Beware of the wandering hippos that also visit town at night for a bite to eat.

Departing St Lucia after breakfast, we continue travelling through the rolling hills of Kwa-Zulu Natal, an area famous for various battles between the Boers and Zulus, British and Zulus and the Boers and British. The area is filled with numerous historic sites that helped shape modern day South Africa.

This afternoon we reach the majestic Drakensberg mountain range that rises 3400m, known to the locals as “The Barrier of Spears”. After a full day we arrive at our accommodation, where we spend two nights in cozy cabins surrounded by breath-taking views.

On day 9 we will conduct a day hike in the Tugela Gorge which is located in the Royal Natal National Park, part of Drakensberg World Heritage Site. From here we will have a spectacular view of the towering cliffs of the Amphitheatre and the Tugela Falls, at 948m the falls are widely accepted as being the second highest in the world.

With tired legs, today we travel further south whilst hugging the Drakensberg Mountains and make our way into the Natal midlands, a lush farming area known to be one of South Africa's prettiest.

Our overnight stop tonight is on a working ranch. We arrive in the afternoon and will have time to learn more about farming in this area as well as the fascinating history that surrounds the farm and buildings on the property. For the adventurous there will also be an opportunity to assist with some of the farm work in the afternoon or early morning.

Tonight we enjoy a traditional dinner prepared fresh from the farm gardens.

Setting off early, we pass through several small towns and follow beautiful roads towards one of the most exciting, truly off-the-beaten-track 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 spend two nights on the Wild Coast at Coffee Bay allowing us a full day for hiking and exploring this rugged but stunningly beautiful area. The highlight of our stay will be a walk along the high cliffs, deserted beaches and rolling grasslands, to what is one the most impressive landmarks along the South African coastline – Hole in the Wall. Hole in the Wall is an island, just offshore with a natural arch carved by centuries of wave-action. The adventurous can swim out for a closer look.

This afternoon we will have time to simply relax and to enjoy the “Robinson Crusoe” surroundings as well as the comforts of our accommodation.

Departing from the Wild Coast we follow lesser known roads through the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa and make our way into the Great Karoo, to Cradock, a town in the upper reaches of the Great Fish River valley, filled with rich history dating back to the mid 1800s.

On arrival in Cradock we are met by a local guide who will take us on a colourful walking history tour, before we check into our accommodation for the night. We enjoy an evening surrounded by old fashion hospitality and history.

An early start, we aim to enter the Mountain Zebra Park as the gate opens - this Park is unlike any of the others we have previously visited, being in the semi-desert of the Great Karoo, and is home to not only the endangered mountain zebra, but also springbok, ostrich, cheetah, buffalo, black rhino, and an array of birdlife. We spend a few hours in search of animals, and to take in the spectacular views, before returning to the hotel for a sumptuous breakfast.

Once packed, we depart Cradock and head for the renowned Addo Elephant Park where elephants, buffalo and other animals can be viewed at close range in another unique environment, the succulentshrubs of the rhenosterveld. We will traverse this interesting National Park from the north to south.

Exiting in the late afternoon we travel the short distance back to the coast and to our hotel literally on the beachfront of the stunning Nelson Mandela Bay. The location of our hotel allows for us to stroll along the beachfront and to visit one of a variety of restaurants to enjoy an own expense dinner.

This morning we will have time for a stroll on the beach, perhaps a swim in the Indian Ocean or just a leisurely cup of coffee. After breakfast we then continue our journey into the heart of the spectacular Garden Route region. We will travel the length of this magnificent natural kingdom sandwiched between the ocean and the towering mountains, exploring the verdant and ecologically diverse vegetation encountered here with the numerous estuaries, lakes and ancient forests. We stop regularly to explore the highlights including the Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park where we will enjoy a walk along the rugged coast and over the suspension bridge spanning the Storms River mouth.

This afternoon we travel to the vibrant town of Knysna. Surrounded by indigenous forests, fynbos and lagoons, this little town is a gem in a natural Garden of Eden. On arrival we have time to explore.

Dinner tonight is included at the hotel.

Departing from Knysna we follow the coast through several small towns as we make our way down to Cape Agulhas – the most southerly point on the African continent. Here we will conduct a short walk down to the beach to experience first-hand the theoretical meeting point of the cold Atlantic and the warm Indian oceans.

A picnic style lunch is enjoyed by all with the crisp clean ocean breeze, before leaving this treasure and retiring to our accommodation in Arniston. An afternoon walk down to the huge sea cave, Waenhuiskrans, is recommended.

A relaxed morning drive takes us on the "Whale Route" through Hermanus – known across the world for excellent land based whale watching. We then hug the coast around the Hottentots Holland Mountains toward Betty’s Bay where we visit a small colony of African Penguins.

This afternoon we travel one of the most scenic coastal routes in the world, along the edge of False Bay, before making our way towards the "Mother City", Cape Town. Mid-afternoon we will arrive at the Mojo Hotel, located in Sea Point and our accommodation for the night. The hotel is conveniently located close to award winning restaurants, galleries, vibrant nightlife and the ocean promenade.

Our tour will officially come to an end after breakfast on Day 18 of the tour.

Cape Town is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world, rich in culture, award winning wines, world class restaurants, fashion and people from all walks of life, guests are encouraged to spend some extra time to explore the ‘Mother City’, and we would be happy to assist in making arrangements.