South Africa Safaris & Tours / Wanderlust Northbound

Duration:	17 days / 16 nights
Min/Max:	Two / Four Guests
Departure:	Daily
Vehicle:	Deluxe Sedan / Executive Minivan
Visa:	Multiple entry visas for South Africa where applicable. For Swaziland entry, passport and visa conditions apply.
Languages:	English - German. Various language guides available on request.
Rates from:	On Request

ITINERARY:

Day 1

On arrival in Cape Town, you will be met by your expert guide who will privately transfer you to your hotel, via a short orientation tour of the city. Arrive at your luxury hotel on the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

Accommodation: Cape Grace - bed and breakfast basis


Day 2

Enjoy a full day at leisure or choose from a variety of optional day excursions. Recreation options nearby include: Golf, squash, tennis, horse riding, hiking, yachting or boating, cycling (mountain bikes are available for guests use).

Accommodation: Cape Grace - bed and breakfast basis


Day 3

Depart Cape Town via Du Toit's Kloof Pass to Worcester and traverse the famous Route 62 passing through the town of Robertson. Visit the towns of Barrydale and Calitzdorp where the true diversity of landscapes is highlighted through the ever-changing semi-desert areas. After arrival in Oudtshoorn, visit an ostrich farm for a guided tour before arriving at your deluxe country hotel. Enjoy an exquisite dinner served in the elegant dining room famous for its ostrich fare and fine wines.

Accommodation: Rosenhof Country House (Executive Suites) or similar - dinner, bed and breakfast basis


Day 4

After an early breakfast, visit the world famous Cango Caves for a fully guided tour where stalactites, stalagmites, curtains and pillars will leave you in awe. Travel over the Outeniqua Pass, named by the Koi people meaning 'land of honey' via George and South Africa's 'oyster capital', Knysna to the 'millionaires' playground of Plettenberg Bay. Late afternoon arrival at the lodge that can best be described as a symphony of stone, wood, glass and water high above the floor of the magnificent indigenous forests of Tsitsikamma. Enjoy an exquisite dinner that is a unique celebration of African spirit.

Accommodation: Tsala Treetop Lodge - dinner, bed and breakfast basis


Day 5

After breakfast on your secluded deck, drive to Plettenberg Bay for an ocean safari to view seals, dolphin and whales (in season). We then take a short drive out to Keurbooms Beach - pleasant for walking and an ideal optional lunch spot. Return to your lodge for a relaxing afternoon and dinner.

Accommodation: Tsala Treetop Lodge - dinner, bed and breakfast basis


Day 6

After breakfast enjoy a drive through Nature's Valley and cross the Storms River at Storms River Bridge where photographic opportunities abound. Travel via Port Elizabeth to the malaria-free Shamwari Private Game Reserve, arriving in time for lunch and afternoon game drive. Steeped in settler history and dating back to a time when a multitude of game roamed freely, the reserve boasts five eco-systems, thus supporting the many forms of plant, animal and bird life. An afternoon game drive with a trained ranger will increase your enjoyment with his knowledge of both the flora and fauna. As the light fades, with the help of a powerful hand-held light, your ranger will sweep the 'veld' in search of nocturnal animals. Return to the lodge and enjoy a delectable meal, expertly prepared by the chefs or a barbecue at the river next to a roaring fire.

Accommodation: Shamwari Game Reserve (Eagle's Cragg Lodge) - full board basis including 2 game viewing activities


Day 7

Morning and afternoon game activities are on offer. Visit the property's cultural village where Xhosa, Zulu and San cultures are showcased. Weather permitting, enjoy an intimate bush dinner with your ranger amid cheerful recollections of the day's discoveries.

Accommodation: Shamwari Game Reserve (Eagle's Cragg Lodge) - full board basis including 2 game viewing activities

Recommended Elephant Back Experience: A unique opportunity to ride an elephant and to be at one with nature with these awe-inspiring gentle giants. Transportation to and from the site is in the form of a light aircraft. The site itself is situated in the pristine valleys of the Zuurberg Mountains, bordering the recently proclaimed Greater Addo Elephant National Park. This area is regarded as Africa's most biologically diverse, supporting 4 of the 7 biomes or eco-regions in Southern Africa.


Day 8

After an early morning game activity and a sumptuous brunch, travel to Port Elizabeth Airport for your flight to Durban. On arrival in Durban, you will be met and transferred to Ballito Manor located in the seaside village of Ballito on Durban's north coast.

Accommodation: Ballito Manor - bed and breakfast basis


Day 9

Enjoy a full day at leisure. This jewel in the crown of KwaZulu-Natal's pristine coastline offers its guests the opportunity to relax or explore. The hotel itself is sheer luxury and provides a myriad contexts for relaxation. For the ultimate in self-indulgence, treat yourself to a day soaking up the sun and enjoying the beaches of the warm Indian Ocean.

Accommodation: Ballito Manor - bed and breakfast basis


Day 10

Depart Ballito and travel through sugar cane plantations along the Indian Ocean seaboard toward Phinda Private Game Reserve. Enjoy a leisurely safari on the Mzinene River where late afternoon sundowners and snacks are served as the boat winds its way along the reed-lined river, where an abundance of wildlife and birds may be seen. Return to the lodge for dinner served in an African Boma (weather permitting).

Accommodation: Phinda Private Game Reserve (Vlei or Rock Lodge) - dinner, bed and breakfast basis including 2 game viewing activities


Day 11

Set off on an early game drive in 'Big Five' country. Spend the heat of the day relaxing and enjoying the hospitality of this unique wilderness wonderscape. At sunset, depart on a safari where an entirely different world of nocturnal bird and animal species unfolds. Return to the lodge for a dinner feast.

Accommodation: Phinda Private Game Reserve (Vlei or Rock Lodge) - full board basis including 2 game viewing activities

Recommended optional coastal flight: This exceptional air safari is a unique and thrilling way to discover the extent of Maputaland's remarkable ecological diversity, from the freshwater lakes to the most tightly forested coastal dunes in the world. The highlight of the flight is the ascent over these high dunes to the un-spoilt coastline and clear blue Indian Ocean.


Day 12

Start the day with a leisurely breakfast river safari. After departing the lodge, enter the Kingdom of Swaziland at Golela border post. Driving through the Eastern Lebombo Mountains, leave Swaziland at Jeppe's Reef and arrive at your safari hotel. Unwind in your luxury, thatched suite, which is spread out in lush, indigenous gardens with a private patio and pool, bringing the bush right to your doorstep. At dinner time indulge in an assortment of eclectic African cuisine.

Accommodation: Malelane Sun Hotel (Presidential Suites) - dinner, bed and breakfast basis


Day 13

After a sumptuous breakfast we explore the world famous Kruger National Park. Established in 1898, this National Park at over 2 million hectares is unrivalled in its diversity of flora and fauna. After exiting the park, arrive at an exclusive private game lodge resting among the rocky geometry of the Sabi Sand Reserve, where rough-hewn timber, leather and stone meet thatch and wild views. Late afternoon game drive in an open safari vehicle with an experienced ranger and tracker who will endeavour to spoil you with sightings of the 'Big Five'. Upon returning to the lodge enjoy a safari style bush dinner under the stars (weather permitting).

Accommodation: Singita Private Game Reserve - dinner, bed and breakfast basis including 2 game viewing activities


Day 14

An early morning bush walk or game drive is on offer. For ultimate indulgence, make use of a masseuse offering treatments from the more conventional European massages to Ayurvedic treatments and acupuncture, reflexology, manicures, facials and aromatherapy. For the health fanatic, gaze across the endless wonders of the African bush while working out in the modern fitness centre. After high tea, set out for an evening game drive with a stop to admire the African sunset, complemented by refreshments. Whilst viewing nocturnal animals, return to the lodge for traditional culinary delights under the African sky.

Accommodation: Singita Private Game Reserve - full board basis including 2 game viewing activities

Recommended optional helicopter adventure: Experience it all in real style with an exhilarating helicopter trip - Cascades & Canyon Spectacular. Linger above roaring rivers and cascading waterfalls, allowing for magnificent photographic opportunities and awesome panoramic views of the 'bushveld' below. Enjoy a delicious picnic accompanied by South African sparkling wine on top of the majestic Pinnacle.


Day 15

An early morning bush walk or game drive. After a sumptuous brunch, depart and explore the breathtaking Panorama Route featuring: the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes, God's Window and Lisbon Waterfalls. After a visit to Pilgrim's Rest, travel to Dullstroom arriving at a delightful country retreat. In the evening enjoy an elegant candle-lit dinner with exquisite cuisine complemented by a fine selection of wines around a crackling fire.

Accommodation: Walkersons (Suites) - dinner, bed and breakfast basis


Day 16

Enjoy breakfast in the breakfast area or garden served by your publican donned in traditional Scottish highland attire. Choose from a variety of activities including nature walks, trout fishing, bird watching, horse riding, hiking or merely relaxing around the pool. Journey to Johannesburg and drop off at the Saxon, in Johannesburg's northern suburbs. This hotel makes a world-class statement of ethnic African elegance, combined with personalised attention to detail.

Accommodation: Saxon - bed and breakfast basis


Day 17

After breakfast, enjoy the morning at leisure. Your guide is at your disposal to offer an orientation tour of the city or simply to catch up on last minute shopping en route to Johannesburg International Airport for your homeward flight.