South Africa Safaris & Tours / Wanderlust Southbound

Duration:	17 days / 16 nights
Min/Max:	One / 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 Johannesburg, you will be met by your expert guide who will privately transfer you to your hotel, Saxon, in Johannesburg's northern suburbs, via a short orientation tour of the city. This hotel makes a world-class statement of ethnic African elegance, combined with personalised attention to detail.

Accommodation: Saxon - bed and breakfast basis


Day 2

Depart Johannesburg via the historic towns of Pretoria and Belfast to Dullstroom, arriving at a delightful country retreat. Choose from a variety of activities including nature walks, trout fishing, bird watching, horse riding, hiking or merely relaxing around the pool. 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 3

Enjoy breakfast in the breakfast area or garden served by your publican donned in traditional Scottish highland attire. Travel via Pilgrim's Rest and head for the breathtaking Panorama Route featuring the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes, God's Window and Lisbon Waterfalls. Then proceed to 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 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 4

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, whilst 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 an 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 5

An early morning bush walk or game drive. After a sumptuous brunch, we depart and 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 your safari hotel. The luxury, thatched suite is spread out in lush, indigenous gardens, with private patio and pool, bringing the bush right to your doorstep. At dinnertime indulge in an assortment of eclectic African cuisine.

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


Day 6

After a hearty South African breakfast, journey to the next exclusive private game lodge. Travelling through Nelspruit, we enter the Kingdom of Swaziland at Jeppe's Reef border post. Driving through the eastern Lebombo Mountains we leave Swaziland at Golela border post and continue via the town of Hluhluwe to 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 reedlined river, enjoying an abundance of wildlife and birds. 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 7

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 unspoilt coastline and clear blue Indian Ocean.


Day 8

Start the day with a leisurely breakfast river safari. After departing the lodge, our journey continues through sugar cane plantations along the Indian Ocean 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

After a leisurely breakfast you will be transferred to Durban International Airport for your flight to Port Elizabeth (not included). On arrival, you will be met and transferred 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 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 11

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 12

After an early morning game activity and a sumptuous breakfast head for the Garden Route via Port Elizabeth. Enjoy the scenery as we cross the Storms River where photographic opportunities abound. After a stop at Storms River Bridge we view the sight of the worlds highest 'bungee' jump and enjoy a scenic drive through 'Nature's Valley' en route 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 13

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 14

Today we travel via South Africa's 'oyster capital', Knysna and George to Oudtshoorn. We travel over the Outeniqua Pass named by the Koi people meaning 'land of honey'. Experience the sudden contrast to semi-desert as we approach the town of Oudtshoorn. Visit the world famous Cango Caves for a fully guided tour where stalactites, stalagmites, curtains and pillars will leave you in awe. Arrive at your deluxe country hotel and 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 15

After an early breakfast, visit an ostrich farm for a guided tour before our journey to Cape Town begins. Leaving the Klein Karoo, visit the towns of Calitzdorp and Barrydale where the true diversity of landscapes is highlighted through the ever-changing semi-desert areas. Traverse the famous 'Route 62', passing through the towns of Robertson and on to Worcester. The day ends with the first glimpse of Table Mountain from the top of Du Toit's Kloof Pass. Arrive in Cape Town and your luxury hotel on the famous Waterfront.

Accommodation: Cape Grace - bed and breakfast basis


Day 16

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/boating, cycling (mountain bikes are available for guests use).

Accommodation: Cape Grace - 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 Cape Town International Airport for your homeward flight.