South Africa

South Africa Ecotours

South Africa Eco-Zone Explorer

Day 1: Arrive Johannesburg
Arrive into Johannesburg and take the shuttle to your hotel, about 5 minutes from the airport.

Day 2: Mpumalanga
This morning is an early departure (about 6:30 a.m.) from Johannesburg to Mpumalanga, a landscape characterized by mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests. You spend the night in the town of Graskop, a small forestry town situated on the Drakensberg Escarpment at the start of the Panorama route and the gateway to the Kruger National Park. (B)

Days 3-4: Kruger National Park
This morning you start with a scenic drive along the Panorama Route, arguably one of the most beautiful destinations in South Africa. The most spectacular stretch is the Blyde River Canyon, which is the 3rd largest canyon in the world, and filled with lush vegetation and wildlife. Stop at Bourke’s Luck Potholes to view these spectacular rock formations, formed eons ago by erosion. In the afternoon arrive into Kruger National Park. You spend two nights inside the park with morning and afternoon game drives. (Days 3 & 4-B,L,D)

Days 5-6: Kingdom of Swaziland
The mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland, led by King Mswati III, is one of 3 monarchies in Africa. Swazi’s are proud of their traditional lifestyle & cultures. Spend two nights in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Apart from abundant bird life, there are a number of animal species to be seen including hippo, giraffe, zebra, and a variety of antelope, which may be spotted on a guided walk. On day 2 visit Umphakatsi Chief’s homestead, which is an interactive experience where you get to try your hand at grinding maize and plaiting mountain grass or join the children in Swazi song and dance. Taste the local food but forget about your cutlery and try it the Swazi way… with your hands! (Day 5-B) (Day 6-B,L)

Days 7-8: Kwa-Zulu Natal
Before returning to South Africa via Kwa-Zulu Natal, you stop at a craft market. Your journey continues to The iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which is South Africa’s first World Heritage Site. Enjoy a boat cruise on the St Lucia estuary, getting up close to the hippos and crocodiles that inhabit the lake. The following day explore the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, the oldest game reserve in Africa. It is a safe haven to both the endangered black and white rhino. (Days 7 & 8-B)

Day 9: Port Elizabeth
Today drive to Durban in time for your flight to Port Elizabeth. Pick up your rental car and drive to your Port Elizabeth hotel. (B)

Days 10-11: Tsitsikamma
Indigenous Tsitsikamma forests surround your bungalow at Storms River. There are walks up the Storms River Gorge and along the rocky coastline. Or you may want to jump off the world’s bungy jump. Or go whale watching in season (July to November). (Days 10 & 11-B)

Day 12: Karoo
Today travel over the Outeniqua Mountains into the Little Karoo and the town of Oudtshoorn. In Oudtshoorn visit the famous Cango Caves. Or if time permits, you may want to test your riding skills on an ostrich. En-route to Karoo stop at “The Heads” in Knysna, a town nestled on a tranquil lagoon. (B)

Day 13-14: Winelands-Cape Town
This morning drive to the Winelands area. Explore Stellenbosch, South Africa’s second oldest colonial settlement. Stellenbosch has some of the best examples of traditional Cape Dutch architecture. Sample wines at the many local wineries, tour a winery, or visit the villages of Franschhoek or Paarl. Continue your journey to Cape Town on the second day. (Days 13 & 14-B)

Days 15-16: Cape Town
Explore Cape Town and the ‘Mother City’s’ many attractions; visit Cape Point, the Cape of Good Hope, Chapman’s Peak drive, enjoy the famous beaches, the Victoria & Albert Waterfront. Or visit District 6 Museum for the impact of apartheid on neighbourhoods. Or visit Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Or take the cable car up to Table Mountain, especially if it is a clear day. (Days 15 & 16-B)

Day 17: Departure
Enjoy your last day in South Africa before departing for the airport and your flight home. (B)

Includes: Private transportation from Days 2-9, 16 nights accommodation, meals per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), game drives and other activities per itinerary, park entrance fees, experienced local guide Days 2-9, rental car Days 8-16.

Excludes: International flights, Internal flights, Travel insurance, accommodation, optional activities and tours not included in itinerary, gratuities and personal expenses

South African Walking Safari

Day 1: Johannesburg, South Africa
You are met at the OR Tambo International Airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure.

Days 2 & 3: Klaserie Private Game Reserve, South Africa
This morning you depart Johannesburg and make your way through Mpumalanga to the Klaserie Private Game Reserve which shares unfenced borders with the world renowned Kruger National Park. Over the next two days look for lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo as well as hyena, hippo, giraffe, zebra and a whole host of other game on walking safaris. In addition game drives and night drives are also offered allowing you to participate in a full spectrum of safari activities. (Days 2 & 3-BLD)

Day 4: Northern Tuli Game Reserve, Botswana
Today leave South Africa and cross the border into the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, Botswana. After lunch stretch your legs on an afternoon guided walk. Bush walks give a real opportunity to experience Africa at grass level, taking in the sounds, smells and sights of the bush at a much slower pace. (BLD)

Day 5: Nata, Botswana
Continue your journey through Botswana to the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans. This area forms the Great Makgadikgadi, the largest area of salt pans and vast grass plains dotted by palm islands. It is the last vestiges of Africa’s largest inland sea and exudes an atmosphere of antiquity and mystery. (BLD)

Day 6: Maun, Botswana
After breakfast you head to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Here you have the opportunity to stock up on supplies, relax at the pool of your lodge or if you are keen for some excitement book a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta. (BLD)

Days 7 & 8: Central Kalahari Desert, Botswana
Today you continue to the heart of Botswana, the central Kalahari Desert, where you enjoy a two night stay. Visit the hide to watch game, embark on a Bushman Walk, and enjoy stargazing. Game drives are optional and at your expense. (Days 7 & 8-BLD)

Day 9: Khwai River, Botswana
Return to Maun where you depart from the mokoro station. From here, you float in dug-out canoes through the thick vegetation of the Okavango Delta discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. Unlike other deltas, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without ever reaching the coast. After this spectacular excursion, you make your way to your camp, which is situated close to the famous Khwai River. After dinner embark on a night game drive – a fantastic opportunity to spot some nocturnal animals that are more difficult to encounter during the day. (BLD)

Day 10: Khwai River, Botswana
Spend the day game driving in the Khwai area. In an open 4×4 vehicle you explore the Khwai River region on a morning and afternoon game drive hopefully spotting a variety of game that frequent this region. After dinner your guide will take you on a night drive. (BLD)

Days 11 & 12: Imbabala, Zimbabwe
Today is a long driving day. An early start takes you through the game parks of Botswana and onto Kasane, where you are met and transferred to a private concession on the banks of the Zambezi River. The 5,000 acre concession has 14 kilometers of private Zambezi River frontage and borders the Chobe Forest Reserve, which is renowned for its massive elephant population. During your stay you get to partake in the daily activities which include game drives, river safaris and night drives. (BLD)

Day 13: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
A short drive takes you to the town of Victoria Falls where you embark on a guided tour of the mighty Victoria Falls, known as “Mosi-Oa-Tunya” (the smoke that thunders). The rest of the day is yours at leisure to participate in one of the numerous activities available, do some last minute souvenir shopping, or simply relax at the lodge. At 5:00 p.m. you are transferred to the banks of the Zambezi River, where you board the luxurious Ra-Ikane for a sunset cruise, a perfect ending to your African safari. (B)

Day 14: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Your safari ends after breakfast. You transfer to Victoria Falls Airport in time for your departure flight. (B)

Includes: Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle, 13 nights accommodation, activities and game drives per itinerary, meals per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), park entrance fees, and experienced local guide.

Excludes: International flights, Internal flights, Travel insurance, accommodation, optional activities and tours not included in itinerary, gratuities and personal expenses
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