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Overland Tour of South Africa - Accommodated

7YB24Ja

24 NIGHTS

FROM £2,298

Per person sharing

International flights quoted separately

This comprehensive Overland Tour of South Africa starts from Johannesburg & includes a Kruger safari, the kingdoms of Swaziland & Zululand, Durban, Lesotho, the scenic Garden Route & Cape Town. Travel in a rugged 4x4 overland truck by day & sleep in rest camps and chalets along the way. A camping option is also available. Group size 4 to 18. All specified activities & park fees included.

Overland Tour South Africa Johannesburg Kruger Safari Durban Cape Town

• Overland Tour South Africa	• Johannesburg	• Kruger Safari	• Swaziland
• Durban	• Drakensberg Mountains	• Garden Route	• Lesotho
• Stellenbosch	• Cape Town

• Overland Tour South Africa	• Johannesburg	• Kruger Safari
• Swaziland	• Durban	• Drakensberg Mountains
• Garden Route	• Lesotho	• Stellenbosch
• Cape Town

Day 1

You will be met at Johannesburg Airport and transferred to your overland base in this thriving city.

Check in and relax under warm blue South African skies.

Day 2

This morning you will be collected from your Johannesburg hotel and taken to the departure point for your group adventure tour, travelling in a rugged 4x4 overland truck.

We then travel 5-hours through the farmlands and mountains of beautiful Mpumalanga province to the world famous Kruger National Park.

Our truck gives us a height advantage over other vehicles, which means better photographs and game viewing opportunities in this vast 2-million hectare game sanctuary that is the size of Wales. Hopefully we will see antelope, zebra, wildebeest or maybe even giraffe before we reach our accommodation. Then check in and relax in the atmosphere that only the African bushveld can provide, with dinner and local dancing around the campfire.

Regardless of lodge meal plans, all your meals are included whilst on tour and will be prepared & served from the overland vehicle - except for specified optional dinners in cities. Alcohol is not included. Accommodation varies and includes lodges, hotels, hostels, chalets, permanent tented camps and traditional huts. Bedding is provided, but you do need to bring your own towel. Truck lockers are 30 x 80cm, so please use soft bags that will fit (but there is no weight restriction).

Average group size is 14 people (with minimum of 4 and maximum of 20). On accommodated tours the average age is 40+, with a range from 18 to 55 years although this does vary by tour. If over 65 years, you need a doctors letter that you are sufficiently fit for overland travel. Teens aged 16 to 18 years are on request and must travel with an adult.

Day 3

We start today with an early morning Walking Safari in the Kruger National Park with an armed park ranger, to experience the excitement of viewing the birds, flora and fauna of the park on foot.

Afterwards we leave the park and journey along the beautiful Drakensberg Panorama Route. This is one of South Africa’s most scenic drives and includes Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Gods Window, the three Rondavels and the green Blyde River Canyon - the third largest in the world.

We return to camp in the evening and enjoy a lovely local dinner and dancing.

Day 4

After an optional early morning walk, we travel the short distance to the Panorama Route.

Strung along the escarpment that divides the central plateau and low lying bushveld of the Kruger, the sights of the Panorama Route offer us a day of scenic delights.

We will visit the highlights of Bourke's Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and God's Window before returning to camp in the late afternoon.

Day 5

We re-enter the Kruger National Park this morning for more game viewing from our overland truck, travelling southwards through the park.

We exit the park in the afternoon and travel for 5-hours, crossing the border into the mountainous kingdom of Swaziland, a landlocked country bordered by South Africa and Mozambique.

We arrive at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. As there are no large predators in this reserve, you can relax and enjoy walking amongst the wildlife of Swaziland's oldest game sanctuary covering over 4,500 hectares, which is an excellent way to enjoy the flora, fauna and bird life.

Day 6

We leave Swaziland today and re-enter South Africa, travelling 5-hours to the small town of St Lucia, which forms part of the iSimangaliso Wetlands.

This area has been declared a World Heritage site because of its unique biodiversity and importance to marine conservation. With over 500 different bird species, it also offers outstanding bird watching.

In the afternoon enjoy a Zulu cultural experience, including energetic Zulu dancing and sampling the local beer. You will also be taught how to greet and count in the Zulu language, and learn about family traditions.

Day 7

This morning we drive to the famous Hluhluwe National Park that saved the rhino from extinction, for a game drive.

One of South Africa’s most beautiful game parks, Hluhluwe is home to all the Big 5 - Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard and Rhino - as well as the subcontinent’s largest population of endangered rhino. Hope to see giraffe, hippo, kudu, crocodiles, sable antelope, waterbuck, warthogs, baboons, cheetah and many other interesting animals.

In the afternoon we return to St Lucia and enjoy a sunset cruise on the estuary, where you may see hippos, crocodiles and other wildlife. Situated inside the Isimangaliso Wetlands, this whole area has been declared a RAMSAR Wetland of international significance because of its great biodiversity and importance as a breeding site for waterbirds. Over 520 different species have been recorded in this vast wetland that is surrounded by mangrove swamps and dense reed beds, with birds ranging from permanent residents to tropical and altitudinal migrants, regional nomads and long-distance migrants. These include a variety of storks, pelicans, flamingos, kingfishers, spoonbills, fish eagles, gulls, herons, terns, ducks and geese.

Day 8

Today we leave St Lucia and drive 4-hours to the bustling city of Durban, South Africa’s largest port and a well-known surfing destination.

This afternoon is free to spend time on the beaches of the golden mile or make an optional visit to the world class aquarium at Ushaka Marine World (payable locally) followed by an optional dinner out, where you can sample authentic Indian cuisine - as Durban is home to the largest population of Indians outside Asia.

Day 9

We leave behind the beautiful beaches of Durban today and travel 5-hours inland to the spectacular uKhahlamba Drakensberg Mountains, recognised as a World Heritage site for its vast collection of San Bushmen rock art paintings.

Known locally as the Barrier of Spears the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains form the backbone of Southern Africa, running all the way down from the Great Rift Valley. Here you can explore the mountain paths and take in the breathtaking views offered in the Royal Natal National Park.

Day 10

We set out this morning for a days hiking to explore the beautiful mountains of the Drakensberg. Along the way we have the opportunity to view examples of San rock art with a local guide.

(There are several options to cater for all levels of fitness)

Day 11

A full day on the road today enjoying dramatic views, as we travel 8-10 hours across the Drakensberg Mountains into the landlocked mountain kingdom of Lesotho.

En-route we visit a Vulture restaurant where we hope to view these fascinating birds and pass through the magnificent cliffs of the Golden Gate National park.

Lesotho is the home of the Basuto people and is the only country in the world that lies entirely over 3,282 ft (1,000 m) above sea level.

Day 12

This morning, enjoy walking and hiking in the magnificent mountains of Lesotho with a visit to a village to gain insight into the local community.

There is also the option of Pony Trekking into the remote hills, accompanied by local guides. (Own account)

Day 13

Today we descend the mountains of Lesotho.and drive across the semi arid Great Karoo in the heartland of rural South Africa, which is in stark contrast to the mountains we have left behind.

We cross the mighty Orange River as we journey through this vast countryside before arriving in the small Karoo town of Graaff-Reinet.

This evening there is an optional sundowner excursion to the Valley of Desolation, offering a panoramic view over the town and the wide open plains stretching below.

Day 14

This morning enjoy a walking tour of historic Graaff-Reinet, the 'Gem of the Karoo' and the fourth oldest town in South Africa.

Afterwards we set off across the open plains of the Great Karoo to Addo Elephant Park.

Day 15

Famed for its elephants, Addo Elephant Park is the third largest of South Africa's national parks.

Here you can view these magnificent animals which once roamed free in this area and were saved from extinction by this national park, which has also preserved the rare Cape buffalo and the flying dung beetle. Addo is home to all the Big Five - lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino - as well as many other interesting species.

In the morning our guide will lead us on a bush walk with the opportunity to see little things so often missed from a vehicle. This afternoon we return in our vehicle for another exploration of the park.

In the early evening there is an optional night drive(payable locally).

Day 16

This morning we game drive through Addo before heading west to the Tsitsikamma Forest.

En-route we make a brief visit to jeffreys Bay, most famous for it's waves, this little town is also home to a small surfing museum.

Meaning "place of abundant water", Tsitsikamma is one of South Africa’s best-kept secrets with exceptional hiking trails through indigenous forests and superb coastal scenery. On arrival relax and explore the scenic beauty of the forest.

Day 17

This morning we set off to explore on foot, the rugged coastline of this marine reserve. We follow the Waterfall Trail, a spectacular winding path that follows the rocky coastline, which is the first section of the world renowned Otter Trail Hike.

This is not an easy hike so those who prefer a more leisurely option can make use of the boardwalks to the Storms River mouth

Many optional adventure activities are available in Tsitsikamma - the adventure capital of South Africa - including black water tubing down the Storms River, an exciting zip wire tree-top canopy tour.

Day 18

Today we travel 1-hour from Tsitsikamma Forest to beautiful Plettenberg Bay.

In the afternoon you can participate in optional activities such as a visit to Monkeyland & Birds of Eden, and enjoy an optional dinner out in Knysna.

Day 19

This morning is free to to explore or join one of the optional activities on offer in the resort town of Plettenberg Bay.

In the afternoon,we travel 2-hours along the beautiful Garden Route and through the magnificent Outeniqua Mountains to Oudtshoorn.

On arrival in Oudtshoorn we visit the world-renowned Cango Caves – a vast series of underground halls and caverns formed over 20 million years ago in the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains. The caves, which extend for over 3 miles, contain spectacular stalagmites and stalactites and offer relatively easy access.

Day 20

This morning we visit an Ostrich Farm to view these huge flightless birds in their natural surroundings.

We then enjoy a scenic 5-hour drive along spectacular Route 62 to Paarl, stopping along the way at a farm stall. These small farm stalls offer a selection of homemade treats and bakes and are an important cog in the economies of rural towns. One of the more quirky highlights today is a stop at Ronnie's Sex Shop, not a sex shop at all but a rather interesting country pub.

Check into your accommodation in the shadow of the Afrikaans Language Monument on Paarl Rock, surrounded by the vineyards and mountains of the beautiful Cape Winelands. Our day ends with an optional dinner out.

Day 21

This morning we visit a Stellenbosch wine estate to taste some of South Africa’s finest wines.

We continue 1-hour to Cape Town, where on a clear day you can enjoy magnificent views of Table Mountain. Your tour ends with drop off at your hotel.

Day 22

Today is free for independent sightseeing in Cape Town.

We recommend you purchase a day pass onboard the convenient Hop-Off Bus, which stops at all Cape Town’s key sights and beaches. The "Red Route" bus stops at the Table Mountain base station, where you can buy a ticket to ascend by cable car and enjoy one of the world’s most famous views. Continue to Camps Bay beach and the many attractions of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

Day 23

Today we recommend an optional full day shared tour to the beautiful Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, where you may see baboons, ostrich and perhaps even dolphins or whales in season (July/November).

Your tour travels through Hout Bay and along spectacular Chapman’s Peak Drive to the Cape Point peninsula, returning via Simons Town, Fish Hoek, Constantia and Kirstenbosch Gardens. This is a scenic tour of the whole Cape Peninsula, with the optional opportunity of visiting the penguin colony at Boulders Beach.

Day 24

At leisure to relax and explore the "Mother City" of Cape Town.

Many optional activities are available in this beautiful city. You can visit Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned (advance booking essential in season) and explore the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

You can also take the Hop Off bus (Blue Route) to visit world famous Kirstenbosch Gardens, enjoy a city tour or simply relax on golden Camps Bay Beach.

Day 25

Transfer to Cape Town Airport for your flight home.

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