.
Drakensberg – Durban – Zululand – St Lucia & Hluhluwe – Swaziland – Kruger Park – Blyde River Canyon
Durban
Zulu dance
Vervet Monkey
Itinerary
12 Days – 11 Nights
HIGHLIGHTS:
Drakensberg – Durban – Zululand – St Lucia & Hluhluwe – Swaziland – Kruger Park – Blyde River Canyon
Day 1: Drakensberg
The Drakensberg, a World Heritage Site, is the country’s highest and most impressive mountain range rising to over 3 000 meters. The watershed of the basalt peaks divide the rains and snows, some flowing westwards over the alpine plateau of Lesotho towards the Atlantic Ocean, and some down the frequently vertical slopes into Kwa Zulu-Natal, towards the warm Indian Ocean. The escarpment is frequently covered in snow in the winter months, transforming the area into a picture-postcard winter wonderland. (Budget: BB, Standard: DBB – Drakensberg) approx 420 km
Day 2: Drakensberg
A wealth of recreational opportunities matches the scenic splendour around you. There are magnificently laid out day walks from all the major camps. From a gentle amble along, a self-guided trail or peacefully fly fishing in a river or dam, experiences extend to the rigours of rock-climbing or mountain biking for those with a taste for the high adventures of life.
(Budget: BB, Standard: DBB – Drakensberg)
Day 3: Durban
Your journey today will take you to Durban. It is a bustling, subtropical city on the shores of the warm Indian Ocean, and is the second largest city in the country. As a meeting place of east and west, Durban offers a wealth of exciting cultural differences – from African to European to Asian – in a colourfull conglomeration. A popular destination is the colourful Indian Market. At the end of Durban’s Golden Mile is the beginning of a new world of fun, entertainment and excitement. uShaka Marine World, spanning over 15 hectares of prime beach front, is Africa’s largest Marine Theme Park. uShaka incorporates fresh and sea water, lush vegetation, natural materials and the recreation of a 1920’s cargo ship wreck into a magical world of sea and marine life. (BB Durban Suburb) approx. 240 km
Day 4: Zululand
Depart the bustling city of Durban and travel through sugar cane plantations along the Indian Ocean seaboard to Zululand. The area is rich in historical and cultural significance. Zulu kraals or villages in the region display the traditional Zulu way of life to visitors. A visit to a village will introduces the visitor to Zulu history, culture, even medicine and beer, and the traditional dancing is a show for all ages. A spectacular dinner is offered with western and traditional Zulu foods provided. ( DBB & traditional show near Eshowe) approx 190 km
Day 5: St Lucia
Travel to iSimangaliso Wetland Park (previously known as St Lucia Estuary) a World Heritage Site. The region contains the highest vegetated dunes in the world, extensive and diverse wetland systems, as well as coastal grasslands with an associated fauna which includes Africa’s highest density of common reedbuck. Numerous waterfowl, grassland, forest and sea birds provide an attraction to birdwatchers from around the world. Enjoy a river cruise on the estuary (own account) where you will see pelicans, fish eagles, hippos and crocodiles from nearby. Continue to Hluhluwe, where you will have the opportunity to take part on an evening game drive in open vehicles (own account). (BB St Lucia/Hluhluwe area) approx 160 km
Day 6: Hluhluwe
Today you can enjoy game viewing in the Hluhluwe National Park or visit some nearby traditional markets. (BB St Lucia/Hluhluwe area)
Day 7: Swaziland
Enjoy an enchanting drive to the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland. Stop at the capital city Mbabane, known for its vibrant markets packed with woven baskets, beadwork and carvings. Visit the Ngwenya Glass Factory to see master craftsmen fashion collectable figures and functional art out of molten glass. (BB Swaziland) approx. 380 km
Day 8: Kruger National Park
After breakfast depart for the well known Kruger National Park. Established in 1898, this National Park of over two million hectares is unrivalled in the diversity of its flora and fauna.
(BB Kruger National Park) approx. 250 km
Day 9: Kruger National Park
Set off before breakfast in search of the “Big Five”. It is possible to see all the classical African big game, including elephant, black and white rhino, hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, and warthog. Large carnivores include lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and spotted hyena. There are also many smaller mammals equally enticing species. Optional: enjoy an open vehicle safari, a safari style bush dinner or morning bush walk.
(BB Kruger National Park) approx. 100 km
Day 10: Panorama Route
Another rewarding morning dawns, encouraging us to leave our camp early in the hope finding the elusive leopard, or meeting hyenas returning from their night encounters. After Breakfast leave the Kruger Park & the sub-tropical Lowveld to visit the famous Panorama Route.
Explore living history in the form of Pilgrim’s Rest, the old mining village where gold was discovered in 1873; enjoy the spectacular view from God’s Window, drive through forested mountains and fertile plains; visit the famous “Three Rondavels” in Blyde River Canyon, one of the natural wonders of Africa and the Bourke’s Luck Potholes.
(BB Graskop) approx. 70 km
Day11. Pretoria
After breakfast it is time to leave Mpumalanga and return to the Highveld. En route, take an optional drive to Cullinan to visit the famous Petra Diamond Mine, which once produced the world’s biggest diamond, The “CullinanDiamond”, from which the “Great Star of Africa” was cut to grace the scepter of the British Crown Jewels.
You’ll arrive in Pretoria at approximately 16:00 for your overnight stay in the Touraco Guesthouse (BB Touraco Guesthouse) .
Day12.
Morning at leisure to prepare yourself for your return flight, or depart on another tour.
Included in Guided Tour:
Guided Tour with registered Tour Guide
Entry fees as described
Meals & Accommodation as indicated
Not Included:
All Meals not mentioned
All Flights
Travel Insurance
Expenditures of a personal nature
This Itinerary can be changed on customer request and can also be booked as Self-Drive option:
Further Tour information:
12 Days & 11 Nights: (Departure Time can be adapted on clients request)
Clients can be picked up at the OR Tambo Airport (Johannesburg) or their accommodation in Johannesburg or Pretoria.
Included:
Guided Tours: Prices are calculated for 4 persons sharing. Prices for different participant numbers on request.
Subject to Terms & Conditions. All Tours are conducted in air-conditioned vehicles by a SA TOURISM registered guide.
Included in Tours: fuel & entrances (unless stated otherwise).
Not Included:
All Meals not mentioned
All Flights
Travel Insurance
Expenditures of a personal nature
All prices are subject to change without notice.
This Itinerary can be changed on customer request and can also be booked as Self-Drive option:
Booking / Enquiry:
or
send an E-mail directly to the following E-mail Address:
Email: travel@touraco.co.za
South Africa Tour Proposals
South Africa – A World in one Country (21 Days)
South African Highlights Tour – (14 Days)
Classic South Africa Tour – (12 Days)
KwaZulu, Kruger National Park & Panorama Route – (12 Days)
Kruger Park and Mapungubwe National Park Tour – (8 Days)
Wildlife Safari & Beach – (7 Days)
Kruger National Park Tours
Kruger Park Safari – 4 Days South
Kruger Park Safari – 4 Days North
Kruger Park Safari with Blyde River Canyon – 3 Days
Kruger Park Safari with Blyde River Canyon – 4 Days
Kruger Park Safari with Blyde River Canyon – 5 Days
Kruger Park Safari and Game Lodge – 4 Days
Kruger Park Safari in Luxury Lodge – 3 Days