Day 3 – Plettenberg Bay
Route: Oudtshoorn to Plettenberg Bay – 170km
Your morning starts as you make your way over the Outeniqua Mountains and descend to the beautiful Garden route coastline below. Your first stop for the day is a visit to the George Museum, a quirky and interesting museum displaying the local timber trade of the area. In the coming days you spend time hiking, relaxing at the beach and sampling the many optional activities available. (BLD)
Included Highlight: George Museum and Gardens.
Day 4 – Tsitsikamma
Route: Plettenberg Bay to Tsitsikamma – 65km
The Garden Route is a treasure trove of beautiful beaches, forest walks and an exciting menu of optional adventures. While your morning is set aside for some relaxation on the beaches of Plettenberg Bay, today offers a number of optional activities and your guide will assist you to get the most out the day. This afternoon you have the opportunity to visit the hidden gem of Nature’s Valley, this beautiful village offers you a chance to enjoy a hike or simply relax on the pristine beach in this little paradise. In order to make the most of this day, the truck will run a set schedule and you are free to join or leave at the places that interest you. (BLD)
Included Highlight: Natures Valley Nature Walk.
Optional Activity: Township Tour, Ocean Safaris. Sea Kayaking, Monkeyland, Birds of Eden and Bloukrans Bungee Jump.
Day 5 – Tsitsikamma
Tsitsikamma National Park is one of South Africa’s premier marine reserves and this morning you set out to explore the rugged coastline on foot. Your hike along the Waterfall Trail sees you cover the first section of the world renowned Otter Trail, this is not an easy hike and those who prefer a more leisurely option can make use of the boardwalks to the Storms River Mouth. You return after your hike and you will have the opportunity to book the Woodcutters Journey in the afternoon – experiencing the uniqueness of the Tsitsikamma biome and learning about the history of the area and it’s indigenous fauna & flora. (BLD)
Included Highlight: Tsitsikamma National Park entrance fee and hike with your Nomad guide.
Optional Activity: Treetop canopy tour, Woodcutters Journey.
Day 6 - Addo Elephant National Park
Route: Tsitsikamma to Addo Elephant National Park – 200km
This morning you set out for the Eastern Cape and the Addo National Park. You make a stop this morning in the surfing mecca of Jeffrey’s Bay, famous for its waves. You have the opportunity to visit the small surfing museum, catch a quick wave or simply enjoy a cup of coffee overlooking these famous waves. This afternoon we will make your first visit to seek the elephants after which Addo is named. (BLD)
Included Highlight: Jeffrey’s Bay and an afternoon game drive in Addo National Park (in the Nomad truck).
Day 7 - Addo Elephant National Park
This morning you will have the option to visit Port Elizabeth before returning to camp for lunch. In the afternoon you will again visit the National Park. Recent expansion has seen Addo grow to become the third largest of South Africa’s National Parks. The unique vegetation of Addo supports a wide variety of wildlife and we will spend the afternoon in search of the animals that call Addo home. (BLD)
Included Highlight: An afternoon game drive in Addo National Park (in the Nomad truck).
Day 8 - Graaff Reinet
Route: Addo National Park to Graaff Reinet – 240km
The historic town of Graaff-Reinet nestles in the heartland of the Great Karoo and offers a unique insight into the history of this arid region. It is also the fourth oldest town in the country. This evening you will join a sundowner excursion to the Valley of Desolation, this unique valley offers a panoramic view over the town and the wide open plains stretching out below. (BLD)
Included Highlight: Valley of Desolation sundowner tour (during winter months this is a sunrise excursion the following day).
Day 9 – Maleelea
Route: Graaff Reinet to Malealea – 510km
This morning you cut across the vast expanse of the Great Karoo, your destination is nestled in the heights of Lesotho. This autonomous mountain kingdom boasts the highest peaks in Southern Africa and is one of the highest countries in the world, the entire kingdom lies over 1000m above sea level. Having crossed the mighty Orange River, you enter the border of Lesotho and make the climb to your camp set high in the mountains. (BLD)
Day 10 – Malealea
The clean air of the mountains accompanies you this morning as you explore the mountains on foot, your hike concludes with a village visit and the opportunity to gain insight into the community that calls these mountains home. The Basotho are famous for their traditional hats, blankets and their sturdy ponies. Basotho ponies are renowned for their surefootedness in the mountains and you have the opportunity of an optional pony trek this afternoon to experience this first-hand. This activity is not for the inexperienced or fainthearted. (BLD)
Included Highlight: Morning Hike, Lesotho Village tour.
Optional Activity: Pony Trekking.
Day 11 – uKhahlamba - Drakensberg
Route: Malealea to Drakensberg – 450km
You exit Lesotho and travel through the sandstone cliffs of Golden Gate. Your destination is the mountains of the Drakensberg. Running the length of the Kwazulu-Natal province, the Ukuhlamba Drakensberg Park is a UNESCO recognised world heritage site. Whether you go by the Zulu name uKhahlamba, meaning ‘barrier of spears’, or the Afrikaans name Drakensberg, meaning ‘dragon mountains’, these towering mountains are a hiker’s paradise and worthy of exploration. (BLD)
Accommodation: 2 nights Monks Cowl (or similar) including all meals.
Included Highlight: Drive through Golden Gate, Oliviers Hoek Pass.
Day 12 – uKhahlamba - Drakensberg
You set out this morning for a lengthy hike, along your way you will have the opportunity to view examples of San rock art with a local guide. While you are encouraged to make the most of the day in the mountains, you may be offered separate options depending on the activity level of the group. With a number of trails available you can ensure that every need is catered for, the most important aim is to ensure everyone enjoys this mountain paradise at their own pace. (BLD)
Included Highlight: Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park.
Day 13 – St Lucia
Route: Drakensberg to St Lucia – 460km
It’s all downhill as you leave the mountain scenery en route to the Kwazulu Natal Coast. On the 5th August 1962, police waved down a car on a lonely country road in KwaZulu-Natal. At the wheel was Nelson Mandela. He was arrested and spent 27 years in prison. Today you will have the opportunity to visit this historic capture site, marked by an impressive sculpture in honour of “Madiba”. You will also stop at the Howick Falls to listen to the power of the falls and take some photos at the view point. Then it’s onto the bustling city of Durban, South Africa’s largest port, where you will have time to stretch your legs with a stroll along the promenade before heading for your final destination, St Lucia. (BLD
Included Highlight: Visit to the Mandela Capture Site, visit Howick Falls.
Day 14 - St Lucia
You set out early this morning for a game drive in the nearby Hluhulwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, one of the last strongholds of the endangered rhinoceros. While rhinoceros are the most famous of the parks inhabitants, the park also provides a home to many other species, including the Big-5 that everyone hopes to see. Returning to your lodging for a siesta, you freshen up for an afternoon boat cruise on St Lucia estuary. (BLD)
Included Highlight: Game drive in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, St. Lucia boat cruise.
Day 15 – Swaziland - Eswatini
Route: St Lucia to Swaziland – 335km
An early start and you are off to the Kingdom of Swaziland, this afternoon you have the opportunity to join many of the optional activities that are offered here. Take your choice from game drives, mountain biking or a visit to the Chief’s village. (BLD)
Optional Activity: Games drives, Swazi Cultural Experience, Mountain Biking and Hiking.
Day 17 - Kruger National Park
Route: Swaziland to Kruger National Park – 275km
Setting off back to South Africa, you make aim for the Kruger National Park and begin with your first game drive in the Nomad truck as you enter the gates of the park. The Kruger National Park is South Africa’s flagship national park and sightings of the “ big five “ has become something of a quest for many guests. The Kruger NP has more that it’s fair share of animals and with approximately 147 mammal species we will spend your time in search of both big and small. (BLD)
Included Highlight: Game drive in Nomad truck, Kruger National Park.
Day 18 – Panorama Route
You set out a little later today and 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 you a day of scenic delights. You will visit the highlights of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and God’s Window before returning to camp in the late afternoon. (BLD)
Included Highlight: Panorama Route – Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window.
Day 19 - Kruger National Park
Rising early this morning you enter the Kruger National Park to enjoy a full-day of game viewing. This full day game drive offers a unique view of the park from an open-sided 4×4 vehicle. This evening there is an opportunity for an optional Sundowner Drive. (BLD)
Included Highlight: Kruger National Park 4X4 game drive.
Optional Activity: Sunset Drive (there is a concession fee applicable).
Day 20 - End of your South African Explorer Tour
Route: Kruger National Park to Johannesburg – 425km
While those who elect to do the optional morning walk will have an earlier start, and then pack up and set off for your final destination, Johannesburg. You arrive at Belvedere Estate in the late afternoon and all travellers are invited to join for a traditional meal tonight (at own expense). This can be booked with your guide on the day before arrival. Many great tales are shared and tonight is for celebrating the many wonders of African travel. (BL)
Optional Activity: Morning Bushwalk (subject to availability), Traditional meal at Belvedere Estate.