18 DAY SOUTHERN AFRICA PROGRAM
Day 1
Arrive Johannesburg
Welcome to South Africa!
Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transfer to a lovely private estate: Nice by Nature.
You will receive a nice welcome from our hosts & Shelley and Charl.
Welcome dinner.
B/L/D Nice by Nature Estate
Day
2
Johannesburg - Lesedi
Africa
Village
Rest in the morning and walk around in the garden.
Transfer to a lion’s park where you could cuddle the baby lions. See picture above. In the afternoon we visit the Lesedi Traditional village.
Evening camp fire and barbeque dinner.
B/L/D Nice by Nature Estate
Day
3
Johannesburg – Land Rover Training – Cullinan
Today your jet lag should be over and we will start in the morning with a introduction to the vehicles, the day will be spent taking turns to drive the vehicle accompaied by an instructor. Escaping the bustle of the city we will drive approximately 105 km to the charming little village of Cullinan that has managed to hold on to much of its mine village character its historic stone and corrugated iron mine workers’ houses, offices and churches a throwback to the mining times of the early 1900s and is a must on anyone’s itinerary when in this part of the world. It is aslo the source of the world’s biggest diamond and an area that sparkles with natural, cultural and historical attractions.
B/L/D Cullinan Diamond Lodge.
.
Day 4 
Cullinan – Pilgrims Rest’
Today we will drive approximately 320 km to Pilgrims’ Rest, where we will spend two nights at Crystal Springs Mount Lodge. Lunch at a beautiful town of Dullsroom. The verdant beauty of the mountain lodge’s surroundings is breathtaking. Nestled amongst the mountains above the historic mining town of Pilgrim's Rest, and surrounded by indigenous forests, there are plenty to explore. B/L/D Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge
Day 5, Pilgrims’ Rest and Blyde River Canyon area
After breakfast explore the natural wonders along the Panorama Route: the magnificent view across the escarpment from God’s Window, the potholes at Bourke’s Luck, the greenery of the Blyde River Canyon and beautiful Lisbon Waterfall. End the day strolling along the streets of Pilgrim’s Rest a national monument depicting the gold rush era.
B/L/D Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge
Day 6
Pilgrims’ Rest – Pigg’s Peak, Swaziland
Drive into Swaziland through its fascinating villages and
rolling hills. Arrive at Phophoyane Ecolodge and Natural Reserve in
Northern Swaziland.
Overlooking the Maguga dam and the lower Komati River, there are
inspiring rock paintings located in one of the hills in the Nsangwini
area. Ancient figures meticulously drawn on the rock in the cave
portray the dance, fight and hunting of a period naturally lived.
Enjoy the walk in the natural reserve and Swazi cultural dance.
B/L/D Phophoyane
Ecolodge
Day 7 Pigg’s Peak – Leopard Mountain Game Lodge
Drive around in Swaziland visiting the Swazi Candle
Factory. Cross the border and re-enter South Africa, you will be
in the Province of Mpumalanga.
Today’s drive is about 300 km. In the afternoon, we will check in at
Leopard Mountain Game Lodge, located high up in the wild secluded hills
of the 23,000ha Zululand Rhino Reserve with
spectacular views overlooking a vast stretch of unspoiled bushland and
riverine forests, from the Umsunduze River meandering below to the
distant Lebombo Mountains.
B/L/D Leopard Mountain Game Lodge
Day 8 Game drives and wild life activities
After a hearty buffet breakfast, spend the day discovering the many
unforgettable experiences we can offer. This is the place to be for all
outdoor enthusiasts.
The Zululand Rhino Reserve is the second release site of the WWF/
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Black Rhino Range Expansion Project. The reserve
is home to four of the Big Five, as at the moment we cannot have lions
around our baby Black Rhino's. We have a wide variety of antelope and
some inquisitive giraffe, as well as jackals, genets, hyenas,
porcupines on the reserve.
Join the local experienced guides on a morning and sunset game drive
that go out for approximately two hours. The sunset game drive allow
for search of the elusive nocturnal animals and birds.
B/L/D Leopard Mountain Game Lodge
Day 9 Leopard Mountain Game Lodge – St. Lucia Wetland
Today drive for about 80 km to reach Amazulu Lodge by the Indian Ocean.
The region is also known as the Elephantcoast, in the North-East of
the province Kwazulu-Natal. With 280 km of unspoilt coastline on the
Indian ocean, the park stretches from St Lucia in the South to the
border of Mozambique in the North.
Inland of the coastal area, you are in the heart of Zululand, the
Zulu kingdom with its splendid, undulating hills, lush savana and
grasslands.
St lucia village is situated at the tip of the long stretched
peninsula between the St Lucia Lake estuary and the Indian ocean and is
one of the main attraction poles of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park
(Greater St Lucia Wetland Park).
This park of 328000 hectares, has such an ecological value, that in
1999 it has been declared by UNESCO protocol, as South Africa's first
World Heritage site.
We will have enough time today for a boat ride to view wildlife
inside of the wetland park, as well as walking along the beach.
B/L/D AmaZulu Lodge
Day 10 St. Lucia Wetland - Simunye Zulu Village
Morning we will have more leisure time for beach. Drive for about
1.5 hours to Simunye lodge located deep in the heart of Zululand. The
mystical Mfule River Valley, breathing life into the territory of the
Biyela Clan, blood relatives of the Royal house of the proud and
respected Zulu nation.
The community of people who will host you at Simunye have lived in
the surrounding areas their whole lives. They invite you to share their
history, culture and traditions whilst enjoying outstanding
hospitality in their world renowned lodge. Simunye means "We are one".
Come join us ... become one with us in Africa. Accommodation is in Rock
Rooms in the cliff. Built organically, without plans, they seem to
grow out of the rock face. All the lodgings are comfortably
furnished and have a private bathroom/shower.
Before dinner everybody will meet at the main gate of the Zulu home
where you will be introduced to the Chief of the village and where he
will welcome you in a truly "Zulu" manner.
The young Zulu dancers from the village and surrounding area entertain you with their energetic dancing.
B/L/D Simunye Zulu Village and Lodge
Day 11Simunye Zulu Village – Zingela River
Today’s drive is about 250 km. We will have some beautiful yet challenging 4x4 trails to experience!
A very unique river lodge will be awaiting.
Deep in the Kingdom of the Zulus you will discover Zingelas’ stone
& canvas bush camp, a stones throw from the historic Tugela River.
Established in 1983, the camp has been lovingly created from the
natural materials that occur in the area. From simple beginnings, it
has evolved slowly over the years and has stretched the concept of
outdoor living to its limits!
B/L/D Zingela River Camp
Day
12
Zingela River
Morning white water rafting, afternoon you could chose abseiling or
fishing. This is absolutely the paradise for outdoor activities!
B/L/D Zingela River Camp
Day
13
Zingela River – Midlands Meanders
After some more off-road drive, we will get back to
highway and drive for about two hours to Howick Falls. From here the
Mighty Umngeni River and its tributaries tumble down gorges and over
precipices on a journey to the Indian Ocean, some 95 km to the east.
Enjoy a lunch in Howick before heading to our last home-stay, about 40
km from Howick.
B/L/D Bramleigh Manor House
Day
14
Midlands Meanders
Today we will have an easy day of touring around the
area. Visit a local school, a herb farm and interesting shops in the
area. Evening farewell dinner.
B/L/D Bramleigh Manor House
Day
15
Midlands Meanders – Durban – Depart South Africa
We will drive the Land Rover Defenders to Durban. After lunch, transfer to the airport for homebound flight.
End of this exciting journey!
B/L
Optional Extension:
Day
15
Durban – Cape Town
You will be transferred to Durban Airport and board the flight to Cape Town.
Upon arriving in Cape Town, one of the World’s most beautiful cities,
you will be greeted at the airport and transfer to an ocean-facing
hotel. Welcome dinner will be held at the Victoria & Alfred
Waterfront.
D Protea President Hotel or Protea Dolphin Beach Hotel
Day 16 Cape Town
Today is a relaxing coach-touring day! With our knowledgeable
guide, you will visit the very scenic Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope and
the Fishhoek Galley where lunch is held. This restaurant specialising
in fresh seafood offers a unique experience of dining in style, whilst
practically sitting on a beach. Afternoon walk through the Penguin
Colony before returning to the city.
B/L/D Protea President Hotel or Protea Dolphin Beach Hotel
Day 17 Cape Town
Today, one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks is first
on the agenda as you ascend Table Mountain in a cable car which offers
maximum views of the Cape peninsula and the city bowl of Cape Town.
We also visit the lovely Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens which had its
conception when the mining magnate and philanthropist Cecil Rhodes
donated the land to the people of South Africa. The garden is home to
4000 of the 18000 species of flora which is found in South Africa and
creates a most remarkable display.
Afternoon and evening will be spent at the V&A Waterfront Centre,
where there is a combination of attractive shops and restaurants.
Enjoy some free shopping time and then farewell dinner.
B/L/D Protea President Hotel or Protea Dolphin Beach Hotel
Day
18
Cape Town to home country
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly to Johannesburg to connect with your homebound flight
End of the trip. B
