17 day small group cabin safari. Departs Johannesburg on Saturday at 06:30 am, ends Cape Town on Monday ±18:00 pm
Highlights
* Mpumalanga Panorama Route – sight seeing
* Kruger National Park – game drives
* Swaziland – mountain walks
* Zululand – game drives & cultural village
* Drakensberg mountains – maintain walks
* Wild Coast – beach walks & Xhosa villages
* Addo - game drives
* Tsitsikamma – forest walks
* Hermanus – beaches and whales
* Cape Town – Cape Point & Table Mountain
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Johannesburg to Mpumalanga
Departing from Johannesburg at 06:30am we head towards Mpumalanga where mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls & forests characterise the landscape. Few regions in the world can match the extraordinary beauty of the lowveld & escarpment. We visit Pilgrims Rest, Mac-Mac Falls and God's Window, before staying in a lodge on the edge of the escarpment near Graskop. [lodge -LD] [B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner]
Day 2 - 3: Kruger National Park
The largest game reserve in South Africa, boasts the world's greatest concentration of species, and has an amazing 16 different ecosystems. Exciting game drives provide us with excellent game viewing. Spot the “Big 5“ (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) and many other animals in this true African wilderness. [tented lodge or chalet BLD]
Day 4: Kingdom Of Swaziland
Malolotja Nature Reserve in the mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland is our next attraction. Renowned for a great variety of habitats from short grassland, to thick riverine scrub, bushveld and moist forest, we explore the reserve on foot to enjoy the fantastic mountain views, relax around a campfire dinner and stay in mountain cabins for the night. [cabin BLD]
Day 5 - 6: Zululand
We visit craft markets near Mbabane that have a fascinating range of handmade crafts and the local witchdoctor stall is not to be missed! We re-enter South Africa and head to Mkuzi Game Reserve, which is a safe haven for the endangered black rhino. We visit a waterhole hide and watch game come down to. An early morning game drive is followed by a cultural afternoon where we visit a Zulu village on the border of the game reserve and learn about the Zulu culture. [tented lodge or chalet BLD]
Day 7 - 8: Drakensberg Mountains
The Drakensberg Mountains or “uKhahlamba” - the Barrier of Spears, is a 200-kilometre-long mountainous wonderland and world heritage site. From Mkuzi we move further south to the base of these mountains where we overnight for two nights in a quaint cottage. We will spend time walking along beautiful mountain stream paths, looking for Bushman rock paintings or just enjoying spectacular views. [cottage BLD]
Day 9 - 10: Wild Coast
The Wild Coast remains a relatively untouched paradise in South Africa. There are unspoilt stretches of dramatic and savagely beautiful coastline, open spaces and pristine forest areas. We stay overnight within walking distance of the beach and the next day is free to explore the area, meet local villagers or relax on the beach. [chalet BLD]
Day 11: Addo Elephant National Park
The Addo Elephant National Park was established in 1931 to protect the last 11 wild elephants from extermination. Today more than 350 elephants roam through the area. The park also offers excellent viewing of black rhino, Cape buffalo, lion and leopard, as well as a host of other large and small mammals and over 400 species of birds in the greater park area. (We overnight either at the national park camp on the border of the park, or nearby at a guest house). [chalets BLD]
Day 12 - 13: Knysna / Tsitsikamma
For two nights we will stay in a lodge resort in Knysna, which is nestled on a tranquil lagoon. We will take a day trip to the Storms River mouth where there are walks up the gorge and along the rocky coast. The Tsitsikamma National Park incorporates 80km of spectacular sea and landscapes; a remote mountainous region with secluded valleys, coastal forests with deep river gorges leading down to the sea. There is also an option of the world’s highest bungi jump. Sample seafood at one of Knysna's great restaurants (own expense). [lodge B - -]
Day 14: Hermanus
Hermanus offers some of the best land based whale watching in the world. From May to December Southern Right whales come up from the southern oceans to the coast to calve and mate in the shallows. In the afternoon we will take a walk along this beautiful coastline before having a meal out at local restaurant (own expense). [lodge BL-]
Day 15 - 16: Cape Town
Cape Town is one of the most picturesque cities in the world, with the majestic Table Mountain providing its central focus. On our way into Cape Town, we visit Stellenbosch, South Africa’s renowned wine region, for wine tasting and a cellar tour. The “mother city” has many attractions; we will visit Cape Point, the harbour at Hout Bay, enjoy the famous beaches and the V&A Waterfront. Optional visit to Robben Island (own expense). We sample the local fare at a variety of local restaurants (own expense). [hotel B - -]
Day 17: Tour Ends - Transfers [- B - -]
In the morning we climb Table Mountain, offering panoramic views over Cape Town reaching out into the bay and Robben Island. Having explored the highlights of the Rainbow Nation we take a last look at Cape Town and catch up on last minute curio shopping in the afternoon, before your tour ends at 18:00. [- B - -]
PRE & POST TOUR ACCOMMODATION:
Due to the early departure time of this safari we recommend that you stay in Johannesburg the night before safari. Please indicate if you require assistance with airport transfers and hotel reservations in the vacation planner when prompted.
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM:
Our stay in Mkuzi Game Reserve not only supports the wildlife but also the local surrounding villages. Your tour funds are used to support the local Zulu villages which surround the Game Reserve. Our village visit and our local guide create employment and income for the villages increasing the importance of tourism and conservation. Community awareness and prosperity helps to reduce subsistence poaching. .
2009 Departure Dates:
12-Sep-09 28-Sep-09 CVa
19-Sep-09 05-Oct-09 German CVag
03-Oct-09 19-Oct-09 CVa
31-Oct-09 16-Nov-09 CVa
07-Nov-09 23-Nov-09 German CVag
21-Nov-09 07-Dec-09 CVa
19-Dec-09 04-Jan-10 CVa
26-Dec-09 11-Jan-10 German CVag
2010 Departure Dates:
09-Jan-10 25-Jan-10 CVa
06-Feb-10 22-Feb-10 CVa
13-Feb-10 01-Mar-10 German CVag
27-Feb-10 15-Mar-10 CVa
27-Mar-10 12-Apr-10 CVa
03-Apr-10 19-Apr-10 German CVag
17-Apr-10 03-May-10 CVa
15-May-10 31-May-10 CVa
22-May-10 07-Jun-10 German CVag
05-Jun-10 21-Jun-10 CVa
03-Jul-10 19-Jul-10 CVa
24-Jul-10 09-Aug-10 German CVag
21-Aug-10 06-Sep-10 CVa
28-Aug-10 13-Sep-10 CVa
11-Sep-10 27-Sep-10 German CVag
09-Oct-10 25-Oct-10 CVa
16-Oct-10 01-Nov-10 CVa
30-Oct-10 15-Nov-10 German CVag
27-Nov-10 13-Dec-10 CVa
04-Dec-10 20-Dec-10 CVa
18-Dec-10 03-Jan-11 German CVag
* German: These tours are lead by a German speaking translator / tour leader.
* CVa: all “Rainbow Route” departures can be combined before the “Grand Explorer” to create a complete Southern Africa Adventure.
DETAILED TOUR INFO
In a nutshell
•A participation tour that offers an accommodated safari at a reasonable price, accommodated in chalets, cabins and hotels. A South Africa participation safari with a bed each night.
•A comprehensive introduction to the Rainbow Nation - a world in one country!
•Exciting trip with culture, wildlife, adventure, walking, mountains and beaches.
•Kruger NP, Swaziland, Zululand, Drakensberg, Garden Route and Cape Town.
Why travel with Sunway Safaris
We understand that there are several options available to you when choosing your African safari. We also know that you want to make the most informed decision about your safari, what you get, what you see & experience, what’s included and which company to book with. So these are just a few of the Sunway qualities and facts:-
•Small groups – by travelling with a maximum of 12 people, you are able to witness Africa and have first hand contact with his amazing continent and it’s people without being a negative influence. This has been a key factor in our continued success. Our trips appeal to a wide variety of ages. The average is 37 – with most being aged 25 to 60. The range of travellers gives a variety of perspectives which adds to the experience of each safari.
•2 Sunway tour guides – group leaders are the key to any safari. On a Sunway safari you will travel with 2 qualified and registered field guides (FGASA). 2 guides as crew, not a guide and a driver, means maximum knowledge, informative and interesting trips. Our guides have a passion for Africa, her people and her wildlife, and they love nothing more than sharing their knowledge with our guests.
•All inclusive price – When I travel myself, I always feel that if I’m in a country I should find and see the best parts. So when planning the Sunway routes we ensure that each trip provides the best inclusions and experiences. For example, if you go to Botswana – you have to visit the national parks in an open 4WD – it is the essence of the Botswana wilderness. If you tour Zambia, then you must visit South Luangwa NP and do a game walk with a local scout.
•When booking on a Sunway Safari there are no hidden costs. All of the entrance fees are included and a wide range of activities, and most meals. We have included as many highlights in our tours, so that you will see and experience the highlights without having to pay extra when you get there. So when you decide on which safari company to book with, look carefully at what you’re actually getting. You may only visit a place once, make sure you get the most out of it.
•Safety – All of our vehicles are custom built to ensure comfortable and safe touring. Each is constructed, by an authorised passenger vehicle builder, to the latest safety requirements, with a safety shell, and every seat has a lap belt. This gives you peace of mind when travelling with Sunway Safaris on the often demanding African roads.
•Responsible travel - Our commitment to sustainable & responsible tourism is reflected in our low impact travel style where all we take is photographs and all we leave is our footprints. Being an African company we have the grassroots contacts to make a real difference in the lives of the people whose lands we visit.
•On each itinerary in the brochure you’ll find this symbol “0” which highlights just one of the sustainable travel initiatives that we support.
•Experience - We have more than 16 years experience in planning tours throughout Southern Africa. As such, our itineraries and routes have been perfected over many years ensuring that your tour will run smoothly. We visit the highlights of Southern Africa, but ensure that you do not follow the well trodden tourist track. All of us at Sunway Safaris have extensive travel experience in Africa, and throughout the world.
•Being adventure travellers ourselves, we know how to plan trips that give you a broad experience of the countries that you will visit.
•Based in Africa - probably the most important part of a Sunway safari is that we are an African company. We live in Africa, we travel in Africa and it is our passion for this amazing continent that makes Sunway your best travel option.
Accommodation
•Mpumalanga, Graskop Mogodi Lodge - 2 twin share bedrooms in each chalet with 1 bathroom shared between 2 bedrooms. Swimming pool, bar, restaurant, telephone.
•Kruger, National Park chalets - twin share chalet (or lodge tent) with en suite facilities. Swimming pool, bar, restaurant, telephone.
•Swaziland, Malolotja Nature Reserve - mountain cabins, 2 bedrooms per cabin which are twin share with 1 bathroom and 1 washroom shared between 2 rooms.
•Mkhuzi Game Reserve, permanent tents – for 2 nights in Mkhuzi we stay in the park permanent tents. Each has twin beds and en suite bathroom. Swimming pool, telephone.
•Drakensberg, Lotheni chalets – bedrooms are twin sharing with shared ablutions. (Smaller chalets may also be used subject to availability, these are twin share en suite).
•Wild Coast, Benmore Lodge– twin share rooms with 1 bathroom shared between two rooms. Swimming pool, bar, restaurant, bar, internet & telephone.
•Addo, national park chalets - twin share chalet (or lodge tent) with en suite facilities. (Sandflats Guest Lodge may also be used subject to availability, these rooms are twin share en suite) Swimming pool, restaurant, telephone.
•Knysna, Lagoona Inn – twin rooms with en-suite bathroom, Swimming pool, lounge, telephone.
•Hermanus, Baleens Guest House - rooms are twin share with 1 bathroom shared between 2 rooms. Telephone.
•Cape Town, Sweet Orange Guest House – guest house in a metropolitan area of Cape Town near the V&A Waterfront. Rooms are twin with en suite facilities. (or similar guest house)
Please note:
The accommodation specified above and in the itinerary, is a guide only and is subject to change subject to availability, without prior notice. Alternatives will be of a similar standard.
Transport
•On foot - easy to moderate walks throughout the tour.
•Vehicle - for longer distance travel, place to place, we use custom built Sunway Safari trucks with 12 forward facing seats. Comfortable touring and good for game viewing. Large, sliding windows and viewing hatches give everyone a good view; or Toyota Hiace minibuses with 10 forward facing seats (roof rack and trailer for equipment and baggage). There are a couple of long days of travelling but the vehicles have a comfortable cruising speed. The emphasis of the trip is “getting out and doing things”.
Local Payment
•A local payment is required on this safari and this will be collected by the tour leader on departure. This covers a portion of the local operational costs including entrance and park fees. This ensures that a major portion of your tour price goes directly into the country you are visiting, benefiting local communities and contributing to the conservation of the area.
Participation
•An essential part of your Sunway Safari is participation – from packing away in the morning to helping with cleaning up – it’s all part of your adventure and when everyone puts in a little effort the trip will run smoothly. Your tour leaders will do all the meal preparation but we do ask the clients to help with the washing up. Team spirit is part of the fun!
Shopping
•Craft shopping for carvings, candles, batiks, wirework, paintings and clothing, in Swaziland, Zululand and Knysna, is some of the best in Southern Africa.
Food
•We pride ourselves on giving very good healthy meals to our clients and will provide three meals per day, except where shown in itinerary, when we try out local restaurants.
•The tour leaders do the shopping and meal planning and meal preparation for each group. He/she will always try to obtain fresh produce wherever possible. A rough idea of what these will consist of is: Breakfast - cereals or coffee and toast or the occasional fried breakfast, Lunch - cheese, cold meats, salads on bread or rolls, Dinner - braais (local barbecue), potjies (stews), stir fries etc. We use regular plates, cups and cutlery. All cooking and eating utensils will also be provided.
•We do cater for special dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian or allergies.)
•We will supply fruit squash served with breakfast and tea or coffee served with breakfast and dinner. All other beverages will be for your own expense. We will not supply bottled drinking water although it is available at many shops on tour.
Difficulty
•Anyone who is generally active and in good health should enjoy this trip. The accommodation used is simple and clean, but full of character. This trip offers excellent value for money safari.
•Full itinerary with a couple of long driving days but also plenty of outdoors activity. Most places we visit we spend 2 nights allowing time to explore the area.
Things you should know
•Includes park entrances
•Your client will need a valid passport and visas for entry into Swaziland and re-entering South Africa. Consult the tour dossier for a more detailed list of visa requirements and consult with your travel agent or Sunway Safaris.
•We recommend that you bring South African Rand for personal expenses on this trip. Travellers cheques can be changed in most large towns. Major credit cards can also be used for optional activities and restaurant bills. See the Sunway tour dossier for approximate costs of drinks and meals etc.
Common questions about this trip
1.Can I buy camera film & memory cards? Film, memory cards and other photographic accessories will be available several times on tour. A camera with a zoom lens from wide angle to telephoto, 35-200mm, is advisable to capture both scenic and wildlife shots. Each vehicle is fitted with a 12/24V cigarette lighter – this should not be relied on for charging camera batteries and we recommend you bring a 2nd battery. Remember you can also charge your camera on those nights we use accommodation (SA 220V)
2.Is it safe? South Africa, like any many countries, has it’s problems but your guide knows the country intimately and will endeavour to show you the best parts while looking after you. Be aware, but not paranoid, and you will have a great trip!
3.Do I need malaria tablets? Mpumalanga, Swaziland and Zululand (ie: first week of tour) is a limited risk malaria area and prophylactics are recommended.
4.What do I need to bring? All details are covered in our general tour briefing (available from www.sunway-safaris.com on home page) but the basics are: - comfortable clothes for warm days and cool evenings, walking shoes, a raincoat, hat and sunglasses, swimsuit, a small pair of binoculars also comes in very handy and most importantly - a sense of adventure!
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Included:
- 16 nights in lodge / hotel / chalet or cabin
- Entrance fees
- Use of cooking equipment
- Transport in minibus / safari truck
- Meals as per itinerary
- Professional guide
- The accommodation specified in the itinerary is a guide only and is subject to availability. Alternatives will be of a similar standard.
- Local payment of ZAR1600 on departure.
- Airport arrival transfer available USD25 per person.
- Pretour hotel accommodation available USD62 per twin room bed only
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
South Africa
Swaziland
Nature & Wildlife
Wildlife Viewing
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