The Kingdom of Swaziland, one of the few monarchies left in Africa, is a country that boasts rich traditions displayed in colourful rites of passage, rhythmic warrior rituals and stable social structures. Traditional ceremonies that will give foreigners a fascinating glimpse into the sacred heritage of the Swazi's, include the iNcwala first fruit ceremonies and the Umhlanga Reed Dance. Another excellent way to experience the culture is through the local art and craft markets, one of the Kingdom's greatest attractions apart from the nature reserves and casinos. People are courteous, friendly and proud and always ready to give visitors a warm, royal welcome... 

Day 1: Johannesburg to Kruger National Park  We depart at 06h30 from Randburg Towers in Johannesburg, driving through Mpumalanga Province to the southern area of Kruger National Park. (All meals)

Day 2: Kruger National Park  The largest game reserve in South Africa stretches north to south over approximately 500 km and is home to the Big Five, as well as numerous other species of fauna and flora. Game drives in the park. (All meals)

Day 3: Swaziland  Mlilwane Game Reserve is one of the Royal Reserves, part of the kingdom's commitment to wildlife preservation. Possible game drive or guided walk in the park. (All meals)

Days 4 & 5: Zululand  From our base in Zululand, rich in both cultural history and wildlife, we undertake game drives in Hluhluwe/ Umfolozi, famous for their contributions to saving the endangered rhino. (All meals)

Days 6 & 7: Drakensberg  The central Drakensberg's main feature is the Giant's Castle Reserve, the largest national park in the area. Established in 1903, the highest tooth of the Drakensberg in the region is the 3409m Injasuti Dome. You may be lucky enough to see the rare lammergeyer or bearded vulture as you enjoy the many walking and hiking trails in the area. (All meals)

Days 8 & 9: Wild Coast - Transkei  The Transkei, birthplace of former president Nelson Mandela, is well known for its stunning coastline, with superb surfing beaches and lush subtropical vegetation. We stay at Port St Johns, an idyllic town on the coast, situated at the mouth of the Umzimvubu River, with dramatic cliffs, great beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. (All meals)

Day 10: Addo Elephant National Park  Found in the Sundays River Valley near the Zuurberg Range, the 15,000 hectare Addo Elephant Park is home to about 300 elephants, all that remain of the huge herds that once roamed the eastern Cape. (All meals)

Days 11 & 12: The Garden Route  We install our camp for 2 nights at Plettenberg Bay, from where we explore the Garden Route, an area of lush vegetation and abundant waterways bordering the coastal strip between the forests of the Tsitsikamma and the winelands of the Western Cape. Many optional activities are available in this area, from Scuba diving to Bungi jumping. (All meals)

Day 13: Oudtshoorn  We move on to Oudtshoorn from where we visit the Cango caves and an Ostrich Farm. (All meals)

Day 14: Western Cape and Winelands  Travel through a picturesque fruit and wine growing valley known as the longest wine route in the world "Route 62". Guest Farm accommodation on the Robertson / Worcester wine route. (Accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis only)

Days 15 & 16: Cape Town  Set against its majestic Table Mountain, Cape Town offers historic and cultural attractions; explore the city and Cape Peninsula from your well-situated Waterfront hotel. A cable car ascent up Table Mountain (weather permitting) and a scenic drive to Cape Point are included. Numerous optional excursions. Breakwater Lodge (or similar). (Accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis only)

Day 17: Depart Cape Town  The tour ends after breakfast.

 

 

SA1 – 13^th Jan, SA2 – 10^th Feb, SA3 – 10^th Mar, SA4 - 7th April, SA5 - 5th May, SA6 – 9th June, SA7 - 7th July, SA8 - 4th Aug, SA9 - 8th Sept, SA10 - 6th Oct,  SA11 – 10th Nov, SA12 - 17th December, 2005

Price per person GB£ / US$ - 2005:

 

SA1 - SA6 = GB£620 / Euro 930 / US$1137

SA7 - SA12 = GB£653 / Euro 980 / US$1198

Possible Optional Extras (to be booked locally)
Night drive in Kruger National Park, Game & nature walks in Swaziland (Mlilwane), Zululand, the Wild Coast, Garden Route and Table Mountain, Jet skiing, canoeing & Ocean Safaris in the Wild Coast and Plettenberg Bay, Bungi jumping and abseiling at Stormsriver. Full/half-day city, township & whale route tours, Cape Town

What is included
Our group equipment for tented camping.  3 nights in a hotel / guest farm in Robertson and Cape Town.  An experienced and careful driver.  Provisions for all meals and drinks (as served with meals - tea / coffee) while tented camping. English speaking local guide. Your help around camp to erect tents and cook / wash etc..

Airfare (from the UK)
As a guide, the international airfare should be in the range £450 - £650 for economy class.

Visas
Currently, passport holders of the U.S.A., Canada and the European Union, do not require visas to visit South Africa for tourism.

Travel Insurance
Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is recommended on this trip. For UK residents we recommend the policies issued by the British Mountaineering Council, as few others have the experience of remote places that the BMC has. www.thebmc.co.uk