Upon arrival you will meet our representative for the handing over of a 'Welcome Pack' with map, additional information and assistance to the rental car station. Self-drive to the mother city of South Africa and your accommodation.
In and around Cape Town guests from all over the world experience unforgettable impressions. The city offers you an urban lifestyle in the midst of blossoming and raw nature.
In fine weather, take the opportunity to take the cable car up Table Mountain. Covering 1087 meters, Table Mountain towers over the city, is 600 million years old and a retreat for 1,400 plant species - some of which grow nowhere else in the world.
Take a sunset hike up Lion's Head with its unbelievably elevated views of the metropolis and Cape Town.
Table Mountyain Cable Car entrance fee pay direct.
Activity
Hike and Bike Adventure to the Cape of Good Hope:
Self-drive to Ashanti-Gardens Backpackers at 07h45 for tour starting at 08h00. The excursion takes you along the Atlantic coast to Hout Bay Harbour, which is guarded by the Twelve Apostles mountains in the background. Optional Participation on a cruise to 'Seal Island' (about R85.00). Otherwise, check out the local handicraft exhibitors. The journey continues along the breath-taking Chapman's Peak Drive (subject to road conditions). Then visit the penguins at Boulders Beach in Simon's Town. At the Cape of Good Hope enjoy some easy cycling, a picnic followed by a leisurely walk From Cape Point to the south-western Cape of Africa, the Cape of Good Hope.
The tour ends at Ashanti-Gardens Backpackers between 17h00 and 18h00.
Overnight: Floreal House.
Guided; admission Cape Point and Boulders Beach, picnic.
Water bottle. Seal Island Cruise admission.
Visit to the Stellenbosch winelands. The hillsides around the city are covered in vines from the 120 wineries produce world-renowned wines. For an incomparable wine tasting, you can enjoy the Chardonnay, Merlot or Sauvignon directly with the winegrower.
Activity
Wine & Bike Adventure Tour
Self-drive to the Asara Restaurant, Stellenbosch (travel time 1 hour) for tour registration at 09h45. The cycle tour begins at 10:00, and ends again at Asara ± 16h00.
Look forward to a 21km action-packed bike tour. Enjoy wine tastings at 3 excellent smaller boutique wineries. The cycle route takes you along the private farm roads through the area's stunning vineyards.
Afterwards, you can explore Stellenbosch. In the colonial cityscape mix interesting buildings, such as the houses of the "East India Company" or Cape Dutch houses from different eras. Also worth seeing is the University's neoclassical main building "Ou Hoofgebou", the "Dorp Museum" or a Victorian villa in the south of Stellenbosch.
Then return to Cape Town.
Overnight: Floreal House.
Fully guided; Bicycle and helmet rental; Snack pack (including bottled water, choc & peanuts / raisins); 3 wine tastings.
Lunch (on own account); Gratuities; additional wine purchases.
After breakfast drive to the airport. Return your car rental at Cape Town International Airport. Fly to Durban, King Shaka International Airport. Pick up the rental car. Short self drive to Salt Rock, Balito Bay (30 minutes outside Durban). Time for beach and swimming in the warm Indian Ocean.
The north coast of KwaZulu Natal, the Dolphin Coast, is known for its large population of bottlenose dolphins surfing in the mild waters of the Indian Ocean. The Dolphin Coast is one of the province's main attractions, offering a rich cultural heritage, excellent fishing and spectacular golden beaches lined by sugar cane fields punctuated by pretty coastal villages. This exceptionally picturesque coast stretches north from the metropolis of Durban, past well-developed beach resorts and golf courses to more remote areas with long pristine beaches, wetlands and marine systems.
Overnight: The Saffron House, Salt Rock, Balito Bay
This attractive guest house is perfect for those looking for a personal touch and attention to detail on holiday. All bedrooms have perkal covered linen, air-conditioning and are equipped with individual satellite TV, coffee station, beach towels and beach umbrella. Each room has a private entrance that leads into a lush tropical garden with a welcoming, sparkling pool. Our breakfast and dinner menus offer excellent and imaginative cuisine. During the day, enjoy drinks at our licensed bar or pool or take a 5-minute walk to the beach. Ideally located for exploring the attractions of the beautiful Dolphin Coast and only 35 minutes from Durban CBD. Free Wi-Fi internet access, off-street parking, near restaurants and shops, golf nearby. All rooms are non-smoking. Smoking is permitted at the bar and on the terrace and terrace.
Flight Cape Town - Durban.
Last walk along the beach and swimming. After breakfast drive to the Drakensberg to the Cavern Mountain Resort with late afternoon arrival.
Here you will meet your 'guide' for the preparation of the 3-day hike - Slackpack to the roof of Africa.
The Amphitheater is the most recognizable and dramatically imposing feature of the entire Drakensberg, a World Heritage Site of outstanding environmental and cultural importance. A mighty basalt wall rises over 1000 meters from the Tugela Valley to the Lesotho Plateau, almost 3000 meters above sea level. Part of its aesthetic attractiveness derives from its near-perfect symmetry, as a steep cliffs stretch 5 km in length from the Eastern buttress to Sentinel Peak to the west. This area of majestic and incomparable beauty offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the country of the world.
Amphitheater hike
The Amphitheater Trail is designed so that the average-fit can walk to reach these heights and be rewarded with awe-inspiring, never-forgotten views from the top of the bluff - a feat normally only experienced and experienced hikers accomplish, usually with overnight camping on the Escarpment. If you spend 3 days and 3 nights on the route, stay in conveniently located lodges and have the benefit of a hiking guide to make decisions about routes and weather conditions, it is possible for anyone to experience the same feeling of achievement as a dedicated mountaineer gets.
The hike is planned so that you can walk at a comfortable pace and without the burden of a heavy backpack. At the end of the day you will have the opportunity to relax and unwind in the lodge with hot showers, nutritious food and a comfortable bed.
Lunch daily are picnic packs.
Overnight: The Cavern Resort & Spa
High in the foothills of the spectacular northern Drakensberg, surrounded by high mountains, forests and streams, is a unique family resort - The Cavern. This beautifully designed full-board resort has won numerous awards and offers both superior and standard accommodation with views of the spectacular surrounding valleys. The nearby cave houses numerous Bushman paintings, 213 species of birds, 150 tree species and numerous wildlife. As a nature lover, this would be your ideal location. Guests can enjoy guided hikes and horse rides, as well as the remarkable Forest Spa high in the exquisite forest.
Dinner.
The Royal Natal National Park is home to one of KwaZulu-Natal's most spectacular attractions - the Amphitheater. The amphitheater, which forms the border between South Africa and Lesotho, is a striking embankment surmounted by a flat plateau. The Tugela Falls crash over the edge of the escarpment and plunge some 1,000 meters into the underlying Royal Natal National Park.
Hike from the Cavern to Witsieshoek (about 15km, average walking time: 5.5-6.5 hours, 726m altitude, 1273m total climb)
Accompanied by a guide and luggage porter.
After a hearty breakfast you will be greeted by your tour guide. Today's hike begins with a fairly steep climb across the sandstone cliffs. Halfway between the Cavern and the cliffs there is the possibility of a 25-minute detour to some San Rock Art paintings at Lone Rock (a worthwhile detour!). The trail then continues through the Sugar Loaf Gap, over the sandstone cliffs, where you can enjoy breathtaking, spectacular views of the Northern Drakensberg.
From here, the route meanders along the ridge, bypassing Cold Hill and Cold Ridge with a sweeping view of the former home of QwaQwa and Metsi Matsho Dam. After 8.7km, Broome Hill makes a good lunch stop. After another, about 6km / 2 hours hike through Basotho Gate you will reach the Witsies Mountain Lodge. You have ascended 1273 meters on today's hike. The largest part of the increase takes place in the first third of the hike. Once you have climbed over the cliff, you cross the border between the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.
Overnight: Witsies Mountain Lodge
Located in the northern Drakensberg at the foot of the amphitheater, Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge offers quiet and affordable accommodation in this spectacular mountainous area. The lodge has spectacular views on all sides and comfortable beds to welcome you from a long day in the incredible and wild surroundings. Three types of accommodation are available: the cozy and rustic Rondavel bungalows, exclusive chalets overlooking the majestic Sentinel Peak, and a hiking hut just below the main reception. All accommodations are offered as bed and breakfast. A rich breakfast buffet is served in the lodge's picturesque restaurant.
Witsies Dinner (included in price): You will receive R175 coupons per dinner. If you receive a voucher, you can order whatever you like on the a la carte restaurant menu and you will be billed for everything over the R175 dinner voucher. If you spend less than the voucher, you can use this credit for your bar.
Walk to the Tugela Falls (via the gullies or chain ladders) and then back to the Sentinel Car Park 16km, or 18km if you also want to visit the Rainbow Falls. Average hiking time: 7 hours, 572 vertical meters or ascnd 985 vertical meters via the alternate route.
This is the most eventful day and you must start early to make the most of it! You will be transported to the Sentinel Car Park, which lies in the shadow of the towering Sentinel Peak. After completing the Mountaineers check-list, start your hike on a well-developed path that gradually ascends to the Witches and Zigzags and leads you to the foot of the Sentinel massif. From here, swing to the right and follow the contour path below the 'Western buttresses', where the country slopes steeply north and east, offering magnificent views of the plateaux of Maluti and Witsieshoek.
The chain ladders are reached after about 3 kilometers, and after negotiating the two cliff faces, it is only a short climb up the steep slope, where you can spend most of the day exploring.
Here you will find Africa's highest waterfall, where the spring water of the Tugela falls 614 meters into the gorge. About 2 km along the Plateau, is the Mont Aux Sources summit, which rises to 3282 meters. is the source of four major rivers. A 3-4 km walk along the embankment brings you to the Eastern Buttress and the Rainbow Falls. In fine weather, you can enjoy several hours on the summit. Then follow the same path back to the lodge.
Overnight: Witsies Lodge
Today is a self-guided hike with a porter from Witsies to Royal Natal, an 11 km hike to the Mahai Campsite Bridge or 12.2 km to the Visitor Center.
Average hiking time: 4-5 hours, -813 altitude descent to 391 vertical meters.
Today is an easy walk to the Mahai River Valley and the Royal Natal National Park (RNNP). On the way you will cross the Mahai several times, passing small waterfalls and pools, and get the opportunity for a refreshing swim. The vegetation and topography change dramatically as you descend, and you will be hiking along the southern slopes through the cool cloud forest. The trail comes out at the Mahai Campsite, where you will be picked up and taken back to the Cavern Mountain Hotel. We recommend visiting the Bushmen paintings, which are located a further 2 km to the visitor center. See the Sigubudu paintings (this walk is approximately 1 hour. The admission is R30 per person).
Then a private transfer takes you from the Royal Natal National Park back to the Cavern. A Park conservation fee must be paid directly on departure at the gate.
When you're back in the Cavern, you can enjoy a massage to relieve your tired limbs at Cavern's Forest Spa.
Overnight: The Cavern Resort & Spa
Sigubudu painting R 30 per person; Lunch; Royal Natal Park maintenance fee R 40 per person.
Early departure after breakfast. You drive about 7 and a half hours to the Kruger National Park. The park entrance fee at the Numbi Gate and the conservation fee for 3 nights must be paid directly at the entrance gate.
Speed limit in Park is 40Km. Enjoy your first self-drive own game drive to the Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp.
Please register at the camp reception before 15h00. You will be picked up from here at 15h30 for the beginning of the walking safari on the Wolhuter Trail.
This wilderness trail is located approximately between Berg-en-dal, Ship Mountain and the Afsaal picnic area. It was named after one of the first Rangers. In 1902, Harry Wolhuter killed a lion with his hunting knife while on patrol on horseback.
It is a spectacular landscape characterized by high granite cliffs with deep valleys and a flatter hill landscape. The wildlife and wilderness quality is high, as the hiking area deep inside the Kruger National Park.
Culturally, the Wolhuter Trail was a very active area in ancient times and many relics of the past can be seen everywhere. In the higher areas and on rocky outcrops are traces of the Bushmen, Stone Age and Iron Age.
The famous Jock of the Bushveld and his Sir Percy Fitzpatrick crossed this area on their adventurous hunting and transport trips.
The flora is very diverse, especially in the higher areas - this area is also classified as a botanical reserve within the KNP.
Bird life offers more species to see in the summer when all summer migrants return.
White and black rhinos can be found in the Wolhuter Wilderness. The wild cats, elephants and buffaloes are also spotted regularly, as are sable, mountain and reedbuck. Other more common species include zebra, giraffe, kudu, waterbuck, blue wildebeest and warthog.
However, the biggest highlight of Wolhuter Wilderness Trail is to sit on a granite rock and look into the distance and experience a wild feeling in a wild land among wild creatures.
Notes
Adequate fitness is required as you walk up to 20 km per day. The route, however, is leisurely to allow trailers an intimate encounter with the wilderness. Due to the terrain and the safety factor, disabled persons should not participate in these routes.
All participants must complete an indemnity form before starting the hike. These forms should be handed over to the ranger before beginning the trail.
The general rules of the Kruger National Park also apply to hikers.
Hikers rely on the Ranger-Guide for their safety and guidance. The Ranger should therefore always be followed. Failure to cooperate in this regard may result immediate hike cancellation.
For safety reasons and ethical reasons, liqueur may only be consumed in the Trail camp. Excessive consumption of alcohol is strongly discouraged.
Trailers bring their own alcohol and soft drinks as well as chocolates and delicacies.
Limited space is available in a shared refrigerator.
Overnight: Wolhuter Wilderness Trail Base Camp
Warehouse Infrastructure:
The trail camp is rustic and spartan. There is no electricity or electricity generators. The accommodation consists of A-frame cabins or tents. There are four units, each sleeping two. The washing facilities are shared, except for the Napi tents where it is located. All linen and towels are provided.
Washes consist of flush toilets and gas geyser showers.
There is a communal social area (lapa) with thatched roof or open fireplace.
The refrigerators consist of a refrigerator with limited space.
The chef prepares all meals in a very basic kitchen with sinks and storage options.
A fence surrounds the camp, but it's basically just to tell animals and people where the camp boundary is.
Wash water is pumped out of wells near the camp. Water should not be wasted unnecessarily - especially in dry times.
Included
Full board and activities
Further game walks in the Kruger wilderness.
The morning begins before dawn with a cup of coffee, tea and a biscuit, after which the walk starts from camp or a drive into the wilderness to a point from which the morning walk will begin.
We come back in the late morning and after a well deserved brunch a siesta is a welcome change until the middle of the afternoon. The afternoon activity consists of a short walk and traditional sundowner.
We return to the camp where a well-prepared meal is served to restore body and soul.
After a healthy meal, guests have the opportunity to sit by the fire, socialize, hear night sounds and admire the breathtaking night sky.
Overnight: Wolhuter Wilderness Trail Base Camp
Included
Full board and activities
The second day is a repetition of the activities of the first day.
Overnight: Wolhuter Wilderness Trail Base Camp
Included
Full board and activities
In the morning hours you have the opportunity to enjoy the early morning bush choir from the camp as there is no walk. After breakfast, drive from Pretoriuskop Camp towards Skukuza to the Kruger Gate. Then travel on to Graskop. Here's a stop for the last thrill:
Recommended
Big swing
... the adrenaline rushes at 180 km speed during the 68m freefall to experience on one of the world's highest Cable Gorge Swings ... or take part on a 'Zipline'. You fly over the Graskop Gorge on a 135m high "Foefie Slide" wire rope.
Or you drive directly along the Panorama Route.
Recommended are sightseeing stops at Bourke's Luck and then the Three Rondavels look-out point.
Overnight: Forver Resort Blyde Canyon
After breakfast drive along part of the Panorama Route, then via Dullstroom you will drive to Johannesburg.
Overnight: Airport Game Lodge
The Airport Game Lodge is 10 km north of Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport. The lodge atmosphere combines the solitude of the African bush with the luxury and comfort of modern life.
The day is at leisure until your departure. Please refuel the car before you reach the O.R. Tambo International Airport, because if the rental car refuels, then this is associated with a refueling charge.
After checking in, we wish you a good flight home, pumped full of great memories of your South Africa trip.
