11 DAY NORTH ROUTE TOUR

TOUR INFORMATION

Johannesburg/Pretoria - Kruger Park Border - Kruger Park Safari - Private Game Lodge - Swaziland - Shakaland - Drakensberg Mountains - Johannesburg/Pretoria

Departs:	See departure dates below
Pick-up Location:	Any location in Johannesburg or Pretoria
Pick-up Time:	Between 06:30 and 08:00, depending on location
Drop off location:	Any location in Johannesburg or Pretoria
Drop off Time:	Approximate 18:00
Passengers:	Minimum 2 - Maximum 7

Per Person Sharing: the amount payable per adult sharing a twin/double room
Per Person Single: the amount payable per adult in a single room
Per Child: the amount payable per child under 12 sharing a room with parents
ZAR: South African Rand

INCLUDES/EXCLUDES

The tour price includes

• Accommodation as specified (subject to availability)
• Meals as specified
• All transport in air-conditioned or open game-viewing vehicles
• All excursions and entry fees as described in the program
• Game viewing as described in the program
• The service of a qualified and registered tour guide/driver

The safari price excludes

• Meals not specified
• Drinks, gratuities, telephone calls & other items of personal nature
• International Flights not mentioned under includes

SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS

• Sight-seeing along the "Panorama Route"
• Kruger National Park Safari
• Late afternoon open vehicle game drive in the Kruger National Park.
• Two nights at an exclusive Private Game Lodge
• Early morning & late afternoon open vehicle game drives at the private game lodge
• Arts & crafts in Swaziland
• The astounding diversity of the St. Lucia Wetlands Park
• Zulu cultural experience at Shakaland
• The magnificent Drakensberg Mountains

DETAILED ITINERY

Day 1 - Mpumalanga Province - Kruger National Park Border
An early departure from Johannesburg/Pretoria as we travel east towards the Mpumalanga Province and visit the many attractions along the Panorama Route, including God's Window, the Bourkes Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and the historic gold mining town of Pilgrims Rest. In the late afternoon we descend the eastern escarpment and travel through the warm lowveld to a beautiful country lodge, just a short distance from the Kruger Park. Accommodation: Country Lodge
Bed & Breakfast basis.
Distance traveled: 410km / 255mi

Day 2 - Mpumalanga/Limpopo Province - Kruger National Park
After an early breakfast at the lodge we travel the short distance to the nearest entrance gate to the Kruger National Park. Once inside the Park, excitement will mount as we start seeing some of the numerous animals that inhabit this magnificent wildlife sanctuary. We spend most of the day travelling north inside the Kruger Park arriving at our restcamp in the late afternoon. There is time for a short break before joining an exciting open vehicle game drive, looking for Africa's Big Five - Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Lion and Leopard. Accommodation tonight is in comfortable en-suite bungalows or cottages, and dinner is enjoyed in the camp restaurant.
Accommodation: Satara, Skukuza, Olifants or Lower Sabie Restcamp
Bed & Breakfast basis.
Distance traveled: 51km / 31mi

Day 3 - Mpumalanga/Limpopo Province - Private Game Reserve
After breakfast we exit the Kruger Park and travel to an exclusive lodge in a nearby private game reserve. Later this afternoon an exhilarating game drive in specially adapted open 4X4 vehicles is undertaken. At dusk sundowners are enjoyed deep in the bush, after which the drive continues, making use of spot lights to search for nocturnal animals. A final highlight is a specially prepared dinner enjoyed under the stars around the campfire. (weather permitting)
Accommodation: Private Game Lodge
Fully inclusive of all meals & game-viewing activities.
Distance traveled: 148km / 92mi

Day 4 - Swaziland
After a final open vehicle game drive and a late breakfast we travel around the southern part of the Kruger National Park to enter one of the worlds last remaining (and also one of the worlds smallest) constitutional monarchies, the Kingdom of Swaziland - ruled over by the young King, his Royal Highness King Mswati III. Here, in this country of friendly Swazi people, it is almost as if time has stood still. Despite modern cities and an extensive infrastructure of roads electricity and communications, the Swazi culture has over centuries been jealously protected.
En-route to the capital city of Mbabane we visit the well-known glass factory at Ngwenya.Here a small group of Swazi craftsmen and women - with age-old artistry - breathe life into enchanting interpretations of the animals and birds of Africa, imbuing each with its own irresistible personality. Witness first-hand the magical art of glassblowing from an overhead balcony. Browse around the adjoining showroom which is well stocked and purchase your little memento of a truly African visit to our Kingdom. The night is spent at a charming country hotel, ideally situated for exploring all the attractions Swaziland.
Accommodation: Forester's Arms Hotel
Bed & Breakfast basis
Distance traveled: 318km / 198mi

Day 5 - Kwazulu Natal Province - St. Lucia
Our first stop today is a visit to the fascinating Swazi Candles factory in the Malkerns valley. Here each candle is hand-moulded and hand-finished by Swazi craftspeople, so each candle is unique in shape and character. We then travel south via the Lebombo Mountain range and the Golela border post into KwaZulu Natal. The route continues down the Indian Ocean coastline to The Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site.
Accommodation: St. Lucia Wetlands Guesthouse
Bed & Breakfast basis

Day 6- Kwazulu Natal Province - St. Lucia
This morning we visit Cape Vidal, a magnificent coastal resort set in a sheltered bay in the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park is one of the jewels of the South African coastline, the first park in South Africa to be declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco). St Lucia's wide variety of eco systems and natural habitats provides for an astounding diversity of species in the area. With its lakes, lagoons, freshwater swamps and grasslands, St Lucia supports a wide variety of species - from the country's largest population of hippos and crocodiles to giant leatherback turtles, black rhino, leopards, and a vast array of bird and marine life.
Later this afternoon we return to St. Lucia to go on board the St. Lucia ferry for a fascinating guided cruise on Lake St Lucia. On this cruise you will hear about the origins of this unique wetland, its very interesting history and be able to observe its hippo and crocodile inhabitants at close quarters. The large number and variety of birds, which are an important feature of St. Lucia, will add to the interest and excitement of this cruise.
Accommodation:St. Lucia Wetlands Guesthouse
Bed & Breakfast basis

Day 7 - Kwazulu Natal Province - Shakaland
Another highlight awaits us today as we visit an authentically re-created Zulu village at Shakaland. Feel the pulsating rhythm of mysterious and magical Africa as you re-live the excitement and romance of the days of Shaka, King of the Zulus. Shakaland is more than just a tourist attraction - it is an enriching experience affording a better understanding of the Zulu nation, its people and their intriguing customs. Shortly after our arrival you join the Shaka Experience, a guided tour of the village culminating in a pulsating traditional dance show and dinner. Accommodation is in typical beehive huts, where one can experience real Zulu culture without having to sacrifice comfortable modern conveniences.
Accommodation: Shakaland
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Distance traveled: 152km / 95mi

Day 8 - Kwazulu Natal - Drakensberg Mountains
The route continues down the Indian Ocean coastline to Durban, and from there inland to the magnificent Drakensberg Mountain Range. Your destination is a beautiful mountain resort in the Cathedral Peak area of the northern Drakensberg. Winding up the narrow road approaching the resort, the Drakensberg mountain splendour beckons, with sweeping panoramas of jagged mountain peaks rising from massive sandstone cliffs, and dramatic cloudscapes against an impossibly blue sky. The luxurious Didima Camp has been themed around the art of the San (Bushman) people.
Accommodation: Didima Mountain Camp
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Distance traveled: 368km / 229mi

Day 9 - Kwazulu Natal - Drakensberg Mountains
A full day to relax and to enjoy this fascinating landscape of mountains, cliffs and ravines. Didima boasts a recently opened San Rock-Art Interpretive Centre providing fascinating insights into the art and culture of the San, and includes static displays and audio-visual presentations within a reconstructed rock shelter.

Activities on offer at Didima:

• Walking and hiking trails into the surrounding mountains
• Guided trails up Mike's Pass
• Guided walking trails to Rainbow Gorge, Baboon Rock and a variety of other scenic destinations
• Mountain streams & rock pools within walking distance of the Camp

Accommodation: Didima Mountain Camp
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Day 10 - End of Tour
After a late breakfast we make our leisurely way back to Johannesburg where you will be dropped off at the location of your choice.

Touring in South Africa at it's best