20 DAY WORLD IN ONE COUNTRY TOUR

TOUR INFORMATION

⇒ Johannesburg/Pretoria - Kruger Park Border - Kruger Park Safari - Private Game Lodge - Swaziland - St. Lucia - Shakaland - Drakensberg - Bloemfontein - Graaff-Reinet - Oudtshoorn - Knysna - Cape Town

Departs:	Mondays - 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:	Cape Town International Airport (or any other location in Cape Town)
Drop off Time:	Depending on your flight
Passengers:	Minimum 2 - Maximum 7

TOUR PRICE

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
• The service of a qualified and registered tour guide/driver

The tour price excludes

• Meals not specified
• Drinks, gratuities, telephone calls & other items of personal nature
• International & domestic 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.
• Overnight 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 bio-diversity of the St. Lucia Wetlands Park
• Zulu cultural experience at Shakaland
• The magnificent Drakensberg Mountains
• Desolate Karoo Landscape
• Camdeboo National Park outside Graaff-Reinet
• The Cango Caves outside Oudtshoorn
• Tour of a working Ostrich Farm
• The magnificent Garden Route
• Steam train ride between Knysna & George (seasonal)
• Boat trip on the Knysna Lagoon
• 3 Full days in Cape Town

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 Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and the historic gold mining town of Pilgrim’s 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
Dinner, 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
Dinner, 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: 114km / 71mi

Day 4 - Mpumalanga/Limpopo Province - Private Game Reserve
An early wake up call signals the start of yet another exciting day in Big Five territory. You depart on an early morning safari in open 4x4 vehicles after which you return to the lodge for a late breakfast. After breakfast you can embark on a guided bush walk with an armed ranger, who will identify spoor and droppings and share with you some of the fascinating secrets of the bush. If you are lucky you may come across big game on foot - a truly exhilarating experience. This evening another safari in open 4x4 vehicles is undertaken, followed by a scrumptious South African dinner
Accommodation: Private Game Lodge
Fully inclusive of all meals & game-viewing activities.

Day 5 - 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: The Forester's Arms Hotel
Dinner, bed & breakfast
Distance traveled: 318km / 198mi

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 Guest House
Bed & Breakfast basis
Distance traveled:347km / 216mi

Day 7 - 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 ecosystems 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 Guest House
Bed & Breakfast basis

Day 8 - 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 / 216 mi

Day 9 - Kwazulu Natal Province – 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: 425km / 264mi

Day 10 - Kwazulu Natal Province – 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 11 - Free State Province - Bloemfontein
We travel to the top of South Africa's huge inland plateau where, for today, most of our route will lie at almost 2000 meters above sea level. We enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Golden Gate Highland National Park and its wonderfully refreshing and clean mountain air before traveling through seemingly endless grasslands to Bloemfontein, the capital of the Free State Province. In Bloemfontein we spend time in historic President Brand Street and visit the moving monument to the women who died during the Anglo Boer War, before making our way to a very special guest farm, De Oude Kraal, a few kilometers outside the city.

Accommodation: De Oude Kraal Country Estate
Dinner, bed & breakfast basis
Distance traveled: 409km / 254mi

Day 12 - Eastern Cape Province - Graaff-Reinet
After De Oudekraal's famous breakfast, we travel south through the wide expanses of the arid Great Karoo landscape. Eighty million years ago this was a vast inland sea and is still today one of the world richest fossil bearing areas. We drive past the Gariep dam and hydro-electric scheme, the biggest of its kind in South Africa, to Graaff-Reinet, the country's fourth oldest town.
Graaff-Reinet, also known as "the jewel of the great Karoo" or "the Athens of the Eastern Cape", is the home of typical Karoo architecture of the 19th century and has more national monuments than any other city or town in South Africa. Virtually encircling Graaff-Reinet lies South Africa’s newest national park, the Camdeboo National Park, proclaimed in October 2005. The Park provides the visitor with insights into the unique landscape and eco-system of the Karoo, not to mention it’s awesome scenic beauty. The greater portion of the Park is situated between 740 and 1480 metres above sea level on the foothills of the Sneeuberg range, while a small section of the low lying-plains is included. The Nqweba Dam lies within the park and covers about 1000 hectares when full. At some places, dolerites form jointed pillars – the best examples of which are found in the Valley of Desolation where erosion of the softer sedimentary beds has left dolerite pillars which rise to heights of 90 – 120 metres.
Before checking into our specially selected guesthouse for the night, we pay a visit to this rugged and awe-inspiring landscape. Watching the sun go down over the Valley of Desolation is a truly unforgettable experience.
Accommodation:Buiten Verwagten Guest House
Bed & Breakfast basis
Distance traveled: 432km / 268mi

Day 13 - Western Cape Province - Oudtshoorn
After breakfast we take a short stroll through the historic and picturesque town of Graaff-Reinet before we have to make our way, across the Swartberg Mountain range into the Little Karoo and our next venue, Oudtshoorn, ostrich capital of the world. The road crosses the Swartberg Mountain, leads through Meiringspoort and some of South Africa's most majestic mountain scenery. Our accommodation tonight is at a beautiful guest house on a working ostrich farm a short distance outside the town.
Accommodation: La Plume Guest House
Bed & breakfast basis Distance traveled: 316km / 196mi

Day 14 - Western Cape Province - Knysna
The program for the day starts with a visit to an ostrich show farm where through interesting talks and demonstrations by experts, we will get to know more about these fascinating birds and the vast fortunes that were made during the 19th century from the export and sale of ostrich feathers for use in the world fashion markets. Today, with feathers no longer important for the fashion market, high quality ostrich leather is earning these farmers a lucrative income, while there is a steadily growing demand for low fat and low cholesterol ostrich meat worldwide.
This afternoon we visit the famous Cango Caves, where the guided tour will take you deep into this mysterious subterranean world. In the late afternoon we drive across the Outeniqua Mountain pass toward the Indian Ocean coast and the picturesque town of Knysna, in the heart of South Africa's famous "Garden Route".
Accommodation: Bradach Manor (Lagoon facing rooms)
Bed & breakfast basis Distance traveled: 125km / 78mi

Day 15 - Western Cape Province - Knysna
One of the world's few remaining scheduled steam trains, the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe, runs on what could be one of the most scenic rail routes in the world, and this is the first item on our program today. You join the Choo- Tjoe at George for the trip back to Knysna, where you should arrive in time for lunch. After lunch in one of the many seafood restaurants in Knysna (Knysna is famous for its oysters), we go on board the Knysna Ferry for a cruise on the Knysna Lake. Knysna , and the various lakes and wetlands in this area, are situated in one of the world's most interesting eco-systems, about which our specialist guide on board the ferry will tell us more.
Accommodation: Bradach Manor (Lagoon facing rooms)
Bed & breakfast basis

Day 16 - Western Cape Province - Cape Town
Today we depart on the last leg of this fascinating journey of discovery through South Africa. Our destination tonight is Cape Town, at the foot of the beautiful Table Mountain. Our route takes us through Mosselbay, where we will visit the historic "Post Office Tree" where early Portuguese seafarers and explorers used to leave messages for other passing vessels. The route continues to Hermanus, where during the months of July to November large numbers of Southern Right whales can be seen in Walker Bay. These monsters of the sea migrate from their normal habitat in Antarctica to the South African coast to produce their young, to mate and to nurse their offspring until they are strong enough to return to their natural foraging areas near the South Pole. In the late afternoon we reach Cape Town and your first glimpse of Table Mountain.
Accommodation: City Lodge Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Bed & breakfast basis Distance traveled: 502km / 312mi

Days 17, 18 & 19 – Western Cape Province – Cape Town
You have three full days in which to explore this beautiful city and it’s surrounding areas under guidance of your tour guide. Your guide and vehicle are available at all times, and all the highlights mentioned below will be included. The specific order of proceedings can be discussed on a daily basis with your tour guide.

Included highlights:

• Robben Island
• The spectacular Chapman’s Peak drive
• Cape Peninsula National Park
• Cape Point where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet
• Boulder's Beach with its penguin colony
• Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
• Castle of Good Hope
• Company Gardens
• Signal Hill with spectacular views of Cape Town
• Cable Car ride to the top of Table Mountain
• South African Winelands
• Huguenot Monument in Franschhoek
• Wine tasting at working wine farms

Accommodation: City Lodge Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Bed & breakfast basis

Days 20 – End of tour
The morning is at leisure until you are transferred to the Cape Town International Airport in time for your flight home.
Distance traveled: 30km / 18mi

DEPARTURE DATES 2007:

DEPARTURE DATES 2008:

Private group departures: Any date, minimum of 6 participants
Individual departments: Any date, no minimum number of participants, tour price on request