20 Days South African Explorer - Accommodated (NM03)

Countries Visited: South Africa, Swaziland & Lesotho.

On our camping tours you will be staying in two-man dome tents. We supply a mattress and you supply your own sleeping bag. The accommodated tours stay in traditional huts, permanent tented camps and hostel-style rooms.

Included are three hearty meals a day, (unless otherwise specified). Vegetarians are easily catered for and they're always impressed by our varied menu. Our guides can produce miracles on a camp-stove. Special dietary requirements can be catered for, but only by special request. In East Africa it is more difficult to cater to certain requirements.

After a short briefing we leave Johannesburg on a scenic drive through Mpumalanga and the breathtaking vistas of the Lowveld. Blyde River Canyon, God's Window and Bourke's Luck Potholes will be some of today's highlights.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

We get up early and visit a wildlife rehabilitation centre for an educational experience and then enter the world famous Kruger NP. The next two days are spent exploring the southern Kruger area and we have a good chance of sighting Africa's famed big five. An optional night drive with one of the South African National Park (SANP) rangers is an excellent way to see some of the nocturnal animals. Optional Activities: SANP Night Drive.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we leave the Kruger NP and cross the border into Swaziland. We spend the next two nights in the Mlilwane Nature Reserve where we are able to explore the area on foot. We also experience the wonderful Swazi culture when enjoying a display of traditional dancing. Optional Activities: Mountain Biking, Hiking, Horse Riding and Game Viewing.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We leave Swaziland and re-enter South Africa to drive down to the warm Indian Ocean coast. We spend the afternoon exploring the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and take an afternoon sunset cruise on the lagoon. The following morning we transfer to the Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve for a guided game drive. We enter the coastal city of Durban in the late afternoon. Optional Activities: Dinner and night out in Durban.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, (Dinner day 6 only)

We leave the beautiful beaches of Kwa Zulu Natal, and travel inland to the Royal Natal NP, part of the massive Drakensberg escarpment. You can choose between many activities, including horse riding. A short guided hike to view Bushmen rock art can be very enjoyable. Optional Activities: Horse Riding, Hiking.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a long but scenic drive we cross the Lesotho border. The popular pony trekking excursion requires an early morning of those who are participating. Lesotho natives will guide you along remote trails and the scenery is spectacular. For those who prefer to remain at the lodge there are more relaxing activities available, such as a visit to the village school or craft market. Optional Activities: Pony Trekking Excursion, Hiking.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We leave Lesotho and drive south to the picturesque Hogsback valley. In addition to a gentle hike into the surrounding forest your guides will also provide information on the other available activities in this area. Optional Activities: Horse riding , Mountain biking.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As the name suggests, the Addo Elephant NP is full of elephants! These magnificent creatures are always a highlight and you will be sure to get some superb photos.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an early morning game drive we bid farewell to the elephants and drive along the sunshine coast until we reach Bloukrans. Optional Activities: Bungee Jumping (highest in the world), Treetop canopy Tour, Hiking.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

It is only a short distance to Plettenberg Bay, where you can relax on the beach. The following day we travel through the Outeniqua Mountains towards Oudtshoorn. The visit to the world famous Cango Caves is included. Later in the day you have the option of visiting an Ostrich Farm. Optional Activities: Ostrich Farm visit and Ostrich Riding.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Dinner on Day 18 only)

We take a scenic drive to Stellenbosch and stop at some wonderful wine farms. As this is the last night on tour we will go out to a local restaurant for dinner. Optional Activity: Meal Out.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After a leisurely breakfast, we go to a wine farm to taste some of South Africa's finest wines. We also visit the Cheetah Breeding Project and finally the tour ends, in the afternoon, at the Nomad office in Greenmarket Square.

Meals: Breakfast

Local Payment:

The local payment is a USD cash portion of the tour payment that needs to be paid directly to your guide in Africa. This payment covers fluctuating expenses such as flights, National Park fees, entrance fees ect & also ensures that we have a reliable amount of hard currency on each tour. Our local payment is not a kitty, your food & accommodationare included in the tour price. All local payment amounts are subject to change without notice. Changes are very rare & are normally due to a sudden or unexpected price increase by a local service provider or National Park.

Single Supplement:

All of our tours are priced on twin share accommodation. The single supplement is not compulsory on our camping tours but if you want your own tent you need to pay the single supplement. If you are booking one of our accommodation tours alone you have to pay the single supplement. There are a maximum of 4 single supplements available on all tours.

Health:

All people who join an adventure tour need to be in good health. Medical facilities are not always available. If you have a specific medical condition it is compulsary for you to advise us before departure. Malaria is a real concern in many areas of Africa, especially during the rainy season. Our advice is simple, prevent getting bitten by using an insect repellent and use an effective prophylactic. Speak to your doctor before selecting your Malaria medication. Please ensure you have the relevant vaccinations. Proof of innoculation is required on certain tours.