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THE ULTIMATE

EXPLORER SAFARI (23 DAYS)

Days 1-3: Johannesburg ( Enkosini Wildlife Sanctuary)

Upon arrival at Johannesburg International Airport you will begin your 3.5 hour journey towards the Enkosini Wildlife Sanctuary. Depending upon your arrival time, you can visit the quaint town of Dullstroom and the Bird of Prey Centre en route to Enkosini. Enkosini is a conservation project dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned, injured and displaced African wildlife.

Days 3-4: Mpumalanga (Moholoholo Ya Mati or equivalent)

You travel to the “edge of the berg,” the massive escarpment that separates South Africa's highveld from the warm, tropical lowveld that borders Mozambique. On the escarpment, you view the stunning Blyde River Canyon, the world's third largest canyon, where the Blyde River drops 1000 meters to the Blyde Dam in the lowveld. Adventure activities such as rafting on the Blyde River, micro lighting, quad biking, abseiling and horseback riding can be arranged.

You can also visit the old mining village of Pilgrim’s Rest where gold was first discovered; God’s Window and The Three Rondavels, spectacular viewpoints stretching across the thickly forested mountains and fertile plains; Bourke’s Luck Potholes where the river has carved huge potholes in the ground; and the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Center where you will be able to interact with a variety of African wildlife and raptors.

Day 4-6: Private Game Reserve (Lion Sands Game Reserve or equivalent)

You continue to one of the magnificent private game reserves adjoining Kruger National Park, allowing you to view wildlife in real comfort with fine wines mixing with lion and leopard spotting. The advantage of the private reserves is that you get away from the crowds of private vehicles and can go off road and make night drives in search of game. The next two days are devoted to close encounters with African wildlife on bush walks and from open 4X4 vehicles accompanied by experienced game rangers and trackers who share their intimate knowledge of the bush. The animals are most active early in the morning and late in the afternoon, so you will match your rhythm to that of the animals. Up early on a dawn bush walk, noon siesta and late afternoon game-drive. You will see a remarkable array of wildlife, hopefully including the legendary “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard), before enjoying superb dinners under the star studded African Sky.

Day 6-8: Kruger National Park (Lower Sabie Bush Camp or equivalent)

You continue your search for the “Big 5” in the world-renowned Kruger National Park. Kruger, which now forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, is stunningly beautiful and home to an unparalleled diversity of plant and animal life, including 300 types of trees, 49 fish species, 34 amphibian species, 116 reptilian species, 507 bird species and 147 mammal species! In the evenings, you relax to the melodious sounds of the bush.

Day 8-9: Swaziland (Reilly’s Rock or equivalent)

You travel from Kruger through lovely scenery to the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland ruled by King Motswati III. Visit the Ngwenya Glassworks for a demonstration of hand-made glass artifacts, the Swazi candle-making factory and the Uzulwini Valley, where there are colorful markets known for their woven baskets, beadwork and carvings.

Day 9-12: Maputaland Coast (Kosi Forest Lodge or equivalent)

Continue southwest into Maputaland through rugged country, where native huts still dot the landscape. Maputaland is one of the last remaining wilderness areas in Africa where people and animals co-exist in harmony. You arrive at the Indian Ocean coast in time for a traditional sundowner.

Situated only yards from the Indian Ocean in a coastal forest, you enjoy an exclusive private beach experience. The adventurous can try snorkelling or scuba diving, while the more laid back can enjoy a relaxing day basking on the warm, sub tropical beaches or wandering the endless miles of deserted coastline. There is also excellent fishing, bird walks in search of elusive forest birds, and scenic drives in 4x4 vehicles. In summer (December- February) nocturnal expeditions can be made to see the sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.

Day 12-14: Lake St. Lucia Wetlands (Hluhluwe Lodge or equivalent)

Leaving Maputaland, you travel down the coast to the Kwa-Zulu Natal Province. The drive takes you through the rolling hills once ruled over by King Chaka. KwaZulu-Natal is a place where the sun shines all year round and huge sugar and banana plantations and bright hibiscus flourish. It is the home of the Zulu and their rich traditional culture is reflected in their craftsmanship, song, dance and rituals.

In Northern Zululand, you can visit an authentic kraal (village) to learn about the culture, customs and traditions of the Zulu people and get a glimpse into “real” Africa and how the local people live. You also explore the tropical jungle-like paradise of the Greater Lake St. Lucia wetlands area, a declared World Heritage sight, and roam the lake on boat, searching for hippo and crocodile. Horse safaris on the hills of Zululand can be arranged.

Day 14-15: Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park (Hluhluwe Lodge or equivalent)

You continue your search for the “Big 5” in the magnificent Hluhluwe/Umfolozo National Park, which has become a major sanctuary for the endangered rhino. The oldest of South Africa's sanctuaries, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi is stunningly beautiful: a rich land of misty mountain forest, grass covered slope, dense thicket, enchanting river and an incredible diversity of plant and animal life.

Day 15-17: South Coast & Wild Coast

Enjoy the spectacular beauty of the rugged Indian Ocean coastline as we travel south towards the magnificent “Garden Route,” the land of contrasts, where spectacular mountain passes link the dry Karoo desert with some of the greenest and lushest places in the world.

Day 17-19: Garden Route

You begin your Garden Route adventure by travelling through the gorgeous Tsitsikamma coastal forests and mountains and viewing the huge suspension bridge over the mighty “Storms River.” Your journey proceeds through Plettenberg Bay to Knysna, a charming seaside town nestled in the heart of the Garden Route. You explore the awesome Knysna Heads, the two majestic rock cliffs at the lagoon’s entrance to the Indian Ocean, and take a cruise on the Knysna Lagoon to visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve, set on one of the famous Heads. Finally, you have an opportunity to wander through the trendy Knysna village.

Day 19-23: Cape Town

Travelling through passes cutting into the rigid mountain ranges of the Cape, you make your way to Cape Town, one of the world’s most beautiful cities, and climb by cable car (or by foot for the adventurous) to the top of the famous Table Mountain, from which the breathtaking views of the Cape Peninsula and Indian and Atlantic Oceans are awe inspiring. You can also visit the vibrant Victoria and Albert Waterfront, Green Market Square, and Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for much of his life.

Spectacular day trips in the Cape Town area include:

Winelands: You head into the heart of South Africa’s scenic wine producing region and visit the historical and picturesque towns of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschoek, stopping along the way for vineyard tours and wine tastings at well-known estates.

Cape Peninsula: You take a relaxed drive along pristine coastline, with majestic views of the mountains and ocean, to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and, ultimately, Cape Point where the stormy waters of the Atlantic meet the calming influence of the Indian Ocean. Returning to Cape Town you can drive through the penguin colony at Boulders and the historic naval village of Simon’s Town, where twenty-one buildings along the main street are over 150 years old and have been restored to their original Victorian splendour.

Hermanus: You explore the quaint village of Hermanus and enjoy a day of whale-watching and/or shark diving.

Day 23: Departure

Last-minute sightseeing and shopping before you head to the Cape Town International Airport for an international flight back to your country of origin