South Africa Encompassed

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highlights

Search for the “BIG FIVE” in Kruger National Park
Experience the colourful tribal heritage of Swaziland (eSwatini) & Zululand
Take in the scenic beauty of the Drakensberg Mountains (World Heritage site)
Encounter elephants in Addo and the spectacular scenery of the Garden Route

The South Africa Encompassed tour starts in Johannesburg and ends in Cape Town. The South Africa Encompassed is a Wildlife Safaris And Game Drives tour that takes 17 days taking you from Johannesburg to Cape Town and through other destinations in South africa.

A comprehensive accommodated tour through South Africa visiting Kruger National Park, Swaziland (eSwatini), Zululand, Drakensberg Mountains, Wild Coast, Garden Route and Cape Town. This is an inspiring journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town visiting the great parks and landscapes of a magnificent corner of Africa whilst staying in comfortable accommodation, handpicked for its location and character. During the trip you can observe the teeming animal life of Kruger National Park, where we search for Africa’s ‘Big Five’, before heading to the Kingdom of Swaziland (eSwatini). We visit Zululand and the World Heritage Site, the Drakensberg Mountains. Making our way to the dramatic Wild Coast, we stop enroute in Nelson Mandela's home town of Qunu. We enjoy a game drive in Addo Elephant National Park, home of large herds of elephant, lion and numerous antelope species. Continuing through the Garden Route, our journey is complete with a visit to Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands region. Arriving in Cape Town, we explore this vibrant city, visiting Cape Point Nature Reserve with an ascent of Table Mountain.

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Itinerary Expand All

Day 1 : Join Johannesburg, early morning drive to Mpumalanga (620 kms; 8 hrs)

Departing from Johannesburg at 06:30am we head towards Mpumalanga where mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests characterise the landscape. Few regions in the world can match the extraordinary beauty of the lowveld and escarpment. We enjoy the views from God's Window, before we head to our private game lodge on the border of the Greater Kruger National Park. Overnight lodge.

NOTE - Driving distance (620 kms, 8 hrs) excludes stops for sightseeing, breakfast & lunch.

NB: Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be a set meal provided by the lodge.

Meals

Lunch and Dinner

Day 2 : Kruger National Park (150 kms; 2 hrs + 2 x 3 hour game drives)

Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve in South Africa stretches north to south over approximately 500km and is home to the Big Five, as well as numerous other species of fauna and flora. The largest game reserve in South Africa boasts the world's greatest concentration of species, and has an amazing 16 different ecosystems. An exciting game drive provides us with excellent game viewing. Spot the “Big 5” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) and many other animals in this true African wilderness. In the late afternoon we exit the park and return to our private game lodge in the Greater Kruger area. Overnight lodge. Distance/time: 150kms, ± 2 hours + 2 x 3 hour game drives.

NB: Breakfast and Dinner will be provided by the lodge; Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 : Kruger National Park (150 kms; 2 hrs + 2 x 3 hour game drives)

We stretch our legs on a short morning walk exploring the surrounding bush before we re-enter the Kruger National Park. This is Big game country, where we spend the day in search of the elusive leopard, the majestic lion and the mighty elephant. We game drive south through the reserve as your professional guides will impart their extensive knowledge of ecology, fauna and flora during our time in the bush. Optional night game drive with spotlights available (own expense). Overnight Kruger National Park chalet or permanent tent.

NB: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge; Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 : Swaziland/eSwatini (200 kms; 4 hrs)

Malolotja Nature Reserve in the mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland (eSwatini) is our next attraction. Renowned for a great variety of habitats from short grassland, to thick riverine scrub, bushveld and moist forest, we explore the reserve on foot to enjoy the fantastic mountain views. Relax around a campfire dinner and stay in mountain cabins for the night. Overnight mountain chalet.

NOTE - Driving distance/time (200 kms, 4 hrs) excludes 2-3 hour morning drive out of Kruger National Park, shopping stop in Malelane, Jeppes Reef border formalities & stops for meals, sightseeing etc.

NB: Breakfast & Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be a set meal provided by the lodge.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5-6 : Hluhluwe Game Reserve and Msinene River (400 kms; 6 hrs)

We visit craft markets near Mbabane that have a fascinating range of handmade crafts and the local witchdoctor stall is not to be missed. We re-enter South Africa and head towards our lodge on a private game reserve situated in the Msinene Nature Reserve (previously called Ukuwela Conservancy). We take a walk with our local guide who will point out some of the many bird species found in the area, and track the shy Nyala antelope in the riverine vegetation of the Msinene River. On Day 6, an early morning game drive in the Hluhuwe Game Reserve is followed by a visit to a Zulu village to learn more about their culture. Overnight permanent safari camp.

NOTE - Driving distance/time (400 kms, 6 hrs) excludes border formalities & stops for meals, sightseeing etc.

NB: Breakfast & Dinner will be provided by the lodge; Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7-8 : Drakensberg Mountains (500 kms; 7 hrs)

The Drakensberg Mountains or “uKhahlamba” - the Barrier of Spears, is a 200-kilometre-long mountainous wonderland and world heritage site. From Zululand we move further south to the base of these mountains where we overnight for two nights in quaint cottages. We will spend time walking along beautiful mountain stream paths, or just enjoying spectacular views. Overnight chalet.

NOTE - Driving distance/time: (500 kms; 7 hrs) excludes stops for sightseeing & lunch. The last 50km is a slow gravel road.

Day 7: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge; Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.

Day 8: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9-10 : To Wild Coast via Qunu (600 kms; 8.5 hrs)

En-route to the Wild Coast we visit the town of Qunu, the burial site of Nelson Mandela and pay our respects to this great man. The Wild Coast remains a relatively untouched paradise with unspoilt stretches of dramatically beautiful coastline, open spaces and pristine forest areas. We stay overnight in Kei Mouth and the next day is free to explore the area, meet local villagers or relax on the beach. Overnight twin share rooms with 1 shared bathroom between two rooms.

NOTE - Driving distance/time: (600 kms, 8.5 hrs) excludes stops for sightseeing & lunch – a long day.

NB: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11 : Addo Elephant National Park (500 kms; 7.5 hrs)

The Addo Elephant National Park was established in 1931 to protect the last 11 wild elephants from extermination. Today more than 350 elephants roam through the area. The park also offers excellent viewing of black rhino, Cape buffalo, lion and leopard, as well as a host of other large and small mammals and over 400 species of birds in the greater park area. Overnight chalet or lodge tent.

NOTE - Driving distance/time: (500 kms, 7.5 hrs) excludes stops for sightseeing & lunch + game drives – a long day.

NB: Breakfast & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Lunch will be at your own expense (meal at a local restaurant).

Meals

Breakfast and Dinner

Day 12-13 : The Garden Route - Knysna & Tsitsikamma (300 kms; 4.5 hrs)

Today we begin exploring the famous Garden Route, which is the area situated between the forests of the Tsitsikamma and the winelands of the Western Cape. For two nights we will stay in a lodge resort in Knysna, which is nestled on a tranquil lagoon. We will take a day trip to the Storms River mouth where there are walks up the gorge and along the rocky coast. The Tsitsikamma National Park incorporates 80km of spectacular sea and landscapes; a remote mountainous region with secluded valleys, coastal forests with deep river gorges leading down to the sea. Sample seafood at one of Knysna's great restaurants (own expense). Please note on day 13 breakfast is included (lunch and dinner at own expense). Overnight: guesthouse.

NOTE - Driving distance/time: (300 kms, 4.5 hrs) excludes stops for sightseeing.

Day 12: Breakfast & Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be at your own expense (meal at a local restaurant).

Day 13: Breakfast will be provided by the guesthouse; Lunch & Dinner will be at your own expense (meal at a local restaurant).

Meals

Breakfast and Lunch

Day 14 : The Garden Route - Hermanus (420 kms, 6 hrs)

Hermanus offers some of the best land based whale watching in the world. From June to November, Southern Right whales come up from the southern oceans to calve and mate in the shallow waters around the Cape. In whale season we will take a walk along this beautiful coastline. In the summer months we will explore the flowering fynbos in Fernkloof Nature Reserve. Enjoy the evening meal out at a local restaurant (own expense). Overnight guesthouse.

NOTE - Driving distance/time: (420 kms, 6 hrs) excludes stops for sightseeing & lunch.

NB: Breakfast will be provided by the guesthouse; Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be at your own expense (meal at a local restaurant).

Meals

Breakfast and Lunch

Day 15-16 : To Cape Town via Stellenbosch (150 kms, 2 hrs on day 15 + 150 kms on day 16)

Cape Town is one of the most picturesque cities in the world, with the majestic Table Mountain providing its central focus. On our way into the beautiful city of Cape Town, we visit Stellenbosch, South Africa’s renowned wine region, for wine tasting (own expense) and a cellar tour. The “mother city” has many attractions; we will visit Cape Point, the harbour at Hout Bay, enjoy the famous beaches and the V&A Waterfront. Optional visit to Robben Island (own expense). We sample the local fare at a variety of local restaurants (own expense). Overnight guesthouse.

NOTE - Driving distance/time: (150 kms, 2 hrs) excludes stops for sightseeing + 150 kms full day Cape Peninsular tour on day 16.

NB: Breakfast will be provided by the guesthouse; Lunch & Dinner will be at your own expense (meal at a local restaurant).

Meals

Breakfast

Day 17 : Ascend Table Mountain, trip concludes in Cape Town

In the morning we climb Table Mountain, offering panoramic views over Cape Town reaching out into the bay and Robben Island. Having explored the highlights of the Rainbow Nation we take a last look at Cape Town and catch up on last minute curio shopping in the afternoon, before your tour ends at 18:00.

NB: Breakfast will be provided by the guesthouse; Lunch will be at your own expense (meal at a local restaurant).

Meals

Breakfast

what’s included

Accommodation

14 nights comfortable accommodation in hotels, lodges and guesthouses on a twinshare basis
2 nights accommodation in basic chalets with shared bathroom facilities on a twinshare basis

Meals

16 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 11 dinners

Transport

Private transport in minibus / safari truck

Guide

English speaking local guide

Others

Game drives, day walks and excursions as listed in itinerary
National park fees and site entrance fees as listed in itinerary

what’s excluded

Optional activities
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
Items of a personal nature (i.e laundry, phone calls, tips, etc)
Visas
Airport and departure taxes
International flights and taxes
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Airport arrival and departure transfers
Tips & gratuities

Tour details

Duration 17 days

Tour Type Group Tour - Max 12 participants

guiding method Live guide/instructor

Guide Language English

Starts/Ends Johannesburg, South africa/ Cape Town, South africa

Get a PDF file with detailed trip information: Download Trip Notes for South Africa Encompassed

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Payment

A deposit of 995 USD is required to confirm this tour. The remaining balance will be charged 69 days before departure. For any departures within 24 August 2019 full payment is required.

Travel Insurance

The South Africa Encompassed tour requires that you have adequate and valid travel insurance covering medical and personal accidents, including repatriation costs and emergency evacuation. We recommend using World Nomads' travel insurance.

Visa

For this South Africa Encompassed tour getting the required visa(s) is the responsibility for each individual traveller, as visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. We recommend to check with your local embassies representing the countries that you are travelling to, as part of this itinerary.

CancellationNo additional cancellation fees apply for this South Africa Encompassed tour. You can cancel the tour up to 70 days prior departure and avoid paying the full amount, but your deposit paid is non-refundable. No refund applies for cancellations within 69 days of departure.

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