SouthernXplorer

21 Day Southern Africa Xplorer

A thrilling 21-day journey across Southern Africa. Start in Johannesburg at dawn and travel through Long Tom Pass, Pilgrim’s Rest, and the Blyde River Canyon en route to Kruger National Park for exhilarating game drives, bush walks, and alfresco dining under the stars. Next, delve into Swaziland (eSwatini), where you’ll explore the Ezulwini Valley and the cultural richness of Lobamba Village. The adventure continues to the Drakensberg Mountains, offering rock climbing and horse riding escapades. We then head off to the kingdom of Lesotho, where you’ll immerse yourself in village life through a homestay.

Discover the serene beaches of Coffee Bay and marvel at the natural wonder, the Hole in the Wall. Head to Chintsa East for a stay at Buccaneers Backpackers, a haven for game watching and surfing. Catch some waves at Jeffrey’s Bay, then thrill yourself with adventures in Storm’s River. Explore the fascinating Cango Caves and wildlife in Oudtshoorn, before unwinding at Outeniqua Moon Farm near Mossel Bay, amidst magnificent Percheron horses. Conclude your epic journey with a traditional braai, reflecting on the myriad experiences collected along the way.

Itinerary

Day before Tour: Overnight stay at Curiocity JHB (own arrangement).

Day 1: Johannesburg to Kruger National Park:
Begin your adventure with an early checkout and departure from Johannesburg. The drive to Kruger National Park will take you through the scenic Long Tom Pass, Pilgrim’s Rest, eventually leading to the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon. Upon arrival, settle into your game lodge right in the bush at Lower Sabie for a two-night stay. Here you will go on your first safari in the afternoon. Enjoy lunch and dinner included in the package.

Day 2: Kruger National Park:
Spend the day immersed in the wild beauty of Kruger National Park. Participate in thrilling day and night game drives to spot the Big 5 and more, and dine under the African stars with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided.

Day 3: Kruger National Park to Ezulwini (Eswatini):
After an early breakfast, embark on a bush walk to explore the wilderness up close before we check out and set off for Swaziland. Your journey will take you through Nelspruit, Songimvelo Nature Reserve, and the Ngwenya border post. Drive past Mbabane, the capital of Eswatini, before heading to Lidwala Backpacker Lodge in Ezulwini Valley. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
For the eager hikers, there’s a trail behind the lodge up the side of a beautiful valley to Sheeba’s Breast.

Day 4: Exploring Ezulwini Valley:
Explore the cultural richness of Ezulwini Valley with a tour of Lobamba Village. Visit the National Museum of Swaziland and the Royal Residence. Enjoy free time for personal exploration, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 5: Ezulwini to Drakensberg Mountains:
After an early breakfast, depart from Swaziland and travel into the majestic Drakensberg Mountains. Accommodation is at Amphitheatre Backpackers, where you will enjoy an African braai dinner and breakfast the next day.

Day 6: Drakensberg Mountains Adventure:
Take an optional hike to Tugela Falls in the Amphitheatre. Spend your leisure time engaging in activities like rock climbing, horse riding, mountain biking, and fly-fishing. Relax at the recreation area, which features a pool, satellite TV, barbeque area, climbing cave, and bar.

Day 7: Drakensberg to Lesotho:
Enjoy breakfast before crossing into Lesotho. We pass the capital city, Maseru, then head to Phafoli Homestead for a cultural immersion experience. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Days 8 & 9: Cultural Experiences in Lesotho:
Participate in various cultural activities, including traditional dance, cooking local dishes, brewing beer, and crafts. Experience a homestay with a local family and join the community in livestock herding.

Day 10: Lesotho to Coffee Bay:
Depart Phafoli for Coffee Shack Backpackers in Coffee Bay. Enjoy the rural charm and stunning coastal views. Meals include breakfast and lunch.

Days 11 & 12: Relaxing in Coffee Bay:
Take a scenic hike to the iconic Hole in the Wall on the Indian Ocean. Relax with options like hammocks and music or engage in various activities at Coffee Shack.

Day 13-15: Chintsa East:
Depart early to Buccaneers Backpacker in Chintsa West. Enjoy a range of activities, including game watching, horse riding, surfing, and mountain biking, along with amenities like a pool, volleyball, yoga, massage, and bar. Spend an extra day in this paradise-like setting.

Day 16: Jeffrey’s Bay:
Depart Buccaneers Backpacker early and stay beachfront at Island Vibe Backpackers in Jeffrey’s Bay. Spend the day shopping at surf outlet factory stores.

Day 17 & 18: Storm’s River (Tsitsikamma National Park):
Leave Jeffrey’s Bay after breakfast and stay at Tube N Axe Backpackers in Storms River Village. Engage in exciting activities such as bungee jumping, tubing, zip slides, canopy tours, snorkeling, and mountain biking, ending the day with an African braai. On day 18, we’ll visit the famous Tsitsikamma National Park, where we’ll hike along the rocky shore to a waterfall right by the ocean.

Day 19: Sedgefield:
Depart Storms River Village, enjoy a swim at Nature’s Valley, and have lunch at a nearby restaurant. Opt for a short hike before heading to Sedgefield and checking in at your accommodation. Relax and enjoy the beach for the rest of the day.

Day 20: Ruiterbos / Mossel Bay:
Depart Oudtshoorn towards Outeniqua Moon Farm. Enjoy pool views of the Outeniqua Mountains and Chrissie’s cooking. Experience personalized horse activities and conclude the day with a braai dinner to reminisce about the tour.

Day 21: Cape Town via Stanford and Hermanus:
Begin your final day with a departure from Outeniqua Moon. Head towards Cape Town, stopping for beer tasting at Birkenhead Brewery in Stanford and whale watching in Hermanus (seasonal: May to December). Visit the penguins at Stony Point in Betty’s Bay and drive along the False Bay coastline to Cape Town. The tour concludes at Villa Viva Backpackers in Gardens, Cape Town. It is recommended to extend your stay in Cape Town for three days.

 

Inclusions:

  • English-Speaking guideAir-
  • conditioned tour vehicle
  • All fuel, tolls and parking fees
  • Breakfasts each day
  • Accommodation
    – 2 nights Kruger National Park
    – 2 nights Lidwala Backpacker Lodge Swaziland
    – 2 nights Amphitheatre Drakensberg
    – 3 nights village homestay in Lesotho
    – 3 nights Coffee Shack
    – 3 nights Buccaneers Backpackers Chintsa
    – 1 night Island Vibe J’Bay
    – 2 nights Tube and Axe
    – 1 night Kamma Kai Beach Villa Sedgefield
    – 1 night Outeniqua Moon Farm Ruiterbos
  • Activities:
    – Day and night safaris
    – Kruger dinners, breakfasts and lunches
    – Bush walk
    – Lobamba Village tour
    – Museum entrance
    – Village homestay experience
    – Hole in the Wall hike in Coffee Bay
    – Swim at Nature’s Valley and optional short hike
    – Entrance to Tsitsikamma National Park

Exlusions:

  • Lunches and dinners (except at Kruger)
  • Optional activities
  • Insurance
  • Flights
  • Anything of a personal nature
  • Optional activities
    – Rock climbing, horse riding, mountain biking in the Drakensberg
    – Amphitheatre Hike to Tugela Falls
    – Optional hike to Hole in the Wall
    – Game watching, horse riding, surfing, and mountain biking at Buccaneers Backpacker in Chintsa East.
    – Bungee jumping, tubing, zip slides, canopy tours, snorkeling, and mountain biking in Storm’s River
    – Personalized horse experience at Outeniqua Moon
    – Beer tasting at Birkenhead Brewery in Stanford
    – Whale watching in Hermanus
    – Visit to the penguins at Stony Point
  • Airport transfers can be arranged at an extra cost

Price:
Single rooms: R 96 840 pp
Double/twin rooms: R75 360 pp
Dorm rooms: R71 760 pp

Fixed departures:
2 February 2025
2 March 2025
6 April 2025
4 May 2025
8 June 2025
6 July 2025
3 August 2025
7 September 2025
5 October 2025
9 November 2025

Departs: Johannesburg (South Africa)
Ends: Cape Town (South Africa)
* Minimum 4 guests

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