SOUTHERN HIGHLIGHTS 16 DAY ADVENTURE SAFARI

SOUTHERN HIGHLIGHTS  16 DAY ADVENTURE SAFARI

SOUTHERN HIGHLIGHTS 16 DAY ADVENTURE SAFARI

 

Drifters: Johannesburg to Victoria Falls

11 Nights Lodges and Camps

4 Nights Camping

 

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Lesotho – “The Roof of Africa”
  • African Village Culture
  • Swaziland Kingdom
  • Sibebe Rock
  • Golden Gate
  • Mountain Walks
  • Maputo
  • Mozambique Beaches
  • Kruger National Park
  • Great Zimbabwe Ruins
  • Victoria Falls National Park and Entry Fee
  • Open Vehicle Game Drives
  • Historical Sites
  • Matobo National Park
  • Hwange
  • Rhino Tracking on Foot

 

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:

  • White Water Rafting
  • Bungee Jumping

 

 

Visiting Five Countries, South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, this tour explores some of the most spectacular natural wonders and highlights of southern Africa. We engage the cultures, enjoy the scenic splendour and witness some of the most unique wildlife in the world. Our tour aims to visit as many of the attractions as possible. We make sure to include known highlights like Kruger Park and Victoria Falls but also venture to places seldom visited, often way off of the beaten track.

We explore the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho and meet the Swazi people of this tiny Kingdom, We enjoy game walks and we relax on the beaches of Mozambique. With a multitude of wildlife experiences in South Africa and Zimbabwe this tour brings new excitement with each day.

 

DAY 1: JOHANNESBURG TO LESOTHO

The tour kicks off early this morning and departs at 06h30 from the Greenfire Lodge Johannesburg.  We make our way south towards the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, home of the Basotho people. A small land locked country completely surrounded by South Africa it is the only independent state in the world that lies completely above 1000 m in elevation. What the country lacks in size is made up for by the beautiful views of the mountains that reach up to the sky.

 

We cross the border in the afternoon and make our way along the mountain roads to our final destination. Our accommodation for the next two nights will be a remote Lodge set high in the mountains of the Tsehlanyane National Park. We spend the night in comfort and fall asleep in the crisp mountain air.

 

Meals: D (Lunch Own Expense)

Distance: 385 km

Accommodation: Maliba Lodge – riverside huts

Included Highlights / Activity:

– Lesotho

– Mountain walk

 

 

DAY 2: LESOTHO

After a scrumptious breakfast at the lodge we have the entire day at our disposal for exploring the surrounding mountains and meeting the local people that carve a living out of this treacherous terrain. Our guide will lead a walk through the mountains that includes several waterfalls and spectacular views of the surrounding valleys. With scattered villages all along our route our guide will also take time to give us an introduction to the rich history of the country that dates back to the early 1800’s.

 

Returning to our accommodation in the afternoon the more adventurous can choose to go on a guided Basotho horse ride. (Own Expense) Negotiating the small mountain footpaths is something that takes time to get use to.

With a local village close by guests are also free to visit the local people in the afternoon or to simply relax at our accommodation to enjoy the serenity of the area.

 

 

Meals: B L D

Distance: No Driving

Accommodation: Maliba Lodge – riverside huts

Optional Activities: Basotho Horse Ride

Included Highlights / Activity:

– Guided Mountain Walk

– Basotho Culture

 

 

DAY 3: LESOTHO to SWAZILAND

Waking up to the stark scenery and beauty of this area, we continue our tour and make our way back to South Africa. Once through the border we follow a scenic road of rolling hills and farming lands to our final destination for the day – The Kingdom of Swaziland.

Ruled by King Mswati III, this sovereign state is home to the proud Swazi people, known for their fascinating culture and traditional beehive huts. The country is rich in diversity from savannas in the east to rain forests in the northwest.

 

We cross the border from South Africa into Swaziland in the late afternoon and drive the short distance through the capital of Mbabane to our accommodation for the night located in the Hlambanyatsi Pine Forest region.

 

Meals: B L D

Distance: 580 km

Accommodation: Foresters Arms

Included Highlights / Activity:

– Swaziland

DAY 4: SWAZILAND

It is great excitement that we prepare for our day of exploring. Departing after breakfast we pass through the administrative capital of Mbabane before enjoying a truly unique visit at Sibebe Rock. Proclaimed to be the second largest monolith in the world, Sibebe certainly is one of the fascinating natural wonders found in Swaziland. We spend some time at the foot of this giant learning more about it history and the beliefs surrounding the area.

 

After our lunch at the foot of the mountain, we depart and slowly make our way back to our accommodation stopping along the way at small markets and crafts shops allowing guests a glimpse into the lives of the Swazi people and their colourful existence.

 

Meals: B L D

Distance: 100 km

Accommodation: Foresters Arms

Included Highlights / Activity:

– Swaziland Landscape

– Sibebe Rock

 

DAY 5: MAPUTO

This morning we travel through Swaziland and follow the main tar road that cuts through the Royal Hlane National Park to cross the border into Mozambique. A crossroads of civilizations, cultures and landscapes, influenced from the early days by nomadic tribes, Arab traders, British sailors and Portuguese colonials, then torn apart by over 20 years of civil war. With newfound peace, and a fast growing economy recently reopened to tourism, Mozambique offers the explorer a wealth of treasures in the form of untouched wilderness areas, natural beauty, deserted beaches, and unique cultural heritage.

This afternoon we arrive in the capital, Maputo and enjoy a sightseeing tour making use of local transport for an authentic experience. A city with an almost Latino atmosphere it offers a unique experience to visitors.

We overnight in the vibrant Maputo and enjoy and own expense dinner at a local restaurant to get the most out of this city.

 

Meals: B L (Dinner own expense)

Distance: 250 km

Accommodation: Villas Das Mangas

Included Highlights / Activity:

– Scenic Drive through Swaziland

– Maputo

– Local Sightseeing tour in Maputo

 

 

DAY 6 – 7: INHAMBANE

Following the coast, we make our way north to the coastal town of Maxixe from where we enjoy a trip with the locals across the bay on a traditional Dhow or boat while the guide drives around to meet us in the ancient trading port of Inhambane.

Once back on land we spend some time exploring and visiting the bustling local market before continuing to our accommodation on the beach. We enjoy two nights in relative comfort, staying in accommodation literally on the beach. During our time here we relax, snorkel and soak up the sun whilst exploring the deserted beaches that Mozambique is so well known for.

Inhambane is a diver’s paradise and for those interested in exploring the underwater world scuba diving is a must. (Own expense).

 

Meals: B L D; B L D

Distance: 470 km

Accommodation: Ngumula Lodge

Optional Activities: Snorkelling, Diving, Fishing

Included Highlights / Activity:

– White sandy beaches

– Dhow Trip

– 2 nights on the beach

 

DAY 8: XAI XAI

We depart after a relaxed morning and drive a short distance along the coastline to the coastal town of Xai Xai. Once a bustling port under the Portuguese rule it has become a peaceful holiday destination.

Our accommodation for the night is at a remote beach resort hidden on the large dune separating the inland fresh water lake system from the pounding ocean. We have a relaxed afternoon to enjoy the surf and to explore the surroundings.

 

Meals: B L D

Distance: 260 km

Accommodation: East Africa

Optional Activities: Snorkelling, Fishing

Included Highlights / Activity:

– White sandy beaches

 

DAY 9: MOZAMBIQUE – KRUGER PARK

Making our way north we depart early in the morning and travel through the Limpopo floodplains and remote areas with scattered villages along the way. Our destination today is the world renowned Kruger National Park. Home to a variety of animals including the famous ‘Big 5’. Once through the border and back in South Africa we spend our time exploring the park in search of animals.

Tonight we setup camp for the first time and where better than in this wildlife paradise! We enjoy a catered meal prepared over the open fire and fall asleep to the sounds of the African bush.

 

Meals: B L D

Distance: 380 km

Accommodation: Camping (Two man dome tents) – Kruger Park Rest Camp

Included Highlights / Activity:

– Scenic drive through Mozambique

– Short drive through Transfrontier Peace Park

– Kruger National Park

 

 

DAY 10: KRUGER PARK

Waking up before sunrise we enjoy a cup of coffee and watch the sunrise over the bush. We then pack up camp and start our day of exploring. We spend majority of the day in search of animals and our guide will explain the behaviour of the animals we encounter. During the day we enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the rest points in the park.

The road will lead us into the most northern part of the park and we hope to find the elusive Cheetah that prefers this section of the park.

Late this afternoon we exit the park via the Pafuri gate and stay in comfortable accommodation in the area.

 

Meals: B L D

Distance: 180 km

Accommodation: Accommodation

Included Highlights / Activity:

– Kruger National Park

– Full Day Game Drive in the Park

– Northern “Cheetah Country” of the Park

 

DAY 11: GREAT ZIMBABWE RUINS

An early start today we make our way north towards Zimbabwe. We arrive at the Beit Bridge border in the morning and after completing the formalities we continue towards the town of Masvingo and on to Great Zimbabwe.

The mystery surrounding these ruins and the ancient society that lived here will be explained and discussed by our guide. Our guided hike in the late afternoon will showcase these magnificent structures and allow you time to ponder over the mystery surrounding their origin.

Tonight we camp in close vicinity to the ruins.

 

Meals: B L D

Distance: 450 km

Accommodation: Camping (Two man dome tents) – Norma Jeans

Included Highlights / Activity:

– Great Zimbabwe Ruins

 

 

DAY 12: MATOBO

After our breakfast we head for the wide streets of Bulawayo, the second biggest city in Zimbabwe and then continue to our camp nestled amongst the precariously balancing boulders of Matobo. This afternoon we enjoy a game drive and the additional highlight of rhino tracking on foot in the National Park. The thrill and enjoyment of spending time with wild rhinos in the bush is an experience that will not be forgotten soon.

We return to our camp in the early evening after our bush experience.

 

Meals: B L D

Distance: 355 km

Accommodation: Camping (Two man dome tents) – Big Cave

Included Highlights / Activity:

– Matobo National Park

– Rhino tracking on foot

 

DAY 13: HWANGE

This morning we travel the short distance to Hwange, well known as one of Africa’s best conservation areas and home to the Royal Herd of Elephant. We will arrive in time for lunch in our camp. This afternoon we conduct an extensive open-vehicle game drive/walk experience in search of the herds of game that this area is so well known for. Our camp tonight overlooks a water hole that receives frequent visits form the wild animals in the area.

 

Meals: B L D

Distance: 310 km 

Accommodation: Camping (Two man dome tents) – Ivory Lodge Campsite

Optional Activities: Spend time at the waterhole watching the animals come to drink

Included Highlights / Activity:

– Game Drive/Walk

 

 

DAY 14 – 15: VICTORIA FALLS

Today we make our way to the adventure capital of Africa, Victoria Falls and it is with new excitement that we explore the amazing Victoria Falls; „Mosi o Tunya „, meaning “The smoke that Thunders”.

 

Various other attractions can be visited and activities enjoyed – the tribal village, the big tree, the curio market and the crocodile farm. An aircraft flip over the falls or a boat trip on the Zambezi River, White Water Rafting or Bungi Jumping are all worthwhile, but allowance must be made for the extra expense.

We spend two nights here, thus allowing clients some time to explore the town and all it has to offer by themselves.

One dinner and both lunches will be enjoyed in local restaurants (own expense). Relax to the sound of the African night and the distant roar of the falls.

Meals: B D; B

Distance: 180 km on day 14

Accommodation: Greenfire Lodge Victoria Falls

Optional Activities:

– Scenic Helicopter Flight

– White water rafting

– Bungee jump

Included Highlights / Activity:

– Victoria Falls National Park

– Victoria Falls Entry Fee

 

 

DAY 16: VICTORIA FALLS

Our tour comes to an end after breakfast. Our guide will depart and guests can book transfers to the airport for their flights back home via the Drifters office.

 

Meals: B

 

DEPARTURES

This tour departs every third Saturday from Johannesburg.

 

 

At time of going to print the above itinerary was correct but Drifters continually strive to offer our clients the best available tour options and as such we reserve the right to change aspects of the itinerary at our discretion. During the validity of the published itinerary conditions will change, roads are improved or deteriorate often opening up new routes, contracted camps and accommodation facilities change standards, optional activities become available or are discontinued, new border posts open and old ones become congested, etc.  Drifters are continuously monitoring all of the factors that make up a successful tour and as such will make amendments to the published itineraries if circumstances demand or if we believe that the change will enhance the tour.

 

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

A sleeping bag, towel and pillow are required for this tour. Seasonal malaria precautions are advised and are locally obtainable. During winter the temperature can drop very low at night, clients should be prepared for this.

 

A valid passport is required by everyone. The tour will visit South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. It is the client’s responsibility to insure they have the appropriate visas required for this trip to all the countries we visit. Some nationalities might need to obtain visas before departure as they cannot be obtained at the border.

 

Our price includes transport, food, (no food kitty), coffee, tea, fruit juice at breakfast, a professional guide, group equipment, accommodation, permits and park entry fees, Vic Falls entry. The price does not include alcohol, bottled water and soft drinks, tips, curios and optional extras. Before departure, clients will be required to enter into an agreement pertaining to our booking conditions and general information. Clients are required to have their own comprehensive personal travel insurance.

 

 

 

Diese Informationen wurde nach bestem Wissen und Gewissen zusammengestellt von

TOUCAN Reisen GmbH

Grillparzerstr. 47 · 22085 Hamburg
Deutschland

Tel. +49 (40) 2274 8184

web: http://toucan.reisen

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