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Wanderlust South Africa Tour - Detailed Information

DAY 1

On arrival in Johannesburg, you will be met by your expert guide who will privately transfer you to your hotel, the Saxon, in Johannesburg's northern suburbs, via a short orientation tour of the city. This hotel makes a world-class statement of ethnic African elegance, combined with personalised attention to detail. The Saxon bed and breakfast basis

DAY 2

Depart from Johannesburg and travel to the 'Province of the Rising Sun', Mpumalanga, via the historic towns of Witbank, Dullstroom and Lydenburg. Travel over the famous Long Tom Pass on to the small towns of Sabie. After a visit to the Lone Creek Waterfalls continue toward White River before arriving at your elegant hideway described as an 'African Paradise' set in the cool of a living forest. Sip a sundowner on the wide verandah before indulging in the lodge's legendary cuisine. Cybele Forest Lodge & Health Spa or similar - dinner, bed and breakfast basis

DAY 3

Enjoy breakfast looking out over the magnificent gardens, mountains and meadows. Travel via Pilgrim's Rest and head for the breathtaking Panoramic Route featuring the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes, God's Window and Lisbon Waterfalls. Then proceed to an exclusive private game lodge resting among the rocky geometry of the Sabi Sand Reserve, where rough-hewn timber, leather and stone meet thatch and wild views. Late afternoon game drive in an open vehicle with an experienced ranger and tracker who will endeavor to spoil you with sightings of the 'Big Five'. Upon returning to the lodge enjoy a safari style bush dinner under the stars (weather permitting). Singita Private Game Reserve - dinner, bed and breakfast basis + 2 game viewing activities

DAY 4

An early morning bush walk or game drive is on offer. For ultimate indulgence, make use of a masseuse offering treatments from the more conventional European massages to Ayurvedic treatments and acupuncture, reflexology, manicures, facials and aromatherapy. For the health fanatic, gaze across the endless wonders of the African bush while working out in the modern fitness centre. After high tea, set out for an evening game drive with a stop to admire the African sunset, complemented by refreshments. Whilst viewing nocturnal animals, return to the lodge for traditional culinary delights under an African sky. Singita Private Game Reserve full board basis + 2 game viewing activities.
Recommended optional helicopter adventure: Experience it all in real style with an exhilarating helicopter trip - Cascades & Canyon Spectacular. Linger above roaring rivers and cascading waterfalls, allowing for magnificent photographic opportunities and awesome panoramic views of the bushveld below. Enjoy a delicious picnic accompanied by South African sparkling wine on top of the majestic Pinnacle.

DAY 5

An early morning bush walk or game drive. After a sumptuous brunch, we depart and explore the world famous Kruger National Park. Established in 1898, this National Park at over two million hectares is unrivalled in its diversity of flora and fauna. After exiting the park, arrive at your safari hotel. The luxury, thatched suite is spread out in lush, indigenous gardens, with private patio and pool, bringing the bush right to your doorstep. At dinnertime indulge in an assortment of eclectic African cuisine. Malelane Sun (Presidential Suites) dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

DAY 6

After a hearty South African breakfast, journey to the next exclusive private game lodge. Travelling through Nelspruit, we enter the Kingdom of Swaziland at Mananga border post. Driving through the eastern Lebombo Mountains we leave Swaziland at Goelela border post and continue via the town of Hluhluwe to Phinda Private Game Reserve. Enjoy a leisurely safari on the Mzinene River where late afternoon sundowners and snacks are served as the boat winds its way along the reed-lined river. Here there is an abundance of wildlife and birds to see. Return to the Lodge for dinner served in an African Boma (weather permitting). Phinda Private Game Reserve (Vlei or Rock Lodge) dinner, bed and breakfast basis + 2 game viewing activities

DAY 7

Set off on an early game drive in 'Big Five' country. Spend the heat of the day relaxing and enjoying the hospitality of this unique wilderness wonderscape. At sunset, depart on a safari where an entirely different world of nocturnal bird and animal species unfolds. Return to the lodge for a dinner feast. Phinda Private Game Reserve (Vlei or Rock Lodge) full board basis + 2 game viewing activities.
Recommended optional coastal flight: This exceptional air safari is a unique and thrilling way to discover the extent of Maputaland's remarkable ecological diversity, from the freshwater lakes to the most tightly forested coastal dunes in the world. The highlight of the flight is the ascent over these high dunes to the unspoilt coastline and clear blue Indian Ocean.

DAY 8

Start the day with a leisurely breakfast river safari. After departing the lodge, our journey continues through sugar cane plantations along the Indian Ocean to a resort hotel located near the seaside village of Ballito on Durban's North coast. Zimbali Lodge bed and breakfast basis.

DAY 9

Enjoy a full day at leisure. This jewel in the crown of KwaZulu-Natal's pristine coastline offers its guests the opportunity to relax or explore. The hotel itself is sheer luxury and provides a myriad contexts for relaxation. For the ultimate in self-indulgence, treat yourself to a day soaking up the sun and enjoying the beaches of the warm Indian Ocean. Zimbali Lodge bed and breakfast basis.

DAY 10

After a leisurely breakfast you will be transferred to Durban International Airport for your flight to Port Elizabeth (not included). On arrival, you will be met and transferred to the malaria-free Shamwari Private Game Reserve, arriving in time for lunch and afternoon game drive. Steeped in settler history and dating back to a time when a multitude of game roamed freely, the reserve boasts five eco-systems, thus supporting many forms of plant, animal and bird life. An afternoon game drive with a trained ranger will increase your enjoyment with his knowledge of both the flora and fauna. As the light fades, with the help of a powerful hand-held light, your ranger will sweep the 'veld' in search of nocturnal animals. Return to the lodge and enjoy a delectable meal, expertly prepared by the chefs or a barbecue at the river next to a roaring fire. Shamwari Game Reserve (Eagle's Cragg Lodge) full board basis + 2 game viewing activities.

DAY 11

Morning and afternoon game activities are on offer. Visit the property's cultural village where Xhosa, Zulu and San cultures are showcased. Weather permitting, enjoy an intimate bush dinner with your ranger amid cheerful recollections of the day's discoveries. Shamwari Game Reserve (Eagle's Cragg Lodge) - full board basis + 2 game viewing activities
Recommended Elephant Back Experience: A unique opportunity to ride an elephant and to be at one with nature with these awe-inspiring gentle giants. Transportation to and from the site is in the form of a light aircraft. The site itself is situated in the pristine valleys of the Zuurberg Mountains, bordering the recently proclaimed Greater Addo Elephant National Park. This area is regarded as Africa's most biologically diverse, supporting 4 of the 7 biomes or eco-regions in Southern Africa.

DAY 12

After an early morning game activity and a sumptuous breakfast head for the Garden Route via Port Elizabeth. Enjoy the scenery as we cross the Storms River where photographic opportunities abound. After a stop at Storms River Bridge we view the sight of the world's highest bungee jump and enjoy a scenic drive through Natures Valley en route to the 'millionaires playground' of Plettenberg Bay. Late afternoon arrival at the lodge that can best be described as a symphony of stone, wood, glass and water high above the floor of the magnificent indigenous forests of Tsitsikamma. Enjoy an exquisite dinner that is a unique celebration of African spirit. Tsala Treetop Lodge dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

DAY 13

After breakfast on your secluded deck, drive to Plettenberg Bay for an ocean safari to view seals, dolphin and whales (in season). We then take a short drive out to Keurbooms Beach - pleasant for walking and an ideal optional lunch spot. Return to your lodge for a relaxing afternoon and dinner. Tsala Treetop Lodge dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

DAY 14

Today we travel via South Africa's 'oyster capital', Knysna and George to Oudtshoorn. We travel over the Outeniqua Pass named by the Koi people meaning 'land of honey'. Experience the sudden contrast to semi-desert as we approach the town of Oudtshoorn. Visit the world famous Cango Caves for a fully guided tour where stalactites and stalagmites, curtains and pillars will leave you in awe. Arrive at your deluxe country hotel and enjoy an exquisite dinner served in the elegant dining room famous for its ostrich fare and fine wines. Rosenhof Country House (Executive Suites) or similar dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

DAY 15

After an early breakfast, visit an ostrich farm for a guided tour before our journey to Cape Town begins. Leaving the Klein Karoo, visit the towns of Calitzdorp and Barrydale where the true diversity of landscapes is highlighted through the ever-changing semi-desert areas. Traverse the famous Route 62, passing through the towns of Robertson and on to Worcester. The day ends with the first glimpse of Table Mountain from the top of Du Toit's Kloof Pass. The luxurious adventure ends with drop off at your hotel or Cape Town International Airport