Rainbow Nation Safari

Discover a world in one country where mountain meets the sea. Experience the rich and varied colours, cultures and traditions of the Rainbow Nation. Take a wild ride through thundering oceans, impressive deserts and undulating bushveld thriving with local plant and wildlife.

Price: (Valid: Jan 2010 – Dec 2010)
€1,690 pps
18 Days Safari

Highlights * Panorama Route * Kruger National Park * Mlilwane Nature Reserve * St Lucia Lagoon Boat Cruise * Drakensberg * Wild Coast * Addo Elephant National Park * Garden Route * Cango Caves * Oudtshoorn Ostrich Farm * Stellenbosh Winelands

Departs from: Pretoria - Ends: Cape Town

Includes
* Itinerary as specified,
* Fully equipped safari vehicle
* Services of trip leader and driver
* All accommodation as specified above
* All catering equipment and scheduled National Park entrance fees.
* Breakfast (B) Lunch (L) Dinner (D), No Meal (NM) where specified.
* Meals not shown will be to the clients account.
* Occasionally breakfast and lunch may be combined into a brunch where necessary e.g. mornings with early game drives.

Rainbow Nation Safari Itinerary

Meal codes [B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner]

Day 1 PRETORIA [Lodge NM]
Today is at leisure to enjoy all that the Jacaranda city has to offer. Clients are to meet at Twana Lodge at 17h00pm for the pre-departure meeting. Here you will meet your crew and fellow travellers.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Lodge

Day 2 GRASKOP [Chalets B]
We leave Pretoria early this morning to make our way to the beautiful undulating landscape of the Mpumalanga province. We stop off at various viewpoints along the scenic Panorama Route – including the famous "God's Window" where the magnificent views abound.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Chalets
Distance/time: approx. 390km

Day 3 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK [Luxury Tent B]
After viewing some more of the area's magnificent scenery, we head for the famous Kruger National Park and our first game driving experience. We enter the park in the late afternoon as the day is cooling and begin our search for some of the park's famous inhabitants. After our game viewing, we head back to our "camp" where the viewing deck affords spectacular views of the river and opportunities to see the animals as they approach in the early evening to quench their thirst.
Includes: Entrance fees and game drives
Overnight: Luxury Tent

Day 4 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK [Luxury Tent B]
The best time to see the game is early morning and late afternoon as most animals tend to rest in the hotter hours of the day. We begin our day on a game drive and explore the surrounding area – if we are lucky, we may spot some of Africa's big 5! We relax during the heat of the day and go out on a second game drive in the late afternoon to find those animals which have thus far eluded us.
Includes: Game Drives
Overnight: Luxury Tents

Day 5 SWAZILAND [Chalets BL]
We set out early this morning and bid farewell to the Kruger region. We make our way south to the lesser known Kingdom of Swaziland, where after border formalities; we can fully appreciate the panoramic views of this 'tiny' country. This afternoon we have the opportunity to explore some of the options available at Mlilwane. These include walks, bicycle rides and horse riding excursions. Mlilwane was the first of Swaziland's wildlife refuges and is home to many species of antelope and resident bird-life.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Chalets
Distance/time: approx. 250km

Day 6 ST LUCIA [Lodge B]
The town of St Lucia lies nestled between the warm Indian Ocean and a fresh water Estuary. This estuary is home to a wide variety of local bird-life and numerous pods of resident hippo and crocodiles make this unsafe for swimming – but offer a great opportunity for sightings when explored by boat. Enjoy the sunset over this striking backdrop while on the lagoon boat cruise.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Lodge
Distance/time: approx. 415km

Day 7 ST LUCIA [Lodge B]
Today we have the option to explore the nearby Hluhluwe/Umfolozi National Park or simply relax at the beach & in the charming town of St. Lucia. The Hluhluwe/Umfolozi National Park is home to the largest population of black and white rhino in the world. There are various excursions to take part in around the St. Lucia region including walks, hikes, fishing trips and many more.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Lodge
Optional activities: Fishing, hikes, walks ect.

Day 8 DURBAN [Lodge B ]
After a leisurely start, we head down the coast to the suburb of Umhlanga, just north of Durban. Umhlanga is well known for its great beaches and has a great many opportunities for a bit of retail therapy. We spend the afternoon at leisure enjoying the beautiful sea views and excursions this area has to offer. This evening we may be joined by some new faces that will be starting their tour here.
Includes:N/A
Overnight: Lodge

Day 9 SOUTH DRAKENSBURG [Hotel B]
This morning we bid farewell to those who finish their tour here, and after saying our goodbyes, we head inland to the magnificent Drakensberg Mountain range. The Drakensberg have long been a favorite for hikers and there are various view points and walking trails scattered along its base.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Hotel
Distance/time: approx. 470km

Day 10 SOUTH DRAKENSBURG [Hotel B]
After breakfast we enjoy a full day hike into the mountains. For those not wishing to exert themselves, there is an option to enjoy an exciting 4x4 drive to the top of Sani Pass to enjoy a cold drink in the highest pub in Africa.
Includes: 4x4 drive
Overnight: Hotel

Day 11 WILD COAST- COFFEE BAY [Hotel BL]
Today we make our way further south to the beautiful Wild Coast and the little town of Coffee Bay - a quaint little town situated in a stretch of untouched beach. The name is derived from a coffee carrying ship that ran aground here
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Hotel
Distance/time: approx. 300km

Day 12 COFFEE BAY [Hotel B]
We spend the day at leisure exploring the beaches and the famous rock feature "The Hole in the Wall". This geological feature is known in the local mythology as a home of angry spirits. Take in the Wild Coast's dramatic scenery by enjoying a walk along the beach or enjoy some of the optional activities that are available here, such as 4x4 excursions, absailing, inflatable boat excursions or visit the traditional Xhosa craft centre.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Hotel
Optional Activities: 4x4 excursion, absailing, boat excursions and many more

Day 13 ZUURBERG PASS, ADDO [Lodge B]
Departing early we make our way towards the dense valley-bushveld of the Eastern Cape and head to the Addo Elephant National Park. After exploring the park's wildlife on a game drive, we drive via the Zuurberg Pass, to our lodgings for the night.
Includes: Entrance fees
Overnight: Lodge
Distance/time: approx. 580km

Day 14 - 15 KNYSNA [Chalets B]
Today we make our way to the popular seaside town of Knysna. On the way, we stop at Bloukrans Bridge where you have the option of doing the highest bungi jump in the world (216m). In Knysna we have a chance to try the excellent locally grown oysters and brewed ale. There are various other optional activities to do here such as the "Featherbed" boat ride across the Knysna lagoon, abseiling off the cliffs at the Knysna heads or a township tour. Your tour leader will assist with bookings.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Lodge
Distance/time: approx. 350km
Optional Activities: Bungi Jumping, Abseiling ect.

Day 16 OUDTSHOORN [Chalets B]
Moving on to the Karoo town of Oudtshoorn we travel via the picturesque Outeniqua Pass on our way to visit one of the ostrich farms that made Oudtshoorn famous. We enjoy a tour around one of these farms and even try your hand at riding an ostrich! We also enjoy a tour into the Cango Caves to view the magnificent stalagmite and stalactite formations.
Includes: Congo Caves
Overnight: Chalets
Distance/time: approx. 140km
Optional Activities: Bungi Jumping, Abseiling ect.

Day 17 CAPE TOWN VIA STELLENBOSCH [Lodge B]
We depart early and make our way to our final destination - the "Mother City" of Cape Town. On our way we stop over at the second oldest town of South Africa, Stellenbosch. Here we have some time to walk around town, visit some of its attractions before having the option to go for wine tasting at one of the local wine farms. In the late afternoon we arrive at our destination. Cape Town has many exciting attractions such as the famous Table Mountain, Robben Island, the beautiful Kirstenbosch botanical gardens. The Cape Peninsula and much more. Your tour leader will assist with bookings. Spend your time here discovering all it has to offer.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Chalets
Distance/time: approx. 450km

Day 18 CAPE TOWN TOUR ENDS [ B]
Our tour ends after breakfast from the lodge and we part ways having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!

Please note:
The distance and travel times quoted above are an estimate only, and subject to local road conditions and photo stops!

PRE & POST TOUR ACCOMMODATION:
This tour departs from Pretoria, please make sure that you are there well ahead of the time. This tour ends in Cape Town.