Group Size: 4 – 12 participnts

km = kilometer

Day 1              Arrival in Johannesburg

Arrival at Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport, where the driver is expecting you for the transfer to Airport Game Lodge. The remainder of the day and evening is at leisure.

Airport Game Lodge

Distance by bus 10 km, duration 0.25 h

Day 2              East-wards to Mpumalanga!

After Breakfast you will leave for the 6 hour transfer east-ward into the province of Mpumalanga. Mountains, Panorama-Passes, green valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests are typical for the landscape here. In the afternoon you will reach the view point God‘s Window, located at the famous Panorama Route. The view into the lowveld 700 meters below you is breath-taking. Afterwards a short hike will take you to the Mac Mac waterfalls, gushing 50 meters down the green and reddish rock walls. A rewarding excursion! (B,L,D)

Graskop Hotel 3*

Hike est. 1 h (easy)

Distance by bus 420 km, duration 6.5 h

Day 3-5           Blyde River Canyon & Kruger National Park

In the early morning you put on your hiking shoes to explore the Blyde River Canyon. The path leads down into the Canyon, one of the big wonders of Africa’s nature. After a picnic with a view you continue to the lodge.

The biggest nature reserve in South Africa – the Kruger National Park – is known to have the biggest biodiversity and is home to 16 different eco-systems. You can find the „Big 5“ in the park – lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo and leopard –  as well as more than 500 different species of birds, 114 reptiles and many different fish species. Day 5 is dedicated to animal  viewing and game drives. You will swop the tour bus for an open safari vehicle and explore the southern part of the Park.

Another highlight of the tour awaits you the next morning. WIth a local ranger you will undertake a hike through the bush. He will familiarise you with reading the game tracks and tell you stories about life in the bush. (B,L,D)

Makuwa Safari Lodge

Hike Blyde River Canyon est.3.5 h

Bush Hike est. 3 – 4 h

Distance by bus 250 km, duration 3 h

Day 6-7           Welcome to the Kingdom of Eswatini!

On the way to Eswatini you will pass lush orchards. The transfer ends at the Malolotja Nature Reserve in the mountains of Eswatini. The reserve is known for ist huge variety of habitats from the flas grasslands to thick bush and rain forests. You will spend two nights at the border of the reserve.

What would be a better way to explore the reserve than on foot? You hike along the undulating hills of the Malolotja-Reserve to a beatiful waterfall.

The Swazi are known for a very rich cultural heritage. You visit a local craft market while your tour guide gives you insights into the Swazi culture. (B,L,D)

Mountain Chalets Hawane

Hike est.. 4 – 6 h some uneven and steep streches

Distance by bus 360 km, duration 4 h

Day 8-10         Welcome to the Zululand Kingdom!

Today you continue further south-wards. You re-enter South Afica and arrive at a lodge in the private reserve Ukuwel. You can strech your legs and relax a bit before you start a bush hike in the afternoon. Together with a local guide you can spot some of the 540 bird species that call the reserve their home. If you are lucky you might even see the shy Nyala antilope close to the Msinene river.

You will learn more about the critically endangered Rhino. The Hluhluwe National Park aims to protect the 1.600 rhinos that live here. You will also visit a traditional Zulu Village. Some old African cultures can still be found here and you can try so communicate with some of the village people. (B,L,D)

Zululand Lodge

Hike est. 2 – 3 h

Distance by bus 295 km, duration 6 h

Day 11                        360° Durban

You leave Zululand behind you and continue towards the coast to Durban, the third biggest city in South Africa. In Durban you visit the Moses Madhida Stadium which was built for the soccer workdcup 2021. An unbelievable construction makes it possible to climb to the top of the stadium and enjoy a 360° view of the city and ist surroundings. Optional: if you are brave enough you can use the Big Rush Swing, to get a different perspective of the stadium.

Afterwards you will stroll along the promenade and experience a new South Africa like you have not seen so far on this tour. (B)

Misty Blue Waterfront Hotel & Spa

Hike est. 1 – 2 h

Distance by bus 280 km, duration 3.5 h

Day 12-13       Via Cape Town to Hermanus

Depending on the time of the flight you will leave the hotel and transfer to King Shaka International Airport. Flight to Cape Town where a driver will expect you in the arrival hall. The drive will lead via the picturesque coastal road to Hermanus. Visit the penguin colony in Betty’s Bay. Hermanus is known for land based whale whatching. The Southern Right Whales come to these waters to mate and give birth from June to November. In Hermanus you take a stroll along the coastal cliff path before we stop at a restaurant. The next day you will visit the Rivendell Estate wine farm. Soouth Africa produces very good and well known wines. You will learn about the wine production and will also be able to taste the wine. (B)

Windsor Hotel

Distance by bus 420 km, duration 4 h

Day 14            The Cape of Good Hope

You will leave Hermanus and continue towards Cape Town. The city with ist 3.8 million inhabitants is a colourful mix of cultures and lifestyles. Cape Town is said to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. You put on your hiking shoes to explore the famous Cape of Good Hope. The ocean is rough and wild , the coastline picturesque. (B)

Inn on the Square Hotel

Hike est. 4-5 h

Distance by bus 220 km, duration 4 h

Day 15                        Table Mountain

The majestic Table Mountain is a Must See for every visitor to Cape Town. You have a early start today for the hike up the world famous Table Mountain. The well-known Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is our gateway via Skeleton Gorge to the top of the mountain. The climb will be rewarded with fantastic views of Cape Town. Via the Kasteel Poort you will hike down to Kloof Nek. If the weather allows you will have a good view of Cape Town, the bay and even the former prison island Robben Island. If you feel tired of the climb there is also the option to descent with the cable car (not included). For dinner you can taste game meat – for example Kudu, Ostrich or Nyala, depending on the menu. (B)

Inn on the Square Hotel

Hike est. 6 h

Distance by bus 20 km, Duration 0.5 h

Tag 16             Goodbye, Africa

A colorful, cultural and diverse tour comes to an end. Today you have to say Goodbye to Africa and start your home journey. (B)

Distance by bus 30 km, duration 1 h

Accommodation subject to availability

The tour visits two different climate zones. In August it pleasantly warm and dry (20-22°C) in Eastern South Africa while it can be wet and cold in the Western Cape. From September to November it is warm and dry (25-30°C9 in Eastern South Africa while it is pleasantly warm and dry in the Western Cape (22-27°C). In February is can be warm and humid (23-28°C) in the East, in the West warm and dry with 23-30°C.

For the hikes you will need some surefootedness and a medium fitness level.