ITINERARY SOUTH AFRICA 33 day SAFARI Monday 1 August - Monday 5 September 2022

ITINERARY SOUTH AFRICA 33 day SAFARI
                          Monday 1 August – Monday 5 September 2022
DAY 1. Monday 1 August JOHANNESBURG - KRUGERSDORP
International Flight into Johannesburg, where you will picked up and then driven to our lodge in Krugersdorp

DAY 2. Tuesday 2 August KRUGERSDORP – DULLSTROOM
First we take a visit to Pretoria where we will visit the impressive Voortrekkers monument, and then the Kruger
house in downtown Pretoria. We then leave Pretoria via the Motorway until stopping for a short visit to Botshabelo
Reserve, one of the last remaining artistically decorated Ndebele villages.
* Overnight in a guesthouse in the beautifully artistic village of Dullstroom.

DAY 3. Wednesday 3 August DULLSTROOM – BLYDE RIVER CANYON
Today will include many stops at the numerous panoramic lookout points along the scenic Blyde river Canyon
route. Included are Burke Luke’s Potholes, God’s window and more.
* Overnight in Blyde River Canyon lodge, with view on the Blyde River Canyon and its three Rondavels,
  impressive rock formations that resemble de huts of the local populations.

DAY 4. Thursday 4 August BLYDE RIVER CANYON – KNP (SATARA)
We’ll enter Kruger National Park via the Orpen Gate.
A definite highlight of the S.A. tour is the next four remarkable days. We shall drive on safari, pausing at will to
appreciate and photograph the wonderful scenery, wildlife, plants and birds. To begin our relaxed overland safari,
we’ll enter Kruger N.P. via the most Western entrance and drive southward, through to the centre of this world
famous National Park. It is a lifetime experience to be enriched by the abundance of wildlife in the southern and
middle areas of K.N.P. Each day we will rise early, making best use of the cool mornings, which is without doubt,
the absolute best time for spotting wildlife. Meals will be taken as we pass various lodges. Around dusk, we will
return to our designated lodge. However the wild life viewing is not over for the day yet. The lodges are well
protected by electric fences – so bring a strong torch, as it is a thrilling adventure during the night, to search for
wildlife … on the other side of the fence!
* The first of two nights at Satara Lodge.

DAY 5. Friday 5 August KNP SATARA
Morning Safari Drive in an open 4 wheel drive from the lodge. At lunchtime we return to our lodge and after lunch
we take our own vehicles for a safari drive. A night safari drive can be an optional activity (let us know in advance,
when you pay the deposit, so that we can make the reservation at the same time we make the reservations for
accommodations.)
* The second of two nights at Satara Lodge.

DAY 6. Saturday 6 August KNP SATARA - LOWER SABIE
As we slowly drive our way to Lower Sabie Lodge which is located in the south of the park, we will pause to
encounter a myriad of animals and visit a dam lookout. Lunch will be taken in one of the many lodges.
* The first of two nights at Lower Sabie Lodge.

DAY 7. Sunday 7 August KNP LOWER SABIE
In the morning we do a walk Safari guided by rangers. At lunchtime we return to our lodge and after lunch we take
our own vehicles for a safari drive or we may do a walking Safari upon availability. Also here as in Satara, a night
safari drive can be an optional activity (let us know in advance, when you pay the deposit, so that we can make the
reservation at the same time we make the reservations for accommodations.).
* The second of two nights at Lower Sabie Lodge.

DAY 8. Monday 8 August KNP LOWER SABIE – SWAZILAND (Mbabane)
Today we cross the border into green and mountainous Swaziland. We’ll be welcomed by friendly Bantus and rich
and beautiful landscapes. We’ll stay near the capital Mbabane, (pronounced M-ba-bane) in a beautiful lodge.
* The first of two nights in a lodge near Mbabane, the capital.

DAY 9. Tuesday 9 August SWAZILAND
Look forward to today’s visit to a Swazi cultural village, where we will learn a bit more about the Swazi and their
energetic cultural dancing.

The afternoon is a good chance to spend time finding the right curios for house & home, or friends and relatives.
Swazi people have a deft hand to produce beautiful arts and curios.
* The second of two nights in a lodge near Mbabane, the capital.

DAY 10 Wednesday 10 August SWAZILAND – ST. LUCIA Estuary
We leave Swaziland at the Lamuvisa border post and drive to the east coast through part of Zululand to the beautiful
Estuary of St. Lucia. A walk along the estuary is on the day’s program.
* Overnight in St. Lucia Accommodation

DAY 11 Thursday 11 August ST LUCIA – DURBAN
A vist to Dingane’s Kraal gives an important glimpse into Zulu history and culture, as well as offering insights into
traditional South African settlements in general. The site also marks the place where land negotiations with the
Voortrekkers took place. It is not far from Reverend Owen’s mission, from where he witnessed the death of Piet
Retief on the notorious kwaMatiwane, or ‘hill of execution’. There is a monument and memorial to the Boers who
died there. Afternoon visit of DURBAN.
* Overnight in DURBAN accommodation

DAY 12. Friday 12 August DURBAN – GOLDEN GATE NP
Today before reaching Golden Gate NP, we stop at a Basotho cultural village, where we can experience first-hand,
various South African cultures. Later today we end up in the heart of Golden Gate National Park, among
fascinatingly sculptured, tall earth pillars and monoliths. You will be delighted as light, shape and shadow play
with your imagination.
* Two nights Golden Gate National Park Lodge.

DAY 13. Thursday 13 August GOLDEN GATE NP
Today includes morning and afternoon walks, to give you a closer look at this amazing scenery. Those who love
natural architecture and geology will always dream of returning to Golden Gate National Park. For horse lovers,
there is a self-pay option to explore the park by horseback.
After a delicious lunch at the Golden Gate Hotel, you may choose to spend the afternoon writing postcards,
organising your washing, taking a short walk, or just chilling out in relaxed mode as you enjoy this stunning
scenery from the terrace of your chalet.

DAY 14. Friday 14 August GOLDEN GATE NP - KIMBERLEY
In Kimberley you will be amazed by “The Big Hole” and the resurrected pioneer town, where 19th century fortune
seekers extracted a massive 14.5 million karat of diamonds. Enjoy good reliable diamond and gem shopping to suit
your budget or perhaps for a “special engagement” coming up?
* Overnight in Kimberley city accommodation

DAY 15. Saturday 15 August KIMBERLEY – GROBBLERSHOOP
We drive along one of the old routes of Livingstone. It is dotted with the relics he left behind, including old
churches and museums. We’ll visit the Moffat museum in Griquastad.
Further in Globblershoop we have a wine tasting from one of the Orange River wineries.
* Overnight in a guest lodge in Grobblershoop

DAY 16. Sunday 16 August GROBBLERSHOOP – AUGRABIES NP
We drive further to the remote area of West South Africa and head into spectacular and desolate semi-desert areas.
We have a stopover in Upington to visit its local pioneer museum, the “Kalahari Oranje museum”, after which we
drive on along canals and the small settlement of Kanonkop to arrive finally at Augrabies National Park, where we
inspect the famous waterfall.
* Two nights Augrabies National Park Lodge.

DAY 17. Monday 17 August AUGRABIES NP
During the morning we explore more of the many scenic viewpoints. At some stops we’ll take small strolls or
hikes, including stunning lookouts over the Orange river canyons that are situated in this beautiful national park.
During the afternoon, enjoy a round trip hike towards Moonrock, and then back to the Chalets.

DAY 18. Tuesday 18 August AUGRABIES - KAMIESKROON
After a stop at scenic Pella, we continue our journey and have a lunch stop in Springbok.

From Springbok it is only an 80km drive to Kamieskroon, where we will visit the nearby flower reserve of
“Schilpad”
* Overnight in the Kamieskroon hotel.

DAY 19. Wednesday 19 August KAMIESKROON – NIEUWOUDTVILLE
Travelling tar and gravel roads to best advantage, we’ll encounter more unforgettable scenes of wildflowers.
We climb almost 600m the Van Rhijns pas between Van Rhijnsdorp and Nieuwoudtville. The summit is at 825m.
Nieuwoudtville is one of the centres for the Namaqualand flower explosion during August and September.
* Two nights B&B, Nieuwoudtville.

DAY 20. Thursday 20 August NIEUWOUDTVILLE
Today if you think you are in heaven….then you probably are. For a good part of the day, our ankles will be
massaged by wildflowers. The flower explosions can be anytime from the beginning of August until the end of
September, usually over a period of 5 to 7 weeks. Our senses of smell and sight, will be awakened and soothed by
perfume and colour. As we amble through the wild flowers, we’ll pass through a couple of canyons, which
includes a waterfall, and a quiver tree forest.
This is undoubtedly, a day for flower lovers and photographers.

DAY 21. Friday 21 August NIEUWOUDTVILLE - LAMBERTSBAY
Inland after leaving Nieuwoudtville, we negotiate less travelled roads through beautiful scenery and passes to
reach Clanwilliam and its unique rooibos factory where you can buy rooibos and have some rooibos tastings.
We bezoeken Lambertsbay harbour with its abundant birdlife such as the Cape Gannet, jackass penguin and
cormorants
* Overnight in a Lamberts Bay Hotel

DAY 22. Saturday 22 August LAMBERTSBAY - PAARL
After an early morning breakfast, we’ll drive first to Elandsbay and its beautiful “verloren vlei” nature reserve with
an abundance of waterfowl waar we een stop houden. Then on to Paarl to our lovely guesthouse situated on a
winery amid grapes, olives and an ancient pure water spring. We get acquainted with the owners Louis and Lana and
their multi-operational enterprises.
In the evening we drive into Paarl for dinner. At some stage during our stay, Lana our farm stay hostess will serve
us a delicious serving of her famous 100% homemade South African milk tart. From experience – YUM!
* First of two nights Paarl farm stay

DAY 23. Sunday 23 August PAARL
We’ll visit the Language monument, Paarl town and in the afternoon, take a guided tour at KWV winery, where we
can sample and buy some of their notable wines.
* Second of two nights Paarl farm stay

DAY 24. Monday 24 August PAARL - HOUTBAY
Today we drive to Stellenbosch for a morning stroll through streets that are adorned with beautiful Cape Dutch
buildings. Later we drive to Houtbay and visit on the way the world famous Kirstenbosh botanical Gardens.
* First of three nights at Houtbay in a Hotel

DAY 25. Tuesday 25 August HOUTBAY
Today we visit Table Mountain, take the cable car to the top, where we can walk comfortably, and take in the
beautiful views of Capetown and may observe the cute rock dassies. After lunch we’ll visit Capetown Gardens, the
old Fort and stopover at Groot Constantia for another wine tour and tastings. Groot Constantia may be visited the
day before or after, depending on timing and weather.
* Second of three nights at Houtbay in a Hotel

DAY 26. Wednesday 26 August HOUTBAY
Today our tour of the Cape Peninsula will first include a drive along the spectacular coastal road, after which we
visit the Cape of Good Hope where you have a ride up to the lighthouse and a walk to the second most southern
point of Africa.
We then visit Simonstown and many of the historic buildings before returning to our chalets in HoutBay.
* Third of three nights at Houtbay in a Hotel

DAY 27 Thursday 27 August HOUTBAY – OUDTSHOORN via Swellendam and Calitzdorp

We drive via Swellendam and Calitzdorp, the town of port wine, to Oudtshoorn via some spectacular mountain
scenery.
* First of two nights at an Oudtshoorn hotel

DAY 28. Friday 28 August OUDTSHOORN
A memorable visit to the cheetah farm (especially if you opt for the optional self-pay cheetah encounter).
Then onto the Cango Caves and Ostrich farm and finally, Oudtshoorn town.
* Second of two nights at an Oudtshoorn hotel

DAY 29. Saturday 29 August OUDTSHOORN - KNYSNA
From Oudtshoorn we drive along some pountainpasses to Avontuur and then via the Prince Alfred’s pass to
Knysna. * Overnight in Knysna

DAY 30. Saturday 30 August KNYSNA – CAPE AGULHAS
First we have a stop in Mosselbay, where Bartholomeus Diaz first set foot in Africa. We then drive to Swellendam,
turn south along the rural roads to the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas.

DAY 31. Saturday 31 August AGULHAS - HERMANUS
First after breakfast we visit the lighttower and the rough Agulhas coast. We drive along inland roads to where the
Right Southern whales come yearly to feed and play. Our timing is perfect, and so there is a very high chance to
see whales.
* First of two nights at a Hermanus hotel

 DAY 32. Sunday 1 September HERMANUS
Whale watching, cliff hike and time to relax over a coffee, wine or beer in the town square while overlooking the
cliffs and sea where the whales linger. For those who haven’t yet bought enough souvenirs, Hermanus has a great
souvenir market for last minute shopping.
* Second of two nights at a Hermanus hotel

DAY 33. Monday 2 September HERMANUS – Fly out from Capetown
Today we drive to the airport in Capetown and fly out to our home country.

                                   THANK YOU FOR JOINING THE SAFARI
NATURE OF THE TRIP
As guides and drivers, we look forward to sharing an enjoyable and adventurous trip with you. South Africa has it all,
incredible majestic nature, wildlife, and flower carpets of unrivalled beauty. This trip is an intensive exploration of
nature and wildlife.
Unexpected encounters with wildlife during a walking safari or during guided safari drives make certain precautionary
rules necessary. We ask participants to trust and follow the advice of guides and locals, and to respect the environment
and wildlife. This ensures not only your own safety, but the safety of all concerned.

YOUR GUIDES
Dirk and Marie will be your tour guides, however at some locations such as in the Kruger NP we will at times be
guided by local Rangers.

MEALS
All breakfasts are included. No lunches or dinners are included.

CHARITY
You are encouraged to bring (or buy locally) food, clothing, children’s soft toys, shoes or anything you think may
benefit the locals. Each tour group member is free to offer their gifts as they feel moved.

INSURANCES
Comprehensive travel insurance is a compulsory requirement, to guard against accidents, sickness, emergency
return trip expenses, cancellation and for any lost or damaged luggage and personal effects.

DOCUMENTS

An international passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date. New Zealanders DO need a visa
for South Africa. Vaccinations are not required for South Africa. However if you have had recent vaccinations,
bring copies of certificates. Also bring back-up photocopies of your visa and passport.

PRICE:
NZ$ 6,950
Deposit: NZ$4,000. Payment before 30th May 2021. Besides securing your seat, this payment is used to pay
(18months in advance), all accommodation deposits, for final confirmation of accommodation reservations.
Balance of NZ$2,950 to be paid before 30th April 2022

PRICE INCLUDES:
Transport by luxury van with ample seating for 10 people.
All government taxes
All accommodation
All entrance fees into National parks & reserves
All excursions as mentioned in the itinerary.
All breakfasts

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
All return airfares and transfers from home country to Johannesburg. All departure taxes, entry visas.
All Dinners and lunches.
Drinks, water bottles, snacks and lunches eaten out
Travel and medical insurance, personal expenses, personal tips or gifts
Personal medication (Basic first aid kit will be carried).

GROUP
The touring group will consist of a maximum of 6 people, plus Dirk and Marie.

ACCOMMODATION
33 nights in Lodge/Hotel and guesthouse accommodation. All accommodation is tourist class.
All accommodation is on a twin/double share basis.

TRANSPORT
A 12 seater van (air-conditioned). The group will operate a seating rotation, to guarantee a most varied way to
observe nature and wildlife.

CLIMATE:
Most of South Africa has a dry climate. August has day temperatures up to 25ºC (30º in the Lowveld such as the
Kruger NP). It is hot and dry, but the nights are cool, and in the semi-desert areas it may cool down overnight to just
above zero, so ensure you bring a warm jacket.

HEALTH
This is your responsibility. It is advisable to see your Traveler’s Medical/Vaccination Centre or your Doctor.
Normally there are no malaria infested areas in Botswana during the winter period and risk is very minimal.
Lodges will provide sleeping mosquito nets in areas where any risk may be considered. As a precaution, cover up
during dusk and dawn. Mosquitos do not come out during the day.
We advise you to bring or buy locally, mosquito/insect repellent. We can recommend ‘SAFE’ a highly effective
and completely natural insect repellent made by hebebotanicals.co.nz, Phone +64 6 364 6690, Otaki. NZ,

BUDGET / MONEY
You can pre-exchange South African Rand at your bank. There is every change to cash up through ATMs in
various towns. In Kruger and the other NP parks that we visit, the ATMs only accept local cards. (Travelers
cheques can be very difficult to cash on route). Most lodges and hotels accept visa card. Rand cash will be required
for souvenir shopping, village shopping and meals, drinks, personal matters. US$ is accepted by larger outlets.
Your daily needs for meals, etc, will be approx. NZ$40, totaling in all, approx. NZ$1,000. Swaziland accepts SA
Rand.

WHAT TO BRING Lots of smiles….you will need them all.
➢ Easy loose summer clothing for the day (shorts and T-shirt). One thin cotton, long sleeve shirt and long cotton

trousers for sun protection. A warm sweater and/or jacket for the mornings and evenings. Light closed in sports
    shoes with socks for walking.
➢   Swimming costume, peaked sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
➢   A small day backpack and an attachable hands-free water bottle for walking.
➢   Binoculars.
➢   Your personal medication and first aid requirements
➢   A small bar of soap for hand washing clothes. Clothes dry super quick! Clothes can be washed at the lodges for a
    reasonable price.
➢   Bathroom kit: Lip salve, body cream. Sealable packet of wet wipes. (not always readily available).
➢   A few small items for gifting or trading such as small solar powered items, pocket knives which are loved by carvers,
    wrist watch, pens, food and clothing items etc..

PHOTO and FILM EQUIPMENT
It is best to bring all requirements with you. Everything in this respect will be more expensive and only available at
either the bigger malls or lodges. It will be the policy of the tour not to pay for photos (except commercial shows) and
to respect those few, not wishing to be photographed.

ELECTRICITY
Electricity is available everywhere. Be sure to bring extra batteries for your equipment.
Electricity is 240 volt, 50 hertz. The plug in sockets for rechargers accept a three poled round plug. It is best to bring
an international adapter set.

FURTHER QUESTIONS? … Don’t hesitate to contact us. (i.e. special dietary requests.)
NB: We reserve the right to change the itinerary if circumstances or safety demand.
A 5% surcharge may be added in case of price inflation for vehicles and lodges