Explore the majestic scenery of the Drakensberg Mountains by embarking on moderate hikes in various sectors of the mountain. Get to know the Zulu culture by visiting a village, learn about bushman rock paintings and visit the Sani pass along with the highest pub in Africa. Then relax in a private luxury game reserve. A perfect experience not to be missed for those who want to mix a little bit of adventure, hikes, safaris and culture.
| Pick up: | Johannesburg – South Africa |
| Drop off: | Johannesburg – South Africa |
| Type of tour: | Midrange accommodation |
| Tour language: | English, French or Spanish |
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Welcome to Johannesburg! Today you will be received by your guide who will also show you the most amazing corners of the biggest city in Africa which is also known as the city of gold. One of our first stops will be vibrant suburb of Maboneng, a seSotho word meaning “place of light”. This magical urban neighborhood is the center of creative energy with a mix of restaurants, coffee shops, clothing boutiques, art galleries, retail and studio space. We will have lunch in one of the best restaurants of the prescient before discovering the old city center on foot where you will see Johannesburg’s oldest buildings and learn their history. This will be followed by some street art sightings that are scattered around the area and also around the city. We will then head towards our accommodation in the area of Mellville, a bohemian suburb known for its exciting bars, trendy restaurants and thriving student social scene. Dinner will be in a restaurant in town.
Today we leave after breakfast and head towards the first stop in the Drakensberg Mountains, the Sentinel Peak. The Sentinel Peak is one of the icons of the northern section of the Drakensberg, with a height of 3,166m. It stands guard at the western end of the famous mountain formation called the Amphitheater. It is also home to the Tugela Falls, the second-highest waterfall in the world! Upon arrival, we will have lunch and then check into our cottages for the next two nights. In the afternoon, we will depart on a short walk to see the Mahai Falls. An easy round trip walk that will take us between 2 -3 hours across a beautiful valley with stunning views and waterfalls. We will head back to the lodge late in the afternoon for some free time before dinner.
After breakfasts, we will depart for the whole day in one of the best hikes of the country: the ascension to the Amphitheater where the second highest waterfall, the Tugela, is born. We take a car up to Sentinel Car Park and simply follow the well-worn path, up to the right of the witches, toward Sentinel, where the zig-zags take their toll, skirting around the base of Sentinel, along the contour path to the chain ladder. Once at the chain ladder, it will take us another 45 min before reaching the stunning views from Tugela and parts of the Drakensberg Mountains. When we reach the view point of the falls, we will enjoy our picnic lunch and enjoy the surroundings before its time to head back using the same path. We should arrive to our lodge at the end of the afternoon for some free time before dinner.
Today we'll continue our Drakensberg adventure by heading to the Royal Natal National Park. The park has some of the best mountain scenery in Africa. The main feature is the world famous Amphitheater, a rock wall approximately 5km in length, and 500m high. Before arriving to our accommodation we will be doing a cultural stop in one of the local Zulu villages where you will get to learn more about this culture. Talk to the villagers and witness their daily life activities before enjoying a nice traditional lunch. We'll then proceed to our accommodation, do our checking in and depart on a short and easy hike inside the Royal Natal Park. After our walk, we'll head back to our chalets, where you will have some free time before dinner.
On this day we wake up early, have our breakfast and make our picnic lunch. We will embark the whole day on our gorge walk, the most picturesque walk inside the Royal Natal National Park. A 14km round trip hike, in a very easy terrain, in order to admire the whole Amphitheater from it's base. The path winds along, above and parallel with the Tugela River. Not long after crossing the intersection stream from Devil's Hoek, look out for the Policeman's Helmet on the high ground to the right overlooking Vemvaan Valley. The last 1 600m through the gorge entails three crossings of the river which is also perfect for those who would like to take a refreshing swim. We'll enjoy our picnic lunch, spend time in the river and with the amazing views before heading back the same way to our camp and arrive in the middle of the afternoon. Free time before dinner.
We'll leave the Northern area of the Drakensberg Mountains and head toward the central area, to the lovely Giant's Castle Nature Reserve, home of the eland and the majestic bearded vulture. Giant's Castle Camp is situated on a gassy plateau among the deep valleys running down from the face of the High Drakensberg, offering glorious views for hikers and mountain climbers. The area is steeped in history, and superb rock art is high among its special attractions. Upon arrival, we'll check-in and then proceed with a nice lunch. In the afternoon, we will embark on a 2-hour easy walk to go and see the famous bushman rock paintings of the area. Enjoy the rest of the day at the camp before dinner time.
Today we will heads towards the little town of Underberg, the gateway for the famous Sani Pass. Our accommodation for two nights will be in a little horse farm just outside of town. After our lunch, you will have the rest of the day at leisure. Either do a small hike in the area with your guide, or book a horse ride experience with the farm at your own expense.
Today we will embark on a full day epic adventure to discover the famous Sani Pass. It is literally the mother of all South African mountain passes. Statistically and in every sense, it out distances, out climbs, and out performs all it's competitors with consummate ease to have become the most iconic gravel pass in South Africa. Situated between the province of Kwa-zulu Natal and Lesotho the pass was built circa 1950 and remains a challenging drive in 4x4 vehicles with all the drama, scenery, bad weather and treacherous conditions expected of a pass with a summit altitude of 2876m above the sea level. Also, let's not forget, home to the highest pub in Africa. Lunch will be at your own expense on this day at the restaurant. After lunch we will descend the pass and head back to our lodge for our last night in the area.
We'll leave the Drakensberg Mountains and head towards our final stop of the tour, the Nambiti Game Reserve, where we will be spending two nights. The reserve is set in KwaZulu-Natal on 23 000 magnificent acres near the town of Ladysmith. This reserve boasts the attractions of the Big Five, the only one in the area to do so. Nambiti’s biodiversity which encompasses grasslands, riverine bush, savannah and thornveld, ensures a thrilling and unprecedented diversity of game (there are 40 other game species besides the Big Five) and is a birders paradise. We will check into our accommodation and enjoy a light lunch before heading for our first game drive in the afternoon. The next day, we will embark on morning and afternoon game drives, and during the hot hours of the day you can enjoy the pool of the lodge or simply enjoy the lodge's facilities.
Wake up early in the morning for a last morning game drive in the Nambiti Game Reserve. Then we will have our breakfast and head towards the city of Johannesburg. Lunch will be along the way at your own expense. We expect to be back at the end of the day. Enjoy the last free time before heading to a restaurant in town for our last meal as a group. End the tour after dinner.
