Village des Artisans St-Pierre Main Market

Classic Southern Africa

All content by Intrepid

21 days (ex Johannesburg)

Destinations visited: Lesotho, Mozambique, South Africa, Cape Town, Swaziland, Johannesburg, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$7,060

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Description

Be immersed in the vibrant colours and infectious rhythms of Southern Africa on this classic journey down one of the world's most beautiful coastlines. Travel from Johannesburg to Cape Town via the Kruger National Park, Swaziland and Mozambique. Discover the brilliant diversity of the animal kingdom - from sleek predators to gentle herbivores - as well as the treasures of the natural world - from grassy savannas to dramatic rocky capes pounded by thundering waves. Meet the welcoming people of South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique and Lesotho, and learn about the local traditions and customs that are proudly being kept alive. With plenty of opportunity to rest in scenic vineyards and on golden beaches, this trip is a unique blend of adventure, exploration and relaxation.

Highlights

Be awe-struck by the Blyde River Canyon.
Go wild on a night safari through Kruger National Park.
Be enchanted by the smiles of the Swazi people.
Dive into clear waters off the Mozambique coast.
Hike South Africa's fertile mountain terrain.
Learn about the customs of the Xhosa people.
Visit Stellenbosch wineries to sample South African tipples.
Soak up the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Cape Town.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Johannesburg/Greater Kruger National Park

For those who arrive early, be sure to visit Johannesburg's Apartheid Museum. Then, journey through the spectacular Mpumalanga province along the famous Panorama Route. Stop at breathtaking Blyde River Canyon for stunning views over the region below.

Days 3-4 Kruger National Park

Enter prime game-viewing areas and seek out Africa's Big Five. An open-vehicle night drive is a chance to see the nocturnal activities of the many animals of the savanna.

Day 5 Swaziland/Hlane Royal National Park

Enjoy Swazi song and dance at a cultural village before continuing on to Hlane to track white rhinos on foot. At night, sleep soundly in a cosy lodge located in the grounds of the national park.

Days 6-7 Southern Mozambique

Cross the border into Mozambique, home to a stunning, sandy coastline with jade waters teeming with tropical fish. There's plenty of time here so choose to dive beneath the glistening waters to explore the pristine coral reefs or perhaps just relax and enjoy the lush surrounds.

Day 8 St Lucia Estuary

Explore the wetlands of the St Lucia Estuary, home to a huge diversity of animals. Why not join an optional boat cruise to see hippos and crocodiles basking on the banks.

Day 9 Durban

Travel to South Africa and visit Durban. Relax on the beach or take a stroll past the shops and cafes along the promenade.

Days 10-11 Drakensberg

Head out on a hike to explore Drakensburg's stunning mountain ranges, rich in plant and animal life.

Days 12-13 Lesotho Highlands

Pass through the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, home to elands, zebras, mongooses and hundreds of bird species. Opt to explore the markets or ride a pony to a local village in the highlands of the Kingdom of Lesotho.

Days 14-15 Wild Coast/Mazeppa Bay

Head to the Wild Coast and spend time relaxing on the beach, exploring stunning stretches of coastline and learning about the customs and culture of the local Xhosa people.

Day 16 Addo Elephant National Park

Once just an elephant sanctuary, the Addo Elephant National Park now also shelters buffaloes, leopards, rhinos and the fascinating flightless dung beetle.

Days 17-18 Garden Route/Tsitsikamma National Park

With old growth forests, superb sandy beaches and a range of optional adrenalin-packed activities, the Garden Route is sure to thrill. Visit breathtaking Tsitsikamma National Park, a top spot to see dolphins, porpoises and, at the right time of year, southern right whales.

Day 19 Oudtshoorn

Visit Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world. See impressive stalactites and stalagmites adorning the Cango Caves.

Day 20 Stellenbosch Wine Region

Relax amid the rows of vines in Africa's Stellenbosch winemaking region. Visit a vineyard to learn the secrets of making South Africa's legendary whites and reds.

Day 21 Cape Town

Discover Cape Town's mix of scenic coastline, striking mountains, colourful arts scene and cafe culture while reflecting on the exquisite Grand Garden Route.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nts), Chalet (5 nts), Lodge (5 nts), Permanent tented camp (2 nts), Resort (2 nts), Cottage (1 nt)

Transport

Overland vehicle

Budget

Allow USD $450 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$7,060

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