Please Note:
This itinerary should be used as a guide
only and may vary from day to day depending on road & weather conditions,
political situations and group decisions.
All prices & Local Payments are subject
to change with prior notice.
Due to Tourism Laws in some of the
countries we visit, there may be a truck and crew change during the trip.
DAY 1: Johannesburg
Our trip begins with a visit to the
Voortrekker Monument in the “jacaranda city” Pretoria, Tshwane. This monument
commemorates the Great Trek. Between 1835 and 1854, thousands of mainly Dutch
pioneers (Voortrekkers) left the Cape Colony to escape the newly imposed British
rule and to search for new grazing lands and a better life for themselves and
their families. We then visit Church Square, the historic centre and the Union
Buildings, the official seat of the South African government.
DAY 2: Johannesburg to Blyde River
Canyon (B / L / D)
Leaving Johannesburg, we head into
Mpumulanga - known for some of the most picturesque landscapes in South Africa.
We stop off in the old gold mining town of Pilgrim’s Rest. Founded in 1873 when
gold was discovered, this town grew rapidly as prospectors flocked to the area.
Once the gold deposits had been depleted, the town almost became a ghost town.
However, in recent years, it has been restored to its former glory and is now a
major tourist attraction in this area. From here, we make our way to Bourke’s
Luck Potholes - a natural rock formation created by the confluence of two local
streams. Our campsite for the night offers spectacular views of the Blyde River
Canyon.
DAY 3: Blyde River Canyon to Timbavi
Bush Camp (B / L / D)
Leaving the Blyde River, we head to the
Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. Here we’re briefed on the excellent work
this centre does in the research and breeding of various endangered species
including cheetah, wild dog, lion, African wild cats, ground hornbills and sable
antelope. From here, we travel to our camp in a private concession area
adjacent to the Kruger National Park. There are no fences between the camps and
the park and animals roam freely between the two. Tomorrow we begin our
‘mini-ranger’s course’ and learn more about the surrounding bushveld.
DAY 4: Timbavi Bush Camp
(B / L / D)
After an early morning wake up call and
we embark on an early morning Game drive. Camp Timbavi Safari Lodge borders on
the Kruger National Park and animals roam freely between this private concession
area and the National Park. On our return to the camp, we enjoy a full breakfast
followed by a late morning game drive. In the afternoon, we are entertained with
discussions on guiding practices and conservation followed by an evening of
exploring the southern skies through a telescope.
DAY 5: Timbavi Bush Camp
(B / L / D)
This morning’s activities start with an
early morning bush walk where the guide will teach us to read the animal tracks
and explain different aspects of each animal’s behaviour. The walk will be
broken by a bush breakfast, before continuing with more information on the local
fauna & flora. The afternoon sees us learning about bush survival, first aid
and how to treat snake bites! This evening we enjoy a game drive before eating
out under African skies.
DAY 6: Timbavi Bush Camp to Mlilwane
Wildlife Sanctuary (Swaziland)
(B / L / D)
We leave the scenic bush veld and head
to the Kingdom of Swaziland. After crossing the border, we explore the local
markets and a well known glass factory, before reaching our destination at the
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. We’ll overnight in the Beehive Village in grass
dome-shaped (beehive) huts.
DAYS 7 & 8: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
(B / L / D)
Over the next two days we visit the
local community centre where we truly get to experience Swazi culture. We help
out wherever we’re needed, from helping to paint classrooms, assisting with
teaching or just playing football with the local kids.
DAY 9: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary to
Johannesburg (South Africa)
(B)
After saying our goodbyes we begin our
long journey back to Johannesburg. Here we spend our last evening at our
leisure.
DAY 10: Johannesburg
(B)
After breakfast, we exchange addresses
and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!
We suggest you spend this day taking in
some more of what Johannesburg has to offer. Take a trip to the Lion Park or
learn about some of South Africa’s recent history by visiting the inspiring
Apartheid Museum. Alternatively, take a trip through historic Soweto, a city
within a city and the only place where Two Nobel Laureates lived on the same
street!
