20 days tour

South African Explorer - South - Camping & Accommodated

South African Explorer - South - Camping & Accommodated

This tour includes:

Meals

"Included in your tour are three meals a day (unless otherwise specified on your tour dossier). If you have any special requirements, please inform us at the time of your booking. We unfortunately cannot cater for requests at the start of the tour. Special Requirements Please confirm to us in writing if you are a vegetarian or if you suffer from any allergies (i.e nuts, milk, fish) (i.e. vegetarian), allergies (i.e. nuts, milk, fish). Where possible our guides do try and accommodate clients with intolerances (i.e. gluten, lactose), however we cannot guarantee the availability of specialty foods en-route and we therefore recommend you to bring these items with you or purchase them prior to departing on your tour. Likes and dislikes in food preferences cannot be accommodated; only allergies and life threatening situations will be regarded. "

Others

Qualified crew Filtered water Transport in the Nomad truck Included highlights as per the itinerary Entrance fees to National Parks.

Accommodation

Day 1 โ€“ Greater Kruger National Park: Nkambeni Reserve http://www.nkambeni.com Day 2 - Kruger National Park: Nkambeni Reserve http://www.nkambeni.com Day 3 - Kruger National Park: Nkambeni Reserve http://www.nkambeni.com Day 4 โ€“ Kruger to Eswatini: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary http://www.biggameparks.org/mlilwane/ OR Hlane Royal National Park https://biggameparks.org/properties/hlane-royal-national-park-1 Day 5 โ€“ Eswatini โ€“ Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary http://www.biggameparks.org/mlilwane/ OR Hlane Royal National Park https://biggameparks.org/properties/hlane-royal-national-park-1 Day 6 โ€“ Eswatini - St Lucia: Shonalanga http://www.shonalanga.net Day 7 - Hluhluwe โ€“ Umfolozi Game Reserve / iSimangaliso Wetland Park: Shonalanga http://www.shonalanga.net Day 8 - UKhahlamba Drakensberg Park: Himeville Arms https://www.premierhotels.co.za/hotels/kwazulu-natal/himeville-arms/ OR Monks Cowl http://www.goodersonleisure.co.za/gooderson-monks-cowl-golf-resort Day 9 - UKhahlamba Drakensberg Park: Himeville Arms https://www.premierhotels.co.za/hotels/kwazulu-natal/himeville-arms/ OR Monks Cowl http://www.goodersonleisure.co.za/gooderson-monks-cowl-golf-resort Day 10 - Lesotho โ€“ Malealea: Malealea Lodge http://www.malealea.com Day 11 - Lesotho โ€“ Malealea: Malealea Lodge http://www.malealea.com Day 12 - South Africa โ€“ Graaff Reinet: Profcon Resort http://www.profconresort.co.za/ Day 13 - Greater Addo Elephant National Park area: Kudu Ridge Lodge http://www.kuduridge.co.za Day 14 โ€“ Greater Addo Elephant National Park area: Kudu Ridge Lodge http://www.kuduridge.co.za Day 15 - Tsitsikamma National Park: Tsitsikamma Village Inn http://www.tsitsikammavillageinn.co.za/ Day 16 โ€“ Tsitsikamma National Park: Tsitsikamma Village Inn http://www.tsitsikammavillageinn.co.za/ Day 17 - Heart of the Garden Route: Kleinplaas Holiday Resort http://www.kleinplaas.co.za Day 18 โ€“ Oudtshoorn: Aan de Eike Guest House https://www.adlc.co.za/swellendam-accommodation/aan-de-eike-guest-house/ Day 19 โ€“ Route 62 โ€“ Hermanus: Stanford Valley Guest Farm http://stanfordvalley.co.za/ Day 20 โ€“ The Cape Whale Coast Route: Own arrangements

Transport

"Travelling in our purpose built Nomad Trucks The transportation on tour is a major component of all our tours. These tours are road trips and incorporate long drives, bumpy roads and possible mechanical problems, also, digging your truck out of mud is sometimes a considered a highlight. These setbacks are what you make of them so please be prepared and note that we have trucks and not buses. Your crew will be very unhappy if you call them bus-drivers. No bus or other vehicle is designed out the box to operate under the conditions in which our trucks run and this is why we build them ourselves. We run a strict maintenance program and all of the trucks are on a permanent rotation schedule. Unfortunately break-downs are not uncommon so if a problem occurs, please be patient as it can take time to resolve mechanical problems in Africa so make the best of the situation. The suspension system on adventure trucks is a spring pack system. These packs balance the weight of the truck and assist with lessening the impact of bumps in the road. This does feel different to your standard coach air shock system as it is a little harder, however the air shocks are not able to handle the conditions of the roads that we travel in these trucks. If an air shock fails, it prevents the truck from moving at all, the spring packs do not have this effect and would be able to get the truck to a place where it can be mended if there is a failure. "

Guide

"The Guides Both crew members have extensive experience in what they do, but only one may be tour leader (either the driver or the courier/cook). Although our guides are equipped for the work they do, please remember they are human too. Adventure tours place enormous demands on our guides due to the nature and duration of the tours. If you are unhappy or have any concerns we ask that you have a quiet conversation with your guide to address these matters. Guides do this job because they love Africa and want to share it with our guests, we request that they are treated with respect as this is how they treat their guests. It should also be noted that guests should not hold guides responsible for things that are out of their control. On occasion the tour leader and driver will need to make a decision with regards to health, safety, security and circumstances beyond their control. This may not always be a popular decision but as far as possible, your guide will take into account the wishes of the group as a whole, your understanding and patience at these times will be much appreciated. Sometimes both crew members will need to discuss the matter together, this means that youโ€™ll not always have someone in the back of the vehicle to answer questions and remark on certain locations. For anything that you would like to know or have explained, please ask the guides so they may assist. In terms of the information that is provided on tour, some guests prefer more information, others prefer less, if you feel that youโ€™re not receiving enough information, or that youโ€™re receiving too much, please let the guides know so that they can do something about it. It is always easier to sort this out on tour than to complain about it afterwards. The Tour Leader has complete authority on tour and his/her decision is final however you are free to contact the Nomad office on the emergency contact number if you feel that youโ€™d like to speak to one of our representatives. "

Not included:

Optional

We provide you with a great tour however there are always additional optional activities that you can do en route, below you will find a selection of Optional Activities that can be booked on the tour you have chosen (these are over and above the optional Activity Package items). Please keep in mind that in the winter months, we lose five daylight hours, so it may happen that not all optional activities are available during these months. Also, if there are circumstances that mean we arrive later at camp than expected, an optional activity may not be available. The reason that these activities are optional is because they cannot be guaranteed. There are of course more Optional Activities than are mentioned, feel free to participate in whichever you prefer.

Insurance

Medical Insurance Medical insurance is compulsory and you will be asked for your policy number before embarking on tour. Please make sure that your travel and medical insurance covers cancellation as well as being airlifted in case of a serious illness or injury as our tours often travel a long way from good hospital facilities. If credit card insurance is taken out, this often does not provide sufficient cover therefore a separate travel insurance policy is recommended. Please double check the small print of any โ€˜freeโ€™ credit-card insurance. Your insurance must cover you in the instance that you need to be airlifted to a hospital. As many public hospitals in Africa are below western standards you might have to be airlifted to South Africa for a simple problem. Many insurance policies do not cover adrenaline sports i.e. bungee jumping and skydiving โ€“ please check this before you book the activity. Travel insurance for personal belongings is also advisable, as you are not covered by Nomad for personal items such as clothes, cameras etc. You are responsible for your possessions at all times.

Flights

International flights are not included

Others

Items of a personal nature (snacks, alcohol, soft drinks, souvenirs, tips) Entrance fees (associated with optional activities)

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip South African Explorer - South - Camping & Accommodated

  • Day 1 Day 1: Greater Kruger National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Greater Kruger National Park

      Leaving the city of Johannesburg behind us we make our way east through the coalfields of Mpumalanga. Our journey today follows in the footsteps of the old trade-routes to the Lowveld and the Kruger National Park. This afternoon there will be an opportunity to join an optional Sundowner drive. Booking is essential and your guide can assist on departure this morning. 

  • Day 2 Day 2: Kruger National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Kruger National Park

      Rising early this morning we enter the Kruger National Park to enjoy a full day of game viewing. The abundance of wildlife presents us with opportunities for excellent sightings and the Kruger is also home to the famed members of Africaโ€™s Big-5. Truly the flagship of the South African national parks, Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. Our Game drive through the park is in an open-sided 4x4 vehicle. 

  • Day 3 Day 3: Kruger National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Kruger National Park

      While those who elect to do the optional morning walk will have an earlier start, we set out a little later today and travel the short distance to the Panorama Route. Strung along the escarpment that divides the central plateau and low-lying bushveld of the Kruger, the sights of the Panorama route offer us a day of scenic delights. We will visit the highlights of Bourkeโ€™s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and Godโ€™s Window before returning to camp in the late afternoon. 

  • Day 4 Day 4: Kruger To Eswatini
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Kruger To Eswatini

      We start the day early with some coffee and traditional rusks before setting off through Kruger on our way to Eswatini. Our truck offers an excellent platform for game viewing as we make our way south. We exit the southern end of the park and travel the short distance to Eswatini border, our route this afternoon winds through the mountains and forests of this landlocked kingdom. Our destination for today is the Ezulwini Valley just south of the capital Mbabane. 

  • Day 5 Day 5: Eswatini โ€“ Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Eswatini โ€“ Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

      Endless hours of self-guided exploration within the small 4560ha Mlilwane sanctuary are possible due to the relative absence of dangerous game.  This morning our guide will lead us out on a nature walk to explore the โ€œNature Trail โ€œ, which provides interpretation of historical and environmental information of the area.   

  • Day 6 Day 6: Eswatini - St Lucia
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Eswatini - St Lucia

      We bid farewell to Eswatini and re-enter South Africa, continuing south into the reaches of Zululand, once the realm of the mighty King Shaka who united the Zulu clans. 

  • Day 7 Day 7: Hluhluwe โ€“ Umfolozi Game Reserve / Isimangaliso Wetland Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Hluhluwe โ€“ Umfolozi Game Reserve / Isimangaliso Wetland Park

      We set out early this morning for a game drive in the nearby Hluhulwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, one of the last strongholds of the endangered rhinoceros. While rhinoceros are the most famous of the parks inhabitants, the park also provides a home to many other species, including the Big-5 that we all hope to see. Returning to our lodging for a siesta, we freshen up for an afternoon boat cruise on St Lucia estuary.

  • Day 8 Day 8: Kwa Zulu Natal Coast โ€“ Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Kwa Zulu Natal Coast โ€“ Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park

      Running the length of the Kwazulu-Natal province, the Ukuhlamba Drakensberg Park is a UNESCO recognised world heritage site. Whether you go by the Zulu name uKhahlamba, meaning โ€™barrier of spearsโ€™, or the Afrikaans name Drakensberge, meaning โ€™dragon mountainsโ€™, these towering mountains will be our backdrop for the next two nights. On our way we make a short stop in Durban to stretch our legs before continuing to view the scenic Howick Falls and a visit to the nearby site that marked the capture of South Africaโ€™s most famous man, Nelson Mandela. 

  • Day 9 Day 9: Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park

      We set out this morning for a lengthy hike. While we encourage everyone to make the most of the day in mountains, we may offer separate options depending on the activity level of the group. With a number of trails available we can ensure that we cater to every need, the most important aim is to ensure everyone enjoys this mountain paradise at their own pace. 

  • Day 10 Day 10: Lesotho - Malealea
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Lesotho - Malealea

      Our journey today begins with a mountain pass and an opportunity to visit a Vulture restaurant where we hope to view these fascinating birds. Our route winds its way through the magnificent cliffs off the Golden Gate National Park before we enter Lesotho in the afternoon, we pass the capital city of Maseru as continue the climb to our base high amongst the mountain peaks.   

  • Day 11 Day 11: Lesotho - Malealea
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Lesotho - Malealea

      The clean air of the mountains accompanies us this morning as we explore the mountains on foot, our hike concludes with a village visit and the opportunity to gain insight into the community that calls these mountains home. The Basotho are famous for their traditional hats, blankets and their sturdy ponies. Basotho ponies are renowned for their surefootedness in the mountains and you have the opportunity of an optional pony trek this afternoon to experience this first-hand.  This activity is not for the inexperienced or faint-hearted.

  • Day 12 Day 12: South Africa - Graaff Reinet
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: South Africa - Graaff Reinet

      Returning to South Africa, we descend the mountains and take aim across the Great Karoo. The semi-arid Karoo represents the heartland of rural South Africa and presents a stark contrast to the mountains we leave behind. Our overnight stop is set in the historic town of Graaff-Reinet, the fourth oldest town in the country. We cross the mighty Orange (Gariep) River today as we journey through the vast countryside of the Karoo. This evening you will have the opportunity to join a sundowner excursion to the Valley of Desolation. This unique valley offers a panoramic view over the town and the wide open plains stretching out below. Kindly note that during the winter months, this activity will become a Sunrise excursion to the Valley of Desolation the following morning.

  • Day 13 Day 13: Greater Addo Elephant National Park Area
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Greater Addo Elephant National Park Area

      Setting course for the coast once again, we pass through the open plains of the Karoo and the wildlife charms of the Addo National Park. Upon arrival in the greater Addo region, we set up camp and head to the National Park to enjoy an afternoon game drive in our Nomad truck, in search of the famous elephants that call Addo home. 

  • Day 14 Day 14: Greater Addo Elephant National Park Area
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: Greater Addo Elephant National Park Area

      This morning we will make the short drive to the windy city of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), before heading into Addo Elephant National Park for our afternoon game drive.  Recent expansion has seen Addo grow to become the third largest of South Africaโ€™s National Parks. The unique vegetation of Addo supports a wide variety of wildlife and we will spend the afternoon in search of the animals.

  • Day 15 Day 15: Tsitsikamma National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 15: Tsitsikamma National Park

      Setting out early this morning we make a brief visit to the surfing mecca of Jeffreys Bay.  Most famous for its waves this little town is also home to a small Surfing Museum. We then turn west to the Tsitiskamma region where we set up for the next two nights and where the wonders of the Garden Route await. 

  • Day 16 Day 16: Tsitsikamma National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 16: Tsitsikamma National Park

      Tsitsikamma National Park is one of South Africaโ€™s premier marine reserves and this morning we set out to explore the rugged coastline on foot. Our hike along the Waterfall Trail sees us cover the first section of the world renowned Otter Trail. This is not an easy hike and those who prefer a more leisurely option can make use of the boardwalks to the Storms River Mouth. We return after our hike and you will have the opportunity to book the Woodcutters Journey in the afternoon โ€“ experiencing the uniqueness of the Tsitsikamma biome and learning about the history of the area and its indigenous fauna & flora.

  • Day 17 Day 17: Oudtshoorn
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 17: Oudtshoorn

      After a stop in the town of Knysna, we make our way inland, crossing the Outeniqua Mountains and descend to the town of Oudtshoorn.  We head to the famous Cango caves to enjoy a guided tour where we marvel at the astonishing formations that have formed in these impressive limestone caves.

  • Day 18 Day 18: Route 62 - Swellendam
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 18: Route 62 - Swellendam

      This morning we bid farewell to the Klein Karoo and we follow a section of the scenic Route 62, stopping to experience some of the many farm stalls on the way. One of the more quirky highlights today is Ronnieโ€™s Sex Shop, not a sex shop at all, but a rather interesting country pub! Before our day ends, we will enjoy a visit to a local berry farm that will include a tasting experience.  

  • Day 19 Day 19: Africaโ€™S Southernmost Tip
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 19: Africaโ€™S Southernmost Tip

      After passing through some quaint Overberg villages, we reach the De Hoop Nature Reserve where you will have time to walk and explore a small section of the reserve.  After having stretched our legs, we visit the southernmost tip of the African continent, where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet, Cape Agulhas.  We will overnight in the town of Stanford.

  • Day 20 Day 20: The Cape Whale Coast Route
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 20: The Cape Whale Coast Route

      Made up of a collection of villages, farms, rivers, bays, coves and valleys, the Cape Whale Coast is a pristine stretch of the South African coastline which runs from the town of Rooiels for roughly 150km, to the east.  Beginning early, we will have a short time to stroll along the boardwalk in Hermanus in search of the southern right whales that frequent the shores in the months of July to November. Next we stop at the largest breeding colony of the African Penguin, Stony Point Nature Reserve before travelling along the coast to a well wine farm for a wine tasting experience. Your tour comes to an end upon arrival in the city centre of Cape Town. 

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Basic

Almost everyone is fit for these activities. Every hike or physical exercise last less than 30 minutes, such as paragliding and horseback riding. Please ask about specific conditions.

Age range

Age range

Min: 8 / Max: 65

Age range required for this experience. Underaged must be accompanied by adults.

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