Booking Information

If you have not been on safari with us before please send us the completed pre safari contact form. We will begin the process of matching your needs and expectations with our knowledge and experience in order to come up with the best possible safari itinerary personally crafted for you.

Sometimes an itinerary takes a while to evolve as we like to take the time to help you understand the many exciting options.

South Africa - 19 nights / 20 days

This three week, mainly self drive itinerary takes you from the north of the country to it’s southern tip and entirely through malarial free areas.

DAYS ONE – THREE
Madikwe Game Reserve, Northern South Africa

Charter flight or private vehicle transfer (drive of 4 hours) Johannesburg to Madikwe

Madikwe Game Reserve is one of the few wildlife reserves in southern Africa, which is malaria free. Located in South Africa along the Botswana border and 20 km from Gaborone, the reserve is a transition region between Lowveld bushveld and the Kalahari thornveld. As a result the region is host to an incredible diversity of species from both regions. Geographically the region has enormous volcanic intrusions known as Inselbergs, which are prominent throughout the reserve and are a spectacular backdrop to the reserve.

The species that populate Madikwe include lion, leopard, black rhino and white rhino as well as large herds of elephant and buffalo. The rare African wild dog (in the Tswana language, "Makanyane"), cheetah, spotted and brown hyena, giraffe, zebra and numerous antelope species also roam the reserve.

Over 340 bird species also make their home in Madikwe which sprawls across richly varied eco-zones, from rocky peaks, across open grasslands, to verdant valleys, each zone with its own distinctive inhabitants.

Game viewing on foot and by vehicle.

Accommodation will be in a beautifully designed safari lodge located on the edge of a ravine overlooking a stream-filled waterhole shaded by a dense canopy of tree. Besides game viewing activities the lodge offers a superb place to relax and to enjoy the lodges facilities, a bush spa, gym and well stocked library, before continuing with the rest of your safari.

DAYS FOUR TO SEVEN
Fugitives Drift, Kwa-Zulu Natal

Return to Johannesburg by charter. Collect your rental car.
Drive of approximately five hours to Fugitives Drift in Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Overlooking the Battlefield of Isandlwana, the 2,500-hectare reserve is 8km from Rorke’s Drift on the Buffalo River in KwaZulu Natal. 17km of river frontage include the famous site of Fugitives’ Drift, where Lieutenants Melvill and Coghill lost their lives in 1879 trying to save the Queen’s Colour of their regiment, winning the first two posthumous Victoria Crosses in history. Diverse and abundant wildlife includes giraffe, zebra, kudu, hartebeest and a host of smaller antelope, as well as 275 recorded bird species. The Buffalo Gorge is a Natural Heritage Site where spectacular walks can be enjoyed.

The 17 km river frontage includes the historic site of Fugitives' Drift where Lieutenants Melville and Coghill were killed saving the Queen's Colours of their Regiment in 1879. They are buried on the property.

You have two full days to experience the battlefields. The two battles that you will hear about include Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift. The Anglo Zulu War of 1879 is one of the extraordinary periods of Victorian History. Although many people are aware of the battle of Rorkes Drift - made famous by the film "Zulu" starring Stanley Baker and Michael Caine - they are not as aware of the Battle of Isandlwana, fought earlier on the same day, 22nd January 1879, or that the war brought an end to the Napoleonic dynasty with the death of the Prince Imperial, and brought down the British Government.
Walks and drives through the spectacular reserve are encouraged. Game species include Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Hartebeest, Kudu, Inyala as well as a variety of smaller antelope species. The bird life is diverse and abundant. Over 275 species of birds have been identified. The gorge is home to breeding colonies of rare Bald Ibises. Fishing in the Buffalo River is excellent and the unspoilt surroundings offer one the perfect place to unwind.
Accommodation will be in the rustically charming Fugitives Drift Lodge set deep inside the boundaries of the game reserve. The lodge is well known for its battlefield tours.

DAYS EIGHT AND NINE
The Drakensburg Mountains

Drive from Fugitives Drift to Hartford House in the Drakensburg. (2 _ hours)

The Drakensberg mountains of South Africa or uKhahlamba (the Barrier of Spears) is a 200-kilometre-long mountainous wonderland and world heritage site. Meeting the criteria for both Natural and Cultural listings, the site can now officially boast 'superlative natural phenomena and beauty, unique richness of biological diversity, the conservation of all-important endemic and threatened species plus masterpieces of human creative genius in the form of 35 000 'San rock art images'.

From the massive basalt cliffs of its northern reaches to the soaring sandstone buttresses in the south, the Berg - as it's popularly known - offers a myriad delights to anyone of any age who needs to 'get away from it all.
Activities include private tours into the surrounding mountain, game and nature reserves (Drakensburg and Weenen); horse riding on expansive bridle paths and race tracks; trout and bass fishing as well as it’s close proximity to the Midlands Meander and Boschhoek Golf Estate.

Accommodation in the elegant and historic Hartford House which also boasts the renowned Hartford House Restaurant. Home to the family of the last Prime Minister of the Colony of Natal, Hartford House is situated on South Africa’s most famous Thoroughbred farm near Giant’s Castle. Chosen by the Rulers of Dubai as the location for their priceless stallions, the “gem of the Midlands” is remembered by chroniclers as one of the country’s most beautiful homes, with its award-winning gardens and acclaimed fine dining.

DAYS TEN – TWELVE
Fynbos Ridge, Garden Route

Drive of approximately 2 hours to Durban Airport for flight to George . On arrival you will pick up a rental car and make your way to Plettenberg Bay – approximately 1 _ hours. Fynbos Ridge is a private nature reserve, situated between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay in the heart of South Africa's garden route.
The great forests in the foothills of the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains are the gateway to the incredible natural splendour of Plettenberg Bay. Today the area is home to the rare Knysna forest elephants, teeming birdlife, amazing variety of Cape flora, delicate wetlands, sparkling lagoons, and a bay large enough for the great whales of the Southern oceans to calve in and protect their young. The Robberg peninsula, like a giant exclamation mark, surprises all with its plethora of marine, botanical, geological and archaeological wealth.

Accommodation will be in Fynbos Ridge Country House which combines luxury with tranquillity and is within easy distance of all the activities and attractions this wonderful area has to offer.

These include numerous hiking trails and nature walks through the forests and along the coast and boat cruises on the spectacular Knysna lagoon. Swimming and tennis are available on site, with golf, bowls and other sporting facilities nearby. You will also be ideally situated for day visits to Oudtshoorn and the Cango Caves.

DAY THIRTEEN
Swellendam, Karoo

Today a leisurely drive along the Garden Route to Swellendam.

Swellendam, the third oldest town in South Africa, celebrated its 250th anniversary in 1995. This charming town, nestling at the foot of the Langeberg Mountain, is famous not only for its youngberries (braambessies), but also for its eclectic architecture, fascinating past and great outdoor life. The Koornlands River, ancient oak trees and stately, whitewashed homesteads add to its charm.
Only 7 km from the town is the Bontebok National Park. The nearby Marloth Nature Reserve offers day walks and overnight hiking trails through the Langeberg Mountains.

Accommodation will be in an exclusive bed and breakfast guest house accommodation on an historic farm, (established in 1723 on a working wine farm in the scenic Klein Karoo winelands region of South Africa. The towns of Robertson, Montagu, and McGregor are within close proximity and Cape Agulhas (the southern tip of Africa) is an easy hour drive away.

The 680 ha. farm is yours to explore and straddles the lush mountainous belt with its orchards of fruit, nut and olive trees being the source of its highly acclaimed preserves and produce. Indigenous wildlife such as Springbuck, Grey Reedbuck and Ostriches are to be seen here, along with many smaller creatures and birds.

DAYS FOURTEEN – NINETEEN
Cape Town

Today you will drive from Swellendam along the scenic route to Cape Town approximately 3 - 4 hours.

We suggest you allow yourselves 6 full days to enjoy the many sites of Cape Town. Suggested things to do include:

- Go to the top of Table Mountain
- Visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
- Enjoy tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel.
- Join a tour with a guide to visit District 6 (and the District 6 Museum) before heading to the townships and squatter areas.
- Visit Robben Island (this tour will take about 3 1/2 hours). Boats depart from the Waterfront.
- Enjoy a full day of touring to Cape Point visiting the Penguins en route at Simonstown.

We further recommend you stay in a gracious country house situated in the city. Built in 1900 and beautifully restored as a National Monument and considered to be amongst the most important Cape Town home of the era.

DAY TWENTY
Departure South Africa