Self
drive tour of South Africa
THE
SOUTH AFRICA SELF DRIVE ADVENTURE
21
days & 20 nights exploring beauty of south africa
Kruger
National Park - Drakensberg Mountains - KZN North Coast
Knysna - Garden Route - Cape Town
This flexible self drive package is aimed at clients that want
to explore the country concentrating on the wilderness areas.
The chosen accommodation are all spectacularly located, most are
far away from the hustle and bustle of cities, the concept behind
these establishments is that we are able to offer packages that
visit almost all of the different eco-systems that exist within
South Africa.
Regardless of the time period you have available, we will be able
to plan the ideal itinerary for you. All of the staff at the different
Inns are experienced guides, so you enjoy all of the advantages
and independence of a self-drive, but will still benefit from
the knowledge and assistance of the helpful staff throughout your
holiday.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Johannesburg. Drifters Johannesburg Inn
On Day 1 of your tour will be met by a Safari Co. at Johannesburg
International Airport and transferred to the Drifters Inn where
experienced staff will discuss your itinerary with you in detail.
We will give you a list of telephone numbers and detailed directions
for each of the destinations on your itinerary.
Day
2 & 3: Travel to Hazyview. Drifters Hazyview Inn (Breakfast)
Today you pick up your rental car and start your journey. You
travel east towards the Kruger National Park. You first few days
will consist of sight seeing. You use the Hazyview Inn as your
base and visit attractions such as Pilgrim's Rest, Blyde River
Canyon etc. on your second day. Situated close to the Kruger National
Park and 7 km from the town of Hazyview, this Inn is spectacularly
constructed on stilts, overlooking the Sabie River and is situated
literally within the forest canopy. Rooms are well-appointed you
will enjoy your luxury suite. A swimming pool, bar and lounge
are provided for guests' comfort. A self-guided nature trail will
take you to bird hides from where a variety of birds and other
wildlife can be viewed. The excellent forest walks and exciting
tube rides down the river are not to be missed.
Day
4 - 6: Travel to Kruger area. Drifters Game Lodge, Balule Game
Reserve(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today you travel to the Balule Game Reserve to discover Africa's
wild side! Situated in the 30 000-hectare privately-owned Balule
Nature Reserve, alongside the Kruger National Park, the Drifters
Game Lodge is isolated and intensely close to the magic of Africa.
Your expert ranger will teach you about the habits of the lion
and the rhinoceros, and how to identify the ferocious little Antlion
and the Giant Rhinoceros Beetle. For the more adventurous we offer
a game walk under the guidance of an armed ranger or you may choose
one of our open-vehicle drives.
Accommodation
is in eight well-spaced luxury, insect-proof suites under thatch.
Each suite has an inner tented sleeping chamber, offering the
occupants the full spectrum of the sounds of the African night
without compromising safety. All suites are comfortably appointed
with electricity, full bathroom with shower and a private patio
overlooking the seasonal Mohlabetsi riverbed.
The central lodge building offers broad shady verandas and a comfortable
lounge overlooking our rock pool. This feature pool is for those
who wish to enjoy a refreshing swim or to tan under the African
sun.
Animals
encountered during your stay are in a totally wild and natural
environment, and good game sightings are guaranteed. We are especially
proud of our abundant birdlife, which is attracted by the riverine
forest.
Brunch
is enjoyed on the veranda after returning from your early-morning
activity and dinner is served under the stars in our traditional
African boma.
*Malaria
precaution is needed on this part of the holiday only.
Day
7: Travel to Johannesburg. Johannesburg Inn
Day 8 & 9: Travel to Drakensberg. Drifters Drakensberg Inn
(breakfast)
A National Heritage Site, this 1000 hectare indigenous farm has
to be seen to be believed. Accessible only by 4X4 (transfer provided)
this Mountain Lodge is at an elevation of 1800 meters above sea
level and is shadowed by the greater Drakensberg Peaks on the
property. The closest village is Bergville, some 50km away.
Home to a colony of rare Cape Vulture and many other indigenous
species including Eland, as well as lush indigenous forests, bushmen
paintings and dramatic waterfalls, the reserve is fantastic for
hiking and exploring. Accommodation is in five Canadian styled
log cabins, each comprising of two twin-bedded bedrooms sharing
a bathroom. Each room has a fire place. A main entertainment cabin
for eating and socialising overlooks the Royal Natal National
Park's famous 'Amphitheatre'. Activities include hiking, horse
riding, fishing and swimming. All meals are provided at an additional
charge.
Day
10 - 12: Travel to Umhloti on the North Coast of Kwazulu Natal.
Drifters Dolphin Coast Inn (breakfast)
After breakfast, take a leisurely drive south east towards Durban.
For the next three days you will be spending it on the beach at
a coastal village called Umhloti.
Built
literally on the beach, overlooking the crashing waves of the
Indian Ocean, this Inn provides a getaway for those who wish to
enjoy the unspoilt beaches and game reserves of the Kwazulu-Natal
North Coast. Situated in Umhloti, only 20 minutes drive North
of Durban, this Inn comprises 10 sea-facing twin-bedded rooms.
A short forest walk can be enjoyed or further down the beach a
tidal pool and lagoon can be explored. For those who wish to relax,
a stunning patio and swimming pool overlook the ocean.
Day
13 - 16: Durban to Port Elizabeth (breakfast)
After breakfast travel to Durban International Airport (DUR) to
drop off the rental car at the airport and fly to Port Elizabeth
Airport (PLZ) on SA8210 at 06h40. Arrive in Port Elizabeth at
08h00. Pick up your rental car and travel to the Garden Route
and the town of Knysna. Overnight at the Drifters Knysna Inn.
Hidden
deep in the Knysna forest, between the Seaside resorts of Knysna
and Plettenberg Bay, up against the mighty Outeniqua Mountains,
this Inn provides an ideal escape from the pressures of civilization.
The Inn is comprised of five separate cabins and a central lodge,
all built of timber. All rooms enjoy en-suite bathrooms and are
comfortably appointed. Breakfasts are included, and a cosy bar,
lounge and relaxation area are provided.
Although
remote, this Inn is perfectly situated to explore the splendours
of the acclaimed Garden Route, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna
lagoon and many other attractions. All sights are within easy
driving distance. The surrounding forests also provide excellent
walking and biking opportunities.
Day
17 - 20: Travel to Cape Town. Drifters Cape Town Inn
Travel to Cape Town after breakfast and enjoy the scenery along
the way. There are many attractions to be visited during your
stay in Cape Town. Choose from a variety of attractions such as
Table Mountain, Cape Point, the Cape winelands, Robben Island
and Chapman's Peak drive. Enjoy the beautiful beaches scattered
along the Cape Peninsula.
The
Drifters Cape Town Inn is located in Sea Point, virtually on the
beach front, this beautiful old Inn is ideally situated for access
to all major attractions in the city. With 12 double rooms, mostly
en-suite, some sharing a bathroom, this is the perfect stopover
for a few nights. Shuttle service to the Waterfront runs regularly
from alongside the Inn.
Day
21: End of self drive safari
Travel to airport to drop off rental car in time for flight to
JNB
COST:
(valid for travel in 2004)
Accommodation, transfers in JNB & car hire:
21 days x Euro 68.00 per person sharing per day = Euro 1428.00 per
person
3 nights x Euro 100.00 Game Lodge supplement per day = Euro 300.00
per person
Total: Euro 1728.00 per person sharing
Flight
(DUR/PLZ):
R 795 per person one way (incl. airport taxes)
Please note: The airfare quoted above is subject to increase and
availability of classes.
One
way drop off fee charged by car hire company to be paid by yourself
on the day of drop off at Durban and Cape Town.
JNB/DBN: R500.00
PE/CPT: R500.00
INCLUDED:
Accommodation on a B & B basis except Drifters Game
Lodge on full board basis with two game activities, Group B car
rental, Open Vehicle Game Drives at Game Lodge, Super Cover Insurance,
Unlimited Mileage, Cell Phone hire, Itinerary Planning.
EXCLUDED:
Fuel deposits, Airport Surcharges, Lunches and Dinners except
at the Drifters Game Lodge, entrance fees, fuel, oil, drinks,
comprehensive travel insurance and other expenses of a personal
nature.
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION:
This package is designed for more adventurous clients who do not
wish to be stuck in cities, preferring to visit more remote wilderness
areas.
Credit cards are generally accepted in South Africa, BUT NOT FOR
FUEL PURCHASES. Automatic Teller Machines are however common.
Malaria precautions are advised for clients visiting the Kruger
and Zululand areas.