Durban to Cape Town via Lesotho Overland Safari

A great accommodated trip from Durban to Cape Town via Lesotho.

This trip departs out of Durban and heads inland to the Royal Natal National Park which forms part of the Drakensberg Escarpment. Its then on to Malealea Lodge in Lesotho where you can partake in some pony trekking around this Mountain Kingdom.

Its then off to Hogsback for some mountain hiking and relaxation before heading for the Malaria Free Addo Elephant National Park in search of Africa's wildlife, including elephants, leopard, rhino and lion.

From Addo we head west along south africa's spectacular Garden Route where we visit the towns of Knysna and Oudtshoorn the capital of the ostrich industry and home of the Cango Caves.

We continue our journey to the winelands area of the Western Cape where we spend a night in the town of Stellenbosh.

We then head to our end destination, Cape Town where our tour comes to an end.

Day 1 - 2: Drakensberg Mountains – South Africa

In the morning we drive towards the Royal Natal National Park, leaving the coastal cit of Durban behind. The park lies inland in the beautiful Drakensberg escarpment area, where the highest peaks in South Africa are found. There are optional activities for all moods and interests. Our overnight accommodation is at the Drakensville Berg Resort, with two people sharing per room.

Optional Activities: Horse riding, hiking and a short, guided hike to view Bushman rock art which is very popular.

Meals included are lunch and dinner.

Day 3 - 4: Malalealea – Lesotho

On day three of this accommodated safari we make our way to our next Southern African destination, Lesotho. The drive to this land-locked country lying within South Africa is long, but the breathtaking scenery makes time fly by. Pony trekking is highly recommended in these parts but it requires an early morning of all participants. Lesotho villagers take you on a guided trail through remote areas. The scenery is spectacular and you will definitely want to take photographs of your excursion in Lesotho, the only independent state in the world located above 1000 metres in its entirety. There are more relaxing activities available at the lodge such as a visit to the local craft market or the village school, as well as hiking. We stay at Malealea Lodge, two per room, for the night in Lesotho, known as the ‘Kingdom in the Skies’.

Meals included are Breakfast, Lunch and dinner.

Day 5 - 6: Hogsback – South Africa

Next we head for the charming village of Hogsback, set in the picturesque Amatola Mountains of the Eastern Cape. Hogsback lies south of Lesotho in South Africa, hidden in a fairytale area of indigenous forests, streams and waterfalls. You can take a relaxed hike in the surrounding forest or engage in some of the other activities offered in the area (your guides will provide more information on these activities). We stay at the Kings Lodge in Hogsback overnight, with two people per room.

Optional Activities: Horse riding and mountain biking.

Meals included are Breakfast, Lunch and dinner.

Day 7: Addo Elephant National Park – South Africa

On day seven of the Durban to Cape Town via Lesotho safari we make our way to Addo National Park. Addo is home to more than 450 elephants, one of the highest concentrations of African Elephants in the world. At the end of 2003 lion and leopard were also introduced and today Addo is a Big Five game park. Black rhino, antelope and Cape buffalo are also found in Addo. The elephants are a fantastic highlight and you can be sure of superb photographic opportunities. We will stay two per en suite room in Addo Elephant Park, where facilities include a shop and restaurant.

Meals included are breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 8 - 9: Tsitsikamma National Park – South Africa

An early morning game drive brings our stay in Addo to an end. We drive along the sunshine coast stopping at Bloukrans bridge for an optional bungee jump at the world's highest commercial bungee operation. We continue on to Tsitsikamma National Park an unspoilt scenic wilderness area where the dramatic coastline meets indigenous forests. Accommodation is in Tsitsikamma Forest Cabins with two people sharing a room in a cabin for four to six.
 
Optional Activities: Highest bungee jump in the world, treetop canopy tour, hiking.

Meals included are breakfast; lunch and dinner.

Day 10: Keurbooms River via Knysna – South Africa

This morning we drive through the popular coastal town of Plettenberg Bay and onto Knysna, a beautiful inlet in the heart of the Garden Route. We then head to our accommodation near the Keurbooms River, the Keurbooms Protea Hotel. We stay in en suite rooms, two people per room, at the overnight hotel, which has a swimming pool and bar.

Optional Activities: Knysna Lagoon Cruise, Keurbooms River Cruise.Optional Activities: Ostrich Farm visit and Ostrich Riding.

Meals included are breakfast and lunch.

Day 11: Oudtshoorn – South Africa

We drive through the Outeniqua Mountains on our way to the ostrich capital of South Africa. We have an included visit to the Cango Caves planned and in the afternoon you will have the option of visiting an ostrich farm. The Cango Caves consist of a series of vast underground caves and tunnels featuring impressive limestone formations. We will be accompanied by a local guide who will inform you about this unique cave system. We stay at Kleinplaas Holiday Resort, sharing rooms two per room. Rooms are en suite at Kleinplaas, which has a restaurant and hot showers.

Optional Activities: Ostrich farm visit and ostrich riding.

Meals included are breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 12: Stellenbosch Wine Route – South Africa

Our next stop, Stellenbosch, is home to some of the world's best award-winning wines. The picturesque wine farms are a must-see and today you can indulge in their entire splendor! In the evening we visit a local restaurant for dinner (optional activity) as a goodbye treat. We stay two per room at Cultivar Guest Lodge in the heart of the famous Western Cape Windelands.

Breakfast and lunch are included.

Day 13: Cape Town – South Africa

We enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Stellenbosch, before we go to the well known Spier wine farm to taste some of the best wines in South Africa. After a visit to the Cheetah Breeding Project the overland safari ends at our office on Greenmarket Square, in Cape Town.

Breakfast is included.