BERG AND BUSH ENCOUNTER
| Starting point: |
Johannesburg |
| End point: |
Johannesburg |
| Duration: |
7 Days |
| Costing: |
R12250.00 pp for 7 days |
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TOUR DESCRIPTION
This magnificent wildlife encounter combines an exceptional experience of the fauna and flora of South Africa’s eastern escarpment and Lowveld, with an insightful introduction to South Africa’s historical and cultural heritage. This is designed as an adventure tour, where we have several opportunities of participating in a range of adrenaline and other activities to suit every taste.
Our tours are specifically designed for small group adventures, and group sizes are usually between four and ten guests. Only in the case of larger groups traveling together, do we accept larger numbers.
Accommodation is provided in comfortable shared chalets, bungalows, guest-houses, hotels or safari tents, and is deliberately chosen to provide a diverse experience of African hospitality. Single supplements are offered where appropriate.
The vehicles we use are specifically chosen to be appropriate for small group safaris, and will comprise a Mercedes Vito for groups of 4 guests, or a Toyota Quantum for groups up to 8 guests. A 17-seater semi-luxury bus is used for groups of 9 to 12 guests.
TOUR SUMMARY
| Day No |
Tour routing |
Meals incl |
| |
|
|
| Day 0: |
Arrival Day (Johannesburg) |
D only |
| Day 1: |
Transfer to Imbambala bush camp, Loskop Dam |
BLD |
| Day 2: |
Imbambala bush camp |
BLD |
| Day 3: |
Pilgrims Rest and Panorama Route |
BD only |
| Day 4: |
Day of Leisure (optional activities around Panorama Route) |
BD only |
| Day 5: |
Kruger National Park |
BLD |
| Day 6: |
Kruger National Park |
BLD |
| Day 7: |
Return to Johannesburg |
B only |
TOUR COSTING
R12250.00 pp for 7 days
The price of our standard version of this excursion is ZAR per person
The standard option makes use of a comfortable spacious touring vehicle, and accommodation is provided in comfortable and relaxed establishments, where you are free to feel at home and “put your feet up”.
Please remember that we are able to customize all our tours to specific needs. Please contact us if you’d like us to design a tour especially for you.
A deposit of 50% would be required in advance to secure the various bookings en route. We would suggest this be done on confirmation of your booking, preferably at least six months in advance. A further 50% deposit would be required 1 month prior to arrival.
We will supply a copy of our detailed “Terms and Conditions” should you indicate your interest in this proposal.
Detailed Itinerary
Saturday (Day 0): Arrival in Johannesburg [D only]
Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport. Flight arrival times to be confirmed in advance. We will meet you the airport, and transfer you to our guesthouse for check in. You may spend the rest of the day at leisure, catch up on some shopping or sleep.
We have a quick tour briefing.
Overnight in Pretoria
Days 1 and 2: Imbambala Bush Camp [BLD x 2]
There’s no better way to experience Africa than by jumping in at the deep end!
The Loskop Dam Nature Reserve, about 250km NE of Johannesburg, contains a small and isolated bush lodge, known as Imbambala. It is here that we spend the first two nights of our South African journey.
We arrive at the dam in the early afternoon and travel by motor launch to our bush camp, where we relax and unwind in the serenity of the bushveld. Imbambala offers the best pub in a radius of 20kms; in fact the only the pub in a radius of 20kms. We relax round the campfire, and discuss our plans for the next few days.
The 24000ha nature reserve contains rhino, hippo, crocodiles, leopard and buffalo, to mention but a few species, several of which regularly visit the lodge. With its prolific birdlife and spectacular scenery, Imbambala is a nature lover’s dream, and we have the opportunity of participating in walking trails, game drives and tracking expeditions, fishing or boat safaris.
Overnight in a tented safari camp (tents located on decks) – 2 nights.
Day 3: Pilgrims Rest and Panorama Route [BD only]
Departing early after breakfast, we head towards the Eastern Escarpment of South Africa, via Lydenburg, and lunching at Pilgrims Rest en route.
Pilgrims Rest is a village set back in time. The focal point of one of the most sustainable gold rushes in South African history, the entire town has been declared a national monument, and epitomises the life and times of the early pioneers of our land, despite
The more modern tourist vibe that is so evident today. Typical of pioneer towns, it has its fair share of folklore and colourful characters, and we share some of the stories over lunch and drinks (lunch at own cost).
We spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the splendor of the Northern Drakensberg, as we meander along the Panorama Route, visiting God’s Window, Berlin Falls, Lisbon Falls, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the Blyde River Canyon.
Overnight at a guesthouse in Graskop or Sabie
Day 4: Leisure Day in the Panorama Area [BD only]
A day of leisure in the Lowveld area, where we can relax and enjoy the surroundings or take on some of the adventure activities in the area
Mountain biking, gorge swings, abseiling, white water rafting, ballooning, elephant back safaris, zip-lining, micro-lighting, horse trails, etc. are all available in the area. Transport will be provided, but lunch and all activities are to own account.
Other optional activities for this day include a visit to the Khamai Reptile Park and Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation Centre.
Or we can take a trip to the beautiful Magoebaskloof area of the Northern Drakensberg. This stunning area abounds in natural and man-made forests, and offers several interesting hiking trails and waterfalls, as well as fascinating tribal folklore. A spectacular picnic spot is provided at the Debegeni waterfalls, where we can enjoy a relaxed packed lunch. It is quite a long drive from our lodgings, but well worth the trip.
A further alternative is to join in the adventures and activities of a game capture team operating in the area. Depending on circumstances, we may witness, or even assist in, the capture of wild animals and relocation to other reserves. This is not an “included” component of the tour, and would have to be negotiated and organised with the capture team at the time of the tour only (because circumstances change on a day-to-day and hour-to-hour basis). Additional charges would apply, and these would be discussed at the beginning of the tour.
Overnight at a guesthouse in Graskop or Sabie
Day 5: Kruger National Park (Central Region) [BLD only]
Leaving at daybreak, we head northwards towards the central region, breakfasting at one the picnic spots or dams en route. We may reach Satara or even Olifants camp, where we enjoy lunch, hopefully watching the ellies enjoying their afternoon dip in the river below us.
This part of Kruger tends to have more open bushveld than the southern section, and the potential for sighting big game along the rivers is exceptional. Its more open habitat is ideal for large herds of buffalo and plains game, as well as white rhino and the illusive cheetah.
Day 6: Kruger National Park (Southern Region) [BLD]
We spend the day exploring the southern section of the park, seeking, amongst others, the “Big-5”. This region covers a wide range of habitats and there are excellent opportunities for sighting elephant, lion, rhinos, leopard and buffalo as we meander along the Crocodile River or explore the thickets around the Sabie rive
We enjoy a casual breakfast and lunch at one of the picnic spots along the route, before heading for one of the rest camps
The stars and sounds of the African bush surround us as we enjoy a traditional “braai” (barbeque) before bedding down for the night.
Accommodation in safari tents or bungalows, with en-suite facilities (See note about Kruger park accommodation at the end of this itinerary)
Day 7: Return to Johannesburg [B]
Return to Johannesburg (OR Tambo Airport) and bid each other farewell or you can extend your South African holiday adventure by joining us on any of our other great packages.
Inclusions
The following items are specifically included in the pricing:
All accommodation indicated
All meals indicated in the detailed itinerary
The provision of a suitable touring vehicle fully licensed and insured for tourist operations, complete with luggage trailer if required.
The provision of an experienced, trained, registered, qualified and professional driver-guide for the duration of the trip
The provision of specialist guides at specific venues
All activities specifically indicated in the itinerary (unless specified “optional” or “own cost”)
Meet and greet at OR Tambo Airport, Johannesburg (or other venue in Jhb)
Departure from OR Tambo Airport or other suitable venue in Johannesburg
Entrance fees and conservation fees to the various venues as detailed below:
- God’s Window and Blyde River Canyon (both F.O.C.)
- Bourke’s Luck Potholes
- Berlin Falls
- Kruger National Park (conservation fees for two days as indicated above)
- Game drives in Kruger Park
All fuel, toll fees, entrance fees and statutory fees for the vehicle
Porterage where required
Exclusions
The following items are specifically excluded from the above offer:
Refreshments and soft and alcoholic drinks en route
Items of a personal nature
Curios, etc
Activities and items not included in the detailed itinerary
Insurance and Emergency evacuation cover (we insist that guests carry their own comprehensive Travel Insurance)
Visa fees
Kindly note the following important aspects:
Accommodation and activities are subject to availability at time of booking, and, in some cases, dependent on other conditions prevailing on arrival. It may not always be possible to use the proposed establishment, and in some cases an alternative must be found. Early booking helps prevent variations of this nature.
Kruger National Park has proved exceptionally difficult in obtaining and retaining accommodation bookings and these bookings must be considered unreliable at best.
It may be necessary to adjust the Kruger Park bookings to accommodate the tour. The itinerary may change slightly if bookings cannot be obtained (eg. days shifted around).
Lunches provided en route are often of the picnic variety, due to the unavailability or unsuitability of places to stop along the route.
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