2-week getaway - Bush, Beach & Mountains

Including a big 5 safari, indian ocean beach & fabulous mountain retreats in kwazulu-natal & lesotho

Southern Africa has everything that anyone visiting on holiday could want - the best big 5 game viewing, pristine beaches, historic battlefields, stunning mountain scenery, adventure activities, eco-tourism in World Heritage Sites, cultural experiences and much more.

HIGHLIGHTS:

An exciting 12 night self-drive touring holiday with domestic flights (incorporated where appropriate) capturing the very essence of South Africa and Lesotho.

This tour will allow time to take part in an exciting Big 5 safari, relax on the beach, and enjoy the magnificent mountains of KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho. Plenty of opportunities to take part in a wide range of activities and tours.

ITINERARY OVERVIEW:

Day 1:

The holiday begins at Johannesburg where you catch a short domestic flight to Richards Bay.

Days 1, 2 & 3:

3 nights full board on safari at Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve, near Pongola.

Days 4, 5 & 6:

3 nights bed & breakfast at The Boathouse at Ballito, near Durban.

Days 7, 8 & 9:

3 nights dinner, bed & breakfast at Penwarn Country Lodge, near Underberg.

Days 10, 11 & 12:

3 nights full board at Maliba Mountain Lodge, Lesotho. Domestic flight Johannesburg / Richards Bay.

 

DETAILED ITINERY

Day 1: On arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, our airport representative will be there to meet you to settle any immediate queries you might have before connecting with your short domestic flight to Richards Bay on the KwaZulu-Natal coast. At Richards Bay airport your hire car will be ready for collection and your safari destination near Pongola is an easy 2 hours’ drive away.

 

Days 1, 2 & 3: Mkuze Falls Game Reserve, Pongola, Zululand While in Africa, you must experience a safari and we suggest you visit a very special place for this very special experience. Mkuze Falls, in the heart of Zulu territory north of Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini’s main palace, is one of only two privately owned game reserves in the region with the Big Five and over 400 species of birds. We suggest you stay at the Tented Camp in luxurious East African-style tents, each with private game viewing deck overlooking the Mkuze River. There are exciting morning and evening game drives with experienced trackers and game rangers, spotting everything from aardvarks to zebras! Mkuze Falls gets the balance between luxury and the bush just right and this place is bound to leave fond memories as you learn how the bush can bring as much excitement as it can relaxation to those who stay in such well-run and luxurious surroundings. This is our personal favourite safari destination throughout South Africa. You will love it!

3 Nights + Full Board + Game Drives & Bush Walks

 

Days 4, 5 & 6: The Boathouse at Ballito, near Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Nestled between the fields of Natal "Green Gold" (sugar cane fields), golden beaches and the warm Indian Ocean lies the coastal village of Ballito. Popular for spotting the Bottle-nose dolphin feeding along it's shores, Ballito is at the heart of the Dolphin Coast. The Boathouse, a luxury retreat inviting you to take a front seat in watching nature at play, has direct access to the beach for lengthy strolls. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking Salmon Bay before setting out for an activity-filled day at one of the nearby golf courses or just soaking up the sun next to the pool. Entice your senses in the morning with the smell of freshly brewed coffee and home baked pastries. Enjoy fresh fruits, cold meats, cheese platters and much more from their Continental buffet and top it up with a scrumptious English breakfast to set you on your way for a fun filled day.

3 Nights Bed & Breakfast

 

Days 7, 8 & 9: Penwarn Country Lodge, near Underberg Your next exciting destination is Penwarn Country Lodge, a retreat just outside Underberg in the Southern Drakensberg, a world heritage site. Penwarn Farm lies in a beautiful valley traversed by two rivers. Zebra, wildebeest and antelope roam free across the plains, while the blue heights of the Drakensberg rise up to the west. Options are endless – fly-fishing, horse riding and game drives. Enjoy river swimming and tubing, abseiling, archery, mountain biking, wing-shooting or other adventure sports. Discover the secret beauty of san rock art and wild flowers or spot some of their 280 species of birds. Go hiking and take in the scenery of the magnificent Drakensberg. Penwarn is the ideal base for exhilarating trips travelling up the Sani Pass in southern Lesotho for a visit to the highest pub in Africa.

3 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

 

Days 10, 11 & 12: Maliba Mountain Lodge, Lesotho Your final destination is in Lesotho. Maliba Mountain Lodge is a new and exclusive 5-star lodge, set in a pristine high altitude sub-alpine wilderness area within the magnificent Tsehlanyane National Park.

Maliba Mountain Lodge comprises just 6 luxury stone and thatched suites. Each exclusive unit has been constructed using natural materials, is fully heated and has its own open fire place for cozy winter nights. There is a full luxury bathroom, a comfortable lounge area and the most inspiring views. Fold-back doors open on to the large deck which stretches out into the indigenous forest. The main lodge features a gourmet restaurant, bar and lots of comfortable seating areas. The spacious outdoor deck, with its stunning views, brings the pristine mountains right to the door offering guests the opportunity to enjoy a real African mountain experience. The freshly prepared fine cuisine is complemented by the extensive selection of fine wines making meal times one of the highlights of your stay. Room service, a coffee bar and light snacks are available on request throughout your stay. Activities at Maliba Mountain Lodge include hiking, horse riding, swimming, birding, rock climbing and Basotho village and cultural tours.

3 Nights + Full Board

 

Day 13: Drive to Johannesburg for onward flight as sadly all good things must come to an end and this morning after breakfast it will be time to make your way back to Johannesburg International Airport to connect with your flight home. Once checked in, there are plenty of comfortable seating areas and the shopping facilities within the departure lounge provide the perfect opportunity to catch up on last minute shopping for gifts and souvenirs. We hope you will have a wonderful holiday with plenty of opportunity to sample the huge variety of scenery, history, culture, flora and fauna that South Africa and Lesotho have to offer.

 

Package includes:

• All accommodation and meals as specified throughout
• All safari game drives and bush walks at Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve
• Meeting services on arrival in Johannesburg
• Comprehensive pre-arrival Travel Pack
• Group B (Yaris T3 or similar) rental car for 13 days (Richards Bay to Johannesburg) with contract fee, one-way drop off fee and standard cover insurance included.

Package excludes:

• International flights
• Holiday & medical insurance
• Fuel, tolls, entrance fees
• Personal expenses

 

Guide Cost: R20,500 per person sharing

Domestic flight Johannesburg / Richards Bay estimated cost an additional R950 per person*

* Air fares cannot be guaranteed until time of booking.