BEST OF THE WEST

Your AfriVenture begins! Once settled into your guest house, you are welcome to do optional activities in Johannesburg. Please enquire for any advice, bookings or recommendations on things to do in Johannesburg. This evening, a welcome dinner will be organised with your AfriVenture guide who will brief you on the amazing adventures to come. ​ Included Highlights: Welcome Dinner Airport Transfer Can Be Arranged Meals Included: Dinner Accommodation:Rivonia Premier Lodge or Similar

Today, we begin our adventure en-route towards the Blyde River Canyon. We will be making our way down the escarpment through the Panorama Route where the scenery showcasts spectacular mountains, valleys, waterfalls and forests. We will be making a few stops once in the Panorama Route. Our first stop will be at the ancient Sudwala Caves where you will enjoy a guided tour through the narrow crevices and learn about the caves interesting formations. We will then continue our drive to Lone Creek Falls, a spectacular 70 meter falling sheet of water. You are welcome to swim - if you can brave the cold water. We will then arrive at God's Window; this point offers a panoramic view across South Africa’s lowlands towards Mozambique. Our final stop for the day will be the strangely formed Bourke's Luck Potholes. ​ Included Highlights: Panorama Route Sudwala Caves Lone Creek Falls Gods Window Bourke's Luck Potholes Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation:Blyde River Canyon Resort or Similar

This morning, we will enjoy a scenic hike in the Blyde River Canyon (largest green canyon in the world). This rewarding gorge hike takes us deep into the canyon and may be completed by a swim in a crystal-clear waterfall. After our hike, we will head to the famous Kruger National Park. The next two nights will be in a private game reserve offering an exclusive experience with no fences between us and the Kruger National Park. This afternoon you will go on your first open vehicle safari in search of the Big 5. Included Highlights: Blyde River Canyon Hike Kruger Private Game Reserve Afternoon Open Vehicle Safari Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation:Africa on Foot or Similar

Today will be a full day of safari activities. Your morning will start with a 3 to 4 hour game walk into the wilderness, tracking large game on foot as well as learning about the small things nature has to offer. You will be estcourted by highly professional field guides allowing you to immerse yourself in Africa and enjoying both the big and small creatures that you may encounter in the bush. After the morning walk, you will arrive back to a well-deserved brunch and you will have time to siesta by the pool and see what animals come to visit the lodge. The afternoon safari will be on an open vehicle in search of the Big 5. Included Highlights: Kruger Private Game Reserve Morning Walking Safari Afternoon Open Vehicle Safari Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation:Africa on Foot or Similar

This morning you will embark on another wild walking safari. We will then jump into our vehicle and continue into the famous Kruger National Park, arguably one of the best wildlife reserves in Africa. The private game reserve and Kruger National Park share the same animals that roam freely between the two reserves. The difference is just the general service and feeling. Both are equally good and is great to combine the two. Your Big 5 odyssey begins as soon as you enter the park. The area we will be driving is known for the high densities of The Big 5. During the midday heat, we will have lunch and siesta at a picnic site inside the park. This evening you will enjoy a sunset drive in an open 4x4 vehicle. The drive goes into the night and offers a great opportunity to see some of the parks lesser spotted nocturnal wildlife. Tonight, as we are in the bush, we will enjoy a traditional South African braai (barbecue) as we listen to the sounds of Africa. Included Highlights: Kruger National Park Safari Drive Sunset Open Vehicle Safari Drive Traditional South Africa Braai Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation:Kruger National Park or Similar

This morning we will head south through Kruger National Park on a final safari before exiting its gates. Once out the gates we will embark on a scenic drive through the Kingdom of Swaziland/Eswatini. We will be winding along the countries stunning landscapes of mountains and valleys. Today we will visit a local cultural village to get a deeper understanding of the rich Eswatini cultural heritage. Included Highlights: Kruger National Park Safari Scenic Drive in the Kingdom of Swaziland/Eswatini Cultural Village Visit Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation: Mlilwane Beehive Huts or Similar

This morning we will enjoy a leisurely mountain bike ride in the Mlilwane Nature Reserve. The ride will give you the opportunity to see stunning natural scenery and enjoy a cycling safari with wild animals. Once we burnt our calories for the day, we will begin our drive back to South Africa’s pristine north coast beaches. En-route, we will stop at a local shebeen (authentic bottle store) before heading for sundowners by the estuary. ​Included Highlights: Cycling in Mlilwane Nature Reserve Local Shebeen Sundowners on Secluded Beach Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation:Kosi Bay Lodge or Similar Optional Activity:Sunset Cruise

Today we will enjoy a full day ocean, estuary and beach experience. Kosi Bay is well known for being South Africa’s beach equivalent of Mozambique. It features a string of four lakes, lined with some of the most beautiful and remote beaches in South Africa. We begin the day with kayaking to the river mouth whilst spending some time learning about the ecosystem and local fish traps. Once we reach the river mouth, we will have the opportunity to snorkel in what is known as the `aquarium`. It is a beautiful strip of coral reef that is home to many colorful reef fish. In season (October to February), we suggest an optional evening activity in order to observe the leatherbacks and loggerhead turtles that lay their eggs and then steadily make their way towards the ocean. ​Included Highlights: Kosi Bay Kayak and Estuary Tour Snorkeling at the Kosi River Mouth Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation:Kosi Bay Lodge or Similar Optional Activity: Turtle Tour (Oct - Feb)

Today we will make our way through the lush and culture rich region of Zululand. The destination today is the vibrant small town of St Lucia, where the main street is a highway for both humans and hippos. This midday is at your own leisure, whether it be walking to the beach, exploring the town or relaxing by the swimming pool. This evening, we set off on an evening boat safari which will let us get up close to the estuaries numerous Hippo's, Crocodiles and other animals. Included Highlights: St Lucia Town Boat Safari Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch Accommodation:Urban Glamping Luxury Tents or Similar

Today we will enjoy an extensive morning safari in the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve. This is the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa and home to Africa’s Big 5. The safari will allow us to search for any animals we may have missed in Kruger National Park. Tonight, we will once again stay in the vibey town of St Lucia. Dinner will be own expense at one of the local restaurants, allowing you to enjoy the small towns unique atmosphere. Included Highlights: Hluhluwe iMfolozi Safari Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch Accommodation: Urban Glamping Luxury Tents or Similar

Today we say goodbye to the town of St Lucia and head for the large cosmopolitan city of Durban. This city is famous for its wide beaches, good food and outdoor atmosphere. We will stop in Durban to do a sky walk to the top of Moses Madiba's Stadium which offers extensive views of the Durban metropolis and the Indian Ocean. We will then enjoy a traditional lunch in the city. From Durban, we will head inland through the picturesque and historical Natal Midlands and make a stop at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site to learn about some of the Apartheid history of South Africa. From here we will then make our way to the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with awe-inspiring landscapes. Included Highlights: Durban City Moses Mabhida Skywalk Durban Authentic Lunch Natal Midlands Nelson Mandela Capture Site uKhahlamba Drakensberg Mountains Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation:Berghouse and Cottages or Similar

Today we will depart for an adventure at the foot of the Drakensberg mountains. We will enjoy a mountain bike ride along some of South Africa’s finest single track. The ride has rewarding scenery and some exciting terrain along rivers, savannah, forests and wildlife. There are various options to suit all fitness levels. This afternoon, you will have time at your own leisure, allowing you to relax or enjoy one of the various hikes and pools in the area. Included Highlights: Mountain Bike Ride in the uKhahlamba  Drakensberg Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation: Berghouse and Cottages or Similar

Today we will enjoy a hike in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Mountains. Our route will be to summit the Amphitheatre (Altitude 3'254m). One of the many highlights of the hike is the Tugela Falls, the highest waterfall in Africa. The 12km hike will allow you to enjoy breathtaking views into Royal Natal National Park and involves some interesting chain ladders and challenging ascents. All of which is very manageable and rewarding. Once we have descended, we will drive through the picture-perfect Golden Gate National Park, before reaching the quaint town of Clarens. Good food and beer are the culture of Clarens, and tonight, we will enjoy a local beer tasting experience. Dinner will be an own expense at one of the towns local restaurants. Included Highlights: Amphitheatre Hike Tugela Falls Golden Gate National Park Clarens Town - Beer Tasting Experience Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch Accommodation:Mt Horeb Manor or Similar

Today we will enjoy a breakfast at our accommodation before making our way to the City of Gold - Johannesburg. Please ask your guide if you would like to do any day activities or would like some advice on what to do in and around Johannesburg, Included Highlights: Johannesburg – City of Gold Meals Included: Breakfast