12 Day Trek Southern Africa

Tour Overview:

This exciting holiday offers you a comprehensive insight into some of South Africa’s best adventure attractions available. Our unique itinerary has been carefully designed maximizing your experience within the short time you spend visiting us. Following your arrival in the renowned city of gold, (Johannesburg), your epic journey includes breathtakingly tranquil views and a variety of territories where the mighty Lion remains the king of the wilds and humans dare to roam freely. From taking in the warm aroma from wild ocean beaches we participate in walks visiting the Drakensburg mountains and experience rural pony trekking in Lesotho. The Trek South Africa encounters and experiences African traditions oozing with marvelous cultures of ancient mankind, satisfying your inner curiosity. This adventure tour allows you to touch and embrace magical Africa leaving you with an everlasting desire to discover more of this dynamic and diverse continent.

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Highlights & Adventure Boosts

Blyde River Canyon Bourke’s Luck potholes Three Rondavels Moholoholo Animal Rehab Kruger National Park Kingdom of Swaziland Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Ngwenya Glass factory Swazi Candles

Zulu Village walk St Lucia Estuary sunset cruise Hluhluwe Game Reserve Aids Centre Valley of a thousand hills Drakensberg hiking Bushman painting sights Lesotho pony trek Basotho village tour

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Highlights & Adventure Boosts

Blyde River Canyon Bourke’s Luck potholes Three Rondavels Moholoholo Animal Rehab Kruger National Park Kingdom of Swaziland Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Ngwenya Glass factory Swazi Candles

Zulu Village walk St Lucia Estuary sunset cruise Hluhluwe Game Reserve Aids Centre Valley of a thousand hills Drakensberg hiking Bushman painting sights Lesotho pony trek Basotho village tour

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Day 1: Johannesburg – Greater Kruger Park, South Africa
Distance travelled: +/-500km
Departing from South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg, we drive across the scenic Mpumalanga province and enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery of the Panoramic route. We stop at the gigantic Three Rondavels rock formations and enjoy the crisp air and fantastic surroundings looking down onto Blyde River Canyon and further afield to the lowveld and Greater Kruger. After visiting Bourke’s Luck potholes and Gods window we stop for lunch in Graskop . This afternoon we make our way to our isolated bush camp within the greater Kruger Park, We spend the night at a tranquil rest camp sharing stories and experiences to one another around the amber light of a campfire.

Highlights Included: Blyde River Canyon, Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Gods Window
Accommodation: Nsele bush lodge or similar (Camping 2 man Dome tents)
Meals included: South African Dinner

Day 2: Moholoholo – Kruger National Park
Distance travelled: +/-120km
After breakfast we visit Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, experiencing firsthand the remarkable work done by committed volunteers who rehabilitate displaced, traumatized predators and endangered mammals from the surrounding areas. All animals are then prepared to be released back into the wilds of Africa. From here we enter Kruger National Park. Kruger is home to over 505 species of birds, 148 species of mammals and many reptiles which we ready, we head out early on a game drive, the best time to view animals, especially predators. The big cats like to hunt at night and if we are lucky we may come across one of their hunts or kills. Hopefully we will see some of the Big 5 – elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo. This is an old colonial term used by hunters tracking their most dangerous foe. After resting for lunch at one of the parks rest camps, we spent the rest of the day exploring the narrow roads through the wilds of Kruger Park. at sunset we return to our camp for the night.

Highlights Included: Full day game drive in Kruger National Park
Adventure Boost: Full day 4×4 open vehicle game drive
Optional Activities: Night game drive
Accommodation: Nsele bush lodge or similar (Camping 2 man Dome tents)
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Kruger National Park
Distance travelled: +/-120km
Waking at sunrise, with cameras and binoculars at the ready, we head out early on a game drive, the best time to view animals, especially predators. The big cats like to hunt at night and if we are lucky we may come across one of their hunts or kills. Hopefully we will see some of the Big 5 – elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo. This is an old colonial term used by hunters tracking their most dangerous foe. After resting for lunch at one of the parks rest camps, we spent the rest of the day exploring the narrow roads through the wilds of Kruger Park. at sunset we return to our camp for the night.

Highlights Included: Full day game drive in Kruger National Park
Adventure Boost: Full day 4×4 open vehicle game drive
Optional Activities: Night game drive
Accommodation: Nsele bush lodge or similar (Camping 2 man Dome tents)
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Kruger National Park – Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Swaziland
Distance travelled: +/- 450km
Leaving our private reserve, we travel south along the edge of the Kruger National Park, passing many farming towns and Shangaan settlements. After a short stop in Nelspruit, the road takes us through lush citrus farms before crossing the Crocodile River and into the Kingdom of Swaziland. The windy road carries us over lush, green mountain passes through this landlocked kingdom snuggled between Mozambique and South Africa. Passing many craft markets, we make an educational visit to the famous Ngwenya glass factory, skirt passed the capital Mbabane, before arriving at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, our base for the next two nights. Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is Swaziland’s oldest protected area located in the stunning Ezulwini Valley, ‘Valley of Heavens’.

Highlights Included: Ngwenya glass factory, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Accommodation: Mlilwane Camp or similar (Camping 2 man Dome tents)
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: The Kingdom of Swaziland
Distance travelled: +/- 100km
Waking to the sounds of grunting antelope and wild exotic birds, we enjoy breakfast soaking up the natural beauty of our surroundings. This morning we enjoy a short drive through the sanctuary before visiting the Swazi Candle Factory and local out door craft market. For the rest of the day we recommend you participate in some of the many activities offered in the sanctuary such as; horseback trails, mountain bike riding, village walk, bush guided walks or just enjoy some rejuvenating time-out sun tanning around the cool swimming pool with a good book. There are over forty species of animals found here including the exotic species such as Honey Badger, Dwarf Mongoose, Aardwolf, Striped Polecat and the more common including Hippo, Ostrich, Kudu, Zebra and Baboon. The mystical night starts by enjoying cool sun downers and admiring the view overlooking the hippo pool while our crew prepares a delicious dinner.

Highlights Included: Swazi candle factory, craft markets, Mlilwane game reserve
Optional Activities: Mountain bike trail, horse trail, village walk, nature walk, guided birding walk
Accommodation: Mlilwane camp or (Camping 2 man Dome tents)
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Swaziland – St Lucia, South Africa
Distance travelled: +/- 410km
Approx driving day: Full day
Leaving this amazing sanctuary behind us we cross the border re-entering South Africa into KwaZulu-Natal province. Arriving in the small coastal town of St Lucia, for lunch and settle into our camp before enjoying a comprehensive tour of a Zulu village giving us an insight into Zulu warrior traditions which very similar compared to the peaceful Swazi tribes. Soon after we join a boat for a sunset cruise on the estuary for hippo and bird viewing. Returning to our camp early evening for dinner, we explore our natural surroundings, spotting nocturnal bush babies playing in the lush green trees and many other things that go ‘bump’ in the night!.

Highlights Included: Zulu cultural village tour
Adventure Boost: Estuary sunset boat cruise
Accommodation: St Lucia campsite or similar (Camping 2 man dome tents)
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: St Lucia – Durban
Distance travelled: +/- 320km
Rising early, we enjoy a light breakfast before driving the short distance to Hluhluwe Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal’s premier game reserve hosting the famous “Big Five” and many other wild life species. After an enjoyable morning’s safari game driving through one of South Africa’s oldest and well run reserves, before returning to St Lucia. Departing after lunch we drive through pine forests and sugar cane fields before arriving in one of Africa’s largest commercial ports, Durban. uShaka Marine World is our first stop where we have the option to see some fascinating salt water aquariums with indoor/outdoor displays and interesting exhibits, including a dolphin, seal and penguin rookery built within the wreck of a re-created cargo ship from the 1940’s, or take a leisurely walk on Durban famous golden mile beach. This evening we join an optional group dinner at a restaurant, where-after the night is ours to venture out for a walk along the beach or explore the night life using taxis for transport.

Highlights Included: Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Durban Golden Mile
Adventure Boost: Game Open vehicle drive in Hluhluwe / Imfolozi National Park
Optional Extras: uShaka Marine World
Accommodation: On the beach lodge (Dorm style 6 bedded)
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8: Durban – Drakensberg
Distance Travelled: +/-350km
Leaving Durban we drive a short distance up country visiting an AIDS Centre Trust providing unconditional love, hope in a practical and sustainable way. A little further we stop at Botha’s Hill overlooking the Inanda valley (valley of a thousand hills). The landscape is dotted with many rural Zulu homesteads and Nearby we find some fantastic curio shops with lovely local crafts on display for us to visit and a rustic restaurant giving us a wonderful opportunity to enjoy an early lunch overlooking the green hills and valleys. Weaving our way inland, the tour takes us via Ladysmith relevant to the Boer war, through to the foot of the Drakensburg Mountains experiencing its sheer magnitude. The Drakensberg is South Africa’s highest mountain range with peaks over 3000m. We retire to our bush lodge in the late afternoon where we suggest an early night in preparation for the next day hiking trails or with the option to witnessing the second highest water fall in the world.

Highlights Included: AIDS centre, valley of a thousand hills
Accommodation: Amphitheater Lodge or similar (Camping 2 man dome tents)
Meals included: Dinner

Day 9: Drakensburg
Distance Travelled +/- 50km
After a light breakfast and day packs ready to go, we enter the Royal National Park at the foot of the mountains where they have very interesting and exciting hiking trails for us to choose from. Hiking is by far the most popular activity to experience in the Drakensberg from some of its daring to Novus trails that can we enjoyed by all who visit this natural wonder. There are a few bushman rock painting sights to visit interacting with a local guide explaining the meaning and history of their forefathers. Our guide will have a well deserved lunch ready for us in the rest area after the morning walk. The afternoon can be spent relaxing in the rest area or trying out some more trails in the area. We return to our camp site early afternoon where we have the option to do mountain bike trail or try your hand at fly fishing before retiring for the night.

Highlights Included: AIDS centre, valley of a thousand hills
Accommodation: Amphitheater Lodge or similar (Camping 2 man dome tents)
Meals included: Dinner

Day 10: Drakensburg – Malealea
Distance Travelled: +/-450km
Waking early and enjoying a light breakfast, we drive through the central scenic parts of Golden Gate National Park nestled in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains, stopping at some beautiful viewpoints and interesting sights. We stop in the small farming town of Clarens for lunch. From here we cross the border into Maseru, the capital of Lesotho. Lesotho, officially the Kingdom of Lesotho, is a landlocked country completely surrounded by South Africa. Climbing spectacular scenic mountain roads, we head for Malealea situated in a remote part of Western Lesotho that is absolutely breathtaking in its natural beauty, offering us time to truly experience traditional Basotho life. The evening brings the smell of wood fires burning and as dinner is prepared we can enjoy the serenity of Basotho land.

Highlights Included: Malealea traditional singing with tin can bands
Optional Extras: Visit Malealea trading post
Accommodation: Malealea Lodge (Camping 2 man dome tents)
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 11: Malealea
Distanced Travelled 0km
Taking in the clear crisp morning air, after our breakfast, we visit an authentic local Basotho village where a local villager explains to us life in the village while visiting the school with pupils in class, the church house and other important facts that makes their lives so special. Saddled up on some gentle Basotho ponies, we experience a guided pony trek following narrow trails and paths weaving through the rural mountainous terrain. Beginner riders can ask for a Basotho Child (at your own expense) to accompany you and lead your pony adding value for the local community. The rest of the day is free for us to choose selected hiking trails or pony treks across marvelous terrains, visiting nearby waterfalls or bushman painting sights around the great Maluti Mountains. For people who are genuinely interested in finding out about Traditional healers, you can book an appointment with the village Sangoma who will throw bones and discuss your future well-being. The night is spent with various Basotho children’s choirs and local Basotho music bands who demonstrate their homemade instruments and entertains us around an open fire.

Highlights Included: Guided village tour, Malealea trading post
Adventure Boost: Guided pony trek
Optional extras: walking trails & pony trek, Sangoma, waterfall hike
Accommodation: Malealea Lodge (2 man dome tents)
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 12: Lesotho / Malealea – Johannesburg
Distance Travelled: +/- 500km
Waking for breakfast to the sounds of cattle and village chicken crows echoing through the rural trading post, we have a relaxed morning buying last minute cruise before leaving for Johannesburg, Following the windy roads to the capital city, Maseru, we cross the border back into South Africa. Cutting through the land of windpomp (windmills), the Free State is a rural farming province of wide horizons and beautiful blue skies, farmlands, and widely dispersed towns, our expedition ends in the heart of the City Of Gold; Johannesburg.

Highlights Included: Malealea trading post
Optional extras: Local village & craft market
Accommodation: Not Included
Meals included: Breakfast

Camping Trip – Swaziland & Lesotho

2 – Crew 18 – Passengers Max Mini bus / coach Starts – Johannesburg Ends – Johannesburg 12 day – 11 Nights Camping – 11 Nights 2 – Man Dome Tents 6 Breakfast – 0 Lunch – 6 Dinners

PRICE per person  R8900Adven. Boost  R1250 Pay to the tour leader Single Supplement R600 book your own tentTour Price includes your tour, accommodation, included highlights and meals as indicated. Adventure Boost : This portion guarantees your activity because we book it in advance, however this portion may only be paid on the day of departure to your tour leader. Single Supplement will secure your own tent and must be paid when booking your tour.

ACCOMMODATION UPGRADE – Spoil yourself and get a twin en-suit room

2 – Crew 18 – Passengers Max Mini bus / coach Starts – Johannesburg Ends – Johannesburg 12 day – 11 Nights Camping – 11 Nights 2 – Man Dome Tents 6 Breakfast – 0 Lunch – 6 Dinners

PRICE per person   R8900 Adven. Boost   R1250 Pay to the tour leader Accom. Upgrade  R2450 Pay to the tour leaderSingle Supplement  R4900book your own roomTour Price includes your tour, accommodation, included highlights and meals as indicated. Adventure Boost : This portion guarantees your activity because we book it in advance, however this portion may only be paid on the day of departure to your tour leader. Single Supplement will secure your own Room and must be paid when booking your tour.

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2014 Departure Dates

Useful Information

Monday every second week ends Sundays Leaving Johannesburg 05h00             End Date 2014-11-19 – 2014-11-30 2014-12-17 – 2014-12-28 2015-01-14 – 2015-01-25 2015-02-11 – 2015-02-22 2015-03-11 – 2015-03-22 2015-04-08 – 2015-04-19 2015-05-06 – 2015-05-17 2015-06-03 – 2015-06-14 2015-07-01 – 2015-07-12 2015-07-29 – 2015-08-09 2015-08-26 – 2015-09-06 2015-09-23 – 2015-10-04 2015-10-21 – 2015-11-01 2015-11-18 – 2015-11-29 2015-12-16 – 2015-12-27 2016-01-13 – 2016-01-24 2016-02-10 – 2016-02-21 2016-03-09 – 2016-03-20

What is the Adventure Boost? These are activities that are available on the tour but are optional to you, to streamline the adventure to suit your individual taste, style and pocket. Paying for the adventure boost on departure benefits local communities and businesses as this money goes directly to the operator.Food & Meals The crew will buy fresh meat, vegetables and fruit each day, ensuring that all needs are catered for. The local produce is cost effective and a healthier option too. We all help with the cooking and cleaning on tour – working as a team creates harmony and lasting friendships long after the tour is over. We do enjoy local specialties occasionally at the local restaurants, which is for your pocket. Lunch is usually not included as there are many local shops with various lunch options for you to try out.

Camping & Upgrading
The camping grounds we have selected are chosen for their exquisiteness and convenience to places we explore, most of which are situated close to National Parks and places of interest. These have shared ablution facilities and most have extra’s like restaurants, shops, pubs and swimming pools and depending on availability you have the opportunity to upgrade to rooms with en-suite facilities if you’d rather spend some nights out of the tent. If you don’t want to camp at all, please, when booking, we recommend that you pay for the upgrade at the time of booking to secure accommodation.

TOUR INFORMATION

TOUR STYLE:
Adventure Camping

WHAT’S INCLUDED:
Tour highlights, transport, accommodation, meals as indicated and the services of an ENGLISH speaking driver / tour leader.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
Visas, visa fees, travel insurance, flights, airport transfers, optional activities, laundry, gratuities, passports and items of a personal nature.

ADVENTURE BOOST:
These are activities that are available on the tour but are optional to you, to streamline the adventure to suit your individual taste and pocket.

ACCOMMODATION:
Choose between our specially selected camping grounds with shared facilities or if your taste is a home from home en-suite facility, with a pool, restaurant and bar, whatever your style, whatever your adventure, we’ve got it covered!

TRANSPORT:
Minibus: With a minimum of 4 passengers to a maximum of 18.

BOOKING INFORMATION:
On confirmation of booking you will receive pre-departure and all relevant information. After receipt of full payment, travel vouchers and all pertaining information will promptly be delivered to you! If you could please contact your local travel agent for flights arrangements to and from your tour start and finish destination.

HOW TO BOOK – 3 EASY STEPS

TREK SOUTH AFRICA TSA12

We are based in Johannesburg, South Africa GMT+100.
Our reservation’s office is open Monday to Friday from 08h00 to 17h00
To contact us and speak to one of our helpful, experienced and friendly consultants don’t hesitate to call us on: +27 11 974 8245 or send us an email: info@rushadventures.co.za

• Confirm the date you would like to travel with your consultant.
• Fill in the booking form with all required information and details to your tour. We will then send you an invoice with your booking number.
• Make the payment via an Internet bank transfer or deposit directly into the Rush Adventures banking account. Once payment is confirmed, confirmation of travel and all pertaining vouchers and documents will be promptly sent to you.

A deposit of 20% is required on booking and the balance is due 6 weeks prior to departure.
A cancellation fee will be charged accordingly to Rush Adventure in the event thereof. All conditions are stated on the booking form.

Please notify us when booking if there are any dietary requirements or medical conditions to make your tour streamlined to your individual needs. The Adventure Boost is payable to the tour leader on the day of departure.

Simply fill out your details below and click on the submit button. The bookings will be processed and you will be contacted promptly. We thank you for choosing your adventure with Rush and we ensure you of a memorable tour experience second to none!

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Payment Option

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