Kruger, Swaziland and the Drakensberg
16 days, Guided Groups, Fixed Departures
The Drakensberg - a spectacularly rugged mountain range stretching for 200 miles packed with impressive peaks, deep forested valleys, nature reserves, spectacular falls and a gluttony of fabulous hiking trails leading to great heights. 'Ukhahlamba' or 'Barrier of Spears' tower high above traditional thatched rondavels, grasslands and gorges offering unique panoramic scenes for those willing to push themselves a little to reach the peaks.Nowhere is the range more spectacular than in the region of the Amphitheatre, a massive wall of sheer sandstone curving 180 degrees, from where the world's second highest falls tumble. Staying in two different catchment areas allows you to experience the Drakensberg in their entirety - their grandeur befitting the location in mighty Kwa-Zulu Natal province.
This trip also takes you to Swaziland and the Malolotja Reserve for some gentler hiking and the fabulous Kruger National Park where you will experience a truly memorable safari surrounded by all the big names in African wildlife.
Blyde River Canyon provides a dramatic start to the trip with its incredible 35km long meandering gorge and sweeping views with the Lowveld, Drakensberg and Kruger all in the distance.
Tough but rewarding hiking, inspirational vistas and a wealth of differing terrain combined with indigenous culture and some of the world???s best game-viewing - surely this is quintessential Africa at its best?
- Days 1 and 2. Outbound
- Fly overnight to Johannesburg and transfer to Graskop via the historic gold-mining town of Pilgrim's Rest.
- Days 3 and 4. Blyde River Canyon
- Transfer to the Blyde River Canyon area where the cliffs drop a whole kilometre to the ravine below. Hike the Hippo and Eagle Trails from the Swadini Dam in the valley, walk through the tall forest and alpine heath and visit various viewing sites such as the Bourke's Luck Potholes, God's Window and the Three Rondavels. This is truly one of the most scenic spots in Africa and a fitting start to your trip.
- Days 5 and 6. Kruger National Park
- Drive to Kruger National Park, one of the world's greatest game reserves with little to rival the richness of its wildlife. The Big Five can all be found here with an incredible number of bird species all in a bushveld environment. Guided safaris with a qualified ranger make this a very special part of the trip - a face-to-face encounter with such wildlife is an experience you are unlikely to forget.
- Days 7 and 8. Swaziland
- Swaziland! A name conjuring up numerous images of real Africa. Here you will stay at the Malolotja Reserve in the highest part of the country. It offers beautiful mountainous scenery with forested valleys and a choice of gentle or demanding walks.
- Days 9 and 11. Drakensberg Ridges and Rock Art
- Transfer to Giant's Castle in the foothills of the Drakensberg. Enjoy your first outings absorbing these very unique surroundings in the heart of this remote valley in the Little Berg. There is a wealth of culture here and there will be a guided tour to a bushman cave to discover its well-preserved San rock art. Two ridge walks will also be undertaken - the Giants Ridge Trail and the famed Langalibalele Ridge walk, a strenuous hike offering far-reaching views of the incredible scenery that this escarpment provides.
- Days 12 to 14. Cathedral Peak and the Amphitheatre
- Transfer to Champagne Valley in the Central Berg and your delightfully traditional rondavels sympathetically built into the rock offering stunning sunrises from your room. From here you will take the beautifully scenic Rainbow Gorge walk and climb nearby Cathedral Peak (3007 metres). This rightfully famous pinnacle is part of a series of prominent free-standing crests which have broken away from the main escarpment. Grassland, forest and open woodland of Protea trees lead to steep ridges necessitating an enjoyable scramble to the summit. The Drakensberg are very much 'hands on' mountains - nowhere more so than on your day trekking in the region of the Amphitheatre. This is the piece de resistance of the range, a 5 mile crescent-shaped escarpment dominating Royal Natal Park covered in alpine heath and affording incredible views of the outlying scenery. A fitting finale to your trip.
- Days 15 and 16. Homeward
- Return to Johannesburg for your flight back to the UK.
- Tour grade: C
- Cost per person: £2,450.
- Single supplement: £175.
- CO2 offset cost: £19.66
- What is included: Flights, accommodation, transfers, most meals, guides, entrance fees.
- Accommodation: Hotels, lodges, chalets.
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Departure dates:
Saturday, 15 March 2008.
Saturday, 8 November 2008.
Saturday, 14 March 2009. - Trip Report: Click here to read about Helene Cooper's recent experience!