Exploring South Africa’s Natural Beauty on Foot
Tour Introduction
For the actively adventurous who prefer to explore on foot, this comprehensive 18-day self-drive itinerary includes some fairly demanding walks through a wide variety of landscapes. Hike the rocky headlands, dramatic sea cliffs and indigenous forests of the Garden Route for views over the ocean to see seals, bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoise and whales (Jun-Oct) and a chance of the Cape clawless otter. Then trek amongst the towering mountains of spectacular uKhahlamba Drakensberg National Park, including Tugela Falls, the second tallest cascade in the world. Next, travel to the bushlands of Kruger National Park for the thrill of walking safaris where lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, elephant, cheetah and other wildlife roam. To reward your efforts, we treat you to some effortless open-vehicle game drives and extra comfort at the end. An exciting and highly rewarding walking itinerary of good length and range, and offering excellent value to boot (pardon the pun).
Full Itinerary
Arrive Cape Town and connect with flight to George. Collect car and self-drive to Plettenberg Bay.
Staying at Periwinkle Guesthouse. Includes Breakfast.
Morning at leisure. Relax at the beach in Plettenberg Bay or hike the Robberg Peninsula Nature Reserve. Later drive to Storms River Mouth.
Staying at Storms River Mouth Rest Camp Honeymoon Cottage. Includes No Meals.
Explore Tsitsikamma National Park by hiking the Dolphin Trail from Storms River to Misty Mountain. The reserve protects some outstanding coastline and is home to a plethora of beautiful flora.
Staying at Misty Mountain Tented Lodge. Includes Breakfast.
Hike the Dolphin Trail from Misty Mountain to Forest Ferns enjoying the scenery and wildlife as you go.
Staying at The Fernery Lodge Garden Suite. Includes Breakfast.
4x4 Transfer through the Old Storms River Pass back to Storms River Mouth.
Staying at Storms River Mouth Rest Camp Honeymoon Cottage. Includes No Meals.
Self-drive to Port Elizabeth, drop hire car and take flight to Durban. Collect car and self-drive to hotel.
Staying at Quarters Hotel Florida Road. Includes Breakfast.
Drive to the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park at Cathedral Peak. Afternoon for optional hiking.
Staying at Cathedral Peak Hotel. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
Day to explore the Cathedral Peak area of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. The park is designated a World Heritage Site for its important geology, diverse habitats, endemic birds and plants and large number of rock paintings.
Staying at Cathedral Peak Hotel. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
Drive to the Northern Berg in the Royal Natal National Park. Optional hiking and other activities are available in the mountainous landscape.
Staying at Montusi Mountain Lodge. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
Day to explore the Royal Natal National Park. Optional hike to the top of the Amphitheatre and Tugela Falls (weather dependent - we can book for you but pay direct). The Tugela Falls is the second highest waterfall in the world with a drop of 948 meters. Other optional activities in this stunning area are also available.
Staying at Montusi Mountain Lodge. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
Drive back to Durban and to the hotel.
Staying at Quarters Hotel Florida Road. Includes Breakfast.
Drive to the airport and drop off the hire car. Fly to via Johannesburg to Kruger Skukuza. Met on arrival and transfer to the Kruger National Park. Settle in to your camp.
Staying at Rhino Walking Safaris - Plains Camp. Includes All Meals.
Enjoy the thrill of walking safaris in Kruger National Park. The lowveld ecosystem of Kruger supports an immense diversity of wildlife. There are excellent chances of seeing large herds of game and to get close to a white rhino. A walking safari also allows you to appreciate the smaller creatures, birds and plants of the area and to look for the tracks of larger animals.
Staying at Rhino Walking Safaris - Plains Camp. Includes All Meals.
Transfer to the Rhino Post Safari Lodge. Game drive in open vehicle with ranger in Kruger National Park, including Rhino Post's private concession. The 12,000-hectare private reserve adjoins the Mala Mala and Sabi Sands reserves and is well known for its abundance of game including excellent chances of seeing the Big 5. You may also opt for optional safari walks.
Staying at Rhino Post Safari Lodge - Bush Suite. Includes All Meals.
Another day for open vehicle game drives in Kruger National Park.
Staying at Rhino Post Safari Lodge - Bush Suite. Includes All Meals.
Transfer to the airport and fly to Johannesburg and connect with onward flight to London.
Includes In-flight Meals.
Tour Accommodation
Periwinkle Guest Lodge
Overview
Periwinkle Guest Lodge is situated on the edge of Robberg Beach (a Blue Flag beach offering safe swimming) near the wild Robberg Peninsula in Plettenberg Bay. With just seven suites, the lodge provides an intimate experience and a friendly and relaxed atmosphere for its guests.
Accommodation is in simple but attractive suites with light colours, modern furnishings and large windows to allow plenty of light in: six have balconies with beautiful sea views. The rooms also have digital flat screen TVs, writing desk, seating and free WiFi.
There is also an indoor breakfast room, open plan kitchen and large verandah with private tables where breakfasts and drinks can be taken if preferred. Other facilities include a lounge, bar, gym, spa and massage treatment room, and a laundry service is available on request.
Southern right whales arrive in the bay from June and stay until November to nurse their calves. Migrating humpback whales pass through between the end of November and February and again move through the area in late May and June.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Private bathrooms, breakfast bar, lounge, gym, massage treatment, spa, veranda, laundry service, free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV and safety deposit box.
Local Wildlife
The bay is of particular importance for southern right whales nursing their young and migrating humpback whales. There is also a resident population of the elusive Bryde’s whale and pods of common bottle-nosed and indopacific humpback dolphins can also be seen. A significant colony of Cape fur seals on the Robberg Nature Reserve, and great white sharks can very occasionally be spotted. There is a prolific bird life in the bay including.
Optional Activities
Whale watching trips, kayaking, walking in the Robberg Nature Reserve.
Storms River Mouth Rest Camp
Overview
The Storms River Mouth Rest Camp sits just up from the dramatic Indian Ocean coastline in the in the beautiful Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park. The camp is spread along the beautiful coastline bordered by lush forested mountains behind. It offers a large selection of chalets, self-catering suites, honeymoon cottages, communal forest huts and camping.
For the chalets, there is a choice of two and four beds, and all are en suite with comfortable beds but basic amenities. The Oceanette chalets have a living area, kitchenette and large verandah. Most of the chalets either have sea or mountain views.
The main building has an a la carte restaurant, bar, communal seating area, small gift shop and provides daily housekeeping and a laundry service.
The Camp is a perfect base for self-guided exploration walks into the National Park and along the coastal footpath. Of particular interest is the flora that grows in this Mediterranean-like climate. Rock hyrax (an unlikely ancestor of the elephant) can be seen in abundance around the camp itself. While offshore between June and October, southern right whales and large pods of dolphins and smaller porpoises can be spotted. The area is also home to the Cape clawless otter and shy African black oystercatcher, which can both occasionally be spotted along the shoreline. The forests of this region are rich in botanical interest and, with luck, the elusive blue duiker and the colourful, near-endemic Knysna lourie could be seen.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Private bathrooms, restaurant, bar, gift shop, laundry service, kitchenette and daily housekeeping.
Local Wildlife
Southern right and humpback whales, dolphins including heaviside's, common, dusky and bottle-nosed, harbour porpoise, rock hyrax, cape clawless otter, blue duiker, kynsa lourie, African black oystercatcher, sunbirds,
Optional Activities
Hiking in the Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park. Scuba diving is also possible.
Misty Mountain Reserve
Overview
The Misty Mountain Reserve is located within Tsitsikamma National Park, which protects vast forests and the largest marine reserve in South Africa.
Accommodation at the Reserve is in smart wooden bungalows with a range of size options available. All have comfortable double beds, an en suite bathroom with deluxe spa bathtub, fireplace, TV, safety deposit box, tea and coffee making facilities, mini-bar and an open plan living area. Each cabin also benefits from a private verandah providing picturesque views toward either the Indian Ocean or the Tsitsikamma Mountains.
Facilities at Misty Mountain Reserve include a bar and dining room serving tasty a la carte meals and cooked English breakfasts.
Guests can enjoy hiking in the National Park, cycling, a pitch and putt golf course and romantic al fresco dining. A stay at Misty Mountain is often the second accommodation for those walking the scenic Dolphin Trail.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Private bathrooms restaurant, bar, mini bar, TV, safety deposit box, fireplace, conference room and tea and coffee making facilities.
Optional Activities
Hiking and cycling in the Tsitsikamma National Park, whale watching boat trips and wild swimming.
The Fernery Lodge & Chalets
Overview
The Fernery Lodge & Chalets is a luxurious property with a relaxing, friendly ambience. It is built on the edge of the impressive Sandrift River Gorge above a 30 metre-high waterfall in the Tsitsikamma Mountains near Storms River Mouth in the Eastern Cape.
There is a choice of room type including luxury and standard chalets, luxury and sea view suites, and honeymoon and family suites. All suites are attractively decorated and allow in plenty of light. The come with en-suite bathrooms, comfortable double or twin beds, digital satellite TV, and a private deck with scenic views.
There is also a honeymoon suite available with a spa bath, and a large family suite with extra beds for the children.
Meals can be taken in the cellar dining room and guests are invited to tour the wine cellar to choose an accompanying bottle for their evening meal. The main building has a 24-hour reception with free WiFi available.
The Fernery Lodge is set amidst lush mountain woodland and there are several walking and cycle trails (bicycles are available free of charge) leading straight from the lodge.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, lounge, bar, wine cellar, outdoor swimming pool, sauna, hot tub, satellite TV, safety deposit box, free WiFi, gift shop, laundry service, concierge service, luggage storage and room service.
Optional Activities
Wildlife viewing, walking, cycling and water sports on the coast are all available.
Quarters Hotel Florida Road
Overview
The grand Quarters Hotel Florida Road in Durban is a resplendent property converted in 1999 by Robert Maingard from a row of degraded Victorian colonials house into a beautiful contemporary boutique hotel with character.
The hotel’s architecture has been well preserved and it now provides luxurious accommodation with modern facilities and first class service.
There are 15 standard and nine superior, individually designed bedrooms all with queen size beds, air-conditioning and private bathrooms. The rooms are also equipped with an LCD TV, direct-dial telephone, safety deposit box and tea and coffee making facilities. There are thoughtful touches such as high quality complimentary toiletries, home-made biscuits and double glazed windows to ensure guests obtain a good night’s rest.
The hotel’s Brasserie Restaurant is an award-winning a la carte establishment serving traditional South African cuisine at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, bar, lounge, air conditioning, safety deposit box, LCD TV, direct dial telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, laundry service, 24 hour reception, currency exchange, free parking, security guard and Wi-Fi (charges apply).
Optional Activities
City tours of Durban.
Cathedral Peak Hotel
Overview
The award-winning, family owned Cathedral Peak Hotel is nestled into the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains and named after the local mountain. The hotel provides an outstanding and personal service and wide range facilities. The staff work hard to cater to every individual need and the hotel has plenty to offer families as well as those on romantic holidays.
There is a wide range of accommodation available ranging from honeymoon and presidential suites to large family rooms. All the rooms are en suite with comfortable double or twin beds and have ceiling fans, safety deposit boxes, TV and a minibar.
Facilities include a restaurant, lounge, cocktail bar, gym, spa, outdoor swimming pool, games room and extensive gardens. The restaurant serves excellent buffets and a particular highlight is the stir-fry where ingredients can be picked before being cooked to your liking.
The Cathedral Peak Hotel has extensive sport options including tennis, badminton, table tennis, volleyball, squash, bowls, archery, mini golf and a nine-hole golf course. More adventurous activities such as quad biking, cycling, mountain climbing and walking, horse riding and helicopter rides are also available.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, lounge, cocktail bar, swimming pool, nine-hole golf course, range of sports facilities, bicycle rental, room service, safety deposit box, complimentary WiFi, conference room, currency exchange, spa, gym, karaoke and games room.
Optional Activities
Use of the hotels sport and amenity facilities, walking, cycling and horse riding in the Drakensberg Mountains.
Montusi Mountain Lodge
Overview
Situated in the Northern Drakensberg Mountain region, Montusi Mountain Lodge’s large thatched main building houses a restaurant, bar and lounge which opens to the terrace overlooking a very large natural pool and the famous Amphitheatre escarpment in the distance.
The 10 Garden Suites are detached thatched buildings, cleverly positioned for privacy and to maximize views towards the Amphitheatre. The spacious bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms with separate walk-in showers and in the lounges there are television, tea and coffee-making facilities and bar fridge with fresh milk.
Fireplaces warm the suites and they all open out onto private patios. You will experience genuine hospitality with special touches in the form of home-made chocolates and bread. Self-catering, two-bedroom Family Suite cottages are also available for large groups or families.
Montusi Mountain Lodge is the perfect base from which to hike in the Drakensberg mountains and the Royal Natal National Park, visit other local sites and townships, and for horse riding and mountain biking.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
There are 10 Garden Suites, four Family Suites (with two bedrooms) and two spacious Mountain Suites. Each of the 16 suites has a private bathroom, TV, tea and coffee making facilities, mini-bar and terrace. In the main building are the restaurant, bar, lounge and natural swimming pool, .
Optional Activities
Hiking in the beautiful Drakensberg Mountains, horse riding, mountain biking.
Rhino Post Safari Lodge
Overview
Rhino Post Safari Lodge is situated on the banks of the Mutlumuvi riverbed in a 12,000-hectare private wilderness concession within the much larger Kruger National Park. In the spirit of conservation, the lodge has been specially constructed with very few permanent structures, uses low energy lighting and natural materials and has raised walkways to ensure minimal impact on the environment. The lodge shares a 15km unfenced boundary with the Mala Mala and Sabi Sands game reserves. The lodge is particularly special for its walking safaris enabling guests to track exciting large mammals including white rhino.
The accommodation at Rhino Post is split between 8 chalets and 4 traditional African safari style tents. The en suite stilted chalets are built overlooking the Mutlumuvi riverbed and have been carefully designed in an open plan format to maximise space and have stylish wooden furnishings and floors.
The tents are located in a dense thicket but have panoramic views across the wildlife filled plains below. Each tent has been designed to replicate the traditional style of the tents used by early naturalists visiting the area in the 19th century. The amenities in the tents are basic but have comfortable twin beds with mosquito nets, attached private bathrooms, electricity for lighting and a private verandah with seats.
The main building has a dining room with plenty of inside and outside seating and serves delicious local and western dishes. There is also a bar and lounge next to a cosy fireplace and an extensive wine cellar. There is plenty of outdoor seating and a small swimming pool overlooking the riverbed.
Activities include game drives and walks in the private concession without any crowds, and sleep-outs in the bush under the stars can also be arranged.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Private bathrooms, 24-hour electricity, restaurant, ceiling fans, safety deposit box, hair dryer and mosquito net.
Local Wildlife
The private concession is home to the big five and a huge diversity of other mammals, birds and reptiles. Common sightings include elephant, white rhino, lion, spotted hyena, buffalo, commoner antelope, giraffe and hippopotamus. While cheetah, leopard, honey badger, mongooses and bushbabies are also present. Birdlife includes many birds of prey such as martial and Bateleur eagle, vultures, owls, yellow-billed and ground hornbills, barbets, sunbirds, oxpeckers and rollers.
Optional Activities
Game drives and walks including rhino tracking in the private concession.
Route Map
Departure Dates
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Flight Info:
Fly from London to Cape Town, return from Johannesburg
Best Visited:
January to January
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
Alan Godwin
Area Specialist
This active itinerary requires a good level of fitness. Remember we can mix and match elements from various itineraries to get the balance of activity and relaxation just right for you.
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
We thoroughly enjoyed the holiday. Leopard View was fantastic. The guide did his upmost for us and the rest of the game viewing was great. We saw everything that we wanted to see.
