The Leopard Tour Itinerary
Leopard Tour 16 days
Destinations:- Johannesburg - 2nights
- KwaZulu-Natal - 5 nights
- Garden Route - 4 nights
- Cape Town and surrounds - 4 nights
Day 1 to Day 2
Welcome to South Africa! We meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Tonight, dine in one of the many restaurants in the posh Sandton district.
On our second day in South Africa we explore two well-known landmarks of Johannesburg, namely Gold Reef City and Soweto. Johannesburg, more commonly known as Egoli, is built on the richest goldmine in the world. Experience the mining process by entering an underground mine, search for the elusive specs of yellow in the rough rock and feel the heat of the golden liquid as it is poured into the mould.
Soweto, the most populous black urban community in South Africa, is steeped in history. Its political heartbeat has guaranteed it a place on the world map. Soweto was at the centre of the uprising that led to the overthrow of the apartheid regime and the onset of the peace process towards a democratic dispensation. However, Soweto is far more than this. Despite its poverty, it has a vibrant cheerfulness and is a hive of activity. We will visit its landmarks and a shebeen – a traditional drinking joint where we will enjoy the music, have a pint or two and enjoy a traditional African meal.
Day 3 and 4
We get up early for our trip to Durban via the Lesotho-Drakensberg and the Natal Midlands.
The drive takes you through picturesque villages and regions with strange-sounding names such as Phuthaditjhaba, Qwa-Qwa and Golden Gate. The route meanders through the beautiful mountains of sandstone, pieces of which were also used as building blocks in many of the dwellings in the area. Late afternoon, the sandstone reflects an array of warm colours – gold, yellow and ochre. Keep your cameras handy! You spend the night in Clarens (“the jewel of the Free State”), well-known for its artists’ colony.
The Natal Midlands is a beautiful region filled with stretches of farmland, charming little towns, a wonderful arts and crafts route and picturesque scenery, bordering on the sublime. Rivers, lakes, and waterfalls are abundant – and the landscape is endowed with green pastures, hills and forests. In its northern reaches this region is dominated by the foothills and mountains of the Drakensberg (the “mountain of dragons”). Spend time exploring the many coffee shops, art galleries, cheese factories, trout farms, potters, weavers and painters who have made this region their home.
Day 4 to 7
Undoubtedly the main attraction of Africa is its wildlife, protected in national and private game reserves. Our focus is on two of the most sought-after national game reserves – Hluhluwe Umfolozi and the Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park. Established in 1895, Hluhluwe Umfolozi Reserve is noted for its wide variety of both birdlife and wildlife. Apart from game viewing drives there are guided walks which can be especially rewarding in the early morning and late afternoon. The Wetlands Park is a World Heritage Site and encompasses an immense mosaic of habitats ranging from coral reefs and beaches, coastal forests, salt and fresh water marshes to the drier woodland areas. This is a remarkably beautiful place.
Yes, for the four days, experience the great outdoors in the company of the Big Five – lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant, and more species of mammals than anywhere else in Africa. Although sightings of these animals and birds are not guaranteed, experienced game rangers and trackers take visitors out in open safari vehicles to spots where there are usually sightings. The game rangers' wealth of knowledge of the bush and their own wildlife experiences make for interesting conversation around the fire.
Day 8 to 11
The Garden Route is undoubtedly the most beautiful part of the South African coast line. The area boasts a Mediterranean climate and unsurpassed natural beauty. We spend the next two days in the sleepy picturesque town of Knysna. The town lies on the shores of a beautiful estuary, with the lagoon spilling into the ocean, passing through the monolithic sandstone cliffs known as the Knysna Heads. A ferry ride across the lagoon is the best way to see the Heads and get a full view of the lagoon and the town.
The third day is a busy one. After a light breakfast a short drive takes us into one of but a few remaining indigenous forests in South Africa, known as Tsitsikamma. Have you ever dreamt of an enchanted forest of mysterious and impenetrable lushness, with a canopy of giant Redwoods and moss and ferns under foot? Well this is it! We take the back roads deep into its inner sanctum. Here we enjoy the pleasure of a “bush brunch”. We continue our journey, meandering through the forest, to the coastal town of Plettenberg Bay. We spend the afternoon at leisure. Enjoy the vistas of the lagoon below and the winding coastline in the distance. Weather permitting, a stroll on the beach – and for the brave, a dip in the waves – will start you planning your next visit.
After breakfast we leave for Oudtshoorn, nestled against the Swartberg Mountains in the semi-desert region of the Klein Karoo. Our first visit is to an ostrich farm, with its grand manor house, reflecting the days when ostrich feathers were in vogue. Ostrich farming is still a lucrative business, but is valued for its meat and beautiful skins. We watch farm labourers engage in their daily “Ascot” ostrich race. Why not try it yourself – but remember to hold on!
Then a short drive to one of the unique wonders of the world – the Cango Caves with underground tunnels and chambers four kilometres long. Millennia of limestone deposits formed breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites that are skilfully illuminated for us to enjoy. Time permitting, we take the scenic route through the Swartberg Pass, an engineering feat of yesteryear. After a busy day we can enjoy the luxurious desert retreat of a country house.
Day 12 to 15
Today we are en route to the Mother city – Cape Town. We take the scenic Route 62, reminiscent of the more famous Route 66 in the USA. We drive through picturesque villages such as Bonnievale, Ceres and Tulbach. In Montagu we stop for lunch at the 1906 Victorian restaurant. Back in the coach, sit back and enjoy the magnificent landscapes, towering cliffs and scenic passes. The mountains form the backdrop to a rainbow of colours – fields of wheat, canola, vineyards and orchards. As we get closer to Cape Town who will be the lucky one to spot the famous mountain first?
The Mother City is regarded by many as the most beautiful city in the world. It lies beneath the sandstone countenance of Table Mountain, often shrouded in a veil of clouds. Far below its flat crest lies the harbour, with colourful sailing boats returning from stunning trips to the precipitous cliffs of the Twelve Apostles, the magnificent Monte Carlo-like mansions of Clifton, the sandy white beaches of Camps Bay, Muizenburg and Fish Hoek, not to mention Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for eighteen years.
This corner of South Africa is also renowned for its splendid wines – produced among beautiful mountains, whitewashed Cape Dutch homesteads and a patchwork of vineyards. The towns reflecting the history of the French Huguenots are Stellenbosch, Franschoek and Paarl, all nestled beneath rugged mountains. No wonder this region is one of the most popular destinations for travellers.
Day 16
Our African safari has drawn to a close. The management of Sunset Safaris and Tours bid you an African farewell – hamba gathle!
You leave for the airport in the morning with a sense of nostalgia – "I will return here, someday". You fly back to your country with so much to say about this jewel in the South.
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