Itinerary - Get Now DOC

							14 DAY SOUTH AFRICA SELFDRIVE
Highlights of the trip:
1.   Starts at the international airport of Johannesburg and ends in Johannesburg.
2.   You travel to our most popular and well known Game Reserve, the Kruger Park
3.   A taste of Swaziland, where you should get your local arts and crafts.
4.   Drakensberg Mountains.

Itinerary

Day 1 Pilgrims rest
Approximate Distance: 285km
Estimate Travel Time: 3hrs

From Johannesburg you travel towards Kruger Park but before you get to Kruger you
stay at the historic village of Pilgrims Rest. Pilgrims Rest is situated on the magnificent
Panorama Route and in the area of Pilgrims Rest you find an abundance of natural,
cultural and historic gems. Pilgrims Rest offers you a fascinating window into the past
and captures the spirit of a bygone era and their people in the quest for gold.
Overnight in Pilgrims Rest – BB basis

Day 2 Kruger park
Approximate Distance: 90km
Estimate Travel Time: 1hrs

Today you can either drive straight to Skukuza in the Kruger National Park or you take a
detour along the Panorama Route and visit the popular attractions like Gods Window, the
Three Rondavels and the Blyde River Canyon. You enter Kruger via Hazyview and your
overnight is in Skukuza – accommodation only

Day 3 Kruger Park
Today you have a full day for game viewing at your own pace. Overnight in Skukuza –
accommodation only

Day 4 Southern Kruger
Approximate Distance: 55km
Estimate Travel Time: 1/2 hrs

From Skukuza you travel south and book in at at Malelane camp.
Overnight in Malelane – accommodation only.

Day 5 Swaziland
Approximate Distance: 455km
Estimate Travel Time: 5 hrs

From Melalane travel towards Swaziland, a friendly country with rural charm. It is well
known for arts and crafts. South Africa held Swaziland as a protectorate from 1894 to
1899, but after the Boer War, in 1902, Swaziland was transferred to British
administration. The paramount chief was recognized as the native authority in 1941. In
1963, the territory was constituted a protectorate, and on Sept. 6, 1968, it became the
independent nation of Swaziland. Overnight beehive style hut in Swaziland.- BB basis

Day 6 St Lucia
Approximate Distance: 340km
Estimate Travel Time: 4 hrs

From Swaziland you travel to St.Lucia. St. Lucia was formed about 60 to 100 million
years ago when the Indian Ocean withdrew from the sandy coastal regions of Kwazulu
Natal. The greater St.Lucia Wetlands is one of the world’s great eco-tourism destinations.
The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance has listed St.Lucia as having
international conservation value. The region also satisfies the criteria for listing as a
UNESCO Wold Heritage area.
Overnight in guesthouse in St.Lucia – BB basis

Day 7 St Lucia
You have the day to explore St.Lucia or enjoy one of the many activities.
Overnight in guesthouse in St.Lucia – BB basis

Day 8 Zulu culture
Approximate Distance: 100 km
Estimate Travel Time: 1 hrs

From St.Lucia travel towards Eshowe for a cultural day and night at Shakaland. At
shakaland Experience the sight of assegaai-wielding warriors, share the fascinating
secrets of the Sangomas and witness traditional customs such as tribal dancing, spear
making and the beer-drinking ceremonies. Your program starts at 16h00pm, so you
should be there half an hour before. Overnight in Shakaland – DBB basis

Day 9 Durban North
Approximate Distance:110 km
Estimate Travel Time: 1 hrs

After your morning program at Shakaland you travel to the coast to Durban North. Enjoy
the golden beaches and warm waters.
Overnight at Beachfront Guest house – BB basis

Day 10 Giants Castle
Approximate Distance: 165km
Estimate Travel Time: 2hrs

After your day on the beach traveltowards Pietermaritzburg, where you can visit the
Voortrekker Museum. At the Voortrekker Museum you can get a good overview of the
history of Kwazulu Natal, which is a perfect start. Continuing you visit Howick and the
Howick Falls. From here you can take the Midland Meander, known for all its arts and
crafts shops until you get the turnoff to the Giant Castle. Accommodation at Giants
Castle – Antbear Guest house – DBB basis

Day 11 Giants Castle
Another day to explore Giants Castle. Activities in the area include: prehistoric rock art,
day walks, bird watching, swimming, game viewing, mountain biking etc.
Accommodation at Giants Castle – Antbear Guesthouse – DBB basis

Day 12 Golden gate
Approximate Distance: 125km
Estimate Travel Time: 1 1/2hrs

From Giants Castle in the central area of the Drakensberg you head back to the N3 and
follow your way to the Golden Gate National Park. You can either take the Highway or
the smaller road (which is scenic wise much nicer), the R74. If you are interested you can
visit Spioenkop Battlefield for some historic information about the background of this
area. Your accommodation is in Golden Gate National Park.- Highlands Mountain retreat
log cabin – accommodation only

Day 13 Golden gate
Another day in Golden Gate National Park Highlands Mountain retreat log cabin –
accommodation only

Day 14 Johannesburg
Approximate Distance: 260km
Estimate Travel Time: 3hrs
From Golden Gate you travel to Johannesburg which is your end destination

END OF SERVICES

PRICE on application


INCLUDED:
1 night – 3 star Guesthouse Pilgrems Rest – BB basis
2 nights Skukuza camp – accommodation only basis
2 nights Malelane camp – accommodation only basis
1 nights Milwane park – beehive hut BB basis
2 night 3 star Guest house St Lucia – BB basis
1 night Shakaland – DBB basis and cultural program
1 night Beachfront guesthouse – BB basis
2 nights Giants Castle, Antbear Guesthouse – BB basis
2 nights Golden gate Log cottage – accommodation only basis
14 day car hire with unlimited mileage, Theft and collission damage waiver, airport
surcharge, tourism levy, VAT of 14%, Travellers companion
C CLASS – VW POLO
CAR HIRE UPGRADES AVAILABLE

EXCLUDES
Car Rental deposit of R1000
All Internal and local flights
Meals and drinks not mentioned on the programme
Extra activities
Gratuities

Important notes for driving in South Africa:
-In South Africa, all cars drive on the LEFT hand side of the road (as in the UK)
-Parking: Parking must always be done with the front of the car facing in the direction of
the traffic flow, on the nearside of the road.
-Mobile Phones: In South Africa it is illegal to hold a mobile phone whilst driving.
Driving Licenses: An International Driver's Permit carried in conjunction with your
national driving license is recommended and must be printed or authenticated in English.
Always make sure documentation is carried with you at all times when driving. Police
officers will expect to see documentation if they stop you for any reason. Offer the IDP
first, as the officer may need to retain it, thereby leaving you with your national driver's
license with which to continue your journey.
-Seatbelts: All occupants of a vehicle are required to wear seatbelts whilst traveling, if
you are caught without you will be subject to a fine.
-Children in the front seat: The minimum age for a child in the front seat is 12 years old.
-Please do not leave any items visible in the vehicle while unattended, even small or
inexpensive items should always be placed inside the trunk.
Fuel: Petrol/Fuel Stations are open 24 hours but are only to be found in major centres.
They are manned by attendants who can also check oil, water and tire pressure if
required. Gratuities for this service are at your own discretion. All fuel must be purchased
with cash not cards, prices are fixed and controlled by the government. Approx cost of
fuel is R12 / litre (this is highly subject to change and fluxuation)
Many of these petrol stations have restaurants and clean restrooms .
Traffic lights: Often referred to in South Africa as 'Robots'. When approaching traffic
lights, green denotes ‘go’, but it is advisable to slow down and check for traffic before
proceeding. If you are turning right at a green light the approaching traffic has right of
way, wait for a clear road before proceeding. An amber traffic light means you must slow
down and stop. A flashing green arrow means you may proceed in the direction that the
arrow is pointing. A flashing red arrow on your left means you may turn in the direction
of the arrow as long as the road is clear of other traffic. A continuous red or green arrow
means you may proceed in the direction of the arrow with caution.
Roundabouts: Always give way at roundabouts, vehicles on the roundabout and
approaching it from the right have right of way, don’t proceed until there are no vehicles
approaching from the right.
Speed Limits - Motorways 120kph/74mph, Open roads 100kph/62mph
Built-up (city/town) areas 60kph/37mph
**Speeds limits may vary so check signs when driving.

Toll Information: There are a number of roads with tolls throughout South Africa as
many of the roads have been invested in privately. It is best to keep change and small
Rand notes on hand for any tolls.

General Tips and Road Information
Urban road conditions are good but rural roads are generally poor and not lit. Driving
licenses and maintenance of vehicles are not under rigorous control, and many drivers
travel at high speeds.

Road infrastructure is mostly excellent with national roads maintained by the South
African National Roads Agency [SANRAL].

Plan your journey carefully. If you're not used to driving long distances, rather break the
journey, as fatigue is a major contributing factor in motor vehicle accidents.

Please see the following websites for additional information on driving in South Africa:
www.drivingabroad.co.uk
www.arrivealive.co.za
South African Toll gates and fees - www.routes.co.za/tollroads/list.html