OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
Experience South Africa
- Information
- Tour Plan
- Location
- Gallery
- Similar Tours
- Additional Info
What's included
- Accommodation in lodges
- Assistance when you arrive and when you depart
- Breakfasts
- Entrance fees to parks and planned activities
- Lunches
- Overland transport
- Suppers
- Air transport
- Any activity not on the agreed curriculum
- Cancellation and baggage insurance
- Extras and personal expenses
This tour takes us down the famous garden route, but off-the-beaten-track. From Cape town and Table Mountain to Bettie’s Bay, Kleinmond, Hermanus, Bredasdorp – the most southern town in Africa – to Cape Agulhas and surround.
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 5
- Day 7
- Day 8
- Day 10
- Day 11
- Day 12
- Day 13
- Day 15
- Day 16
- Day 18
- Day 19
- Day 20
- Day 21
Jhb-Kruger
We leave JHB and the hustle and bustle of city life behind at 7am making our way to the Kruger National Park or better known as the people’s park. It is a long drive that will take us along the Panorama Route where we will view South Africa’s biggest and deepest Canyon-Blyde River.We pass Pilgrim’s rest which was a flourishing mining town in 1873. Tinned roofs remind us of a gold rush era of days gone by. God’s Window gives us a view of the plains of the lowveld far below, further on is Wonderview, which also offers a majestic scene. Bourke’s Luck Potholes mark the start of the Blyde River Canyon. We pass the Three Rondavels which are three huge hut shaped rock outcrops, all this and more is a feast for any eye or lens.
Kruger Park Viewing
This day is spent in the Kruger National Park with all it has to offer. From early morning game drives to a visual feast of the best of both fauna and flora.
Kruger-Swaziland
We head on to Swaziland traveling South East where Hlane Royal National Park will be our home for the next two nights. Here we will experience Africa by foot experiencing large wild herds close up. We will set up camp here in order to experience the romance of the African sunrise and sunset.
Swaziland-Mozambique
Approx 7 hours travel takes us to our Mozambique beach camp. The seaside village of Ponta Malongane offers activities such as scuba diving and snorkelling. Long walks along the beach, a boat cruise on the Indian Ocean or just taking in the beauty of it all.
Mozambique-St.Lucia
We leave Mozambique and head on to Lake St Lucia Estuary. This is about a five-hour drive to this World Heritage Site which is home to a large variety of birds and other animals.
St.Lucia-Durban
We leave behind isimangaliso Wetland Park and travel along the cane fields to Durban, the capital of Kwa Zulu Natal, where you can experience anything from the Zulu cultural centres of Shakaland and Dumuzuluto the Ushaka Marine world. The Golden Mile beach front showcases the Indian Market offering an array of herbs, spices and traditional medicine. Feast on a “Bunny Chow”
Durban-Oribi Gorge
The Oribi Gorge canyon is cut by the Mzimkulwana river and one can walk across the 80m bridge which is 130m high and not for the faint hearted! The swing is 165m . If that is too much opt for the nature reserve where the Oribi- after which the gorge was named can still be seen.
Oribi Gorge-Coffee Bay
The coastline takes us past a variety of Beach resorts en route to Coffee Bay. The sandstone and Shale natural arch known as the hole in the wall is one of the attractions. The Hluleka Nature Reserve is a tropical paradise tucked away giving a surreal feeling of being on the beach surrounded by jungle.
Coffee Bay-Grahamstown
Grahamstown is a step back in time as you explore the St Michael and St George Cathedrals. The Albany Museum dates to 1855 sharing with us Natural Science and history. The Observatory museum dates to 1848 giving us a glimpse of the Victorian period. Wander the streets enjoying bistro’s and coffee shops with freshly baked cakes daily.
Grahamstown-Addo
Addo Elephant National Park is our next stop. Boasting the big 7 and has the largest breeding colony of the African Penguins. Here you will encounter hundreds of elephants, descendants of the 11 that were saved here in 1931. Many antelope species, the aggressive black rhino and not forgetting the flightless dung beetle which is unique to the park.
We urge you to take advantage of the Game drives that are on offer
Addo-Tsitsikamma
Now for the most spectacular stretch of the Garden Route. After about four hours we will stop at the Tsitsikamma National Park which protects the land and sea, its name meaning clear water. Explore the magnificence of the forests housing giant Yellowwood trees, followed by the beaches of the Indian Ocean.
This magnificent national park is home to many animals that can be seen. Baboons turning over rocks and stones for their lunch, Monkeys in abundance and then to the sea for possible sightings or the southern right whale during their season. An array of activities is on offer to fill your day.
Tsitsikamma-Oudtshoorn
Knysna is home to the seahorse named after the town. The heads, a treacherous piece of ocean with strong currents offers a variety of underwater life and the Featherbed Nature Reserve all make this town a worthwhile stop, Mitchell’s Brewery started in 1983 is still going strong, wine tasting is another alternative. Visit the Outeniqua Transport museum, the botanical gardens or a dairy farm in George,
Next stop, the Cango Caves which are approx. 150 000 years old. Oudtshoorn, our destination is the ostrich capital of the world Their feathers, leather, meat and eggs are farmed Once a thriving industry at the turn of the 20th century, fortunately we are still able to visit the farms for a brief informative tour and visit the shops for that special take home curio.
Oudtshoorn-Swellendam
In Swellendam we will visit the Bontebok Nature Park which was established to preserve the bontebok. The shipwreck museum is an unassuming treasure trove of relics Make time for the pottery studio and lavender farm.
Swellendam-Cape Agulhus
Cape Agulhus is our next stop, the most southern tip of the African Continent is to be experienced by all. Visit the lighthouse which was the third to be built in SA and is still operating.
Cape Agulhus-Hermanus
Hermanus is our last coastal town with much to see and do. A trip to the abalone farm, a visit to the Fernkloof Nature Reserve where there are many fynbos species which are indigenous to the area and lastly a walk up the Hoy’s koppie from where you will see the entire town Whale and wine routes are also on offer.
Hermanus-Cape Town
This being our last day takes us from Hermanus to Cape Town. Breakfast in Hermanus or take a walk on the beach before we take the scenic bay route to Cape Town. Where our trip will come to an end
More about Addo Elephant National Park
More about Cape Agulhus
More about Cape Town
More about Coffee Bay
More about Durban
More about Garden Route
More about Grahamstown
More about Hermanus
More about Johannesburg
More about Kruger National Park
More about Mozambique
More about Oribi Gorge
More about Oudtshoorn
More about South Africa
More about St. Lucia
More about Swaziland
More about Swellendam
A bit more info on Overlanding
All overland vehicles are custom built to endure the unpredictable African roads and carry everything needed for the overland tour; including food, camping gear, tents, tables & chairs.
We have a range of camping and accommodated tours tailor made to suit your needs from, small to larger group tours to younger or older group tours, to suit your travel needs and budget.
Most tours require limited participation whereby travellers assist with pitching their own tents and helping out at meal times.
What should be in your bag for your trip?
A backpack is more compatible with the luggage compartment space under the carriage of the vehicle, Pack sensibly to ensure minimum hassle. Keep in mind that you must keep a weight allowance for your curio shopping items to take home. You are allowed a 20kg bag and a 5kg hand luggage allowance.
Wash & wear and reversable clothing items will make your life a lot easier as laundry facilities are often few and far between
A few suggestions to help you pack
- 3-4 short sleeved shirts or T-shirts
- 2 pairs of trousers or 1 pair and 1 skirt – try not to pack jeans as they take a long time to dry
- ¾ pants
- 1 Warm sweater or fleece top
- 1-2 pairs of shorts
- 1 Tracksuit pants
- 1 Light sweater or sweatshirt (can also be used as an additional pillow)
- 1 Warm fleece top
- Underwear and socks
- 1 Hat/peak cap/bandana
- 1 Gloves
- 1 Scarf
- 1 Water/wind-proof jacket
- 1 pair of Boots or walking shoes
Should your trip include going to the Beach, remember to pack:
- 1 Swimming Costume
- 1 pair of Sunglasses
- 1 Beach towel and/or sarong
- 1 Pair of Sandals.
Your Toiletry bag should have the following:
- All your personal toiletries,
- Hand sanitiser/wipes
- Tissues
- Moisturiser
Sleepwear will include:
- Pyjamas
- Travel pillow & pillowcase
- Sleeping Bag and a light blanket
Medication and items for your first aid kit:
- Prescription medication
- Anti-histamine cream or tablets
- Antiseptic cream
- Sunscreen (high factor) and lip balm
- Water purifying tablets
- Pain killers
- Diarrhoea medication
- Moisturiser
- Dehydration salts
- Elastoplasts
- Insect repellent
- Sterile dressings
Handy Optional Extras can include:
- Water bottle
- Book to read
- Extra memory/film for your camera
- Head torch
- Zip-lock bags (medium sized for cameras, snacks, trash etc.)
- Extra batteries
- Travel power strip ( a compact three-plug unit that includes two USB connections. With just one wall plug you can charge five gadgets) Buy on Amazon
Pre-Departure Meeting
The pre-departure meeting is held at 18h00 the night before we depart. This is to ensure that everything is in place to avoid any delays.
Quality and Protection
We are a SATSA member. This means that SATSA is the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association and offers protection to international travellers against the possible loss of deposits (or monies paid) to a SATSA member (tour operator, car rental company, accommodation provider etc.), in case of liquidation. It is underwritten by Lombard Insurance and Lloyds of London.
SATSA is the driving force behind improving standards of tourism in South Africa, as offered by its various members.
“Should a SATSA member who is a South African tourism business operation, run into financial problems, the bonding scheme allows the client to claim back their deposit without having to prove in a court or to the liquidator whom or what was paid, but simply to produce the relevant documentation to SATSA.” – Michael Tatalias, CEO SATSA.
How to work out your financial requirements?
When working on your budget remember to include the following:
Basic Tour Cost:
- The complete Tour Price
Additional Tour Costs could include the following:
- International flights including your visas
- Your accommodation before and after the tour.
- Your Spending money, keeping in mind variations depending on chosen activities.
- Money for take home gifts for friends and family.
- Mad Money for the unforeseen expense.
- Should you wish to tip your guide and or crew members.
Visas are required by most travellers to Africa and determined based on your nationality (your passport). We recommend contacting the relevant African country Consulate / Embassy to check your requirements, as this information changes regularly.
Optional activities vary based on your chosen overland tour and your personal preference. It is best to work through the optional activities available on your chosen tour, tally-up your total and see how this fits into your budget. All optional activities are booked with your Tour Leader once you are on tour. Most can be paid in cash.
We offer semi-inclusive camping or accommodated tours, already including popular excursions available en-route.
Vaccinations
To stay healthy on your trip be sure to take the right vaccinations for your trip to Africa
We advise an appointment with your local doctor (General Practitioner) for best advice on vaccines required for the countries you intend to visit. Remember the two most important ones are Yellow fever and Malaria.
Yellow Fever is required by law for all travellers entering into Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania. Having travelled in a yellow fever area, you may be required to show proof of your yellow fever vaccination upon returning to your home country.
Malaria is rife throughout Southern and East Africa, which is considered a high-risk area.
Your local General Practioner may also recommend either/or of the following vaccinations depending on the country to which you are travelling: Tetanus, Typhoid, Rabies, Polio, Hepatitis A and B and Meningitis.
Remember the time line is four to six weeks prior to your departure.
Your Crew and Guides
Tour Crew
These are the people to tap for knowledge. They almost know it all from history and culture to the local Fauna and Flora.
Most overland tours include two crew members (Driver and Tour Leader) working as a team managing tour finances, planning activities, preparing meals and ensuring that you safely experience Africa and all its offerings.
The Guides
The guides and crew are passionate and up to date with all relevant information. Please feel free to ask and interact with them.
The Vehicle
Our overland vehicles are custom build to offer maximum comfort with extra-large windows for those unforgettable pics as well as the ability to handle the rugged African terrain.
Adventure Travel Insurance
It is compulsory to have comprehensive adventure travel insurance, on all overland tours. We require your travel insurance details upon booking your vacation.
Make sure that you are covered for adrenaline sport and adventure activities should you wish to partake in any of them. These include white-water rafting, sky diving and bungee jumping.
World Nomads Insurance offer adventure travel insurance and cancellation insurance. We recommend your travel insurance includes cancellation and curtailment insurance. The majority of tour departures are guaranteed (confirmed to depart) but in the unlikely event of a tour departure being cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, you would be protected.
For credit card insurance, we suggest you check the fine print to ensure you have adequate cover as credit card companies offer a standard option.
If you choose to use your credit card insurance, you will need to call your bank to obtain your policy details. This is how:
• Phone your bank
• Give them your Bank Card Number
• Verify your account
• You need to ask for the insurance company name
• You need to ask for the policy number
• Remember to keep the telephone number you dialled
Get your Travel Insurance Now!
Visas
You will need a valid passport for all international travel. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after returning from your trip. In certain cases, foreign passport holders require entry, re-entry or departure permits and/or visas to enter a country.
Remember to contact the relevant authorities / embassies in good time to check and arrange the necessary permits and visas prior to your departure. Don’t trust websites (such as wikipedia) as information can be outdated.
All travellers must be in possession of a valid onward/return air ticket or proof of other means of transport enabling the traveller to leave the country in which your tour terminates. Or else you must have proof of sufficient funds (e.g. credit card) enabling you to purchase an air ticket to leave the country.
Please note that your visas are your responsibility.
The contact details for the various embassies
Visit GoAbroad.com, for details and phone the nearest consulate for up to date information.
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Contacting Us
Electronic mail to: info@africaepicsafaris.co.za
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