Not everyone knows South Africa as a place to organize ideal trips. However, there is stunning nature and reliefs, flora and fauna, as well as hundreds of different destinations. The degree of comfort is different, you can relax when a backpack with things will be transported between car parking lots, or you can go on a real adventure when you can rely only on yourself.
Forests, flowering plains, mountain ranges, deserts, seas, rivers, waterfalls and the majestic ocean – all this can be explored on foot!
15 day itinerary:
Day 1. Actually, the arrival in Johannesburg – the economic capital of South Africa. You will be picked up by a car and transferred to the hotel, where you can stay and spend the rest of the day at your own discretion. At your disposal will be a huge number of museums and places to comprehend the culture of the continent.
Day 2. A trip to the Soutpansberg Ridge, which is located in the wild on the territory of the Vhembe Reserve (included in the World Heritage Lists). Here, the prepared infrastructure and the hotel will allow you to take a breath after the trip.
Day 3. Actually, a visit to the ridge, which begins with a departure at 7 am. The climb leads through a luxurious forest to the ruins of Venda. Brunch back at the hotel, and then another walk to choose from a list of short routes available. Morning hike for 4 hours, afternoon hike for 3.
Day 4. This day is a visit to the world famous Kruger Park. Here you can get acquainted with the largest representatives of the fauna of South Africa, ranging from lions and cheetahs to ferocious elephants. Lunch will take place in the camp, after which another segment of the walk and return to the hotel.
Day 5. Kruger Park is so huge that one day won’t get rid of it, so today the group goes to its very heart. The journey takes place with a ranger through the region of the Olifants River. Breakfast at the camp, and before sunset there will be another off-road walk through the park, which will allow you to spend the Sun at a majestic sunset. Be careful, in the dark, their predators appear. Takes 3-4 hours, but there are many options for trips around the territory.
Day 6. On the sixth day, the trip goes through the thickets and forests of the park, where you can see hundreds of species of incredible birds and native animals. If the ranger learns that a herd of animals is passing near the route, he will be corrected to meet them.
Day 7. Trekking along the Bushpig trail, starting from 1535 above sea level. Leads through the forest, where there are unique local species of trees, fauna, and waterfalls. Stop at the camp for rest, after which return to the hotel for evening activities. The total distance of the hike is small – 8.5 kilometers, which takes 4 hours.
Day 8. This morning you will have breakfast on the way to Hazyview. This farming community is surrounded by orchards and incredible South African landscapes. Stop in the canyon of the Blyde River, after which visit Burka – a section of the river with powerful whirlpools. Next, the Window of God – you have never seen anything more epic, this is a natural object of rock formations and waterfalls. You can descend 51 meters into the gorge and walk along the hanging paths, exploring the surrounding splendor. 3 hours are allotted for this stage, during which about 8 km will have to be overcome.
Day 9. Next, the path runs through the former kingdom of Swaziland, which is now called Eswatini. This country has no access to the seas, but it has a rich history. The city of Kaapsehupe was chosen as a stop, famous for its artists and horses roaming the streets freely. The trail leads into the Barberton Valley past rocky ledges, from which point in clear weather you can see almost all of Mozambique. The city itself is also notable, as it is built in the Victorian style. In 2 hours of the hike you will have to overcome 4 km.
Day 10. Today waterfalls, in particular, Mayolomba and Malolotya. Observation platforms are equipped here, the views of which will forever remain in your heart. In 4 hours you have to overcome 12 kilometers, reaching the flat part with zebras and antelopes. Further return and rest.
Day 11. The trip today will be long, but with a couple of unique stops. The result is the Northern Drakensberg, whose peaks reach 3 kilometers in height. The “menu” includes rock paintings, waterfalls and the indescribable atmosphere of South Africa. On the way there will be KwaZulu-Natal, a city of pastoralists, where you can replenish supplies. The next historical point is the battlefield of Spioenkop, which is the threshold to the savannah in front of the Dragon Mountains. The distance is small, only 3.5 km, but it is saturated to the limit.
Day 12. Today is a guided trek through Royal Natal National Park. On the way, there is a waterfall in Mahai and many trails under the mountain ranges. The walk is quite long and is 19 km, which takes 6 hours. After that, you can relax in your room and go about your business.
Day 13. Naturally, 6 hours is not enough to comprehend even a small fraction of the beauties of Natal. Therefore, today the continuation, the trail will pass along its other part, the end point of which will be the Police Helmet. This formation is a natural form of rock ledges. The length is also 19 km and the time is 6 hours for everything about everything.
Day 14. Before leaving, we recommend visiting the Golden Gate National Park. The trail along Holcrans leads to impressive caves. Tonight will be the last opportunity this weekend to enjoy the views of South Africa and its inhabitants. It is supposed to cover 7 km in 2 hours.
Day 15. Departure for home begins with early packing, and a light breakfast will give you strength to start the return journey.
