PANORAMA ROUTE ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
GRASKOP GORGE LIFT
See the Panorama Route from a different angle.
The Graskop Gorge lift Company (Pty) Ltd is the latest and most innovative tourism development in South Africa. The Graskop Gorge Lift Company is your passage into the heart of one of Mpumalanga’s last forested wonderlands. Surrounded by towering cliffs cut back over time by the Motitsi river where its waters plummet 70m into the gorge below forming a natural barrier to all, except for the most adventurous.
Your journey begins as you drop off the grassy cliff top plateau, in a custom designed 26 passenger viewing elevator, down along the cliff face descending into the cool mountain forest below. An extensive network of elevated walkways, suspension bridges and interactive exhibits will lead you along the forest trail, across the stream, keeping one engaged in this natural and pristine environment.
*ENTRANCE FEE: R 65 PER PERSON
SUSPENSION BRIDGE
52m-long Suspension Bridge spans the northern and southern sides of the gorge. Enjoy breath-taking views of the mountains, rugged cliffs face, forests and the Motitsi waterfall while standing 70m above the ground.
LIFT & FOREST EXPERIENCE
Your journey begins as you drop off the grassy cliff top plateau, in a custom designed 26 passenger viewing elevator, down along the cliff face descending into the cool mountain forest below. An extensive 600m (1970 feet) network of elevated walkways, suspension bridges and interactive exhibits will lead you along the forest trail, across the stream, keeping one engaged in this natural and pristine environment.
The viewing lift: Takes you 51m down the face of the gorge into the indigenous forest below.
The Forest walk trail has a number of interpretations exhibits and includes information about the forest, its biodiversity, water conservation, birds and insects. It includes giant replicas of indigenous mushrooms, a huge stained-glass display and much more.
COST: R 180 PER PERSON
ZIPLINE
The course starts from the top of a 5m tower, with 360° views. Participants ride a 120m-long zipline to the northern side of the gorge before walking a short distance along a scenic platform and zipping back along a second zipline of equal length.
COST: R 250 PER PERSON (COMBO BIG SWING & ZIPLINE R 750 PER PERSON)
BIG SWING
The experience is very different to a bungee-jump because participants freefall for 70m before the jump rope pulls them into a high-speed arch and they swing from one side of the gorge to the other. When falling, they reach 140km/h in three seconds.
COST: R 650 PER PERSON (COMBO BIG SWING & ZIPLINE R 750 PER PERSON)
PANORAMA ROUTE SITES
GODS WINDOW AND MIST RAIN FOREST
God’s Window is one of the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve’s most spectacular viewpoints, with astonishing views over South Africa’s Lowveld (so-named because it is much lower than the high escarpment along which the Panorama Route runs). At God’s Window, majestic cliffs plunge down 700m and, on a clear day, you’ll be able to see over the famous Kruger National Park towards the Lebombo Mountains on South Africa’s border with Mozambique.
COST: R 40 PER PERSON
BOURKES LUCK POTHOLES
If you can, begin your wander around Mpumalanga with Bourke’s Luck Potholes, for they are without doubt incredible. Essentially they’re the result of decades of swirling eddies of water where the Treur River meets the Blyde River, the tumult of which has caused extensive water erosion over time. The result is a series of cylindrical rock sculptures that look as though they would be more comfortable on the moon.
COST: R 130 PER PERSON
THREE RONDAVELS VIEWPOINT
Exactly as they sound, the Three Rondavels are three round mountain tops with slightly pointed tops, very similar to the traditional round or oval African homesteads made with local materials called rondavels.
The view point is spectacular. From here one looks over the BLyde River Canyon to the Three Rondavels on the other side of the northern edges of the Drakensberg range of mountains. An outlook that is overwhelmingly beautiful and deserves more than a moment’s respite.
COST: R 70 PER PERSON
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Numerous visitors to the Kruger National Park (KNP) have called this park the focal point of South African National Parks. Being the biggest national park in South Africa, visitors can expect an abundance of wildlife sightings in a pure African bushveld setting as the backdrop.
Visitors need not to worry about how to fill their free time – KNP offers an exciting assortment of activities, each one bent on bringing the guest closer to nature and making them feel at home.
Please Note:
- No children under the age of 6 years will be permitted on an open safari game drive vehicle
- Meet 15 minutes prior to departure time at departure point
- Minimum number of 4 paying Adults required for game drives to depart
MORNING SAFARI (Summer: starts at 04h00 from 1 Oct to 31 March / Winter: starts at 05h00 from 1 Apr to 30 Sep)
Morning drives leave a half hour before official gate opening times, which vary according to the time of year, which means you will be the only guests driving around at that time. The drives’ duration is 3 to 3.5 hours and you will be able to watch the sunrise over unspoilt bush. On your morning drive you will be able to enjoy the tranquility of the Kruger National Park at Sunrise. You will be transported on one of our open vehicles from your camp of residence or entrance gate for an approximately three-hour drive. An experienced guide will interpret the natural bush as well as offer further insight into the ways of the Kruger National Park.
TIME: 04h30/05h00 (ACCORDING TO SEASON) COST: R 600 PER PERSON
SUNSET SAFARI (Summer and Winter: Activity starts at 16h30)
These drives leave the camp before dusk and return after sunset lasting around three hours. Search for grazers in the cool afternoon and predators starting their nightly hunts. Sunset is a time when night animals emerge and a drive during this period is the perfect opportunity to witness the beauty of the bush as it changes from day to night. Learn about fauna and flora from their expert guides and return to camp with a spot-lit night drive.
TIME: 16h30-19h30 COST: R 600 PER PERSON
NIGHT SAFARI (Summer and Winter: Activity starts at 20:00)
The only way to see animals of the night, night drives depart at either 19:30 or 20:00 depending on the time of year and last for around two hours. Experienced guides drive the groups to spy on Kruger’s nocturnal creatures and their secretive activities. It is also a wonderful opportunity to view our star filled sky away from city lights.
TIME: 20h00-22h00 COST: R 600 PER PERSON
HALF DAY SAFARI (Summer and Winter: Activity times vary during season, starts at gate opening times)
Embark on a thrilling Half-Day Open Vehicle Safari through stunning landscapes and encounter magnificent wildlife in their natural habitat. Guided by expert naturalists, explore diverse habitats from lush forests to sprawling savannahs, and get up close to giraffes, elephants, leopards, and more. With unobstructed views from our open vehicles, immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the wilderness while learning fascinating insights from your knowledgeable guide. Experience the magic of nature in just a few hours with our unforgettable safari adventure. Returning around midday 12h00.
TIME: 05h30/06h00 (ACCORDING TO SEASON) COST: R 1 350 PER PERSON
FULL DAY SAFARI (Summer and Winter: Activity times vary during season, starts at gate opening times)
Embark on an exhilarating Full-Day Open Vehicle Safari, immersing yourself in the untamed beauty of the wilderness from sunrise to 15h00-16h00 in the afternoon. Led by expert guides, traverse diverse landscapes and encounter majestic wildlife such as elephants and lions. Enjoy lunch amidst nature’s splendor, and delve deeper into the bush for unforgettable moments of discovery. This immersive journey promises an unforgettable adventure and a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.
TIME: 05h30/06h00 (ACCORDING TO SEASON) COST: R 1 950 PER PERSON
BUSH WALK (Summer and Winter: Activity times vary during season, starts at gate opening times)
Most of Kruger’s camps provide guests with the opportunity to take part in daily early morning guided walks. Up to eight guests are taken out of the camp’s boundaries to explore the surrounding wilderness areas adjacent to the camp.
These interesting spots make for exciting time-fillers, as experienced (and armed) guides share their knowledge of the fauna and flora to explain natural wonders. The walks are relaxed and don’t take longer than a few hours, so no over exhaustion will take place.
Two armed field guides accompany you on the walk in order to ensure your safety, they will focus on the things that you will usually not be able to see from a vehicle. By being out on foot you cover an area more intensely and you are able to experience nature using all of your senses. If there is any large game in the area you are more than likely able to encounter them and have an exhilarating experience of approaching them on foot.
Comfortable shoes must be worn, and clothing should be natural colours and applicable to the prevailing weather conditions. Cameras and binoculars can be taken along, as very interesting sights will be discovered and guests can revel in the spotting of fascinating creatures and plant life. No children under 12 are allowed.
TIME: Morning To be Confirmed (ACCORDING TO SEASON) COST: on Availability
CENTRAL KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
BLYDE DAM BOAT CRUISE (1.5 hours)
Join a 90 minute Blyde Canyon boat trip on the Blyde dam. The interpretation tour will take you to the Three Rondawels and the rare living Kadishi Tufa Waterfall, also known as the weeping face of Nature. An abundance of wildlife will keep you distracted while learning more about the natural history of the Blyde Canyon. The dam and surrounds is home to a range of wildlife species such as hippo’s, crocodiles, kudu and duiker, as well as leopard and other small antelope.“
TIME: 09h00am, 11h00am and 15h00pm COST: R 500 PER PERSON
MOHOLOHOLO ANIMAL REHABILITATION Approximate duration of tour is 1.5 to 2 hours long
Situated in the shadow of the majestic “ Mariepskop” which forms part of the mighty Drakensberg mountains, our unique Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is a home to many of South Africa’s abandoned, injured and poisoned wildlife. Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is extremely proud of its efforts in wildlife education in South Africa. At Moholoholo we are often faced with the difficult decision of what to do with an injured or poisoned animal which will not be able to be released back into the wild. As a result, we have a number of “permanent residents” at the centre and at our own cost we use them as “ambassadors” for their respective species. Members of the public are therefore able to get an up close and personal experience of these incredible creatures and with our hands-on approach we have the ability to demonstrate to the public the threats and problems our wildlife is facing today. The Centre has a long standing and successful Serval Breeding Project and more than 160 have successfully been reintroduced to areas where they have become extinct. We are actively involved in research on the movement and behaviour of leopards and also on a number of vulture species that we monitor daily at our “vulture restaurant”. A visit to the Centre is “an experience of a lifetime” and will leave you with lasting memories.
TIME: 09h30am and 15h00pm COST: R 300 PER PERSON
ESWATINI (SWAZILAND) – MLILWANE ACTIVITIES
The freedom to explore Mlilwane is unique. Whatever activity you choose, getting amongst zebras, wildebeest, nyala and blesbok is a daily occurrence. Mlilwane’s wildlife is amazingly tolerant, allowing for unparalleled memories and photographic moments. All said, their animals are wild animals and we request that animals are respected.
Pack those binoculars, bird books, water and a little snack. Remember connectivity is not always available for on-line references.
Self-guided activities are truly awesome, while hiring a friendly Swazi guide will enhance your adventure and experience. All activities must be back in rest camp before dark.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Mountain bikes may be hired by the hour for self-guided or guided adventures. Dirt roads and certain single-track trails for a little more fun give cyclists a wide range of technical options, from the steep mountain to flat gentle game viewing. Cyclists are always reminded that wildlife has right of way and speeding is not an eco-activity. Their bikes are well maintained and available at Mlilwane Rest Camp Reception.
COST: MOUNTAIN BIKING / HR. GUIDED: R 230 PER PERSON SELF-GUIDED: R 160 PER PERSON PER HOUR
HORSE RIDING
Ride out into eSwatini’s ‘Valley of Heaven’ with Mlilwane’s Chubeka Trails. Horses are surefooted with gentle temperaments, perfect for all trail riding levels (rider’s weight restriction of 95kg). Hourly rides are concentrated on the southern plains, sometimes crossing the river and including a little forest riding. You’ll get a safety briefing at the start and informative commentary about each animal you spot from a wilderness guide.
COST: HORSE RIDING /1 HR. R 395 PER PERSON PER HOUR
GUIDED WALKS
Departing from Mlilwane Rest Camp, your Swazi guide will take you along trails focusing on your interest, be it birding or wildlife. The diverse habitats in close proximity allow for great sightings, including woodland, grassland, forest and aquatic species. With easily accessible wetland areas alongside woodland, tick off up to 9 kingfisher species, watch the aerobatics of at least 3 bee-eater species, and enjoy the grassland species.
Guided walk includes bottled water.
COST: GUIDED GAME/BIRDING WALKS (2,5HRS) R 285 PER PERSON
SELF-GUIDED HIKING/WALKING TRAILS
An interwoven network of 13 trails covering well over 25km traverse Mlilwane. These trails cater for hikers, trail runners, cyclists and horse riders, with some that are specific to activity. The newer trails are still under construction and not yet marked, but most are well marked and referenced on the Sanctuary map for easy navigation.
The trails vary in length and difficulty, weaving together the plains, shallows, mountains and forests in such a way that hikers, runners and cyclists can be creative for days! All trail users are requested to sign the register and indemnity at Reception before departing, and to notify Reception on their return. Sanctuary maps are on sale in their shop, at receptions and at our gates – please note the trail info on the map requires updating with the inclusion of new and rerouted trails. Our trails are available to anyone who has paid their daily Conservation Fee.
COST: FREE OF CHARGE (MAP AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE)
ESWATINI (SWAZILAND) – HLANE ACTIVITIES
Home to Eswatini’s largest herds of game, Hlane Royal National Park conserves vast natural resources and holds deep royal and cultural significance. Guided game drives, game walks. Pack those binoculars, bird books, water and a little snack. Remember connectivity is not always available for on-line references.
All of Big Game Parks guides are trained in-house and have extensive knowledge of the park and animals, and enjoy sharing their knowledge with and learning from our guests. Hlane has different segments with specific animals in each. This is to protect both the safety of the wildlife and tourists. Only selected guided game drives are able to visit the Lion Area for safety reasons.
GUIDED BUSH WALK (2 Hours)
All Game Walks on Hlane are guided and conducted outside the endangered species area, along roads and game paths, or simply through the bush. 2,5 hours of quiet walking through bush heightens all the senses and the slow pace allows for interpretation of the signs of the wild, making the experience truly memorable. Your preference of either a Game Walk or a Birding Walk will dictate the area chosen for the walk.
The lowveld woodlands and riverine forests reveal the beautiful bush-shikes, touraco, trogans and larger birds of prey… and so much more!
TIME: 06h00 (ACCORDING TO SEASON) COST: GUIDED GAME OR BIRD WALKS ±1.5 HOURS: R 285 PER PERSON
SUNRISE / SUNSET GAME DRIVE (2.5 Hours)
Sunrise Game Drive (2,5hr) – This tour will capture the best of the early morning sun as the wildlife begin to start their day. This tour is especially suited to photography with the morning light offering beautiful shots. Tea/coffee and a snack is included on this tour.
Sunset Game Drive (2,5hr) – A great way to end the day is watching the sunset across the park in a beautiful spot. You will see the animals in their natural habitats, with nocturnal animals beginning to rise. A drink is included on this tour.
TIME: 05h00/06h00 (ACCORDING TO SEASON) COST: SUNRISE/SUNSET GAME DRIVES ±2.5 HOURS: R 480 PER PERSON
RHINO DRIVE (1.5 Hours) (Due to the nature of this activity, minimum age is 13 years)
The ever-popular Rhino Drive is a shorter 1,5-hour drive and excludes the Lion Area. This drive will focus solely on trying to find White Rhino, with the potential opportunity of being within a few meters of the rhino. Please note, not all rhinos are approachable and guides are well trained in understanding the behavior on the rhinos and have discretion.
TIME: 06h00/06h30 (ACCORDING TO SEASON) COST: ±1.5 HOURS R 345 PER PERSON
MOZAMBIQUE – PONTA DO OURO ACTIVITIES
All year round you will see our friendly pods of bottlenose dolphins. Humpback whales give us spectacular surface shows from July to October and Whale sharks & manta Rays glide along our backline in the summer months. We also occasionally spot the indo-pacific Humpback Dolphin & Spinner dolphins. We stop to snorkel on a shallow reef where we see various fish life species and have a good chance of seeing turtles.
DOLPHIN ENCOUNTERS
Meet at the Dive Centre at your given booking time. Snorkeling gear is handed out, indemnity form is signed. You are then given a pre-launch briefing which includes boat procedure, what to expect and dolphin behavior information. We then take you down to the beach where the boat is waiting. We push the boat into the water, and navigate our way through the surf. We first travel South towards the border line of South Africa and Mozambique giving you the opportunity to see the Lighthouse and Kosi Bay in the Distance. We then start traveling North in search of dolphins.
When we come across a pod of dolphins the dolphin team assesses the pods behavior. If the dolphins are not resting, we will instruct you to gear up with your mask, snorkel and fins and be ready to enter the water. Once given the go ahead you will slip into the water and swim towards the dolphin guide, looking down at all times. Please try to not make a noise or splash and swim with your arms to your sides. When they are social, they love to stick around and play.
NO touching of the dolphins or any Marine life and NO diving down during the dolphin encounter. We have an 80% success rate in sightings from the boat, in-water interactions are completely up to the dolphins at that time. We also stop at a shallow reef outside Malongane Bay for a short reef snorkel and hereafter we head back to the launch site.
Please Note:
- Minimum age is 5 years old, maximum age we have had people up to the age of 70 odd join us, but it really does depend on the ocean conditions on the day.
- Minimum 6 people and max is 13 per trip.
- Early morning is usually the best time to launch, as the wind tends to pick up throughout the day. We like to be on the ocean as early as possible to ensure you have the best possible experience.
- Summer time from 05h00, Autumn from 06h00 & Winter from 07h00.
- DOLPHIN SWIM Incl. 1 x swim: COST: ±2 HOURS FROM R 735 PER PERSON
- DOLPHIN TOUR PACKAGE incl. 3 x swims: COST: ±2 FROM HOURS R 2 000 PER PERSON
- SNORKELLING TRIP MALONGANE REEF: COST: ±1.5 FROM HOURS R 550 PER PERSON
- SNORKELLING TRIP TECHOBANINE REEF: COST: ±3 HOURS FROM R 650 PER PERSON
- WHALE WATCHING: (JULY TO OCTOBER) COST: ±2 HOURS FROM R 900 PER PERSON
SCUBA DIVING
Mozambique offers spectacular diving with many species and a vast variety of sea life. Join one of the many dive packages available for an underwater adventure, from shallow reefs for Open water, to deeper shark dives for the more advanced diver… a little something for everyone.
The water temperature ranges from 21 ºC, with recorded visibility of 25+ meters in winter, May to August. In summer, 29ºC with15 to 20 meters visibility which illustrates excellent diving all year round. All divers must present proof of certification prior to first dive and fill out a standard diving indemnity form. With Oxygen and DAN Kit onboard the rubber duck, The Whaler can accommodate 13 divers.
- TRY DIVE/ DISCOVER SCUBA: COST: FROM R 1 750 PER PERSON (6 000 METCAIS)
- SINGLE DIVE INCL. FULL GEAR: COST: FROM R 750 PER PERSON (2 500 METCAIS)
- 5 DIVES INCL. FULL GEAR: COST: FROM R 3 250 PER PERSON (11 000 METCAIS)
- DEEP ADVENTURE DIVE INCL. FULL GEAR: COST: FROM R 1 850 PER PERSON (6 300 METCAIS)
- SHARK DIVE INCL. FULL GEAR: COST: FROM R 950 PER PERSON (3 200 METCAIS)
ST. LUCIA – ISIMANGALISO WETLAND PARK
South Africa’s first World Heritage Site
Awarded as a World Heritage site in 1999 (Unesco), this small but quaint village has fast become a top tourist destination. St Lucia also happens to be the most visited town in Africa to witness their beloved Hippos. St Lucia experiences sub-tropical weather year-round temperatures remain in the 20 degrees, February and March being the hottest and winter months the nicest time to visit. Activities & Safaris run year-round with daily departures being available.
HIPPO BOAT CRUISE ON ST. LUCIA ESTUARY (2 Hours)
Imagine seeing Hippos Yawning and Grunting up close while out on one of the largest estuaries in Africa. An iSimangaliso Wetland Park Boat Cruise is one of the most favorite attractions in the area. While Hippopotami (Hippo) and crocodiles are the main attraction, a wide variety of bird-life is a treat for avid bird watchers and naturalists alike..
TIME: VARIOUS TIMES 09H00, 11H00, 14H00, 16H00 COST: FROM R 300
SUNRISE/SUNSET ISIMANGALISO WETLAND PARK EASTERN SHORES (3 Hours)
Enjoy the pristine beauty that surrounds St. Lucia on this 3 Hour St Lucia Sunrise/Sunset Safari, explore the Eastern shores of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Could there be a better way of starting/ending the day? Than venturing through the iSimangaliso Wetland Park on a Sunrise/Sunset Safari, sit back and get ready to enjoy possible sightings of Leopard, Buffalo, Hyena, Elephant, Rhino, Hippos, Zebra, Warthogs, and numerous species of Antelope.
Discover South Africa’s very first world heritage site the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. On this Sunrise/Sunset Safari, you will be entering the Eastern side or commonly known as the Eastern Shores.
This 3-hour safari offers you a unique perspective of the numerous ecosystems within the Eastern Shores.
TIMES: TO BE CONFIRMED ON BOOKING COST: R 575 PER PERSON
NIGHT DRIVE ISIMANGALISO WETLAND PARK EASTERN SHORES (2-3 Hours)
A Night Drive Safari is a game drive that operates after dark, with a powerful spotlight. This 2-3-hour safari on an Open Game Drive Safari Vehicle offers one a chance of witnessing the elusive Leopard, Giraffe, Buffalo, Elephants, Hippos grazing, Chameleons and so much more. The advantage of a night drive is that they provide access to nocturnal species that are rarely seen during the day, such as Hippo, Bush Babies, Chameleons, Aardvarks and Leopard are also more active after dark, and there is a greater probability of seeing them hunt at night.
NIGHT TIME: 19h00 OR 20h00 PM (ACCORDING TO SEASON) COST: FROM R 695 PER PERSON
HALF OR FULL DAY HLUHLUWE/UMFOLOZI SAFARI (6 or 9 Hours)
A mere 1 hour drive from St Lucia lies the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park Africa’s oldest proclaimed game reserve.
A Half/Full Day excursion through this Big Five reserve, goes in search of the magnificent African Big 5. Included are all conservation levies and a Bush Breakfast. This Big 5, 9600-hectare park offers not only the possibility of witnessing the Big 5 but also Cheetah’s and Wild Dogs to mention but a few of the incredible wildlife within the reserve.
Once the hunting grounds of the famous Zulu chief Shaka, the Park is renowned for its efforts in saving the white rhino from extinction and the magnificence of these first foothills off the coastal escarpment. White rhino abounds, and sightings of elephants are not unusual. The park also has lions, cheetah, black rhino, leopard, wild dog, a large population of giraffes and much more. Bird sightings may include lesser jacana, lappet-faced vultures, bateleur eagles, white-headed vultures, Southern banded snake eagles etc.
TIME: START 05H00 -13H00/15H00 (ACCORDING TO SEASON) COST: HALF DAY: R 1260 FULL DAY: R 1550 PER PERSON
HALF OR FULL DAY ISIMANGALISO SAFARI TOUR (4-5 or 6-7 hours)
This Half Day or Full day iSimangaliso Wetland Park Safari Tour departs daily from St Lucia. You will be picked up at your hotel at 8:00 am by your Game Ranger in an Open Game Drive Safari Vehicle. The Tour includes game viewing en route to Cape Vidal, a protected bay where one has the opportunity of enjoying some magnificent snorkeling. The bay offers some exquisite fish species including game fish species.
En route one will enjoy numerous wildlife species and may even include species such as Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino, Kudu, WaterBuck and much more, this diverse landscape includes the second highest vegetated sand dunes in the world, mangroves, forest and open grassland. Sit back, relax and let your personal ranger explain and show you the true beauty that this very first world heritage site has to offer. From loop roads, hides to look out points. It’s truly an incredible destination and magical scenery.
From the entrance to Cape Vidal Bay is approx 28 km once at Cape Vidal you will have an opportunity to enjoy some snorkeling or for those wanting to just enjoy the warm sun why not relax on the untouched beach.
TIME: START 08H00 -13H00/15H00 (ACCORDING TO SEASON) COST: HALF DAY: R 790 FULL DAY: R 940 PER PERSON
WHALE WATCHING ST LUCIA (June to November)
Whale Watching St Lucia is a magical 2-hour St Lucia tour taking you as close as 50 meters from the giants of the deep. Humpback whales are the most commonly spotted, but Minky’s, Right and Sperm whales are also seen. Whale Watching St Lucia begins with a high energy surf launch which requires decent “holding on strength”. For this reason, we accept only children 12 years or older.
Weather: This service is weather dependent. If the seas are rough, the trip will be postponed or the client will receive a full refund. WE have respect for rough seas, and client’s lives, if it is too rough, we will cancel the trip, respect us for making that decision
What to Wear: comfortable though warm clothing – bring an extra set of dry clothes – make sure your backpack is not too huge – we cannot allow 10 huge backpacks on board
Things to Bring: An extra warm jacket, although we issue life jackets and raincoats always dress in warm comfortable quick drying clothes, bring along a towel, bottle of water, packet of biscuits, seasick tablet, if need be, rubber / plastic shoes that you won’t mind walking into the sea with, and a set of dry clothes
TIME: MORNING TIMES TO BE CONFIRMED (WEATHER DEPENDING) COST: R 1500.00 PER PERSON – 2 HOURS ON THE WATER
SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG – UNDERBERG
The Maloti Drakensberg Park, a World Heritage Site
The Drakensberg is the eastern portion of the Great Escarpment, which encloses the central Southern African plateau. The Great Escarpment reaches its greatest elevation – 2,000 to 3,482 meters within the border region of South Africa and Lesotho.
The Southern Drakensberg is big & beautiful and offers an enormous diversity of attractions and activities. Enjoy mountain biking, horse riding, hiking, 4 by 4 excursions and so much more! Explore a wealth of San Rock Art, as well as the local arts and crafts. You won’t find better countryside anywhere!
SANI PASS DAY TOUR INTO LESOTHO (Most popular)(6-7 Hours)
The Sani Pass tour gives you the opportunity to experience an adventure of a lifetime – a comfortable yet exciting journey up this famous pass into the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. The Sani Pass tour snakes up the mountain and takes you through a scenic valley along a crystal clear river, making for a breath-taking experience through a world heritage site.
Your personal Tour Guide will fill you in on all you can learn about the history of the pass and the surrounding area. Feast your eyes on the natural landscape that is dotted with many species of wildflowers, creating splashes of vibrant colours. The road itself is rough which is why only 4×4 vehicles are allowed to traverse it, but because of this and the hairpin bends, you are in for a fun and heart-racing trip!
Once you reach the top your senses will be filled beyond your wildest dreams – breathe in the fresh mountain air, drink in the sweeping vistas that are nothing short of majestic and enjoy this unique African experience in the ‘Kingdom of the Sky’.
The legendary Sani Pass provides the only road link between KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho, and is the only road crossing the summit of the high Drakensberg. The Sani Pass Day Tour is a 6-7-hour 4X4 Guided Tour which traverses the Sani Pass and enters the Eastern Highlands of Lesotho for a visit to the Locals and stops for lunch at the Highest Pub in Africa. Climbing to an adventurous height of 2874m (9429 feet) above sea level, this makes for an epic adventure in a 4X4 Vehicle. We meet at 09h00 in Underberg and return around 16h00 on the same day.
DURATION: 09h00-16h00 COST: FROM R 1025 PER PERSON
EXTENDED LESOTHO DAY TOUR (10 Hours)
This tour will take you up Sani Pass and further on into a village in the Mountain Kingdom, called Mokhotlong, allowing you to explore more of Lesotho in just a day!
It’s the perfect mix of nature, culture and history; enjoy Lesotho’s natural flora and fauna, driving past the highest peak Southern Africa, dive into the culture of the Basotho people in this historical trading post and take a peek into history by getting to see the old buildings that pack lots of history into this small village.
DURATION: 08h00–18h00 COST: FROM R 1 575 PER PERSON
SANI PASS SPECIALIST BIRDING TOUR (11 hours)
The Sani Pass is a must-do trip for any serious birder, because it provides the only easy access globally to the Drakensberg Rockjumper, Drakensberg Siskin and Mountain Pipit. En route one has the chance, dependent on the season to see difficult-to-find birds such as Barratt’s Warbler, Fan-tailed Grass (Broad-tailed) Warbler and Bush Blackcap, whilst other narrowly distributed endemics such as Gurney’s Sugarbird and Buff-streaked Chat are present. In the alpine zone, several western species such as Grey Tit, Sickle-winged Chat, Layard’s Warbler and Fairy Flycatcher may be found, whilst this is probably the best place to search for the highly endangered Bearded Vulture.
Within easy reach of Himeville/Underberg, there are other habitats such as the mist belt forest, grasslands and wetlands. The forests are home to the rare Cape Parrot and Orange Thrush, and other species such as Chorister Robin, Forest Canary and Yellow-throated Warbler. This general area is home to all three of the southern African crane species (Grey Crowned, Wattled and Blue), the very rare Blue Swallow and the enigmatic seldom-recorded Short-tailed Pipit and Black-rumped Buttonquail.
DURATION: 06H00–Approximately 16h00-18h00 PM COST: FROM R 1 575
HORSE TRAILS
Nestled at the foothills of this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site for exceptional natural beauty, Khotso has become synonymous with horse riding in the Southern Drakensberg.
Open all year round, their horse trails all start from the Khotso Backpackers Lodge and crisscross over 1,300 hectares of rolling Khotso land. Eland’s Peak sits at 1,800m above sea level, whilst 5km of the beautiful Mzimkulu River flows through the farm as well. Let their experienced grooms and volunteers saddle up and guide you to panoramic views and embrace just how exhilarating the spirit of freedom can be.
DURATION/COST: 1 HOUR R 320, 2HRS R 540, 3HRS R 800, SUNSET R 790, FULL DAY R 900 PER PERSON
NORTHERN DRAKENSBERG – ROYAL NATAL NATIONAL PARK
Royal Natal National Park has some of the best mountain scenery in Africa. The main feature is the world-famous Amphitheater, a rock wall approximately five km in length, and approximately 500m high. On top of the amphitheater is the Mont-aux-Sources peak where the orange river begins its long journey to the Atlantic Ocean and Tugela River cascades down the face of the amphitheater, in the second highest waterfall in the world, on its way to the Indian ocean.
SELF-GUIDED HIKING TRAILS
Hiking is by far the most popular activity at Royal Natal National Park. Comprehensive hiking guides are available for purchase at the Visitor Centre. The brochure shows a map of the park and the network of hiking trails which visit every part of the park from the leisurely walk to Fairy Glen to the challenging hike up the Crack and down the Mudslide.
Various options available.
Popular Shorter Walks/Hikes (Times vary from person to person, are approximate and to be used as a guideline only)
- Otto’s Walk: Round trip 3km (1.9 miles) – 45min
- Cascades and McKinlay’s Pool: Round trip 5 km (3.1 miles) – 1 hour (can be joined with Tiger Falls)
- Sunday Falls: Round trip 6 km (3.7 miles) – 2 hours
- Tigers Falls: Round trip 6 km (3.7 miles) – 3 hours (can be joined with Cascades)
COST: R 100 ENTRANCE FEE PER PERSON (Map available for purchase at shop)
GUIDED HIKE TO BUSHMEN PAINTINGS (1 Hour)
Sigubudu shelter: The Bushman rock Art tour takes about 30-40 minutes to walk up to the Bushman paintings in Sigubudu Valley, a round trip of an hour or a little over without counting the time taken to look at the paintings. Royal Natal has trained people from the local village who act as guides and can explain the origin of the paintings and also point out some fossils embedded in the rock. There are paintings of eland, and many people, as well as hand prints – all very interesting, and reasonably well preserved.
COST: R 100 ENTRANCE FEE PER PERSON + ROCKART GUIDE R 200 PER PERSON