HIGHLIGHTS: Two nights private Game Lodge; Kariega Nature Reserve; Game walks; Garden Route; Open vehicle Game Drives; Cape Town; Panorama route; Zululand; Dolphin Coast

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: Kruger National Park; Knysna Boat Trip; Zululand National Parks ; Robben Island Bungi Jumping; Quad Biking

At last, a selfdrive itinerary designed for those clients that don’t want the formality of traveling in a group, but still want to take advantage of the excellent Drifters infrastructure, Inns, and adventure activities throughout South Africa. This tour is operated in conjunction with Welcome tours and is aimed at selfdrive clients who want to explore the country concentrating on wilderness areas rather than cities. Drifters Inns used on this tour are spectacularly located, most are far from the hustle and bustle of every day life. Our routing allows ample time for taking in the highlights, and each day our staff will be on hand to advise on routes, places of interest etc.

Day 1 : You are met on arrival at Johannesburg International airport by a Welcome Tourism Services staff member, handed your world-class documentation, maps, brochures, and other information and are then assisted to collect your vehicle.

From the airport, travel to the DRIFTERS JOHANNESBURG INN. Situated in Northcliff, a well established suburb in the north-west of Johannesburg, this comfortable Inn is the ideal place to relax at the swimming pool and recover from the flight.

Approx travel time : 45 minutes

Day 2 : Leave Johannesburg and travel in an easterly direction via Witbank, Middelburg, Lydenburg and Hoedspruit to the Lowveld, home to the Kruger and other Game Reserves. The next two nights are spent at the luxury DRIFTERS GAME LODGE within the Balule game reserve. Enjoy an open vehicle game drive this afternoon. B D

Approx travel time : 6 hours

Day 3 : Awake early to the sounds of the African bush, after coffee, proceed on an extensive game drive in order to view the many animals in their natural habitat. On return to the lodge brunch is served. Relax at the lodge for a few hours, and following afternoon tea we head out again in search of animals. Our drive will include sundowners in the bush and a night drive back to the lodge where dinner is served under the stars in a traditional boma. B L D

Day 4 : Your trip continues along the world renowned Panorama route today, you can visit the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes, God’s Window, Pilgrim’s rest and numerous natural attractions. In the late afternoon you will arrive at the DRIFTERS HAZYVIEW INN, we suggest a walk in the forest to enjoy the excellent birding. B

Approx travel time : 7 hours

Day 5 : This day you may want to venture into the nearby Kruger National Park for a day of game viewing, or you may choose to simply relax at the Inn and enjoy the swimming pool, Sabie River and excellent walks. B

Approx travel time : Variable

Day 6 : A long drive today, you depart Hazyview and travel via Nelspruit, Badplaas, and Pongola around Swaziland and into the heart of Zululand. The next two nights are spent at the DRIFTERS ZULULAND INN located on a small game reserve in the sand forest bordering False Bay National Park (Lake St Lucia). B

Approx travel time : 7 hours

Day 7 : Enjoy the many excursions this area has to offer, we suggest a visit into the Hluhluwe or Mkuzi National Parks, or you may spend the day on the beach at Sodwana Bay. Return to the Inn for the night. B

Approx travel time : Variable

Day 8 : Traveling south today, you head for the DRIFTERS DOLPHIN COAST INN in Umdloti. This Inn is situated literally on the beach and your afternoon will be spent exploring this tiny coastal village and the unspoiled sandy beaches that are constantly pounded by the warm Indian ocean waves. B

Approx travel time : 4 hours

Day 9 : Today holds many options, we advise a drive into Durban to explore this holiday city, the Indian market, aquarium etc, or you may prefer to simply relax and enjoy the beach. B

Approx travel time: Variable

Day 10 : Another long but interesting drive today, you continue south down the coast through the numerous coastal towns before entering the Transkei, with its rolling hills dotted with rural villages. You travel through Umtata, and past the birthplace of Nelson Mandela. Your stop tonight is at the Manderson Hotel in Stutterheim, a sleepy farming town. B

Approx travel time : 8 hours

Day 11 : A short journey today, follow the National Highway to East London and then on to the Kariega Nature Reserve. This reserve offers a huge diversity of fauna and flora, a nature lovers paradise. Tonight's camp is built on the edge of a ravine offering spectacular views.

B D

Approx travel time : 5 hours

Day 12 : This day is free to relax and enjoy the reserve. Either a Game Walk or Game Drive is included today. Kariega reserve is the ideal to relax and build up energy for the following days of exploring the Garden Route. B L D

Approx travel time : variable

Day 13 : Today we pass through Port Elisabeth and Plettenberg Bay en route to Knysna.

Hidden deep in the forest against the Outeniqua mountains, you will find the DRIFTERS KNYSNA INN. This inn provides the ideal base for exploring without the hustle and bustle of the towns. B

Approx travel time : 5 hours

Day 14 : Today we recommend a trip to the Ostrich capital of Oudthoorn where you are able to visit an Ostrich farm and of course the world renowned Cango Caves. This journey will take you across the mighty Outeniqua mountains, barrier between the dry interior and the lush Garden Rout. B

Approx travel time : variable

Day 15 : We advise that you spend this day in and around Knysna. This quaint woodcutter town offers a wealth of curio shops, restaurants and other attractions. You may want to enjoy a boat trip today in search of Whales and Dolphins. Alternatively, the forests offer fantastic walks. B

Approx travel time : variable

Day 16 : Leaving the true Garden Route, you travel via Mossel Bay and Swellendam, over Sir Lowries Pass and into the “Mother City”, Cape Town. The DRIFTERS CAPE TOWN INN is your base for the next days, located very centrally and conveniently in Seapoint, this inn is ideal. B

Approx travel time : 6 hours

Day 17 : This day is for traveling to Cape Point, the Winelands, or perhaps to take a ferry ride across to Robben Island. For those that wish to shop, the Waterfront provides a mecca. Green market square is also not to be missed. B

Approx travel time : variable

Day 18 : On this, the last day, we advise a walk or cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain where the views are spectacular. This afternoon you are able to return your vehicle to Cape Town International Airport, be sure to allow time for your check in. B

Approx travel time : variable – 45 min drive from City to Airport.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This tour is designed for the young at heart who do not wish to be stuck in cities. Malaria precautions are advised. Credit cards are generally accepted in South Africa, BUT NOT FOR FUEL PURCHASES.

Included in this package are, accommodation and meals as per the itinerary and a Group B car from Europcar inclusive of Supercover and unlimited mileage. A Welcome Tourism Services staff member will meet you on arrival and will provide detailed documentation .

Not included are Fuel deposits, airport surcharges, meals not mentioned in the itinerary, entrance fees, fuel, oil, drinks, and expenses of a personal nature.