Alan Tours

THE RUSTIC TOUR (OV27)

At a Glance

• Tour duration: 14 days / 13 nights
• Group size: 2 to 6 people per tour
• Tour departs from: Port Elizabeth
• Price: From R43500 to R77600 per person

Tour Highlights

• Addo National Park, home to 700 free roaming elephants
• Spectacular Wild Coast
• Interact with the local people who call these rugged hills their home.
• Hole in the Wall, a huge detached cliff that has a giant opening carved through its centre by the waves
• Awe-inspiring mountain peaks of the southern Drakensberg
• Sani Pass, the most icon gravel road pass in South Africa with incredible views
• Have a drink in the highest pub in Africa
• St Luci, iSimangaliso Park, a heritage site, home to more than 800 Hippo's, 1200 Nile crocs
• Kruger National Park, where the Big 5 can be found

Suitable for those interested in Big 5, Nature, Wildlife

Itinerary

1. DAY 1: Port Elizabeth to Addo Elephant National Park

   Meet and great by Alan Tours at place of residence in Port Elizabeth and depart for Addo Elephant National Park. After checking in at the south entrance, we immediately start the game viewing experience.
   
   The park is home to more than 700 free roaming Elephants and a wide variety of wildlife such as Zebra, Warthog, Ostrich, the elegant Kudu and many more including the traditional BIG 5, Lion, Buffalo, Rhino, Leopard and of course the Elephants.
   
   Making our way from south to north we search for the many and diverse creatures in the thickets and on the open plains while learning about the habitat in which they live.
   
   Arriving at the main camp we enjoy a light lunch at the park restaurant before we check into our accommodation.
   
   After relaxing we prepare for an exciting game drive in the tour vehicle. Dinner at the restaurant and a well-deserved rest in the main camp accompanied by the sounds of the African night.
   
   

   OVERNIGHT: Addo Elephant National Park Accommodation

2. DAY 2: Addo Elephant National Park to Wild Coast

   After an early breakfast in the main camp's restaurant, we check out and depart for the spectacular Wild Coast.
   
   It is a long drive; the last section is over some rough roads but it worth the time it takes as we drive through some spectacular views of the countryside and traditional home to the local Xhosa people. Here we find the landscape populated with the colourful huts and homesteads of these proud, handsome people.
   
   We have lunch en route before we descend from the escarpment towards the coast on a road filled with happy laughing people and their livestock, goats, cows, pigs, geese and horses you name it, we avoid it.
   
   We arrive at a wonderful old community owned colonial style hotel set in a nature reserve where it looks out over expansive lawns and the great Indian Ocean.
   
   Here we check into our cottage and enjoy the evenings meal in the hotel’s dining room.

   OVERNIGHT: Cottage

3. DAY 3: Wild Coast

   Today we explore the beaches and scenery, interact with the local people who call these rugged hills their home.
   
   We find spectacular scenery around every corner while Dolphins leap through the surf and seasonal whales can be seen offshore.
   
   Depending on the weather and your mood we wake early for a slow walk on the deserted beach as we wonder along the shoreline towards the mouth of the Mbashe River, a large river upon whose banks, further upstream, our first democratically elected president Nelson Mandela was born and raised.
   
   Just upstream of the mouth of the river is one of the southernmost mangrove swamps in Africa. Many species of waders and marine birds make this special place their home and stop over while on their migratory journeys and the entire area with its diversity of habitat makes for some interesting birdwatching.
   
   We return for breakfast after which with a packed lunch we board the tour vehicle for the drive around and over the Mbashe River and our decent back towards the coast.
   
   Here we enter the Dwesa game reserve a natural wonderland made up of dense stands of forests interlinked with tall grasslands on the slopes, overlooking the Indian Ocean. It is here that one can find species of ground orchids amongst the tall grasses. Rivers flow to the coast and more often than not are blocked by the perennial sand banks upon which herds of cattle can be seen sunbathing on the beaches. This is also home to the southernmost, non-breeding population of the Nile crocodile in Africa.
   
   Alternative,
   
   Weather permitting, after breakfast; armed with a packed lunch we drive down to the river mouth where we board a canoe and paddle across the wide expanse of the Mbashe river mouth. After reaching the far side which is a large nature reserve we collect our things and start the walk along this long desolate and all but uninhabited beach. It is likely that the only inhabitants one will meet here are the local cattle chilling on the golden sands of the beach in this unspoilt part of heaven. The beach itself is a treasure trove of flotsam deposited by the ebbing tide and the array of seashells can be quite astonishing. It is a good idea to bring your swimming costumes as there are a number of protected rock pools and lagoons in which to swim.
   
   We walk to Mendu point where we find some interesting Ventifact rocks that have been shaped by wind driven sand and other points of interest. Here we take our lunch in the shade of the trees near the seashore, before making our way along the beach back to the river mouth and to cross back over as we head for the hotel and an afternoon on the beach or simply relaxing around the pool at the hotel.
   
   At the hotel we enjoy a well prepared evening meal and a peaceful night, lulled to sleep by the waves breaking on the shore.
   
   

   OVERNIGHT: Hotel

4. DAY 4: Wild Coast

   We wake early for a hearty breakfast before packing up and checking out.
   
   On our way we stop in the forest for a walk to a nearby waterfall. Here we view the plant life identifying some of the more prominent trees as well as the epiphytes that grow on them and keep an eye out for the rich birdlife
   
   Leaving the reserve behind we continue inland over tracks and roads with little or no indication about where to go, driving through the very heart of the Wild Coast. After negotiating our way through the animals, people and potholes we arrive at the tranquil setting of our overnight accommodation set right on the beach between steep cliffs that meet, often stormy seas with superb views of the looming cliffs with waves crashing onto the beach, ending their journey on this rugged coastline.
   
   Here there are spectacular sights such as the Hole-in-the-Wall and cliff top drives and walks so precipitous they will take your breath away as you search for Dolphins in the surf line far below while greeting the colourful friendly people as they go about their daily lives
   
   We check in and settle into our comfortable rooms in this rustic lodge before we meet for an excellent dinner in the Lodge restaurant.

   OVERNIGHT: Rustic Lodge

5. DAY 5: Wild Coast to Southern Drakensberg

   After enjoying a full breakfast we pack up, check out and depart inland away from this rugged Wild Coastline.
   
   We make our way through colourful Xhosa villages spread out like a patchwork quilt over the undulating landscape, climbing up onto the escarpment as we leave the coast behind.
   
   Here the landscape undergoes noticeable changes as we enter into extensive grasslands with some localised forests in the ravines and valleys.
   
   We head into the foothills of the mighty Drakensberg Mountains. After stopping en route for a light lunch we continue to our overnight accommodation set in a village nestled in a valley, surrounded by the awe-inspiring mountain peaks of the southern Drakensberg (named “The Dragon Mountains” by the early European explorers or the “Barrier of Spears” by the Zulu people). The Drakensberg Mountains are the highest mountain range in Africa; this must not be confused by the highest peaks, a title held by Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, two peaks that are extinct volcanos in East Africa.
   
   Here we check into a small cozy hotel and freshen up before meeting in the bar for drinks, meeting some of the locals. We have our evening meal in the hotel restaurant before making our way to our comfortable beds for a peaceful night’s rest in this rarefied environment.

   OVERNIGHT: Hotel

6. DAY 6: Southern Drakensberg to Southern Drakenberg

   We wake at leisure for a hearty breakfast and depart down the steep, rugged pass, the highest in South Africa.
   
   This is a spectacular journey down a sometimes precipitous mountain pass, making regular stops to admire the views and do some bird watching in an area known for its rare and specialised bird species.
   
   On reaching the bottom we continue north, traveling parallel to this mighty mountain range through spectacular countryside, taking lunch en route as we head for our next stop in the shadows of the Drakensberg.
   
   Here we check into our overnight accommodation with stunning views over the foothills and farmlands of this beautiful area.
   
   After freshening up we make our way through the countryside to a family restaurant for a delicious meal in this cozy, warm atmosphere before heading back to our overnight accommodation and another peaceful night’s rest.

   OVERNIGHT: Cottage

7. DAY 7: Southern Drakensberg to Sani Pass and back again

   After breakfast we pack what is needed for the day (including passport) in the mountains.
   
   We depart and head up the steep gravel pass, stopping to check through both the South African and Lesotho border controls.
   
   We take time along the way to take many photographs and enjoy the scenery.
   
   On reaching the top we continue driving into Lesotho where we can interact with the local tribe’s people before heading back to a lodge, with the highest pub in Africa for a light lunch.

   OVERNIGHT: Cottage

8. DAY 8: Southern Drakensberg to St Lucia Estuary

   After an early breakfast we check out for a long drive back down to the coast, to the St Lucia estuary. We stop for a lunch break on the way.
   
   After a long day in the saddle we check into our guesthouse in St Lucia, there may be time to do some shopping or explore the area locally or simply relax or laze on the wooden deck by the pool before we meet for our evening meal at one of the local restaurants.

   OVERNIGHT: Guest house

9. DAY 9: St Lucia to St Lucia

   We wake up at leisure, enjoy a delicious breakfast before boarding our tour vehicle for a guided tour of the iSimangaliso Wetland and game Park, a World Heritage Site.
   
   We have a light lunch before we head down to the jetty to board our boat for an afternoon cruise looking for the many Hippopotamus and Crocodile that inhabit this large estuary. Many bird species can be found on the banks of the estuary as well as in the mangrove trees that line these saline waters. Occasionally the fin of a Zambezi or Bull shark can be seen cutting the surface of the water or interacting with the Hippo.
   
   After the boat cruise we make our way to a restaurant for the evening meal.
   

   OVERNIGHT: Guest house

10. DAY 10: St Lucia to Hlane National Park, (Swaziland) eSwatini

    We check out of our overnight accommodation after breakfast and head back inland away from the beaches and ocean for the last time.
    
    We make our way to the next border crossing where we enter the Kingdom of Swaziland (eSwatini). Please check your Visa requirements.
    
    After completing the border formalities, we head north making our way to a Big Five game reserve in the heart of this small sovereign Kingdom, the last remaining absolute monarchy in the world.
    
    On arrival, we check in. If time allows, we head out to find what can be seen of the wildlife in this the largest of the Royal National Parks before going to the restaurant for our evening meal and a peaceful night’s rest listening to the sounds of the African night.
    
    Optional extra: evening and early morning game drives in the park’s open game drive vehicles. Bookings essential

    OVERNIGHT: Royal National Park accommodation

11. DAY 11: Swaziland to Kruger National Park

    We wake early and after a quick cup of tea or coffee we depart on a game drive in the tour vehicle through this woodland savanna habitat, home to Elephant, Giraffe, White Rhino, many graceful Impala, a type of antelope found in these savannas and many more. A rich birdlife can also be seen.
    
    On return we have breakfast, check out. After leaving the park we continue north through Swaziland exiting after border formalities, back into South Africa, driving through farmland filled with sugar cane and other well-tended crops as we head for the vastness of the iconic Kruger National Park.
    
    We stop for lunch en route before we enter the park from the south.
    
    On arrival we check in before continuing our way north through the southern highlands of the park, searching for the many animals, birds and reptiles that live in this vast wildlife reserve.
    
    We arrive at our overnight accommodation in a popular rest camp in the heart of the southern Kruger National Park.
    
    After checking in we settle in our comfortable accommodation, have our evening meal at the restaurant before heading to bed listening to sounds of the African night.
    
    Optional extra: evening and early morning game drives in the park’s open game drive vehicles. Booking essential

    OVERNIGHT: Kruger National Park Accommodation

12. DAY 12: Kruger National Park

    We wake early for a quick cup of tea or coffee and rusks before boarding the tour vehicle as we head out at first light in our search for the prolific wildlife of this magnificent National Park.
    
    Elephant, Lion, Hyena, Buffalo and the many species of antelope, birds that create a kaleidoscope of colours and varieties await discovery as we travel the dirt roads to find the prized sightings of the day.
    
    We return for a well-deserved brunch in the rest camp restaurant before heading to our chalets for a little down time before our afternoon safari into the park; returning at gate closing time we again make our way to the restaurant for a tasty dinner and a peaceful night’s sleep with the sounds of the wilderness surrounding us.

    OVERNIGHT: Kruger National Park Accommodation

13. DAY 13: Kruger National Park

    Early wake up for tea and coffee before again heading out into the African bush at first light so as to catch the predators before they lie up for the day. We return to camp in time for a full breakfast and check out as we board the tour vehicle to travel to our next destination into this huge wilderness.
    
    We stop for a lunch break on the way to our overnight destination at a rest camp situated in different habitat in the west of the park. After check in, we make our way to our chalets to unpack and freshen up before departing to discover new sights and sounds and to search for the prolific wildlife in this part of the park.
    
    We return to the restaurant for our last evening meal recalling your adventures of your South African Tour before we head off to bed lulled to sleep by the sounds of the night.

    OVERNIGHT: Kruger National Park Accommodation

14. DAY 14: Kruger National Park to Johannesburg

    After an early breakfast, we pack up and check out of the Kruger National Park as we make our way through the reserve to the park’s boundary and proceed towards Johannesburg, Egoli (“The City of Gold” in the local language), on the Highveld of South Africa.
    
    On arrival, you will be dropped off either at the International Airport for your outbound flight or your hotel.
    
    End of Alan Tours services.

    TOUR ENDS

Note

Tour includes:

* 14 day tour, guide, fuel, vehicle
* 13 night accommodation as per itinerary
* Entrance/conservation fees:
– Addo Elephant National Park
– Royal National Park Swaziland
– Kruger National Park
– iSimangaliso Park
– Wild Coast Nature Reserve
* Meals as per itinerary
* Boat cruise
* Community levy fees
* Toll fees
* Border fees Lesotho and Swaziland
* Parking fees


Tour excludes:

* Bar bills
* Activities not mentioned in the itinerary
* Private shopping
* Visas
* Gratuities/tips