Mighty Drakensberg with Safari | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Mighty Drakensberg with Safari

PRIVATE TOUR - 14 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM $6383+

Private Tour Highlights

  • Be informed of Cape Town’s rich cultural history
  • Experience the natural beauty of the region’s native flora
  • Indulge in some of the increasingly popular regional wine
  • Experience a private wine cellar tour alongside the exquisite tastings
  • Sample local trout and a variety of cheeses
  • Experience the Drakensbergs actively by mountain bike, horseback, or kayak
  • See a number of the “Big 5” game while on safari
  • Experience the beautiful sunset on the savannah
  • Stop at one or two breweries to sample the local tipples
  • Stop at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, home to over 6000 species of plants
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

This trip starts with a tour of Cape Town, Table Mountain and the penguin colony at Boulder’s Bay. Savor the exquisite wines from the vintners of nearby Cape Winelands, then head to the Drakensberg Mountains, an excellent region for adventure activities. Visit the battlefields of Kwa Zulu-Natal before finishing your tour with a thrilling multi-day safari in one of several private game reserves bordering Kruger National Park.

The Drakensberg is the highest mountain range in Southern Africa, extending roughly 1,125 km (699 miles). The Drakensberg is part of the Great Escarpment and the main watershed of South Africa. The local Zulu name for the Drakensberg is Quathlamba, or “The Barrier of Spears,” an apt description for these mountains. The region is ideal for bird watching, horseback riding, kayaking, mountain biking, mountaineering, trout fishing and more. It is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a unique cultural experience. After you have spent some time in these spectacular mountains, you will have the opportunity to visit and tour the battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal. Knowledgeable guides will go through each battle, presenting and debating the strategies used, the numbers who perished and the medals and rewards won by the brave.

Adding to the majesty of Kruger Park are the surrounding private game reserves, such as Sabi Sands and Timbavati. Over the last 20 years the fences between the reserves have been removed allowing the animals to roam freely between the Kruger National Park and these private reserves. The removal of these boundaries has afforded visitors to the Kruger Park with the best Big Five safari experience South Africa has to offer.

Inclusions
Price includes:
One way domestic airfare from Cape Town to Durban, Durban to Nelspruit and Nelspruit to Cape Town, Hotel accommodation including continental or buffet breakfast, All transfers between airports and hotels with assistance and baggage handling, Guided tours in English including all entrance fees, Meals where specified

Notes:
* Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) may be viewed all year round.
Exclusions

Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included in the quote (if airfare has been included in the quote)

Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: $6383
Package Price: From N/A

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

International flight to Cape Town

Overnight international flight to Cape Town.

Overnight international flight to Cape Town.

Day
2

Arrival in Cape Town

Upon arrival in Cape Town, airport reception and transfer in a private vehicle to the hotel. After check in enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Upon arrival in Cape Town, airport reception and transfer in a private vehicle to the hotel. After check in enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day
3

City tour of Cape Town

Today starts by being immersed in some of the city’s history and culture on a private city tour. Be on the lookout for seldom seen sights and seldom heard stories about the city’s former inhabitants; previous visitors; beautiful architectural heritage; social, cultural, religious and political history.
Afterwards, depart for the Cable Car Station for a memorable trip to the top of Table Mountain, one of the Natural Wonders of the World. The views of the city, coastline and Cape Peninsula are in a word: breathtaking. Then return to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
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cape-town-harbor-south-africa
Day
4

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens & Cape Point

After breakfast embark on a full day, private tour of the Cape Peninsula that showcases some of Cape Town’s best scenery and attractions. Stop at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Situated on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, these beautiful gardens are home to over 6000 species of plants. Then travel on to visit the Jackass Penguin Colony at Boulders Bay and perhaps have a swim on the beach next door. After a stop for lunch overlooking False Bay, where whales are regularly seen, move on to Cape Point, the south westernmost point of Africa and one of the most dangerous points to sail around in the world. On the way back observe the wildlife as throughout Cape Point National Park, before going round Chapman’s Peak Drive and back to the hotel for an evening at leisure. ...read less

penguins-south-africa-beach
Day
5

Tour of the Winelands

After breakfast, take a trip to the Winelands region just north of Cape Town. South African wine is one of the fastest growing in popularity and some of the best wine makers in the country will be showcased. Experience several tastings as well as a private cellar tour. The Winelands region is also incredibly beautiful, with the vineyards woven through spectacular mountain ranges. Stop for lunch in Franschhoek, the gourmet capital of South Africa, and soak up the surroundings while enjoying some first rate cuisine.

After breakfast, take a trip to the Winelands region just north of Cape Town. South African wine is one of the fastest growing in popularity and some of the best wine makers in the country will be showcased. Experience several tastings as well as a private cellar tour. The Winelands region is also incredibly beautiful, with the vineyards woven through spectacular mountain ranges. Stop for lunch in Franschhoek, the gourmet capital of South Africa, and soak up the surroundings while enjoying some first rate cuisine.

western-cape-winery-south-africa
Day
6

Cape Town – Durban – Drakensberg Mountains

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Durban. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel in the Drakensberg Mountain region. Overnight at hotel in Drakensberg Mountain region.

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Durban. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel in the Drakensberg Mountain region. Overnight at hotel in Drakensberg Mountain region.

durban-south-africa
Day
7

Exploring the Midlands Meander

After breakfast, embark on a day trip around the Midlands Meander (a historic art and crafts route that runs through the Southern Drakensberg Mountains) and tour the picturesque villages, farm shops and arts and crafts center (where there are ongoing exhibitions and workshopsLook up and see towering mountain peaks; look around and browse the local goods of this wonderful market center. Then, stop at one or two breweries to sample the local tipples. The tour includes lunch in a country restaurant, where trout from the mountain streams and local cheeses will be sampled.


Overnight at Drakensberg Mountain region.
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Day
8

Hiking the Drakensberg Mountains

Today, get in to the mountains and get active. Join a guided walk, go mountain biking or horseback riding, fish in the lakes or rivers or even kayak in the fast flowing mountain waters. In the afternoon, transfer to a lodge in the KwaZulu-Natal battlefields region where more will be discovered more about South Africa’s colorful past. There will be an introductory talk in the evening.

Overnight at a lodge in the KwaZulu-Natal battlefields region.

Today, get in to the mountains and get active. Join a guided walk, go mountain biking or horseback riding, fish in the lakes or rivers or even kayak in the fast flowing mountain waters. In the afternoon, transfer to a lodge in the KwaZulu-Natal battlefields region where more will be discovered more about South Africa’s colorful past. There will be an introductory talk in the evening.

Overnight at a lodge in the KwaZulu-Natal battlefields region.

drakensberg-mtns-south-africa
Day
9

Battlefields Tour

After breakfast there will be a full day battlefield tour. There will be the choice of discovering more about the Boer War (The Boer Republic and Great Britain) or the Zulu Wars (Zulus, Great Britain and The Boers). The guides are animated and informative and engage and immerse guests in the drama and atmosphere of these great battles.


Overnight at a lodge in the KwaZulu-Natal battlefields region.

After breakfast there will be a full day battlefield tour. There will be the choice of discovering more about the Boer War (The Boer Republic and Great Britain) or the Zulu Wars (Zulus, Great Britain and The Boers). The guides are animated and informative and engage and immerse guests in the drama and atmosphere of these great battles.


Overnight at a lodge in the KwaZulu-Natal battlefields region.

Islanalwana-South-Africa
Day
10

Drakensberg Mountains – Durban – Nelspruit

After breakfast transfer to the Durban airport for a flight to Nelspruit. Upon arrival, transfer to a game lodge.

After breakfast transfer to the Durban airport for a flight to Nelspruit. Upon arrival, transfer to a game lodge.

Gazelle-South-Africa
Day
11

First day on safari

First Day on Safari: Open safari vehicles with seating for between 6 and 12 visitors head out into the wild under the expert guidance of experienced rangers and insightful trackers. Travelers will be in close contact with Africa's most exciting wildlife species and have unparalleled photographic opportunities. Early morning game drive heads out as the sun rises and the bush stirs to life. The ranger and tracker teams search for animals by tracking their spoor and listening for certain tell-tale signs of activity. The bush has its own language and it is fascinating to watch those who possess the tools to encode it.

Late afternoon game drive commences as the sun burns its way towards the horizon. The animals are now getting more active, many preparing to hunt after dark. After sundowners, the drive continues with the aid of powerful spotlights, which reveal nocturnal species in another world. On average, there will be approximately 6 hours of game drives per day.
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sabi-sands-stars-south-africa
Day
12

Game viewing

Another Safari day starting with morning game drive, followed by free time and late afternoon game drive. Each day will differ and different animals will be seen, but feel free to ask the tracker to search out animals that have not been seen yet.

Another Safari day starting with morning game drive, followed by free time and late afternoon game drive. Each day will differ and different animals will be seen, but feel free to ask the tracker to search out animals that have not been seen yet.

Game-drive-south-africa
Day
13

Final day on safari

Last Safari day and last chance to see some more remarkable animals in the wild. One never knows what amazing moment they will witness!

Last Safari day and last chance to see some more remarkable animals in the wild. One never knows what amazing moment they will witness!

Cheetah-south-africa
Day
14

International flight home via Cape Town

After the morning activity and breakfast, transfer to the airport for a connection to Cape Town and flight home or continue with the Yampu Tours add-on of choice.

After the morning activity and breakfast, transfer to the airport for a connection to Cape Town and flight home or continue with the Yampu Tours add-on of choice.

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Southern Drakensberg Rural I.P.A., Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Kruger National Park, Kruger Park, Limpopo, South Africa

Places You'll See

  • capetown-south-africa

    Cape Town

    As Africa’s most popular tourist destination, Cape Town has much to offer. From its natural features such as Table Mountain, or Hout Bay with its views of the Atlantic Ocean, to its cultural attractions and several hundred shops, it has something for everyone. The Two Oceans aquarium is a popular destination, with its large viewing windows and seven exhibition galleries.

  • south-africa-drakensberg

    Southern Drakensbergs

    The Drakensberg is the highest mountain range in Southern Africa and is an important region for adventure activities like mountaineering, trout fishing, mountain biking, kayaking and more. It is also a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a unique cultural experience.

  • drakensburg-south-africa-kwazulu-natal

    KwaZulu-Natal

    Known for its beaches and Savannah, KwaZulu-Natal has an assortment of activities to enjoy while submerging oneself into the history and culture of the area. Visit some of the many nearby national parks, enjoy the beaches along the warm Indian ocean, or explore the Drakensberg mountains with some rock climbing.

  • cheetah-kruger-nat'l-park-south-africa

    Kruger National Park

    Get the real safari experience at the Kruger National Park, one of South Africa’s largest game reserves. The offers a chance to see some of the 500 plus species of wild birds, nearly 150 species of large mammals including all of the Big Five game animals, and over 100 species of reptiles including the black mamba. There’s even a 9-hole golf course.

Hotel Options

3 Star Properties

Cape Town : Inn on the Square

Cape Town : Protea Hotel Fire & Ice

Cape Town : Protea Hotel Breakwater Lodge

Cape Town : SunSquare Cape Town

Southern Drakensbergs : Cathedral Peak

Kruger National Park : Tydon Safari Camp

4 Star Properties

Cape Town : Protea Hotel Victoria Junction

Cape Town : Adderley Hotel (Waterfront)

Cape Town : The Vineyard (Newlands)

Southern Drakensbergs : Hartford House

5 Star Properties

Cape Town : Cape Royale

Cape Town : Victoria & Alfred Hotel

Cape Town : Taj Cape Town

Cape Town : Table Bay Hotel

Southern Drakensbergs : Cleopatra’s

Luxury Properties

Cape Town : Cape Grace

Sabi Sands : Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

Testimonials

Joel M.

Traveled August, 2014

Everything was perfect! Guides were wonderful!

Everything was perfect! Guides were wonderful! I especially loved the Chitwa Chitwa. The experiences here were fabulous, including eating dinner with a family of elephants, including a baby. From our room and the lodge we saw a herd of Hippos, crocodiles in the morning and two lions. On the drive we saw an Impala in a tree which had been killed by a lion. Then shortly thereafter we saw a leopard leap up into the tree to eat the impala. We also went to an art opening, and liked a painting so much that we decided to buy it and take it home. It was her first painting to sell and she was so happy she gave it to me. I hope in some way my trip to South Africa, may have changed this student’s life, who will now have more confidence as an artist.

Traveled To


Roger

Traveled April, 2012

Everything went off without a hitch

We did indeed have a wonderful trip. Everything went off without a hitch. The two drivers arranged by Yampu Tours were excellent. Wolfgang was always either early or on time. He was very helpful with suggestions on what to do and where to eat during our visit to Knisna Bay. He also went out of his way to help us get settled in, for example with trips to the grocery store. He was cheerful, professional and ready to help whenever we needed. The van and trailer were just what we needed. Andre in Cape Town was also there on time. It was a short trip to the airport, but we appreciated all his help. Thanks to Yampu Tours for helping to make our trip so successful.

Traveled To

Shannon

Traveled August, 2014

The whole family had such a wonderful time

I have a few more comments you might be interested in.I am so glad you sent us to Sanbona and Shamwari, especially Shamwari. They were both easier to get to than Kruger and we didn’t even need malaria prophylactics which was very nice. I was worried the animal viewing wouldn’t be good so relatively close to civilization, but it was terrific!I also appreciate your getting tickets to Robben Island and Table Mountain for us and taking care of the transportation. It was nice to be able to just enjoy. You even managed good weather for us. Robben Island had been closed the previous four days! Don’t know how you did it.Want to say once again, the guides were wonderful. They were both so knowledgeable and shared some of their experiences with apartheid. They also had a great sense of humor and very quickly picked up on our family jokes. The whole family had such a wonderful time. The children managed everything beautifully– the very long plane ride, the change in time zones and climate, new foods and schedules. They were amazing. Once again, we thank you so much and would be happy to serve as references.

Traveled To

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