Mini packages (Informations)

Mini programme 1

Sun City and Pilanesberg

Sun City

Sun City this bushveld Las Vegas, with four hotels, is within easy day-trip distance of Johannesburg or Pretoria. A visit to South Africa would not be complete without a visit to this magnificent entertainment centre where you can laze on a manmade island beach, strike it lucky in the casino and become an instant millionaire, take in 18 holes on one of two world class golf courses designed by the legendary Gary Player, ride a jet ski or get shaken by Showskan. If this is still not enough, visit the crocodile park or go for a horse ride.

Pilanesberg National Park

Pilanesberg National Park is the country's fourth largest Park, about 55 000 hectares. About 7000 animals were translocated to form the core of its extensive varieties of animals and 350 bird species, including the Big Five. It has white Rhino as well as black Rhino. It has five game-viewing hides. A tunnel of 180 m leads from Kwa Maritane to an underground hide overlooking a waterhole. You can also view San cave paintings.

Highlights:

Hartbeespoort Dam (wide variety of watersports, angling, Snake Park) Magaliesberg (cable-car ride to the summit of the Magaliesberg, hang-gliding and hot-air-ballooning) near the Dam.

  • visit Lesedi Cultural Village

  • enjoy the artificial beach of Sun City

  • explore Lost City and its tropical garden

  • relax and enjoy the African sunshine next to one of Sun City's swimming pools.

 

 

Mini programme 2.

Kruger National Park & Blyde River Canyon

Blyde River Canyon

The 32 km Blyde River Canyon is one of South Africa's greatest natural wonders, and is the third largest canyon in the world. In places it was carved out 700 m deep by the progress of the Blyde River. God's Window, which offers views beyond compare as cliffs drop over 700 m to the Lowveld, the fascinating potholes in the yellow dolomite rock at Bourke's Luck, Pilgrims Rest, South Africa's first gold-mining town which dates back to 1873 when gold was discovered, today a living museum preserved almost in its entirety. The Great Escarpment was also the scene of some of the most frenzied gold rushes in the history of the country. Pilgrim's Rest is one of only the few in the world to have been proclaimed a national monument, never to be altered or developed.

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is one of the top ten national parks in the world, the flagship of the South African National Parks, of which there are 18 throughout South Africa. It is a pioneer in conservation and ecotourism and a world leader in advances environmental management techniques, technology and policies. Go through a gate into Kruger and you are in ancient Africa. The monotonous bush becomes a great diversity of trees, shrubs, flowers and grasses. There may be the great grey shape of a rhino quietly grazing in the shade, or a splendidly regal sable antelope, or warthog, or hyena, or elephant, or lion... Kruger covers 21 497 km2 - larger than Wales or Israel - in the north-east corner of South Africa. More than 380 km long and never more than 100 km wide, it lies against the Mozambique border from the Limpopo River border with Zimbabwe in the north to the Crocodile River in the south. In the area there are more than 23000 plant species, 146 mammal, almost 500 bird, 114 reptile, 49 freshwater fish and 33 amphibian species as well as an uncounted but colossal variety of things which creep and crawl. Many of these forms of life exist nowhere else.

Highlights:

  • Visit the most spectacular scenes in the Blyde River Canyon, such as God's Window, Three Rondavels, Long Tom Pass, etc.

  • · Enjoy the atmosphere of the old gold mining village at Pilgrim's Rest

  • · Experience South Africa's no.1 game reserve - the Kruger National Park

  • · Take an evening game drive and seek for the 'Big Five'

  • · Visit a black cultural village and meet the shangaan people.

 

 

Mini programme 3.

Durban & Kwa Zulu Natal

Swaziland

Swaziland is the smallest country in the Southern Hemisphere. With an area of 17,364,4 km, it is about the same size as Wales. The ancestors of the Swazis lived in an area much bigger than the present day Swaziland. The Swazis speak one language called si Swati which has contributed to the political stability and economic advancement. Swazi men and women are still adhering to their traditional attire which is a colourful costume called Mahiya which women wear with bee-hive hair style which the men compliment by carrying shield, knobsticks, spears and battle axes.

Zululand

Zululand is situated on the East coast of South africa and is home to the mighty amaZulu people. Just a morning drive from Durban, you will find endless vistas of unspoilt beaches, coastal conservation areas teeming with small game and bird life. South Africa's biggest concentration of game ranches are located in this area as well as the largest rhino population in Africa. Experience the friendliness of local communities greeting you with the traditional zulu greeting "Sawubone!". Watch them weaving brightly coloured baskets and intricate zulu bead work or carving from wood.

Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park

The Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park is famous for accomplishing what is probably on of South Africa's greatest conservation success stories: saving the black rhino from extinction. Activities: Big game watching, self-guided auto trails and walks, guided walks, wilderness trails, backpacking, game hides, guided night drives, picnics, Mambeni craft market and Dumazulu village.

Greater St Lucia Wetland Park

Greater St Lucia Wetland Park is the third largest park in South Africa, covering 250 000 ha of conservation areas including water, reed-covered islands, forested dunes, woodlands and papyrus swamps. The rich vegetation draws to it an incomparable quantity of wildlife and birds, such as pelicans, terns, flamingoes, crocodiles, turtles and other species of wildlife. The main lake is 300 sq km, and is home to about 800 hippos and 1200 crocodiles, apart from over 120 species of fish.

  • Watch the Swazi people dancing Incwala and reed Dance

  • Take a horse ride in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Look for hippos, crocodiles and thousands of water birds during a boat trip on Lake St lucia

  • Enjoy the atmosphere of the oldest game reserve in South Africa and seek for the 'Big Five'

  • Visit a traditional Zulu village to learn about their traditions, dances and life.

 

 

Mini programme 4.

Drakensberg Mountains & Kingdom of Lesotho

Lesotho

Lesotho is a landlocked country surrounded on all sides by South Africa. It is a montainous kingdom situated at the highest part of the Drakensberg escarpment on the eastern rim of the South African plateau. Its mountainous terrain is cut by countless valleys and ravines, making it a country of great beauty. The Basothos speak Sesotho.

Drakensberg

The Drakensberg mountain range is a must see on any itinerary. Several wilderness areas and nature reserves are found against its magnificent slopes. In the Giant's Castle Nature Reserve, home to several hundred eland, one finds the Main Caves, with two large overhangs where over 500 San rock paintings can be seen. The towering peaks of Cathedral Peak, an area rich in bird life and Champagne Castle, fourth highest peak in southern Africa make the northern Drakensberg one of the most magnificent places in the whole of South Africa.

Durban

With its sub-tropical climate and carnival atmosphere is a real holiday-goers' paradise. Even in winter the sea temperature rarely drops below 17 degrees Celsius, so it is year round sun and surf. Sights to see include: Beaches from Addington Beach to the Country Club Beach and the Bay of Plenty (great for surfing); deep-sea cruises; Seaworld, linked by an underground tunnel to the Delphinarium; Fitzsimmons Snake Park; the De Gama Clock; Durban City Hall; Hindu Temples, Juma Mosque, Local History Museum, Muckleneuk, which houses the Killie Campbell Africana Museum, Mashu Museum of Ethnology and William Cambell Furniture Museum, Natal Playhouse and Old Fort.

  • Visit the highest driveable peak in Africa, the Sani Pass and meet Basothos, their life and traditions (Lesotho)

  • Admire the unusual architecture of the King's Palace in Maseru

  • Take a city tour in Durban and meet its divers culture

  • Enjoy the sunshine and the warm Indian Ocean at Umhlanga Rocks

  • Take a trip to Drakensberg and experience its beauty

 

 

Mini programme 5.

Garden Route experience

Little Karoo

The Little Karoo is the valley of the western Cape bounded in the north by the Swartberg range, and in the south by the Langeberg and Outeniqua ranges. The main town, Oudtshoorn, is only 50 km from the southern oceans as the crow flies. This area has a semi desert flora and fauna. It is a region of weird rock formations and limestone caves. The Little Karoo, more specifically the district of Oudtshoorn, is the only area in the country where ostriches are farmed commercially on any scale. The region is also the place where, the local aver, the country's best-tasting sun ripened grapes and delicious fruit are grown.

Wilderness Lakes Area: South Africa's own lake district

The passes across the Outeniqua range bring the traveller gently down into George and many charming small bays like Victoria Bay. One of the most beautiful parts of the country is South Africa's own Lake District that lies along the Garden Route. The Lakes Road stretches from Wilderness, a premier holiday resort, on to Swartvlei, the largest and deepest of the five lakes, and the Wilderness National Park, and further to Brenton-on-Sea near Knysna. Take the Outeniqua Choo-Choo steam train for a 2 ½ hour trip over bridges, through tunnels bright with bird life. From May to October this is also a popular whale-watching area. The Knysna Lagoon with its two limestone cliffs, the Heads, is another must see along this route. Plettenberg Bay today is a glamorous holiday destination with its white beaches and beautiful panorma. It is also called 'the holiday resort of millionaires'.

Highlights:

  • Visit the famous Cango Caves in Oudtshorn

  • See ostriches and the industry built on them in one of the ostrich farms

  • Take a ride on the country's oldest steam train, the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe, through the most spectacular panorama

  • Go for a boat cruise in the Knysna Lagoon

  • Try oyster and seafood

  • Visit Monkeyland

  • Enjoy the ancient Tzitzikamma Forest with its huge Yellowwod trees, and climb down to the Storm River Gorge

  • Stay in Plettenberg Bay for a day and enjoy the beautiful coastal panorama

 

 

Mini programme 6.

Cape Town experience

Cape Town

Cape Town is the Mother City of South Africa, founded in 1652 by Jan Van Riebeeck. It offers the visitor a combination of scenic beauty, outdoors and cultural experiences. You may for instance choose to spend an entire day just on and around Table Mountain. Go up by cable car, or take a walk up! Spectacular views will accompany you whichever way you turn.

Taking the Table Mountain circular driver, you can catch the breath-taking sight of Camps Bay, against the backdrop of the Twelve Apostles. Clifton is also great for swimming. Other places worth a visit are: Llundudno, Sandy Bay, Hout Bay, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Sights to see in Cape Town: Company Gardens, Houses of Parliament, St George's Anglican Cathedral, South African Cultural History Museum, South African Museum, South African National Gallery, the Castle of Good Hope, The Old Town House, Groote Kerk, Jamal Mosque, Malay Quarter, Bo-Kaap Museum, Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Robben Island.

Stellenbosch

The town of Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa and was founded by Governor Simon Van Der Stel in 1679. He encouraged farmers to settle there and cultivate vineyards. Stellenbosch is today a picturesque university town. The restored historical houses of Dorp Street are also worth a visit, as are the Stellenryck Wine Museum, and Oude Meester Brandy Museum.

Paarl

Further afield you can find the third oldest town in South Africa, Paarl (Dutch for 'pearl'). Here one finds the Afrikaans Language Monument. Visit the KWV Wine Cellars, the largest wine co-operative in the country, where many export wines are being matured. Another must see is the Paarl Rock Brandy Cellar and famous Nederburgh Wine Estate.

Today there is a tremendous variety of wines available, both whites and reds as well as dessert wines, sparkling wines, ports and sherries.

Highlights:

  • Take a cable car drive up to the Table Mountain

  • Enjoy the beauty and sandy beach of Camps Bay

  • Visit the famous Waterfront with its sparkling tourist life

  • Take a trip to the amazing Cape Point Nature Reserve

  • Learn about the African penguins at the special surrounding of the Boulders

  • Taste the wines of the famous Cape winelands and enjoy the scenic panorama

  • Spend a day in Stellenbosch in this second oldest town of the country with its unique architecture.

 

 

Mini programme 7.

Namaqualand & West Coast

The region traditionally known as the 'west coast' comprises a chain of fishing and holiday towns and villages, from Yzerfontein in the south to Strandfontein. This is the hub of the South African commercial fishing industry with the main activities centred on St Helena Bay. The reason for the prodigious concentration of fish in these waters is the cold Benguela current which brings with it from the south enormous amounts of plankton and other nutrients.

West Coast National Park

The West Coast National Park covers about 27 600 ha and is one of the greatest wetland reserves in the world. It combines lagoon, mudflats, rocky shores and lonely, unspoilt beaches. The 15 km lagoon opens into Saldanha Bay. There are islands where Cape gannets, black cormorants, southern black- backed gulls, and the largest colony of jackass penguins in the world can be seen.

Namaqualand

Mention Namaqualand and most people immediately think of the greatest flower show on earth, for this is where, after good winter rains, early spring miraculously carpets the sere plains with a dazzling variety of multicoloured blooms. From July to September thousands of tourists from South Africa and abroad make a pilgrimage to Namaqualand to be beguiled by this unique spectacle when about 4000 species of wild flower plants suddenly transform the seemingly barren veld into a garden that puts all man-made imitations to shame.

Highlights:

  • Visit Lambert's Bay and the Bird Island

  • Get to know more about our rooibos tea in a local factory

  • Have a look at South Africa's navy base in Saldanha

  • Experience the beauty of the Namaqualand flowers

 

 

Mini programme 8.

Bushman experience Western Cape

The Bushmen lived the Western part of South Africa more than 20 000 years ago to hunt and gather. Numerous rock paintings bear witness to their lively existence and are a record of their nomadic lifestyle.

It is also of interest that an old trading route, which the Khoi people used, linked the Clanwilliam district to the Karoo plains over the Swartruggens. No doubt these cattle drives by the Khoi were watched and monitored by the Bushmen living in their caves and hide-outs.

The settlers moved towards the interior, claiming more and more land, the traditional hunting grounds of the Bushmen diminished. They got driven further and further a field. Today, with the exception of a few small tribes, they Bushmen face extinction.

The lifestyle of the Bushmen has changed dramatically: social problems became evident, unemployment, lack of education, no medical facilities compounded a problem that led to tearing at the very fibre of a proud and skillful community.

The Management of Kagga Kamma Reserve invited the Kalahari Bushmen tribe to live at the Reserve. In 1990 signed an agreement with the tribe that they can hunt and gather, earn money by making ethnic crafts and articrats and live as close to as possible the traditional lifestyle of their forebears.

Today, a positive development can be clearly seen.

 
   


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