Garden Route & Lesotho - South Africa Lodge Safari

Along the Kwazulu-Natal province lies the Ukuhlamba Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Site. Whether you use the Zulu name uKhahlamba, which means "Barrier of Spears," or the African name Drakensberge, which means "Dragon Mountains," these mighty mountains will be our backdrop for the next two nights. On our way, we stop to visit the picturesque Howick Falls and visit the nearby site that marked the arrest of South Africa's most famous man, Nelson Mandela.

Our journey today begins with a mountain pass as our route winds through the magnificent cliffs of Golden Gate National Park, before we enter Lesotho in the afternoon. We pass the capital Maseru as we continue our ascent to our base high up among the mountain peaks.

Upon our return to South Africa, we descend the mountains and aim across the vast Karoo. The semi-arid Karoo represents the heartland of rural South Africa and offers a stark contrast to the mountains we leave behind. Our overnight stop is in the historic town of Graaff-Reinet, the fourth oldest town in the country. Today, we cross the mighty Orange (Gariep) River as we travel through the vast landscape of the Karoo.

We are once again heading to Addo Elephant National Park for our safari. The recent expansion has resulted in Addo becoming the third largest national park in South Africa. The unique vegetation of Addo supports a wide variety of wildlife and we will spend the morning in search of the animals.

The Tsitsikamma National Park is one of the most important marine reserves in South Africa, and this morning we set out on foot to explore the rugged coastline. Our hike on the Waterfall Trail takes us through the first section of the world-famous Otter Trails. This is not an easy hike, and those who prefer a more relaxing option can use the wooden walkways to the Storms River Mouth. After our hike, we return, and you have the option to book the Woodcutters Journey in the afternoon – to experience the uniqueness of the Tsitsikamma biome and learn more about the history of the area as well as the native flora and fauna.

After breakfast, we leave Oudtshoorn and travel through the picturesque Little Karoo as we continue our journey along the Garden Route. Along the way, we pass charming country towns and gentle farmlands before we reach Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Take your time to explore the rugged coast and take unforgettable photos at this iconic landmark. We continue our scenic drive towards Hermanus, known for its spectacular whale watching opportunities (seasonally from June to November) and its vibrant coastal atmosphere. After we have settled into our accommodation, we enjoy a relaxing evening in this charming coastal town. In the evening, your guide will organize an optional dinner at a selected local restaurant, providing a wonderful opportunity to enjoy regional cuisine and great company.