OFF THE BEATEN TRACK :
MAJESTIC DRAKENSBERG, LESOTHO & THE DOLPHIN TRAIL
7 Days from : $1999.00 per person sharing
This tour explores the World Heritage Site of the Drakensberg Mountain Range, an area of immense beauty, with soaring peaks and hidden caves adorned with the art work of the ancient San Bushmen. The tour also encompasses a visit to the mountain hamlet of the Kingdom of Lesotho, where you experience Sotho tribal culture and enjoy lunch in the 'highest pub in Africa'!
From here we travel to the Eastern Cape to enjoy the unrivalled beauty and luxury of the Dolphin Trail? For two magical days you can now hike the magnificent Tsitsikamma Coast with no heavy backpack, and spend three nights in comfort at different accommodation venues! A great deal of the charm of this untamed coastline lies in its rugged and wild nature, and hiking it is therefore not a mere "stroll in the park". It is however achievable by people of all ages who have maintained a reasonable level of fitness and agility, and a relatively active lifestyle. No children under 12yrs.
ITINERARY : (B = Breakfast ; L = Lunch ; D = Dinner)
Day 1: (Mon) Durban / Sani Pass (LD)
We leave Durban by 06h30 this morning heading north towards the village of Underberg at the foot of the Drakensberg Mountains. Here we transfer to 4x4 vehicles and begin climbing the highest vehicle pass in Southern Africa. The views from Sani Pass are utterly spectacular and invariably make a lasting impression on first-timers.
At the top is the border post between South Africa and Lesotho, thus passports are a must. Once inside Lesotho we visit a Sotho tribal village, and interact with the local people before enjoying lunch at the highest pub in Africa. perched right near the edge of the mountain, it has few rivals in terms of pub views. Thus fortified, we wind our way back down the mountain and spend the night in a nearby hotel.
Accommodation: Drakensberg Gardens or similar
Day 2: (Tue) Drakensberg Mountains (BD)
Morning at leisure to enjoy the spectacular views of the Southern Drakensberg Mountains before we continue via the southern Midlands Meander Route and reach the most beautiful spot amid these 'dragon peaks', the World Heritage Site of Giant's Castle. Spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying the stunning scenery and fresh mountain air.
Accommodation: Giant's Castle or similar
Day 3: (Wed) Drakensberg Gardens (BD)
After breakfast, we set off on a leisurely 3km round-trip hike to the caves, which were once home to South Africa's earliest inhabitants, the San people, better known as bushmen. Enjoy a guided tour of the rock paintings, which remain on the cave walls as clues to their simple existence (average level of fitness required to hike to the caves). Spend the rest of the day at leisure, or take to the mountains again for an afternoon hike.
Accommodation: Giant's Castle or similar
Day 4: (Thu) Midlands (B)
After a final leisurely morning, we make our way back to Durban via the quaint arts and crafts stores and farmer's markets of the Midlands Meander Route, arriving in Durban late afternoon. Overnight in Durban at Brown’s B&B in morningside.
Day 5: (Fri) Durban / Tsitsikamma (BD)
Transfer to Durban Airport this morning in time for your flight to Port Elizabeth. You will be transferred to the Tsitsikamma National Park. Check in for the Dolphin Trail is any time after noon at the Tsitsikamma National Park Reception. Be sure to have your booking form available as this includes your entry to the Park. After moving into the quaint Dolphin Trail chalets you are free to enjoy what remains of the afternoon at your leisure. At 7pm, meet your Dolphin Trail host and then Enjoy your dinner to the sound of pounding waves with a myriad of stars shining above you.
Day 6 : (Sat) Dolphin Trail (BLD)
Your luggage will be collected any time after 8:45am at your chalets, and you will meet your guides who will be with you for the two days of hiking.
Depart along the boardwalk to Storms River Mouth and the Khoisan Cave. Weather permitting, there will be a 25 minute boat trip into the river gorge. After crossing Storms River Mouth on the suspension bridge, hikers follow a steep and rocky path to the Lookout Point with a magnificent view of the Tsitsikamma National Park. The path continues level for a short distance before beginning a long descent through indigenous forest to sea level. This is the perfect place for your picnic lunch, either in the shade of trees at the stream's edge, or on the rocks in the sun. Remember that there is no rush so walk slowly and admire the beautiful views as you go. Once you have conquered Steilkop it is a comfortable forest walk to Misty Mountain Reserve. Meet at the restaurant for pre-dinner drinks and watch the sun setting over the sea, before dinner is served at 7:30pm.
Day 6 : (Sun) Dolphin Trail (BLD)
Your hike starts at 9.30am. Hikers follow a steep path from their chalets straight down to the rock pools. Today's route is mainly at sea level and the morning walk along the coast is magnificent. Enjoy the beautiful plant life and rocky scenery, and keep your eyes open for the spoor of the Cape Clawless Otter in "Otter's Alley". Swimming and snorkelling are possible in a couple of rock pools en route so please take your swiming gear with you. After a stiff climb up the cliff on to level ground, when you are tired and hungry, you will reach a beautiful spot in the forest - and lunch. Enjoy it and soak up the peace and tranquillity of the magnificent forest before setting off on the last 3 km through indigenous fynbos to Forest Ferns.
Hikers arrive at the Fernery to a well earned drink and are then shown to their beautiful chalets nestled in fynbos along the river. Several activities are available for those who are still feeling energetic, such as boating, cycling and bird watching. A swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna are there for your use, and you are welcome to browse through the Fernery and nursery facilities if you wish. Enjoy dinner tonight at the Fernery.
Day 7 : (Mon) Dolphin Trail (B)
Breakfast is served at 8.30am in the Fernery after which the luggage is loaded and you set off on a scenic 4x4 trip through the old Storms River Pass.
You will be dropped off at the George Airport where the tour ends.
Dolphin Trail
