Varied itinerary, unusual overnights. Food quality very mixed. Frances Burman-Mueller, 2019 See more reviews
This was a very memorable trip which took in so much of South Africa's wild life, past... Julie Knuckey, 2019 See more reviews
A great 3 week trip for those who like a mixture of wildlife, history, African culture, Wine... Nigel Brereton, 2019 See more reviews
It was a great trip with varying landscapes, climates and packed with new experiences. The route... Jinny Pohl, 2018 See more reviews
I was so excited about this trip and was not disappointed as I thought it was outstanding. The... Lizzy Hannah, 2018 See more reviews
What an amazing experience! 3 weeks, a lot of time spent on the bus traveling, but never boring,... Karen Wallace, 2018 See more reviews
The game drives were fun as we never knew what we would come across, e.g. white rhinos crossing... Penelope Westmoreland, 2017 See more reviews
Quite possibly the best holiday of my life (and I've had a few). Anna Mcsherry, 2017 See more reviews
Itinerary Include flights Expand all Day 1 Depart London Depart London Day 2 Arrive Cape Town Thoseon the group flight arrive in Cape Town and transfer to the hotel. Those not on the group flights can arrive at any time. The rest of the day is free to relax after the flight or explore the city at the bottom of Africa. Cape Town sits in one of the most beautiful locations of any of the world's major cities with the impressive bulk of Table Mountain as its backdrop and Table Bay in the foreground. The city is a melting pot of cultures as people from Europe, Africa and Asia have all settled (either voluntarily or forcibly) here over the centuries. The city is a blend of European and African and a great place to watch the world go by or visit its various sites and museums. Sweetest Guest House or similar Day 3 Cape Peninsula visit After an early morning breakfast we drive via the coastal suburbs of Clifton, Camps Bay and Hout Bay and then over Chapman's peak drive to the famous Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, which covers an area of 7,680 hectares. The reserve is home to eland, bontebok, grysbok, springbok, wildebeest, baboon and ostrich. Rugged cliffs, unspoilt beaches, shipwrecks and beautiful flora are the main features of the reserve. We will also visit the famous Cape Point lighthouse. In the afternoon we take a short (1 hour) walk that is almost entirely downhill. Our destination is the Cape of Good Hope with a detour to Diaz beach. The trail ends at the famous signboard 'Cape of Good Hope'. We then return to Cape Town passing through the former Royal Navy base town of Simonstown and a visit to the resident Penguin Colony (optional). Our driving time today will be approximately 3-4 hours (200km). Sweetest Guest House or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Cape Town The day is free and an optional trip to Robben Island, site of Nelson Mandela's incarceration during the apartheid period, is highly recommended. Weather permitting a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain is a must for any visitor to this picturesque city. Sweetest Guest House or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 Stellenbosch and Hermanus Leaving Cape Town behind, we drive out to the vineyard region of Stellenbosch where we have the option of visiting wineries and doing some wine tasting. We then continue towards Hermanus driving via Gordon's Bay. There is always a good chance of seeing whales when in season. Hermanus is an interesting little town, rightly famous for its delicious seafood and a visit to one of the great restaurants in the evening is highly recommended. It is also widely regarded as the best place in the world for land-based whale watching from August to November. Our driving time today will be approximately 3-4hrs (190kms). Windsor Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 6 Garden Route Today we drive along the beautiful Garden Route coastline via the cultivated fields of the Western Cape Boland and the town of George towards the Tsitsikamma National Park. The route is stunning and follows the ragged coast passing through small fishing villages and seaside resort. This national park, at the mouth of the Storms River, protects the indigenous forests as well as the marine life 50km out to sea. We stay at a beautifully positioned camp with the waves breaking a stone's throw away. Our driving time today will be approximately 6-7hrs (500kms).Tsitsikamma Storms River Huts or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Tsitsikamma National Park Our second day in the Tsitsikamma N.P. is free to enjoy the beautiful setting. There are a range of optional activities including walks to the Storms River gorge and along the rocky coast, snorkelling, sea and river cruises and a tree canopy tour through the forests. In season, approximately August to October, the marine park becomes home to a population of migratory whales. Tsitsikamma Storms River Huts or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 8 Graaff Reinet We head over the Kouga Mountains and Baviaanskloof Mountains as we head towards Graaff Reinet. This small 19th century town is set in the middle of the Karoo National Reserve and is a stop-over on our way to Lesotho. Our driving time today will be approximately 4-5hrs (390kms). Obesa Lodge or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 9 Long drive to Lesotho Today is a long day's drive as we traverse the Great Karoo and enter Lesotho. This mountainous kingdom has been shielded from outside influence over the generations and the Bastho people historically used this strategic location as a defence against events on the plains below. The lodge situated in this rugged mountainous region provides us with an ideal opportunity to experience the Lesotho culture. Our driving time today will be approximately 7-8hrs plus time at the border (530kms). Malealea Lodge or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 10 Lesotho The day is free to relax and experience the unique culture that Lesotho has to offer. Mountain ridges protrude into the town and an optional day pony trek to a local village is recommended. Alternatively the craft shops and markets can be an enjoyable way to pick up some African souvenirs. Malealea Lodge or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 11 Drakensberg Mountains Today is a long day's drive as we travel through Lesotho and exit at the Maseru border post. When then travel through the eastern farmlands of the Free State before driving through the Golden Gate National Park. We continue on to the Northern Drakensberg, our base for the next two nights. The Drakensberg is a basalt escarpment forming the border between Kwa Zulu-Natal and Lesotho and continuing into the Free State. It means 'Dragon Mountains', but the Zulu named it Ukhahlamba ('the barrier of Spears'). Our driving time today will be approximately 5-6 hours (400km). Berg House Cottages or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 12 Drakensberg ‐ the Amphitheatre We spend a full day in the mountains where our route will have us walking for approximately 5-6 hours into the natural amphitheatre, following the Tugela River past Protea trees. The Protea is the national flower of South Africa, as well as the name of their cricket team. Our driving time today will be approximately 1 hours (50km). Berg House Cottages or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 13 Rourke's Drift and Dundee Today we drive through the Natal midlands and on to Dundee, en route we stop at Rourke's Drift and have a chance to learn about the famous battle at the local museum. Immortalised by Hollywood in the film Zulu! The events that took place here are well known and the small cluster of buildings isolated in the enormity of the African Bush is a moving reminder of this troubled time. Our driving time today will be approximately 4-5 hrs (250km). Battlefields Country Lodge or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 14 To St. Lucia Today we head for the Indian Ocean and the small town of St. Lucia on the shores of a lake renowned for its hippos, crocs and birds. Our driving time today will be approximately 4-5 hrs (315km). Shonalanga Lodge or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 15 St. Lucia In the early morning we spend 2 hours exploring lake St Lucia by boat, with an excellent chance of seeing some of the many resident Hippo's, crocodiles and Fish Eagles. From here it's a short drive to Cape Vidal, a long stretch of beach along the Indian Ocean where we spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or walking to Mission Rocks (please note the walk to Mission Rocks is only possible at low tide and can take about 4hrs return). Alternatively there are a number of optional activities available, including whale watching (in season: June-November), or sunset and night game drives on the western shores of the lake. Our driving time today will be approximately 2-3 hours (75km). Shonalanga Lodge or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 16 To Swaziland Today we head into our third country, Swaziland and overnight in the Kings old hunting grounds, now the beautiful Hlane Royal National Park. In the afternoon there is the opportunity to leave the vehicle and enjoy a nature walk (optional). Seeing animals and tracks outside of the confines of a vehicle is a thrilling experience and gives us the chance to see and hear the variety of smaller animals and birds that are often passed by on game drives. Our driving time today will be approximately 4-5 hrs (300km). Wisteria Lodge or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Days 17-18 Kruger National Park We cross back into South Africa and head towards Africa's most famous national park: Kruger. The park was established by the president Paul Kruger in 1898. It has arguably the greatest variety of animals of any park in Africa, with lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, black and white rhino, as well as cheetah, giraffe, hippo and many species of antelope and smaller plains game. The total census includes 147 mammals, 507 birds and 114 reptiles as well as 336 different trees. The camps are also excellent and the general infrastructure good. If you see all the predators you will be very lucky, however you will almost certainly see some of the big five and a huge variety of smaller mammals. We game drive through the park to the camps, where there will be a chance for a swim and hot showers. We have two days in the park and on Day 17 both morning and afternoon game drives in our vehicle are included to maximise our chances of seeing the plentiful fauna of this great Park. Our driving time today will be approximately 2-3 hrs (140km) to the entrance to the park plust time on safari inside the park. Kruger Park Huts or Permanent Tented Camp Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 19 Letaba Ranch Reserve After game driving out Kruger National Park we continue to Letaba Ranch Reserve. This afternoon we go on an open, sunset game drive, returning after dark with the spot-light. Our driving time today will be approximately 4-5 hours (300km). Mtomeni Safari Camp or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 20 Bourke's Luck potholes, Blyde River Canyon and Graskop Today we head out of the park and make our way towards Graskop (Mpumalanga). En route we will drive through some spectacular countryside and we stop at scenic places like Bourke's Luck potholes and Blyde River Canyon, the third largest of its type in the southern hemisphere. Our driving time today will be approximately 5-6 hours (400km). Mogodi Lodge or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 21 Drive to Johannesburg On our final day we drive along good roads towards Johannesburg arriving at the airport in time for the flight home. For those not on the group flights, the tour ends upon arrival at Johannesburg Airport. Drive time around 5-6hrs (380kms) Meals included: Breakfast Day 22 Arrive London Arrive London
Lesotho British passport holders and most European and Commonwealth Passport holders do not require a visa for Lesotho.
South Africa British passport holders and most European and Commonwealth Passport holders do not require a visa to travel to South Africa. Please note that all travellers to South Africa who do require a visa are required to have a minimum of 2 blank consecutive pages in their passport i.e. a left hand page and a right hand page to enable an entry visa to be issued. Please note that new regulations from the 1 June 2015 mean that any child under 18 travelling to South Africa needs to be in possession of an unabridged birth certificate with the names of both parents. If a child under 18 is only travelling with a single parent, they will also have to have an affidavit, no less than 3 months old, from the absent parent confirming the child can travel with the other parent; a court order granting full legal guardianship of the child; or a death certificate of the deceased parent.
Swaziland British passport holders and most European and Commonwealth Passport holders do not require a visa for Swaziland.
South Africa There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. Malaria prophylaxis is essential if travelling in the greater Kruger area and we suggest that you seek advice from your GP or travel health clinic about which malaria tablets to take. The rest of South Africa, including the Garden Route, has a low risk of Malaria. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Chalets, Hotels, Permenent Tented Camps Accommodation is in a mixture of chalets, cabins, hotels, apartments and permanent tented camps. Most of the accommodation is en suite, however in Kruger there are shared ablutions blocs, whilst in the Drakensberg we stay in cottages where 2 rooms share 1 bathroom and a lounge area. Please note that the single supplement applies to the bedroom. If staying somewhere where 2 rooms share a bathroom you may have to share a bathroom even if you have paid for a single supplement. Wifi is available about half the time but is not always very reliable.
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Reviewed February 2019 Frances Burman-Mueller Trip: Johannesburg to Cape Town - Reverse What does this mean? Varied itinerary, unusual overnights. Food quality very mixed. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The game drives What did you think of your group leader? Very good. Pleasant, helpful, everything went to plan Do you have any advice for potential travellers? You definitely need a torch: no electricity in some places. Be prepared for very infrequent Wi-fi Some laundry opportunities are in fact self service launderettes.
Reviewed January 2019 Gwen Trott Trip: Johannesburg to Cape Town - Reverse Johannesburg to Cape Town Reverse Accommodation was good. Scenery excellent. Wild life excellent. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Close encounter with the Cheetah What did you think of your group leader? Group leader started very well. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Would recommend this trip Is there anything else you would like to add? The 16 seater vehicle was adequate for our group of 8. Would be too cramped for group any larger. To be able to have the option to travel in open vehicles for safaris was a blessing. The schedule was to stay in Tsitsikamma National Park but our accommodation was 40k away which meant our time in the park was limited and we were not able to take full advantage of the activities. We were due to depart for an early morning safari meeting at 04.15 a.m. for drinks and snacks for departure at 04.30 a.m. The guide did not appear until about 05.00 a.m., we were unable to contact him because his phone was off and the driver did not know where he was. He loaded up the vehicle and we departed at 05.15 a.m. there was no drink or snacks and no apology/explanation. The guide did not talk to us all morning and we were not able to get a drink until after 08.00 a.m. It is none of my business what the guide does in his own time but affects others when he fails to deliver. Reply from Exodus Reply from Exodus We would like to thank Gwen for her feedback, although we are sorry that she was disappointed with the start of the game drive in Kruger National Park on New Year’s Day. While we would like to explain that this group’s game drive took place earlier than normal, due to the public holidays and a much higher volume of visitors to the park than usual, we appreciate it would have been disappointing that the excursion was delayed. Following client feedback from this trip, we have spoken with the tour leader, and moving forward we do not anticipate future clients encountering similar issues. We were pleased to read that Gwen overall enjoyed her time in South Africa and has awarded it a five-star rating, and we hope to welcome her on another Exodus holiday in the not too distant future. John Penge - Product Manager.
Reviewed January 2018 Karen Wallace Trip: Johannesburg to Cape Town - Reverse Fabulous sightseeing adventure What an amazing experience! 3 weeks, a lot of time spent on the bus traveling, but never boring, always stunning landscapes, often wonderful wildlife, and with the help of our excellent guides, who spotted and identified animals and birds and pointed them out to us, followed up by showing us them in their wildlife books. The nights were spent in a large selection of hotels and cabins. Some were rustic, no electricity, but always comfy and clean. I was so impressed with the delicious food our guides cooked for us for dinners, accompodaring those who did not eat meat. With limited facilities they produced plentiful and tasty meals. I enjoyed the places we visited especially the organised hikes. The only slight glitch, the safari that is included was in the van which would have been unacceptable so we had to pay for an additional trip in an appropriate vehicle. I would have liked a few moe healthy options for lunch, but the r st of the trip was truly a great experience. I would recommend starting in Capetown and ending in JoBerg, otherwise you will have the best animal sightings in the first week, making the limited sightings in the end less dramatic. I would also suggest going to Capetown a few days before the tour, as there is so much to see and a limited time. I will have to return!!!!! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Seeing the animals in the wild so close was fabulous. I also hiked up Table mountain alone and that was so worth while. What did you think of your group leader? They were both truly wonderful. I felt like they truly cared and wanted us to enjoy everything. They were genuininly friendly and fun. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Go to Capetown a day or ao earlier and def start there, no JoBerg. You will be so excited to see a few animals in the first week as it is your first sighting. If you do it tbe other way round, it will be an anti climax. Def bring a rain jacket and torch. Temps range dramatically...so layers.
Reviewed February 2017 Anna Mcsherry Trip: Johannesburg to Cape Town - Reverse Cape Town to Johannesburg Quite possibly the best holiday of my life (and I've had a few). What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There were many. The majesty of the Drakensberg mountains, seeing a leopard drink from a river, the beautiful and so very different landscapes, and learning about the animals from the extremely knowledgeable guides. What did you think of your group leader? The tour leader Petro was amazing, and she was supported by two others, David and Andrew. All three were friendly, approachable, open and fun, as well as knowledgeable, enthusiastic and clearly proud of their country. This was possibly the most important thing for me as a lone traveller, as I could rely on them for company, though I didn't need to as we had a close, cohesive group anyway. I was on a trip last year where I didn't have the same feeling about the guide, and while it hasn't tainted my experience the trip, it made me reluctant to ask questions or have fun. This was the complete opposite where in fact the guides were one of the best things about the trip. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Go. Doing the trip in this direction rather than the Jo'Burg to Cape Town direction is probably a bit more exciting. As the trip progresses, the ante is upped and the end of the trip is much busier than the start. If you want to relax, I'd consider doing it from Jo'Burg to Cape Town as it is more chilled at that end. I'm glad I did it the way I did though, as for me, the best was saved for last, i.e. game drives. Read the trip notes, and in addition with a couple of days without electricity, I was glad to have packed my portable batter charger for my phone/camera, etc. Is there anything else you would like to add? If you're interested in seeing a massively diverse area, full of beautiful flora and fauna, and don't mind a sore bum from a few long bus days, go. I have so may fantastic memories to take away with me, of the people, the history, the guides and I have made firm friends who I hope to see again.
Reviewed February 2016 joe neduvelil Trip: Johannesburg to Cape Town - Reverse Cape Town to Johannesburg I really enjoyed this tour and would highly recommend it- the tour offered the opportunity to see a lot of Southern Africa - I started the reverse itinerary in Cape Town, a beautiful city with plenty to do. There are many highlights on this trip - the landscapes and wildlife were spectacular- we saw the big 5 several times including leopard on 3 consecutive days. Many of the other highlights are outlined in the trip notes and I won't repeat them here. Our guides Justin and Fiona were excellent. This was the first fully accommodated tour offered by Exodus for this journey and all our accommodation was clean and of a good standard. The transport was spacious with regular stops on the long driving days. On one of our walks in Lesotho, the rain and hail came down and a grandma from the village invited us to take shelter in her home - the people here are very accommodating. During our trip, there were some water restrictions due to the worst drought in Southern Africa since the eighties but there was always the opportunity to get a shower every day. Similarly, a couple of places either had no electricity or restrictions on when it was available. The general standard of the local guides was good with some such as Thulani, a Zulu guide, at Rourke's drift outstanding and others still gaining experience. With the depreciation of the rand, South Africa is very cheap compared to the UK. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There were several - the stunning beauty of the Drakensberg; the opportunity to see abundant wildlife including the Big 5, but much more; the friendliness of the people we encountered. What did you think of your group leader? Justin was our tour leader and driver - he was fantastic at spotting and identifying wildlife, as well as having great knowledge of all aspects of the country. Fiona was our cook and provided a variety of tasty meals including local dishes such as potjies and Braai, often going beyond the call of duty to cater for guest's wishes. Their easygoing yet professional attitude enhanced the whole trip experience. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Our stay in Lesotho provided us with the opportunity to engage with the local community, visiting people's homes, schools and villages - there is the opportunity to give the community old clothes and stationery for the schools - nothing gets wasted here. This is not included in the Exodus trip notes. Remember this is Africa, so chill and don't worry about first world problems. South African power sockets require their own unique 3 pin plugs not available in most multi-adaptor plugs Is there anything else you would like to add? This is a great tour to see one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
Reviewed December 2015 Carolyn Thompson Trip: Johannesburg to Cape Town - Reverse Caz T The trip was a fantastic introduction to South Africa. The scenery and wildlife was excellent. The trip was very well organised and ticked all the boxes for me. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The variety of wildlife and the opportunity to view it up close. The varied scenery. What did you think of your group leader? Justin, the tour leader was excellent. He was friendly and accomodating. He was knowledgeable and had a very good knowledge of wildlife. Fiona consistently magicked up lovely food, wherever we were. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Prepare for variable weather.
Reviewed October 2015 Anonymous Trip: Johannesburg to Cape Town - Reverse Sylvia Herd This was a great trip, showing off the main sights of South Africa, with the added bonus of Lesotho & Swaziland. Although there were some long driving days, we were a small group of 6 who gelled really well & had a very competent staff of 3. Personally I felt the Garden Route was overrated, so I was pleased that I'd done the reverse itinerary as this saved the best until last. But I certainly wouldn't hesitate to recommend the trip. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I really enjoyed St Lucia (which I'd never even heard of before!). Also Lesotho, the Drakensburg Mountains &, of course, the various safaris. What did you think of your group leader? Both our group leader & our cook were really knowledgeable, friendly & helpful & great fun to travel with. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared for some long days on the bus. The camping was fun, fully supported so you're not allowed to do anything to help, & the S African camp facilities are very good. Is there anything else you would like to add? A fun, if sometimes tiring, trip.
Reviewed September 2015 Shirley Parke Trip: Johannesburg to Cape Town - Reverse Johannesburg to CapeTown Trip - Reverse Much better than would or could ever have thought. An all round brilliant experience that ticked every box and more. The highlights just kept getting better and better on a schedule that had us all on a high from one day to the next. The size and makeup in relation to characteristics and personalities worked so well and that included guides who went out of their way to ensure everyone was 'catered' for. . What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Very difficult to select though I think 'The Big Five' and to how close we were was sometimes driving the adrenalin to limits with the group. I never thought this would happen, BUT IT DID. Emotionally draining as unbelievable. What did you think of your group leader? Leaders were brilliant. Not enough adjectives to describe. Became part of the group yet professional and supportive. Many thanks JP and Bevan and our great drivers, Sofiso and Chris. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Get it booked before you loose out. Will not fail to impress and will leave you with a pounding heart and smile on your face forever. Is there anything else you would like to add? What a great way to experience life, meet people outside your normal circle and develop a sense of wellbeing in your heart for the experience.
Reviewed September 2015 Avril Roulton Trip: Johannesburg to Cape Town - Reverse South African dream This was a fantastic trip from Cape Town to Johannesburg, showing off the scenery and wildlife of South Africa at its best. Blessed with fantastic weather throughout the 3 weeks, and as it was in the dry season the grasses were low, we had amazing views of the country and all it had to offer. We had 2 wine tasting sessions at Stellenbosch, saw the penguins at Boulder, had lunch in a garden restaurant while watching whales in the bay, saw beer making in Lesotho and visited Rourke's Drift. We spent time in Kruger Park, as well as visitin g Cape Vidal and Edeni Game reserves and had a river cruise at St Lucia to see the hippo and birds. It was everything I hoped for and so much more. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There were so many special moments it is difficult to select just one, but driving into Kruger and seeing a leopard sitting at the roadside, watching a mother rhino and her baby at Cape Vidal, seeing the Drakensberg mountains bathed in sunlight and viewing hippos in the river at St Lucia must be among my favourites. What did you think of your group leader? We had 2 group guides and a driver. Jean-Paul was very knowledgeable about his country and willing to share that knowledge with us. Bevan was very knowledgeable about the wine industry and helped us to make our selections - our water cool box rapidly turned into a wine cellar! Sophiso was our first driver and we felt very safe with him at the wheel, but unfortunately due to sad family events, he had to leave us halfway through the trip. His replacement Chris was also good, coping with some difficult roads - he was also an excellent animal spotter. All of the guides were very sociable and willing to oblige with special requests, photo opportunities and additional 'comfort' stops. There was good provision for phone and camera charging on our truck when on the road as the constant snapping of scenery and wildlife soon drained the batteries. Our guides were excellent cooks and we ate very well when camping and out during the various day trips - roadside picnics were a regular occurrence and the evening meals were yummy - Bev's curried fruit treat was a delicious surprise. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? It was quite a difficult trip to pack for because of the very different cliamtes across the country; Capetown was warm, while Lesotho was cold at night - but using summer tee-shirts as vests and having some long sleeved jumpers it can be managed. Take plenty of memory card storage on the phones and cameras. The plug adaptor required for South Africa is a 3 round pin - not easily available in Europe, but Bev took us straightaway to the shop to purchase one when he collected us at Cape Town airport - he knew we would need it to charge electricals etc. Is there anything else you would like to add? My main hope on this trip was to see the wildlife and the guides were excellent at spotting them, taking us to where the animals were most likely to be found and knowing their habits and needs. It was amazing to just watch the animals in their own environment. For that reason, I was glad this trip was Cape Town to Johannesburg as the wildlife viewing was in the second half of the holiday so we finished on a real high. The country has vast expanses that really have to be seen - photos cannot do the scenery justice. The moutain ranges are magnificent, especially with the sunlight on them and African sunsets are truly beautiful - that red hot sun dropping behind the Drakensberg made some fantastic photographs
Reviewed November 2014 Anonymous Trip: Johannesburg to Cape Town - Reverse J'burg to Capetown We both joined this trip with some trepidation as up to now we have always organised our own world-wide trips making bookings independently. We need not have been concerned, it was brilliantly organised, the group we travelled with were great fun. Our object was the wild-life and this aspect much exceeded our expectations. In spite of being 78 years young and my partner a few years younger we found camping an absolute joy. Our driver never once gave any cause for concern, his driving was first class and a delightful character to boot. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? One has to say the animals we were lucky enough to see in their own environment. The various game drives and walks we undertook were well organised, the Rangers very knowledgeable, twice we encountered feeding lions who had just killed, herding elephants, too many others to name. Also the magnificent scenery around the Drakensberg Region. Lesotho, Swaziland, the coast alongside Tsitsikamma National Park where we camped beside the ocean, Kruger, the Private Game Reserve; the whales off Hermanus. - There were many highlights, many were unexpected. What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader Wynand Bezuidenhout was an inspiration, heavy praise, but well deserved. An unfailing source of knowledge and a genuine interest in African wildlife, customs and the local scene. Clear directions, a constant interest in our well-being, a great sense of humour and a pretty good cook too. In fact all 3 of the Exodus/Mask Expeditions staff who accompanied us were unfailing in their duty and great fun to be with. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? I took too much stuff. There are regular chances to wash clothes but try and take quick-dry technical cloth clothing as drying time can be an issue with the constant moving on. Rip-off trousers double as shorts. Take a warm sweater or two for evenings as gets quite cold. Take a good quality head-torch as this will get plenty of use. Is there anything else you would like to add? For anyone not sure, or is' getting-on a bit' and is interested in wild-life and/or wants an excellent tour across the vastness of South Africa, more or less coast to coast' - go for it!
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