Day 1: (Mon) Golden Gate Highlands National Park
We depart Sandton this morning by 07h30 and proceed south to the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, situated at the foothills of the Maluti Mountains and famous for its captivating scenery and invigorating climate. Spend the afternoon discovering the vast colourful sandstone formations, which shine golden-yellow in the evening sun, and enjoying the indigenous flora, as well as the variety of wildlife and birdlife which the park has to offer.
Accommodation: Golden Gate - Brandwag Hotel or similar
Day 2: (Tue) Golden Gate Highlands / Kimberley (B)
Today we proceed to Kimberly via Clarens which has become known as the ‘Little Jewel of the Free State’, rich in beauty, with an aura of peace and tranquillity. After a brief visit of this quaint little town we continue via Bethlehem to arrive late afternoon in Kimberley, home of the ‘Big Hole’ and where the great South African diamond rush took place in 1871, when tens of thousands of men from all over the world rushed to peg out their sites. We stop off at the north side pan in the city, to view the largest flamingo population in South Africa, before arriving at our overnight accommodation.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel Diamond Lodge or similar
Day 3: (Wed) Kimberley / Cradock (B)
This morning enjoy a tour of the world famous Kimberley Mine or alternatively known as the ‘Big Hole’, the largest manmade excavation in the world, dug to a depth of 240m entirely with shovels and picks in search of diamonds. After a tour of the museum, which offers a good guide to diamonds, we continue south through the Great Karoo and make our way to Cradock via the historic towns of Britstown, De Aar and Hanover.
Accommodation: Die Tuishuis or similar
Day 4: (Thu) Cradock /Addo Elephant National Park (B)
This morning we depart for Addo Elephant National Park, aptly named for its 450 or so elephant population. After Kommadagga but just before Teuns se Winkel, we turn right and proceed to the park via the mostly forgotten yet scenic Suurberg Pass, completed in 1858. As you cross over 2 summits you realise how impressive a mountain range the Suurberge is.
Accommodation: Zuurberg Mountain Village or similar
Day 5: (Fri) Addo Elephant National Park / Port Elizabeth (B)
Enjoy the day at Addo Elephant National Park, which offers some of the most spectacular elephant viewing in the world. The Park is also unique in its unrivalled natural diversity, with five of South Africa’s seven major vegetation zones present. After what will hopefully be a magnificent day of sightings, we depart for Port Elizabeth, arriving late afternoon. |
