wildlife adventures 2005 tour dossier rainbow nation

WILDLIFE ADVENTURES 2005 TOUR DOSSIER
RAINBOW NATION
(Adventurer Accommodated)
THE BEST OF SOUTH AFRICA
Itinerary Days
19 DAYS: JOHANNESBURG – CAPE TOWN
16 NIGHTS HOTEL/LODGE/CHALET
2 NIGHTS PERMANENT TENTED CAMP
Day 1 Johannesburg. Hotel accommodation.
Day 2 Graskop, visit Pilgrims Rest and waterfalls. Hotel accommodation. BD
Day 3 Kruger National Park, visit Blyde River Canyon. 1 game drive. Chalet accommodation BLD
Day 4 Kruger National Park, 2 game drives. Chalet accommodation. BL
Day 5 Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary - Swaziland. Chalet/Bee hive accommodation. B
Day 6 St Lucia. Hotel accommodation. BL
Day 7 St Lucia, game drive in Hluhluwe/Umfolozi National Park. Hotel accommodation. B
Day 8 Drakensberg, Sani Pass. Hotel or lodge accommodation. BD
Day 9 Drakensberg, Sani Pass. Full day hike. Hotel accommodation. BD
Day 10 Wild Coast, Coffee Bay. Hotel accommodation. BD
Day 11 Wild Coast, Coffee Bay. Hotel accommodation. BD
Day 12 Zuurberg Pass. Hotel or permanent tented camp accommodation B
Day 13 Zuurberg Pass. Game drive Addo Elephant N P. Hotel/permanent tented camp BLD
Day 14 Tsitsikamma National Park. Chalet / lodge accommodation BL
Day 15 Knysna. Lodge/hotel accommodation. BLD
Day 16 Oudtshoorn, visit to Cango Caves and Ostrich Farm. Chalet accommodation. B
Day 17 Cape Town. via Stellenbosch. Lodge accommodation. B
Day 18 Cape Town. Lodge accommodation. B
Day 19 End of Tour. B
INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE:
Itinerary as specified, highlighted text is also included, fully equipped safari vehicle, services of tour leader and
camp courier, all accommodation, all catering equipment and National Park entrance fees. Breakfast (B) Lunch (L)
Dinner (D) where specified. Meals not shown will be to the clients account. Occasionally breakfast and lunch may
be combined into a brunch where necessary e.g. mornings with early game drives.
NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE:
International airfares, travel and medical insurance, personal spending money, visas, passports, vaccinations,
personal taxes (including departure and border taxes) all optional activities, unscheduled or optional national /
game parks and other activities, gratuities, restaurant meals and all other items of a personal nature. All drinks,
even on days with full board basis.
The Rainbow Nation – The Best of South Africa.
South Africa: they call it the Rainbow Nation - A kaleidoscope of colours, cultures and traditions - A
land of great deserts, thundering oceans and golden bushveld – with a myriad of plant and animal
species. Visit Kruger, Hluhluwe / Umfolozi National Parks for the full safari experience. Trek through
the dramatic mountain scenery of the Drakensberg. Take a walk on the wild side, along the Wild Coast,
and explore the full splendour of the Garden Route. Discover cosmopolitan Cape Town, and gaze out
across Table Bay from perhaps the most famous mountain in Africa. Become a connoisseur of wine in
the renowned wine lands. South Africa is not called a world in one country for nothing.
PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION AND MEETING DETAILS:
Most clients arrive a few days prior to the official start day. This is to give them plenty of time to enjoy all that
Pretoria has to offer. WildLife Adventures can organise any accommodation or activities you may require if you
want to arrive early or stay on in Africa after your tour ends. Please contact us for assistance.
If you have any questions regarding arrival prior to the tour or any other questions whatsoever please contact
WildLife Adventures.

DAY 1
Clients should meet at ARCADIA HOTEL, 515 PROES STREET, PRETORIA for a pre-departure meeting at
18h30. This will give you all a chance to meet your fellow travellers and get to know your guides. The meeting
will cover all the aspects of the trip. Please bring with you to this meeting: your passport with relevant visa’s and
evidence of medical and personal insurance. Please also bring the Local Payment. This must be paid to the tour
leader prior to departure and must be paid in South African Rands Cash.
Accommodation is at Arcadia Hotel and all meals are to the client’s expense.
Meeting Point: Arcadia Hotel
Address: 515 Proes Street, Pretoria
Contact Details: Tel: ++ 27 12 326 9311
Fax: ++27 12 326 1067
Email: archot@arcadiahotel.co.za
Meeting Time: 18h30 on Day 1
Tour Start Time: 07h00 on Day 2
Tour End Time: Tour ends after breakfast on Day 19
Tour End Point: Planet Africa Lodge
Address: 17 Kei Apple Road, Sea Point
Contact Details: Tel: ++ (27 21) 434 2151
Fax: ++(27 21) 434 2065
Email: welcome@planetafrica.co.za
DAY 2 – Graskop - 390km
Departure will be early this morning to make our way to the beautiful undulating landscape of the Mpumalanga
province. Our first stop will be the historical town of Pilgrims Rest where we’ll have some time to explore the
town. In the afternoon we’ll visit one of the well-known waterfalls in the area, the Mac Mac falls.
Meals Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight – Graskop Hotel or similar
Contact Details: Tel/Fax: ++ 27 13 767 1244
Physical address: 3 Main Road, Graskop, Mpumalanga
E-mail address: graskophotel@mweb.co.za
DAY 3 – Kruger National Park – 250km
This morning we’ll take a leisurely drive to the awe-inspiring viewpoints of Blyde River Canyon and God’s Window.
Then we’ll head to the famous Kruger National Park for an afternoon game drive where we have the opportunity
to experience close encounters with game such as elephant, lion, rhino and buffalo in their natural, unfenced
environment. An optional night drive is available at some of the camps.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight one of southern camps (Berg-en-Dal, Croc Bridge, Pretoriuskop, Lower Sabie etc). Chalet
accommodation.
Contact details: Central reservations Tel: ++ 27 21 422 2816
No physical address available
E-mail: reservations@park-sa.co.za
DAY 4 – Kruger National Park
The best time to see the game is early morning and late afternoon. So you’ll have an early start for the first game
drive, setting out to spot some of the Big 5, then return to camp in the heat of the day and relax at the camp, to
go out on a second game drive in the afternoon. We’ll enjoy dinner at the camp’s restaurant. Dinner to your own
expense!
Meals: Brunch.
Overnight one of southern camps (Berg-en-Dal, Croc Bridge, Pretoriuskop, Lower Sabie). Chalet accommodation.
Contact details as above.
DAY 5 – Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary – Swaziland - 300km
Set out early this morning for some more game viewing in Kruger National Park. Then we’ll make our way south
to the little Kingdom of Swaziland. We head to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, which was the first of Swaziland’s
wildlife refuges. We will have the afternoon to enjoy some optional activities in this beautiful reserve such as
horse-riding, mountain bike riding and game walking. Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Main Camp (beehive accommodation or similar)
Contact Details: Tel: ++ 268 528 3943 Fax: ++ 268 528 3924
Physical Address: Off the main road between Mbabane and Manzini, opposite turn off to Lobamba
E-mail address: reservations@biggame.co.sz

DAY 6 – St Lucia - 370km
This morning we will make our way to St Lucia, a world heritage site. You have the option of going on a
sundowner cruise on lake St Lucia or simply relaxing on the beautiful beach.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight at Shonalanga or similar
Contact Details: Tel/fax: ++27 35 5901087
Physical Address: Main Rd, St Lucia town
E-mail: shonalanga@stlucia.co.za
DAY 7 – St Lucia
We’ll head out early this morning for a game drive in Hluhluwe/Umfolozi National Park, home to the
largest population of black and white rhino in the world. Enjoy some close up encounters with game in
this well known reserve. Then we’ll return to St Lucia where we have more time to do optional activities
such snorkelling at Cape Vidal beach, an open vehicle game drive in Cape Vidal reserve or a visit to the
cultural village.
Meals: Packed breakfast
Overnight at Shonalanga or similar
Contact Details: Tel/fax: ++27 35 5901087
Physical Address: Main Rd, St Lucia town
E-mail: shonalanga@stlucia.co.za
DAY 8 – South Drakensberg – Sani Pass – 470km
After breakfast we will head to the hills as we make our way to the dramatic mountain scenery of the
southern Drakensberg. If clients are being dropped off or picked up at this point, we will travel via north
Durban.
Meals: Packed Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight Sani Pass Hotel or similar
Contact details: Tel: ++27 33 702 1320 Fax: ++27 33 702 0220
Physical Address: Sani Pass road, Himeville
E-mail address: info@sanipasshotel.co.za
DAY 9 – South Drakensberg – Sani Pass
After breakfast we’ll enjoy a full day hike into the mountains taking a lunch pack along with us or enjoy
an exciting optional 4x4 drive to the top of Sani Pass to enjoy a cold drink in the highest pub in Africa.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Overnight Sani Pass Hotel
Contact details as above.
DAY 10 – Wild Coast – Coffee Bay – 300km
We’ll make our way further south to the beautiful Wild Coast and the little town of Coffee Bay. A misty,
untouched bay haunted by friendly ghosts of shipwrecked sailors. The name derived from a coffee
carrying ship that ran aground here.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Overnight Ocean View Hotel or similar
Contact Details: Tel/Fax: ++ 27 47 5752005
Physical Address: on main road into Coffee Bay
E-mail address: oceanview@coffeebay.co.za
DAY 11 – Wild Coast – Coffee Bay
Day at leisure here! Visit the much photographed rock feature “the hole in the wall”, known in Transkei
mythology as a home of angry spirits. Take in the Wild Coast’s dramatic scenery by enjoying a walk along
the beach. Enjoy some of the optional activities that are available here, such as 4x4 excursions, abseiling,
inflatable boat excursions, visit the traditional Xhosa craft centre.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight Ocean View Hotel or similar
Contact details above
DAY 12 – Zuurberg Pass - 580km
Departing early we make our way towards Addo Elephant National Park, which is quietly tucked away in
the dense valley-bushveld of the Eastern Cape. We overnight in the mountains just north of the park.
Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight Zuurberg Mountain Inn or Permanent luxury camp
Contact Details: Tel: ++27 42 233 0583 Fax: ++27 42 233 0070
Physical Address: Zuurberg pass, take R335 from Port Elizabeth, 10km past Addo on left hand side.
E-mail address: zuurberg@addo.co.za
DAY 13 – Zuurberg Pass
3

After breakfast we’ll take a leisurely drive into Addo Elephant National Park. Lookout for the muchtreasured
flightless dung beetle and watch as it goes about its daily chores rolling dung. We have the
afternoon to go on an optional game walk or horse ride in the Zuurberg National park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Overnight Zuurberg Mountain Inn or Permanent luxury camp
Contact Details: Tel: ++27 42 233 0583 Fax: ++27 42 233 0070
Physical Address: Zuurberg pass, take R335 from Port Elizabeth, 10km past Addo on left hand side.
E-mail address: zuurberg@addo.co.za
DAY 14 – Tsitsikamma National Park - 250km
After breakfast we’ll make our way to Tsitsikamma National Park and the Storms River Mouth, the start of
the renowned Garden Route. We’ll have the afternoon to hike part of the first day of the famous Otter
Trail or the option of taking a relaxing boat cruise up the Storms River.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch.
Overnight Storms River mouth or similar, lodge accommodation
Storms River National Park.
Contact Details: Tel: ++27 42 281 1607 Fax: ++27 42 281 1629
Physical Address: Off N2 past the Storms River Bridge, take Storms River National Park turn off. 6km.
E-mail: tsitsireservations@parks-sa.co.za
DAY 15 – Knysna - 90km
Today we’ll make our way to the popular holiday town of Knysna. On the way there, we’ll stop at
Bloukrans bridge where you have the option of doing the highest bungi jump in the world (216m).
In Knysna we’ll have a chance to try the excellent locally grown oysters and locally brewed ale. There are
various other optional activities to do here such as a boat ride across the Knysna lagoon, abseiling off the
cliffs at the Knysna heads or a township tour.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight Wayside Inn or similar
Contact details: Telephone/Fax: +27 (0) 44 3826011
Physical Address: Central Knysna on Pledge Square, Knysna.
Email: wayside.inn@pixie.co.za
DAY 16 – Oudtshoorn – 140km
Moving on to Oudtshoorn we’ll visit one of the ostrich farms that made Oudtshoorn famous. Try your
hand at riding an ostrich! Then we make our way to the Cango Caves to enjoy a tour into the caves to
view the magnificent stalagmite and stalactite formations.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight Cango Mountain Resort chalets or similar
Contact details: Tel: ++27 44 272 4506 Fax: ++27 44 272 6075
Physical Address: Off route from Oudtshoorn to the Cango Caves, about 7km from the turn off.
E-mail address: post@oudtmun.co.za
DAY 17 – Cape Town – 450km
Depart early and head towards the ‘mother’ city of Cape Town. On our way we’ll stop at the second oldest
town of South Africa, Stellenbosch. We’ll have some time to walk around town and visit some of its
attractions and then go for wine tasting at one of the local wine farms.
Then we’ll make our way to Cape Town, the final destination of our adventurous tour. Cape Town has
many exciting attractions such as its famous Table Mountain, Robben Island, Kirstenbosch’s beautiful
botanical gardens, The Cape Peninsula and much more. Spend your time here discovering all it has to
offer.
Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight Planet Africa Lodge.
Contact Details: Tel: (++ 27 21) 434 2151 Fax: (++27 21) 434 2065
Physical Address: 17 Kei Apple road, Sea Point
E-mail address: welcome@planetafrica.co.za
DAY 18 – Cape Town
Day at leisure to explore Cape Town and enjoy the many optional activities available! Lunch and dinner
at your own expense. WildLife Adventures can assist you with advice and bookings for all activities in and
around Cape Town. Contact our offices for help.
Overnight Planet Africa Lodge
Meals: Breakfast
Contact details as above.
4

DAY 19 - Cape Town
Tour ends after breakfast. Fly home or stay a few extra days in CPT.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Optional activity prices have been compiled in good faith and were correct at the time of printing. WildLife
Adventures cannot be held responsible for any price fluctuations.
Pretoria/ Gauteng
Pretoria City tour R290 pp
Cullinan Diamond Mine tour R365
De Wildt Cheetah Centre tour R425
Soweto Half day tour R400
Gold Reef City tour R460
Kruger National Park
Night drives R140 pp
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Guided walk R30 pp
Game Drive R130 pp
Horse Riding R100 pp per hour
Mountain Biking R60 pp per hour
St Lucia
Boat-cruise on Lake St Lucia R110 pp
Coffee Bay
4x4 excursions R110pp Min R330 per trip/Max 4
people per trip
Abseiling R120 pp - Min 4 people
Inflatable boat excursions R330 per trip max 4 people
Canoeing trip on Mtata river R110 pp min 4 people
Guided walk to Mapuzi cliffs and caves R70 pp – min 4 people
Cultural visits R45 pp visit traditional Xhosa kraal
Zuurberg National Park
Game walk R25 pp entrance fee
Horse rides R65 pp per hour
Tsitsikamma National Park
Snorkeling Equipment rental R95pp/ hour
Boat Ride up Storms River Mouth R45 pp
Bloukrans Bridge
Bungi Jump R550 pp
Knysna
Boat cruise to feather bed bay R80 pp
Abseiling at the “Heads” R250 pp
Cape Town
Cape Point with hiking and biking R400 (full day)
Winelands tour R400 (full day)
Kloofing – Suicide Gorge (November to April) R520
Robben Island R100
Township town R255 (full day)
Table Mountain Cable car R55 one way – R110 return
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens entrance fee R30 pp
Abseiling R310 (112m)
Kamakazi Canyon – Full day 65m abseiling/ Kloofing R500
Shark cage diving R1100 (full day)
RAINBOW NATION DATES 2005
Johannesburg to Cape Town
5

(Min 4 clients)
Ref Start End
05RN01 28-Dec 15 Jan ‘05
05RN02 18-Jan 5-Feb
05RN03 15-Feb 5-Mar
05RN04 15-Mar 2-Apr
05RN05 12-Apr 30-Apr
05RN06 10-May 28-May
05RN07 31-May 18-Jun
05RN08 21-Jun 9-Jul
05RN09 12-Jul 30-Jul
05RN10 2-Aug 20-Aug
05RN11 23-Aug 10-Sep
05RN12 13-Sep 1-Oct
05RN13 4-Oct 22-Oct
05RN14 25-Oct 12-Nov
05RN15 15-Nov 3-Dec
05RN16 6-Dec 24 Dec ‘05
6

WILDLIFE ADVENTURES CC SOUTH AFRICA CLIENT
INFORMATION:
Central Reservations and Head Office
6 Park Road, Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa
PO Box 12371, Mill Street, Cape Town, South Africa.
Tel: (++ 27) 21 422 2017 Fax: (++ 27) 21 422 2712
Email: sales@wildlifeadventures.co.za Web: www.wildlifeadventures.co.za
AFTER HOURS OR EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (++ 27) 82 453 9882
Dear WildLife Adventures client,
Based on years of experience operating safaris in Africa, we have put together a few important points
that we hope will help you to understand the type of safaris we offer. This is a guide to prepare you for
your holiday and maximum enjoyment.
BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS WITH WILDLIFE ADVENTURES
All clients are responsible for reading and understanding this pre departure information, and also reading
and signing the standard booking terms and conditions. Your participation in this tour is based on these
terms and conditions.
OVERLAND ADVENTURE SAFARIS AND TOURS:
You have booked a single or multi country overland adventure safari operated by WildLife Adventures.
Adventure Safaris are for people whom love life and want to embrace it with passion, who want to travel
with other people and care about wildlife and culture. A positive approach and flexibility are essential.
Remember you are travelling in Africa. The nature of this tour will be adventurous – hopefully that is the
reason you have booked in the first place.
PARTICIPATION:
This tour is a limited participation trip, which means that you will be on some occasions asked to assist
with various aspects of safari duties. Your crew are there to handle all major responsibilities, but they will
occasionally ask you for assistance. It is vital that travellers have a positive attitude towards participation
and joining in is what turns a great trip into an unforgettable journey.
You will be required to help with the loading and unloading the vehicle. Crew will purchase all the food,
and prepare all meals that they are to supply.
Your tour leader and crew explain all this to you in detail at the pre departure meeting. If you are in need
of further clarification on this please speak to your tour leader.
FOOD
Where your guides are scheduled to prepare food, they will make every effort to prepare nutritious and
filling meals. If you have any problems with the food please discuss this directly with them. In Africa
especially in the more remote areas, availability of foods and fresh products are often limited. This may
result in the duplication of ingredients and meals. The vehicle will be well stocked with staple foods at the
beginning of the trip. We try to maintain as much variety throughout the expedition as possible,
restocking from stores and markets along the way. Whilst making no special provisions for vegetarians,
we have found in the past that there is ample choice available. Our guides are also trained to cater for
vegetarians.
Important: Please do not help yourselves to the food supplies on board as the menu for the tour is
carefully planned and budgeted.
Discuss your specific food requirements especially in the case of dietary limitations with your crew. They
will wherever possible accommodate your needs.
Please remember also that your crew are working to a specified food budget, which can provide great
quality and variety. We are confident that you will be impressed with our meals, but please understand
that there is a limit to what can be spent on food.
DRINKS
You will be expected to purchase all of your own drinks. Beer, cool drinks, bottled water, local wine and
spirits, etc are usually readily available at reasonable prices. Bottled water is normally available in most
large towns. Discuss this in detail with your guide, as this could affect your health.
Beware of dehydration and drink plenty of water. You will probably not be accustomed to African
conditions and this can affect you severely.
7

BE FLEXIBLE!
Our tour guides are trained not only to run informative, fun and adventurous tours, but also to take
control when things don’t run smoothly.
Please remember that this is Africa after all, and that the itinerary stated has to be flexible and will
depend on local conditions. Travelling in Africa is sometimes unpredictable. By the very nature of
travelling in remote areas there are unforeseen challenges to overcome and passengers should have a
taste for adventure. Problems with road conditions, weather, mechanical breakdown or accidents can
delay and change the schedule of the tour. Please be prepared and pack a sense of humor!
On every tour that we operate timing and itineraries will vary slightly because of changing conditions. Be
prepared and expect this.
In the event of any incidence that may affect safety, security, and the well being of the tour participants,
the decision of the tour guide will be final.
ROUTES & ITINERARY:
You need to be prepared therefore for long drives on certain days. Although our vehicles are well
maintained and serviced regularly, the challenging African roads may sometimes cause temporary
breakdowns. Do not panic and please be patient if this should arise. WildLife Adventures are well
represented with good support throughout Southern and East Africa. Should a mechanical breakdown or
incident occur, good back-up systems are in place, and there is no need for concern. Your driver has been
trained and will need to do on tour maintenance to his or her vehicle as part of their responsibilities.
There will be sand and dust and hot African sun, but there will also be some gorgeous evenings spent
around the campfires under the starry skies, some beautiful countryside, and some extraordinary tales
about nature, exquisite photographic opportunities, and memories for a lifetime!
We make every effort to follow the intended route of the itinerary in our brochure, however changes
sometimes need to be made due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. This may result in
missed areas and activities, diversions, and variations on night stops. Occasional operational uncertainties
make it impossible to run adventure trips exactly to the intended itinerary, so when booking a trip you
must accept that itineraries may differ from that published.
The company will not be responsible for accommodation costs, or liable for any airfares or any other
compensation to the client.
GUIDES:
Our guides are there to make sure that you have an unforgettable trip. If there is anything that is
upsetting you whilst on tour, you need to approach the guide to give him a fair opportunity to rectify the
problem. Dealing with any problems that may arise whilst on tour, will prevent them from developing
into something more problematic. The guide cannot help you if you remain quiet. It will be difficult for
WildLife Adventures to address any complaint after a tour if you have not discussed this issue with your
guide. If a serious matter arises on tour that you feel needs to be brought to our head offices attention
then the contact details are on this information sheet. Please feel free to contact us by mail or by phone
in the unlikely event of a serious matter arising that your tour leader cannot deal with.
Our guides are trained extensively, but please also remember that the nature of an adventure safari is to
give a very broad range of experiences. Your guide cannot be expected to be an expert on everything
throughout many different countries! This is why we also contract the services of local guides and experts
to compliment the information that our guides can give you. There will also be occasions where your
camp courier will need to sit in the cab with the tour driver to do planning for meals and other aspects of
the tour. If you feel that you are not getting enough information please speak with your tour leader and
we will rectify the problem.
Your guide will brief you on the nature of the tour and what to expect in the pre departure meeting.
Thereafter he will have meetings with the group on a regular basis most usually every evening to explain
the next day’s options, programs and activities. It is essential that if you are unhappy about any issues
on the tour that you express your feelings to the guide. This should be done privately if it is a sensitive
matter. Think of group dynamics and how important they are to successful tours. Please don’t wait until
the end of the tour to raise any complaints if they arise. It is your responsibility to make the guides aware
of issues that need attention so that they can address any problems or make changes where necessary.
TIPPING
Tipping is obviously entirely at your discretion, and based on how you feel the service has been. Our
guides do go to great lengths to provide you with an experience of a lifetime. They often go that extra
mile to make that special moment. Remember also that it is hours of behind the scenes work that you
may not be aware of that will make your tour really special. Please consider all of this when you decide on
your tip. Guiding is a 24-hour job that requires dedicated effort.
An indication of what is generally accepted and paid to the guides is:
Driver/guides /couriers: USD 2 to 3 per day per client; Trainees USD 1 per day
8

National Parks Guides / optional activities: USD 1 to 2 per person
Bar staff/waiters: 10% of bill if service is excellent
PASSENGER MANIFESTO:
Your guides will ask you to complete details onto a passenger manifesto with all tour participants’
passport details. This will be used for getting the group through borders smoothly and most importantly
will reduce the amount of time we spend at border crossings.
ACCOMMODATION AND FACILITIES:
Whilst we have been specific about which lodges or hotels we may use whilst on tour, please note that
accommodation on tour could change from that stated in this dossier or in our brochures.
Hotels, lodges or chalets where used will be simple, clean basic travellers accommodation. In some cases
ablution facilities may be on a sharing basis.
WITH REGARDS TO YOUR SAFTEY AND WELL BEING:
Please take care in the vehicle whilst travelling - do not move about unnecessarily for if the vehicle has to
stop suddenly you may fall. You must be seated and remain seated if the vehicle is moving. Take care
when standing that you do not bang your head!
Do not carry all money or valuables on your person – use the safe on the vehicle for money and
passports. This safe is in the vehicle for your convenience.
WildLife Adventures provides this safe in good faith, but cannot be held responsible for any losses or
damages
Do not leave any valuables lying around. Your possessions are YOUR responsibility!
Beware of pickpockets and it a good idea to walk in groups particularly at night and in African towns,
markets etc. Check with your guide if you are in doubt.
Do not buy anything out of the vehicle windows – ask your guides to explain but when street vendors
swamp the vehicle things occasionally get stolen
Do not change any money on the black market. If you do so it is at your own risk!
Last person out of the vehicle please switch of all lights and shut the door! Please keep all doors closed
and locked at all times. Your possessions are at risk.
The truck buzzer should be used with discretion. Please remember that the driver can only stop when it is
safe to do so. Do not therefore expect an immediate stop for toilet or photographs after using the
buzzer.
HEALTH AND FIRST AID
Any one participating in an adventure safari must be in good health. Please see our terms and conditions
for further information on this. Please note that WildLife Adventures is not qualified to give you
medical advice and you must contact your own doctor for information.
Recommended vaccinations and other health protection vary from country to country. We recommend
that you contact your doctor and gain the correct medical advice about vaccinations.
All clients MUST have full medical and travel insurance cover before joining the tour. See booking terms
and conditions for further information.
There is an emergency first aid kit on board every vehicle. This kit is for emergencies or serious medical
conditions only. If items are used, clients will be asked to pay for them. Clients are advised to bring a
simple personal first aid kit, and details are supplied below.
It must be understood that your crew are not able to administer any drugs. It is the client’s responsibility
to administer medication to him or herself, unless incapacitated, in which case that individuals travelling
partner will administer medication.
Your major health risk is Malaria – so take your prophylactics on time. The best way of avoiding malaria is
to not get bitten in the first place! Cover up at night and keep your tents closed at all times. Look after
your tent zips!!!
Bilharzia is present in Africa. It is not an immediate life threatening disease! Simply have a test when you
get back home and the treatment is simple and effective. Do not let it spoil your swimming!
9

All water on the truck is clean and drinkable. Beware of any other water in Africa as it can make you sick!
Good personal hygiene is essential! Wash hands as often as you can, and always before eating - but
remember water is precious in Africa.
Inform your crew about any medical problems or allergies. This is essential and will be treated
confidentially. Be sure to inform them if any medical conditions get serious. There are not always
hospitals or doctors everywhere along the route.
RUBBISH
Toilet paper – where possible burn all toilet paper and watch it until the flame is dead - we don’t want to
start any fires! If it’s not possible to burn, put the paper in a plastic bag and throw it in the dustbin of
the truck.
All litter including cigarette buts must be thrown into dustbins provided.
Not even fruit peals or pips may be thrown anyplace other than the dustbin.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
We are guests in each country we visit and it is only good manners that we comply with their customs. All
participants are required to obey the law and regulation of the countries visited and any passengers
contravening such laws may be required to leave the tour immediately with no right to refund of the tour
fare.
VISITING OF AFRICAN VILLAGES
As a form of respect and general courtesy towards local inhabitants and village dwellers, we do not
encourage the complete invasion of their privacy and homes by tourists. There are certain villages that
allow tourist visits at a minimal fee. Many tourists are happy to pay for this small charge for the
opportunity of seeing the way in which local inhabitants live. If in doubt ask your WildLife Adventures
guide for advice.
CONSERVATION
Most countries are members of CITES (Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora). Please do NOT purchase products made from ivory and skins. These may be
confiscated by customs. Please be aware that the purchase of any wooden carvings places a strain on
forest resources, and the removal of coral and shells is destructive to the reefs.
ECOTOURISM
The ultimate objective of eco-tourism is for clients to have a pleasant and enriching experience of nature,
and at the same time, cause the least possible disturbance to ecosystems. Your guides have strict
environmental policies to adhere to, which we endeavour to instil in all of our passengers. Respect for
local people, fellow travellers and the places we visit are expected. Consider the environment at all times
and be considerate in your approach to your holiday.
CONNECTING TRIPS AND SAFARIS IN AFRICA
WildLife Adventures operates safaris, trips and expeditions all over Africa. Many of our trips are scheduled
so that you can connect with other departing adventures.
We can also tailor make any other combination for you any where in Africa. Please contact us for full
details.
Web: www.wildlifeadventures.co.za
E-Mail: sales@wildlifeadventures.co.za
PHOTOGRAPHY
Please bring your own film, as sources can be expensive and unreliable in Africa. Please remember that
taking photos of people can sometimes cause great offence and permission should be asked beforehand.
In addition to this some African governments do not allow photos to be taken at any government, police
or army post, borders, bridges or military roadblocks. If in doubt ask your guide.
A TYPICAL DAY
Generally clients will wake at 7:00 am on a traveling day and depart at approx 8:00 am after breakfast.
Some days where the travelling distance is greater, an earlier rise is to be expected. Where meals are
included they are supplied at a stopover decided by your guides and we generally get to our hotel or
camp in the late afternoon. Free days are at your leisure.
10

ADVENTURE VEHICLES
All of our Adventure vehicles are custom built to suit the African terrain. Mercedes Benz or MAN, with
large glass windows for game and scenery viewing, and when open give the feeling of being in an open
vehicle. The interior is spacious with forward facing coach style seating. There is ample space inside the
vehicle to store your daypack. The large enclosed storage area of the vehicle holds the camping gear and
luggage, with separate sections for the food. The vehicle has a large water tank and a fully equipped field
kitchen, with fold down tables. There are two safes on board, one for passengers and one for vehicles
documents. Long-range fuel and water tanks keep us self-sufficient. We may use smaller vehicles in the
event of smaller groups.
ROOMING ARRANGEMENTS
Do not be concerned about coming alone, many of our clients do. You will however be required to pay a
single supplement on the tour price.
INSURANCE
COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL INSURANCE IS COMPULSORY FOR ALL PASSENGERS! All travellers are
required to take insurance to cover cancellation and curtailment, baggage loss or damage, medical
expenses, emergency travel, repatriation and personal accident before leaving their country. It is the
passenger’s sole responsibility to ensure that they are fully insured. This is also part of our booking terms
and conditions, so you will mot be accommodated on any tour without adequate insurance. Guides will
check your insurance policy at the pre departure meeting, and if you are not insured you will not be
allowed to join the tour.
Most travel insurance policies have a restriction on compensation for loss, damage or theft of single
valuable items (e.g. cameras). Please check your policy carefully and if necessary insure valuable items
separately, (e.g. under a home contents policy with a travel extension). Please take your insurance policy
with you on safari. Please also note that travel insurance provided with credit card payment is usually
inadequate for travel of this nature.
INDEMNITY
Passengers will be required to complete and sign an Indemnity Form prior to joining any adventure safari.
Again these form part of our booking terms and conditions. If you do not sign the indemnity form you will
not be accommodated.
VISAS AND PASSPORTS
All travelers will require a full valid passport, and it is your responsibility to ensure that you have valid
visas for all countries visited on your holiday, and / or sufficient blank pages for any visas and for
entry/departure stamps. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your
holiday. If you have more then one passport, we recommend that you use one passport only for the
entire journey. This will save problems and potential delays at border crossings. Requirements differ
depending on your nationality - check with the appropriate embassies for details.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas for your holiday and
onward travel. WildLife Adventures cannot accept responsibility for anyone who is refused entry to a
country because they lack the correct documentation. Please check the actual requirements with the
necessary embassy.
Please also do not assume that any inaccuracies within your documentation will be detected or can be
rectified - you must ensure, that your "paper-work" is in order.
There will be times during the trip, when your passport will be collected e.g. by your tour leader, hotel
reception staff, or police.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
All of our trips are designed so that you can choose according to your own particular budget, which
excursions you wish to partake in. Any activity marked ‘optional’ will be to the client’s expense. Your
WildLife Adventures guides are able to assist with information of all the options on offer. WildLife
Adventures can book these excursions as an extra service to our clients.
Remember these optional extras are operated by third party local companies and not by WildLife
Adventures. Some activities are adventurous with accompanying risk. All activities are undertaken at your
own risk, and WildLife Adventures will not be held responsible in any way.
EXTRA EXPENSES
Sometimes political or civil unrest and other circumstances beyond the control of WildLife Adventures will
mean the group having to make alternative travel plans. We recommend that you bring emergency funds
or have access to funds that you do not intend to use. Most insurance policies refund only after you have
paid out.
LUGGAGE AND OTHER ITEMS
Space in the vehicle is limited and we request that you pay particular attention to the following guidelines.
11

We suggest your luggage is restricted to 15 kilograms (so you can comfortably carry it).
We recommend that you utilize old or inexpensive luggage. Suitcases are NOT suitable. You may use a
small/ medium sized rucksack, provided that it has no frame.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ANY EXCESS LUGGAGE OVER THE ABOVE SPECIFIED WEIGHT LIMIT WILL NOT BE
LOADED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. EXCESS LUGGAGE WILL BE STORED AND ANY COSTS INCURRED WILL
BE THE PASSENGERS RESPONSIBILITY.
HINT: Please take your toiletries and a change of clothing with you on board the plane in case bags get
miss- placed.
A CHECK LIST OF SUGGESTED ITEMS FOLLOWS BELOW:
Some nights can be very cold in winter, so bring along some warm clothing.
1 day pack, to contain money, travel documents, water and camera equipment, etc. This will be allowed
inside the safari vehicle.
1 waist pouch or money belt.
CLOTHING & PERSONAL EFFECTS (PLEASE TAKE THE MINIMUM)
Most people make the mistake of taking along too much clothing. Take along comfortable, casual and
semi-casual, “wash & wear” clothes. There will be opportunities to wash clothing OR have it washed along
the way. Bright colors and white are not suitable for game viewing. Please also avoid clothing
resembling army uniform (i.e. army jackets, caps, and trousers). Please dress appropriately when:
crossing borders (no bare feet, bare chests, no bikini tops, no sunglasses or hats), when visiting markets,
villages, and towns and when travelling in the vehicle.
This list below is purely a guideline:
1 pair of smart/casual trousers
3 pairs of shorts
7 shirts/T-shirts (any combination)
1 light cotton dress for the ladies
2 fleece / jersey for the cool evenings
1 wind-breaker / water proof jacket
1 warm jacket
1 pair of walking/running shoes
1 pair of sandals/ reef shoes (useful for showers)
Underwear and socks
1 swimming costume
1 sun hat
1 towel
1 litre water bottle (essential)
1 torch with batteries (essential)
Toilet paper
Bath soap
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Shampoo & hair conditioner
Deodorant
Comb/hair brush
Razor & blades (preferable battery operated shaver)
Suntan lotion/sun block
Lip balm
Hand cream & moisturizing cream
Insect repellent
Tissues or disposable moist tissues (e.g. Wet Ones)
Washing powder
Plastic bags (to pack wet/dirty clothing)
Sunglasses
Spectacles (if worn) – some people have trouble with contact lenses & dust
Pen for immigration formalities
Notebook
PERSONAL MEDICAL KIT
We suggest that you take along the following: -
Plasters/band aids
Aspirins/paracetamol
Anti-diarrhoea pills (consult your pharmacist for advice)
Throat lozenges
Antiseptic cream
12

Insect repellent
Anti-malaria tablets (refer to the MALARIA section)
Insect repellent (Jungle Formula)
Fungal infection powder
Rehydration powder
Eye drops
Sunscreen
Moisturizer
Any other medicines & toiletries you regularly use (e.g. tampons or condoms)
WEATHER
The south western region has dry sunny summers with average temperatures around 26 o C. It is often
windy, however, and the south-easterly ‘Cape Doctor’ can reach gale force. Winters can get cold, with
average min temperature of around 7 o C and Max 17 o C. There is occasional snow on higher peaks.
The eastern plateau region has a dry, sunny climate in winter with max temperature around 20 o C and
crisp nights around 5 o C. Between October and April there are late afternoon showers often accompanied
by spectacular thunder and lightening, but it rarely gets unpleasantly hot. It can however get very hot in
the Karoo and the far north.
The south coast is temperate but further north the east coast gets increasingly tropical. Kwazulu-Natal
and Transkei region can be hot and very humid in summer. Its also a summer rainfall. Mpumalanga and
Northern Province lowvelds get very hot in summer and in winter the days are sunny and warm.
BANKING AND CURRENCY
There are full banking facilities available in the major towns and cities where one is able to change money
and withdraw cash from your credit card. Most major currencies are accepted at banks in larger towns
and cities. The currency in South Africa is rand.
PERSONAL SPENDING MONEY
You should budget at least the equivalent of 2000 - 3000 Rands, to cover all the optional activities you
might like to try, as well as your drinks and the restaurant meals, crafts and souvenirs.
History on the regions follows on following page:
13

A BRIEF HISTORY
PILGRIMS REST
Here are a few stories as to where the name Pilgrim's Rest comes from. Some claim that Alec
("Wheelbarrow") Patterson welcomed every new digger with the words, "Here comes another pilgrim to
his rest", others say that it was William Trafford who exclaimed, "The pilgrim is at rest". Patterson left the
diggings at Mac-Mac in 1873 because it became too crowded for him. Patterson's nickname derives from
the fact that he always conveyed his worldly possessions in a wheelbarrow. "Cheaper than a horse" he
said, "and it won't die of horse-sickness".
The historical village of Pilgrim's Rest is a National monument, which celebrated its centenary in 1973.
Patterson discovered the first significant gold strike in South Africa at Ponieskrantz in 1873. This proved
to be the richest alluvial gold deposit at that time. William Trafford who spread the news wildly, attracting
diggers to the Valley, joined him. Within two years there were 1500 diggers. In 1875 Pilgrim's Rest was
declared a public diggings and the camp even had its own newspaper, Gold News, started by MV Phelan,
an Irishman. It was later renamed the Gold Fields Mercury.
Some extraordinary nuggets were found in the first few years. Among them were "Lilley" which weighed
in at 119 ounces ($45 000 at today's prices) and "Breda" (214 ounces, $82 000). Henry Glynn from
Sabie bought a whopper of 276 ounces for 750 pounds ($100 000 at today's prices)!
Some of the historical buildings were restored and the Village is now a living open-air museum of the
hectic gold rush days.
BLYDE RIVER CANYON
The Blyde River Canyon ('river of joy') lies within the 26000 hectares of the Blyderivierspoort Nature
Reserve, a 57km narrow belt, which runs north from Graskop along the Drakensberg Escarpment. Owing
to the variations in altitude, temperature and rainfall, a great diversity of vegetation occurs; there are
ferns, cycads, creepers, cabbage trees, wild figs, mobola plums, proteas, orchids, ericas, and many other
trees and flowering plants. The Blyde River is dammed in the gorge by a 72-metre-high wall, creating a
lake that serves as a picturesque home for many hippos and crocodiles.
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa.
Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, this national park of nearly 2
million hectares, is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced
environmental management techniques and policies.
Truly the flagship of the South African national parks, Kruger is home to an impressive number of
species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. Man's interaction
with the Lowveld environment over many centuries - from bushman rock paintings to majestic
archaeological sites like Masorini and Thulamela - is very evident in the Kruger National Park. These
treasures represent the cultures, persons and events that played a role in the history of the Kruger
National Park and are conserved along with the park's natural assets.
SWAZILAND
Nestled snugly and conveniently in the between South Africa and Mozambique is Africa's best-kept secret
- the Kingdom of Swaziland. Mountainous grandeur, lush forests, fertile valleys and the hot still beat of
the African lowveld combine to take a visitor on a scenic tour of wonder through the "Switzerland of
Africa".
Swaziland - independent since 1968 - is one of the only three monarchies left in Africa. And proud of it!
Led by His Majesty King Mswati III the nation rejoices in its traditions and is staunchly committed to
safeguarding its rich culture, social and natural heritage for future generations. Few countries today can
boast the safety, stability and peace, which Swaziland enjoys, both internationally and with her
neighbors. Visitors to the Kingdom cannot but feel and appreciate the warmth and friendliness of their
hosts, a characteristic engendered by this stability, nor fail to appreciate the safety it promises to
travellers.
No matter where your travels take you within the kingdom, you will meet the courtesy; friendliness and
genuine desire to help and share that make it easy to see why Swaziland claims to offer the visitor "The
Royal Experience."
Several centuries ago an African people of Nguni descent moved southwards from Central Africa and a
group of them eventually settled, during the mid eighteenth century, in the area which is now Swaziland.
The kings of Swaziland date back to some considerable time to when the Royal line of Dlamini lived in the
vicinity of Delgoa Bay. The Nguni people are recorded as having entered the territory of Swaziland around
the year 1600. Under the leadership from Dlamini III, settlement took place in 1750, along the Pongola
River where it cuts through the Lubombo Mountains.
The land they entered was neither vacant nor sparsely populated, it was teeming with game, rich in
natural resources, a haven for crop raising and cattle rearing. Trade had been transacted from the coast
for many years, a powerful state of Shiselweni existed which the leaders of the Swazis sought to absorb
or overcome.
14

The Kingdom of Swaziland today is composed of an homogeneous population who share language, culture
and loyalty to their king and country. There are no tribal conflicts; the country is stable, orderly and at
peace with her neighbors. Perhaps Swaziland's greatest asset is her people, who are always happy,
friendly, courteous and willing to assist visitors to their Kingdom. Old Swazi traditions are carefully
guarded and for this reason, colorful ceremonies frequently take place to mark specific occasions and the
distinctive national dress is regularly worn by men, women, and children in urban as well as rural areas.
The major ceremonies are the colourful umhlanaga, and the incwala. The latter ceremony much of which
involves sacred and secret ceremonies entails direct participation by the King. The continuity of the
monarchy contributes to the country's stability and peaceful climate while ensuring that the cultural
heritage is safeguarded as Swaziland develops.
HLUHLUWE AND UMFOLOZI
The two reserves were originally Zulu Royal hunting grounds and were separate but have now been
consolidated and cover some 96,000ha of prime Zululand countryside typified by rolling hills with
grassland summits, separated by steep valleys with riverine forest. The Umfolozi ("zigzag") River divides
into two - the Black and the White Umfolozi. Between the two is some of the best savannah country in
southern Africa and despite much of the game being eliminated from the surrounding countryside during
the last century; it remained a haven for black and white rhinos.
In the early years of this century, the disease nagana, which killed domestic livestock, was endemic in the
area. Local farmers demanded that the only cure was to kill every animal that could possibly harbour the
disease that was spread by the tsetse fly. There was intense pressure to close the reserve down and
convert it to ranching. There were no fences and poaching remained rife until recent times. More than one
hundred thousand animals were shot before aerial spraying with DDT.
Today, visitors may see elephant, lion, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, impala, warthog, hyena, jackal
and many other animals. Lions were not introduced intentionally to the reserve. A single male appeared
mysteriously in 1958, to be joined after a few years by some females, equally mysteriously. The pride
now helps to control the number of Antelope in the park.
Umfolozi Game Reserve was the first game reserve to be established in Africa and is internationally
recognized not only for its prolific wildlife but also for two other reasons. The white rhino was, at the time
of proclamation of the reserve, almost extinct. The staff of the Natal Parks Board have since protected the
animals and allowed them to reproduce to the point where more than three thousand have been relocated
to other reserves and zoos. Currently, there are more than 350 black and 1800 white rhinos in the
reserve.
ST LUCIA
St Lucia is one of the largest wetlands in southern Africa. Lake St Lucia alone covers almost 13 000ha,
including the protected strip of forest and beach around it. Also part of the reserve is the coastal forests
running for about 30km up the coast from where the lake meets the sea. Crocodile and hippo cruise
through the entire lake system and there is plentiful game in the forest around. St Lucia is a sub-tropical
wilderness of great beauty, and no trip to Zululand is complete without a visit.
WILD COAST
The green hills of the central Transkei fall steeply to the Indian Ocean, their seaward slopes often covered
with the dense sub-tropical forest that used to cover much of Transkei. The human population then thins
out, reduced to a few small villages among the trees, on the cliff-tops or at the wide estuary mouths.
Antelope, monkeys and exotic birds live in the trees, and fish jump in the mangrove-fringed rivers and
swim in clearly visible silver shoals just off the endless, empty beaches.
Living off fish and shellfish is a relatively new experience for the Xhosa of the Wild Coast. Even 50 years
ago the sea was considered unclean. Tradition has it that once a year a chosen woman from coastal
villages would ceremoniously cleanse herself in the surf, thus cleansing the menstrual juices of all the
women of the village. As a result, fish and shellfish were taboo. The taboo has faded now, and with good
reason. The pure, unpolluted water of the Wild Coast support vast beds of shellfish that can be cut from
the rocks of any cove. The density of estuarine and marine fish is so great that anglers from all over
South Africa flock there.
HOLE IN THE WALL
“Hole in the Wall”, a huge rock arch standing in the sea south of Coffee Bay, appears to cover the most
brochures promoting the region. The arch is much larger than the photographs suggest, the top being a
plateau about the size of a football pitch. The noise the sea makes as it crashes through the gap has
given ‘Hole in the Wall’ a place in Transkei mythology as a home of angry spirits.
COFFEE BAY
Coffee Bay was named after a coffee carrying ship that ran aground here. Many coffee plants have
sprung up here, the lost loot of forgotten seamen standing as memorials to those who failed to tame this
most feral of coastlines.
ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK
15

Addo Elephant National Park is home to Africa’s southernmost viable wild elephant herd, along with
buffalo and black rhino. In 1931, when the park was proclaimed, the local elephant were down to just
11, having been mercilessly shot out by the local fruit and potato farmers, whose activities the elephant
naturally interfered with from time to time. Now protected, today’s elephant populations have recovered
to over 100. The Addo bush is dense and high, so game viewing can be difficult. Elephant are usually at
the water holes, and sometimes buffalo, but the rhino are shy and tend to stay out of sight. Look out for
road signs asking you to drive around, rather than over, any large black beetles that may be rolling balls
of elephant dung along the road. Their mixing of dung with earth is vital in breaking up the soil and
letting rain soak in properly.
ZUURBERG NATIONAL PARK
Zuurberg National Park, now amalgamated with the Addo Elephant National Park, spreads over the entire
range of low, grass-covered mountains to the north of Addo. The park covers a vast area of steep, deeply
wooded kloofs and high, rolling downs, which provide cool relief from the baking hot plain below. Among
a number of day hikes are several leading to remote waterfalls. The rare cycad, a prehistorically treefern,
grows on the Zuurberg’s higher reaches. Cape Mountain zebra, kudu, baboon, grey rhebok, duiker,
bushbuck, grysbok, caracal and leopard are to be found.
TSITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK
Tsitsikamma, Africa's first national marine park, comprises a narrow coastal plain bounded by cliffs and
beaches and extending five kilometres out to sea. Beautiful and wild, the park encompasses 80 km of
rocky coastline featuring quiet tidal pools, deep gorges and evergreen forests. The name Tsitsikamma is
derived from Hottentot words, tse-tsesa, meaning clear, and gami, meaning water, probably referring to
the clear water of the Tsitsikamma River.
Fynbos, small mammals and a prolific bird life add to the enchantment of the region. From Storms River
Mouth, nature trails meander into the forest and along the coast. One of the most scenically rewarding,
the five-day Otter Trail follows the shoreline for most of its route.
For an experience with a difference, a snorkeling and scuba trail will introduce you to an underwater
world inhabited by fascinating marine creatures. But if you only want to relax and soak up the sun, two
exquisite beaches provide the setting.
KNYSNA
A natural paradise of lush indigenous forests, tranquil lakes and golden beaches adorns South Africa’s
unspoilt southern coast. Nestling on the banks of a shimmering lagoon in the heart of this ‘Garden Route’
is the picturesque town of Knysna. Beaches, lakes, mountains and rivers provide endless opportunity for
leisure and outdoor adventure. Within the town, craft shops, flea markets and cozy cafe’s beckon with
small-town charm and hospitality.
Knysna is synonymous with fine indigenous timbers, and famed for the craftsmanship of its furniture and
timber products. The area is a veritable Garden of Eden: home to the only forest elephant in South Africa,
the unique Knysna seahorse and the Pansy shell, the brilliantly colored Knysna Loerie, a plethora of
waterfowl and forest birds, dolphins and visiting whales.
The indigenous forests constitute the largest complex of closed-canopy forest in southern Africa, whilst
the remarkable richness of the Fynbos vegetation contributes over 8000 plant species to the Cape floral
kingdom. A temperate climate and a fine selection of bars restaurants.
Knysna’s history weaves a colourful tapestry of woodcutters, seafarers, gold-diggers and timber
merchants. Whilst the town’s streets and quaint, old buildings echo with its commercial past, the rocky
coast and deep, silent forests whisper of men with bows and arrows, ancient hunters, gatherers and
nomads. Khoisan people inhabited the Garden Route from the Stone Age onwards, feeding on the riches
of land and sea. They were displaced only after the first Dutch settlers arrived in the area during the
seventeenth century. A woodcutters post was established at George in 1776.
Knysna’s history does not begin properly until 1804, when the farm Melkhoutkraal was purchased by
George Rex. He took up residence with a large entourage and established himself as a timber merchant.
Rumoured to be the illegitimate son of King George III, he proceeded to become the founding father of
Knysna, owning virtually all the land surrounding the lagoon.
He was instrumental in establishing Knysna as a port - soon naval and commercial ships came and went,
bringing supplies in and taking timber out from the burgeoning settlements of Melville and Newhaven,
which eventually united to form the town of Knysna. In February 1869, a devastating fire laid waste to
thousands of acres of forest, veld and farmland. Portland Manor, the country home of the Hon. Henry
Barrington, was burned to the ground. In December of that year, a Norwegian sea-faring family, the
Thesens, came to settle in Knysna. They set up a coastal shipping business, which became a big asset to
the town, and became timber merchants and shipbuilders.
In the 1880's, gold was discovered in the forest, and the mining village of Millwoood sprang up. This was
short-lived, however, as the gold yields were small and soon ran out. Only one elephant remains in the
forests, and the harbor no longer functions as a port. But the town holds fond memories, and The Heads
still guard the restless passage through which many a trading vessel sailed to the wide ocean beyond.
16

OUDTSHOORN
Oudtshoorn is the economic centre of the Little Karoo, the heart of the ostrich-farming industry and
largest tourist draw. In the late 19 th century, owing to the demand for ostrich feathers, many of the local
farmers became fabulously wealthy, building grand mansions on their estates – nicknamed ‘feather
palaces’. These feather palaces are now open to the public.
Under the massive Swartberg Mountains, about another 25km north of Oudtshoorn lies a massive cave
system, The Cango Caves. Not all of it is open to the public, but what is open is definitely worth seeing,
despite the development of the site as a first-class tourist trap.
HERMANUS
The Right Whale was so named because it was considered to be the 'right' whale to catch. Rich in oil and
baleen (the large food filter plates which hang from the roof of its mouth) and a whale, which floated in
the water when killed, this slow-moving leviathan became one of the most ruthlessly hunted of all species
of whales. Today, the northern right whale is virtually extinct. In the southern hemisphere populations
show a slow increase since international protection in 1935. There are estimated to be about 3 000 - 4
000 southern right whales at present, with South Africa receiving the major percentage visiting its coasts
annually. Present populations of southern right whales are a fraction of estimated initial stocks.
The southern right whale has a circumpolar distribution and inhabits sub Antarctic water between about
30° and 55° south. The whales migrate south during the summer months when supplies of krill are more
prolific, and north during winter and spring to mate, calve and rear their young. They appear around the
South African coastline from May to December. They can be seen interacting in the sheltered bays and
coves close inshore and near river mouths.
The Southern Right Whale can be distinguished from other whales by its V-shaped 'blow' and the
callosities, which appear on and around its head. Although many people mistake these callosities for
barnacles and although barnacles and other sea life live on these patches on the whale's head, the
callosities are actual outgrowths of tough skin which form different patterns on each individual and which
are a useful form of identification. To hear a whale 'blow' is like hearing the breath of life. The blow is a
cloud of vapour produced largely by condensation when warm breath comes into contact with cooler air.
It also contains oily mucus from the respiratory tract of the whale. Whales are large brained and sensitive
creatures. Strong bonds exist between females and their calves. In normal circumstances they are nonaggressive
and gentle towards man. As yet, knowledge about whales and the role they play in the marine
ecosystems is fragmentary.
CAPE TOWN
Table Mountain
The exhilarating ascent of Cape Town's Table Mountain is a must, and breathtaking views over the city
and its beaches. The panorama stretches from Table Bay to False Bay and around the mountain to the
Hout Bay Valley and Kommetjie. On a clear day one has a magnificent view across the Cape Flats to the
Hottentots Holland Mountains.
The mountain is sculpted from sandstone and it rises 1086 metres above the bay. Its flat summit
measures nearly 3km from end to end. The mountain is home to approximately 1470 species of plants.
Many of these are endemic, i.e. appearing nowhere else on earth. Included is the rare Silver Tree and the
wild orchid Disa Uniflora.
The Cableway was opened in 1929 and today conveys some 600,000 people to the summit annually. It
provides safe access and the trip takes about six minutes.
On the summit there is a restaurant and a souvenir shop, from which letters bearing the Table Mountain
postmark can be sent. Short walks may be taken from the cable-station, and the flora that may be seen
in the different seasons, makes it an essential trip for nature lovers.
It is not advisable to climb the mountain without someone experienced who knows the route well. There
are some 350 recognized paths to the summit, some undemanding and some extremely difficult. It is
recommended that you contact Mountain Club of South Africa (021 - 4653412) before embarking on a
hike or climb.
Kloof Nek is linked to the 669 metre Lion's Head which in turn is connected by a lion's body to a rump
known as Signal Hill. Along the road are superb views over the city and Atlantic Seaboard. The spiral
pathway up Lion's Head passes through silver trees and spring flowers and provides a breathtaking
panoramic view. Signal Hill was once used as a semaphore post for communication with ships at sea, and
it is from here that the noon gun is fired each day. The scene from here at night, of the city lights with
the backdrop of a floodlit Table Mountain, is an extremely romantic sight.
Victoria and Alfred Waterfront Cape Town's Victoria and Alfred Waterfront development has grabbed the
imagination of Capetonian and visitor alike. With majestic Table Mountain as a backdrop and the unique
interest of the 'working harbor', it is not surprising that the 'Waterfront' has become Cape Town's most
popular attraction. Its success has largely been built upon local support and attracts over a million visitors
a month, of which 70% are Capetonians.
17

For over a century The Dutch East India Company contributed to the development of the Cape of Good
Hope. The arrival of their merchant ships, laden with spices and treasures from markets explored, caused
great excitement in the community.
Times have changed, yet the same spirit lives on at the Waterfront Craft Market, where craftsmanship
and artistry of an ageless quality are captured in a market for the explorer at heart.
Shops cover gemstones, curios and fancy fashions to the silliest souvenirs. It is also well stocked with
restaurants, taverns, cinemas, theatres and a variety of entertainment including boat trips and charters.
Try the historical walks.
It is advisable to first visit the V&A Waterfront Information Centre. They are there to help you with
friendly advice, directions and up-to-the minute information on activities and events. They will even
arrange bookings for tours and taxis.
The Imax cinema is situated at the Portswood Road entrance to the Waterfront. The main feature of Imax
is the super-realistic image on a screen five stories high. The Two Ocean Aquarium offers an exciting
insight into the indigenous fresh and seawater creatures of South Africa.
Shopping in the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre is exciting and varied and a new extension has virtually
doubled its size. It offers late night trading and has undercover parking for your convenience. King's
Warehouse has a variety of fresh farm produce, fine food and take-aways. Shops around Market Square,
the Pierhead and in the Alfred Mall have much to offer.
The South African Maritime Museum has the largest collection of model ships and some fascinating
artifacts. There is also a floating exhibit, the S.A.S. Somerset.
Other items of historical interest are the Time Ball Tower, (which was once used by ships in the bay to set
the time) and the Old Clock Tower, built in 1887. The topmost floor housed the clock mechanism, while
the bottom floor housed the elaborate tide-gauge operated by a float on the water below.
Cape Fur Seals can be viewed by taking the century old Penny Ferry across 'The Cut'.
THE WINELANDS
The fertile green valleys of Cape Town's winelands are surrounded by proud mountain ranges. Towns and
villages have many historic homesteads and monuments, and every so often fruit orchards are to be
seen, whose produce may be found in all corners of the world. It is the Mediterranean climate and winter
rainfall area of the southwestern Cape that produces some of the best wines in the country. The rich,
fertile soils along the Breede River and especially the areas of Somerset West, Stellenbosch, Franschoek
and Paarl, have become world famous for there whites, reds, Sherries, ports and brandies. - END.
Updated 29/08/04
18