| Day 1 |
Johannesburg
You are met on arrival at OR Tambo International Airport for transfer to the Balalaika Hotel in the exclusive suburb of Sandton, close to some of the most exclusive shopping centres in Africa. Welcome dinner at Trumps at Sandton Square. |
| Day 2 |
Sterkfontein
To the famous Sterkfontein Valley, site of the discovery of some of the rarest and most exciting human fossils. First worked in 1896 by an Italian gold prospector it was only after 11 years of excavations that Robert Broom discovered a preserved skull in 1947. Identified as Plesianthropus Transvaalensis, who lived there about two million years ago. Expert guide to conduct the tour of the caves |
| Day 3 |
Suikerbos Rand and Willem Pretorius Game Reserve
An expert guide to lead us to a late stone age site last occupied in the 16th century featuring beautiful views of the distant Vaaldam.. The presence of a myriad exotic species of wild and bird life in the 13,000 hectare reserve, adds to the visit. Drive through Vereeniging and Sasolburg to the Willem Pretorius Game Reserve for overnight and dinner at the Aldam Reserve. |
| Day 4 |
Bloemfontein and Marricks Safari Ranch
Enjoy a short game drive in the 12,000 hectare game reserve before driving some 90 minutes south to Bloemfontein, capital of the Free State, and then on to overnight at Marrick's Safari Ranch, near Kimberley. Short game drive and typical South African Boma BBQ dinner included. |
| Day 5 |
Riet River, Kimberley and Witsand
To Riet River for a visit to Driekopseiland to see the historic rock engravings carved by the Khoisan with stone tools on glaciated rocks. Then a short drive to the Nooitgedaght Glacial Pavings/San Rock Art to marvel at the hundred of rock engravings by the early San people, using surfaces smoothed by glacial movement 250 million years ago. Dinner and overnight at the Witsand Nature Reserve, home of the Roaring Sands, an unusual natural phenomenon caused by the sand dunes. |
| Day 6 |
Gatkoppies and Wonder Cave
Early short escorted hike in the reserve. Then visit Gatkoppies, to see evidence of archaeological diggings have revealed evidence of mining activity dating back to 700AD. The Wonder Cave is a highlight of the tour: located in the Kuruman Hills, this 2000sq metres cave is one of the longest inhabited caves in the world. It unlocks the mysteries of our forebears and gives an insight to our pre-history. In Kimberley we will visit the McGregor Museum where many of the caves` findings are on display. Overnight and dinner at the three star El Dorado Hotel. |
| Day 7 |
Kimberley and Cape Town
A three hour journey to Kimberley to visit the McGregor Museum. Then a breathtaking visit to the Big Hole, the centre of the early diamond industry and the biggest man made hole in the world at that time. After lunch at Big Hole, it's time to transfer to the airport for the flight to Cape Town. Met on arrival and transferred to the midtown Holiday Inn. Rest of the evening free to relax. |
| Day 8 |
Saldanha and Tulbagh
Enjoy a morning leisure in the beautiful Mother City before a drive north to the West Coast Fossil Park near Saldanha. The many thousands of bones from the site, indicating an immense biodiversity, have attracted world wide attention including examples of such extinct species as the first bear south of the Sahara, lion-sized sabre-tooth cats, short necked giraffes, three-toed horses, two species of elephant and a huge ostrich. Then by coach east through the southernmost parts of the world's greatest flower show. In August the desert becomes a carpet of flowers stretching for nearly a thousand kilometres. Surrounded by mountains and stunning vineyards, we overnight and have dinner at the De Oude Herberg in Tulbagh, recently named the leading historical lodgings in the country. |
| Day 9 |
Swellendam, Still Bay and Mossel Bay
The journey passes through spectacular mountains and then on to Route 62, the longest wine route in the world. We have a stop at Swellendam, the third oldest town in the country, through the wheat belt to Still Bay on the sea. Here you visit a cave near the ocean with remains of life dating back over 70 000 years and see the fish middens used to trap fish many thousands of years ago. Lunch at Melkhoutfontein provides the opportunity to meet the descendants of these ancient fishing folk. Last night dinner at Mossel Bay. |
| Day 10 |
George
Morning at leisure for walks along the ocean and last minute shopping. Early afternoon transfer to George Airport 40 km away for our flight to Johannesburg and connecting flight home. |
| Full details of this itinerary can be obtained by emailing info@travelsmartsouthafrica.co.za |
