9 day South Africa Ivory Trail, Johannesburg, Blyde River Canyon, Kruger National Park, Valley of the Olifants

Day 1 & 2: Johannesburg - Blyde River Canyon, South Africa

Rated by the Getaway's Top 10, as one of the most scenic hiking trails, 10 most popular hiking trails, best kloofing spots, best whitewater rivers and one of the 10 magnificent landscapes in Southern Africa. It’s not just what it is - the third largest gorge in the world, with a depth of 700m.

It's also where it is - on the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment, with views across the sinuous Blyde River and eroded peaks to the plains of the Lowveld. The rewards of this relatively easy trail should encourage even novice hikers to get their boots on.

From endless panorama of God's Window to the dizzying view into the potholes of the Blyde River, there is something breathtaking round every bend. The vegetation is mostly sour grassveld with occasional mist forest and many protea species.

The peculiarly symmetrical hills known as the Three Rondawels, scenic Swadini dam, tumbling waterfalls and pools are other highlights. Birding along the trial is rewarded with several rare sightings on the birder's checklist. You will stay at a guest house for 2 nights on your South Africa safari. Breakfast. Lunch x2. Dinner x2.

Days 3 - 6: Kruger National Park, South Africa

In a continent where man and wild animal had been fighting a war of extermination since prehistoric times, this was man's first offer of the hand of friendship. The Kruger National Park will, with its scenery, plants and animals, as well as its singularly romantic history, always ensure that it has a unique place among the world's wildlife reserves.

Acacia thorn trees dominate the sections visited. These sections have a higher rainfall and more fertile soil than elsewhere in the park. Its sweet tasting grasses offer excellent grazing and support a higher population of animals.

It is the home to great herds of Impala, Zebra and Wildebeest, as well as Buffalo, Giraffe and many other species of game. You will stay in bungalows for 4 nights on this South Africa safari. (Breakfast x4, Lunch x4, Dinner x4)

Day 7 & 8: Tzaneen - Magoebaskloof and Duiwelskloof, South Africa

The Lowveld and escarpment of the Northern Province is known as the Valley of the Olifants. This area includes the northern Drakensberg and the Wolkberg where one of South Africa’s biggest accessible wilderness areas is to be found.

The mountains around Haenertsburg and Magoebaskloof are heavily forested and the largest remaining indigenous forest in the Province forms part of the Woodbush Reserve. Streams, waterfalls and trout-filled dams are features of the mountain area whilst extensive plantings of subtropical fruit, tea and timber are to be found around the towns of Tzaneen and Duiwelskloof.

The thick, red soil of Duiwelskloof (ravine of the devil) becomes a sea of mud during the rainy season - a curse to early transport drivers, who gave the valley its name. But the soil and high summer rainfall are a blessing to a host of plantlife.

Trees cover the sides and floor of the valley. There are dense plantations of eucalyptus, and the air is rich with the fragrance from the sawmills. Papaws, bananas avocados, mangoes and other subtropical fruits grow well, and vast amounts of tomatoes are produced, especially at Mooketsi.

Bougainvillea’s, poinsettias, frangipanis, cassias, acacias, bauhinia creepers, poinciannas, potato trees, jacarandas and many other species of flowering trees and plants make the valley a glorious sight, especially in spring and summer (October to January). You will stay in a hotel for 2 nights on this South Africa safari. Breakfast x2. Lunch x2. Dinner x2. 

Day 9: Johannesburg – Tour Ends

This South Africa safari will come to an end, as all good things come to an end..

Included: