Best of Mpumalanga Tour
"Land of the Rising Sun"
5 days
Day 1: Pilgrim's Rest
 Meet your Talana Tours guide at Johannesburg International Airport and
soon the hustle and bustle of the Johannesburg metropolis is left far behind as we
exchange buildings and traffic for rolling grasslands and farms en route to Mpumalanga. This was historically
part of one of the largest grassland ecosystems in the world and is still very productive
for cattle and crop farming. We pass through the heart of South Africa's trout land on the
highest national road in the country and soon the rolling grasslands change as the
escarpment signals the change to the verdant bush and wildlife of the Mpumalanga lowveld.
Nestled in the mountains is the historic
village of Pilgrim's Rest where we will overnight and use as a base to explore the region.
This village has a colourful and exciting history from the time when gold was first
discovered in its streams. We will hear the stories of its people and see how they lived
while trying to make it big!
Overnight: Royal Hotel Pilgrims Rest
Meals: D
Day 2: Hazyview
Leaving the village, we wind our way along the Mpumalanga escarpment stopping to catch
spectacular views over the escarpment with names such as 'God's Window'. The geological
splendours of the Bourke's Luck Potholes at Blyde River Canyon with its tumbling waters
are also a stopping point. The route will take us down spectacular mountain passes to the
town of Hazyview surrounded by banana, avocado and mango plantations. Here we will enter
the world of the Shangaan people, learning more about the culture and history through
colourful dance and singing.
Overnight: Hippo Hollow
Meals: B & D
Day 3 & 4: Kruger National Park
 At the turn of the century, the area around Hazyview towards
Mozambique was riddled with malaria and tsetse flies. This didn't deter hunters from
decimating the game to the point where there was very little wildlife left. Far-sighted
men of influence formed a wildlife sanctuary that became the Kruger National Park where
Africa's big game was free to flourish and proliferate to the point where there is now a
larger number and diversity of animals than 100 years ago. The Kruger National Park is now
a huge internationally known National Park with large numbers of wildlife in a pristine
home. Thrill to the sounds and sights that have mesmerised people for decades in this
wonderful kaleidoscope of antelope, elephant, lions, buffalo and all the animals that you
have come to associate with Africa.
Wildlife safaris are an adventure with a new
sighting around each corner. Thrill to the sight of elusive nocturnal species in the light
of a powerful spotlight as we join ranger on a night drive or just relax around the embers
of a fire listening to the sounds of Africa. This is a wildlife enthusiast's paradise with
all the elements of the magical bushveld!
Overnight: Kruger National Park Camp
Meals: B & D
Day 5: Return to JHB
Another early morning safari for perhaps a last glimpse of lion or elephant and then
we return to our thatched chalets to pack and slowly wind our way back to the civilisation
of Johannesburg with memories that will last for a lifetime.
Meals: B
MPUMALANGA TOUR INCLUDES:
Accommodation
Transport in Air-conditioned vehicle
Refreshments provided in the vehicle
Meals as per itinerary
Entrance fees
Activities as per itinerary
EXCLUDES:
All flights
Drinks not provided
Additional / optional activities
Meals not specified
Tips, gratuities and porterage
Items of a personal nature incl. Laundry, telephone and curios
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE AT DIRECT
COST:
Kruger Park Night Drives: An ideal opportunity to experience the nocturnal life of
the African bush.
Open safari vehicle drives: Game viewing from an open safari vehicle is for many
people the ultimate way of enjoying the park.
Hot Air Balloon Trip: Enjoy the sunrise over the African Bush from a Hot Air
Balloon, your first experience of the vastness of the African Bushveld will certainly be
one that you will remember.
Price:
ZA R 6,990.00. Valid until Oct 2005 |
