Walking Tour In South Africa & Lesotho With Western Cape Discovery

From Johannesburg we head immediately south to Moolmanshoek in Eastern Free State.

Overnight Guesthouse (H++) Included meals: Dinner

Situated in the district of Ficksburg within viewing distance of Visierskerf (2407m), the third highest mountain range in South Africa, Moolmanshoek Reserve comprises more than 3,000 hectares of the breathtaking Moolmanshoek valley and is home to a variety of plains game that include springbuck, black wildebeest, blesbuck, zebra, ostrich and many other that are historically indigenous to the area. Our highlight this morning is a close encounter with wild but habituated meerkats, part of a project aimed at research and conservation. During our time with them we’ll learn more about the intricacies of their social system and interaction with their surroundings. This afternoon we head south into the fertile heart of South Africa and enter the Free State. It is one of nine provinces of South Africa and is considered the “granary of the country”. It has been likened to an immense rolling plain as far as the eye can see. It is a place of extraordinary cultural and natural diversity. This diversity is reflected in place names and building styles from grand sandstone buildings of a bygone era to beautifully decorated Sotho houses. The areas of the Free State that we travel through range from the heavily cultivated north to the highlands of the east. It is in the east that we enter the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. Lesotho is a country where all of it lies above 1000m making for, arguably, some of the best trekking on the African continent. As we ascend further into the mountains, we drive through vast rolling grasslands, unbroken by fences and scattered with livestock and tiny Basotho settlements. After ascending a rough track, we finally reach our first rustic mountain base at Malealea (1970m), nestled in the aptly named “Valley of Paradise” in the foothills of the Thaba-Putsoa range where the air is clean and pure.

Overnight Traditional hut (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From our mountain base, several circuits are possible, varying in levels of intensity, difficulty and duration (if staying at Malealea). A pony can be booked upon arrival at Malealea if you decide to ride the route as an alternative to walking. We are escorted by a Basotho guide and our ponies carry our luggage as we plan to make a 2-day round trek to Ribaneng and its waterfall through a remote and beautiful area of Lesotho, walking approx. 45km in total. During our trek it’s not unusual to meet a Basotho horseman, clad in a kobo, his traditional cloak or blanket, who’ll raise his hand in the traditional greeting of ‘Khotso’ which means peace. At nightstops we stay in typical thatched Basotho huts, built from the local stone or clay and mud. At our stays here, we sleep on the mattresses as the villagers do. Our village stays provide an excellent opportunity to meet, interact and learn more about these largely rural mountain people. Approx. 7-8 hours walking.

Overnight Traditional hut (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We continue our 2 day round trek to Ribaneng and it's waterfall through remote and beautiful area of Lesotho. We return to Malealea lodge for our last night in the region and have the chance to watch a local childrens Basotho choir. They have a band that uses home made instruments and they perform some traditional dancing and singing. Approx. 7-8 hours walking each day. 

Overnight Traditional hut (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s spectacular drive takes us through the mountains of Lesotho, the views en route are simply breathtaking and excellent for photography. We check-in to Sani Top Chalet located on the very edge of the Drakensberg Escarpment where the views of the surrounding landscape are beautiful. Before the Sani Pass from South Africa was built, the bridle path was the only means of trade between South Africa and the interior of Lesotho. It was only on 26 October 1948 that Geoffrey Edmunds, an ex-RAF Spitfire pilot and adventurer, and a labour gang and their ponies, pulleys, plenty of rope and many jerry cans of petrol later, drove to the top of the pass for the first time! Our nightstop here is home to the highest licensed pub in Southern Africa at 2874m and with its unique setting and colourful history, it has an atmosphere all of its own! The location and the unique atmosphere of the chalet alone, make this nightstop a truly unforgettable experience. It is from here that we make base for walking in the area.

Overnight Trekking Lodge (H) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

At 3482m,Thabana Ntlenyana is the highest peak in Africa south of Kilimanjaro. If you feel up to the challenge, you can join our local Basotho mountain guides on the strenuous day-long attempt of the summit. Making an early start, the route will take you across hills and moorland. It is approximately 12km in each direction from Sani Top Chalet and all above 3000m. Approx. 8-10 hours walking. Other easier hikes are possible in this scenic heart of the Drakensbergs, including a hike to the very beautiful Hodgson’s Peak (3257m) or Phinong.

Overnight Trekking Lodge (H) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we head to the Indian ocean. This stretch of South Africa’s eastern coastline is known as the Wild Coast, one of the country’s most unspoilt areas with undulating hills, lush forest and spectacular beaches. We reach the small settlement of Coffee Bay perched high on dramatic cliffs dropping to sandy beaches speckled with black pebbles.

Overnight Basic Hotel (H) Included meals: Breakfast

We spend two days trekking the coastline south, passing by a wealth of scenery from lakes and lagoons to beaches and forest. Our first stop is at basic village huts at Bulungula and there should be time to meet the locals and see the fishermen bringing in their catch.  Approx. 7 hours walking.

Overnight Hut (H) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Continuing south we cross the Xora river and head inland through Cwebe Nature Reserve and Mbashe river. The reserve contains a dense subtropical forest brimming with flora and fauna as well as sections of grassland and a long stretch of wonderful dune-filled shore lying in the shadow of Mbashe lighthouse. Our final destination is our coastal hotel the Haven, its grounds regularly grazed by zebra and wildebeest. Approx. 7 hours walking.

Overnight Basic Hotel (H) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Drive to East London; Fly to Cape Town.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Arrive Cape Town and check-in to our hotel. Cape Town embodies the feeling of energy and hope that South Africans feel for the future of their country with its spectacular natural assets, modern high-tech city centre and mixed population living peaceably together and at the same time retaining their own customs. Cape fur seals can often be seen playfully frolicking in the harbour waters of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

We spend the whole day enjoying a comprehensive sightseeing tour of the many points of interest on the Cape Peninsula. We drive to Hout Bay, an attractive fishing port once flanked by dense forest with a dramatic backgroup. Here you can take a short optional boat trip out to Seal Island. The island is home to about 1000 Cape fur seals and is guarded by the impressive ‘Sentinel’; a towering mountain that guards the harbour. One of the highlights today is a visit to the Cape of Good Hope, first seen by a European in 1488 when Diaz sailed round it on his search for a sea route to the East Indies. A century later Sir Francis Drake described it as ‘the fairest cape we saw in the whole circumference of the earth’. But it was another century before the Dutch East Indies Trading Company established a permanent settlement to supply ships with cattle and water traded from the indigenous Khoi who reared livestock on the land around the coast. We climb up to a viewpoint and watch the reputed turbulent clash of the warm Agulhas current from the Indian Ocean meeting the cold Benguela current from the Atlantic. If you’re feeling active, a short trail leads down to Cape Point. Boulders beach is worth a stop to see an amazing resident African penguin colony, one of the only places in the world where this sea bird resides! Then, passing perfect sandy beaches we return to Cape Town city.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

This morning we plan to ascend Table Mountain. You may choose to take a 3-4 hour hiking trail up to the top accompanied by your Tour Leader (if the weather is clear). Alternatively, an aerial cableway runs frequently to and from the summit. This is our first encounter with some of the unique and colourful flowers from the Cape Floral Kingdom. This plant kingdom has more indigenous plant species per square metre than anywhere else on earth! Views from the top are simply stunning. A network of trails criss-cross the plateau that provide a variety of vantage points. Later in the day we’ll head out of Cape Town to stay on a guest farm in the Stellenbosch region. The Stellenbosch region produces some of the finest ‘New World Wines’. Wines that have been honed over several centuries by the Afrikaans wine growers, so we’ll make sure we sample some of the latest vintages!

Overnight Guest farm (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

To the north and east of Cape Town are the Cape Winelands, whose rugged mountains, rise sheer from rolling green valleys, neatly planted with vineyards and dotted with white washed manor houses. This is an image more reminiscent of a central European fairy tale than ‘Darkest Africa’! Stellenbosch is one of the most beautiful and heritage-rich towns in southern Africa. Entering the town via historic Dorp Street is akin to stepping into the pages of a history book. A settlement was first established here in 1679 following the discovery of a river running through a fertile, green valley by Simon van der Stel, then Governor of the Cape. There is an opportunity to stroll through this historic town and take in the distinct architecture that reflects South Africa’s rich and diverse history. You can choose to explore on your own following selfguided trails or take an optional guided tour. If you are feeling energetic, you may like to take a walk on the Helderberg Mountains just behind Stellenbosch.

Overnight Guest farm (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

We start early on our scenic journey into the Little Karoo as there are several points of interest worth visiting en route. Located in the heart of the verdant Breede River Valley (the largest of the Western Cape’s fruit and wine producing valleys), Worcester is home to the Karoo National Botanical Garden – a haven for rare or endangered plants. A short walk around the centre of town allows a glimpse of the fine Victorian town buildings. We continue our drive through the stark and arid landscapes of the Little Karoo heading east through Barrydale & Ladismith. Finally, we reach our accommodation close to Oudtshoorn in the traditional centre of South Africa’s ostrich farming industry.

Overnight Lodge (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

We head off early this morning to experience the stunning variety of landscapes of this region and start off by exploring the massive limestone caverns of the Cango Caves where guided tours of varying durations run regularly throughout the day (optional). The caves are an underground wonderland of extraordinary structures millions of years old. The combination of dripping rainwater and limestone has led to the creation of some of nature’s most breathtaking natural structures. A local European farmer, by the name of van Zyl, first discovered the caves late in the 18th century. Although, in times past, the local Khoisan sheltered in the cave complex’s entrance but they never ventured any further into the cave complex. When van Zyl, with a single candle, entered the cave complex and its first massive chamber and spoke, he realised from his muffled voice that there was something far bigger and grander than his candle light could show. Ever since then the caves have been enjoyed and explored by professionals and amateurs alike.

Overnight Lodge (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

After leaving Oudtshoorn we travel over the protea-covered on the dramatic Outeniqua pass through the Outeniqua Mountains. These mountains form a very formidable barrier between the dry interior and the lush coastal strip known as the ‘Garden Route’. Knysna was originally a harbour, forestry and mining centre. The setting will give you a real appreciation of how skillful maritime captains of old were to pilot their vessels in, and out of the lagoon. Knysna’s lagoon is the foundation of the town’s wealth. It was here that ships could shelter and victual and valuable raw material like wood could be transported to other centres of industry. It was also home to the reputed illegitimate son of King George III, George Rex. He is considered the main driving force in establishing Knysna as a commercial town. Today it is noteworthy as an artists’ retreat and adventure activity base and has twice been voted South Africa’s favourite town. Later today it may also be possible to take an easy walk on the magnificent Robberg Peninsula. Named after the seal colony found there by Dutch sailors. From here the views of the coastline are fantastic and it is easy to understand why our early ancestors used this peninsula as a home. From the peninsula have a really good chance of seeing seals, dolphins and the Southern Right Whale. During June to late November, the whales come into calmer and warmer waters to calve and nurse their young.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

No visit to the Garden Route would be complete without a visit to the magnificent Tsitsikamma National Park. Tsitsikamma is a marine and forest park, stretching for some 80 km, from a lagoon at Nature’s Valley to the mouth of the Groot River. The lush forest and the sheer cliffs provide an ideal setting for a short walk in the forests to the suspension bridge that spans the mouth of Storm’s River. The rugged coastline with crashing waves and the forest covered cliffs are simply spellbinding. While you are here, you must definitely sample the excellent local seafood available in the area! You will leave the Garden Route promising yourself you will someday come back!

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

This morning we have an early start to drive to Botelierskop Private Game Reserve to take a 3 hour game drive. You will be accompanied by a local guide in your open 4x4 safari vehicle in the 3000ha reserve to view African wildlife in its natural habitat. There are around 1800 animals in the reserve including rhino, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, eland, bontebok and black impala. There are also orphaned elephants and in the lion sanctuary a small number of orphaned lions. Following the game drive we will continue to follow the garden route to the farming region of Swellandam, a lovely old town with numerous Cape Dutch buildings, interesting museums and art galleries. Later this afternoon you may choose to visit a local township, considered to be one of thehighlights of this tour.

Overnight Guest House (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

On our penultimate day we follow the acclaimed ‘Whale Route’ along the dramatic south coast to Cape Town. Our first stop is wild and dramatic Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point in Africa. It is also the point where the Atlantic Ocean officially meets the Indian Ocean. We then drive on to the small seaside resort of Hermanus that is regarded as one of the premier spots for whale-watching in Africa, if not the world! Every year, between June and December, Southern Right whales spend a few months every year in the Cape, mating and calving. Hermanus is one of the best places to see them as they come very close inshore and the cliff top coastal walk offers many convenient viewing points.The calving and mating is a spectacle not to be missed! Hermanus is the only place in the world to informed of the whereabouts of the whales by blowing his kelp horn. The whale crier is as much a part of the whale watching as the whales are. Finally, we return to Cape Town via Betty’s Bay and Gordon’s Bay coast affording spectacular views across both Walker Bay and False Bay. Note: Final timings of today’s itinerary are flexible and depend on seasonality and the likelihood of spotting whales. Out of whale season we may arrive in Cape Town earlier in the day.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Most of today is left free for personal exploration before the flight to London this evening. You may choose to visit the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. The gardens lie on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain and consist of landscaped gardens of indigenous plants and trees. The gardens are a living display of floral beauty and features 4700 of the estimated 20000 species of indigenous South African flora, and close to 50 per cent of the Peninsula’s floral wealth! You may opt to take a boat trip to visit Robben Island, if you haven’t already visited on Day 1. It has had a dark history serving as a prison. It is here that Nelson Mandela served most of his prison sentence under the South African government. It is now a worthy and powerful symbol of the optimism and hope for the future of South Africa. If this all sounds far too strenuous, you could just soak up the vibrant and colourful atmosphere at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and just wander or do some last minute shopping! You may want to take a short city tour with your tour leader.

Included meals: Breakfast