South Africa is truly a world in one country with spectacular unspoilt scenery, world renowned game reserves and national parks.
On this tour school groups will get the unforgettable opportunity to discover Africa's wonderful wildlife up close on the trail of the Big Five - elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard in the world renowned Kruger National Park.
Experience hippo and crocodile at the St Lucia Wetlands Area of Kwazulu - Natal on the Indian Ocean. Explore the British and Zulu battle sites of Islandlwana and Rorke's Drift and see the capital city of Pretoria. A truly varied and memorable adventure.
All of our arrangements are flexible and STS are happy to quote you for any variations you may choose.
Sample Itinerary - 11 DAYS SOUTH AFRICAN EASTERN HIGHLIGHT TOUR
Day 1
London to Johannesburg overnight flight.
Day 2
You will be met at Johannesburg by your tour escort and commence your journey to Hazyview. Stop en route at the Bird of Prey Sanctuary in Dullstrom. Founded in 1997, the aim of the sanctuary is to promote public awareness of Birds of Prey and their plight as an endangered species. The Sanctuary has a breeding programme and rehabilitation area for injured birds. There are also flight displays. Overnight stay Hazyview.
Day 3
Long Tom Pass, Lisbon Falls, God's Window & Blyde River Canyon
The Long Tom Pass gets it name from the Long Tom cannons used during the Anglo-Boer War. This was the route followed by pioneer wagon drivers. Situated on the magnificent Panorama Route in the Mpumalanga Province, Pilgrims Rest is a historic gold mining village. Continue to the Lisbon Falls, plunging 90 metres over a semicircular rock face. God's Window is a popular vantage point along the Drakensberg escarpment situated at the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, (now called Motlatse). The Blyde River Canyon (Motlatse) is the third deepest canyon in the world. See Bourkes Luck Potholes, the river has created unusual potholes through erosion of the limestone. Overnight Hazyview.
Day 4
Kruger National Park
After breakfast transfer to the Kruger National Park. Spend the afternoon game viewing. Kruger is the largest game reserve in South Africa, roughly the same size as Wales. All of the ‘big five’ game animals are found at Kruger, which has more species of mammals than any other African game reserve. Overnight Kruger area.
Day 5
Kruger National Park
Full day Kruger National Park game viewing. Overnight Kruger area.
Day 6
Depart after breakfast for your journey, (7 hours approximately), to the St Lucia Wetlands Area. On the north coast of Kwazulu - Natal, a UNESCO National World Heritage Site. The park encompasses five major ecosystems and it is home to a diversity of wildlife, birds, plants, insects, fish and reptiles. Overnight St Lucia area.
Day 7
Enjoy a boat tour around the lake to gain an insight into the diversity of this unique wetland habitat. The lake is home to hippo, crocodile and 400 species of bird. Spend the afternoon at leisure. St Lucia has a sub-tropical climate and experiences 300 days of sunshine a year. This together with the warm Indian Ocean and wide sandy beaches make it very popular. The area also has the world’s’ highest vegetated sand dunes. Overnight St Lucia area.
Day 8
After breakfast depart for Dundee. Afternoon guided excursion of the Battlefields area. Visit the Battlefield Site of Islandlwana, where the Zulu army defeated a mixed British and native force on 22nd January 1879. The battle remains the greatest British military defeat at the hands of native forces in history. Also visit Rorke’s Drift, a Mission Station in Natal. The defence of Rorke’s Drift immediately followed the British Army’s defeat at the Battle of Islandlwana. 139 British soldiers successfully defended their garrison against 4 - 5 thousand Zulu warriors. Overnight Dundee.
Day 9
After breakfast depart for Pretoria. (Journey approx 6 hours). Pretoria is known for its parks, gardens and jacaranda trees. The city is also studded with historical attractions including the Voortrekker Monument commemorating the Afrikaans pioneers who moved inland from Cape Town. The Union buildings are most impressive and the city has an excellent Zoo. Overnight Pretoria.
Day 10
After breakfast visit the De Wildt Cheetah Rescue Centre. Established in 1971 with the aim of breeding endangered species. Over the years 750 cheetah cubs have been born at De Wildt. The centre also works with many other rare and endangered species including the wild dog and brown hyena, serval and suni antelope. Check in at Johannesburg airport for your overnight flight to London.
South Africa, STS School Trip South Africa
Sample Itinerary - 11 DAYS SOUTH AFRICAN EASTERN HIGHLIGHT TOUR