Classic Africa Itinerary
Classic Africa Itinerary
Feb 27th to March 11th 2014
For a map of the route click here
Day 1 Thu 27th Feb - Leave the UK for an overnight flight to Durban.
Day 2 Fri 28th Feb
We’re staying just north of Durban outside the town in a hotel right on the coast with its own private beach.
Day 3 Sat 1st March Durban to Dundee 200 Miles of which 30 is dirt.
We start with a gentle introduction heading north from Durban on flat tarmac roads before a small section of dirt and a
lunch/coffee stop. Later in the afternoon we reach the Zulu battlefield sites. We’re going to take a tour of both
Isandlwana and Rourke’s Drift with the services of a professional guide. We spend the night in an isolated resort just
outside Dundee.
Day 4 Sun 2nd March - Dundee to Clarens 210 Miles No Dirt.
After an easy drive you may decide to call in to Ladysmith – a significant location in the Anglo Boer war. In the early
afternoon we’re calling into see where Churchill was captured after his train was derailed. Mid afternoon you’ll get an
amazing view of the Drakensburg mountains as we travel several miles along their edge before entering the Golden Gate
Highlands National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty. By the end of the day you’ll hopefully have spotted at
least one wild Springbok, the national emblem of SA. We spend the night in Clarens, a lively touristy spot and you’ll be
free to spend the evening wandering before finding a suitable restaurant of your choice for dinner.
Day 5 Mon 3rd March - Clarens to Katse Dam 129 Miles No Dirt
We leave Clarens and it’s not long before we cross the border into Lesotho, a separate landlocked country surrounded by SA.
Known as the mountain kingdom it’s one of the few countries on earth which is situated almost entirely above 3000ft.
Allowing at least half an hour for the formalities, as soon as you cross the border it’s evident you are in a different
country. In the afternoon we enter the area of the Highlands Water Project before eventulally reaching Katse Dam. Whether
you’re interested in engineering or not, it is difficult not to be impressed by the sheer magnitude of Katse.
Day 6 Tue 4th March - Katse to Malealea 177 Miles 55 Dirt.
Today we cross from one side of Lesotho to the other and it’s a beautiful drive. We cross 6 mountain passes – in
order-
Mokhaobong Pass,
Pass of the Jackals,
Cheche Pass,
Blue Mountain Pass,
God Help Me Pass (No, this really is its name),
Bushmans Pass.
Enough said. At the end of the day we reach Malealea – rustic, friendly and delightful.
Day 7 Wed 5th March - Malealea to Wartrail 140 Miles 110 Dirt.
Leaving Malealea we head for Wartrail almost entirely on dirt. Mid afternnon we’ll cross back into SA.It’s a long day
and you’ll no doubt be tired when we pull into Wartrail. We’re staying in Small B&B’s where you’ll be
dinner will be cooked by your host family.
Day 8 Thu 6th March - Wartrail to Kob Inn 225 Miles 88 Dirt.
Hopefully we’ll get away early for a stunning drive over SA’s highest mountain pass, Naude’s Nek. It’s a fabulous
drive, full of snaking hairpins and 100km views. We’ve just got to keep our fingers crossed for a clear day. We then cross
the Transkei, passing the birth place of Nelson Mandela, before heading down to the Wild Coast and a lovely overnight
location at Kob Inn.
Day 9 Fri 7th March - Kob Inn to Katberg 235 Miles 120 Dirt.
We head back inland towards a lovely liesurely lunch stop at the old (disused) railway station at Thomas River. From there
its and easy drive to the beautifully located Katberg Hotel where Prince William stayed on a recent trip to SA.
Day 10 Sat 8th March - Katberg to Port Alfred 126 Miles 25 Dirt.
A really easy day heading back down to the coast with a chance to take a dip in the sea from a blue flag beach. Port Alfred
is a classy little town with beautiful properties hugging the sides of man made sea water inlets. Before dinner there will be
the opportunity to take a gentle cruise along the inlets.
Day 11 Sun 9th March - Port Alfred to Addo 98 Miles 6 Dirt.
No trip to Africa would be complete without taking in some big game spotting. We’re going to be visiting three different
game parks. After lunching in one we will overnight in the world famous Addo Elephant Park.
Day 12 Mon 10th March - Addo to Port Elizabeth 50 miles no dirt.
Our final day’s drive is only 50 miles allowing you a late start and as much time as you want in the Elephant park. You are
almost guaranteed to spot elephants and you are likely to see several other wild species. Arriving in Port Elizabeth at
lunctime, there will be time to head for the beach in the afternnon before heading off in the evening for a South African
farewell party.
Day 13 Tue 11th March - Depart for UK.
Total 1600 Miles of which 434 is dirt.
Created on Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 and was last updated on Thursday, October 25th, 2012