16 Day Slackpacking Adventure in South Africa

16 Day Slackpacking Adventure in South Africa

January–December 2022: ZAR 39 990,00 per person sharing x 2 adults
Minimum of 4 hikers

Experience South Africa’s great outdoors on foot. This slackpacking itinerary showcases some of South Africa’s best walking areas and includes the Oystercatcher Trail near Mossel Bay, the Drakensberg Giant’s Castle Trail and the Olifants River Wilderness Trail in the Kruger National Park. For those who love the freedom of the trail paired with a small day pack and excellent accommodation at the end of the day.

Itinerary
Day 1
On arrival at the Port Elizabeth Airport, South Africa (early in the morning), you will make your way to the Avis desk, where you will collect your rented vehicle.

From here you will drive the scenic Garden Route to the small seaside village of Boggoms Bay near Mossel Bay where you will enjoy dinner and a good night’s sleep before your Oystercatcher Trail hike.

Day 2 to 4
Meet your professional guide and start the world renown Oystercatcher Trail hike. This hike was one of the first to introduce the concept of slackpacking and has been named as one of the top 50 hiking trails in the world. The largely undeveloped coastline introduces walkers to the beautiful flora known as fynbos. Important archaeological sites are also found along the way. Whale and dolphin sightings are common, and birdlife is prolific. Accommodation along the way is chosen according to group size.

Day 5
After breakfast drive to Hermanus where you will spend a night at the historic Windsor Hotel which overlooks the cliffs of the magnificent whale watching environment of Walker Bay. Take a stroll along the clifftops and, in season, spot southern right and humpback whales breaching and calving.

Day 6
After breakfast, a scenic drive, with Table Mountain dominating the horizon, will take you to Cape Town International Airport where you will return your rental car and board your flight to Durban.

After collecting your rental car on arrival you’ll head inland and slowly climb endless foothills until reaching the Drakensberg Mountains where you can admire the beautiful surroundings in the company of the hospitable team at Antbear Lodge and relax before your trail starts the next day..

Day 7 & 8
Hike Drakensberg’s iconic Giants Castle, one of the most beautiful areas of the Drakensberg with rich floral diversity and incredible views. Your second night is at Leopards Lair Lodge which offers an authentic agri-tourism experience in a lovely family atmosphere where you can meet their whole farmyard menagerie. The third night is at the luxury 5-star private safari Lodge in the Zulu Waters Game Reserve. Complete with your own private chef.

Day 9
After breakfast, you will head back to Antbear Lodge for another cosy night on a bed and breakfast basis at this gem in the mountains. Here you will have some time to explore on your own.

Day 10
Today you will have a magnificent drive to the lovely little village of Dullstroom in the Mpumalangs Highlands where you will enjoy a night and a delicious breakfast at the charming Critchley Hackle Lodge.

Day 11
Finally it’s time to head to one of South Africa’s most beloved destinations- Kruger National Park. With a few short detours you can stop and see some of the highlights on the Panorama Route like Bourkes Luck Potholes and God’s Window. Your accommodation is at Kruger National Park’s Olifants Rest Camp with wonderful views of the Olifants River below it. This is a self-catering evening.

Day 12 to 14
Accompanied by knowledgeable rangers you’ll hike the Olifants River Wilderness Trail. This is your chance to truly immerse yourself into the wilds of Africa. You’ll walk early in the morning and for a short stint in the afternoon…midday is for siesta or just quietly watching the bushveld and wildlife spotting-hippos and crocs but also an astounding array of birds. Accommodation is rustic but comfortable- in huts- and meals are prepared for you.

Day 15
Today you will finish your hike and head back to relative civilisation spending another night at Olifants Rest Camp on a self-catering basis.

Day 16
Today you will drive to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg where you will return your rental car and either head home or continue your African adventure on your own arrangements.