SELF DRIVE DAY TOURS

PROVINCE: WESTERN CAPE
CAPE TOWN
15. Cape of Good Hope(about 180 km) From Cape Town - (N6) - Seapoint - Houtbay - (N65) - Kommetjie - Cape Point - (N4) - Simonstown - Muizenberg - (N3) - Constantia - (N41) - (N63) - Kirstenbosch - (M3) - Cape Town.
This tour is probably the most impressive of all in South Africa.You must take a boat trip to Hout Bay to see the seals, after which you can lunch on fresh fish at Hout Bay’s Fisherman’s Wharf , Seaforth or Kalkbay.
This trip leads along one of the world’s most beautiful routes towards Cape Point via Chapman’s Peak. Every time anyone visits the Cape of Good Hope he/she is always flabbergasted: you can easily imagine how the seafarers of earlier years must have celebrated after discovering this Cape.
In Constantia you find Groot Constantia, the Cape’s oldest wine farm. Don’t miss the pleasure of sitting on the terrace with a glass of good wine. Flower buffs should stop over at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens: over 6 000 different species off the indigenous plants of Southern Africa are grown here.

16. The Wine Routes (about 160 km)From Cape Town - (N2) - (R310) - Stellenbosch - (R310) - Groot Drakenstein - (R45) - Paarl - (N1 ) - Cape Town.
The SATOUR factsheet on Wine & Wine Routes supplies information on day excursions to wine farms in the Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek regions, all of which are situated on this route.
One of the nearby farms should be visited to sample some of South Africa’s precious wines. The choice is difficult as over 2 000 different wines are on offer on the 13 different wine routes.

17. Four Mountain Passes (about 250 km)From Cape Town - (M3) - Muizenburg - (R310) - (N2) - Sir Lowry’s Pass - Grabouw - (R321) - Viljoen’s Pass - (R45) - Franschhoek Pass - Franschhoek - (R310) - Helshoogte Pass - Stellenbosch - (R304) - (N1) - Cape Town.
This route with its breathtaking mountain passes is a little reminiscent of Switzerland. The drive offers an extraordinary blend of mountains, sea, forests and winelands.

18. Saldanha Bay “Langoustines” (about 180 km) From Cape Town - (N14) - Bloubergstrand - (R27) - Churchhaven- Postberg Nature Reserve - Langebaan - Saldanha - Vredenburg - Paternoster - Strompneusbaai - (R399) - Velddrif - Dwarskersbos - (R27) - (N1) - Cape Town.
You get the feeling of entering a different world along this route with its idyllic landscape, even though not far from Cape Town. Lobster and langoustines are part of the daily fare.


19. Oudtshoorn(about 207 km)From George - (R29) - Outeniqwa Pass - (R29) - Oudsthoorn - (R328) - Cango Caves - Rus-en-Vrede Falls - ( R328) - Oudtshoorn Ostrichs Farms - (R328) - Robinson Pass - Eight Bells - (R328) - Mossel Bay - (N2) - Great Brak River - (N2) - George.
Oudsthoorn is the largest city in the little Karoo and is the centre of South Africa’s ostrich farming. There are two ostrich farms in the vicinity, which can teach you all you need to know about ostriches. For the more adventurous, an ostrich ride can be arranged.
The Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn are considered to be the largest caves of their kind in the world. Another highlight is a drive across the Outeniqua Pass.

20. Steam engine drive (George - Knysna) “Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe”- Mondays to Saturdays - duration about three hours. Reservations can be made at any railway station. No steam buff should miss out on this attraction but any tourist will enjoy this trip which goes from George to Knysna, through spectacular countryside.

21. The lakes along the Garden Route (about 220 km)From Knysna (N2) - Bellvedere - Brenton-on-Sea - (N2) - Sedgefield - Swartvlei - Rondevlei - Wilderness - (N2) - George - Barrington - Biby’s Hoek - Milkwood - Rheenendal - Phantom Pass - (N2) - Knysna Heads - Knysna.
You will find many lakes with beautiful beaches and romantic coastlines; ideal places to relax and a paradise for the bird watcher, as over 160 species can be spotted. The Knysna Heads offer breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and the Knysna Lagoon.

22. The Knysna Forests (about 160 km)From Knysna - (N2) - Noetzie - (R339) - Kruisvallei - (R340) - Kransbos - Bietou - (N2) - Plettenberg Bay - (N2) - Kranshoek Picnic Area - (N2) - Garden of Eden - Bracken Hill Falls - (N2) - Knysna.
Knysna is the heart of South Africa’s forestry. Its forests and woods offer opportunities for walks and picnics in natural surroundings.

23. Plettenberg Bay (220 km)From Plettenberg Bay - Piesang Valley Road - Robberg Drive - (N2) - (R102) - Nature’s Valley - Groot Rivier Pass - Bloukrans Pass - Cold Stream - (R102) - Big Tree - Storms River Bridge - Strorms River Pass - Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park - Storms River Mouth - (N2) - Bloukrans Bridge - (N2) - Groot Rivier Bridge - Plettenberg Bay.
Plettenberg Bay is one of the most popular and distinguished resorts in South Africa. It is a real pleasure to drive through the unspoilt forests of this region. A short walking trail leads to the “Big Tree”, a definite must. The Otter Trail, South Africa’s most remarkable hiking route, starts in the Tsitsikamma National Park (a four and a half day trail, which needs to be reserved in advance through the National Parks Board).


PROVINCE: GAUTENG

JOHANNESBURG
1. Vaal Dam(about 250 km) From Johannesburg - (N2) - (N3) - (R 650) - Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve - (R650) - (R549) - Vaal Dam Nature Reserve - (R549) - Heidelberg - (N3) – Johannesburg
The Vaal Dam, which supplies Johannesburg with water, is a mecca for all watersports enthusiasts. Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve is an untouched part of nature, which even the Voortrekkers were enthusiastic about. A walk through this area is an unforgettable experience. The Heidelberg Transport Museum displays vintage steam engines and bicycles. Once a month, an old steam engine travels to Heidelberg.

2. Magaliesberg (about 280 km) From Johannesburg/Pretoria - (N1) - Fourways - (R511) - (R27) - Hartebeespoort Dam - (R511) - Silkaatsnek Nature Reserve - (R513) - (R566) - Wildt - (R566) - Brits - (R512) - (R 27) - Breedtsnek - (R24) - Magaliesburg - (R24) - Johannesburg/Pretoria
The city of Johannesburg is situated in the beautiful surroundings of the Magaliesberg. Ideally suited for hiking, you can visit some small nature reserves or go up to the Magaliesberg summit by cable car. The Hartebees Snake and Animal Park and the De Wild Cheetah Farm are well worth visiting. At the Hartebeespoort Dam, a popular water sport resort, hot air-balloon trips can be organized. Art lovers should take their time in the Magaliesberg area as they will find contempory artists living in these attractive hills and there are many small galleries to attract the visitor along the roadside.

PROVINCE: MPUMALANGA
THE SOUTHERN KRUGER PARK
3. Jock of the Bushveld (about 210 km)From Skukuza - (H1 - 1) - Pretoriuskop - (H2 - 2) - Afsaal - (H2 - 2) - Jock of the Bushveld - (S114) - (S25) - Crocodile Bridge - (H4 - 2) - Lower Sabie
The southern part of the park is the most abundant in animal life. There is a reasonable chance of spotting rhino, cheetah, leopard, elephant and lion.

4. Satara (about 170 km)From Lower Sabie - (S29) - (S68) - (H10) - Tschokwane - (S32) - Orpen Dam - (S35) - (H1 - 3) - Baobab Tree - (H1 - 3) - (H6 ) - Nwanetsi - (S41) - Gudzanidam - (S100) – Satara
Lower Sabie is a small camp along the Sabie River. Large elephant and buffalo herds are often seen here. Along the Lower Sabie road, lion can be spotted. The route from Tschokwane to Nwanetsi is via a beautiful panoramic road.

5. Olifants (about 190 km) From Satara - (H7) - (S39) - Timbavati - (S 39) - (H1 - 5) - Nawamantsi - (H8) - Olifants - (S44) - (S93) - (S46) - (S131) - Letaba - (S47) - (S131) – Letaba
As the name suggests, this is elephant country. Letaba River is renowned for its hippo and crocodile. Many visitors consider Olifants, the nicest camp: high above the Olifants River you enjoy Africa at its purest. On the way to Letaba Camp there is plenty of wildlife to see and towards the north of the Olifants the famous Mopani trees. Their leaves are very nourishing and are particularly popular with elephant and antelope.

6. Blyde River Canyon (about 350 km)From Hazyview -(R536) - Sabie - (R532) - Mac Mac Falls - (R533) - Pilgrim’s Rest - Vaalhoek - Burke’s Luck Potholes - (R532) - Aventura Blydepoort - (R532) - Berlin Falls - (R534) - God’s Window - (R532) - Graskop - (R533) - Kowyns Pass - (R535) - (R40) – Hazyview
A memorable day trip can be spent discovering the wonderful landscape and panoramic views of the northern Drakensberg. From God’s Window you can see all the way to the Kruger Park. Burke’s Luck Potholes which are cylindrical holes eroded into sandstone and the Berlin Falls plummeting 80 m into a deep pool.

7. Long Tom Pass (about 270 km)From Nelspruit - (R40) - (R37) - Sudwala Pass - (R539) - Sudwala Caves - (N4) - Montrose Falls - (R539 ) - (R36) - Lydenburg - (R37) - Long Tom Pass - Sabie - (R537) - (R40) – Nelspruit
This route leads through the fruit and vegetable plantations of the Lowveld right into the heart of South Africa’s Forestry Industry: a touch of the Black Forest - yet still Africa.

PROVINCE: NORTHERN PROVINCE
THE NORTHERN PART OF THE KRUGER PARK
8. Mopane (about 190 km)From Letaba - (HI-6) - (S50) - Shingwedzi - (HI-7) - (S56) - (HI-7) - (S58) - (H13-1) - Punda Maria.
The northern part is home to the Mopani tree, the fruit from which is adored by the elephant.

9. Nyala (about 170 km)From Punda Maria - (H13-2) - (S99) - (S60) - (S61) - (HI-8) - Pafuri - (S63) - (HI-8) - Pafuri Gate.
Boabab tree enthusiasts are well catered for here, such is their preponderance in this area . The rare Nyala antelope is also found here.

10. Warmbaths (about 270 km)From Pretoria - (R101) - Hammanskraal - (R101) - Warmbath (Mineral spring) - Mabula Game Lodge - Game drives - (R101) - Nylstroom - (R33) - (N1) - Pretoria. (Accommodation available in Mabula or Warmbath-Aventura).
Should you wish to drive through the bush or bathe in a hot spring, then this is the right tour for you! If you would like to stay overnight, remember to book accommodation in advance.

11. Hans Merensky Nature Reserve (about 180 km)From Tzaneen - (R36) - Gravelotte - (R71) - Maluti - Letaba River - Hans Merensky Nature Reserve - (R529) - (R71) - Tzaneen.
The animal and bird paradise of the Hans Merensky Nature Reserve is a real experience.This incredible area, again dominated by the Mopane tree, is best done on foot. Well worth seeing is the Tsonga Open Air Museum and the Hot Springs. Accommodation is available in rondavels.

12. Zykaden (about 180 km)From Tzaneen - (R36) - (R71) - Magoebaskloof Dam - Debengeni Falls - Houtbosdorp - Olyfberg - Mooketsi - (R36) - Witkrans - Meding - Modjadji Nature Reserve - Meding - Fanie Botha Dam/Nature Reserve - Tzaneen.
Tzaneen lies as if in a basket, surrounded by spectacular mountains. Forests, similar to the Black Forest in Germany and tea plantations as in India, are features of this wonderful area. Ferns and many indigenous plants and grasses grow in Modjadji Nature Reserve, named after the rain goddess.

13. Vendaland (about 170 km)From Louis Trichardt - (N1) - H. F. Verwoerd Tunnel - Wyllie’s Port - Dzata Ruins - Mphephu Hot Springs - Vondo Dam - Sibasa - Thohoyandou - Palmaryville - (R524) - Louis Trichardt
Vendaland is a little jewel within Southern Africa. This former national state located in the northeast of the country near the Kruger Park, is certainly worth a visit. The friendly Venda, the characteristic Baobab trees and beautiful landscape add to the magical atmosphere of indigenous Africa, seldom found today. Legends and myths have developed amongst the woods and lakes. Chiefs and witch-doctors still make an impact today.

PROVINCE: NORTH WEST
14. Sun City (about 320 km)From Johannesburg - (R24) - Magaliesburg - (R24) - Rustenburg - (R510) - Sun City - (R510) - (R27) - Hartebeespoort Dam - (R27) - (R511) - Johannesburg.
Sun City is a gigantic entertainment and hotel complex featuring casinos, revue shows and excellent sporting facilities, especially golf. You must visit the nearby Pilanesberg Game Reserve. Similar to the Ngorongoro Park, the Reserve is situated within a volcanic crater. Various species of antelope and over 200 white rhino are found here.


PROVINCE: EASTERN CAPE
PORT ELIZABETH
24. Cape St. Francis (about 180 km)Port Elizabeth - (N2) - (R102) - Van Staaden’s Wild Flower Reserve - (R331) - Hankey - (R330) - Humansdorp - (R300) -Cape St. Francis - Jeffrey’s Bay - (N2) - (R102) - Van Staadens River Mouth - Seaview - Skoenmakerskop - Cape Recife - Port Elizabeth.
Cape St. Francis and Jeffrey’s Bay are two of South Africa’s most beautiful beaches and ideal for surfing and fishing. Shell collectors can find very nice natural shells in Jeffrey’s Bay.

25. Addo Elephant Park (about 320 km)Port Elizabeth - (N2) - Green Bushes - Seaview Game Park - (R102) - Rocklands - (R334) - De Mist - (R75) - Kirkwood - (R336) - Hermitage - (R335) - Addo Elephant National Park - (R335) -Addo - (R335) - St. George’s Strand - Port Elizabeth.
The Addo Elephant Park is today the last resort for some 200 Addo elephants. They differ from other elephants because of their reddish colour and are smaller in size than the African elephant. For wild-life safaris in this region the Shamwari Dam Reserve should be visited. Its luxury Lodge offers comfort, as well as different species of game, from white rhino to elephant.

26. Grahamstown 1820 Settlers (about 340 km)Port Elizabeth - (N2) - Amsterdamhoek - (N2) - Grahamstown - (R67) - Port Alfred - (R72) - Kenton-on-Sea - Alexandria - (N2) - Port Elizabeth.
This historic route with its University City of Grahamstown, featuring over 40 churches and Georgian buildings, add to the highlights of this tour. Port Alfred is also a neat little harbour town: the fishermen returning in the evenings with their catch create a lively maritime atmosphere. The Kowie Canoe Trail leads through the Kowie Nature Reserve.

27. Graaff Reinet, Valley of Desolation & Mountain Zebra Park (3 days, about 650 km)Port Elizabeth - (R75) - Wolwefontein - (R75) - Jansenville - (R75) - Graaff Reinet - (R57) - Bethesdaweg - (R61) - Mountain Zebra National Park - (R32) - Cradock - (R337) - (R63) - Somerset East - (R63) - Cookhouse - (R32) - Paterson - (R342) - (R335) - Addo Elephant Park - (R335) - Port Elizabeth.
Graaff Reinet, a little town in the Cape-Dutch style, has kept its original, authentic character. The Mountain Zebra Park was founded in 1937 to protect the endangered mountain zebra. (For further highlights: see previous tour descriptions).

EAST LONDON
28. German towns and the Black Forest (Hogsback) (about 350 km)Depart from East London - (N2) - King William’s Town - (R63) - Alice/Fort Hare - (R345) - Hogsback Pass - (R345) - Cathcart - (R30) - Stutterheim - (R352) - Sandile Dam - (R348) - Beacon Bay - (N2) - East London.
Upon hearing names like Potsdam, Berlin, Braunschweig and Stutterheim, Germans feel at home. However, these locations are not comparable to those in Germany: Berlin and Potsdam are small villages, with only a few houses.
The Black Forest near Hogsback is located at the foot of the three Hogsback Peaks, and is a very popular holiday resort.
Nelson Mandela and other South African politicians studied in the University of Fort Hare. Towards the end of the “War of the Axe” (one of numerous border wars in the eastern Cape, which took place during 1847) a fort, which is located above the city of Alice, was built. Also on the premises of the University is the FS Malan Museum, which exhibits traditional costumes, magical amulets, medical utensils and modern black art. Stutterheim is a small traditional city surrounded by mountains, forests and waterfalls.

29. Romantic Coast (about 210 km)Depart from East London - (N2) - Mooiplaas - (R349) - Morgans Bay/Kei Mouth - (R349) - Ouko - Haga Haga - (N2) - Zefane Mouth - Cintsa Mouth - (R102) - Gonubie Mouth - (N2) - East London.
Endless sandy beaches and quiet lagoons invite you to relax and or participate in water sports.With a little luck, you may find rare shells on these pristine beaches. At Kei Mouth you can join one of the greatest hiking trails in the world: the Wild Coast Hiking Trail leads 280 km along the South African coast, through rugged wilderness giving spectacular views.

30. Coastal roads of the 1820 Settlers (about 235 km)
Depart from East London - Main Drive(R72) - Kidds Beach - Hamburg - Mpekweni - Fish River Sun - Port Alfred - Kenton-on-Sea - Alexandria - (N2) - Port Elizabeth.
This route leads along immaculate, empty beaches, rugged coasts, lagoons and river mouths. To get to the Fish River Sun Hotel, which features a golf course, or to Mpekweni, another Sun Hotel, you need to drive via Kidds Beach, through the former homeland of Ciskei.
Port Alfred, located at the Kowie River, has a Museum, which depicts the life of the 1820 British Settlers. Kenton-on-Sea is a holiday resort, offering a great variety of water sports. The route to Port Elizabeth passes through pineapple and chicory fields.

31. Mountain Zebra National Park (about 600 km)From East London - (N2) - Bisho - (R63) - Fort Beaufort - Bedford - (R32) - Cradock - (R61) - Mountain Zebra National Park - East London.
The drive via Bisho offers spectacular views of the Amatola Mountains. Thereafter the route leads through the Winterberge, towards Daggaboersnek Pass to the Mountain Zebra National Park. This Park is home to the smaller mountain zebra.On the way back you should definitely visit the historic town of Graaff Reinet and Somerset East.


THE WILD COAST OF THE EASTERN CAPE
32. Port St. Johns (about 150 km)From Umtata - (R61) - Libode - Mingana Pass - Ntsimbini - Port St. Johns - Cape Hermes - Port St. Johns - Umgazi Mouth - Ntsimbini - Mount Nicholas - Umtata.
Umtata - the former capital of Transkei, a city with a lot of contrasts between old and new. Some of the most important attractions are nearby: the Nduli Game Reserve, the Luchaba Nature Reserve and the Izandla Pottery School.
This excursion leads through a spectacular region with subtropical forests and grasslands, right up to the coast of Port St. Johns and Umgazi Mouth, where you can go bathing.

33. Wild Coast (about 160 km) Depart from Umtata - (N2) - Vietgesville - Mqanduli - Mancam - Old Morley - Coffee Bay - Nqcwanguba - Hole in the Wall - Ngcwanguba - Old Morley - Vietgesville - Umtata.
The road to Coffee Bay leads through beautiful countryside, where you can still discover some of the old traditional huts. The lagoon is quite safe for surfing and bathing. Shell collectors may find the prettiest cowry shells here. The cove is renowned among fishermen. You really should see the impressive “Hole in the Wall”, an enormous hole caused through erosion by the waves over the centuries, this is also an ideal fishing area.

34. Wild Coast Beaches (about 150 km)Butterworth - Qoboqobo - Kentani - Cat’s Pass - Mazeppa Bay - Kentani - Qolora Mouth - Kentane - Butterworth.
On this tour you go through some of the country’s most exquisitely beautiful beaches. Ornithologists should definitely stop over in Mazeppa Bay or Qolora Mouth.

35. Wild Coast Hiking Trial One of the nicest trails in the world today: 280 km along South Africa’s most dramatic coastline. The route is split up into 5 sections of different lengths, which can be covered within 3 to 6 days. Accommodation is in simple huts.

PROVINCE: NORTHERN CAPE
KIMBERLEY
36. Upington(about 400 km)Depart from Kimberley - (R64) - Campbell - (R64) - Griquatown - Groblershoop - (R32) - Upington.
The drive to Upington leads through semi-desert. In the regional quarries the famous semi-precious stone, Tigers Eye, is found. The Orange River museum in Upington offers interesting insight into the local history of the area.

. Augrabies Falls (about 250 km)From Upington - (R358) - Louisvale - Kanon Island - (R27) - (R64) - Keimoes - Kakamaas - Augrabies Falls National Park (stop over) - Upington.
Choose one bank of the river to drive down to the Falls and the other for the return trip. Along this stretch the banks of the Orange river are a green oasis in this semi-desert. The famous cling-peach comes from Keimoes. At Kakamas you can view old canal waterwheels and irrigation tunnels. At the Augrabies Falls, the Orange River dramatically plunges 148 m into a granite ravine. The Park is a sanctuary for the rare black rhino. Accommodation is available in the Park.

Kalahari Gemsbok Park (about 350 km)From Upington - (R32) - (R360) - Twee Rivieren - Game Drives (stop over, Kalahari Gemsbok Park).
This fascinating semi-desert is home to large herds of gemsbok, springbok, gnu and other antelope. This reserve is characterised by massive red drifting sand dunes, wide sandy roads and dry riverbeds. Considering the hot climate, this region is best visited between March and October.

Namaqualand (about 230 km)From Springbok - (R64) - Simon van der Stel Mine - Hester Malan Nature Reserve - Okiep - (N7) - Nababiep - (R355) - Spektakel Pass - Spektakel Mine - Komaggas - Messelpat - Wildeperdehoek Pass - (N7) - Springbok.
The whole of Namaqualand comes into full bloom during the South African spring. After the first rainfall in September – it varies from region to region - the blossom bursts forth and transforms the completely dry land into a sea of colour.

PROVINCE: KWAZULU-NATAL
DURBAN
40. Valley of a Thousand Hills (about 100 km) From Durban - (N3) - Tollgate Plaza - (N3) - Cato Ridge - (R103) - Valley of a Thousand Hills - Drummond - (R103) - Botha’s Hill - Kloof Falls - Krantzkloof Nature Reserve - Kloof - (R613) - Pinetown - (N3) - Westville - Durban.
If you are unable to visit “Shakaland”, “Stewart’s Farm”, and “Dumazulu” in Zuland, then do not miss the Valley of a Thousand Hills. This route leads to the 500m high Bothas Hill and offers a spectacular view of the valley. An exceptionally beautiful panoramic view can be enjoyed from the Rob Roy Hotel. The visit to the Zulu village of PheZulu is a must.

41. Durban’s North Coast (about 330 km) From Durban - (M4) - (M21) - Umgeni River Bird Park - (M4) - (R627) - Umdloti Beach - (N2) - (R614) - Shaka’s Kraal - (R102) - Stanger - (R74) - Glenmill - (R74) - Stanger - (N2) - Zinkwazi Beach - Ultimatum Tree - (N2) - Salt Rock - Shaka’s Rock - Balito Bay - (N2) - (N627) - Durban.
Umdloti is a small popular resort protected by shark nets. It also offers a seawater swimming pool. Salt Rock is mainly favoured by fishing enthusiasts. Balito is an exclusive holiday resort with tidal pool and exciting beach promenade. An interesting day trip offers beautiful beaches and routes leading through sugar cane fields and banana plantations. The Umgeni River Bird Park offers over 3 000 species of bird.

42. Classic Zululand (four day tour)Durban - Shakaland - Hluhluwe - St. Lucia – Durban

43. Zululand Game ParksFrom Hluhluwe - (N2) - (R618) - Nagana - Umfolozi Game Reserve - Game drives - Nagana - Hluhluwe Game Reserve - Game drives - Hluhluwe.
Should you not be able to visit the Kruger National Park, then KwaZulu-Natal’s Nature and Game Board with its head office in Pietermaritzburg offers 72 parks and reserves. This provides nature enthusiasts with a choice of game viewing. The white rhino predominates in this area.

44. Lake St. Lucia(about 280 km) From Hluhluwe - (N2) - (R618) - Mtubatuba - St. Lucia Bay - Cape Vidal - Mtubatuba - (N2) - Nyalazi River - Charter’s Creek - Fanie’s Island - Nyalazi River - Hluhluwe. A unique bird paradise.

45. Mkuzi and Sodwana Bay (about 300 km) From Hluhluwe (sand road) - Mhlosinga - Mkuzi Game Reserve - Game drives - Mkuzi - Sand road - Jozini - Jozini Dam - Mbaswana - Sodwana Bay National Park - Mhlosinga - False Bay National Park - Hluhluwe
(Four wheel drive recommended). Sodwana Bay is the attraction for divers, anglers and adventurers.The South African deep sea fishing championships are held here. It offers a diving base and motor boats to take you to the coral reef where the fascinating underwater world can be explored.

Accommodation is in camping sites and remarkably constructed log cabins. Mkuzi Game Reserve offers hides to watch game at close quarters.

46. Historic Battle Fields (about 370 km) From Dundee - (R68) - (R33) - Blood River Monument - (R33) - Vryheid - (R34) - Prince Imperials Monument - (R68) - Isandlwana - Nqutu - (R68) - Rourke’s Drift - (R33) - Dundee.
This trip leads through the famous battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal. The Battle of Blood River was fought here between Zulu and Voortrekker. At Isandlwana and Rourke’s Drift the Zulu and the British fought one another.

47. Shakaland (about 160 km) From Empangeni - (R34) - (P230) - Bulawayo - (D132) - (R34) - Nkwalini - (R68) - Shakaland - Eshowe - (R68) - Gingindlovu - (N2) - Mtunzini - (N2) - Empangeni.
This is where the movie “Shaka Zulu” was filmed. The authentic Zulu village created for the film is now open to the public. The traditions and Zulu ‘way of life’ is demonstrated here. Traditional Zulu huts are available for accommodation in this village.


THE SOUTH COAST

48. Train ride along the coast from Durban to Port Shepstone
This train ride leads along the coast through various bathing resorts on KwaZulu-Natal’s south coast, also known as the “Hibiscus Coast”. Information can be obtained at any railway station.

49. The “Banana Express” steam train
A romantic, narrow-guage steam engine travels from Port Shepstone to Harding and back, via sugar plantations and eucalyptus forests.This train only operates during the main season, after which a “braaivleis” (a typical South African barbeque) is provided. Information can be obtained at every railway station.

50. Crocworld / Oribi Gorge / Wild Coast Sun and Casino (about 330 km) from Durban - (N2) - Amanzimtoti - (R102) - Scottburgh - (N2) - Port Shepstone - (N2) - Oribi Gorge - Port Edward - Wild Coast Sun - (R61) - Margate - Port Shepstone - (N2) - Durban.
This route leads along the Hibiscus Coast towards Port Shepstone through lovely countryside. Recommendation: a visit to the Scottburgh Crocodile Farm. The 24 km drive through the Oribi Gorge is an impressive one. The smaller Oribi antelope and leopard are found here. The Wild Coast Sun, south of Port Edward is a typical casino, sporting and bathing resort.

NATAL MIDLANDS AND DRAKENSBERG
51. Midmar Dam (about 160 km)From Pietermaritzburg - (N3) - Queen Elizabeth Park - World’s View - Hilton - Midmar Dam (historical village) - Howick Falls - Karkloof Valley - Curry’s Post - Nottingham Road - (R103) - Pietermaritzburg.
The Midmar Dam is a popular watersport resort. (Take care not to miss the World’s View turn off). A tea break in the famous Hilton Hotel will remind you very much of back home in England. The Midmar Nature Resort also offers game viewing, even rhino are spotted.

52. Sani Pass (about 350 km)From Pietermaritzburg - (N3) - (R56) - Richmond - (R612) -Hella-Hella Pass - (R617) - Reichenau Mission - Underberg - Himeville - Sani Pass (Landrover tour, along the Drakensberg/border to Lesotho) - (stay over Sani Pass Hotel) - (R617) - Bulwer - (N3) - Pietermaritzburg.
In order to complete this tour in a day you need to start very early to participate in the Landrover tour towards the “Roof of Lesotho” (Roof of Africa). This trip needs to be booked in advance, travel documents taken along and preferably one night’s accommodation at the Sani Pass Hotel pre-booked.

53. Drakensberg Panorama Hotels (about 350 km)From Pietermaritzburg - (N3) - Mooiriver - (R103) - Estcourt - (R615) - Winterton - Cathkin Peak Hotel - Champagne Castle Hotel - or Cathedral Peak Hotel - or Bergville - Mont-Aux-Sources Hotel - Royal Natal National Park - Pietermaritzburg (accommodation in the Drakensberg can be arranged).
All hotels look on an unforgettable panorama. The most impressive view, however, is the one of the imposing “Amphitheatre” formed out of rock in the Royal Natal National Park and the view from the Mont-Aux-Source’s Hotel. All hotels offer ample entertainment and sporting facilities i. e. riding, tennis, golf, hiking, etc.

54. Drakensberg Nature Reserves (about 280 km) From Pietermaritzburg (N3) - Howick Falls - (R301) - Michael House - Rosetta - Kamberg Nature Reserve - (or Loteni Nature Reserve) - (or Giant’s Castle) - (accommodation) - Pietermaritzburg.
The choice here is difficult as every reserve has its attractions and its own individual touch. It is important to have sufficient time and a pair of solid hiking boots (cheaper in South Africa than in Europe and better quality). Sunglasses, sun-lotion, hat, camera and binoculars need to be taken along! Accommodation can be arranged: see SATOUR flyer,”Hotels” or “Camping” and “Game Reserves”.


PROVINCE: FREE STATE
BLOEMFONTEIN
55. Golden Gate Highlands National Park (about 290km) Depart from Bloemfontein - (R64) - Landybrand - (R26) - Ficksburg - Fouriesburg - Clarens - Golden Gate Highlands National Park
This protected Nature Reserve lies in an exceptionally beautiful region, at the foot of the Maluti Mountains and most suitable for hiking.

56. Willem Pretorius Game Reserve/Aldam (about 300 km) From Bloemfontein - (R30) - Brandfort - (R73) - Winburg - (N1) - Willem Pretourius Game Reserve (stay over) or - Bloemfontein.
This tour offers a good opportunity to relax at the nearby dam or to watch game in the protected Willem Pretorius Game Reserve.

57. “Vaal Spa” Mineral Baths (about 410 km) From Bloemfontein - (R700) - Bultfontein - (R708) - Christiana - Vaal Spa - (R708) - Herzogville - (R59) - (R64) - Bloemfontein. (Stay over at Vaal Spa).
This Spa is situated on the Vaal River near Christiana. Adjacent to the Spa is a nature reserve with excellent leisure facilities.

58. Watersports at Gariep Dam / Midwaters (about 420 km) From Bloemfontein - (N1) - Trompsburg - Donkerpoort - Gariep Dam - (accommodation) - Bloemfontein.
The Midwaters Dam is part of the largest water supply operation ever constructed in Africa. It serves three purposes: the production of electricity, the supply of drinking water and at the same time is a popular resort with many outdoor facilities. The Dam is also a popular “halfway stop” for travellers between Johannesburg and Cape Town.

59. The Magic of the Maluti Mountains (about 250 km) From Maseru - Roma - Nazareth - Bushman’s Pass - Blue Mountain Pass - Likalaneng Pass - Marakabei - return to Nazareth (Ha Khotso Rock Paintings) - Maseru.
This route leads through the Kingdom of Lesotho, characterised by its massive mountain range, which are 500 million years older than the European Alps. It is possible to hire a Basotho horse in order to cover part of the route on horseback. Important: carry travel documents along as you cross the state boundary.

60. Lesotho Handicraft and History (about 250) Depart from Maseru - Teyateyaneng - Thaba Bosiu - Makhalanyane - Morija - Matsieng - Mahloenyeng - Maseru.
The local Basotho are famous for their friendliness. Various quality handicrafts such as baskets, carpets, jewellery, pottery etc. can be bought as souvenirs. Travel documents are also required on this trip.

Issued: Satour - South African Tourism,
5-6 Alt Grove, Wimbledon, London SW19 4DZ,
Tel.: 0208 971 3350, Fax: 0208 944 6705,
E-Mail: satour@satbuk.demon.co.uk
(November 1999)