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South Africa & Botswana Walking

South Africa & Botswana Walking

Have you always dreamed of visiting Africa but been overwhelmed by its great distances and many options, and underwhelmed by the thought of sitting endlessly in a cramped safari vehicle? Wonder no more. Experience the magic in true Backroads style, hiking through the wilds of South Africa and Botswana, with a private open-topped Land Rover always available for intimate close-ups of spectacular wildlife. Each day features multiple activity options, and private chartered flights provide access to a wide diversity of spectacular landscapes. And each night, snug into some of the continent's best lodges with the sounds of the Africa just outside your door.

Days 1-2 constantia

Meet in Cape Town Hike along Table Mountain, the city's cloud-draped landmark Visit the world-renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden Hike to Cape Point, with chances to spot ostriches, cape mountain zebras, baboons and rare African penguins.

Days 3-4 cederberg mountains

Journey to Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve, one of Africa's most luxurious settings Walk to view ancient Bushman rock art, keeping an eye out for eland and bontebok  Relax at the hotel spa.

Days 5-6 mashatu game reserve

Take a private chartered plane to Botswana's Mashatu, a remote private game reserve teeming with wildlife Walk along ancient elephant paths  Ride in open-topped Land Rovers into the bush for a classic safari.

Days 7-8 drakensburg mountains

Return to South Africa by private plane Walk through the hills of a beautiful plantation reminiscent of Out of Africa From the Great Escarpment, take in stunning views of the wild bush below.

Days 9-11 sabi sands game reserve

Visit a nearby Shangann community with our local guide Lotus  Travel to Londolozi Private Game Reserve for exhilarating excursions into the bush On foot and in open-topped Land Rovers, view of the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos) and other fascinating creatures like the dung beetle and lilac-breasted roller Delight in a thrilling nighttime game drive Fly to Johannesburg.

big map South Africa & Botswana Walking

IDEAL OASES : Premiere Inns

Cellars-Hohenort Hotel (2 nights): This historic Relais & Châteaux Cape Winelands manor house features comfortable guest rooms, two swimming pools, a tennis court, spa and views of Table Mountain.

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Retreat (2 nights): Set on an18,000-acre reserve known for its ancient rock art sites, this Relais & Châteaux retreat offers a lion's share of amenities: a spa, swimming pool, sauna, delectable cuisine, beautifully appointed guest rooms and magnificent surroundings.

Mashatu Main Camp (2 nights): Built around a waterhole  in the midst of one of southern Africa's largest elephant herds, this spectacularly situated luxury camp has spacious authentically decorated suites, a swimming pool and atmospheric open-air dining.

Cybele Forest Lodge & Health Spa (2 nights): This secluded and luxurious Relais & Châteaux farmhouse is set amid 300 lush acres of forest, banana plantations, meadows and gardens.

Londolozi Private Game Reserve (2 nights): At this elegant Relais & Châteaux member, featured by Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List and Travel+Leisure's World's Best Awards, luxurious chalets are handsomely decorated with fine prints and handicrafts, and have private balconies for observing elephants, hippos and other animals in the wild bush.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

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South Africa & Botswana Walking
Trips For All Abilities

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Activity Level Average Time Average Distance
    Biking Walking & Hiking
Level 1 2-3 hours 10-20 mile 2-5 miles
Level 2 2-4 hours 21-30 miles 5-7 miles
Level 3 3-5 hours 31-40 miles 7-9 miles
Level 4 4-6 hours 41-55 miles 9-11 miles
Level 5 5-7+ hours 56-75+ miles 11-13+ miles
2008 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS

Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Trip praise

Having spent a great deal of time in Southern Africa as a student on anthropological expeditions, I've been fortunate to see its great diversity and beauty - from majestic leopards at Londolozi, great herds of elephant in Botswana to stunning scenery of Cape Town and the Drakensburg mountains. It really is a world within one country - and has the luxury comforts and cuisine to make any visit a treat.
Christian Chumbley - Regional Manager Asia, South Africa & the East Coast