We know the Drakensberg like the back of our hand, allow us to guide you on a personal tour of this exquisite area or beyond, through Southern Africa. You bring your ideas, thoughts and dreams. We add our expertise and together we tailor the perfect safari. We are specialists in offering unique excursions off the beaten track to discover some of Southern Africa’s lesser-known destinations.
Birding with us
Safaris with us
Let Treks, Trips & Trails facilitate a few of your future sunrises and sunsets. We have been there and seen the beauty – let us steer you along the road less travelled so you too can experience the absolute magnificence of the dawn and dusk of an African day.
Tour Itineraries
These tour itineraries are just examples of what we can do! Please contact us for a tour that is personalised to suit you. Treks, Trips & Trails would ‘love’ be put together your dream holiday tour, either guided or self-drive. Give us your wish list and we will make it happen!
SOUTH AFRICAN WORLD HERITAGE SITES PACKAGE
Discover the very best South Africa’s very best heritage and cultural sites, from the Cradle of Mankind to Mapungubwe National Park, the iSimangaliso Wetlands, the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains, the Cape Floral Kingdom, Robben Island the Richtersveld.
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Day 1: Arrive Johannesburg. Take the opportunity to tour Soweto with a guide.
Day 2: Cradle of Humankind. The Cradle of Humankind Site comprises a strip of a dozen dolomitic limestone caves containing the fossilised remains of ancient forms of animals, plants and most importantly, hominids.
Day 3-5: Mapungubwe. Set right up against the northern border of South Africa, uniting Botswana and Zimbabwe, lies Mapungubwe National Park – an extensive savannah landscape situated at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers. This is the land of sandstone formations, mopane woodlands, brooding baobabs, ancient floodplains and unique riverine forests that form a dramatic backcloth for the wealth of animal life – elephant, giraffe, buffalo, white rhino, gemsbok and other antelope, extensive birdlife, and the more elusive mammals like hyenas, leopards and lions.
Day 6-8: iSimangaliso Wetlands. iSimangaliso Wetland Park is the largest marine protected area in South Africa. Currently, iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area protects the world’s southern-most coral reefs, considered one of the most important breeding sites for leatherback and loggerhead turtles. These reefs are home to around 1 200 species of fish, 43 different types of hard corals and 11 soft corals, star fish, urchins, sea cucumbers, octopus, cuttlefish and a number of predators like kingfish, tuna and sharks. iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a coastal treasure trove, within its boundaries are Kosi Bay, a coastal forest, Lake Sibaya, Sodwana Bay, uMkhuze, Lake St Lucia, Cape Vidal, Maphelane, Charters Creek and False Bay (a bay just beyond the town of Hluhluwe).
Day 9-12: Ukhalamba Drakensberg Park. The Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park has exceptional natural beauty in its soaring
basaltic buttresses, incisive dramatic cutbacks, and golden sandstone ramparts. Rolling high altitude grasslands, the pristine steep-sided river valleys and rocky gorges also contribute to the beauty of this world heritage site. This spectacular natural site also contains many caves and rock-shelters with the largest and most concentrated group of paintings in Africa south of the Sahara, made by the San people over a period of 4,000 years.
Day 13-16: Cape Floral Kingdom. The magnificent Cape Floristic Region is, as its name implies, situated in the
Western Cape and parts of the Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. It is significant for being one of the worlds’ most diverse and abundant floral areas, home to about one-fifth of the vegetation in all of Africa. Perched right at the tip of the continent, this region is not only fascinating for those with a penchant for flora, but is also spectacular.
Day 17: Robben Island. For nearly 400 years, Robben Island, 12 kilometres from Cape Town, was a place of banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment. During the apartheid years Robben Island became internationally known for its institutional brutality. Robben Island came to symbolise, not only for South Africa and the African continent, but also for the entire world, the triumph of the human spirit over enormous hardship and adversity.
Day 18-20: Richtersveld. The most recently added site to the list of South Africa’s 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape is a dramatic mountainous desert in the Northern Cape Province, owned and managed by the Nama community who are direct descendants of the Khoi Khoi who once lived here. The Richtersveld boasts extreme landscapes comprising rugged kloofs, high mountains and a harsh climate. Photographers and artists find plenty of inspiration here.
Day 21: Johannesburg. Flight out.
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SOUTH AFRICA AND SAFARI TOUR
Explore the highlights of South Africa, including the world-famous Kruger National Park, the Panorama Route, Swaziland, Cape Vidal, Hluhluwe, the Drakensberg and Durban.
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Day 1: Johannesburg. Experience Soweto with a guide.
Day 2-3: Panorama Route. With spectacular views, impressive mountain waterfalls and endless skies, it’s no wonder it’s called the Panorama Route. Pictures do not do this beautiful stretch of the Lowveld justice, so have your breath taken away, by
including a trip to this part of the country in the itinerary.
Day 4-6: Kruger National Park. Stay at a safari camp situated in the heart of the Big Five Country in the Kruger National Park who are committed to the preservation of this pristine wilderness and in providing you with a true African experience. A wide range of outstanding safari facilities including game drives, big 5 walks, bush braais and many more options to make your stay in the Kruger Park an unforgettable and true nature experience.
Day 7-8: Swaziland. Swaziland, a small landlocked monarchy in southern Africa, is known for its wilderness reserves and festivals showcasing traditional Swazi culture. Marking its northeastern border with Mozambique and stretching down to South Africa, the Lebombo Mountains are a backdrop for Mlawula Nature Reserve’s many hiking trails. Nearby Hlane Royal National Park is home to diverse wildlife including lions, hippos and elephants.
Day 9: Cape Vidal. Stay in a superb location between Lake St Lucia with its resident wildlife and the tidal delights of the Indian Ocean. This KwaZulu-Natal nature reserve offers the best of both worlds, sheltered beaches, rock pools and ledges and is surrounded by the wetlands and coastal forest of iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Day 11-13: Hluhluwe Wilderness Trail. Experience the magic of a 3-night/4-day bushwalking trail in the heart of one of Africa’s oldest game reserves. Sense the presence of a grazing rhino, hear and feel the night air throb to the roar of lions resonating above the crackle of the campfire, while experiencing the bush at a very personal level.
Day 14-17: Drakensberg. The Drakensberg has exceptional natural beauty in its soaring basaltic buttresses, incisive dramatic cutbacks, and golden sandstone ramparts. Rolling high altitude grasslands, the pristine steep-sided river valleys and rocky gorges also contribute to the beauty of this world heritage site.
Day 18: Trip up Sani Pass to Lesotho. The Drakensberg is the name given to the eastern portion of the Great Escarpment, which encloses the central Southern African plateau. The legendary Sani Pass provides the only road link between KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho, and is the only road crossing the summit of the high Drakensberg. The views from this altitude are nothing less than awe-inspiring, with snow and frozen waterfalls in winter, and a blaze of flower blooms in summer.
Day 19: Drive to Durban. Depart for home.
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MOUNTAINS AND COAST DISCOVERY TOUR
Explore the very best that Kwa Zulu Natal has to offer, from the wilds of Nambiti Game Reserve to the magic of the Drakensberg, before heading down the Wild Coast to Port Elizabeth and finally to Cape Town.
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Day 1: Arrive Johannesburg. Experience Soweto with a guide.
Day 2-3: Nambiti Private Game Reserve. The spirit of Africa will fill your soul and the experience will remain forever. Nambiti Private Game Reserve is set in KwaZulu-Natal on 22 000 magnificent acres near the town of Ladysmith, conveniently close to Johannesburg/Pretoria and Durban. Nambiti is also close to the renowned KZN battlefields, which are major attractions in this region. This reserve boasts having the Big 5 and its biodiversity encompasses grasslands, riverine bush, savannah and thornveld, ensuring a thrilling and unprecedented diversity of game to enjoy.
Day 4-5: Antbear Lodge. Antbear Lodge is a wonderfully unique and tranquil destination with great views of the mountains, good food and a very relaxing atmosphere. You will also spend one of your days here exploring the bushman paintings at Giants Castle.
Day 6-9: Northern Drakensberg. The Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park has exceptional natural beauty within its soaring basaltic buttresses, incisive dramatic cutbacks, and golden sandstone ramparts. Rolling high altitude grasslands, the pristine steep-sided river valleys and rocky gorges also contribute to the beauty of this UNESCO world heritage site. Hike any of the wide variety of trails of varying duration. Partake in a variety of adrenalin pumping activities or relax with a glass of local beer or wine.
Day 10: Southern Drakensberg – up Sani Pass into Lesotho. The legendary Sani Pass provides the only road link between KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho, and is the only road crossing the summit of the high Drakensberg. The views from this altitude are nothing less than awe-inspiring, with snow and frozen waterfalls in winter, and a blaze of flower blooms in summer.
Day 11-12: Sani Pass to Semongkong. The mighty Maletsunyane Falls in Lesotho, one of the highest single dropping waterfalls in Africa, creates a haze of smoke as the water plummets 186 metres into a spectacular gorge. Take a pony ride, abseil down the falls, see the spiral aloe, do a donkey pub crawl to experience the Basotho culture or just admire the views.
Day 13-14: Wild Coast. The Wild Coast, known also as the Transkei, is a 250 kilometre long stretch of rugged and unspoiled coastline that stretches north of East London along sweeping bays, footprint-free beaches, lazy lagoons and rocky headlands. From its people, to its unforgettable beaches, waterfalls and famous landmarks, the Transkei Wild Coast offers a wealth of things to see and experience.
Day 15-16: Addo Elephant Park. Explore a world of diversity in one park. This is now the third largest National Park in South Africa. Addo Elephant National Park has expanded to conserve a wide range of biodiversity, landscapes, fauna and flora and is the only
reserve to offer the possibility of seeing the Big 7. Be overwhelmed by the beauty of the African bush, animals and sea mammals.
Day 17-20: Flight to Cape Town from Port Elizabeth. There are numerous activities and tours in Cape Town so we try to book tours according to your interests as far as possible. Some highly recommended options include a peninsula tour, Robben Island tour, wine tours and visit to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.
Day 21: Flight out.
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SOUTH AFRICA, SWAZILAND AND LESOTHO
Explore three countries in one tour as you visit the rugged mountains and take in the incredible beauty of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho.
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Day 1-2: Arrive Johannesburg – drive to Panorama. With spectacular views, impressive mountain waterfalls and endless skies, it’s no wonder it’s called the Panorama Route. Pictures simply don’t do this beautiful stretch of the Lowveld justice, so if you fancy having your breath taken away, then you should definitely let us include a trip to this part of the country in your itinerary.
Day 3-4: Swaziland. Swaziland is a small, landlocked monarchy in Southern Africa, known for its wilderness reserves and festivals showcasing traditional Swazi culture. It borders Mozambique in the northeast and stretches south down to South Africa. The Lebombo Mountains are a backdrop for the Mlawula Nature Reserve’s many hiking trails and the nearby Hlane Royal National Park is home to a diverse variety of wildlife including lions, hippos and elephants.
Day 5-7: iSimangaliso. iSimangaliso Wetland Park is the largest marine protected area in South Africa. Currently, iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area protects the world’s southern-most coral reefs, considered one of the most important breeding sites for
leatherback and loggerhead turtles. These reefs are home to around 1 200 species of fish, 43 different types of hard corals and 11 soft corals, starfish, urchins, sea cucumbers, octopus, cuttlefish and a number of predators like kingfish, tuna and sharks. iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a coastal treasure trove, within its boundaries are Kosi Bay, a coastal forest, Lake Sibaya, Sodwana Bay, uMkhuze, Lake St Lucia, Cape Vidal, Maphelane, Charters Creek and False Bay (a bay just beyond the town of Hluhluwe).
Day 8-9: Nambiti Private Game Reserve. The spirit of Africa will fill your soul and the experience will remain forever. Nambiti Private Game Reserve is set in KwaZulu-Natal on 22 000 magnificent acres near the town of Ladysmith, conveniently close to Johannesburg/Pretoria and Durban. Nambiti is also close to the renowned KZN battlefields, which are major attractions in this region. This reserve boasts having the Big 5 and its biodiversity encompasses grasslands, riverine bush, savannah and thornveld, ensuring a thrilling and unprecedented diversity of game to enjoy.
Day 9-13: Drakensberg. The Drakensberg has exceptional natural beauty in its soaring basaltic buttresses, incisive dramatic cutbacks, and golden sandstone ramparts. Rolling high altitude grasslands, the pristine steep-sided river valleys and rocky gorges also contribute to the beauty of this world heritage site. This spectacular natural site also boasts many caves and rock-shelters with the largest and most concentrated group of paintings in Africa south of the Sahara, bequeathed by the San people over a period of 4,000 years.
Day 14: Trip up Sani Pass to Lesotho. The Drakensberg is the name given to the eastern portion of the Great Escarpment, which encloses the central Southern African plateau. The legendary Sani Pass provides the only road link between KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho, and is the only road crossing the summit of the high Drakensberg. The views from this altitude are nothing less than awe-inspiring, with snow and frozen waterfalls in winter, and a blaze of flower blooms in summer.
Day 15-17: Sani Pass to Semongkong. The mighty Maletsunyane Falls in Lesotho, one of the highest single dropping waterfalls in Africa, creates a haze of smoke as the water plummets 186 metres into a spectacular gorge. Take a pony ride, abseil down the falls, see the spiral aloe, do a donkey pub crawl to experience the Basotho culture or just admire the views.
Day 18: Katse Dam. The Katse Dam, a concrete arch dam on the Malibamat’so River and is Africa’s second largest double-curvature arch dam.
Day 19: Golden Gate. Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains in the north-eastern Free State lies the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The park derives its name from the brilliant shades of gold cast by the sun on the park’s sandstone cliffs, especially the imposing Brandwag rock. This 11 600 hectares of unique environment is a true highland habitat, providing home to a variety of mammals including black wildebeest, eland, blesbok, oribi, springbok and Burchell’s zebra – and birds,
including the rare bearded vulture (lammergeier) and the equally rare bald ibis which breed on the ledges in the sandstone cliffs.
Day 20: Johannesburg. Time will allow for an afternoon tour of Soweto.
Day 21: Cradle of Humankind. The Cradle of Humankind Site comprises a strip of a dozen dolomitic limestone caves containing the fossilised remains of ancient forms of animals, plants and most importantly, hominids. Evening flight home.
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