Coastal Tour South Africa

Included Highlights

· 3-Day Drakensberg Hike
· 4 x 4 Driving Skills
· Game Reserve
· Snake and Reptile Course
· National Park
· Firearm Skills
· African Culture
· River Guiding Skills
· Bush Walking
· Abseiling

Optional Activities

· Snorkeling
· Boat Trip
· Scuba Diving
· Horse Ride

Other Services:

Drifters Inns

Lodges & Game Reserves

More information ..

Important Information:

Subject covered in the course will give a very good insight into life in the bush, and participants will be issued with a certificate after successful completion of the course. Malaria precautions are necessary, as are certain essential items of equipment, i.e. backpack and well-worn, comfortable walking shoes.

Price includes transport ex Johannesburg, food, accommodation, park entry fees and professional instructor. Price does not include soft drinks, alcohol and meals whilst in transit.

16 Day - Environmental Ranger Course

Start and End:	Johannesburg
Departures:	11 - 26 December 2006

South Africa is a haven of spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, diverse cultures and first world norms, topped with a healthy and invigorating climate. These qualities, as well as a relatively cheap currency, make it an adventure destination not to be missed. A country virtually the size of Europe with over 3000 kilometer's of unspoiled coastline, boasting climatic differences from searing hot desert to snow-capped peaks, and varied cultures, from the primitive Bushman to the most Western of ways. We visit the highlights, but leave the beaten track to explore the great outdoors. Overnight stops are mostly at Drifters owned properties and reserves where extensive conservation and game introduction projects have created truly unique accommodations and surroundings. The tour requires a certain amount of flexibility and an adventurous mentality.

DAY 1: JHB - DRAKENSBERG (HUT)

Leaving the DRIFTERS JOHANNESBURG INN at 09h00, we head eastward via Harrismith to our first stop overlooking the magnificent Sterkfontein Dam. After a brief discussion on the Vaal/Tugela water scheme, we continue to Retiefklip where we cover some of the more recent history of South Africa. Our camp tonight will be at the base of the mountain and we will prepare for the following days of hiking.
Meals: Dinner

DAY 2 - 4: DRAKENSBERG HIKING (camping)

We begin our 3-day hike into the natural wilderness area of the Berg. Each day we cover approx. 15KM with steep gradients, and clients need to be fit, as once started there is only one way out. Sleeping at night is in caves and each participant must carry his share of the supplies. Topics covered on the hike will include mountain fauna and flora, mountain leadership, and general hiking techniques. On day 4 we return to the campsite for a welcome shower. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: DOLPHIN COAST (HOTEL)

An early start, we head directly to the coastal town of Umdloti. We will spend a night at the DRIFTERS DOLPHIN COAST INN and will cover various aspects of coastal ecology and marine biology.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6 -7: ZULULAND BUSH CAMP (camping)

Leaving the coast, we begin our journey through the hills of rural Zululand to the DRIFTERS ZULULAND CAMP. Situated in a private reserve bordering False Bay, this Inn provides the ideal base for exploring the diversity of Zululand. The two days will be spent visiting Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve, walking in False Bay National Park, visiting a Zulu village, and generally learning about the local fauna and flora.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8-9: SWAZILAND (camping)

Travelling north, we enter the Kingdom of the Swazi where we spend a full day on the Great Usutu River learning the guiding skills of kayaking and rafting. We camp for the two nights.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK (camping)

Leaving Swaziland, we enter the Kruger Park, home to some of Africa's most incredible wildlife. Our entire day will be spent viewing animals in their natural environment. Tonight we camp in one of the parks rest camps, where we may have the option of a night drive (own expense).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11: HAZYVIEW (HUT)

After an early morning game drive in the park, we exit and travel the short distance to the DRIFTERS HAZYVIEW INN. The afternoon will be spent studying birds and butterflies in the sub-tropical riverine forest surrounding the Inn.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12 - 15: BALULE GAME RESERVE (camping)

These last days of the course will be spent in the bushveld of Balule, a private game reserve bordering the Kruger Park. This is "Big 5" country, and our time here will be spent learning about spoor, trees, birds and many other aspects of nature.

We will visit the Swadini Reptile Park for an in depth course on reptiles, and will conduct lessons in firearms, 4x4 driving, and other interesting subjects necessary for field guiding. It is here also that we conduct the final exam, which will cover all of the subjects learned during the course.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 16: JOHANNESBURG

Today we head back to Johannesburg via the Bourke's Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon and Pilgrims Rest. We arrive in the evening, far healthier and wiser for the experience.
Meals: Breakfast