Starting in the breathtaking Drakensberg region with Kamberg and Giant's Castle, the tour enjoys a brief sojourn in Cape Town before traveling to the heart of the Cederberg—a genuinely awe-inspiring wilderness full of ancient wonder.
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ItineraryAn African Sky guide meets guests upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. We then travel southeast via the N3 highway, passing through the vast tracts of farmland of the Free State before crossing over into KwaZulu-Natal shortly after Harrismith.
The surrounding landscape rises gradually along the route as the Drakensberg mountain range begins to appear in the west. In the late afternoon, we arrive at our overnight accommodation on a farm just outside the Midlands Meander town of Mooi River (‘beautiful river’).
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Itinerary After breakfast, we head southwest toward the Kamberg Nature Reserve in the foothills of the Drakensberg. Kamberg is home to Game Pass Shelter, known as the ‘Rosetta Stone’ of rock art sites. Archaeologists studying these paintings uncovered a vital key to understanding the symbolism of San rock art.
The paintings at Game Pass Shelter enabled archaeologists to learn about the San’s beliefs that they could draw mystical powers from animals, depicting images seen by shamans during trance-like states. The eland, one of the most significant symbols in Bushman culture, occurs throughout, along with various therianthropic figures. The guided trail to the shelter departs from the Kamberg Rock Art Centre, and it generally takes around three hours to reach the extraordinary site. We return to Hartford House in the late afternoon.
Distance ItineraryToday’s cultural pursuit comprises the Main Caves at Giant’s Castle. Giant’s Castle is one of the most spectacular regions in the Drakensberg, rich with awe-inspiring views, marvelous rock pools, clear mountain streams, and ancient history. The Main Caves are an easy hike from the camp office—between 30 and 45 minutes. Due to weathering and damage by visitors in years past, the main caves are now protected in a museum to ensure future preservation.
The guided experience is informative and provides captivating insight into the world of the San. The rest of the day is spent at leisure. You can opt to venture further into the Giant’s Castle Reserve with a hiking map in hand, cool off in one of the sparkling natural waterways, or return to Hartford House for fishing, horse riding, or a tour of Summerhill Stud, home to the stallions of the First Family of Dubai.
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FlightsFollowing an early breakfast, the tour departs the Natal Midlands, returning to the N3 highway and heading southeast toward the coastal city of Durban.
Guests board a flight to Cape Town, arriving in the Mother City just in time for lunch. After checking in at your overnight accommodation in the exclusive seaside suburb of Camps Bay, enjoy an afternoon at leisure admiring the spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Distance ItineraryThe day is devoted to exploring the circumference of the Cape Peninsula, traveling via the awe-inspiring Chapman's Peak Drive, which skirts the rocky coastline between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. The day's first stop is the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, a dramatic location rich with views, wild beaches, and scenic walking routes. Animals such as baboons, ostriches, blesboks, and red hartebeests inhabit this reserve on the southwestern tip of Africa.
En route back to Cape Town, the tour stops at Boulders Beach, a sheltered cove in False Bay that serves as a conservation site for a colony of African penguins. The beach is strewn with ancient granite boulders and fine white sands, and it is the perfect setting to observe these endearing seabirds. Guests return to their overnight accommodation in the late afternoon.
Distance Itinerary Today, guests will enjoy a trip to the top of South Africa’s most iconic natural landmark, Table Mountain. Enjoy spectacular 360-degree views from the modern rotating cable cars before reaching the summit. A network of trails leads visitors to various vantage points, and you may even encounter a dassie (rock hyrax) or two while exploring.
Following your visit to Table Mountain, the tour heads to Kirstenbosch. The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens offers a green paradise with hundreds of indigenous plant species. From fynbos to ferns, proteas to pines, this colorful Eden is ideal for hiking and picnicking. Every season teases new hues from the palette, ensuring the gardens are a year-round destination.
Distance ItineraryAfter breakfast, the tour departs Cape Town for the natural drama of the Cederberg. The drive, which lasts three to four hours, follows the N7 northwards, traversing the Swartland with its silvery sheaths of renosterbos, which darken dramatically after the winter rains. After Piketberg, the road passes through the Olifants River Valley at the foot of the Cederberg Mountains—a region known for its proliferation of citrus farms. The route traces the Olifants River to Clanwilliam, where it is impounded in the Clanwilliam Dam.
The rock formations and mountains increase radically as the road turns east into the Cederberg Wilderness Reserve. Bushmans Kloof is located in the eastern foothills of the Cederberg Mountains. The reserve covers 7,500 hectares, encompassing leagues of Cape Floral Kingdom and 130 bushman rock art sites. Fauna like Cape mountain zebra, bontebok, red hartebeest, ostrich, and gemsbok roam the landscape. With no towns or cities for miles around, the night sky's brilliance will take your breath away.
Distance Itinerary Your rock art excursion begins in the early morning. It includes an open-air nature drive and a guided hike to some of the country's most significant rock art sites. Noteworthy sites include Bleeding Nose Shelter (with its dramatic contrast against white sandstone), Fallen Rock Shelter (one of the largest and most well-preserved sites in the Pakhuis region), and Sonya's Cave. After an informative visit, guests enjoy a scrumptious bush breakfast before returning to the lodge.
Back at the lodge, visitors are welcome to explore Bushmans Kloof's Heritage Centre, which provides a fascinating insight into the history of the area's ancient inhabitants. The center hosts a collection of artifacts and offers specialist talks. The herb garden allows for learning more about the botanical remedies employed by the Bushmen and Khoi. Spend the afternoon leisurely or opt for a relaxing sunset nature drive in the reserve. After-dinner drives are also available, ensuring spectacular stargazing and the chance to encounter nocturnal animals such as aardwolf, bat-eared fox, and porcupine.
Distance ItineraryBushmans Kloof offers an exciting medley of activities. Nature drives, guided walks, bird watching, bush picnics, and view-rich sundowners form the core of the experience and are available to guests. Canoes are provided at the dam, where you may also enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear pools formed by the Olifants River.
Fly fishing is another popular venture. Fishing equipment is available to tackle the Clanwilliam Yellowfish in one of the reserve's waterways. Spa treatments and local excursions to the Cederberg Wine Route, Rooibos Tea Factory, and Lambert's Bay are offered at an additional cost.
Distance Itinerary Following a last breakfast in the magical Cederberg, the tour returns to Cape Town via the N7. Guests are dropped off at Cape Town International Airport or any location of their choice after an unforgettable adventure exploring South Africa’s captivating rock art sites.
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