Self Drive : Bronze Class

From R 2 990 per person sharing

Day 1

You will depart Johannesburg in your hire car and drive 2.5 hours to Dullstroom, one of the most popular towns in the Mpumalanga Province.

1 x night at Stonecutters Lodge in a self catering lodge.

Stonecutters Lodge is a holiday, trout fishing and conference venue of exceptional quality. Travel to the Mpumalanga Highlands, just 2.5 hours from O.R. Tambo Airport and stay in this four star graded lodge. The lodge lies between Dullstroom and Lydenburg (Mashishing), in the heart of South Africa’s fly and trout fishing territory.

Stonecutters Lodge lies in a beautiful setting between mountains and river. It offers a base for Malaria free holidays and tours to nearby game lodges and well-known tourist attractions.

Stonecutter's is an ideal stopover for the Kruger National Park and the many private game lodges and is accessed by just one kilometre of dirt road off the main Dullstroom / Lydenburg R540.

Accommodation at Stonecutters is of the highest standard with each facility providing a different ambience - Stonecutters can sleep a total of 22 guests on the estate. All the accommodation is fully serviced and equipped. Selected DSTV channels, SABC and E, TV channels are available for the guest’s enjoyment.

The accommodation comprises family houses, Stone Cottage and the Trout House. The Cobbles studios are ideal for couples. Recently refurbished, all the accommodation is furnished and equipped to the highest standards. Dinners and breakfast’s are available by prior arrangement.

Day 2

This morning following breakfast, you will depart Dullstroom and make your way towards Hoedspruit via the beautiful Blyde River Canyon.

1 x night at Otters Den on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis

Otter’s Den is set on an island in the Blyde River at the foot of the Drakensberg Escarpment, and near the Orpen gate to Kruger National Park. The Camp is reached by crossing the River on a suspension bridge. The island itself is some 50 hectare in extent, and has forest, open bush, and wetlands, along with 2 kilometres of main channel River frontage.

This is small, intimate property, designed to accommodate only 10 guests. Accommodation is in chalets, which are a combination of stone/ thatch and canvas. Each has a timber deck, on stilts, which overlooks the River. The chalets are also equipped with ceiling fans.
The main Camp area boasts a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, sundeck, bar, barbecue, and plunge pool.

Meals are a treat, with an emphasis on home grown fruits, vegetables and herbs. And although Angler’s are encouraged to do catch and release, guests are welcome to keep a fish or two for consumption at Camp.

Activities are designed for Nature Lover and Adventurer alike. There are the more gentle pursuits of birding and hiking, or the more adventurous white water rafting. You can also enjoy a Hot Air Balloon excursion over a game reserve.

Hikes are accompanied by an experienced Field Guide. There are some 110 species of trees, and upwards of 200 bird species to be seen, including fish eagle, narina trogon, and African finfoot. You also have the chance to see some of the smaller species of game – otter, serval, genet, bush pigs, bush babies and small antelope. Hippo and crocodile are often seen under the bridge.

Otter's Den is also an ideal base from which to visit the Kruger Park, the Blyde Canyon Nature Reserve, the Cheetah Breeding Project and the Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation Centre.

Day 3

Following a final morning breakfast, you will depart Otters Den and head down South to Hazyview which is a little town just 5 minutes drive from the gate to the Kruger National Park.

2 x nights Hippo Hollow in a standard room on a bed and breakfast basis.

Hippo Hollow Country Estate is set in the quiet area of Hazyview just 5 minutes drive from the Phabeni Gate of the Kruger National Park.

There is a selection of accommodation, from the River facing Chalets (family rooms, which sleep 40, to the Garden Chalets, and the Hotel-style twin rooms. Chalets and rooms are all equipped with ceiling fans and heaters, have tea/ coffee making facilities, and are en suite (with double showers).

The Estate boasts an a la carte Restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and overlooks the Sabie River – home to numerous hippo families. Enjoy the variety of mouth-watering dishes and vast selection of South African wines from the cellar. There is also the Shangaan River Club, named after the traditional inhabitants of the area, where you can enjoy a traditional cultural and dining experience, which includes a hand washing ritual, face painting, hair braiding, singing and dancing by children from a local Shangaan orphanage to traditional African cuisine served buffet style from traditional cast-iron pots.
You might also want to enjoy that refreshing sun downer at the Ladies Bar and Cocktail Lounge, overlooking the River.

Relax in, and around, one of the 2 large swimming pools, set in pristine gardens, which are also home to a wonderful variety of bird-life.

There are a number of activities and excursions to enjoy, in addition to the attraction of game viewing in the Kruger National Park. You might want to take a helicopter trip over nearby waterfalls and the magnificent Blyde River Canyon, or enjoy a rafting trip on the river. There are also hiking trails, and adrenalin activities such as abseiling, kloofing, and quad-biking.

For the golfer, there are two courses only minutes away.

Day 5

Following a final morning breakfast, you will bid farewell to the beauty of the lowveld and head back to Johannesburg for your onward arrangements.

END OF SERVICES

Rates from: R 2 990 per person sharing (minimum of 2 pax)

INCLUDED

Car hire (Toyota Yaris or similar) PLUS Super cover insurance
1 x night at Stonecutters Lodge in a self catering lodge
1 x night at Otters Den on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis
2 x nights Hippo Hollow in a standard room on a bed and breakfast basis