South Africa Rock Art Wonders

South Africa

8 Days

3 Great Location/s

Nett price, excluding international flights

Few journeys blend culture, nature and history as beautifully as the 8-day South Africa Rock Art Wonders itinerary.

Traverse landscapes of staggering beauty in South Africa, where rock paintings lie hidden, preserving the rituals and lives of the country’s first inhabitants. On this expertly guided tour, participants will follow in the footsteps of the San people and other ancient communities, experiencing firsthand the mysteries of one of the world’s richest rock art collections.

From the rugged Cederberg mountains to the wilderness landscapes of Mapungubwe, this rock art adventure promises breathtaking scenery, luxurious accommodations and insights into one of humankind’s earliest art forms.

This is a journey into the heart of South Africa’s cultural heritage, an unforgettable experience for travellers seeking inspiration and insight.

Highlights

Cederburg Rock Art Sites, including Stadsaal Caves, Wolfberg Arch and Maltese Cross
Ancient San Paintings in Drakensberg, including Game Pass Shelter
Mapungubwe Hill
Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre

Included

Accommodation
Transport
Airport meet & greet on arrival
24/7 On-call local support
All local tourism taxes and levies

Excluded

Flights
Entry Fees
Visa processing fees
Insurance
Tips, gratuities and porterage
All items of a personal nature
All items not explicitly stated

Itinerary Overview

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve - South Africa

Day 1

Cederberg, South Africa

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve

Arrival at Cape Town International Airport
Begin this unique itinerary in Cape Town where after arrival, a private transfer will take you to the Cederberg Mountains (approximately 3 hours).

Check into Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve, an award-winning luxury lodge with spa facilities and gourmet cuisine. Spend the afternoon relaxing and getting ready for a day of exploration.

Day 2

Cederberg, South Africa

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve

Visit the ancient rock art sites of Cederberg, featuring paintings by the San people. Get a guided tour of the Stadsaal Caves, where intricate paintings of hunters, animals, and rituals still decorate the walls. Discover the scenic Cederberg Wilderness Area, known for dramatic rock formations like Wolfberg Arch and the Maltese Cross.

Enjoy an evening wine tasting of South African wines before a traditional braai (barbecue) dinner under the stars.

Day 3

Cederberg, South Africa

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve

Morning
Discover the unique fynbos of the Cederberg on a botanical tour, followed by a hike with breathtaking views over the mountainous terrain.

Optional: Participate in a hands-on cultural workshop on San art, where you’ll learn the history and symbolism behind their paintings.

Afternoon
Go on a sunset safari, spotting Cape mountain zebras and other animals native to the area.

Day 4

Drakensberg, South Africa

Cavern Drakensberg Resort and Spa

Transfer to Durban
Take a mid-morning flight from Cape Town to Durban, followed by a scenic transfer to the Drakensberg.

Afternoon
Check into the Cavern Drakensberg Resort and Spa which offers unparalleled views and easy access to incredible rock art sites. Spend the afternoon relaxing.

Cavern Drakensberg Resort and Spa - South Africa

Day 5

Drakensberg, South Africa

Cavern Drakensberg Resort and Spa

Today is a full-day exploration of Drakensberg's diverse rock art, guided by an expert on ancient culture and archaeology. Visit places like Kamberg Rock Art Centre and hike to the Game Pass Shelter, often called the “Rosetta Stone of southern African rock art”.

Optional: Enjoy a scenic helicopter ride over the dramatic escarpments of the Drakensberg.

Day 6

Mapungubwe, South Africa

Mopane Bush Lodge

Transfer to Polokwane
Take a morning flight from Durban to Polokwane, followed by a transfer to Mopane Bush Lodge, a luxury lodge situated close to the Mapungubwe National Park.

In the afternoon, you can either enjoy a relaxing spa treatment or spend it at leisure, just as you wish.

Day 7

Mapungubwe, South Africa

Mopane Bush Lodge

Morning
Tour Mapungubwe Hill, where both archaeological finds and rock art provide insights into the area's ancient heritage. Visit the Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre, which houses artefacts and tells the story of the ancient Mapungubwe Kingdom.

Afternoon
Experience an afternoon game drive through the park, spotting wildlife like elephants and lions amidst the scenic Limpopo River Valley.

Day 8

Mapungubwe, South Africa

Mopane Bush Lodge

Transfer to Polokwane Airport
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Polokwane for your flight to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and your onward journey home.