Experience the Best of South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini on a Wildlife Safari Tour

2675 €, 14 Days

Kruger National Park kicks off our journey through South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), each a vivid slice of the African continent. From the majestic Kruger, where you can witness the Big Five—lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos—in their natural habitat, the adventure only gets better. Immerse yourself in the thrill of safari within one of the largest game reserves on the continent.
Next, we'll be enchanted by the Panorama Route, taking in breathtaking sights like Bourke's Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, God's Window, and the stunning Blyde River Canyon, the third-largest canyon in the world. Our journey continues into the landlocked kingdom of Eswatini, where Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary awaits more thrilling game-viewing opportunities.

A true transformation awaits as you move from South Africa’s sandstone wonders into dramatic Lesotho, known as the "Kingdom in the Sky." On this leg of your overland journey, the trip shifts in character, becoming nothing less than a thrilling highland adventure.

Returning to South Africa, we explore Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, the wetlands of St Lucia, and the vibrant, spicy city of Durban—a melting pot of African, Indian, and colonial cultures.
Our tour ends in the Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape, renowned for its large elephant herds.

♦ Kruger National Park - one of the world's greatest national parks with an unparalleled diversity, density and sheer numbers of animals including all of the iconic safari species – elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, rhino, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and zebra.
♦ Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Eswatini - formerly a farming and tin mining area, which has been rehabilitated and is now Eswatini 's most frequently visited reserve.
♦ Hluhulwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve - the oldest proclaimed nature reserve on the continent
♦ Addo National Park - celebrated for its large elephant herds, diverse wildlife, and varied landscapes

View Full Itinerary

Itinerary:

Day 1. Greater Kruger National Park
Leaving the city of Johannesburg behind us, we make our way east through the coalfields of Mpumalanga. Today's journey follows the old trade routes to the Lowveld and the Kruger National Park. -/-/D

Day 2. Kruger National Park
Rising early this morning, we enter the Kruger National Park to enjoy a full day of game viewing. The abundance of wildlife presents us with opportunities for excellent sightings. The Kruger is also home to the famed members of Africa’s Big 5. Truly the flagship of the South African national parks, Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds, and 147 mammals. Our Game drive through the park is in an open-sided 4×4 vehicle. B/-/D

Day 3. Kruger National Park
While those who elect to do the optional morning walk will have an earlier start, we set out a little later today and travel the short distance to the Panorama Route. Strung along the escarpment that divides the central plateau and low-lying bushveld of the Kruger, the sights of the Panorama route offer us a day of scenic delights. Before returning to camp in the late afternoon, we will visit the highlights of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, and God’s Window. B/-/D

Day 4. Kruger to Eswatini
We start the day early with some coffee and traditional rusks before setting off through Kruger on our way to Eswatini. Our truck offers an excellent platform for game viewing as we make our way south. We exit the southern end of the park and travel the short distance to the Eswatini border; our route this afternoon winds through the mountains and forests of this landlocked kingdom. Our destination for today is the Ezulwini Valley just south of the capital, Mbabane. B/-/D

Day 5. Eswatini
Officially known as the Kingdom of Eswatini, Eswatini is a landlocked country which means that it doesn’t have a coastline and is completely surrounded by South Africa. Some key Swazi phrases to try include: Hello: “Sawubona” or Yes: “Yebo”. Today you will have the opportunity to explore your surroundings. B/-/D

Optional Activity: Game Drives, Mountain Biking and Hiking

Day 6. Eswatini - St Lucia
We bid farewell to Eswatini and re-enter South Africa, continuing south into the reaches of Zululand, once the realm of the mighty King Shaka, who united the Zulu clans. B/-/D

Day 7. Hluhluwe – Umfolozi Game Reserve / iSimangaliso Wetland Park
We set out early this morning for a game drive in the nearby Hluhulwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, one of the last strongholds of the endangered rhinoceros. While rhinoceros are the most famous of the park's inhabitants, the park also provides a home to many other species, including the Big 5, that we all hope to see. We will return to the lodge for a short siesta before we set off on an afternoon boat cruise on the St Lucia estuary. B/-/-

Day 8. Kwa Zulu Natal Coast – UKhahlamba Drakensberg Park
Running the length of the Kwazulu-Natal province, the Ukuhlamba Drakensberg Park is a UNESCO-recognised world heritage site. Whether you go by the Zulu name uKhahlamba, meaning ‘barrier of spears’, or the Afrikaans name Drakensberg, meaning ‘dragon mountains,’ these towering mountains will be our backdrop for the next two nights. On our way, we make a stop to view the scenic Howick Falls and visit to the nearby site that marked the capture of South Africa’s most famous man, Nelson Mandela. B/-/D

Day 9. UKhahlamba Drakensberg Park
We set out this morning for a lengthy hike. While we encourage everyone to make the most of the day in the mountains, we may offer separate options depending on the group's activity level. With several trails available, we can ensure that we cater to every need. The most important aim is to ensure everyone enjoys this mountain paradise at their own pace. B/-/D

Day 10. Lesotho
Our journey today begins with a mountain pass. Our route winds its way through the magnificent cliffs off the Golden Gate National Park before we enter Lesotho in the afternoon. We pass the capital city of Maseru and continue the climb to our base, which is high amongst the mountain peaks. B/-/D

Day 11. Lesotho
The clean air of the mountains accompanies us this morning as we explore the surrounding area. It offers a unique and adventurous landscape to explore on foot, and we will set out on the trail, which is a couple of hours. B/-/D

Day 12. South Africa – Graaff Reinet
Returning to South Africa, we descend the mountains and take aim across the Great Karoo. The semi-arid Karoo represents the heartland of rural South Africa. It presents a stark contrast to the mountains we leave behind. Our overnight stop is set in the historic town of Graaff-Reinet, the fourth oldest town in the country. We cross the mighty Orange (Gariep) River today as we journey through the vast countryside of the Karoo. B/-/D

Day 13. Gqeberha / Great Addo Area
This morning you will have the opportunity to join a sunrise excursion to the Valley of Desolation. This unique valley offers a panoramic view over the town and the wide open plains stretching out below. Setting course for the coast once again, we pass through the open plains of the Karoo and head to the famous Addo Elephant National Park where we will enjoy a half day game drive in our vehicle, in search of the famous elephants that call Addo home. B/-/-

Day 14. Gqeberha (previously called Port Elizabeth)
This morning after breakfast, your tour will come to an end in the city of Gqeberha. B/-/-

Practical / Predeparture Information

Price Includes:
accommodation in lodges
transportation in a 12 seat minibus
local English-speaking guides
meals according to the itinerary description (B-breakfast,L-lunch,D -dinner)
entrance fees for national parks

Not Included:
international and domestic flight tickets
travel insurance
visa fees if applicable
optional activities and fees associated with them
meals and drinks not mentioned
tips and personal expenses

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