Kruger, Eswatini & Lesotho (14 Days)

South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) are a microscosm of the African continent, containing dramatic mountain ranges, golden crescent beaches, wildlife-stalked wildernesses, vibrant cities and centuries of history. This is a tour that is going to reveal you the best wildlife conservation parks the African continent has to offer.

We begin our journey with a visit to the Kruger National Park where we have the opportunity to tick off viewing Africa’s Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos. Experience the thrill of being on safari in one of Africa’s largest game reserves. A visit to the Panorama Route offer us a day of scenic delights. We will visit the highlights of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, God’s Window and Blyde River Canyon (the third largest canyon in the world). We cross the border into the landlocked kingdom of Eswatini and make our way to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary for more a game viewing safari. Crossing back into South Africa we visit Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, St Lucia Wetland Park and the colourful, spicy city of Durban. Durban is known for its African, Indian and colonial influences. Furthermore we’ll discover the highlands of Lesotho where you can try your hand at pony trekking. We end our tour with a visit to Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape. Famed for the Elephants after which the park was named, recent expansion has seen Addo grow to become the third largest of South Africa’s National Parks.

Please note that the price is based on tent accommodation in specifically designed lodges on the route.
There is also an option for bungalow accommodation on request.

♦ Kruger National Park - one of the world's greatest national parks with an unparalleled diversity, density and sheer numbers of animals including all of Africa's iconic safari species – elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, rhino, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and zebra.
♦ Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary - Formerly a farming and tin mining area, the area has been rehabilitated and is now Eswatini 's most frequently visited reserve.
♦ Hluhulwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve - the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa.
♦ Addo National Park - a diverse wildlife conservation park, currently ranked third in size after Kruger National Park and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

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Itinerary:

Day 1. Greater Kruger National Park
Leaving the city of Johannesburg behind us we make our way east through the coalfields of Mpumalanga. Our journey today follows in the footsteps of the old trade-routes to the Lowveld and the Kruger National Park. This afternoon there will be an opportunity to join an optional Sundowner Drive, booking is essential and your guide can assist on departure this morning. -/L/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 and 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 activity package offers the added excitement of experiencing the park from an open-sided 4×4 vehicle. This evening there is a second opportunity for the optional Sundowner Drive. B/L/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. We will visit the highlights of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and God’s Window before returning to camp in the late afternoon. B/L/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 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/L/D

Day 5. Eswatini – Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated in the Ezulwini Valley, which translates to “valley of heaven”, the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is Eswatini’s oldest reserve and covers 4,560 hectares. As the reserve has no large predators we will enjoy a morning hiking amongst the game the roams the plains. Should you prefer there are a range of optional activities offered by the reserve and you could enjoy a game drive, mountain biking or a visit to the Chief’s traditional village. This afternoon we continue south into the reaches of Zululand, once the realm of the mighty King Shaka who united the Zulu clans. This evening we are treated to a cultural experience where we will learn more of the Zulu traditions and language. B/L/D

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/L/D

Day 07. 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 parks inhabitants, the park also provides a home to many other species, including the Big5 that we all hope to see. Returning to our lodging for a siesta, we freshen up for an afternoon boat cruise on St Lucia estuary. B/L/D

Day 8. Kwa Zulu Natal Coast – UKhahlamba Drakensberg Park
A lazy morning offers the chance for a final swim or stroll along the beach before we leave the coast behind us, our destination is the mountains of the Drakensberg. 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 Drakensberge, meaning ‘dragon mountains’, these towering mountains will be our backdrop for the next two nights. On our way we make a stop at the scenic Howick Falls and a visit to the nearby site that marked the capture of South Africa’s most famous man. In 1962, police waved down a car on a lonely stretch of road, they arrested Nelson Mandela who would go on to serve 27 years in prison before eventually becoming the president of South Africa in 1994. B/L/D

Day 9. UKhahlamba Drakensberg Park
We set out this morning for a day of hiking to explore the mountains of the Drakensberg, along our way we will have the opportunity to view examples of San rock art with a local guide. While we encourage everyone to make the most of the day in mountains, we may offer separate options depending on the activity level of the group. With a number of 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/L/D

Day 10. Lesotho – Malealea
Our journey today begins with a mountain pass and an opportunity to visit a Vulture restaurant where we hope to view these fascinating birds. 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 as continue the climb to our base high amongst the mountain peaks. B/L/D

Day 11. Lesotho – Malealea
The clean air of the mountains accompanies us this morning as we explore the mountains on foot, our hike concludes with a village visit and the opportunity to gain insight into the community that calls these mountains home. The Basotho are famous for their traditional hats, blankets, and their sturdy ponies. Basotho ponies are renowned for their sure-footed ness in the mountains and you have the opportunity of an optional pony trek this afternoon to experience this first-hand. B/L/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 and 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. This evening you will have the opportunity to join an optional sundowner excursion to the Valley of Desolation, this unique valley offers a panoramic view over the town and the wide open plains stretching out below. B/L/D

Day 13. Greater Addo Elephant National Park area
We are joined this morning by a local guide who will introduce us the historical highlights of Graaff-Reinet, with one of the highest concentrations of monuments the town offers a charming insight into the history of the land. Setting course for the coast once again, we roll through the open plains of the Karoo and the wildlife charms of the Addo National Park. B/L/D

Day 14. Gqeberha (previously called Port Elizabeth)
This morning we will make the short drive to the windy city of Gqeberha (previously called Port Elizabeth), where your tour comes to an end upon arrival. B/-/-

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Price Includes:
food according to the itinerary (B-breakfast,L - lunch,D- dinner)
accommodation in permanent tents
qualified crew
transport in a 12-seater 4x4 air-conditioned vehicle
included highlights as per the itinerary
entrance fees to the national parks

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Not Included:
items of a personal nature (snacks,alcohol,bottled water,soft drinks)
additional activities
entrance fees associated with optional activities
souvenirs

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Gallery

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