Kruger, Swaziland & Durban Lodge Safari

Explore Southern Africa's scenic mountains, forests and coast and experience the amazingly diverse wildlife, landscapes and cultures of this part of Africa.

In only one week this budget lodge safari takes you to several of Southern Africa's top game parks including South Africa's Kruger Park, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve and the St. Lucia Wetlands Park, as well as the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary in Swaziland. 

Encounter the rich culture of the Swazi people and the tribal Zulu culture in Natal on this accommodated tour through Southern Africa. On this affordable tour starting in Johannesburg and ending in Durban you stay in twin shared rooms at comfortable and scenic camps.

An ideal short getaway - see Africa's wildlife roaming freely, experience spectacular natural beauty and meet the vibrant people of Southern Africa! 

Tour Highlights:

• Panorama Route - Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes & The Three Rondavels
• Game viewing in the world-renowned Kruger National Park
• Swaziland’s scenic Mlilwane National Park & Swazi culture
• Game drive in the prestigious Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve
• Venture into the beautiful and diverse St Lucia Wetlands Park

DAY 1: Johannesburg to Private Game Reserve via Panorama Route (Dinner)

On day one we depart from the bustling city of Johannesburg, the economic powerhouse of Southern Africa, heading west into one of the most scenic parts of South Africa. Travelling along the Panorama Route in the Mpumalanga Province we stop off at the Blyde River Canyon. At Blyde River Canyon, the world’s third largest canyon, we enjoy spectacular panoramic views over the surrounding landscape and the deep canyon. We walk down into the canyon a short way to see the rounded rock formations of the Bourke’s Luck Potholes, formed by erosion. We view the Three Rondavels en route, stopping at the edge of the escarpment to look out over the lowveld stretched out below.

Descending the scenic escarpment we make our way to our first overnight lodge within the Greater Kruger park area. The safari lodge is set in a private game reserve that shares unfenced borders with the world-renowned Kruger National Park, allowing wildlife to roam freely.

Twin Share Rooms/ Shared Facilities

DAY 2: Kruger National Park (Breakfast & Dinner)

Day two starts bright and early as we make our way into South Africa’s premier game park, Kruger National Park. We spend the day game viewing in this over 2 million-hectare wilderness area teeming with wildlife.

A typical day in Kruger starts early; with a morning game drive into the African bushveld, as many wild animals are at their most active early in the morning. We stop at one of the rest camps inside Kruger Park for lunch and a rest during the hottest part of the day. In the late afternoon, when the predators become more active, we venture back out into the wilderness on another game drive. We exit Kruger before sunset heading back to our lodge for the night.

Kruger is South Africa’s flagship game park and top travel destination, boasting an unrivalled diversity of plants and animals, including Africa’s Big Five - elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo.

Our game drives in Kruger take us in search of the Big Five and a variety of other wildlife, such as giraffe, zebra, cheetah, hyena and various antelope species. With around 507 bird species, 147 mammal species and 114 reptiles game drives in Kruger Park offer excellent photographic opportunities. In addition to its abundance of wildlife, the untamed Kruger Park is also rich in archaeological and historical sights.

Twin Share Rooms/ Shared Facilities

DAY 3 – 4: Swaziland (Breakfast x 2, Dinner x 2)

Today we cross into mountainous Swaziland, visiting a glass works factory en-route to Mbabane, the capital of this small landlocked country. Swaziland with its festivals and traditional villages is rich in culture, as well as natural beauty.

We spend the next two nights in Swaziland’s Big Game Parks area where the Hlane Royal National park, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and Mkhaya Game Reserve are situated. We visit the scenic Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary situated in the “Valley of Heaven”. Mlilwane, Swaziland’s oldest protected area, covers 4 560 hectares of mountains and grassland plains inhabited by numerous wild animals. We also visit the Royal Enclosure where the Reeds Festival, or Umhlanga, is celebrated and then browse the local craft markets.

Twin Share Rooms/ Shared Facilities

DAY 5: Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve (Breakfast & Dinner)

The morning is spent relaxing before we return to South Africa, travelling to the small town of Hluhluwe, in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Here we visit a local village to get a glimpse of the proud Zulu culture with its warriors, tribal dances and customs. We overnight at a secluded lodge not far from Hluhluwe.

Twin Share Rooms/ Shared Facilities

DAY 6 – 7: Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Reserve, St Lucia, Durban (Breakfast x 2 & Dinner x 1)

Day six starts early as we head into Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Reserve on an early morning game viewing drive. One of the oldest game reserves in South Africa, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve is home to Africa’s Big Five and numerous other wildlife, offering superb game viewing opportunities. The prestigious Hluhluwe-Imfolozi is a leader in conservation standards and best known for the pivotal role the park played in saving the white rhino from extinction.

From game viewing in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park we make our way to the Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park, encompassing a diverse array of habitats and 280km of wild coastline. We get the chance to take an optional boat cruise in this Natural World Heritage Site and go in search of its abundant wildlife.

After exploring the natural beauty of St. Lucia we follow the coast south making our way to Durban. Our tour ends in Durban, South Africa’s largest port and one of its top beach destinations.

Twin Share Rooms/ Shared Facilities

Tour Accommodation:

On this tour accommodation is mostly in shared rooms with twin beds in chalets, bungalows or cabins, or in guesthouses with shared facilities. Many of the places that we stay at are located in picturesque settings with a swimming pool, restaurant and bar. Some of the accommodation is a little more basic but still comfortable, clean and secure.

Tour Transport:

Transport on this tour will be in a comfortable mini-bus or microbus. Maximum group size: 14 passengers.

Participation on this Tour:

This is an active participation tour; which means everybody helps out with the daily chores. The chores are usually shared on a roster basis and include tasks like shopping and cooking. 

The active participation on this tour provides good opportunities to meet local people and get to know your fellow travellers. Your contribution helps to make sure that your trip is successful and enjoyable for everyone. Sharing the responsibilities means that nobody has to work too hard! On past tours most people have found that the more they get involved, the more they enjoy themselves. With a sense of adventure and a flexible attitude you will be sure to have a wonderful trip.

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