South Africa Walking Safari

A great 13 day Tour of South Africa with an emphasis on walking and hiking in scenic areas of South Africa, exploring the highlights of the Kruger and Zululand areas.

The South Africa Walking Safari includes 5 day hikes, starting off with a tour of the Panoramic Route followed by a few days in South Africa's premier reserve, the Kruger National Park where we go in search of Africa's "Big 5".

Its then off to Swaziland and onwards to the Kwazulu Natal area where we visit St Lucia, The Battlefields and the Drakensberg Mountain area.

The Safari ends back in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Day 1 - 2: MPUMALANGA - SOUTH AFRICA [chalets Bx1 Lx2 Dx2]

(B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)

After the South Africa Walking Safari briefing, we leave Johannesburg at 06:30am and head east towards Mpumalanga. In the afternoon we visit the gold mining town of Pilgrims Rest, explore Bourkes Luck Potholes and stop at the viewpoint overlooking God's Window. We then make our way to our chalets near the escarpment. The next day is spent exploring the Blyde River canyon on foot.

Day 3 - 4: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK - SOUTH AFRICA (tented lodge or chalets BLD)

We embark on a big game safari in Kruger Park next. We spend the next 2 days on game viewing drives in search of the elusive leopard, lion and elephant. Exciting wildlife viewing on morning and afternoon game drives with the midday spent out of the heat, resting in the overnight camp. Our professional safari guides will impart their extensive knowledge of the ecology, fauna and flora in the area, during our time in the bush. Night game drives with spotlights are available (own expense).

Day 5 - 6: KINGDOM OF SWAZILAND (cabins BLD)

On day 5 of the South Africa Walking Safari we enter the Kingdom of Swaziland and travel through a lush fruit farming area, before heading into the mountains of Swaziland. We spend 2 nights in Malalotja Nature Reserve with a full day for walking through this seldom explored mountainous reserve. The Swazi people have a rich cultural heritage and we will visit the craft and medicine markets as we pass through the capital on day 7, Mbabane.

Day 7, 8 & 9: ST. LUCIA - SOUTH AFRICA (cabins BLD)

We cross back into South Africa and head into the heart of Zululand. We visit a traditional village to learn more about the rich Zulu culture, and get a chance to meet the local people. We base ourselves on the shores of Lake St Lucia - a Unesco world heritage site. The park's uniqueness lies in its remarkable combination of estuarine lakes, subtropical coastline, forests and wildlife. We will spend a day in the Hluhluwe game reserve where rhino conservation has been a priority. We then have another full day free to explore the St. Lucia estuary and the beaches, as we enjoy a boat cruise or kayak excursion (own expense).

Day 10: ZULU BATTLEFIELDS - SOUTH AFRICA (lodge BL)

We leave the coastline and make our way through the scenic hills and valleys of Zululand to the small town of Dundee on day 10 of the South Africa Walking Safari. Here the battles were fought between the Zulus, British and the Boer troops - war cries still resound in the hills. We spend time at Rourkes Drift and Islandwana battlefields with an informative visit to the Tulana museum.

Day 11 - 12: DRAKENSBERG - SOUTH AFRICA (tented lodge or chalets BLD)

Witness the grandeur of the scenic Drakensberg or Ukhahlamba "Barrier of Spears" Mountains. We overnight at the base of the "berg" and spend a day walking the forest trails or taking a dip in the clear mountain streams. The crisp mountain air is refreshing and invigorating and our safari lodge is a fantastic place to relax at the end of our South Africa Walking Safari.

Day 13: JOHANNESBURG - SOUTH AFRICA ( BL)

The morning is free to take a last walk in the mountains before we make our way back to Johannesburg. The South Africa Walking Safari ends at about 18:00pm back at our starting point.