Kruger Park, Swaziland & Lesotho Safari - South

An affordable Southern African camping safari to Kruger Park, Swaziland and Lesotho starting in Johannesburg and ending in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Departing from Johannesburg we travel via the scenic Panorama Route to the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. Then we explore the vast Kruger National Park, South Africa's premier game reserve, on exhilarating game drives.

From there it's off to mountainous Swaziland to hike in Mlilwane Nature Reserve and experience traditional Swazi dancing, before crossing back into South Africa to visit the diverse iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the prestigious Hluhluwe-Umfolozi National Park.

Stopping over in Durban we travel into the Drakensberg Mountains where we enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Royal Natal National Park before doing some optional pony trekking in Lesotho. From Lesotho we drive to Cintsa on the east coast of South Africa to relax on the sandy beaches. Next we embark on game viewing drives in Addo Elephant National Park, before driving to Port Elizabeth where this southbound budget Kruger Park, Swaziland & Lesotho Safari ends.

Day 1: Johannesburg to Panorama Route - South Africa

Leaving the bustling city of Johannesburg we travel east along the Panorama Route, into one of the most scenic parts of South Africa. Driving along the Panorama Route we stop to admire the spectacular views at Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Blyde River Canyon, including God’s Window and the Three Rondavels. 

On the first evening of this Budget African Camping Safari we will enjoy a traditional Shangaan Dinner with dancing. 

Meals:  Lunch, Dinner

Day 2/3: Kruger National Park 

On day two we get up early to visit the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre where injured or lost animals are rehabilitated for release back into the wild. This is a wonderful opportunity for close encounters with rare and special wildlife species, as well as a great chance to learn about the positive achievements of the wildlife centre.

After visiting the the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre we make our way to the world-famous Kruger Park and immediately embark on an afternoon game drive. On day three of the South African Safari we spend a full day game viewing in Kruger Park from the vantage of our elevated safari truck. 

Optional Activities (Subject to availability): Night Drive and/or Game Walk with SANP, full day open vehicle game drive in Kruger National Park.

Meals:  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4/5: Swaziland - Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

We take one last rewarding game drive in Kruger Park on our way out of the vast game park. En route from Kruger to Swaziland we stop at one of the interesting local markets.

The Kingdom of Swaziland is a landlocked country bordered by South Africa and Mozambique. We spend the next two nights in the Mlilwane Nature Reserve.

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is Swaziland's oldest wildlife park and covers 4,560 hectares. There are no large predators in this wilderness area so we get to safely explore the park on foot, following one of the numerous of hiking trails in Mlilwane. Hiking is an excellent way of getting up close to the local flora and fauna and comes highly recommended.  In addition to the beautiful scenery we also have traditional Swazi dancing to look forward to after dinner.

Optional Activities: Mountain Biking, Hiking, Guided Birding walks, Horse Riding and Sunset Game Drive.

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: South Africa – Isimangaliso (Greater St Lucia) Wetland Park

Leaving Swaziland we take a scenic drive back into South Africa making our way towards the warm Indian Ocean coast. After settling in at our next stop, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, we embark on a relaxing sunset boat cruise on the lagoon for some bird and hippo viewing!  

Greater St Lucia Park, a UNESCO recognised area, covers extremely varied habitats including: lakes, beaches, coral reefs, wetlands, woodlands, coastal forests and grasslands together supporting an astounding diversity of wild animal, bird and marine life.

Optional activities: Tradtional Zulu village visit.

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Hluhluwe - Imfolozi Game Reserve and Durban

In the morning we drive to the prestigious Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve for an exhilarating game drive in open 4x4 safari vehicles. 

Hluhluwe and Imfolozi together make up one of Kwa-Zulu Natals best National Parks and provides a home to the world's largest population of White Rhinos as well as being known for its hippo population. We explore  Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, the only state-run park in the province of KwaZulu-Natal where all Big Five occur, before heading to Durban on the sunny east coast of South Africa.

In the late afternoon we arrive in the coastal city of Durban, South Africa’s largest marine port and well-known surfing destination. 

The evening can be spent enjoying authentic Indian cuisine as Durban is also home to the largest population of Indian descendents outside of India.

Optional Activities: Dinner out at local Indian Restaurant

Meals:  Breakfast

Day 8/9: Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park

We leave behind the beautiful beaches of the KwaZulu Natal coastline travelling inland to the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg or Royal Natal National Park, part of the huge and incredibly scenic Drakensberg Escarpment.

The Drakensberg is South Africa’s highest mountain range with peaks at over 3000 metres. Hiking is the most popular activity here and your guides will take you on a lovely hike if you are not already busy with optional activities, such as horse riding, which can be a very satisfying way to explore this mountainous area.

Optional Activities: Horse Riding, Hiking.

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10/11: Lesotho - Malealea

Next we set off early for the impressive drive up to the Lesotho border, where the popular pony trekking excursion (optional) starts.

Before departing we visit a local village and rural primary school. On the optional overnight trek Lesotho villagers will guide you along remote mountain trails with spectacular views. You can also remain at the lodge and relax, or experience an optional shorter ride.

Optional Activities: Pony Trekking Excursion, Hiking, Village Market.


Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12/13 South Africa – Cintsa

Leaving Lesotho, the ‘Kingdom in the Skies’, behind we cross back into South Africa and travel south to the laid-back village of Cintsa. In the coastal resort town of Cintsa, you can choose to relax, or participate in one of the many optional activities available!

Optional Activities: boat rental, quad bike, abseiling.

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Addo Elephant National Park

This unique Eastern Cape Game Park is home to one of the densest concentrations of African elephants on earth. Addo Elephant Park also boasts the ‘Big Seven’(elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, southern right whale and great white shark) as the game park includes both land-based and marine habitats. 

Optional Activities: Night Game Drive with SANP.

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Port Elizabeth - South Africa

After a final early morning game drive we bid farewell to the elephants of Addo Park and make our way to Port Elizabeth on the east coast of South Africa.

Arriving in Port Elizabeth this exhilarating Kruger Park, Swaziland & Lesotho Camping Safari comes to an end.

Meals:  Breakfast

Please Note:

This southbound Kruger, Swaziland & Lesotho Safari is also available in the reverse order as the Lesotho, Swaziland and Kruger Park Safari - North starting in Port Elizabeth and ending in Johannesburg.

Looking for other tours to South Africa? View all South Africa Budget Safaris