Swaziland & South Africa Budget Safari

Travel from Johannesburg to Kruger Park in South Africa, before exploring Swaziland and South Africa's Wild Coast, Garden Route and Kalahari Desert in the Northern Cape.

This Budget Camping Safari takes you through South Africa & Swaziland to highlights including:

• Kruger Park & Addo Elephant Park in South Africa
• Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary in Swaziland
• Drakensberg Mountains & Wild Coast's Coffee Bay
• Tsitikamma on the Garden Route & Cango Caves
• Cape Town & Cederberg Mountains in South Africa
• Augrabies Falls & Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park

Experience the best of South Africa & Swaziland's beautiful mountains, desert and beaches on this unique scenic, cultural and wildlife safari of a lifetime!

DAY 1: Johannesburg to Hazyview – South Africa (L / D)

This African Budget Safari departs from Johannesburg traveling into the Lowveld of South Africa to our overnight camp on the border of the famous Kruger National Park.

Our drive takes us through the southern part of the scenic Panorama Route – famous for its breathtaking views.

The safari camp is a short distance from Kruger Park’s Numbi Gate and is home to some African wildlife, including hippo, giraffe, zebra and impala. In the evening we relax around the camp fire before embarking on our first game drive in Kruger Park tomorrow.

DAY 2: Kruger National Park – South Africa (B / L / D)

Today we explore the premier Kruger National Park on game viewing drives. This leading African game park covers an area of 21 497 km² (60 km wide and over 350 km long).

The vast Kruger Park conservation area is home to over 146 mammals, 500 bird, 114 reptile, 33 amphibian & 49 fish species. Around 23 000 different types of plants have also been recorded in this wilderness area. 

We spend the day driving through Kruger Park in South Africa in search of the abundance of wildlife inhabiting the game reserve, stopping off at view points as we explore. 

DAY 3: Hazyview to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary – Swaziland (B / L / D)

We stop off for supplies and continue to the mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland, leaving the bushveld of South Africa behind.

Completing border formalities we then cross into landlocked Swaziland tucked away between South Africa and Mozambique. As we drive up into Swaziland we get to admire the panoramic vistas over its beautiful hills and rural villages.

Our first stop is at the well known Ngwenya Glass workshop run by a small group of Swazi craftsmen and women. Using their age-old artistry these local crafters bring to life enchanting interpretations of the animals and birds of Africa. Browse these Swazi creations in the showroom, to find a charming souvenir with its own personality. The items are all made from 100% recycled glass.

DAY 4: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary – Swaziland (B / L / D)

On day four of this Swaziland & South Africa Budget Safari we explore the Mlilwane Reserve enjoying some of the activities available.

Activities at Milwane Wildlife Sanctuary include walks, bicycle rides and horse riding excursions in the hills. Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary was the first of Swaziland’s wildlife havens and is home to numerous antelope species and resident bird-life making it an ideal place to explore on foot, or by bicycle.

DAY 5: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary to St. Lucia – South Africa (B / L / D)

Our African Camping Safari proceeds south through Swaziland, journeying back into South Africa. We travel towards the town of St Lucia, on the edge of the diverse iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

This World Heritage site stretches along the northern KwaZulu-Natal coast for 220km's. St. Lucia town is nestled between the Indian Ocean and the unspoilt freshwater Estuary of this wetland area. The estuary of Greater St. Lucia is home to a wide variety of bird-life, plenty of resident hippos and crocodiles.

We explore the natural lagoon on a sunset boat cruise in this stunning setting, if time allows.

DAY 6: St. Lucia to the Drakensberg (B / L / D)

Travelling further south along South Africa's eastern coast of Kwazulu Natal, we veer inland to the Drakensberg Mountain Range. The highest mountain range in South Africa the Drakensberg mountains were named the ‘mountains of spears’ by early Dutch Settlers.

The impressive Drakensberg Mountains have long been a top favourite among hikers and nature lovers, as there are a variety of lovely view points and walking trails scattered along the base.

DAY 7: Drakensberg – South Africa (B / L / D)

Today we enjoy some of the leisure activities available in the southern Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa. You can explore the dragon-like mountains on foot, or on horseback and simply relax at the safari campsite.

DAY 8: Drakensberg to Coffee Bay (B / L / D)

Early this morning we hit the road, making our way out of the KwaZulu-Natal province and driving further south into the rugged Eastern Cape province.

Our Southern African Tour to Kruger, Swaziland, Drakensberg & the Garden Route crosses the former homeland of the Transkei.

We pass through scenic landscapes of rolling hills dotted with local villages, based on subsistence farming. Arriving at rustic Coffee Bay on the Wild Coast in the late afternoon, the evening is free for you to relax and unwind.

DAY 9: Coffee Bay – South Africa (B / L / D)

Discover Coffee Bay today making the most of the remote beaches of the Wild Coast. Beach hike to the famous ‘Hole in the Wall’ or take a surfing lesson with a Pro-Am World Title holder that still surfs competitively today.

Immerse yourself in Xhosa culture on a visit to the local village, or join one of the exciting Day Trips on offer in this rural area.

DAY 10: Coffee Bay to Addo Elephant Park – South Africa (B / L / D)

Back on the road today, we drive through the rural Eastern Cape leaving the Wild Coast behind. Our next safari destination is Addo Park, South Africa’s 3^rd largest National Park.

We venture into the Addo Elephant National Park on a game drive in search of its large elephant herds, lions, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, zebra and a variety of antelope species. This Eastern Cape game park is also home to the unique, flightless Addo dung beetle, almost exclusively found in Addo Park.

DAYS 11 & 12: Addo Elephant Park to Tsitsikamma Park (B / L / D)

On day 11 of this Southern African Safari we get up early and head out on another game drive in Addo Park, taking advantage of the cool morning hours when many animals are stirring.

After game viewing in Addo we drive through the Eastern Cape into the picturesque Garden Route region and on to the Tsitsikamma National Park. We arrive at the scenic Tsitsikamma Park in the afternoon.  

This beautiful National Park covers a lush stretch of indigenous forest stretching from the striking coastline to the Tsitsikamma Mountain Range. Some of South Africa’s most colourful birdlife and flora can be seen in this Garden Route wilderness area.

Tsitsikamma Park encompasses the stretch of natural forest alongside the coastline as well as a portion of the adjacent ocean. There are many walks and hikes worth exploring in the afternoon before we set up camp beside the crashing ocean.

Day 12 is free for you to explore the Nature Reserve and participate in some of the optional adventure activities available in this pretty Garden Route region. Plummet off the Bloukrans Bridge, the world’s highest commercial bungee jump to get your adrenalin pumping.

Experience black water tubing on the turbulent Storms River, or explore the indigenous forest on a tree top canopy zip-line tour for a bird's eye view. Or simply enjoy the coastal forest on one of the many hikes in Tsitsikamma National Park.

DAY 13: Tsitsikamma National Park to Oudtshoorn – South Africa (B / L / D)

We carry on driving along the scenic Garden Route, getting an early start today. We make our way to the Klein Karoo town of Oudtshoorn. Set between the Outeniqua & Swartberg Mountain Ranges, this Karoo town was once a trade centre for the ostrich feather industry.

In the afternoon we explore the two top highlights of Oudtshoorn – the famous Cango Caves and a working Ostrich Farm.

Cango Caves is the largest open cave formation in South Africa, offering visitors the chance to get inside the vast caverns and view the spectacular limestone formations. Explore the main cavern on a guided tour to see this underground cave system and learn how these folds of rock have formed over hundreds of years.

After visiting Cango Caves we head to one of Oudtshoorn’s famous Ostrich Farms to learn more about these giant flightless birds and even try riding an ostrich! 

DAY 14: Oudtshoorn to Cape Town – South Africa (B / L)

Today on this Swaziland & South Africa Budget Safari we travel via the scenic Route 62 travelling to the “Mother City” of Cape Town.

We arrive in Cape Town in the afternoon and have the evening free to experience the vibrant night life of this charming city.

Eat out at one of the excellent restaurants along bustling Long Street, or roam around the V&A Waterfront at the harbour side!  

Take a cable car up Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain to watch the sun set over the picturesque city set on the coast of South Africa.

DAY 15: Cape Town to Cederberg Area – South Africa (L / D)

This Budget African Safari departs from the beautiful city of Cape Town today, setting off north through the wheat growing ‘bread basket’ region of South Africa.

As we travel around Table Bay we get a great panoramic view of the city and its iconic Table Mountain in the distance.

Our journey takes us over the Piketberg Pass and into the lush Olifants River valley, a fruit growing region named after the large herds of elephants that used to roam the area. In the afternoon we take a short stroll in the vineyards, admiring the stunning backdrop of the Cederberg Mountains. After our walk we get the chance to sip some of the nectar of the gods.

Tonight we stay at a scenic campsite looking out over the surrounding wine farms. We camp under star-studded African skies – a perfect way to end the day!

DAY 16: Cederberg to Augrabies Falls National Park (B / L / D)

Today we continue our drive north passing through the unique semi-desert Karoo region of South Africa.

We make our way to the Augrabies Falls National Park on the Gariep River, formerly the Orange River. The Gariep forms a natural border between South Africa and Namibia to the north and is the longest river in South Africa.

Having flowed from the Drakensberg Mounatins of Lesotho the Gariep River splits into numerous channels before tumbling down the Augrabies Falls, also known as the Hundred Falls.

Augrabies Falls is around 56m high, with the Gariep River continuing to flow through the Augrabies Gorge for 18km after this impressive waterfall.

The Augrabies Falls National Park covers an arid riverine zone north and south of the Gariep River. The national park is home to various interesting and rare types of fauna and flora, including the strange looking Quiver Tree.

DAY 17: Augrabies Falls to Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park – South Africa (B / L / D)

Journeying north through South Africa some more, we travel to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park, consisting of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park of South Africa, and the Gemsbok National Park of Botswana.

We stop off in the Mier area en route to Kgalagadi Park to browse some local Khoisan crafts and take a look at the community projects here. The ancestors of the local Khoisan people were the original inhabitants of this desolate Kgalagadi region. We get a glimpse of traditional Khoisan culture by visiting the descendants of the communities that have survived in this harsh terrain for thousands of years.

About Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is about 38,000 km² in area, making it one of a handful of wilderness areas of such vast size remaining in the world today.

The South African part of this extensive national park is located in the most northerly corner of South Africa in the Northern Cape Province. This southern Kalahari Desert park is one of South Africa's best kept travel secrets and is home to a surprising abundance and variety of flora and fauna. 

Wildlife includes the rare black maned lion, cheetah, leopard, numerous antelope species and a wide variety of birds of prey. Antelope species such as the blue wildebeest, springbok, eland, and red hartebeest inhabit this Transfrontier National Park, as well as over 200 species of bird, including vultures and raptors such as buzzards, eagles and secretary birds.

The Kgalagadi, meaning 'place of thirst', is known for its red sand dunes and is characterized by sparse vegetation scattered with a few trees and the dry riverbeds of the Nossob and Auob rivers. It is easy to spot antelope and predator species in this barren setting; which provides excellent photographic opportunities.

DAY 18: Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park – South Africa (B / L / D)

Rising early in the morning, we venture into this unusual arid park on a game drive. Our drive takes us in search of the wildlife and birds looking for food and water in this Kalahari Desert region, of sparse vegetation and dry river beds.

With a bit of luck, we will sight a pride of black maned lions as they laze in the shade of a camel thorn tree in this wilderness! 

DAY 19: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park to Vryburg – South Africa (B / L / D)

Bidding farewell to the rolling dunes of the Kgalagadi Park, with its spectacular scenery and friendly people we continue our journey across the Northern Cape region and into the North West province.

Our stop over for the evening is in the town of Vryburg, the agriculture and industrial centre of this region. 

DAY 20:  Vryburg to Johannesburg (B)

Today we travel to our final safari destination on this Swaziland & South Africa Budget Trip, the vibrant city of Johannesburg.

A late morning arrival, gives us some free time to explore some of the many sites and activities in the economic powerhouse of South Africa. Visit famed Soweto, South Africa’s biggest and most bustling township on an optional trip - an unforgettable cultural experience!

On our last night you can choose to sample some of Johannesburg’s lively night life! 

DAY 21: Johannesburg - South Africa (B)

After breakfast on day seven, our African Camping Trip comes to an end. We exchange addresses and part ways, taking the memories of this unique Swaziland & South Africa Budget Safari of a lifetime with us!

Please Note:

This African Budget Safari begins in Johannesburg, South Africa and travels through South Africa and Swaziland, before heading south along the Garden Route to Cape Town, and via the Northern Cape back to Johannesburg.

This camping trip departs from Johannesburg early on Sunday morning. Should you wish to explore Johannesburg, an earlier arrival is recommended. Accommodation can be booked through African Budget Safaris. 

This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road & weather conditions, political situations and group decisions.

All prices & Local Payments are subject to change. Due to Tourism Laws in some of the countries we visit, there may be a truck and crew change during the trip.