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13650529744 8a3f504f7b b by Derek Keats

14 Day South Africa Safari: Kruger to Addo Park (Overland…

Tour Length14 days
Priced from pps $2468 R46650 £1957 2288 A$3790 C$3345 NZ$4130 Full pricing info
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Summary of this Lodge Africa Overland Tour

  • Max. Group Size 20 Travellers
  • Departs from Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Ends at Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), South Africa
  • Accommodation Lodge / Safari Lodge / Luxury Camping / Hotel
  • Transport Large Overland Vehicle / Open 4x4 Game Viewing Vehicle / Boat
  • Wildlife Big 5, Elephant, Leopards, Lions, Rhino & More
  •  See Departure Dates

Quick Itinerary Overview

Experience an unforgettable South Africa Safari filled with beautiful scenery and wild animals as you travel overland from Kruger to Addo, via Eswatini and Lesotho.

See plenty of free-roaming wildlife in the top South African safari destinations of Kruger National Park, Addo Elephant Park, Hluhluwe Game Reserve, and Isimangaliso Wetland Park, as well as Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary in Eswatini. Visit the tranquil Maloti Mountains and Malealea in Lesotho, and experience the breathtaking Panorama Route, the towering Drakensberg Mountains of KwaZulu-Natal, and the remote Great Karoo in South Africa. 

An affordable overland tour of scenic Southern African safari highlights in budget lodge safari style.

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Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Johannesburg to Kruger National Park - South Africa

Welcome to South Africa, the World in One Country! Early this morning we leave the bustling city of Johannesburg and travel east in our overland tour vehicle. Heading into the Mpumalanga Province, we follow the routes of the old transport riders and gold prospectors towards the Kruger National Park, wildlife safari capital of South Africa. The area was first protected in 1898 and now forms a vast reserve area the size of many European countries, with the Kruger National Park at it center, surrounded by a number of private concessions.

This afternoon we arrive at our first safari lodge in a private concession area within Kruger National Park covering 11,500 hectares. After settling in to the lodge, you have the option to join in a late afternoon game-viewing adventure and sunset game drive in the concession area of Kruger Park. On this optional (extra cost) game drive, you'll explore the wilderness around camp, stopping for sundowners as you search for wildlife. Booking through your safari guide this morning when we depart is essential for this popular sundowner game drive.

The lodge will be our base for the first 3 nights of our South Africa Safari adventure. We stay in permanent safari tents with en-suite bathrooms. This evening, relax around the campfire as your overland tour guide gives a briefing about the tour ahead.

  • Included Activity: Sundowner Drive
  • Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Kruger National Park - South Africa

Day 2 of your South Africa Safari is devoted to exploring the world-renowned Kruger National Park in an open-sided 4x4 safari vehicle. Immerse yourself in the African bushveld and keep a lookout for the creatures large and small that call the Kruger National Park home. The open-sided 4x4 safari vehicle provides excellent elevation for spotting and photographing as many of the wild animals in Kruger Park as possible.

Your experienced guide looks out for the signs and tracks of wildlife and birds, sharing insights along the way. You will be amazed by the array of animals and birds, plants, and small creatures that you encounter in this massive African wildlife park! The park is divided into 16 eco-zones, each supporting different wildlife, from the Big 5, elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, and buffalos, together with over 140 other species of mammal, 507 bird species, and 114 reptiles at last count.

After an action-packed day on safari in Kruger, we return to the lodge. Sit back around the campfire under the stars and relive the wildlife highlights of your first full day on safari in South Africa. Fall asleep to the sounds of nature in your permanent tented room with en-suite bathroom.

  • Included Activity: Full-Day Kruger National Park Safari (4x4 Game Drives)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Kruger Park & Panorama Route - South Africa

Day three of our budget South Africa Safari Adventure kicks off with an optional early morning bush walk. A bush walk is the ideal way to get up close to appreciate the diverse ecosystems of Kruger Park and zoom in on the finer details, plants, and smaller creatures.

After the optional morning bush walk, we climb on board the truck for a drive through the nearby Panorama Route. Here we explore one of the most scenic parts of South Africa, travelling around the edge of a high-lying escarpment which looks down over the Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest vegetated canyons in the world, and the flat Kruger Lowveld region below. We stop to admire the spectacular views from the aptly named God's Window, looking out over the Lowveld to the distant mountains. We also pause to view the curious Bourke’s Luck Potholes, created by water erosion over decades. Another lookout point gives us a spectacular panoramic view of the canyon with the Three Rondavels rock formations topping the hills on the canyon edge.

In the late afternoon, after taking in the spectacular sights of the Panorama Route, we return to our safari lodge inside Kruger Park.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Included Activities: Panorama Route Tour - Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon & God’s Window

Day 4: Kruger Park to Ezulwini Valley – Eswatini

On day 4 of our South Africa Safari, we get up early for coffee and traditional dunking rusks before hitting the road. We get to enjoy a last game viewing adventure, heading into Kruger National Park, driving its length to the southern boundary of Kruger Park where we exit.

From Kruger, we drive to the border of the tiny landlocked country of Eswatini not far away. After the Eswatini border crossing, we wind our way through the mountains and lush forests of this small kingdom. The next destination on our South Africa Safari Adventure is the wooded Ezulwini Valley, just south of Eswatini's capital Mbabane. We will overnight at a comfortable lodge in a wildlife sanctuary on the valley slopes.

  • Included Activity: Game Drive in Kruger National Park (in the overland tour vehicle)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary – Eswatini

This morning we head out on a walk in the scenic Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. There are no dangerous predators in the reserve, so it is an ideal place to explore on foot. Your overland guide leads you on a nature trail with information about the local history and environment.

The remainder of the day in yours to explore the beautiful Ezulwini Valley further and discover why the name Ezulwini means the 'place of heaven'. There are several optional activities on offer. Take yourself on a self-guided hike to further explore the scenery of the 4,560-hectare Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary or hire a mountain bike if that is your preference. You may opt for an optional game drive in nearby Hlane Royal National Park or the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.

  • Included Activity: Nature Walk
  • Optional Activity: Game Drives, Mountain Biking, Self-Guided Hiking
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Eswatini to Zululand & St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal - South Africa

Day 6 of our Africa overland tour sees us say goodbye to the Kingdom of Eswatini as we cross back into South Africa. We drive south into the Zululand region of KwaZulu-Natal where the legendary King Shaka founded the fierce Zulu Empire by uniting the various tribes during his reign from 1816 to 1828. It is still the homeland of the Zulu people, the largest ethnic group in South Africa.

Our drive takes us through the undulating hills of Zululand towards the sub-tropical Indian Ocean coast of South Africa. The next stop on our South Africa Safari Adventure is the beautifully located village of St Lucia, at the entrance to iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where eight interlinking ecosystems meet, creating a rich tapestry of biodiversity. From the golden beaches where sea turtles nest, to wetlands alive with crocs and hippos, and coastal forests brimming with birdlife, iSimangaliso is a wildlife enthusiast's dream come true. And in the ocean the marine reserves teem with tropical fish, corals, whales, and dolphins.

In St Lucia, we stay at an upmarket lodge with a swimming pool and lush subtropical gardens. Keep an eye out for the hippos as St Lucia is famous for these animals which are often spotted grazing in the village at night.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve & iSimangaliso Wetland Park - South Africa

Today we head out early to the nearby Hluhluwe - Umfolozi Game Reserve for a morning game drive in this famous Big 5 South African game reserve. This is the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa which made a name for itself with its efforts to save the Southern White Rhino from extinction in the 1950s and 60s. Today is still hosts an impressive white rhino population. Black rhinos are also found here, along with lions, leopards, buffalos, and elephants, making this a Big 5 South African safari destination. Other animals commonly sighted include giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, hippo, and various antelope species.

After our morning of bird watching and game viewing in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, we return to St Lucia for some free time - rest, take a swim and freshen up before our afternoon safari adventure. Later we embark on a relaxing sunset boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary for some excellent bird and hippo watching. The lagoon in Isimangaliso Wetland Park hosts extremely varied habitats including lakes, beaches, coral reefs, wetlands, woodlands, coastal forests, and grasslands which supports an astounding diversity of animal, bird, and marine life.

  • Included Activity: Game Drive in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, St Lucia Boat Cruise
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: St Lucia to Drakensberg Mountains, KwaZulu-Natal - South Africa

On day 8 of our South Africa Safari, we continue south along the beautiful east coast of South Africa, past the coastal city of Durban and then driving inland to the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park located on the unbelievably scenic Drakensberg Escarpment. The Drakensberg Mountains are the highest in Southern Africa, with peaks soaring over 3,000 meters (9,800 ft) high.

We will make a stop en route to visit the historic Mandela Capture Site. A statue of world-famous statesman Nelson Mandela, or Madiba, marks the place where he was arrested by the Apartheid police in 1962, beginning his 27-year-long imprisonment. From there we head to nearby Howick Falls to marvel at the beauty of this waterfall which the Zulu people call 'KwaNogqaza', 'Place of the Tall One'.

When we reach the Southern Drakensberg Mountains, we check into our historic hotel. For the next two nights of our Africa Overland Tour, we stay in twin-share rooms with en-suite bathrooms near the beautiful Sani Pass.

  • Included Activities: Mandela Capture Site, Howick Falls waterfall
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, KwaZulu-Natal - South Africa

We spend day 9 exploring mountain paths and enjoying the beauty of the towering Drakensberg Mountains, or as the locals call it, "uKhahlamba" - "the Barrier of Spears". The Drakensberg Mountains are South Africa’s highest peaks and are a UNESCO World Heritage site for their incredible biodiversity and wealth of rock art to be found there.

The day is set aside for hiking in the scenic uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, with plenty of walks to choose from depending on different levels of fitness and activity. Alternatively, you may opt to try other optional outdoor activities, such as horse riding, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.

  • Included Activity: uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park Entry Fee & Hike with your overland guide
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Drakensberg to Malealea – Lesotho

Day 10 takes us into the third country on our overland tour, Lesotho. First, we make our way up a spectacular mountain pass that offers dramatic views over the countryside below. Once the Lesotho border crossing formalities are complete, we wind our way through the hillsides and peaks of this stunning mountain nation, passing through the capital city of Maseru and into the towering mountains of southern Lesotho.

Our lodge is located in the rural Malealea village, nestled in the remote Makhomalong Valley surrounded by the breathtaking Maloti Mountains.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11: Malealea – Lesotho

Today is set aside for exploring the remote western highlands of Lesotho, enjoying the clean mountain air and spectacular scenery. We take a morning hike with our guide, through the small rural village where you'll see the traditional Basotho way of life and gain insight into the local community. The Basotho are famous for their traditional hats and blankets, and also their love for their horses, the traditional Basotho ponies which are the main form of transport in this mountainous Kingdom. We continue down the river from the lodge, to visit the Maletsunyane Falls, one of the highest single dropping Falls in Africa plummeting 186 meters into a spectacular gorge.

This afternoon you are free to explore more on your own or try one of the optional activities on offer, like fly fishing, a world record abseil, or perhaps pony trekking in the mountains. Lesotho is famous for its pony trekking and the Basotho ponies are known for being hardy and surefooted.

  • Included Activity: Morning Waterfall Hike
  • Optional Activity: Lesotho Pony Trekking, Fly Fishing, Abseil and more
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12: Lesotho to Graaff-Reinet & Valley of Desolation, Karoo - South Africa

On day 12 of our South Africa Safari, we descend the lofty Maloti Mountains and cross the border back into South Africa. From here we head into the flat, wide expanse of the Great Karoo. This semi-arid region of South Africa is known for its wide-open landscapes with big sheep farms and a scattering of remote towns. We cross the Gariep (Orange) River, South Africa's longest river which rises in the Lesotho mountains and flows across the whole country into the Atlantic Ocean in the northwest.

The next night of our South Africa Safari is spent in historic Graaff-Reinet, fourth-oldest town in South Africa. After you have settled in, we take an evening sundowner trip to the dramatic rockscapes of the Valley of Desolation just outside town. As the sun goes down, we enjoy the play of light and breathtaking views over the rocky valley towards the plains of Camdeboo in the distance. (In winter, the Valley of Desolation trip is conducted on the following morning as a sunrise excursion instead.)

  • Included Activity: Valley of Desolation Sundowner (or Sunrise Trip tomorrow morning)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13: Graaf Reneit to Addo Elephant National Park & Gqeberha - South Africa

This morning we drive south across the empty plains of the Karoo, soaking up more of the wide skies and open space. Arriving at Addo Elephant National Park, we head out into the African bush once more for some more game viewing this afternoon. Addo Elephant Park is home to one of the densest concentrations of elephants in the world. This unique, malaria-free national park is the third largest in South Africa and incorporates marine and land habitats. As a result, it is one of the few ‘Big 7’ safari destinations in Africa, hosting elephants, rhinos, lions, buffalos, leopards, southern right whales, and great white sharks.

After our exciting game drive in Addo Elephant National Park, we head to the coastal city of Gqeberha, previously known as Port Elizabeth, where we spend our last night at a centrally located guesthouse. From impressive British colonial architecture to vibrant African markets, Gqeberha is a vibrant melting pot of cultures.

  • Included Activity: Half Day Game Drive in Addo Elephant Park (in the overland truck)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14: Gqeberha - South Africa

After breakfast this morning our South Africa Safari comes to a close in the Friendly City of Gqeberha.

To add an extra night's stay at an affordable hotel or guesthouse in the seaside city of Gqeberha on on the Sunshine Coast after your safari, simply ask one of our travel advisors when you book your overland safari. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged.

  • Meals: Breakfast

South Africa Safari Note

We recommend arriving in Johannesburg the day before your South Africa Safari departs and only booking onward flights for the day after the overland safari ends in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). It is advisable to arrive the day before departure from Johannesburg and fly out the day after the overland tour ends in Gqeberha to allow for delays and changes. We can help you to book affordable accommodation before and after this budget safari on request.

Alternative South Africa Safari Options

This Overland Lodge Tour is also available as a cheaper Camping Overland Tour traveling in large overland trucks. These regular overland safaris are also available as more exclusive small group tours traveling by luxury 4x4 overland tour vehicle. For more details contact African Budget Safaris.

Optional Extras and Excursions

For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.

  • Sunset game drive in Kruger National Park, South Africa
  • Game Drives, Mountain Biking & Hiking in Eswatini
  • Pony Trekking & Extra Hiking in Lesotho

Child Policy

This tour does take children.

There is a minimum age limit of 8 years of age, for travellers on scheduled departures, however, children aged 8 and 9 years of age are accepted on a request basis only.
A maximum of 4 children, aged between 10 - 15 years will be allowed per scheduled tour departure date.
Should there already be 4 children confirmed on a tour, any further children requests will be dealt with on a request basis only.

Age restrictions may apply to certain items listed in the respective tour activities and it is important that you are aware of these restrictions prior to confirming children on tour.

Please contact African Budget Safaris for further information.

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  • Sunset game drive in Kruger National Park, South Africa
  • Game Drives, Mountain Biking & Hiking in Eswatini
  • Pony Trekking & Extra Hiking in Lesotho
+Included in the Tour Price
  • Overland tour transport (safari truck)
  • Lodge safari accommodation
  • Registered safari guide
  • All meals (as per the itinerary)
  • Safari activities (as per the itinerary)
  • Park entry fees
  • Filtered drinking water
+Not Included in the Tour Price
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal items and tips
  • Optional activities per itinerary
  • Drinks and snacks
+Departure Dates

This tour is also conducted in German. Please contact African Budget Safaris for departure dates.

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