This 13-day South Africa Safari & Eswatini Tour visits some of South Africa's best treasures, introducing visitors to local South African culture, wildlife, and history.
Travel in a small group of no more than 10 guests, in a luxury, air-conditioned tour bus, and stay at comfortable safari lodges and guesthouses along the way. The guided South Africa & Eswatini Safari Tour takes you on a captivating journey in the north and eastern regions of South Africa and the small Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). The ever-changing scenery, the fascinating people, and the diverse landscapes of these beautiful countries will create life-long memories.
__large.jpg "Lion at Sunset, Kruger by Violator1")
At the start of this South Africa Safari & Eswatini Tour, you are collected from the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. From the airport, you are transferred to the nearby city of Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa.
Our first overnight stay is at a charming guesthouse in the leafy Brooklyn neighborhood of Pretoria. Check in at Brooks Cottage and relax in the peaceful setting of this lovingly restored old home.
Later we set off on a guided tour of Pretoria city, which includes visits to the Union Buildings, designed and built by Sir Herbert Baker in 1910, and the Voortrekker Monument, built to honor God for the Voortrekker's successful trek from the Cape to the then Transvaal. Both of these historical buildings provide insight into South Africa's tumultuous history.
In the evening you have the option of meeting up with your fellow travelers for dinner at one of the superb local restaurants.
On day two of our South Africa Safari & Eswatini Tour, we head for the hills of KwaZulu Natal.
Today is spent traveling through the farmlands of the Free State to the popular village of Clarens, known for its arts and crafts. You have the option of enjoying lunch in Clarens and may get distracted by the enticing shopping opportunities. From here we move on to the Golden Gate National Park and your first glimpse of the magnificent mountainous scenery for which this area is well known.
After a day spent traveling through South Africa, we arrive at our accommodation in the Drakensberg Mountains. The scenic and tranquil setting will be a respite after our journey, so it's time to relax before a crackling fire, and enjoy a pre-dinner drink and a welcome meal. The night is spent in a cozy log cabin.
Day three of our South Africa & Eswatini Safari is set aside for activities in the great outdoors. The beautiful mountain vistas may be viewed from the hiking trails, or you can take a horse ride on one of the horse trails - there's something for beginners and the more experienced. Enjoy exceptional birdlife and amazing views. There are cool streams to take a dip in if you are inclined. At the end of the day, tired but inspired enjoy a relaxed dinner at our lodge and conversation around the cozy fire.
Today we start with a relaxed breakfast before we hit the road, heading for the East Coast in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The journey continues through scenic rolling hills via Pietermaritzburg and Durban to one of the top destinations in KwaZulu-Natal - St Lucia. The quaint little town of St Lucia lies near the famous St Lucia Wetland Park (now Isimangaliso Wetland Park). This protected area is world famous as it was declared South Africa's very first World Heritage Site in 1999. It boasts the largest populations of hippos (around 800) and Nile crocodiles (over 1000) in the country. Isimangaliso Wetland Park spans 280 km of coastline with amazing natural ecosystems. The wetland is home to an unbelievable number and variety of birds, animals, and fish - a nature lovers paradise to explore and enjoy.
This afternoon we arrive in St Lucia early enough for you to explore the town. The hippos of St Lucia are known for roaming about the town so keep your eyes open for chance encounters. Or you can take a walk on one of the golden sand beaches and maybe cool off with a swim in the sea at one of the swimming beaches. You have the option of eating out at a restaurant in the town on night four of our South Africa Safari & Eswatini Tour. Dining at a restaurant here is a treat as the local food is a delicious melting pot of influences, as can be seen in the specialty dish of salt fish and green figs.
Today is dedicated to game viewing in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which was named Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park until 2007. Common wildlife sights in the park are rhinos, waterbucks, nyalas, buffaloes, and large kudu herds and if you are in luck you might be able to see a leopard on the hunt.
From various viewpoints, you will get a glimpse of the Indian Ocean and, when traveling in whale season, even a small chance to watch Southern Right Whales. After an exciting wildlife experience, you will reach Cape Vidal. End your game drive in a rather unusual way by taking a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean!
On day five of our South Africa Safari, we take an afternoon boat trip on the St. Lucia Estuary. The boat trip is an excellent way to spot wildlife and birds here. Hippos, crocodiles, and various species of waterfowl can be observed from your boat, which is an excellent opportunity for great photographs.
Once again there is the option of dinner at a restaurant in St Lucia.
Today is all about seeing South Africa's wildlife, one of the country's greatest treasures.
We leave early for Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, as early morning is the best time for wildlife viewing. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is considered one of the most beautiful game parks in Southern Africa and with its 96000 hectares of wilderness and rolling hills, it is easy to see why. Once the private hunting grounds of King Shaka, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park was proclaimed a wildlife reserve in 1895 and is said to be the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa. Renowned for its black and white rhino breeding project this and the reserve's conservation efforts have led to it being home to the largest population of white rhinos in the world.
From here we head north to the Pongola Game Reserve and our accommodation at White Elephant Bush Camp. On day six of our South Africa Safari, we have exclusive use of the safari camp where the views over the bushveld, Lake Jozani, and the distant Lebombo mountains are magnificent. We celebrate the magnificent, African sunset with a refreshing drink and after dinner, we relax around our campfire.
This morning we take a bush walk with an experienced, armed ranger - an opportunity not to be missed. Encounter the African bush from a different angle and without any disturbing noises, feel connected with nature, and soak up the sights, sounds, and smells. Your ranger is able to decipher the signs of animal activity and explain this as well as share his knowledge of the flora.
Then, we return to camp for a hearty breakfast before setting off on our cross-border journey. Today our South Africa Safari & Eswatini Tour takes us into our second African country, Eswatini, formerly called Swaziland.
We enter the small Kingdom of Eswatini and travel to the Mantenga Cultural Village, a living museum where we get an insight into the traditions, culture, and customs of the Swazi people. A captivating experience.
Today is spent exploring Mbabane, the capital of Eswatini (former Swaziland), and surrounding areas. During the evening of Day 7, our guide outlines the various options available for today and our itinerary is determined by group input. The options include exploring our surroundings, including the Milwane Game Reserve, on foot, mountain bike, or horseback (optional). Meeting the locals at the colorful markets which display many arts and crafts. We could visit a candle-making factory where the famous, decorative Swazi candles are produced or a glass factory and admire the art of glass blowing.
This small kingdom has many delightful, informative experiences to interest us during our Eswatini Tour.
Leaving Eswatini behind we cross the border back into South Africa and continue our journey to the world-famous Kruger National Park.
This vast protected area was declared a national park in 1926 and teems with wildlife that inhabits the various landscapes. Home to all wildlife species of Southern Africa including large herds of elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, lions, and leopards, but also around 150 species of mammals, more than 500 bird species, and almost 100 different reptiles, this is a smorgasbord of wildlife. We take an afternoon game drive in Kruger Park heading back to our accommodation in the national park as the sun sets.
Today is spent game viewing in Kruger National Park, one of the top highlights of our South Africa Safari & Eswatini Tour. We leave early this morning for a full-day Kruger Safari.
Get ready to explore South Africa's best national park in our open safari vehicle which is ideal for wildlife viewing and great photo opportunities. In this natural world, there is no telling what amazing encounters you may come across. In the early evening, you have the option of taking a night game drive with one of the park rangers, who, armed with a blazing spotlight, will search for the nocturnal animals.
Early this morning you have the option of taking a bush walk with a professional guide. Walking in the bushveld is a very special experience which shouldn't be missed. Your knowledgeable guide is able to interpret the wildlife signs as well as share his knowledge of the flora. Back at camp, we tuck into breakfast and then set out on our final wildlife viewing drive. This is a final opportunity to complete your 'spotted' list.
Leaving Kruger Park at around midday we head to Hazyview and our next safari lodge. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the welcoming Gecko Lodge (or similar) where you can relax in the lovely gardens, take a dip in the pool or enjoy a nap.
Our South Africa Safari & Eswatini Tour takes us to the renowned Panorama Route today. This scenic route winds alongside the Blyde River Canyon and provides excellent photo opportunities of the many spectacular viewpoints.
The Blyde River Canyon is reputed to be the third largest canyon in the world but is most probably the lushest canyon with its sub-tropical foliage. Look out for the smaller animals that inhabit this area, such as vervet monkeys, baboons, and antelope. The view out on the Klein Drakensberg escarpment is dramatic, but there are many breathtaking viewpoints that have been named according to their outlook. The Three Rondavels are three round mountain tops that resemble the traditional rondavel. The names 'God's Window' and 'Wonder View' are a clue to what one may expect.
At the meeting point of the Blyde River (river of joy) and the Treur River (river of sorrow), water erosion has created one of the most phenomenal geological phenomena in South Africa. The ‘Bourke’s Luck Potholes’ have taken thousands of years to form strange cylindrical sculptures carved by swirling water. The smooth red and yellow rocks contrast with the dark pools.
After a day of spectacular scenery in beautiful South Africa, we return to our friendly lodge near Hazyview.
Today we head back to Johannesburg after breakfast at the lovely lodge near Hazyview.
Sit back and enjoy the last bit of scenery as our South Africa Safari & Eswatini Tour comes to a close.
This small group South Africa & Eswatini Safari is conducted in a Mercedes Sprinter luxury bus. These air-conditioned vehicles have been adapted to withstand the rough conditions of Africa and offer guests the most comfortable sightseeing experience.
A maximum of 10 guests travel in these luxury 16-seater vehicles, guaranteeing each person a window seat. Traveling through South Africa in the comfort of a well-equipped luxury vehicle makes all the difference!
Should the accommodation listed in the itinerary not be available a similar accommodation establishment of the same standard will be used.
This tour does not take children.
This itinerary may have some long travelling days, and we would therefore not recommend this group safari for young children.
Families with younger children who are confident and comfortable with travelling long distances, are welcome on a private safari basis only.
Please contact African Budget Safaris for information regarding private tours and quotations.
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