This 12-day private fly-in safari from Johannesburg showcases the best of Southern Africa, combining Big Five wildlife and coastal scenery, with the cultural heritage and dramatic landscapes of two African kingdoms.
Travel through the scenic Panorama Route and wildlife-rich Kruger National Park, continue into Eswatini for cultural and wildlife encounters, and explore the balmy KwaZulu-Natal coast, including St Lucia's iSimangaliso Wetlands and uMhlanga. The journey culminates with the iconic ascent of the Drakensberg on Sani Pass into the breathtaking Lesotho mountains. This immersive adventure showcases Big Five safaris, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, coastal wetlands, and remote mountain villages in one seamless itinerary.
Your ultimate 12-Day Private South Africa, Eswatini & Lesotho Fly-in Safari departs Johannesburg International Airport on a morning flight to Hoedspruit, where you are met by your local guide. Travel along the spectacular Panorama Route to explore geological phenomena , including Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, God’s Window, and the Three Rondavels, before arriving at your accommodation in Graskop for dinner and an overnight stay.
Today, your private Southern Africa safari heads to the Kruger National Park, one of Africa's greatest wildlife reserves. After settling into your safari lodge, set out on a thrilling afternoon game drive with an experienced ranger. Travel through diverse habitats of the Kruger, including river systems, savannah, and woodland areas, with excellent opportunities to spot the Big Five and a host of other wildlife. Return to the safari lodge for a hearty dinner and an evening around the campfire.
This morning head out on a sunrise safari game drive, tracking wildlife across the park during the cool morning hours when animals are most active. Return to the lodge by mid-morning for a hearty brunch and enjoy leisure time at camp before heading out on another thrilling afternoon game drive, followed by dinner under the stars in the serene African bush.
Your private safari enjoys a final morning game drive before breakfast and check-out. Enjoy a scenic journey to the Kingdom of Eswatini and arrive in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley, known as the “Valley of Heaven,” where you check into your lodge and relax for the evening.
Gain a fascinating introduction into Eswatini’s cultural highlights today, including the Swazi Cultural Village, Ngwenya Glass, Ngwenya Mine (Africa’s oldest mine), and the National Museum & King Sobhuza Memorial Park for a deep insight into Swazi heritage.
Your private Eswatini safari departs early today for Mkhaya Game Reserve. You are met with an open 4x4 vehicle for a transfer and safari drive to your safari camp, which will be home for the next two nights.
Mkhaya Game Reserve is home to Eswatini's only populations of buffalo, sable antelope, and tsessebe, as well as black and white rhino, giraffe, roan antelope, and exceptional birdlife, all often seen at close range on safari. Spend the afternoon on game drives in this wildlife sanctuary before returning to the rustic camp for dinner and another evening under the stars.
Rise early for an early morning game drive followed by breakfast back at camp. You may then enjoy a guided bush walk, getting closer to nature and learning about interpreting animal tracks, the rich birdlife, and smaller wildlife in the reserve. Enjoy another evening close to nature at your safari camp.
After a final early morning game drive and breakfast, your Southern Africa safari departs Eswatini and travels through South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal region towards the coast. You will be staying in beautiful St Lucia, located within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Check into your lodge and relax in this coastal wildlife town that is home to the largest concentration of hippos in South Africa.
Enjoy a leisurely 2-hour boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary in iSimangaliso Wetland, a World Heritage Site, keeping a lookout for hippos, crocodiles, abundant birdlife, and other wildlife while exploring one of Africa’s most remarkable coastal wetland ecosystems.
Head to the coast and continue to uMhlanga, just north of Durban, a tropical paradise known for its warm Indian Ocean beaches and lively coastal atmosphere. Your guesthouse is within walking distance of Umhlanga Village’s vibrant restaurants, cafés, and shops, while the beach and scenic promenade are a five-minute stroll away.
Your ultimate 12-Day Private South Africa, Eswatini & Lesotho Safari departs early, travelling to the town of Underberg, set in the beautiful Drakensberg mountains (Maloti Mountains in Lesotho). Then it is time to ascend the iconic Sani Pass into Lesotho. Stop for tea along the route, admiring the stunning Lesotho mountain scenery. Visit an authentic shepherd’s village to learn about traditional Basotho culture, before heading over Black Mountain, the highest point of Sani Pass. Continue along the “Roof of Africa,” stopping regularly for photo opportunities and the stunning mountain scenery.
Continue via Oxbow Lodge for lunch. Time permitting, visit the Liphofung Caves to view ancient San rock art, before descending the winding Moteng Pass into Lesotho’s lowlands. Arrive in Hlotse for dinner and an overnight stay.
Today, your private tour starts with a visit to Leribe Craft Centre, where local women weave beautiful products with mohair wool. Take a short walk to see dinosaur footprints on the roof of a cave, and visit Thaba Bosiu Cultural Centre, the heart of Basotho heritage and the burial place of their kings. Enjoy a packed lunch en route.
Your journey continues through stunning scenery, up to the authentic mountain village of Semonkong. Experience a traditional Basotho blanket ceremony and learn the history, symbolism, and proper wearing of the iconic wool blankets that define the Basotho nation. Spend the night surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and local village life at the unique 1500m+ high Semonkong Lodge.
On the final day of your ultimate Southern Africa safari, visit the Maletsunyane Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Africa, with options to ride traditional Basotho ponies, walk, or drive to the viewpoint. Depart Semonkong and head down the mountains to Maseru, Lesotho's capital, to Maseru Airport for your flight back to Johannesburg. Here, your ultimate fly-in 12-Day Private South Africa, Eswatini & Lesotho Safari comes to a close.
This 9-Day Private Eswatini, St Lucia & Lesotho Safari is a more compact, yet immersive visit to Eswatini, South Africa & Lesotho
All Johannesburg Departures |
1. O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), 1 Jones Rd, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, 1632, South Africa
2. Hoedspruit, South Africa
3. Graskop, 1270, South Africa
4. Umlani Bushcamp, Timbavati Nature Reserve, Hoedspruit, 7985, South Africa
5. 5 Tivakashi St, Ezulwini H106, Eswatini
6. 8P8W+9JW Mkhaya Game Reserve, Siphofaneni, Eswatini
7. St Lucia, 3936, South Africa
8. Durban, South Africa
9. Sani Pass, South Africa
10. 524V+QW, Semonkong, Lesotho
11. GHV5+RJ7 Moshoeshoe I International Airport, Mazenod, Lesotho
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