Safari & the Kingdom of Swaziland 13-day exploration

Pretoria

Day 1: Welcome to South Africa!

On arrival at Tambo International Airport, your friendly driver will be waiting to transfer you to the charming Brooks Cottage in Pretoria. After freshening up, join our knowledgeable guide for a city tour. Marvel at the Union Building and delve into South Africa's past at the Voortrekker Monument Museum. As the sun sets, you’re at leisure to explore with your fellow travellers and find a restaurant for a delicious dinner.

Drakensberg

Day 2: Majestic mountains

After breakfast and a tour briefing, it’s time to head south. As you journey through the Free State Province, stop by the picturesque town of Clarens, which is home to many artists and craftsmen. Enjoy lunch here, before continuing onwards to the Golden Gate National Park, where the beauty of South Africa will unfold before you.

Tonight, you'll be staying at Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge, nestled near the Royal Natal National Park in the Drakensberg Mountains. After dinner, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as you cosy up in front of a crackling fireplace or retreat to your snug log cabin.

Drakensberg

Day 3: Hikers' heaven

Today is yours to do as you please in this incredible mountain paradise. Following various hiking trails, you can take a closer look at the rock paintings of the San or look for the elusive Cape vulture. From the highest point, you'll have splendid views over the Drakensberg Mountains, as well as the Sterkfontein Dam and the Maloti Mountains in Lesotho.

Alternatively, you could also enjoy the beautiful surroundings on horseback. There are riding options for beginners as well as experienced riders. Enjoy the day in great outdoors and the wonderful landscape around you.

In the evening, it's back to your lodge for another dinner and unwinding by the fire. 

St. Lucia

Day 4: Historic hotspots

Your journey continues with a morning visit to the famous Battlefields. Explore the poignant Blood River Monument and Ncome Museum, separated by the river that witnessed a bloody battle between Voortrekkers and Zulus in 1838. This battle remains a significant part of South African history.

After a lunch, venture through Kwa-Zulu Natal's picturesque rolling hills to the coastal gem of St Lucia.

For dinner, enjoy the local flavours at a restaurant in town before relaxing into the evening at the Forest Lodge where you’ll be staying tonight.

Isimangallso Wetland Park

Day 5: Wildlife-filled wetlands

Get ready for an incredible day of game viewing in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, once known as the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. Encounter rhinos, waterbucks, buffaloes and, if you’re lucky, a leopard on the hunt. Marvel at the Indian Ocean from scenic viewpoints, with a chance to spot Southern Right Whales during whale season. Cap off your wildlife adventure with a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean at Cape Vidal.

In the afternoon, hop aboard a boat for a St Lucia Estuary cruise. Keep your camera ready for hippos, crocs and a variety of waterfowl!

In the evening, discover St Lucia's restaurants again, before your second night relaxing at the lodge.

Hluhluwe-imfolozi Park - Pongola Game Reserve

Day 6: Rhino sightings and game drives

Rise and shine for an early adventure at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park today, famed for rhino conservation. You'll safari through this stunning park, spotting both black and white rhinos. You may even have the chance of seeing the Big Five!

After lunch, you’ll leave the park and head north to Pongola Game Reserve, one of South Africa's oldest. Once you’ve arrived at your accommodation, enjoy dinner, then sit back and sip a cold drink while watching the stunning sunset and the magnificent views over the bushland, Lake Jozani and the majestic Lebombo Mountains in the background.

Mbabane, Swaziland

Day 7: Natural wonders

This morning, begin with an early bush walk or a serene boat cruise on Lake Jozini, immersing yourself in nature's wonders and wildlife. Then, venture to the Kingdom of Swaziland. At Mantenga Cultural Village, step into an authentic living museum to explore Swazi culture, customs and traditions.

Your journey concludes at the Foresters Arms Country Hotel near Mbabane, where you'll spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying dinner.

Mbabane, Swaziland

Day 8: Swazi culture & landscapes

The itinerary is your decision today. After breakfast, it's up to you whether you'll discover stunning landscapes or rich culture. You can explore the surroundings of the lodge or the Milwane Wildlife Reserve by bike, foot or horseback. Engage with the welcoming locals at vibrant markets and delve into Swazi arts or see decorative Swazi candles being made at a candle factory. Alternatively, check out the impressive art of glassblowing at a glass manufacturer.

In the evening, return to the hotel for another delicious dinner.

Krüger National Park

Day 9: Sensational safari

Bid Swaziland farewell after breakfast and venture to South Africa's grandest wildlife sanctuary, Kruger National Park. Established as a game reserve and later designated a National Park in 1926, Kruger's vast expanse and diverse landscapes host Southern Africa's entire animal spectrum. Encounter mighty herds of elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, plus lions and elusive leopards. Discover 150 mammal species, 500 birds and nearly 100 reptiles. Afternoon game drives unveil the wildlife-rich southern park.

Stay at Skukuza Rest Camp tonight and, after dinner, fall asleep to the astonishing sounds of nature all around you.

Krüger National Park

Day 10: Wonderful wildlife

From sunrise to sunset, today is entirely dedicated to game viewing in the Kruger National Park. In the morning, you'll set off on an extensive game drive in an open safari vehicle in search of awe-inspiring wildlife encounters. As the sun sets, join a night game drive with a park ranger to spot the park’s nocturnal creatures. then head back for your second night at the camp.

Hazyview

Day 11: Farewell Kruger

In the early morning, you can either choose a leisurely wake up or join a walking safari, accompanied by a park ranger. After breakfast, embark on your last game drive to spot your final sightings of Kruger’s incredible wildlife.

Afterwards, you'll head to Gecko Lodge near Hazyview. The rest of the day is yours to explore the spacious garden or cool off in the rock pool. Cap it off with dinner and a cozy night at the lodge.

Panorama Route - Hazyview

Day 12: Panorama paradise

Get ready for a day packed with Panorama Route wonders! First, soak up epic vistas at God's Window, where the Kruger National Park stretches before you. Then, explore the enchanting Bourke’s Luck Potholes and gaze at the Three Rondavels, nature's homage to African homesteads. Finish a perfect day with views over the beautiful Blyde River Canyon and relax over dinner back at your lodge.

Johannesburg

Day 13: Goodbye South Africa!

Following a hearty lodge breakfast, embark on a scenic drive through Mpumalanga.

Afterwards, your guide will take you to the airport in Johannesburg, ready to board your onward flight.