8 Day South Africa Wildlife & Waterfall Adventure: Kruger & Tugela (Accommodated)

Day 1

Johannesburg to Tugela Falls, Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa

Your epic South Africa adventure begins immediately! Upon arrival, meet fellow travelers before departing directly for your stunning mountain lodge near Tugela Falls, nestled within the majestic Drakensberg Mountains of Royal Natal National Park. This unique accommodation is proudly owned and operated by the local Batlokoa (Sotho) community, ensuring an authentic cultural experience. Settle in, then attend a welcome meeting and crucial briefing to prepare for the thrilling hiking ahead. Conclude your first day with an included group dinner at the lodge restaurant, perfectly setting the stage for your Drakensberg exploration.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge (or similar)
Included Highlights: Welcome Meeting on Arrival Day

Day 2

Tugela Falls Area, South Africa

Today presents your personalised Drakensberg hiking adventure! Choose the exhilarating Sentinel Peak hike to Tugela Falls, the world’s second-highest waterfall, savoring lunch with breathtaking panoramic views at the summit. Alternatively, enjoy a more relaxed pace with guided treks to the picturesque Gudu and Mahai Falls, pausing for a delightful lodge lunch between these gentler explorations. As evening descends, reconvene for a delicious dinner at the lodge, perfectly overlooking the majestic South Africa mountain scenery you’ve just immersed yourself in.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge (or similar)
Included Highlights: Sentinel Peak with Tugela Falls, Gudu & Mahai Falls Hike

Day 3

Tugela Falls Area to Pridelands Conservancy

After breakfast, seamlessly transition to your flight to Hoedspruit, arriving for an immersive safari lodge experience. Upon arrival, get oriented with the property and key safety rules for your upcoming bush camp stay. Settle into your accommodations before embarking on a thrilling afternoon open safari vehicle drive. Traverse the bush, actively searching for incredible wildlife, then continue after sunset to discover fascinating nocturnal life and marvel at the star-studded South Africa sky.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge (or similar)
Included Highlights: Afternoon & Evening Bush Safari, Flight from Hoedespruit to Johannesburg

Day 4

Pridelands Conservancy, South Africa

Today brings an unforgettable, full-day wilderness trail experience: a truly immersive bush walk. Connect intimately with the South African wild as you trek on foot, observing wildlife up close and learning essential tracking and observation techniques directly from expert guides and rangers. As afternoon arrives, set up an eco-friendly tent camp deep in the bush, preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime overnight stay under the vast savanna sky. Enjoy a delicious dinner cooked over an open fire, listening to the sounds of distant wildlife, before drifting off to sleep with an unparalleled stargazing display above, a truly raw Kruger bush camp experience.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge (or similar)
Included Highlights: Full-Day Wilderness Trail & Overnight Bush Camp Experience

Day 5

Pridelands Conservancy, South Africa

Rise early to enjoy refreshments and conscientiously clear your bush camp, leaving no trace before trekking back to Pridelands Conservancy for a hearty lodge breakfast. Later, immerse yourself in an expert-led discussion at Pridelands Basecamp, delving into a crucial wilderness topic with your local guide. This afternoon, hop into safari vehicles for a thrilling safari drive, applying insights from your earlier talk as you search for wildlife. Conclude your day with an authentic Boma dinner back at camp, falling asleep once more under the boundless South Africa stars.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge (or similar)
Included Highlight: Morning Bush Walk, Afternoon Discussion & Safari Drive – Kruger Area

Day 6

Pridelands Conservancy, South Africa

As the sun paints the horizon, kick off your day with an adrenaline-pumping mountain biking safari through the reserve. In the afternoon, choose to immerse yourself in a captivating outdoor wilderness discussion led by expert local guides and rangers, deepening your connection to the South Africa bush. Your final evening in the conservancy culminates with a last thrilling safari drive, seeking those elusive final wildlife sightings. Bid a memorable farewell to the savanna with a special bush dinner and an rhythmic drumming session as darkness falls.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge (or similar)
Included Highlight: Morning Bike Ride through Pridelands Conservancy, Afternoon Discussion & Safari Drive – Kruger Area

Day 7

Pridelands Conservancy/Kruger to Johannesburg, South Africa

Savor your final moments in the South African bush as you sip morning tea or coffee, watching the golden light awaken the savanna. Embark on a short, tranquil morning safari drive, fully immersing yourself in nature’s serene dawn before returning for breakfast. Afterward, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Johannesburg, arriving in the late afternoon. Settle into your hotel, then enjoy a free evening to explore the vibrant city, perhaps discovering a trendy spot for dinner with your fellow travel mates and guide, celebrating your incredible wildlife adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Onomo Johannesburg Sandton Hotel or similar
Included Highlight: Morning Safari Drive – Kruger Area, Flight from Hoedspruit to Johannesburg

Day 8

Johannesburg, South Africa

Today marks the end of your journey; depart at your leisure.

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.