13 Day Kruger, Battlefields and Wildlife

As soon as you arrive at OR Tambo International Airport, your driver will meet you and take you to Brooks Cottage in Pretoria. Your guide will lead you on a city tour of Pretoria after you have had time to relax and freshen up. You can gain insight into the complex history of South Africa by visiting the Union Building and the Voortrekker Monument Museum. At the end of the day, you are welcome to join your fellow travellers for dinner at a fine restaurant (at your own expense). Brooks Cottage will serve as your accommodation for the night.

You depart for your journey after breakfast and a tour briefing. You visit Clarens, a picturesque town in the Free State Province, which is home to many artists and craftsmen. There is an optional lunch before you proceed to Golden Gate National Park, where you will get your first glimpse of South Africa’s captivating mountain scenery. The Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge in the majestic Drakensberg Mountains is our destination for the day. Experience the tranquility and spectacular views of the Drakensberg Mountains! You can end the day by sitting in front of a roaring fire or by returning to your cozy log cabin after dinner. Overnight will be spent at the Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge.

Taking advantage of the spectacular mountain scenery today, outdoor activities will be on the agenda. This is entirely up to you! A variety of trails offer the opportunity for close observation of San rock paintings and the possibility of spotting the Cape vulture. You get a magnificent view over the Drakensberg Mountains as well as the Sterkfontein Dam and the Maloti Mountains in Lesotho from the highest point. The surrounding area can also be enjoyed on horseback. Beginners and experienced riders alike will find suitable riding options. Explore the wonderful surroundings and enjoy the great outdoors. Spend an additional night at the Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast, savoring delicious flavors in a charming atmosphere. With your bags packed and spirits high, embark on an adventurous 4×4 transfer back to your awaiting tour vehicle. Journey through the picturesque KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, where rolling green hills and vibrant landscapes paint a scenic backdrop. Pass through Pietermaritzburg, a city steeped in history, before continuing towards the coast. Catch glimpses of Durban, a bustling port city brimming with cultural diversity, as you make your way to the charming coastal town of St. Lucia. Upon arrival, stretch your legs with a leisurely stroll through the town, browsing unique shops and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. Alternatively, embrace the tranquility of the Indian Ocean with a refreshing walk along the sandy beach. In the evening, indulge in a delightful dinner at a local restaurant (at your own expense), savoring the flavors of St. Lucia. Settle into your cozy accommodations at Forest Lodge, ready for another exciting day of exploration.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which until 2007 was known as Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, is open for viewing today. The park is home to rhinos, waterbucks, nyalas, buffaloes and large herds of kudus. If you are lucky, you may also observe a leopard on the hunt. In addition to seeing the Indian Ocean from various viewpoints, you may also have the opportunity to see Southern Right Whales during whale-watching season. After an exciting wildlife experience, you will reach Cape Vidal. Experience a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean at the end of your game drive! In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to take a boat trip on St. Lucia’s Estuary. You can observe hippos, crocodiles, and various species of waterfowl from your boat. You will be staying at Forest Lodge once again.

We begin our day with a trip to the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, one of the most beautiful parks in Southern Africa and renowned for its breeding program for black and white rhinos. You will have the opportunity to explore the park through game drives. In addition to rhinos, you may also see the rest of the ‘Big Five’ (elephant, buffalo, lion, and leopard) in their natural habitats, as well as a number of varieties of antelope and birds. In the following hours, you will make your way slowly but surely to the gate after having lunch at Hilltop Camp (at your own expense). After viewing a few more animals in route, you will finally leave the park and travel north. Pongola Game Reserve, one of South Africa’s oldest game reserves, is the destination for today. You can enjoy a breathtaking sunset while sipping a cold beverage and admiring the view of bushland, Lake Jozani and the majestic Lebombo Mountains from the balcony. A fantastic dinner will round off the day. You will spend the night at the AfriCamps.

You will begin your day with an early morning bush walk or a boat cruise on Lake Jozini. Discover the sounds, sights, and smells of nature while keeping an eye out for wildlife as you immerse yourself in nature. Your trip continues to Swaziland. You become acquainted with the culture, customs, and traditions of Swaziland by visiting the Mantenga Cultural Village, an authentic living museum. After arriving in Mbabane, you will reach the Foresters Arms Country Hotel.

The scope of today’s explorations in Swaziland will be determined by your preferences. Your travel guide will present to you a variety of options for dinner the night before, and you and your fellow travellers will determine the daily agenda together. There is a rich cultural heritage, spectacular landscapes, and friendly people in this region. In accordance with the weather conditions, you can travel by mountain bike, on foot, or on horseback (optional) around the lodge and the Milwane Wildlife Reserve. You will find colourful markets and the opportunity to interact with local residents as well as a variety of Swazi arts and crafts. In candle factories, you can see how Swazi Candles are manufactured, while at glass factories, you can see how the magical art of glassblowing is performed. You spend another night at Foresters Arms Country Hotel.

Leaving Swaziland after breakfast, you will travel to the country’s largest wildlife sanctuary. The Kruger National Park was originally established in 1926 as a game reserve. A large and diverse park, the Kruger National Park is home to all the animal species in Southern Africa as a result of its sheer size and diversity of landscape. It is not only possible to see elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, lions, and leopards in large herds, but this region is also home to over 150 species of mammals, more than 500 species of birds, and over 100 species of reptiles. You will be able to explore the wildlife-rich southern part of the park during your afternoon game drive. You will stay at Skukuza Rest Camp for the night.

Game viewing in Kruger National Park is the focus of the entire day. A full day game drive will be arranged for you in the morning in order to observe wildlife close up. You will have the opportunity to join a night game drive, accompanied by a ranger, to learn more about nocturnal animals (optional). One more night will be spent at the Skukuza Rest Camp.

A park ranger will accompany you on a walking safari (optional) during the early morning hours. The final game drive will take place after breakfast. Be prepared to see a wide variety of wildlife! We will leave the Kruger National Park at noon when we reach the park gate. A short distance from Hazyview lies the lovely Gecko Lodge. Today you are free to spend as you wish. A visit to the spacious garden is a perfect way to relax or simply unwind, and the rock pool is the ideal place to cool off on hot days. Dinner and overnight accommodations are provided at the Gecko Lodge.

In the coming days, we will be exploring the diverse attractions along the Panorama Route. The breathtaking views of the lowveld and Kruger National Park can be enjoyed from God’s Window. In addition, the tour will include visits to Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels, which look like round mountaintops. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the majestic Blyde River Canyon. The Gecko Lodge will once again be your home base.

Having enjoyed a delicious breakfast at the lodge, you will drive through the province of Mpumalanga on your way back to Johannesburg. You will be taken to the airport in the afternoon so that you may fly home that evening. The guests who participate in the Fascinating South Africa 20-day tour will continue their journey by flying to George on the Garden Route.