Itinerary

 

The highlights of northern South Africa, with a visit to a beautiful reserve in the Kingdom of Swaziland. This classic circuit offers a variety of experiences. The lodges are beautiful, comfortable & make for a great adventure safari. The lodge on a big 5 private reserve adjoining Kruger National Park is an absolute highlight and the location of the chalets in the Drakensberg is one of the most beautiful walking areas in South Africa.

Day 1 - 2 KRUGER PRIVATE GAME RESERVE [tented lodge Bx1, Lx2, Dx2](B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner)Our safari gets underway early in the morning as we head northeast towards the Greater Kruger National Park and our tented lodge on a private game reserve. Our camp is on the banks of the Greater Letaba River. Our days are spent either on foot where we get to explore the reserve on game walks or on open 4wd game drives that get us closer to the wildlife. Excellent opportunities for spotting elephant, buffalo and giraffe. An afternoon watching the animals come down to drink at the river will leave you with lasting memories and excellent photos.

Day 3 MPUMALANGA [lodge BLD]The panorama route runs south along the escarpment, an area of beautiful indigenous forests, plantations, waterfalls and canyons which offer spectacular views. We visit the potholes created by the confluence of two rivers of Bourke’s Luck potholes and enjoy the views from Gods Window and over the second largest canyon in Africa the Blyde River Canyon as well as short walks to explore some of the forests and waterfalls.

Day 4 - 5 SWAZILAND [lodge Bx2 Lx1 Dx2]The kingdom of Swaziland is nestled in the lowveld, surrounded by South Africa and Mozambique. Protected by mountains in the east and northern parts it also has lush subtropical landscapes. Its cultural heritage is still evident in its ceremonies and traditional markets.Cross the border in the northern part and head south to our private game reserve where we will spend the next two days. Exciting open vehicles game drives in search of rhino, buffalo and elephant, and excellent opportunities for game walks and bird watching. Our luxurious open fronted stone cottages comfort us as we fall asleep to the sounds of the African bush.

Day 6 - 8 ZULULAND [tented lodge Bx3, Lx1, Dx3]Our journey continues south as we leave Swaziland behind and enter South Africa. We head into the heart of Zululand to our lodge situated near Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Our days in Zululand will be filled with a full day game drive in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve in search of the big 5 an interesting cultural visit to a local Zulu village where we learn some of the history and culture of these proud people. A game walk gets us closer to the small game and our local guides knowledge of tracks and signs will keep us enthralled.

Day 9 ZULULAND BATTLEFIELDS [lodge B-D]We head east through the rolling hills of Zululand, towards the small town of Dundee and our next historical stop, the battlefields where the British, Zulus and the Boer commandos clashed. We visit the Talana museum, and and the battlefields of Islandlwana and Roukes drift before we settle into our lodge. Our guides will entertain us with fascinating stories of war and survival at our dinner tonight.

Day 10 - 11 DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAINS [camping BLD]The world heritage site of the Drakensberg or “dragon mountains” rises up 3000m above the coastal plains forming the escarpment. A beautiful barrier of deep valleys, mountain streams and craggy peaks. We head towards the Cathedral Peak area where we spend two days on walks through the foothills, admiring the fauna and flora found in this area.

Day 12 JOHANNESBURG - TOUR ENDS [B--]We take a short walk in the morning enjoying the fresh mountain air before we make our way back to Johannesburg. Relaxed and ready to rejoin life.

HIGHLIGHTS

Mpumalanga - Panorama Route sight seeingPrivate Game Reserve – game drivesSwaziland – mountain walks, cultural adventureKwaZulu Natal – walk, game drive and museumsDrakensberg Mountains – mountain walkA journey through the lush green Okavango Delta and the beautiful desolation of the Namib desert is an exploration of a lifetime across Southern Africa. Exciting wildlife in Etosha NP, walking the red sand dunes of Sossusvlei and adventure through the Okavango Delta by mokoro.

 

 

Included

Professional safari guides

Transport in safari truck or tour van

11 Breakfast 3 Lunches 11 dinner

Entrance fees

3nights 3-4 star

game drives in open sided 4x4 game drive vehicle