$4,863 pp (USD)
This tour is offered in ZAR.
Show rate in ZAR
Arrival
Arrival
Day 1
Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport
Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport
You arrive at OR Tambo International Airport. Our shuttle service will meet you and transfer you to a hotel in Centurion (Pretoria). Once you have settled in, your guide will meet you and accompany you to collect your rental vehicle.
Relax after your long flight, your adventure begins tomorrow.
- Main Destination:
- Pretoria (City, South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- InnJoy Boutique Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Drive to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Drive to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
You meet your guide at a place and time that will be communicated to you before the start of the tour.
You'll enter Eswatini via the Waverley/Lundzi Border Post following your guide. Entering Eswatini via one of the smaller border posts gives you a more personalized and relaxed experience. The convoy follows small gravel roads winding through some of the rural villages in Eswatini. This is your first exposure to the Swazi rural lifestyle.
Mlilwane offers an array of activities and adventures in the picturesque Ezulwini Valley (Valley of Heaven), flanked by the dramatic backdrop of mountains.
Your guide will discuss the adventures ahead over a meal in the restaurant.
A 4x4 vehicle is best suited for the road and trail conditions of this tour.
Please note: Refer to our company profile for a summary of the benefits of driving your own vehicle.
- Main Destination:
- Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (Eswatini)
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
Wildlife in Mlilwane WS
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Explore Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and Surroundings
Explore Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and Surroundings
After breakfast, we will drive to the top of the mountain for incredible views (weather permitting). Who knows what animals will we see while driving to the top of the mountain?
You'll visit the Ngwenya Glass Factory where you will see how a small group of Swazi craftsmen and women breathe life into enchanting interpretations of the animals and birds of Africa. You will witness first-hand the magical art of glassblowing from an overhead balcony.
You'll stop at the Mantenga Cultural Village. This is a replica of the mid-19th Century Swazi village, and a guided tour will reveal much more, from how the huts are built and what each is used for, to the role played by the sangoma, or traditional healer.
- Main Destination:
- Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (Eswatini)
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Drive to Hlane Royal National Park via the Top of World View and the World's Biggest Granite Rock
Drive to Hlane Royal National Park via the Top of World View and the World's Biggest Granite Rock
After breakfast, you'll follow the tarred road from Mlilwane until you reach the largest granite pluton in the world (about 800m tall and it covers an area of about 16,500ha). From there, you will drive on small gravel roads winding up and down the mountains. You will stop at the Top of the World View lookout point and make some coffee/tea. You will continue further on the winding gravel roads.
Hlane Royal National Park was proclaimed as a National Park in 1967, following Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (1961), under the instruction of King Sobhuza ll. "Hlane" is the siSwati name for "wilderness". Hlane is home to Eswatini’s largest herds of game, conserves vast natural resources, and holds deep royal and cultural significance. Exciting species lists include impressive ancient hardwood habitats, big game, and rich birdlife.
- Main Destination:
- Hlane Royal National Park (Eswatini)
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
Wildlife in Hlane Royal NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Guided Morning Walk and then Explore Hlane on Your Own
Guided Morning Walk and then Explore Hlane on Your Own
This morning you join a guided morning walk of 4 hours (included). On the guided walk, your goal is to experience being in the bush and see African wildlife in their natural habitat. The best time to spot wildlife is during the coolest times of the day when most animals are active. You can expect to see different animal species. While observing the animals, your guide will tell you interesting animal facts to learn more about the animal's behaviour.
Afterwards, we drive to a bird hide and be surprised by what animal or bird life we will see. You can relax and watch the animals drinking water at the waterhole near the restaurant or explore Hlane on your own.
- Main Destination:
- Hlane Royal National Park (Eswatini)
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Sunrise Drive and then Explore Hlane on Your Own
Sunrise Drive and then Explore Hlane on Your Own
Start the day with a sunrise drive (included in the tariff) that will include a visit to the lion camp. The lion camp is large enough to allow the lions to hunt in a natural way. Afterwards, you can relax and watch the animals drinking water at the waterhole near the restaurant or you can explore Hlane further on your own.
Join the Umphakatsi Experience by visiting a real Chief’s village. Watch the bird life in the camp.
- Main Destination:
- Hlane Royal National Park (Eswatini)
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Drive to the Bulembu Country Lodge
Drive to the Bulembu Country Lodge
Located in the malaria-free, northern Hhohho region, Bulembu Country Lodge stands at the foot of Mount Emlembe, Swaziland’s highest mountain. The town of Bulembu is surrounded by the natural beauty of lush green hills and eucalyptus forests. Bulembu Country Lodge presents a charming blend of history, nature, beauty, and comfort.
Bulembu was once a thriving asbestos mining community of about 10,000 people. Due to the health risks associated with asbestos, the mine was closed. In later years, the old infrastructure was upgraded and today it is home to about 1,000 orphans, a country lodge, and honey farming to name a few.
You'll visit the Bulembu Mining Museum. It is an amazing visual experience, to see the history Bulembu holds.
- Main Destination:
- Bulembu (Town, Eswatini)
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Drive to the Berg en Dal Rest Camp via the Josefsdal/Bulembu Border Post
Drive to the Berg en Dal Rest Camp via the Josefsdal/Bulembu Border Post
The pass between the Josefsdal Border Post and Barberton is the drive's highlight. The incredibly scenic mountain pass is regarded as, arguably, one of the most spectacularly scenic drives in southern Africa. People describe it as "jaw-droppingly beautiful".
Berg-en-Dal is situated on the bank of the Matjulu Spruit with a view of softly undulating hills to the east. On the northern and southern sides dry riverbeds and a dam border the camp. There are large trees along the streams and dry riverbeds. Special care has been taken to preserve the natural vegetation in the camp. Berg en Dal is also the only camp set in a rugged mountain environment.
- Main Destination:
- Southern Kruger National Park (South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
Wildlife in Kruger NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Explore the Area around Berg en Dal
Explore the Area around Berg en Dal
Join a guided morning walk. Experienced (and armed) guides share their knowledge of the fauna and flora to explain natural wonders. The walks are relaxed and don’t take longer than a few hours, so no over-exhaustion will take place.
Two armed field guides accompany you on the walk to ensure your safety, they will focus on the things that you will usually not be able to see from a vehicle. By being out on foot you cover an area more intensely and you can experience nature using all of your senses. If there is any large game in the area you are more than likely able to encounter them and have an exhilarating experience of approaching them on foot.
Late afternoon you join a sunset game drive with a professional field guide in and open game viewing vehicle. It is a perfect time for game viewing. As the evening approaches all the nocturnal animals become active, and you can experience a truly amazing African sunset.
- Main Destination:
- Southern Kruger National Park (South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 10
Drive to Satara Rest Camp
Drive to Satara Rest Camp
Today is a bit of a long drive to the Satara Rest Camp following various game-viewing roads. Satara is a busy camp, and not without reason. It is situated in an excellent game-viewing area, with the bush relatively open and the animals plentiful and diverse.
The camp itself has a rustic charm, with the bulk of the accommodation set out in a series of circles. Satara is well-wooded and the birdlife is prolific. At night, the clink of fruit bats is fused with the chirping of cicadas and crickets. The calls of owls and nightjars add to the symphony that is punctuated intermittently by the whoop of hyenas, the screech of jackals, and the roars of lions.
- Main Destination:
- Central Kruger National Park (South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 11
Explore the Area Around Satara
Explore the Area Around Satara
You'll join a guided morning walk. Experienced (and armed) guides share their knowledge of the fauna and flora to explain natural wonders. The walks are relaxed and don’t take longer than a few hours, so no over-exhaustion will take place.
Two armed field guides accompany you on the walk. They will focus on the things that you will usually not be able to see from a vehicle. By being out on foot you cover an area more intensely and you can experience nature using all of your senses.
Afterward, you are welcome to explore the area around Satara on your own. This is a relaxing day to maybe do some washing of clothes if necessary.
Join a night game drive with a professional field guide in an open game viewing vehicle. It is a perfect time for viewing the nocturnal animals and birds. This is your last night in the Big 5 area and hopefully, it will be a memorable one.
- Main Destination:
- Central Kruger National Park (South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 12
Drive to Letaba Rest Camp
Drive to Letaba Rest Camp
The idyllic Letaba Rest Camp is situated on a sweeping bend of the Letaba River, midway between the southern and northern boundaries of the Kruger National Park.
Join an afternoon walk at Letaba. These interesting spots make for exciting time-fillers, as experienced (and armed) guides share their knowledge of the fauna and flora to explain natural wonders. The walks are relaxed and don’t take longer than a few hours, so no over-exhaustion will take place.
Two armed field guides accompany you on the walk in order to ensure your safety, they will focus on the things that you will usually not be able to see from a vehicle. By being out on foot you cover an area more intensely and you are able to experience nature using all of your senses. If there is any large game in the area you are more than likely able to encounter them and have an exhilarating experience of approaching them on foot.
- Main Destination:
- Central Kruger National Park (South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 13
Drive to Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve
Drive to Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve
We exit the Kruger NP at the Phalaborwa gate. Lekgalameetse means "Place of Water" and some important Limpopo rivers have their source in these scenic mountains. There is water all year round here, with many rivers, streams, waterfalls and rock pools. Lekgalameetse has thick indigenous forests, grassy mountain slopes, towering peaks and krantzes. In the forests, you'll see Outeniqua Trees, Lemonwoods, Yellowwoods, Cape Beech and Wild Peach.
We stop in Phalaborwa for you to buy provisions, firewood and food for our stay in Lekgalameetse as there are no shops in or near Lekgalameetse.
Along the way, we visit the smallest city in South Africa and learn about its history. It is amazing how nature has taken back this city. We visit the 2,000+-year-old Baobab tree near Gravelotte.
Your log cabin for the night is far into the bush at the foot of the Drakensberg. The Makutsi River flows past the cabins. It is a self-catering cabin and well-equipped with linen, and cutlery.
- Main Destination:
- Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve (South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- Makutsi Main Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 14
Explore Lekgalameetse
Explore Lekgalameetse
After breakfast which you prepared for yourself, you'll explore the Northern section of Lekgalameetse. The main entrance gate is also the start of the Orrie Baragwanath Pass up the eastern side of the Drakensberg. It will take us to the top of Drakensberg Mountain and as you drive, you will climb 600 m over a distance of 12 km. It will take you to breathtaking views and you will visit sites of historical significance (e.g. the Pioneer Graves) and learn about the history of the area.
You will be amazed to learn that the names of a famous soccer team and a hospital have their origins in these mountains. The trails are not difficult and sometimes engaging low range will not be necessary. You will visit the highest point accessible by vehicle. This point is 1,520 m above sea level.
- Main Destination:
- Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve (South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- Makutsi Main Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 15
Drive to Pretoria
Drive to Pretoria
We drive up the mountain to the start of the challenging 4x4 section of the Orrie Baragwanath Pass on the western side of the mountain. We follow this scenic but challenging 4x4 trail down the Drakensberg. The trail hugs the mountain and you will descend 500m in a distance of 7km (330m in the last 4km).
From the end of the pass to Pretoria we drive mostly on tarred roads.
- Main Destination:
- Pretoria (City, South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- InnJoy Boutique Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 16
Continue to your next destination
Continue to your next destination
You return your rental vehicle to the car hire company. Our shuttle service will pick you up and transfer you to OR Tambo International Airport for your onward journey.
As our time together draws to a close, we say goodbye to our new friends and head back home. You will continue your journey to your next destination on your own. We hope that you will cherish the unforgettable memories you have made during your time with us and that you will have plenty of beautiful photos to share with your loved ones and friends.
- Main Destination:
- Or Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg, South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
