Welcome to Johannesburg (Sawubona)
Welcome to Johannesburg!
Sawubona (welcome) to South Africa! On your arrival, you will meet one of our representatives for a short briefing.
Then, you will leave for a tour of Soweto (2 hours), on foot or by bike with an experienced local guide, a great opportunity to get a glimpse of contemporary life in South Africa.
You will cycle to some of the most interesting historical sites around Soweto. Visit the official migrant workers' hostel, learn about the living conditions of the miners, and meet the families who live here today. You'll travel through the vibrant Meadowlands community and continue to the Hector Pieterson Memorial, a historic monument to the 1976 student uprising. Finally, you'll head to the famous Vilakazi Street where Nelson Mandela lived.
Traditional lunch in Soweto. In the afternoon, you'll arrive in the artists' district of Melville and check in at your guest house.
You'll spend the night in a guest house or similar.
Points of interest: Johannesburg.
- Main Destination:
- Johannesburg Airport (Johannesburg, South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- Saffron Guest House
- Meals & Drinks:
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
After breakfast, you will depart for Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
This park includes magnificent wooded ravines, gorges, and meadows. But it is best known for its orange sandstone cliffs and outcrops that glow gold when lit by the sun's rays. It’s a great place to breathe fresh mountain air and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.
A true sense of freedom and adventure can be felt at this park, nestled in the Free State, which offers many optional activities.
Golden Gate Highlands is full of non-threatening wildlife, including black wildebeest, eland, blesbok, oribis, springbok, black-backed jackal, mongoose, Burchell's zebra, and African wildcat. The park is also home to around 140 species of birds, including rare bearded vultures and bald ibis vultures that circle the sky and breed in the overhanging cliffs.
You can explore the small, picturesque town of Clarens and explore the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains.
You'll spend the night in the lodge or similar.
- Main Destination:
- Golden Gate Highlands National Park (South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- Golden Gate Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Explore Golden Gate Highlands National Park
This second day at Golden Gate Highlands.
Today, you can take part in a hike in the reserve, follow in the footsteps of the first indigenous people of Southern Africa (Khoi & Sans), or visit a traditional village to immerse yourself in the culture of Basotho, a local ethnic group. Maybe you can even learn the Sesotho language, one of the country's 11 official languages, or perform a few dance steps to reveal your hidden talents.
Lunch and free afternoon around the lodge. You can visit the small neighboring town of Clarens, or enjoy the lodge's swimming pool.
Meals included: breakfast and Dinner.
You'll spend the night in the lodge or similar.
Points of interest: Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Clarens.
- Main Destination:
- Golden Gate Highlands National Park (South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- Golden Gate Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
The St Lucia Estuary
- The St Lucia Estuary.
After a hearty breakfast, you'll set off towards St Lucia, also known as Isimangaliso (Miraculous Land). It is a world-class resort with different ecosystems and a complex variety of habitats, not to mention subtropical seas and sandy beaches.
There is no shortage of activities here! You will find yourself immersed in a natural setting that few other destinations can offer.
This region is South Africa's first-ever Unesco World Heritage Site, you only need to spend a little time here to understand why...
You will marvel at the beaches, sumptuous coastal woods, dunes, savannahs, wetlands, and sunsets over the lake, and discover many animal species, including leatherback turtles and many birds
You'll have a free afternoon and dinner in one of the best restaurants in the area.
Meals included: breakfast.
Your overnight stay will be at the Guest house or similar.
Points of interest: iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal.
- Main Destination:
- Isimangaliso Wetland Park (South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- Ndiza Lodge & Cabanas
- Meals & Drinks:
Cruise and Relax in St Lucia
You'll cruise and relax in St Lucia.
After your breakfast, you'll set off for a short boat cruise of around 2 hours aboard a small flat-bottomed boat, in search of the hippos and Nile crocodiles that reside in the lake.
You'll have lunch on board during the cruise or picnic lunch on the beach. Then, you'll enjoy the free afternoon around the beach. At nightfall, you'll return to the lodge.
Optional activities in St Lucia:
- Flat bottom boat tours.
-Mission Rock.
- Cape Vidal.
- Jungle safari.
- Night safari.
- Safari in 4x4.
- Sunset safari.
- Observation of hippos.
Meals included: Breakfast.
You'll spend the night at the Guest House or similar.
Points of interest: iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal, Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park.
- Main Destination:
- Isimangaliso Wetland Park (South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- Ndiza Lodge & Cabanas
- Meals & Drinks:
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park
Copyright:Pixabay.
- Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park.
You'll leave this earthly paradise and head to the heart of KwaZulu Natal (77 km/approximately 1h20). Here you will camp in an eco-lodge just 20 km from Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park. The park is home to amazing wildlife including lions, elephants, leopards, giraffes, buffalo, and wild dogs.
At this camp, you will have access to a fully equipped communal kitchen, gas stoves, cooking utensils, fridge and freezer, braai (for grilling), and a campfire area. The campsite has a swimming pool, a bar, and a restaurant. Showers, sinks, and toilets are also available.
Meals included: full board.
Your overnight stay will be at Hilltop Camp (inside the park) or similar.
Points of interest: Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park.
- Main Destination:
- Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve (South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- Hilltop Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park
Hluhluwe – Imfolozi.
You will leave for a full day of safari in the park, in an open 4x4 type vehicle. With a picnic in the reserve, the day will be devoted to looking for animals.
Hluhluwe is South Africa's oldest proclaimed game reserve. During your stay, you will have the chance to see some of the Big Five (African elephant, black rhino, Cape buffalo, African lion, and African leopard). You'll also have a good chance of spotting the white rhino, as Hluhluwe-Imfolozi has the largest population of these highly endangered creatures. A series of conservation efforts saved them from extinction, and their population is once again increasing. The park also has some 400 species of birds, including the African grebicot, the bat hawk, and the white-backed night heron.
Meals included: full board.
Your overnight stay will be at Hilltop Camp (inside the park) or similar.
Points of interest: Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park.
- Main Destination:
- Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve (South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- Hilltop Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Kosi Bay
Kosi Bay.
After breakfast, you'll leave the wildlife reserve in the morning and visit a Zulu village with a guide from the local community.
Then, traveling northeast to the coast, you'll visit the beautiful Kosi Bay Nature Reserve (160 km - approx. 5 hours including time spent on activities).
The bay location is incredible. On the one hand, there is a picturesque jungle with wild fig and monkey orange trees, and a grazing area for hippos, on the other, a mangrove and a coral reef teeming with aquatic life.
Your accommodation at Kosi Bay Lodge will be in comfortable log cabins. You'll enjoy a night under the stars while relaxing around the campfire.
Meals included: Full board.
You'll spend the night at the lodge or similar.
- Main Destination:
- Kosi Bay (iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- Kosi Bay Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Kayaking in Kosi Bay
- Kayaking day in the bay.
You'll have a full day ahead of you to explore Kosi Bay by kayak.
Kosi Bay is one of the few places where five different species of mangrove trees are found in one area.
This place is particularly famous for its traditional Tsonga fish traps, built to trap fish entering and leaving the estuary with the tide.
The Tsonga people, who have called this land home for over 1,000 years, are experts in fish traps and fish kraal construction.
You can practice many optional activities.
You can also snorkel the coral reef in search of colorful fish.
Meals included: full board.
You'll spend the night at the lodge or similar.
Points of interest: Kosi Bay KwaZulu-Natal.
- Main Destination:
- Kosi Bay (iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- Kosi Bay Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Swaziland
You'll arrive in Swaziland.
This morning, you will head north, where you will reach the small landlocked kingdom of Eswatini (Swaziland) and the Hlane National Park (220 km - approximately 6 hours depending on border crossing).
A vast expanse of bushveld and old deciduous trees make Hlane Royal National Park home to Eswatini's largest wild herds. Your camp is spacious with lots of trees, making it a nice place to relax and be greeted by the odd impala, warthog, or curious nyala. If you're feeling adventurous, book a guided mountain bike ride, bird walk, or safari, and explore the greater Hlane region.
You'll spend the night in Ndlovu camp. In the absence of electricity, the area is lit at night with candles and paraffin lanterns. It is also close to Ndlovu's semi-open restaurant and a floodlit waterhole.
Optional activities:
- Bush and wildlife walk.
- Safari aboard an open 4x4 vehicle.
Meals included: full board.
Night at Ndlovu camp or similar.
- Main Destination:
- Hlane Royal National Park (Eswatini)
- Accommodation:
- Ndlovu Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Hlane Royal National Park
- Hlane National Park.
You'll explore Hlane National Park on a safari. This park, once a private royal hunting ground, is the largest in Eswatini, spanning an impressive 30,000 hectares.
Landscape-wise, it is an area of flat plains with some grasslands and shallow rivers. There is a good chance of spotting wildebeest, zebra, and impala, especially during the drier months.
Cheetahs were reintroduced to the park relatively recently. The park is also home to an abundant and diverse range of birds, with the highest density of white-backed vultures in all of Africa.
Today's game drive takes place in an open 4x4 vehicle with a park ranger and lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
Optional activities:
-Game drive.
- Bush and wildlife walk.
Meals included: full board.
Overnight at Ndlovu camp or similar.
Points of interest: Hlane Royal Park Swaziland.
- Main Destination:
- Hlane Royal National Park (Eswatini)
- Accommodation:
- Ndlovu Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Phophonyane Natural Reserve and Falls
Phophonyane Nature Reserve is a private nature reserve with a waterfall. It lies approximately 10km north of Piggs Peak and is nestled in a wooded hillside above the Phophonyane River, incorporating the attractive Phophonyane Falls.
Nature is omnipresent, bird songs blend into the omnipresent trickle of running water. Day visitors can enjoy the restaurant, trails, and natural rock pool.
Phophonyane's tranquil trails are home to abundant wildlife. You might spot a shy red duiker or a troop of banded mongooses, while vervet monkeys often hang around the lodge.
Among the approximately 240 birds recorded, pride of place goes to the dazzling narina trogon, an elusive jewel that forms the logo of the reserve.
There are also many reptiles there, such as the pretty (harmless) spotted bush snakes camouflaged in the undergrowth, and the rainbow skinks scurrying over the rocky outcrops. We also hear about large black mambas and pythons, but We rarely see them.
- Main Destination:
- Malolotja Nature Reserve (Eswatini)
- Accommodation:
- Phophonyane Falls Ecolodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park.
You'll go back to South Africa, and go to the Kruger National Park (130 km - approximately 4 hours.
Upon arrival at the park, you'll begin your safari of approximately 3 hours by heading to your campsite for the night.
A night walk with the park guide is optional. This is a great opportunity to spot nocturnal animals and perhaps even a nocturnal predator or two, to see a lion or hyena on the hunt, or an impala searching for a nocturnal feed.
Meals included: breakfast and dinner.
Night at Skukuza Lodge or similar.
Points of interest: Kruger National Park.
- Main Destination:
- Kruger National Park (South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- Skukuza Rest Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Total Immersion In Kruger National National Park
You'll enjoy further explorations of Kruger. You'll embark on a second safari today, hoping to spot animals that you didn't cross off the list yesterday!
One of the largest game reserves in southern Africa, Kruger National Park is home to more than 500 species of birds, 100 species of reptiles, and 150 species of mammals. The Big Five and the endangered wild dog are no exception. Depending on the areas you visit, you will have the chance to see exotic birds along the way, from the small barnacled capuchin to the most remarkable ostrich.
Keep an eye on the sky where, if you're lucky, a giant eagle owl or martial eagle might be soaring.
Meals included: breakfast and dinner.
You'll spend the night at Skukuza Lodge or similar.
Points of interest: Kruger National Park.
- Main Destination:
- Kruger National Park (South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- Skukuza Rest Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Blyde River Canyon
- The Blyde River Canyon.
Today you are going to visit parts of the Blyde River canyon, including three rondavels (typical round houses). On your way to Graskop (120 km - approximately 6 hours).
Blyde River Canyon is one of the country's most spectacular attractions and the third-largest canyon in the world. It's a beautiful place to walk. The steep canyon walls rise more than 2,000 meters and the vegetation varies greatly, from dry rocky sections to rainforest, depending on altitude. You'll explore the magnificent potholes of Bourke's Luck, where shadowed rock formations take on different colors and shades in the changing light.
Meals included: full board.
You'll spend the night at Mogodi Lodge or similar.
Points of interest: Blyde River Canyon.
- Main Destination:
- Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve (Panorama Route, South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- Graskop Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Time at Leisure Around Graskop
Free day in the Blyde Canyon
After your breakfast, you will enjoy a day of free time with your family. Many activities are offered. You can choose to take a trip to the treetops or perhaps explore the countryside.
Meals included: breakfast and dinner.
You'll spend the night at the lodge or similar.
Points of interest: Graskop.
- Main Destination:
- Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve (Panorama Route, South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- Graskop Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Route to Johannesburg
Johannesburg.
Depending on your flight schedule, you'll enjoy a morning of free time before returning to Johannesburg (410 km - approximately 5 hours).
Welcome back, thank you for choosing our beautiful country! Come back and see us for more adventures!
Meals included: breakfast.
Lunch on a farm en route.
Points of interest: Johannesburg.
- Main Destination:
- Johannesburg (City, South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks: