14-Day Lesotho, Swaziland and Kruger Tour

Day 1 – Greater Addo Elephant National Park area

This morning you will meet your crew in Port Elizabeth and will be transferred to the accommodation. In the afternoon we visit Addo, famed for the elephants after which the park was named. Recent expansion has seen Addo grow to become the third largest of South Africa’s National Parks. The unique vegetation of Addo supports a wide variety of wildlife and we will spend the afternoon in search of the animals that call Addo home.

Meals Included

• Dinner

Day 2 – Graaff Reinet

The historic town of Graaff-Reinet nestles in the heartland of the Great Karoo and offers a unique insight into the history of this arid region. It is also the fourth oldest town in the country. This evening you will have the opportunity to join a sundowner excursion to the Valley of Desolation, this unique valley offers a panoramic view over the town and the wide open plains stretching out below. Kindly note that during the winter months, this activity will become a Sunrise excursion to the valley of Desolation the following morning.

Meals Included

• Breakfast 
• Dinner

Day 3 - Lesotho – Malealea

This morning we cut across the vast expanse of the Great Karoo, our destination is nestled in the heights of Lesotho. This autonomous mountain kingdom boasts the highest peaks in Southern Africa and is one of the highest countries in the world, the entire kingdom lies over 1000m above sea level. Having crossed the mighty Orange River, we enter the border of Lesotho and make the climb to our camp set high in the mountains.

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch 
• Dinner

Day 4 - Lesotho – Malealea

The clean air of the mountains accompanies us this morning as we explore the mountains on foot, our hike concludes with a village visit and the opportunity to gain insight into the community that calls these mountains home. The Basotho are famous for their traditional hats, blankets and their sturdy ponies. Basotho ponies are renowned for their surefootedness in the mountains and you have the opportunity of an optional pony trek this afternoon to experience this first-hand.

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch 
• Dinner

Day 5 - South Africa – uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park

We exit Lesotho and travel through the sandstone cliffs of Golden Gate. Our destination is the mountains of the Drakensberg. Running the length of the KwaZulu-Natal province, the Ukuhlamba Drakensberg Park is a UNESCO recognized world heritage site. Whether you go by the Zulu name uKhahlamba, meaning 'barrier of spears', or the Afrikaans name Drakensberge, meaning 'dragon mountains', these towering mountains are a hiker’s paradise and worthy of exploration.

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch 
• Dinner

Day 6 - UKhahlamba Drakensberg Park

We set out this morning for a lengthy hike. Along our way, we will have the opportunity to view examples of San rock art with a local guide. While we encourage everyone to make the most of the day in mountains, we may offer separate options depending on the activity level of the group. With a number of trails available, we can ensure that we cater to every need, the most important aim is to ensure everyone enjoys this mountain paradise at their own pace.

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch 
• Dinner

Day 7 - Kwa Zulu Natal Coast – St Lucia

It’s all downhill as we leave the mountain scenery en-route to the Kwa-Zulu Natal Coast. On the 5th August 1962, police waved down a car on a lonely country road in KwaZulu-Natal. At the wheel was Nelson Mandela. He was arrested and spent 27 years in prison. Today you will have the opportunity to visit this historic capture site, marked by an impressive sculpture in honour of “Madiba”. We will also stop at the Howick Falls to listen to the power of the falls and take some photos at the viewpoint. Then it’s onto the bustling city of Durban is South Africa’s largest port where you will have time to stretch your legs with a stroll along the promenade before heading for our final destination, St Lucia. This evening we enjoy a Zulu cultural experience, sampling the local beer and will be taught the basic Zulu language.

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 8 - Hluhluwe – Umfolozi Game Reserve / iSimangaliso Wetland Park

We set out early this morning for a game drive in the nearby Hluhulwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, one of the last strongholds of the endangered rhinoceros. While rhinoceros are the most famous of the park's inhabitants, the park also provides a home to many other species, including the Big5 that we all hope to see. Returning to our lodging for a siesta, we freshen up for an afternoon boat cruise on St Lucia Estuary

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 9 - Swaziland – Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

An early start and we are off to the Kingdom of Swaziland, this afternoon we have the opportunity to join many of the optional activities that are offered here. Take your choice from game drives, mountain biking or a visit to the Chief’s village.

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch 
• Dinner

Day 10 - Swaziland – Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Endless hours of self-guided exploration within the small 4560ha Mlilwane sanctuary are possible due to the relative absence of dangerous game. This morning our guide will lead us out on a nature walk to explore the “ Nature Trail “ which provides interpretation of historical and environmental information of the area. Later this morning, we embark on a 2-hour guided walk through the Esijeni community, allowing us a glimpse of life on a day-to-day basis.

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch 
• Dinner

Day 11 - South Africa – Kruger National Park

Setting off back to South Africa, we make aim for the Kruger National Park and begin with our first game drive in the Nomad truck as we enter the gates of the park. The Kruger National Park is South Africa’s flagship national park and sightings of the “ big five “ has become something of a quest for many guests. The Kruger NP has more than it’s fair share of animals and we will spend our time in search of both big and small.

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch 
• Dinner

Day 12 - Kruger Park – Panorama Route

While those who elect to do the optional morning walk will have an earlier start, we set out a little later today and travel the short distance to the Panorama Route. Strung along the escarpment that divides the central plateau and low-lying bushveld of the Kruger, the sights of the Panorama route offer us a day of scenic delights. We will visit the highlights of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, and God’s Window before returning to camp in the late afternoon.

Meals Included

• Breakfast 
• Dinner

Day 13 - Kruger National Park

Rising early this morning we enter the Kruger National Park to enjoy a full day of game viewing. Our activity package offers the added excitement of experiencing the park from an open-sided 4x4 vehicle. For those who have not chosen the 4x4 game drive through the park, your guide will take you on a game drive in the Nomad truck (full day). This evening there is an opportunity for an optional Sundowner Drive.

Meals Included

• Breakfast 
• Dinner

Day 14 - Kruger National Park to Johannesburg

Our return journey sees us spending the morning in the Kruger National Park as we exit the park, heading directly towards Johannesburg. We arrive at Belvedere Estate in the late afternoon and all travelers are invited to join us for a traditional meal tonight. This can be booked with your guide on the day before arrival. Many great tales are shared and tonight is for celebrating the many wonders of African travel.

Meals Included

• Breakfast

This itinerary has been written with the Activity Package items included. If you wish to participate in all the activities listed, you will need to purchase the Activity Package.

The tour will start from Kings Beach Hotel in Port Elizabeth.

The tour will end at Belvedere Estate in Johannesburg.

Below are some ideas and helpful tips on what you specifically need for this trip.

ESSENTIALS:

• Sleeping bag. We recommend a 3–4 season sleeping bag because it can get very cold at night in winter months in desert and mountainous regions. Sleeping bags are also available for hire (if pre-booked). Please speak to your sales consultant if you wish to hire one.
• Pillow, travel pillow or pillowcase (to put your soft jacket in)
• Closed in shoes. As this trip includes camping and/or bush walking we highly recommend that you take a pair of comfortable, closed-in walking shoes. Closed-in shoes will help to protect your feet from cuts and scratches when walking through bush/grass-lands, and will also act as a barrier protection in rare cases against bites or stings from dangerous animals in this environment.
• Lightweight clothing. You will need to bring a mixture of lightweight clothing, some warm items for the evenings, and long shirts and pants for protection against mosquitoes in the malaria areas. Clothes should be easy to wash and dry. Some people like to take jeans for evenings out but they can be tough to dry and should not be used for trekking. Avoid nylon and other synthetics, which can be very uncomfortable in hot weather. Ex-military or military style clothing and equipment is NOT recommended.
• A waterproof/windproof jacket is a good idea for wet days, and early morning or evening game activities when it can be cool.
• Warm fleece and beanie for morning and evening game drives.
• Sun protection - hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Towel (or travel towel)

RECOMMENDED:

• A simple plastic bag/waterproof toiletry bag (that can hang on a nail on the back of a door) will be useful to keep your clothes dry inside basic camp shower structures.
• A good quality, high-beam headlamp or torch for around the campsite at night. Some campsites have limited lighting and are powered by generators that switch off at a particular time. Although the trucks do carry lamps for meal times it’s a good idea to bring a headlamp to navigate the campsites and in particular, going to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
• Personal medical kit. Your guide will carry a large kit but we recommend you carry items such as mild painkillers, electrolytes, anti-diarrhoeal, antibacterial gel, wet wipes, bandaids/plasters etc.
• Insect repellent.
• Water bottle. We recommend at least a 1-litre capacity. Our vehicle has large tanks of treated water for your refills.
• Camera with a spare battery or power bank.
• Overnight bag. To take 2 days' worth of luggage on your Okavango Delta portion of the itinerary
• Binoculars
• A small bottle of biodegradable laundry soap for hand washing your clothes
• Earplugs to guard against a snoring tent-mate
• A good book, a journal or smartphone with music for the long drives

OPTIONAL:

• Sleep sheet. If you are traveling during the hot season you may wish to also pack a sleep sheet so you will be comfortable no matter what the weather.
• Thermarest. While we provide a basic camping mattress for each client, some travelers find they like the extra comfort of a double layer.

LUGGAGE LIMIT:

The weight limit for luggage on all trucks is a strict maximum of 20kg. Your main luggage will be stored in a compartment at the back of the truck. Traditional, framed suitcases are not recommended as they are large and can damage other travelers belongings while on the road. Backpacks or duffel bags are an ideal choice.

VALUABLES:

Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables, and use your hotel safe and the safe on the overland truck to store the bulk of your money, passport, and airline tickets. It’s also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden. We strongly recommend that you photocopy all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary.

POWER:

Our overland vehicles are equipped with multiple power boards which may be used at the crew’s discretion, however, do bear in mind that only a minimal number of items can be charged at a time and will not be allowed if there is a risk of running the vehicle’s batteries low. Some campsites have electricity and charging of devices is advised before checking out the following day. We also recommend power banks and multi-country power converters.

SPECIAL NOTE: CONSERVATIVE DRESS FOR WOMEN:

In many parts of Africa, female travelers should dress modestly as there is a wide range of cultural differences. We recommend wearing skirts or shorts that reach just above the knee and tops that cover shoulders at a minimum.

Meals

13 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 13 dinners

Transport

Overland vehicle

Accommodation

• Camping option
• Accommodated option

Included activities

• Entrance fees to National Parks
• Afternoon game drive in Addo National Park
• Lesotho Village Visit and hike with guide
• Oliviers Hoek pass
• Hike with your guide in Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
• Visit to the Mandela Capture Site and the Howick Falls
• Zulu Cultural evening
• Nature Walk with guide through Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

• All meals not listed on the itinerary 
• All optional activities as listed in the itinerary
• Items of a personal nature
• Tips and gratuities
• Pre and post tour transport and activities

1. Cancellation charges less than 14 Days in advance: No refund
2. Cancellation charges between 15-30 days in advance: 75% of full value plus R100 admin fee
3. Cancellation charges between 31 - 60 days in advance: 50% of full value plus R100 admin fee
4. Cancellation charges between 31 - 60 days in advance: Full refund minus 5% admin fee
5. Changes in dates/transfer of ownership to be handled on a case to case basis