We begin the Lesotho, Swaziland & Kruger journey with a visit to Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape. Addo is recognized as one of South Africa’s most popular national parks and game reserves. It is sanctuary to over 550 elephants in just 120 000 hectares. It is also the third largest national park in South Africa.
We then cross the border into the highland country of Lesotho where you can try your hand at pony trekking. Moving back into South Africa, we visit the colourful, spicy city of Durban, St Lucia Wetland Park and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve in KwaZulu Natal.
Hluhulwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve is one of the last strongholds of the endangered Rhinoceros. The reserve has played a critical role in the preservation of these endangered animals, both Black and White Rhinoceros occur in the park.
The landlocked kingdom of Swaziland is the next country we visit where we go on safari in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.
Ending our tour back in South Africa we have the opportunity to tick off the Big Five in Kruger National Park. We spend a full day on safari in the largest game reserve in South Africa.
Our return journey to Johannesburg takes us via the scenic Panorama Route where we will visit God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
13 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 13 dinners
Overland vehicle