Kruger Park, Eswatini (Swaziland) & Drakensberg Safari

Below is the basic day to day brief.

The full downloadable Itinerary is at the bottom of this window.

Please download the dossier should you want more detailed information on the route and tour.

DAY 1: SOUTH AFRICA – BLYDE RIVER CANYON

We depart Johannesburg/ Pretoria Early, pick up is available from any guesthouse of Hotel in the Johannesburg/ Pretoria area. We take the scenic route towards South Africa’s North-Eastern Lowveld travelling towards the Panorama route.

The highlight of this afternoon is the spectacular views from God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes, these breathtaking views form part of the Blyde River Canyon, arguably the most amazing views and landscape in South Africa and perfect way to start our adventure.

Tonight, we will overnight in the Blyde River Canyon area.

DAY 2: BLYDE RIVER CANYON – HAZYVIEW

Witness the breathtaking sunrise over the canyon as you start your day, setting the tone for an unforgettable experience. Explore the diverse range of hiking trails available, tailored to cater to different fitness levels and time constraints. You can opt for a relaxed stroll down the canyon to see the Tufa waterfall in just 30 minutes or embark on a more challenging hike that lasts anywhere between 2 to 5 hours. For an added optional adventure, venture to the Graskop gorge lift Company, where a thrilling viewing lift awaits. Descend 51 meters down the gorge's face, immersing yourself in the enchanting indigenous forest below. Traverse along wooden walkways and suspension bridges, following a 600-meter trail that reveals the captivating wonders of the natural world.

After an exhilarating morning, we enter the captivating Lowveld region, home to the world-renowned Kruger National Park. Arrive in the charming town of Hazyview, your base for the next two nights.

This afternoon you have an option to embark on an optional 3-hour afternoon/sunset safari in the Kruger Park. Boarding an open safari vehicle.

DAY 3: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Rising early this morning, we enter Kruger National Park by gate opening times. A breakfast pack will be provided to take with. Today we will enjoy a full day of game viewing. We make use of a 9-seater open vehicle which is perfectly designed to give you a real bird’s eye view of the wildlife you will encounter on your safari. Stopping throughout the day at various waterholes, viewpoints and a stop at one of the rest camps for lunch.

Kruger Park is South Africa’s largest game reserve and is truly the flagship of the South African National Parks, Kruger is home to an impressive number of species.

We return late in the afternoon to your lodge where you can enjoy leisure time before dinner.

DAY 4: HAZYVIEW TO KINGDOM OF ESWATINI (SWAZILAND)

For those seeking an extra game viewing experience, there is an optional early morning safari available. This allows you to witness the incredible wildlife one last time before we make our way to the border of Eswatini. Those who opt for this safari will have an early rise, returning to the lodge in time for breakfast. Meanwhile, for those who prefer a more leisurely morning, you can enjoy a well-deserved lie-in.

Our destination for today is the Ezulwini Valley just south of the capital Mbabane. The route this morning winds through mountains and forests before arriving at Eswatini border. You can visit the Ngwenya Glass Factory Shop before heading to a Swazi Cultural Village for an insight into the Swazi Culture and Traditions. Arriving at the lodge in the late afternoon.

Mlilwane offers an array of activities and adventures in the picturesque Ezulwini Valley (Valley of Heaven), flanked by the dramatic backdrop of mountains and the huge Usuthu Forest stretching into the distance.

DAY 5: MLILWANE TO HLANE ROYAL NATIONAL PARK
This morning you have some time to explore the Mlilwane wildlife sanctuary on your own. Filled with free roaming animals and offers the opportunity to do some walking, mountain biking or horseback safaris.

Endless hours of guided or self-guided exploration within the small 4560 Hectare sanctuary are possible due to the relative absence of dangerous game.

Departing Mlilwane after the morning’s optional activities, we head to Swazi Candles Centre and Craft Market. You will be surrounded by talented crafters, artists and artisans as well as a bustling markets and souvenir shops. Perfect opportunity to find a gift.

Tonight, we stay at Hlane Royal National Park, with an exciting species lists including impressive ancient hardwood habitats, big game and rich birdlife. This 22,000-ha park, still boasts the largest herds of game in the Kingdom with speciality species being lion, rhino, elephants, vultures and marabou stork.

Guided game drives and bush walks can be arranged or you can simply relax at camp overlooking the waterhole with resident hippos and frequently visited by Rhinos and other game.

DAY 6: HLANE – ST. LUCIA

This morning you can join a truly unique experience - the ever-popular Rhino drive (optional activity), which is a 1,5-hour drive focusing on White Rhinoceros. The highlight of this drive is the potential opportunity of alighting the vehicle and quietly approaching them on foot. Not all Rhino's are approachable and guides have discretion. Due to the nature of this activity, minimum age 13 years.
After breakfast we leave this amazing country behind us and cross the border re-entering South Africa into KwaZulu-Natal province. Arriving in the small coastal town of St Lucia. This afternoon we board a small boat in the Isimangaliso Wetland Park to view the many animals in this world heritage site such as crocodiles, hippos and plenty of birdlife that inhabit the estuary. Tonight, you have a free night to explore the village by foot and choose from a range of local restaurants.

DAY 7: ST. LUCIA – SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG

Morning optional activities will determine our departure time. Today involves a driving day to the UNESCO world heritage site of the majestic uKhahlamba Drakensberg Mountains. Whether you go by the Zulu name uKhahlamba,

meaning ‘barrier of spears’, or the Afrikaans name Drakensberg, meaning ‘dragon mountains’, these towering mountains will be our backdrop for the next two nights.

For those on the 7 Day we depart ways at King Shaka International Airport or in Durban area.

The area is renowned for its spectacular natural landscape, importance for many threatened and endemic species, and for its wealth of rock paintings made by the San people over a period of 4,000 years.

Arriving in the town of Underberg in the late afternoon. The world-renowned Southern Drakensberg is home of the Sani Pass, we will overnight at the foot of the Southern Drakensberg.

DAY 8: SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG

This morning after breakfast you will have the opportunity to do some of the many Optional Activities that the Southern Drakensberg has to offer.

Sani Pass 4 x 4 excursion, up the Sani Mountain Pass into the Kingdom of Lesotho (Border Crossing)
Hiking opportunities in the Southern Drakensberg (Rock art hikes available)
Birding Tours
Horse Riding
The Himeville Fort and Museum

DAY 9: SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG – NORTHERN DRAKENSBERG

After breakfast and optional morning activities we depart for the Bergville area in the Northern Drakensberg. The most famous feature of the Northern Drakensberg is the Amphitheatre.

Where the Drakensberg Mountains rise vertically for nearly 1000m (3280 feet) with a width of 5km (3.1 miles). Found within the Royal Natal National Park which has many self- guided hiking trails and is home to one of the world’s tallest waterfalls.

DAY 10: DRAKENSBERG - JOHANNESBURG

This morning after breakfast you can partake in optional activities before heading back to Johannesburg. Various self-guided hikes are offered in the Royal Natal National Park.

While we encourage everyone to make the most of the morning in the 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.

Arriving back in Johannesburg in the afternoon.