KRUGER AND THE KINGDOMS
OVERVIEW
When you combine the Kruger National Park, an icon of the wildlife world and the Kingdoms of eSwatini and Zululand, you have a mighty experience designed to take your travel desires to new heights.
It all begins in Johannesburg, where you will begin the first leg, a trip into Mpumalanga to marvel at the scenery along the Panorama Route. It’s then on to the Kruger National Park, where the Big Five roam, wild and free. Sightings are of an extraordinary caliber and an open vehicle game drive with a passionate guide is going to both thrill and excite.
You will then travel to eSwatini, an independent kingdom within the borders of South Africa, known for its colorful and vibrant culture. The people of eSwatini are the main attraction, where you will learn all about their traditions and customs. In Zululand, a cruise on Lake St Lucia awaits, where hippo and crocodiles abound. The journey ends in Durban.
Wildlife 
Safari 
Multi Country 
Culture 
Adventure & Nature 
DAY 1 : JOHANNESBURG (B / - / -)
On arrival in Johannesburg at OR Tambo International Airport, you’ll be met by your representative and transferred to your hotel. Johannesburg is the largest and most populous city in South Africa. It is also the source of a large-scale gold and diamond trade due to its location on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills.
The remainder of the day is at leisure and unescorted. Why not enjoy an optional (own account) sightseeing tour of Soweto, learning more about the struggle for freedom in South Africa, or simply relax at your hotel? At 19h00 we will meet at reception for a briefing on the tour and a chance to meet fellow travellers.
Overnight : Protea Hotel Balalaika or similar
Meals : Bed and Breakfast
Distance travelled today: 35 kms
DAY 2 : MONDAY JOHANNESBURG - MPUMALANGA (B / - / -)
Depart Johannesburg after breakfast and head for Pretoria, South Africa’s capital city, for a short orientation tour, before continuing to the Mpumalanga Province, known as “Paradise Country”. Dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld, we travel via the historic towns of Dullstroom and Lydenburg.
After traversing the famous Long Tom Pass, we travel via Sabie and arrive late afternoon into Hazyview, the safari hub of the Kruger National Park.
Overnight : Perry’s Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel or similar
Meals : Bed and Breakfast
Distance travelled today: 425 kms
DAY 3 : TUESDAY MPUMALANGA (B / - / -)
After an early morning breakfast, we’ll drive along the spectacular ‘Panorama Route’, offering views of amazing scenery including the 26-kilometre long Blyde River Canyon (home to the Three Rondavels), Bourke’s Luck Potholes and historic God’s Window, a breath-taking view (weather permitting) of the edge of the escarpment taking in the Kruger National Park.
We arrive back in Hazyview in the late afternoon where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax. Consider joining (for own account) a Shangaan Cultural Dinner experience, for an African dinner feast and an evening of traditional Shangaan storytelling and entertainment.
Overnight : Perry’s Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel or similar
Meals : Bed and Breakfast
Distance travelled today: 320 kms
DAY 4 : WEDNESDAY MPUMALANGA (B / - / -)
The day begins with early morning coffee or tea, followed by a thrilling open vehicle game safari (with English speaking game ranger) through the Kruger National Park with pre-packed breakfast. Kruger is one of the world’s greatest national parks, home to a stunning array of wildlife. Search for the ‘Big Five’ (rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, and elephant) as well as prolific birdlife and numerous other game species.
The game safari includes a visit to the Anti-Poaching Dog Unit (Project Watchdog), that was established because of the increase in rhino poaching worldwide. Meet the dogs that are trained to track poachers in the field, detect firearms, ammunition and wildlife products that enter and exit through the Kruger National Park gates. A portion of the trip price of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience goes towards ensuring that these dogs receive the best possible care in support of the vital work they do. The experience directly advances UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land.
The afternoon is at leisure at your hotel. An afternoon open vehicle game drive is available as an extension to the morning game drive (optional and for own account). Why not experience an exclusive el fresco bridge dinner, overlooking the magnificent Sabie River under a star-studded sky (for own account)?
Overnight : Perry’s Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel or similar
Meals : Bed and Breakfast
Distance travelled today: 120 kms
DAY 5 : THURSDAY MPUMALANGA – eSWATINI (SWAZILAND) (B / L / D)
This morning we travel to eSwatini (Swaziland), an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa, known for its lovely scenery, crafts and colourful indigenous culture. An interactive cultural experience inclusive of lunch, introduces us to the charming people of eSwatini (Swaziland) and their traditions.
We travel via the capital city, Mbabane, to the beautiful Ezulwini Valley for overnight in eSwatini (Swaziland) and a sumptuous dinner at your hotel.
Overnight : The Royal Villas or similar
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance travelled today: 310 kms
DAY 6 : FRIDAY eSWATINI (SWAZILAND) - ZULULAND (B / - / -)
After breakfast we will continue south through eSwatini (Swaziland), before re-entering South Africa. Travel into Zululand, passing traditional round huts and endless vistas. There is an option to enjoy an afternoon open vehicle safari (optional and for own account with an English-speaking game ranger) in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, which contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora and is particularly famous for its conservation of black and white rhino.
Overnight in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi region
Meals : Bed and Breakfast
Distance travelled today: 360 kms
DAY 7 : SATURDAY ZULULAND – DURBAN (UMHLANGA) (B / - / -)
This morning we will join a cruise on Lake St Lucia (depending on favourable weather conditions) before departing for Durban. Our journey takes us past traditional Zulu Kraals, Eucalyptus plantations and sugar cane fields.
We arrive in Durban in the early afternoon where the tour ends on arrival.
Distance travelled today: 275 kms
Bed and Breakfast
End of our services.
Our services include :
- 8 Meals: 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner including gratuities
- 6 Nights’ accommodation including porterage
- Transportation including toll fees in air-conditioned vehicles
- Services of a professional English-speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees as specified in the itinerary
- Bottled water in eco-friendly packaging
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Traverse the famous Long Tom Pass en route from Johannesburg to Mpumalanga
- Visit the spectacularly scenic Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window
- Experience an open vehicle game safari in the Kruger National Park including a visit to the KNP anti-poaching Dog Unit
- Meet the friendly people of eSwatini (Swaziland) and experience their culture through singing and dancing
- Boat game cruise on Lake St Lucia
- Enjoy a variety of carefully chosen optional MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences that positively impact our travellers and the communities we visit
Our services do not include :
- All flights (international and domestic)
- Optional Touring excursions
- Meals and beverages where unspecified
- Gratuities where applicable (a gratuities guideline is available in the download section)
- Items of a personal nature
- Anything not mentioned as included (please ask if unclear)
B=Breakfast L= Lunch D= Dinner BL= Box Lunch
|
Start |
Accommodation |
Destination |
Basis |
Duration |
|
Day 1 |
Protea Hotel Balalaika or similar |
JOHANNESBURG |
B&B |
1 Night |
|
Day 4 |
Perry’s Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel or similar |
MPUMALANGA |
B&B |
3 Nights |
|
Day 5 |
The Royal Villas or similar |
eSWATINI (SWAZILAND) |
FI |
1 Night |
|
Day 6 |
Anew Hotel Hluhluwe or similar |
ZULULAND |
B&B |
1 Night |
South Africa, a country known for its rich cultural diversity, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, offers a plethora of experiences for travelers. Here's a comprehensive travel guide to help you plan your South African adventure:
Cape Town :
Table Mountain: Take a cable car or hike to the top for panoramic views of the city and the ocean.
Robben Island: Visit the former prison where Nelson Mandela was held captive.
Cape of Good Hope: Explore this iconic landmark at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula.
Garden Route :
Drive or take a guided tour along the Garden Route, known for its scenic beauty, lush forests, and charming coastal towns.
Visit Tsitsikamma National Park for its dramatic landscapes and the Storms River Mouth.
Kruger National Park :
Embark on a safari adventure in one of Africa's premier wildlife reserves.
Spot the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhinoceros) and a variety of other animals.
Johannesburg :
Explore the Apartheid Museum to learn about South Africa's history.
Visit Soweto for a guided tour, showcasing the township's vibrant culture and history.
Durban :
Relax on the beaches of Durban, known for its warm Indian Ocean waters.
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods and sample Indian-influenced cuisine.
Drakensberg Mountains :
Hike or take scenic drives through the breathtaking landscapes of the Drakensberg mountain range.
Discover San rock art at uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stellenbosch and the Winelands :
Tour the famous Stellenbosch wine region, sampling exquisite South African wines.
Enjoy picturesque landscapes, historic architecture, and culinary delights.
Soweto :
Take a guided tour to understand the history, culture, and resilience of Soweto's residents.
Visit Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world where two Nobel Prize winners lived.
Addo Elephant National Park :
Experience a malaria-free safari and witness a large population of elephants.
Explore the diverse landscapes, including woodland, savannah, and coastal dunes.
Practical Tips :
Best Time to Visit: South Africa is a year-round destination, but the dry winter months (May to September) are ideal for safaris.
Currency: South African Rand (ZAR).
Transportation: Renting a car provides flexibility, but domestic flights are also available between major cities.
South Africa's blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and diverse cultures promises an unforgettable journey for those seeking a dynamic and enriching travel experience.
South Africa
Swaziland
KRUGER AND THE KINGDOMS
Reference #: WTP0240
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When you combine the Kruger National Park, an icon of the wildlife world and the Kingdoms of eSwatini and Zululand, you have a mighty experience designed to take your travel desires to new heights.
It all begins in Johannesburg, where you will begin the first leg, a trip into Mpumalanga to marvel at the scenery along the Panorama Route. It’s then on to the Kruger National Park, where the Big Five roam, wild and free. Sightings are of an extraordinary caliber and an open vehicle game drive with a passionate guide is going to both thrill and excite.
You will then travel to eSwatini, an independent kingdom within the borders of South Africa, known for its colorful and vibrant culture. The people of eSwatini are the main attraction, where you will learn all about their traditions and customs. In Zululand, a cruise on Lake St Lucia awaits, where hippo and crocodiles abound. The journey ends in Durban.