WILD KINGDOMS SAFARI

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. 

Johannesburg :

Johannesburg is one of Africa’s largest and most vibrant cities. It is the economic capital of Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. This bustling city offers a wide range of activities, attractions and plenty to do in and around the city including nearby Pretoria. Downtown is a multi-cultural mixture of traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants, taxi ranks and ultra-modern skyscrapers. There are excellent museums, art galleries and organised tours of historical and political interest. The shopping is Southern Africa’s best and the many restaurants cater for all tastes. The nearby township of Soweto is Johannesburg’s most popular tourist attraction.

Overnight : Protea Hotel Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton     
Meals : Bed and Breakfast

Day 2 : JOHANNESBURG - MPUMALANGA (B / - / D)

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. 

Hazyview :

Surrounded by subtropical fruit orchards, Hazyview is a small farming town and a gateway to the southern part of the Kruger National Park and the Panorama Escarpment. The town and its spectacularly scenic surroundings, serve as a popular adventure capital with a remarkable array of exhilarating outdoor activities on offer to suit all ages, tastes and fitness levels. These include, among others: mountain biking, quad biking, ziplining, tubing, abseiling, and river rafting. Whether you are eager to hike the Panorama Route with its breathtaking views and impressive waterfalls, visit the Shangana Cultural Village, or horse ride along the banks of the magnificent Sabie River, Hazyview has something for just about everyone.

Overnight : Hazyview Sun     
Meals : Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Day 3 : MPUMALANGA (B / - / D)

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. 

Overnight : Hazyview Sun     
Meals : Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Day 4 : MPUMALANGA (B / - / D)

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 an introduction to the Anti-Poaching Dog Unit (Project Watchdog), that was established because of the increase in rhino poaching worldwide. Learn about 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 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).

Overnight : Hazyview Sun     
Meals : Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Day 5 : 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.

Lobamba :

Resting east of the woodland region of Ezulwini Valley in the traditional country of eSwatini is the city of Lobamba. Famed for being the country’s cultural, spiritual and political heart, this fascinating destination boasts notable British-era buildings, informative museums and is host to sensational Incwala and Umhlanga ceremonies. Travellers can roam through the gardens of the commemorative King Sobhuza II Park; enjoy a leisurely 18-hole round of golf at the scenic Royal Swazi Golf Course, gain a greater insight into the nation’s history at the Swaziland National Museum, or delve into the culture at the fascinating Mantenga Cultural Village. Don’t miss the magnificent Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, a lush park home to hiking and horse riding trails, as well as an abundance of wildlife, including zebra, giraffe and several bird species.

Overnight : The Royal Villas Swaziland
Meals : Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Day 6 : 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.

Hluhluwe :

Named after the many thorny climbers that were once found along the Hluhluwe River, on whose banks the town rests, Hluhluwe is sandwiched between the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve. This fact ensures that visitors will be treated to incredibly scenic surroundings. Those who enjoy fresh, juicy South African pineapples can indulge themselves to the fullest, with most of the country’s pineapples produced in this region. Visitors can also look forward to exploring one of many surrounding reserves to view the world-renowned Big Five; soaking up the incredible natural scenery; and enjoying a variety of activities including scuba diving, horse riding, hiking, canoeing, boat cruises, and mountain biking.

Overnight : Anew Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris     
Meals : Bed and Breakfast 

Day 7 :  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.

Bed and Breakfast

End of our services.