ACCOMMODATED SAFARI: Take in the highlights of South Africa, Eswatini and Lesotho on this 20-day overland journey. Search for the Big Five and other wildlife in Kruger National Park, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Mountain Zebra National Park and Addo Elephant Park. Cruise on St Lucia Lagoon in search of hippos, explore lively Durban independently and enjoy the view from Thabana Ntlenyana, the highest point in southern Africa. Hike in the Drakensberg Mountains, explore the iconic Garden Route from Port Elizabeth to Hermanus, and end in the 'Mother City', Cape Town.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Pretoria to Kruger
Pretoria - Hazyview. Departing South Africa's administrative capital of Pretoria aboard our overland truck, we head through the scenic Mpumalanga region and along the iconic Panorama Route. We stop to admire Blyde River Canyon before reaching Kruger National Park. Fences in the area were removed several years ago to create the Greater Kruger ecozystem, one of Africa's best wild places. We'll enjoy dinner around the campfire tonight before we head into the park tomorrow.
Please note: Please arrive in Pretoria at least one night before your tour. There will be a pre-departure meeting at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure and the tour departs at 7am on day 1. Refer to the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information. We can book an airport transfer from Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport and Pretoria pre-tour accommodation upon request.
Overnight: Hazyview | Dinner
Kruger National Park safari
We wake early in order to enter Kruger National Park as soon as the gates open. We'll be enjoying our safari in specialist 4X4 vehicles, for an optimal game viewing experience.
Kruger is home to all of Africa's iconic Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, black and white rhino and buffalo, as well as a host of other species including giraffes, crocodiles, hippos, cheetah, African wild dog and zebra. There are also more than 500 bird species recorded in the park. We hope to see many of these creatures on our morning and afternoon game drives, escaping the midday sun for lunch at a rest camp.
If you haven't had your safari fill, you can book an optional night game drive. Some species such as leopards and lions become more active after dark, so you have a greater chance to spot them.
Overnight: Hazyview | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ticking off the Big Five
We spend another full day on safari, heading out shortly after sunrise in search of the many species which call Kruger National Park home. With cameras and binoculars at the ready we'll head down bumpy dirt tracks in our 4X4 safari vehicles, keeping our eyes peeled for the Big Five and other species. In the evening you can relax or enjoy another optional night time game drive.
Overnight: Hazyview | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Eswatini
Hazyview - Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (Eswatini). Departing this morning, we skirt along the edge of Kruger National Park and pass through Shangaan settlements and citrus farms to reach the border with Eswatini, an independent landlocked country between Mozambique and South Africa. We reach Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Eswatini's oldest protected area.
Overnight: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Exploring Mlilwane
We awaken this morning to the sounds of grunting antelope and chirping birds, before heading out to explore after breakfast. We drive through the sanctuary to the Royal Enclosure and enjoy a walk through a local village with a Swazi guide, who will be able to explain many of the local rituals and customs. This afternoon there is free time to join optional activities including game walks in search of the resident wildlife - hippos, honey badgers, zebra and ostrich to name a few. You can also enjoy optional bird watching, horse riding or simply relax by the pool at our rest camp.
Overnight: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
St Lucia Lagoon cruise
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary - St Lucia (South Africa). This morning we cross the border back into South Africa and arrive in coastal St Lucia, home to a biodiverse estuary and wild beaches. Enjoying a cruise on the St Lucia Lagoon, we look out for crocodiles and hippos before enjoying a relaxing evening at the lodge
Overnight: St Lucia | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Durban
St Lucia - Durban. The morning of day 7 is at leisure to explore St Lucia before we depart for South Africa's third largest city - Durban. With a population of 3.4 million and a vibrant nightlife, you'll want to head into the city in the evening to explore.
Day 8 is also free. We recommend a stroll along the 'Golden Mile' beachfront, a visit to uShaka Marine World or an adrenaline-fuelled leap from the big swing at Moses Mabhida Stadium, where you can also enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Overnight: Durban | Breakfast x 2
To the Lesotho border
Durban - Underberg. Leaving Durban behind, we head inland, passing through mountainous countryside to our campsite near the town of Underberg, and close to the border with the Kingdom of Lesotho. The lodge is located at the foot of the Sani Pass, which is the only navigable route over the Drakensberg escarpment into Lesotho. There is free time this afternoon to head out on some of the numerous walking trails in this picturesque region.
Overnight: Underberg | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Exploring Lesotho
Underberg - Lesotho - Underberg. Today we enjoy a full day excursion into the mountainous kingdom of Lesotho with a local guide, travelling in specialized 4X4 safari vehicles. We cross the spectacular Sani Pass (2,874m) and visit a local village to meet the Shepherds who make a living up here.
We then drive to the Black Mountain, the second highest pass in Lesotho at 3,240m. - it's a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch! And we're not done climbing yet. We take a short walk to Thabana Ntlenyana, which at 3,482m is the highest point in southern Africa. And there's one more accolade to collect as we return to camp - we make a stop at Sani Mountain Lodge for a beer or soft drink in Africa's highest bar. Whoever is tallest in the group will be the highest bar-goer on the continent!
Overnight: Underberg | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal
Underberg - Drakensberg. We make a sobering but fascinating excursion today to the Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal. This landscape of rolling hills and grasslands in the Drakensberg area has witnessed more than 60 battles that have shaped South Africa. These battles were mainly fought in the 19th century between the Zulus, British and Boers, and conflicts to be fought here include the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, the First Boer War of 1880 - 1881 and the Second Boer War from 1899 - 1902. We visit some of the important historic sites and memorials before arriving at our lodge in the late afternoon, with free time to relax.
Overnight: Drakensberg Mountains | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Royal Natal National Park hiking
Today we head into Royal Natal National Park, an incredibly scenic destination boasting lofty hiking trails, mountains and waterfalls. You can pick one of the optional trails to enjoy, and our guide can help find a suitable route for you - they vary in length from an hour to a full day. We can also visit some ancient cave dwellings to see the historic rock art painted here, and you can opt for a guided hike to Tugela Falls before we return to our camp for a well-deserved rest.
Overnight: Drakensberg Mountains | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lesotho free time
Drakensberg - Malealea (Lesotho). On day 14 we drive around the northern border of Lesotho, crossing back into the kingdom and heading south-west along mountain roads to Malealea. The rest of today and tomorrow are completely free for you to engage in some of the amazing optional activities on offer. Pony trekking is extremely popular with visitors to Lesotho, with many trails to choose from, including some which visit waterfalls. You could also enjoy mountain biking, or visit a local village.
Overnight: Malealea | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Mountain Zebra National Park
Malealea - Mountain Zebra National Park (South Africa). Crossing the border back into South Africa, we journey to Mountain Zebra National Park, a 284 square kilometer reserve known for its large population of more than 700 Cape mountain zebra. We'll enjoy an included game drive in the park, which is also home to buffalo, lion, cheetah and black rhino. And tonight's campsite is located in the park itself, where we can listen to the sounds of the wildlife as we drift off to sleep.
Overnight: Mountain Zebra National Park | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Addo Elephant Park
Mountain Zebra National Park - Addo Elephant National Park - Port Elizabeth. One species missing from Mountain Zebra National Park is the African elephant, but you will almost certainly see these gentle giants today as we enjoy a safari in South Africa's third largest national park. Addo Elephant National Park is home to more than 600 elephants, as well as lion, buffalo, black rhino and leopard, whilst southern right whales and great white sharks inhabit the protected waters off the coast.
After our game drive, we continue to Port Elizabeth, located on South Africa's famous Garden Route. Our accommodation tonight is just outside the city, and is located a few meters from the beachfront.
Overnight: Port Elizabeth | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Exploring the Garden Route
Port Elizabeth - Tsitsikamma National Park - Plettenberg Bay. From Port Elizabeth we head along the Garden Route to Tsitsikamma Forest National Park. This diverse protected area is home to dramatic coastline, lush forests and rushing rivers. There is free time here to enjoy optional boating, hiking, bird-watching and even bungee jumping from the Bloukrans Bridge. We then continue to our campsite in Plettenberg Bay.
Overnight: Plettenberg Bay | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Oudtshoorn
Plettenberg Bay - Oudtshoorn. After breakfast we head to the world's ostrich capital, Oudtshoorn, in the Karoo desert region. There are many farms in this area, located in the Klein Karoo between the Swartberg and the Outeniqua Mountains. Another highlight here is the Cango Caves system, home to vast caverns and impressive formations. We have an included visit to the caves before heading to our accommodation.
Overnight: Oudtshoorn | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hermanus
Oudtshoorn - Hermanus. Departing for Hermanus, we make a stop at Cape Agulhas, at the southern tip of the African continent. It is here that the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. We continue along the coast, which was historically notorious for shipwrecks and we can see some of the remnants of these unfortunate vessels.
Arriving in Hermanus, we visit the gigantic 19th century lighthouse before the afternoon is at leisure. Hermanus is South Africa's whale watching capital, and we recommend booking an optional cruise this afternoon or tomorrow morning in search of the various species of whales and dolphin which inhabit the waters off the coast.
Overnight: Hermanus | Breakfast, Lunch
Cape Town
Hermanus - Cape Town. A free morning in Hermanus gives you the opportunity to book a whale watching cruise or visit the Old Harbour Open Air Museum for a fascinating and interactive glimpse into Hermanus' fishing past. We then drive to a winery to sample some of South Africa's finest wines with a tasting session.
Climbing aboard our overland truck for the final time, we complete our drive to Cape Town, where our tour comes to an end at the foot of iconic Table Mountain. If it is your first time in the city then we recommend staying for a few days to explore, we can book post-tour accommodation for you.
Please note: We won't arrive in Cape Town until late afternoon, so if you are flying straight home, then please make sure not to book your flight before the evening. We strongly recommend booking at least one night's post-tour accommodation in case of delays.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 6 persons. Prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. Solo travellers will be matched up and share a room with another solo traveller of the same gender.
Local payment - $190pp, paid in USD
Please note that this is payable locally on day 1 of your trip in the currency specified.
Extra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Hotel Numbi, Hazyview
Conveniently located, less than a 10 minutes' drive from South Africa's flagship Kruger National Park, this tranquil hotel is set within beautiful tropical gardens, with a restaurant on site serving a variety of cuisine. There are 22 spacious, en-suite guest rooms, complete with air conditioning, satellite TV and a private patio, where you can sit and enjoy the wonderful birdlife. After a busy day spotting wildlife in Kruger, cool off in the hotel's outdoor pool and relax on the sundeck.
Mlilwane Rest Camp (chalets), Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
The chalets at Mlilwane Rest Camp are located within the wildlife sanctuary and there are no fences, meaning animals such as warthog and impala are free to wander through the site. Chalets are simple wooden constructions but are comfortable, some with ensuite bathrooms and some with shared facilities. There are also some traditional Swazi 'beehive' huts. The camp itself is a great place to relax, or head to the outdoor pool. There is an onsite restaurant, The Hippo Haunt, which is so named because the nearby artificial wetland attracts large numbers of hippopotamus.
Mlilwane Rest Camp , Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
A semi-circle of rustic huts and rondavels make up the Mlilwane Rest Camp. These traditional huts are ensuite, very comfortable and have a real African feel. The camp itself is a great place to relax or head to the out door pool. Head out for a hearty meal at the Hippo Haunt Restaurant or cook up a feast in the Braai area. Just watch out for the resident inquisitive warthogs! The camp is found in the southern corner of the reserve, in the midst of a well-matured rehabilitated area.
Monzi Safari Lodge, St Lucia
A mix of simple dorm accommodation and permanent tents, both with shared bathroom facilities, Monzi Safari Lodge is well located on the edge of iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Accommodation is furnished with kitchenette and an outdoor seating and dining area, and there is also a pool for guests to use and shared bathroom facilities. Free Wi-Fi is available in communal areas and there are BBQ facilities as well as a bar and communal lounge and TV area.
Road Lodge, Durban
Centrally located in Durban and around a 20-minute walk from the beach, Road Lodge is also close to a variety of shops, restaurants and attractions. uShaka Marine World is a 10-minute taxi drive away, as is the harbour. Rooms are simply furnished but comfortable, with ensuite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi connection and TV. Buffet breakfast is served each day in the onsite restaurant.
Sani Lodge (chalets), Underberg
Located in the southern Drakensberg area, not far from the border with Lesotho, chalets at Sani Lodge boast remarkable views. Units each have a patio and there are communal braai BBQ facilities and shared ablutions with hot showers. Campers also have access to the lodge's outdoor swimming pool and the restaurant serving home-cooked meals and produce from a local dairy farm. There is also a games room and optional activities can be booked, including pony trekking.
Amphitheatre Lodge (chalets), Drakensberg Mountains
Offering panoramic views over the Drakensberg Mountains and a quirky rock pool for guests to use, Amphitheatre Lodge is a great place to stay in the Drakensberg area. Rooms feature fans, ensuite bathrooms, and tea and coffee making facilities. Alongside the pool, there is a hot tub and free Wi-Fi. There is also a communal TV lounge and sports bar, pool table, table tennis and gift shop. The restaurant serves organic vegetables grown onsite and the bar offers a range of beers, soft drinks and cocktails.
Malealea Lodge (chalets), Malealea
A mixture of traditional Basotho and Forest huts provide basic but unique accommodation at Malealea Lodge, located in the spectacular mountains of Lesotho. Comfortable beds and lighting are the only furnishings, but the circular Basotho mud huts are unlike anywhere else you will stay. There are shared bathroom facilities, braai barbecues, plus a bar and coffee shop. There's complimentary Wi-Fi and plenty of activities are available, including pony trekking and hiking trails.
Mountain Zebra National Park Rest Camp (chalets), Mountain Zebra National Park
Mountain Zebra National Park Rest Camp is located approximately 12km into the reserve from the main entrance gate, surrounded by the wildlife of the reserve. All of the accommodated units feature twin or double beds, air-conditioning and TV. There are some ensuite rooms but shared bathroom facilities are also available. Other amenities include a washing machine, communal outdoor swimming pool, shop and an a la carte restaurant. The park's famous cape mountain zebras are often seen near camp, and although the campsite is situated in grassland, there are rolling mountains and hills surrounding the area.
The Willows Resort (chalets), Port Elizabeth
Located 15km from Port Elizabeth and in a peaceful location just metres from the beach, The Willows Resort offers incredible ocean views. The individual rondavels (round buildings with thatched roofs) are nestled on a slope leading down to the Indian Ocean and feature twin or double beds, some with ensuite and others with shared bathroom facilities. There are a plethora of onsite activities available, including a games room, mini golf, and a tennis court, whilst it is also just a short walk to the beachfront. There is also an onsite coffee shop, restaurant and bar.
Plettenberg, A Forever Resort (chalets), Plettenberg Bay
Located within a nature reserve in the heart of the Garden Route, Forever Resorts is an idyllic place to stay, with river views, forest areas and plenty of nearby beaches to enjoy. Accommodation is in twin rooms with shared bathrooms, and rooms come equipped with braai areas and shared kitchen and living areas. There is an outdoor swimming pool, mini-golf course and volleyball court. Guests will want to pay a visit to see the Tsitsikamma Big Tree and can even opt for bungee jumping off nearby Bloukrans Bridge.
Kleinplaas (chalets), Oudtshoorn
Situated in the charming Karoo town of Oudtshoorn, Kleinplaas offers comfortable twin-bed chalets with ensuite bathroom facilities. Units also feature a minibar, tea and coffee making facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi connection. Other amenities at Kleinplaas include a central barbecue area, a communal outdoor swimming pool, and laundry facilities. The onsite restaurant serves breakfast daily.
Hermanus Backpackers, Hermanus
This simple hotel in Hermanus offers twin rooms with ensuite bathrooms. The hotel is well located near the coast and in close proximity to a number of shops and restaurants. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and patio area, TV lounge and pool table. There is a communal kitchen and complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. On check in you will be provided a map of the town with advice on nearby spots for eating, drinking, surfing and joining other activities such as shark cage diving.
At a Glance
