Lesotho, eSwatini & Kruger Tour
Highlights
- Gaze in awe at the towering cliffs of Blyde River Canyon
- Witness the circle of life in action on the African plains
- Get up close to some of Africa’s most stealthy predators
- Experience the thrill of photographing the Big Five
Overview
This two week overland takes you through South Africa from the southern coast at Port Elizabeth, through the Great Karoo region and on to the stunning mountain scenery, coastline and wildlife rich national parks in the north east. We also take in the beautiful mountain kingdom of Lesotho and the small but fascinating country of eSwatini, formerly Swaziland. The first highlight and our first wildlife safari experience is in Addo National Park, famous for its elephant population and other wildlife.
A long drive through the arid plains of central South Africa and the Great Karoo then takes us to Lesotho where we have a couple of days to hike in the mountains and discover the Basotho people and their ponies. Back in South Africa we cross the spectacular Drakensberg mountains where we take another hike, and descend to the Kwa-Zulu-Natal coastline and St. Lucia where we enjoy a boat cruise on the estaury, looking out for crocodiles and rhino. A wildlife safari follows in Hluhulwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve which is still a stronghold for the heavily persecuted South African rhinocerous population.
More of the Big 5 and other wildlife can also be seen here. Our next stop is in the small country of eSwatini (formely the Kingdom of Swaziland) where we include a nature walk and you can also can take game drives, mountain biking or a visit to the Chief’s village. Then its back to South Africa and one of the world's most famous game reserves, Kruger National Park. Packed with wildlife our time here provides a final chance to tick off and enjoy watching any big game animals, birds and other wildlife we've not seen already. We'll also take a drive to the nearby Panorama Route, one of South Africa's best natural wonders, stopping to see Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and God’s Window before the tour finishes in Johannesburg.
The tour is available either based mainly on camping in traditional 2-person tents (which we provide together with camp beds), or as an upgraded 'accommodated' version where you sleep in lodges, hotels, or permanent camps (with proper beds & facilities). Details of each night's stay are given in the Facilities section of the daily itinerary. Pricing shown is based on camping - please contact us for prices to upgrade to the accommodated level.
- Day 1 - Port Elizabeth to Addo Elephant National Park
On the first day of the tour, you start in Port Elizabeth, one of South Africa’s major cities. From here, you are taken to Addo Elephant National Park, where you enjoy an afternoon safari, seeking out the park’s many wildlife species. This includes the majestic elephants for which the park is best known. You spend the night in a safari lodge. Included Highlight: Afternoon game drive in Addo NP. Facilities - Camping: Campsite with shared ablutions. Facilities - Accommodated: Two per permanent tent with En-suite Bathroom. | OVERNIGHT: Kudu Ridge Lodge. | MEALS: Lunch, Dinner. | EXTRAS: None
- Day 2 - Graaff-Reinet
On day two, you transfer from Addo to Graaff-Reinet. This town is known for its historical significance in South Africa, and has more national monuments than any other town in the country. In the evening, you are taken on a tour to the Valley of Desolation. Here you can enjoy the sight of the sun setting over the magnificent cliffs and valleys that make up the landscape. If you are on tour during winter, you will visit this site the next morning instead, to enjoy the sunrise. Route: Addo to Graaff Reinet. Included Highlight: Valley of Desolation Sundowner Tour. Facilities - Camping: Campsite with shared ablutions. Facilities - Accommodated: Two per room with en-suite bathrooms. | OVERNIGHT: Profcon Resort. | MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. | EXTRAS: None
- Day 3 - Lesotho
We leave Graaff-Reinet and depart for Lesotho, which is a small independent state within South Africa, known for its soaring mountain ranges. We enter the little kingdom and ascend to our accommodation, which is located high amongst the peaks. Route: Graaff Reinet to Lesotho. Facilities - Camping: Campsite with shared ablutions. Facilities - Accommodated: Two per room with en-suite bathrooms. | OVERNIGHT: Malealea Lodge. | MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. | EXTRAS: None
- Day 4 - Lesotho
Today is spent discovering the wonders of Lesotho. We first embark on a morning hike, after which we visit a traditional Basotho village. The Basotho are the local people of this region, and you have a chance to observe their way of life. You will also have the chance to experience for yourself a facet of Basotho lifestyle– their famous ponies. This is an optional activity for those who wish to experience a ride on a Basotho pony in the mountains of Lesotho. Included Highlight: Morning Hike, Lesotho Village tour. Optional Activity: Pony Trekking. Facilities - Camping: Campsite with shared ablutions. Facilities - Accommodated: Two per room with en-suite bathrooms. | OVERNIGHT: Malealea Lodge. | MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. | EXTRAS: None
- Day 5 - Drakensberg
Today is spent travelling from Lesotho to the Drakensberg. After crossing back into South Africa, we make our away across the beautiful landscape of the Free State towards the Drakensberg. This mountain range is one of the most spectacular in the world, and is classified as a World Heritage Site. Route: Lesotho to Drakensberg. Included Highlight: Oliviers Hoek Pass. Facilities - Camping: Campsite with shared ablutions. Facilities - Accommodated: Two per room with en-suite bathrooms. | OVERNIGHT: Monks Cowl or The Nest. | MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. | EXTRAS: None
- Day 6 - Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park
Today is spent hiking and exploring the mountains of the Drakensberg. With so much to see and do here, we offer several different trail options to guests, depending on the pace and type of activity that you may prefer. One of the highlights in the region is seeing the San rock art, the famous ancient paintings that have been preserved in this region. Included Highlight: Hike with your guide in Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. Facilities - Camping: Campsite with shared ablutions. Facilities - Accommodated: Two per room with en-suite bathrooms. | OVERNIGHT: Monks Cowl or The Nest. | MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. | EXTRAS: None
- Day 7 - KwaZulu Natal
Today is a busy day, spent experiencing the highlights of KwaZulu Natal. Our first stop is at the famous spot where Nelson Mandela was captured and arrested in 1962. After spending time at this historic site, we move on to Howick Falls. Here the uMgeni River rushes 95m into the pool below, where local legend states that a giant snake creature resides. After enjoying the views of the Falls, we make our way to the coastal city of Durban, SA’s third-largest city. We take a relaxing walk along the coast, before arriving at St. Lucia. Route: Drakensberg to St Lucia. Included Highlight: Visit to the Mandela Capture Site, Howick Falls. Facilities - Camping: Campsite with shared ablutions. Facilities - Accommodated: Two per room with en-suite bathrooms. | OVERNIGHT: Shonalanga. | MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. | EXTRAS: None
- Day 8 - Hluhluwe-Umfolozi /iSimangaliso
The morning is spent on safari in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve. Here we are on the lookout for a variety of game species, including the endangered rhinoceros, as well as the other members of the Big 5. In the afternoon, we enjoy a boating safari on the St. Lucia estuary. Route: Durban to St Lucia. Included Highlight: Game Drive in Hluhluwe/Imfolozi National Park, St. Lucia Boat Cruise. Facilities - Camping: Campsite with shared ablutions. Facilities - Accommodated: Two per room with en-suite bathrooms. | OVERNIGHT: Shonalanga. | MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. | EXTRAS: None
- Day 9 - eSwatini
Today we head to the second independent state that is found within South Africa– the Kingdom of eSwatini. There are plenty of activities to choose from today, including a cultural village tour, hiking, mountain biking, and game drives. Route: St Lucia to eSwatini. Facilities - Camping: Campsite with shared ablutions. Facilities - Accommodated: Two per Beehive hut with En-suite Bathroom. | OVERNIGHT: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. | MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. | EXTRAS: None
- Day 10 - Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Today we explore the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. This reserve, although not large, offers a wonderful opportunity to experience an authentic walking safari, as there is not a high amount of dangerous animals found here. The walk will be led by a guide who will provide insight into the history and geography of the reserve. Later on, there are a few optional activities on offer, including hiking, mountain biking, and a tour through the Esijeni community– which involves getting a chance to actively partake in traditional daily activities. Included Highlight: Nature Walk with Nomad guide. Optional Activity: Game Drives, Swazi Cultural Experience, Mountain Biking and Hiking, Esijeni Cultural Tour. Facilities - Camping: Campsite with shared ablutions. Facilities - Accommodated: Two per Beehive hut with En-suite Bathroom. | OVERNIGHT: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. | MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. | EXTRAS: None
- Day 11 - Kruger National Park
We say goodbye to Swaziland and cross the border back into South Africa. Our destination today is the world-famous Kruger National Park, one of the planet’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries. Renowned for its massive size, staggering numbers of species, and the iconic Big Five wildlife, the Kruger will not disappoint. We enjoy a classic game drive in the park today. Route: Swaziland to Kruger National Park area Included Highlight: Game drive in Nomad truck, Kruger National Park. Facilities - Camping: Campsite with shared ablutions. Facilities - Accommodated: Two per Permanent tent with En-suite Bathroom. | OVERNIGHT: Nkambeni Reserve. | MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. | EXTRAS: None
- Day 12 - Panorama Route
Today we travel the famed Panorama Route. This is a stunningly beautiful path along the escarpment, and features several famous landmarks. These include God’s Window, the Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Blyde River Canyon, and the Three Rondavels, all of which we visit on our excursion. Included Highlight: Panorama Route - Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window. Facilities - Camping: Campsite with shared ablutions. Facilities - Accommodated: Two per Permanent tent with En-suite Bathroo. | OVERNIGHT: Nkambeni Reserve. | MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. | EXTRAS: None
- Day 13 - Kruger Park Safari
The entirety of today is spent on safari inside the Kruger National Park. We explore the massive reserve using a safari vehicle with open sides; this offers a wonderful vantage point from which to spot animals. A voluntary sunset game drive is also available at dusk. Route: Kruger National Park Included Highlight: Kruger National Park 4x4 game drive. Optional Activity: Sunset Drive (there is a concession fee applicable). Facilities - Camping: Campsite with shared ablutions. Facilities - Accommodated: Two per Permanent tent with En-suite Bathroom. | OVERNIGHT: Nkambeni Reserve. | MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. | EXTRAS: None
- Day 14 - Johannesburg – End of tour
A non-compulsory walking safari is available this morning, the perfect way to say goodbye to the Kruger. We then set off on our final leg of the trip, heading for Belvedere Estate in Johannesburg. All guests on the tour are invited to partake in an optional traditional dinner at night. Route: Great Kruger NP area to Johannesburg. Optional Activity: Morning Bush Walk (Subject to Availability) / Traditional meal at Belvedere Estate. | OVERNIGHT: Own Arrangements / Post tour accommodation can be booked. | MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch. | EXTRAS: None
- 3 nights accommodation - Permenant Tented Camp
- Local guides for sightseeing tours and activities as per the itinerary
- 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners
- All transport using our 25-seat expedition vehicle
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance