Overview

Get ready to be swept off your feet by the magical panorama of wild landscapes and untamed nature! Our 8-day Kruger & Eswatini tour is the hidden treasure in our bouquet of adventures, often unappreciated or misunderstood, unfurling a cornucopia of delightful surprises for our intrepid explorers. For those with a longing for safari adventures, this journey is brimming with thrills!

The adventure starts in the buzzing city of Johannesburg, from where we journey eastwards, cutting through the coal-rich lands of Mpumalanga, to the magnificent expanse of the greater Kruger National Park region. Here, the bounty of wildlife sets the stage for mesmerising sightings. The park is a proud abode to Africa’s Big-5 – the lion, rhino, leopard, buffalo, and elephant, each majestic in its own right.

Aboard our Nomad Truck, we cruise through the park, eyes peeled for any signs of these glorious creatures. A full day is spent soaking in the experience from the vantage point of open 4×4 safari vehicles, and discovering the scenic beauty of the Panorama Route. Be prepared to marvel at the geological wonders of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the iconic Three Rondavels, and the ethereal God’s Window.

As we wave goodbye to Kruger National Park after our final game drive, we chart our path to the enchanting Mlilwane National Park in the Kingdom of Eswatini (previously Swaziland). Our knowledgeable guides lead the way, unveiling the rich history and the fascinating stories of the area.

Bidding adieu to Eswatini, we find our way to the heartland of the St Lucia Wetland Reserve, indulging in an exhilarating morning safari drive through the Hluhluwe National Park. As an icing on the safari cake, we then journey to Isimangaliso Wetland Park, where you can relish a dreamy sunset cruise. This offers a unique chance to spot hippos, crocodiles, and a plethora of water birds in their natural habitat.

Finally, we land in the vibrant city of Durban. With its sun-kissed ‘golden mile’, temperate waters, and inviting sandy beaches, Durban has been South Africa’s favourite holiday spot for years, wrapping up our journey on a high note. So get ready to spice up your travel diary with this unforgettable adventure!

Please note: This itinerary is flexible and can be changed without notice. A detailed, up-to-date dossier itinerary is available to download.

Day 1 – Greater Kruger National Park 

Leaving the city of Johannesburg behind us we make our way east through the coalfields of Mpumalanga. Our journey today follows in the footsteps of the old trade-routes to the Lowveld and the Kruger National Park. This afternoon there will enjoy a Sundowner drive through the reserve.  

Day 2 – Kruger National Park 

Rising early this morning we enter the Kruger National Park to enjoy a full day of game viewing. The abundance of wildlife presents us with opportunities for excellent sightings and the Kruger is also home to the famed members of Africa’s Big-5. Truly the flagship of the South African national parks, Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. Our Game drive through the park is in an open-sided 4×4 vehicle.  

Day 3 – Kruger National Park 

While those who elect to do the optional morning walk will have an earlier start, we set out a little later today and travel the short distance to the Panorama Route. Strung along the escarpment that divides the central plateau and low-lying bushveld of the Kruger, the sights of the Panorama route offer us a day of scenic delights. We will visit the highlights of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and God’s Window before returning to camp in the late afternoon.  

Day 4 – Kruger to Eswatini 

We start the day early with some coffee and traditional rusks before setting off through Kruger on our way to Eswatini. Our truck offers an excellent platform for game viewing as we make our way south. We exit the southern end of the park and travel the short distance to Eswatini border, our route this afternoon winds through the mountains and forests of this landlocked kingdom. Our destination for today is the Ezulwini Valley just south of the capital Mbabane.  

Day 5 – Eswatini – Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Endless hours of self-guided exploration within the small 4560ha Mlilwane sanctuary are possible due to the relative absence of dangerous game.  This morning our guide will lead us out on a nature walk to explore the “Nature Trail “, which provides interpretation of historical and environmental information of the area.    

Day 6 – Eswatini – St Lucia 

We bid farewell to Eswatini and re-enter South Africa, continuing south into the reaches of Zululand, once the realm of the mighty King Shaka who united the Zulu clans.  

Day 7 – Hluhluwe – Umfolozi Game Reserve / iSimangaliso Wetland Park 

We set out early this morning for a game drive in the nearby Hluhulwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, one of the last strongholds of the endangered rhinoceros. While rhinoceros are the most famous of the parks inhabitants, the park also provides a home to many other species, including the Big-5 that we all hope to see. Returning to our lodging for a siesta, we freshen up for an afternoon boat cruise on St Lucia estuary. 

Day 8 – Kwa Zulu Natal Coast – Durban 

This morning we will depart St Lucia and make our way to the city of Durban, where your tour will come to an end upon arrival. 

  •   Crew3 Crew
  •   Max Passengers 12 Passengers Max – Small Group
  •   Vehicle 12 Seater Vehicle – Quantum Style Minibus
  •   Duration8 Days and 7 Nights
  •   From / ToJohannesburg to Durban
  •   Meals8 Breakfast 0 Lunch 7 Dinner
  •   Countries South Africa, Eswatini

Dates

Pre & Post Tour

Pre & Post Tour Accommodation

Nomad can book accommodation before and after your tour.

Pre Tour Accommodation -

From R1,570
Garden Court – Johannesburg – O R Tambo Airport – 2025

Located just 1.6 mi (2.5 km) from the airport, Garden Court O.R. Tambo International Airport offers a free shuttle (available 24 hours). After splashing around at the outdoor pool, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the 2 restaurants or unwind with a drink at the bar/lounge.… … Read More

Post Tour Accommodation -

From R1,690
  Airport Transfer Available Holiday Inn Express Umhlanga – Durban – 2025

Located in Umhlanga Ridge, Holiday Inn Express Durban-Umhlanga is just 2953 feet from Gateway Theater of Shopping. La Lucia Ridge offices are a 2-minute drive away. Read More

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