Eswatini and Kruger - North 2021

Today your will meet your crew in the bustling city of Durban, South Africa’s largest port before heading for our destination, St Lucia.

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.

An early start and we are off to Eswatini (formerly known as the Kingdom of Swaziland), this afternoon we have the opportunity to join many of the optional activities that are offered here. Take your choice from game drives, mountain biking or a visit to the Chief’s village.

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.

Setting off back to South Africa, we make aim for the Kruger National Park and begin with our first game drive in the Nomad truck as we enter the gates of the park.   The Kruger National Park is South Africa’s flagship national park and sightings of the “ big five “ has become something of a quest for many guests.  The Kruger NP has more that it’s fair share of animals and with approximately 147 mammal species we will spend our time in search of both big and small.

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.

Rising early this morning we enter the Kruger National Park to enjoy a full-day of game viewing.  This full day game drive offers a unique view of the park from an open-sided 4×4 vehicle. This evening there is an opportunity for an optional Sundowner Drive.

While those who elect to do the optional morning walk will have an earlier start, we will pack up and set off for our final destination, Johannesburg. We arrive at Belvedere Estate in the late afternoon and all travellers are invited to join us for a traditional meal tonight. This can be booked with your guide on the day before arrival. Many great tales are shared and tonight is for celebrating the many wonders of African travel.