Overview

We begin our Kruger, Eswatini and Lesotho safari with a visit to the Kruger National Park where we have the opportunity to tick off viewing Africa’s Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos, making this one of the best South African safari tours. Experience the thrill of being on safari in one of Africa’s largest game reserves. A visit to the Panorama Route offer us a day of scenic delights. We will travel to the highlights of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, God’s Window and Blyde River Canyon (the third largest canyon in the world). Wrapping up our time in the Kruger National Park, we travel across the border into the landlocked kingdom of Eswatini (previously known as Swaziland) and make our way to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary for more safari and wildlife viewing. Crossing back into South Africa we visit Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve for a wildlife safari drive through the national park that is home to the big-5 of African wildlife. Returning in the afternoon, our safari continues with an afternoon boat cruise on the Stu Lucia estuary. Our safari continues inland to discover the Drakensberg mountains, where your guide will lead you on a hike to explore the mountains. Our travels continue as we discover the highlands of Lesotho where you can try your hand at pony trekking. Basotho ponies are renowned for their surefootedness in the mountains and you have the opportunity of an optional pony trek. Our final highlight for our South African safari tour is a visit to Addo Elephant National Park. Famed for the elephants after which the park was named, recent expansion has seen Addo grow to become the third largest of South Africa’s National Parks. Travel with us on a trip of a lifetime.

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 be an opportunity to join an optional Sundowner drive. Booking is essential and your guide can assist on departure this morning.

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 – UKhahlamba Drakensberg Park

Running the length of the Kwazulu-Natal province, the Ukuhlamba Drakensberg Park is a UNESCO recognised world heritage site. Whether you go by the Zulu name uKhahlamba, meaning ‘barrier of spears’, or the Afrikaans name Drakensberge, meaning ‘dragon mountains’, these towering mountains will be our backdrop for the next two nights. On our way we make a stop to view the scenic Howick Falls and a visit to the nearby site that marked the capture of South Africa’s most famous man, Nelson Mandela.

Day 9 – UKhahlamba Drakensberg Park

We set out this morning for a lengthy hike. While we encourage everyone to make the most of the day in mountains, we may offer separate options depending on the activity level of the group. With a number of trails available we can ensure that we cater to every need, the most important aim is to ensure everyone enjoys this mountain paradise at their own pace.

Day 10 – Lesotho – Malealea

Our journey today begins with a mountain pass and an opportunity to visit a Vulture restaurant where we hope to view these fascinating birds. Our route winds its way through the magnificent cliffs off the Golden Gate National Park before we enter Lesotho in the afternoon, we pass the capital city of Maseru as continue the climb to our base high amongst the mountain peaks.  

Day 11 – Lesotho – Malealea

The clean air of the mountains accompanies us this morning as we explore the mountains on foot, our hike concludes with a village visit and the opportunity to gain insight into the community that calls these mountains home. The Basotho are famous for their traditional hats, blankets and their sturdy ponies. Basotho ponies are renowned for their surefootedness in the mountains and you have the opportunity of an optional pony trek this afternoon to experience this first-hand.  This activity is not for the inexperienced or faint-hearted.

Day 12 – South Africa – Graaff Reinet

Returning to South Africa, we descend the mountains and take aim across the Great Karoo. The semi-arid Karoo represents the heartland of rural South Africa and presents a stark contrast to the mountains we leave behind. Our overnight stop is set in the historic town of Graaff-Reinet, the fourth oldest town in the country. We cross the mighty Orange (Gariep) River today as we journey through the vast countryside of the Karoo. This evening you will have the opportunity to join a sundowner excursion to the Valley of Desolation. This unique valley offers a panoramic view over the town and the wide open plains stretching out below. Kindly note that during the winter months, this activity will become a Sunrise excursion to the Valley of Desolation the following morning.

Day 13 – Greater Addo Elephant National Park area

Setting course for the coast once again, we pass through the open plains of the Karoo and the wildlife charms of the Addo National Park. Upon arrival in the greater Addo region, we set up camp and head to the National Park to enjoy an afternoon game drive in our Nomad truck, in search of the famous elephants that call Addo home.

Day 14 – Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

This morning we will make the short drive to the windy city of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), where your tour comes to an end upon arrival.

  •   Crew3 Crew
  •   Max Passengers 2012 Passengers Max
  •   Vehicle 2012 Seater Vehicle
  •   Duration14 Days and 13 Nights
  •   From / ToJohannesburg to Port Elizabeth
  •   Meals13 Breakfast  13 Lunch 13 Dinner
  •   Countries South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho

Dates

Pre & Post Tour

Pre & Post Tour Accommodation

Nomad can book accommodation before and after your tour.

Pre Tour Accommodation - Johannesburg

From R1,350
Garden Court – O R Tambo Airport

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 - Port Elizabeth

From R1,700
  Airport Transfer Available Kings Beach Hotel Tsogo Sun

Kings Beach Garden Court Hotel in Port Elizabeth is centrally located and enjoys sweeping views of Algoa Bay. The hotel is within walking distance to the beach, shops, Boardwalk, restaurants and other attractions. Rooms are clean and comfortable with modern bathrooms, air-conditioning, tea and coffee facilities and complimentary wifi. From… … Read More

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