Day 1: Johannesburg, South Africa

Welcome to South Africa. Johannesburg is a sprawling city of remarkable contrasts.

Johannesburg has modern glittering high rise buildings alongside palatial shopping malls and top fine dining restaurants. Yet it’s also home to the largest township in the world, Soweto. Here million-dollar mansions share real estate with tin roof shacks along tiny lanes overrun with chickens and goats.

There is tons to see and experience in Johannesburg from its fascinating history to its vibrant cultures. Visit culturally rich areas such as Newtown, Braamfontein or Maboneng or learn about the tumultuous past at the eye-opening Apartheid Museum.

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can’t arrange a flight that will arrive on time, consider arriving a day early so you are able to attend. If you are going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We’ll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting.

Meals: There are no meals included on this day
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities: Johannesburg – Jozi by Foot Urban Adventure – USD41, Johannesburg – Cycle Soweto Urban Adventure – USD95

Day 2- 3 : Kruger National Park, South Africa

Travel through the infamous Panorama Route of South Africa’s Mpumalanga Province. The route is known for its cascading waterfalls, towering mountains, breathtaking gorges and sweeping views. Your visit will take you to God’s Window & Bourke’s Luck Potholes.

Kruger National Park is one of the world’s great safari destinations. This park of nearly 20,000 sq. km is unspeakably beautiful. The park is accessible with many tarred roads and rest stops along with the biggest attraction – its vast numbers of game. A trip through Kruger will likely be characterised by the leopard lazing in the tree, the lion roaring his domain and huge elephant families gathered by the river to swim. The landscape is as varied and diverse as the extraordinary animal life seen here.

You are staying within Kruger National Park and the game viewing starts as soon as you reach the gate. The park has 500 bird species, 100 reptile species and 150 mammal species, including the African Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and Cape buffalo) and the endangered African wild dog.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping with shared facilities, hot and cold water, and upgrades are possible (1 night)
Included Activities: Panorama Route – God’s Window Viewpoint, Panorama Route – Bourks Luck Potholes
Optional Activities: Kruger National Park – Night 4×4 Game Drive (from price) – ZAR240
Travel Time: 11 – 12 Hours

Please Note:
Sometimes during the peak months of May through to July & December we may be unable to secure campsites within Kruger National Park. In this instance we will camp at backpackers outside the park and will miss the short game drive on the way to the usual campsite.

Day 4: Kruger National Park, South Africa

In the African bush, the largest predators hunt at night. So lions, leopards and cheetah are best spotted at the hours around dawn and dusk. Today you will rise with the animals, enjoy a light breakfast of coffee and rusks before embarking on a morning game drive in the truck.

You will spend the day game viewing, birdwatching and stopping at various waterholes and viewpoints.
As the sun falls we embark on a night drive for another chance to spot nocturnal animals. Catch a lion or hyena on the prowl, bushbabies as they leap amongst the trees and hippos as they graze the grassy waterside.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping with shared facilities, hot and cold water, and upgrades are possible (1 night)
Included Activities: Kruger National Park – Overland Vehicle Game drive
Optional Activities: Kruger National Park – Night 4×4 Game Drive (from price) – ZAR240, Kruger National Park – Sunset 4×4 Game Drive (from price) – ZAR325

Please Note:
The Kruger 4×4 game drives can be pre-booked which guarantees you a seat. You could also wait and book this locally on the ground, however keep in mind that this is a popular activity and places are limited.

Day 5: Swaziland/Hlane Royal National Park, South Africa

Indulge in another early morning game drive in South Africa’s greatest wildlife reserve before travelling to the Kingdom of Swaziland. This tiny country, the smallest in Africa is nestled between Mozambique, Northern Zululand and Mpumalanga. Small but perfectly formed, the country really packs a punch.

The Hlane Royal National Park is a vast expanse of bushveld dotted with ancient hardwood trees. The largest park in Swaziland is home to enormous all the big 5. Today you will have the amazing opportunity to explore the park and its wildlife on a guided game walk.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Hlane Royal National Park. Upgrades are possible. (with facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities: Hlane Royal National Park – Bush Walk, Kruger National Park – Overland Vehicle Game drive
Travel Time: 6 – 7 Hours

Day 6: Mozambique Beach Camp, Mozambique

Ponta Malongane is your destination for today. This dream beach idyll is an oasis of sandy beaches, aquamarine water filled with tropical fish and swaying palms. Dolphins and whales visit in large numbers and the deep sea fishing is excellent. Tiny beach bars serve peri-peri prawns, relaxation and cocktails are the name of the day. Mozambique is a quiet beach destination, no huge tourist crowds here, just off the beaten track coastline. This is the ideal base for seaside fun such as snorkelling, swimming and scuba diving.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Basic Camping (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Optional Activities: Hlane Royal National Park – Guided Walking Safari – ZAR200
Travel Time: 7 – 8 Hours

Day 7: Mozambique Beach Camp, Mozambique

Make the most of this gorgeous seaside getaway today. This is one of the many unspoiled beaches of Mozambique, and there is plenty to do. Keen scuba divers and snorkellers can choose from a ton of dive spots, often close to shore yet still visited by pelagics. Take a boat cruise in search of dolphins or venture further out into the Indian Ocean on a deep sea fishing trip. The day is yours to spend as you wish. Ask your leader about booking excursions.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Camping (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Optional Activities: Mozambique – Boat Cruise – ZAR400

Day 8: St Lucia Estuary, South Africa

Get on the road again and head for Zululand. Explore the St Lucia Estuary which was declared a World Heritage Site in 1999. St Lucia Estuary is home to over 800 hippos and 1200 Nile Crocodiles. Not exactly a a place to take a swim but a wonderful place to take a boat ride and marvel at the thousands of birds, mammals and reptiles. Spot hippos families wallowing in the shallows. Crocodiles rest on shore or imitate logs in the water and birds can be seen everywhere.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping at St Lucia with shared facilities (upgrades and WiFi are not available here) (1 night)
Optional Activities: St Lucia Estuary – Boat cruise – ZAR190
Travel Time: 4 – 5 Hours

Day 9- 10 : Zululand, South Africa

The Valley of a Thousand Hills is the heartland of the Zulu nation. Seemingly true to its name, rolling hills touch the skyline in every direction, cut through with valleys of gentle rivers. The dramatic landscape is home to rural Zulu tribespeople. Spend a day in their lives as you eat local food and walk through their hills and villages. You will sleep in their houses and in the evening get to experience traditional songs and dances. Be sure to make the most of this rare opportunity to see a remote tribal culture from the inside.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Homestay in a Zulu home. You will only need a small overnight bag with the essential clothing and toiletries. (1 night)
Included Activities: Zululand – Community Centre Visit, Zululand – Traditional Healer Visit
Travel Time: 5 – 6 Hours

Day 11: Durban, South Africa

Durban is South Africa’s third largest city. This seaside city has both Indian and African influences. Its warm climate and tropical atmosphere infect the city with a laid back beach lifestyle and a glitzy nightlife. Take a stroll on the revamped promenade, grab a board and hit the waves in at Addington beach or check out some mega yachts at Wilson Wharf.
Your tour comes to an end today but Durban is a great place to extend your stay and enjoy some leisure time.

Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Durban – Art Gallery – Free, Durban – Bay Cruise – ZAR240, Durban – Juma Masjid Mosque – Free, Durban – Bike Hire (per hour) – ZAR30, Durban – Surf Board Hire (per hour) – ZAR100
Travel Time: 2 – 3 Hours

Please Note:
There is no accommodation arranged for tonight, however this can be booked with your travel consultant. We recommend you book your outgoing flights after 7pm this evening to allow for any delays on the journey back to Durban.

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.