Kruger, Eswatini & Lesotho Safari 14D/13N

Your first day begins with you, your fellow travellers, and the tour operator meeting at a guest lodge in Johannesburg (you will have to be there at 06:30 am). Once the adventure truck is packed up, you and your group will begin your journey along old trade routes to the amazing Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s biggest game reserves. Overnight in Kruger National Park.Note: This afternoon you will have the option (subject to availability) to go on a drive to see the sunset, at your own expense. You must book this drive with your tour guide beforehand.

On Day 2, you will embark on an exciting, all-day drive to try and spot some of the abundant wildlife to which Kruger is home, including each of Africa’s big five game animals: the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and cape buffalo. You might also choose to traverse through the park on 4x4 vehicles, which could give you a much more up close and personal experience with the area and its inhabitants. Overnight in Kruger National Park.Note: This afternoon you will have the option (subject to availability) to go on a drive to see the sunset, at your own expense. You must book this drive with your tour guide beforehand.

For those who choose the optional early morning walk, the day begins a bit earlier. However, we'll set off at a more relaxed pace today, making our way to the Panorama Route. This scenic drive follows the escarpment that separates the central plateau from the low-lying bushveld of Kruger, offering breathtaking views along the way. Our journey will take us to some of the route's most iconic spots, including Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the dramatic Three Rondavels, and the stunning vantage point known as God’s Window. After a day filled with natural beauty, we’ll return to camp in the late afternoon to unwind.

We begin the day early with a warm cup of coffee and traditional rusks before embarking on our journey through Kruger National Park, heading toward Eswatini. Our vehicle provides an excellent vantage point for game viewing as we travel south, keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way. After exiting the southern gate of the park, we make the short drive to the Eswatini border. This afternoon, we wind our way through the stunning mountains and lush forests of this landlocked kingdom. Our destination for the day is the Ezulwini Valley, located just south of the capital, Mbabane, where we will settle in for the evening.

Today offers plenty of time for self-guided exploration within the peaceful 4,560-hectare Mlilwane Sanctuary, where the absence of dangerous wildlife allows for a more relaxed experience. This morning, our guide will take us on a nature walk along the “Nature Trail,” where we’ll learn about the area's history and environment through informative stops along the way.

We say our goodbyes to Eswatini and cross back into South Africa, heading further south into Zululand—once the powerful domain of King Shaka, who united the Zulu clans under his rule.

We head out early this morning for a game drive in the nearby Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, one of the last sanctuaries for the endangered rhinoceros. While the rhino is the park's most iconic resident, the reserve is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big Five, which we’ll be on the lookout for. After our exciting morning, we return to our accommodation for a restful siesta. In the afternoon, we’ll refresh ourselves before setting off for a boat cruise on the St Lucia estuary, where we can enjoy the tranquil surroundings and spot more wildlife.

Stretching the length of KwaZulu-Natal province, the Ukuhlamba Drakensberg Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its breathtaking beauty. Known as uKhahlamba, meaning "barrier of spears" in Zulu, or the Drakensberg, meaning "dragon mountains" in Afrikaans, these majestic peaks will be our stunning backdrop for the next two nights. En route, we’ll make a stop to admire the scenic Howick Falls and visit the nearby historic site where South Africa’s most iconic figure, Nelson Mandela, was captured.

This morning, we embark on a rewarding hike through the mountains. While we encourage everyone to fully immerse themselves in the day, we’ll offer different options based on the group's fitness levels. With a variety of trails to choose from, we’ll tailor the experience to suit everyone's preferences, ensuring that each person can explore this mountain paradise at their own pace and comfort.

Today’s journey begins with a scenic drive through a mountain pass, winding through the stunning cliffs of Golden Gate National Park. In the afternoon, we cross into Lesotho, passing the capital city of Maseru as we continue our ascent toward our base, nestled high among the dramatic mountain peaks.

This morning, we breathe in the fresh mountain air as we set out to explore the surrounding landscape. With its rugged beauty and adventurous terrain, the area offers a perfect opportunity for a hike, and we’ll follow a trail for a couple of hours, taking in the stunning views along the way.

As we return to South Africa, we descend from the mountains and head across the vast expanse of the Great Karoo. This semi-arid region forms the heart of rural South Africa and offers a striking contrast to the towering peaks we've just left behind. Our overnight stop is in the historic town of Graaff-Reinet, the fourth oldest town in the country. Along the way, we cross the mighty Orange (Gariep) River, continuing our journey through the wide, open landscapes of the Karoo.

This morning, you have the option to join a sunrise excursion to the Valley of Desolation, a truly unique spot offering panoramic views over the town and the vast plains stretching out below. Afterward, we set our sights on the coast once again, traveling through the open plains of the Karoo toward the renowned Addo Elephant National Park. There, we’ll embark on a half-day game drive in our Nomad vehicle, in search of the famous elephants that inhabit this park. Our journey concludes in the heart of Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), where we’ll spend the night.

After breakfast this morning, your tour will come to a close in the vibrant city of Gqeberha.