Kruger Safari with Eswatini | 2026
Kruger Safari with Eswatini | 2026
Kruger Safari with Eswatini | 2026
7 Days Starting and ending in Johannesburg, South Africa
Visiting: Durban, St Lucia, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, Kruger National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AAKSMA26
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through South Africa and Eswatini with the "Kruger Safari with Eswatini" tour in 2026. Begin your adventure in Johannesburg, exploring the nation's rich history before heading to the vibrant coastal city of Durban. Experience the beauty of St Lucia, where you can relax on the beach and explore the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Discover the cultural richness of Eswatini with a visit to a local village and stay in unique beehive huts at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. The highlight of your trip will be the world-renowned Kruger National Park, where you'll enjoy thrilling game drives and stay at an exclusive safari campsite. Witness Africa's majestic wildlife, including the Big Five, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region. This tour promises a perfect blend of cultural experiences, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Johannesburg To Durban
Location: Durban
Accommodation: Royal Palm Hotel (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Royal Palm Hotel (or similar)
Welcome to the City of Gold, where our South African escapade begins. We’ll hit the road for a scenic drive through the heart of South Africa to the coastal city of Durban. Along the way, we’ll stop off for a sobering exploration of the nation’s troubled history, with a visit to the site of Nelson Mandela’s capture during the apartheid era. We’ll then take a trip to the museum – yes, you’ll confront the history, but you’ll leave feeling hopeful as you learn how apartheid was finally brought to an end. Tonight’s accom is conveniently located next to plenty of shops and restaurants… So you can go right ahead and treat yourself.
Day 2: Durban To St Lucia
Location: St Lucia
Accommodation: Forest Lodge (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Forest Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
You have a free morning here at one of the finest coastal spots in South Africa. Sleep in, take a walk and shop the strip or head down to the beach to simply sit back and soak up those rays like the sun junkie you are. Afterwards, we’ll make our way to St Lucia. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife by day and hippos by night here in St Lucia (we’re right by the UNESCO World Heritage listed iSimanagaliso Wetlands Park after all). On a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience this afternoon, we’ll visit a local Zulu village, learning all about the Zulu people and their traditions with a chance to meet some of the locals.
Day 3: St Lucia
Location: St Lucia
Accommodation: Forest Lodge (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Forest Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Beach or bush? Why decide when you can do both? This morning we’ll head out to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, so watch out for elephants, buffalo, rhinos, antelope… plus whales (coz we’re right on the coast, baby). We’ll stop off at Cape Vidal for some snorkelling and all-round beach vibes (weather permitting, obvs). You’ll then have some free time to explore St Lucia or kick back at the hotel. This evening, we’ll embark on a Sunset Hippo Boat cruise on Lake St Lucia (Africa’s largest estuary – home to over 800 hippos and 1200 crocodiles). Afterwards, we’ll round things off with a traditional South African braai dinner. Yup, this day’s as action-packed as it is awesome.
Day 4: St Lucia To Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Via Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve
Location: Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve
Accommodation: Mlilwane Beehive Huts (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Mlilwane Beehive Huts (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
It's an early start today – we’re heading inland to the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve and we aim to be there by sunrise. The Big Five. A half-day game drive at the reserve instrumental for bringing the White Rhino back from the brink of extinction. Even a picnic lunch. Today’s excursion is a biggie indeed. With our wildlife bucket lists sufficiently checked, it’s time to set off for a brand new country. Passports at the ready folks – here in Eswatini, we’ll meet some of the locals and learn about their culture and language on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. You've learnt from locals. Now its time to sleep like them too. Tonight you will stay at Mlilwane's Main Lodge - unique beehive thatched huts with ensuite bathrooms (and hotel room amenities for a bit of comfort).
Day 5: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary To Kruger National Park
Location: Kruger National Park
Accommodation: Contiki Safari Camp (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Contiki Safari Camp (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ah, to wake up in nature. We'll kick off the day with a hearty breakfast and then join the Trip Manager for a morning safari walk. Don't forget to sign up for a guided Mountain bike ride through the wilderness. There is no Big 5 here so feel free and safe to explore as you choose. Keep an eye out to spot some antelopes and warthogs! Next up, it’s the big one. The world famous one. Here in Kruger, we’ll stay at an exclusive safari campsite – located right in the middle of the park. (Struggling to picture it? Think glamping canvas tents with mattresses, linen and stretchers, a roaring bonfire burning all the while.) This is a true Once in a Lifetime experience, where you’ll fall asleep to the nocturnal calls of hyenas, jackals and lions.
Day 6: Kruger National Park
Location: Kruger National Park
Accommodation: Contiki Safari Camp (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Contiki Safari Camp (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we're up bright and early for our first taste of the fresh morning air. We'll start with a sunrise safari – just in time to catch Africa’s elusive predators finishing off their nocturnal hunt. At midday, you’ll have the chance to relax back at the camp: you can visit the local shop, take a dip in the pool or visit the nearby restaurant where you can look out over the Sabie River and watch as the animals come to quench their thirst (yup, it's preddy special.) This afternoon, it’s back to the safari vehicles for a sunset game drive and another chance to see the Big Five and more. Tonight back at camp, we’ll tuck into a traditional South African braai or BBQ, complete with local sides and desserts.
Day 7: Kruger National Park To Johannesburg
Location: Kruger National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our final day. But is there time for one (or two) last morning game drive? You bet there is. You can choose to head out for a sunrise game drive to spot the nocturnal cats (or just choose to sleep in, like the rest of the animals). Then, we'll head out on our last game drive in Kruger as we make our way out of the park. It's our last chance to spot some spellbinding safari animals IRL. Have we saved the best for last? Let's hope so! And now, with heavy hearts (and even heavier camera rolls) we’ll make our way back to either the Kruger Mpumalanga Airport or Johannesburg International Airport. (Don't feel like leaving yet? Lucky for you, our Victoria Falls Explorer & Cape Town Explorer trips are starting later this evening!). Oh, it’s been a thrill… we’ve seen wildlife, we’ve made friends for life. The only question is: where next?
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various locations including Royal Palm Hotel, Forest Lodge, Mlilwane Beehive Huts, and Contiki Safari Camp.
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Meals
6 breakfasts are included during the tour.
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Transportation
Transportation is provided for all the transfers and excursions mentioned in the itinerary.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours and experiences are included, such as visits to local villages, game drives in Kruger National Park, and a sunset hippo boat cruise.
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Make Travel Matter® Experiences
Experiences that contribute to local communities and conservation efforts, such as visiting a local Zulu village and learning about the K9 Watchdog Project.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included in the tour package.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and optional activities are not included.
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Bottled Water
Bottled water is not provided due to sustainability efforts, but tap water is generally safe to drink in most locations.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as guided mountain bike rides are not included and may incur additional costs.
Dining Summary
- 6 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
- Cape Town: Is tap water in South Africa safe to drink? Will water be provided? Generally, the tap water in most of the locations we visit is safe to drink (and readily available too!) We don’t provide bottled water due to our sustainability promise, but your Trip Manager will sort you out for anything you might need during the trip.
- Cape Town: When is the best time to travel to South Africa? The question should be - when is it not the best time to travel to South Africa?In the summer (October to April), you’ll find perfect beach weather at our coastal destinations, and lush green landscapes everywhere. It also tends to be the birthing season (baby animals!!!). Winter (May to August) in South Africa is probably the best time for safaris since you’ll find wildlife gathering around waterholes.Luckily, the chances of spotting the Big 5 is equally good throughout the year. And if you’re here for the whales, visiting between June to November would be your best bet.
- Cape Town: What time can I book my return flight home? You can book your flights with departure times after 7pm on our last day. We’ll arrive at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at around 4pm.
- Cape Town: How do I get from the airport to the trip start location? We recommend that you book an Uber from the airport. It’s the easiest and most convenient way to get to the start locations on our trips.
Included Experience
- Johannesburg: Harrowing and hopeful at the same time, you’ll delve deeper into the troubled history of South Africa – with the chance to visit the Nelson Mandela museum too, where you’ll learn about his life and work, as well as how apartheid was brought to an end.
- Durban: Hop onto the coach drop off and get ready for some ultimate beach vibes. This is the perfect spot to tune out the worries of life - just like the local Durbanite's do so well!
- Mbabane: We’ll cross the border to Eswatini and travel to a local village where we’ll meet some locals, spend time with them and find out all about their culture and everyday life.
- Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary: Traverse through Mlilwane on your own two feet, keeping your eyes peeled for antelope, wildebeest and more as you go. With a local guide on hand to make sure everyone is going the right way.
- Kruger National Park: We'll go on an adventure in the world famous Kruger National Park, keep your eyes peeled for animal sightings!
- Kruger National Park: Wanna know how K9 Dogs protect wildlife? Come meet one of our Rangers who'll tell you all about the K9 Watchdog Project, their fight against poachers, and how your donations from the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps them save Africa's wildlife from extinction.
- Kruger National Park: Keep your eyes peeled and those binoculars close. We're heading out to spot more magnificent wildlife (cross those fingers for rhino's!) and stunning scenery with our last game drive as we say goodbye to Kruger.
Mode of Transport
Travel through South Africa in comfort with scenic drives from Johannesburg to Durban, St Lucia, and Kruger National Park, including game drives in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve and Kruger National Park, ensuring a seamless and adventurous journey.
Accommodation
Experience a variety of accommodations, from the Royal Palm Hotel in Durban to the unique beehive huts at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, and enjoy glamping at the Contiki Safari Camp in Kruger National Park, offering comfort and adventure in the heart of nature.
Check out our Q&As
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes visits to local villages where you can meet locals and learn about their culture and everyday life. In Eswatini, you'll have a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where you learn about the local culture and language. In St Lucia, you'll visit a Zulu village to learn about the Zulu people and their traditions.
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What wildlife experiences can I expect during the tour?
You will have multiple opportunities to see wildlife, including a half-day game drive at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, known for its efforts in saving the White Rhino. In Kruger National Park, you'll have sunrise and sunset game drives to spot the Big Five and other wildlife. Additionally, in St Lucia, you can go on a Sunset Hippo Boat cruise to see hippos and crocodiles.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour offers a variety of accommodations, including stays at the Royal Palm Hotel in Durban, Forest Lodge in St Lucia, Mlilwane Beehive Huts in Eswatini, and an exclusive safari campsite in Kruger National Park with glamping canvas tents.
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Are there any unique dining experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes traditional South African braai dinners, which are barbecues with local sides and desserts, providing a taste of local cuisine.
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What activities are available in Kruger National Park?
In Kruger National Park, you can participate in sunrise and sunset game drives to see the Big Five, relax at the camp, visit a local shop, swim in the pool, or dine at a nearby restaurant overlooking the Sabie River.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 60 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.