7 Day Kruger, Swaziland & Durban - Southern Africa Small Group Safari
An exotic mix of South Africa' s best known game reserve, African culture, stunning scenery and Indian Ocean beaches. A seven day tour with variety and adventure travelling both on and off the beaten track.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Blyde River Canyon, Burke's Luck Potholes, Three Rondavels, Private Game Reserve Day 2 Kruger National Park Days 3 & 4: Swaziland Day 5: Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve Days 6 & 7: St Lucia, DurbanTour Highlights
- Mpumalanga Province - Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes & Three Rondavels
- Kruger National Park
- Swaziland - Mlilwane National Park
- Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve
- St Lucia
- Durban
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Three Rondavels, Private Game Reserve (D)
Leaving Johannesburg we head through the scenic province of Mpumalanga, stopping at spectacular Blyde River Canyon and the Three Rondavels. Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world and we descend into the gorge to view the perfectly rounded 'potholes' formed by the Blyde River over thousands of years of erosion. We also stop on the escarpment to view the low veld leading to the Kruger National park area. We descend the escarpment to the lowveld and continue to our bush lodge in a private game reserve just outside Kruger National Park. A recent development in this area is that fences between the national park and neighbouring game concessions have been removed so wildlife is able to migrate freely throughout the area.
Day 2: Kruger National Park (B / D)
We rise early to enter into the Kruger National Park, South Africa's flagship wildlife reserve, with over 2 million hectares of unrivalled wildlife diversity, as well as historical and archaeological sites. We explore the wilderness on game drives and hope to glimpse some of Africa's 'Big 5' (elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo). The Kruger is home to over 500 species of birds, 100 species of mammals and many reptiles. The impressive atmosphere enables you to see why Kruger holds such a unique place amongst the world's game reserves. A typical day would be to leave camp early, game drive until mid morning before stopping for lunch. After resting we go out again late afternoon to game drive in the lead up to dusk. Finally we exit the park and return to camp.
Days 3 & 4: Swaziland (B)
We leave South Africa and travel into the Kingdom of Swaziland. Our first stop is Mbabane the capital, en- route visiting a local glass works factory. We continue through this mountainous landlocked kingdom and spend two nights in the 'Big Game' Parks area, visiting Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, the Royal Enclosure allowing time to browse the local craft markets in this rich and diverse country.
Day 5: Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve (B / D)
After a relaxed morning we cross back into South Africa and make our way to Hluhluwe to visit a local village giving us an insight into the Zulu culture. We spend the night in a nearby lodge.
Days 6 & 7: St Lucia, Durban (B / D)
After an early game drive in South Africa's oldest game reserve we continue to the remote beaches and natural beauty of St Lucia. There is an option to enjoy a boat cruise checking out the wildlife of this World Heritage site before we drive down the coast to the bright lights and beaches of Durban where our tour ends.
