Itinerary

Day 1 – Johannesburg to Blyde River Canyon, South Africa

On the first day of our adventure, we bid farewell to the bustling city of Johannesburg and embark on a journey across the highveld, heading towards the majestic Drakensberg escarpment in Mpumalanga province. Following the ancient trade routes, to the renowned Panorama Route.

As the afternoon unfolds, we are treated to an array of awe-inspiring natural wonders. Our first stop is Gods Window, a remarkable vantage point offering breath-taking panoramic views of the sprawling lowveld and the vast expanse of Kruger National Park roughly 700m below. The sight is nothing short of magnificent.

Continuing our adventure, we venture towards Bourke’s Luck Potholes, an extraordinary geological formation. These unique potholes, carved by centuries of swirling water, present us with a captivating display of rock formations.

As the day draws to a close, we conclude our day at Three Rondavels. Here, we are greeted by the striking sight of three towering peaks, reminiscent of traditional African rondavels, proudly standing against the horizon. The view is simply mesmerizing, offering us a moment of tranquillity and reflection.

We settle in for the night, finding ourselves perched above the Blyde River Canyon, the third-largest canyon in the world. Surrounded by the breath-taking beauty of the canyon's rugged cliffs and lush greenery, eagerly anticipating the adventures that lie ahead.

Day 2: Panorama Route to Hazyview (Southern Kruger), South Africa

Start the day by watching the sun rise over the canyon before embarking on one of the many optional hiking trails, catering to different levels of intensity and duration. You can opt for a relaxed stroll down the canyon to see the Tufa waterfall in just 30 minutes or embark on a more challenging hike that lasts anywhere between 2 to 5 hours.

Hiking in the Blyde River Canyon allows you to take advantage of the spectacular panoramic views and photographic opportunities of the Blyde river canyon and the Three Rondavels from unique vantage points.

Before making our way down the escarpment opt to visit Graskop gorge lift Company for many optional activities, a highlight being the viewing lift takes visitors 51m down the face of the gorge into the indigenous forest below, where wooden walkways & suspension bridges make up a 600m trail.

After morning activities, we make our down the escarpment into the Lowveld home to the world-famous Kruger National Park. Arriving in the town of Hazyview where stay for the next 2 nights.

This afternoon you have an option to embark on an optional 3-hour afternoon/sunset safari in the Kruger Park. Boarding an open safari vehicle. *Booking is essential and your guide can assist.

Day 3: Kruger National Park – Full Day Kruger Safari

We'll start the day early, rising before the sun to make it to one of the gates entering the Kruger National Park in time for opening. To ensure we're fuelled for the adventure ahead, we'll be provided with a breakfast pack. It is essential to pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and all the necessary safari gear, such as cameras and binoculars.

Our full day safari will be with a specialist guide on an open-air safari vehicle. These 9-seater vehicles are perfectly designed to provide a bird's eye view of the abundant wildlife that calls Kruger home. We'll make stops throughout the day at various animal sightings, waterholes, viewpoints, and even at one of the rest camps for lunch (for own account).

Kruger National Park is South Africa's largest game reserve and a national treasure. Home to an impressive array of species, it boasts 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds, and 147 mammals. With such an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, there's never a dull moment in Kruger.

As the day draws to a close, we'll return to our lodge in the late afternoon, allowing us ample leisure time to relax and unwind before dinner.

Day 4: Hazyview to Ezulwini Valley, Eswatini

For those seeking an extra dose of adventure, there is an optional early morning safari available (Summer 04:30/Winter 05:00). This allows you to witness the incredible wildlife one last time before we make our way to the border of Eswatini. Those who opt for this safari will have an early rise, returning to the lodge in time for breakfast. Meanwhile, for those who prefer a more leisurely morning, you can enjoy a well-deserved lie-in.

Our destination for today is in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley. The route this morning winds through mountains and forests before arriving at Eswatini Border. Visit Ngwenya Glass Factory Shop before heading to a Swazi Cultural Village for an insight into the Swazi Culture and Traditions.

Arriving at the lodge in the late afternoon (17:00).

Mlilwane offers an array of activities and adventures in the picturesque Ezulwini Valley (Valley of Heaven), flanked by the dramatic backdrop of mountains and the huge Usuthu Forest stretching into the distance.

**Border Crossing today, please keep passports nearby**

Day 5: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary to Hlane Royal National Park, Eswatini

This morning you have free time to explore the Mlilwane wildlife sanctuary. Filled with free roaming animals and offers the opportunity to do some walking, mountain biking or horseback safaris. Endless hours of guided or self-guided exploration within the small 4560 Ha sanctuary are possible due to the relative absence of dangerous game.

Departing Mlilwane after the morning’s optional activities (11:00) we head to Swazi Candles Centre and Craft Market. Swazi Candles is not just a candle experience. They are happily surrounded by other talented crafters, artists and artisans as well as a bustling market and souvenir shops. Perfect opportunity to find a gift.

Tonight, we stay at Hlane Royal National Park, with an exciting species lists including impressive ancient hardwood habitats, big game and rich birdlife. This 22,000-ha park, still boasts the largest herds of game in the Kingdom with speciality species being lion, rhino, elephants, vultures and marabou stork.

Guided game drives and bush walks are optional activities on offer or simply relax at camp overlooking the waterhole with resident hippos and frequently visited by Rhinos and other game. *Booking is essential and your guide can assist.

Day 6: Hlane to St Lucia wetland park (Isimangaliso), South Africa

This morning you can join a truly unique experience the ever-popular Rhino Drive, which is a shorter 1,5-hour drive focusing on White Rhinoceros. The highlight of this drive is the potential opportunity of alighting the vehicle and quietly approaching them on foot. Not all Rhinoceros’s are approachable and guides have discretion. Due to the nature of this activity, minimum age 13 years.

After breakfast we bid farewell to the beautiful Kingdom of Eswatini re-entering South Africa in the Zululand, once the realm of the mighty King Shaka who united the Zulu clans. We continue south to the small coastal town of St Lucia a UNESCO World Heritage.

Freshen up after arrival for an afternoon boat cruise on St. Lucia estuary to view Hippos, Crocodiles and the amazing bird life of Isimangaliso wetland park has to offer. St Lucia is surrounded by water, the west by the Estuary and on the east the Indian Ocean. St Lucia Estuary is home to largest population of Hippos in South Africa with more than 800 in the area.

Tonight, you have a free night to explore the village on foot with a wide selection for restaurants to choose from for dinner. Yes, it's true, you could witness the Hippos walking through town at night grazing on the green lawns.

**Border Crossing today, please keep them passports nearby**

Day 7: St Lucia to Southern Drakensberg, South Africa

Morning optional activities will determine our departure time. Today involves a driving day to the UNESCO world heritage site of the majestic uKhahlamba Drakensberg Mountains. Whether you go by the Zulu name uKhahlamba, meaning ‘barrier of spears’, or the Afrikaans name Drakensberg, meaning ‘dragon mountains’, these towering mountains will be our backdrop for the next two nights.

For those on the 7 Day we depart ways at King Shaka International Airport or in Durban area.

The area is renowned for its spectacular natural landscape, importance for many threatened and endemic species, and for its wealth of rock paintings made by the San people over a period of 4,000 years.

Arriving in the town of Underberg in the late afternoon. The world-renowned Southern Drakensberg is home of the Sani Pass, we will overnight at the foot of the Southern Drakensberg. *Booking is essential and your guide can assist.

Day 8: Underberg Area - Southern Drakensberg, South Africa

This morning after breakfast you will have the opportunity to do some of the many Optional Activities that the Southern Drakensberg has to offer.

1. Sani Pass 4 x 4 excursion, up the Sani Mountain Pass into the Kingdom of Lesotho (Border Crossing)

The Sani Pass tour snakes up the mountain pass and gives you the opportunity to experience an adventure of a life time. The tour starts in the small town of Underberg (09:00) in South Africa and crosses into the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, visiting a functional Basotho village to learn more about these humble people. Lunch is enjoyed at Africa’s highest pub before making your way back down the Sani Pass arriving back in Underberg. (16:00)

The Sani Pass Tour includes a border crossing, passport and covid vaccination certificate is required. Takes approx. 2.5 hours to reach the summit, stopping for breath taking views along the Sani Mountain Pass.

1. Amazing Hiking opportunities in the Southern Drakensberg (Rock art hikes available)
2. Birding Tours
3. Horse Riding
4. The Himeville Fort and Museum one of the best rural museums in the country. Offers wide range of exhibitions and artifacts. From fossils and stone age implements to comprehensive displays on Rock Art of the Bushmen and also the early white settlers, the museum has permanent exhibitions featuring traditional African beadwork and other artifacts.

*Booking is essential and your guide can assist.

Day 9: Southern Drakensberg to Northern Drakensberg

After breakfast and any optional morning activities we depart for the Bergville area in the Northern Drakensberg. The most famous feature of the Northern Drakensberg is the Amphitheatre. Where the Drakensberg Mountains rise vertically for nearly 1000m (3280 feet) with a width of 5km (3.1 miles). Found within the Royal Natal National Park which has many self-guided hiking trails and is home to one of the world’s tallest waterfalls.

The Tugela falls are located near the source of the Tugela River which is found in the Royal Natal National Park. Standing proud at 948 meters (3,110 feet), South Africa’s Tugela Falls is the tallest waterfall in Africa and considered one of the tallest in the world with the Angel Falls in Venezuela.

Day 10: End of Tour – Northern Drakensberg to Johannesburg, South Africa

This morning after breakfast you can partake in optional activities before heading back to Johannesburg. Various self-guided hikes are offered in the Royal Natal National Park.

While we encourage everyone to make the most of the morning in the 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.

Arriving back in Johannesburg in the afternoon.