Itinerary

Ø  Day 1 – Johannesburg to Panorama Route, South Africa

Leaving the city of Johannesburg behind, we cross the highveld towards the Drakensberg escarpment in the Mpumalanga province. Our journey east follows in the footsteps of the old trade routes as we make our way to the Panorama Route.

An afternoon filled with beautiful breath-taking scenic vistas at the 3rd largest Canyon in the world the Blyde River Canyon to view the spectacular Three Rondavels and Bourke’s Luck Potholes a natural geological formation. Ending the afternoon at Gods Window with spectacular views overlooking the lowveld and Kruger National Park below.

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

Enjoy breakfast before exploring the adventure hub along the Panorama Route at Graskop Gorge Lift Company for optional activities. Starting with a 52m (170feet) long suspension bridge 70m (230feet) above the valley fall.

The highlight is Afromontane Forest in the valley below, accessible by taking the viewing lift 51m (167 feet) down the face of the gorge into the indigenous forest below, where wooden walkways & suspension bridges make up a 600m (1969 feet) long trail.

In South Africa, Afromontane forests cover only 0.5% of the country’s land area. They occur in pockets along mountain ranges in well-watered areas, including ravines and south-facing slopes. Under the vivid green canopy of trees lies a lush wonderland filled with an amazing variety of plants, animals, insects and birds.

For the more adventurous one, check out the zipline across the gorge or the big swing down into the gorge.

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.

Ø  Day 3: Kruger National Park – Full Day Kruger Safari

Rising early this morning to enter the southern Kruger National Park by gate opening times, a full day of game viewing with a Kruger Park specialist guide on an open safari vehicle. Making use of 9-seater open air Safari vehicles which are perfectly designed to give you a real bird’s eye view of the wildlife you will encounter on your Safari. Stopping throughout the day at various animal sightings, waterholes, viewpoints and a stop at one of the rest camps for lunch.

A breakfast pack will be provided to take with. Don’t forget to pack your sun screen and safari essentials (camera, binoculars etc).

Kruger Park is South Africa’s largest game reserve and is truly the flagship of the South African National Parks, Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals.

Returning in the late afternoon to your lodge where you can enjoy leisure time before dinner.

Ø  Day 4: Hazyview to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Eswatini

While those who elect to do an extra optional morning drive will have an earlier start (04:00/05:00). For the rest we set out a little later today and travel to the Kingdom of Eswatini after breakfast. Keep the passports nearby today as we have a Border crossing.

Our destination for today is the Ezulwini Valley just south of the capital Mbabane. 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).

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

Ø  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.

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.

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.

Ø  Day 6: Hlane Royal National Park to Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique

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 depart for Mozambique, time for fun and adventure in the quaint little town of Ponta do Ouro. Situated in Southern Mozambique where we get our first glimpse of the Indian ocean. Activities for the next day to be booked on arrival.

Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Ponta do Ouro, you will be sure to find beautiful white sand beaches, dense dune forests and an ever-stretching azure sea. A very traditional open-air market, several "cantinas" (little shops) and eager curio sellers will quench your thirst for shopping before you make your way to one of the rustic restaurants in town.

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

Ø  Day 7: Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique

A day for fun, adventure and optional activities! From diving courses, beginner to advance diving as well activities for the non-diver and those that do not want to try scuba diving but still would like to explore the beautiful ocean and see the beautiful sea-life you will find ocean safaris, snorkelling trips or boat rides.

Hire quad bikes, go for endless beach walks, or simply relax on the beach before trying the local fresh seafood. The day is yours to spend at your own leisure.

Ø  Day 8: Ponta do Ouro to St Lucia wetland park, South Africa

After breakfast and any last morning activities we bid farewell to the beautiful country of Mozambique 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**

Ø  Day 9: 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.

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.

Ø  Day 10: 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.

Ø  Day 11: 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.

Ø  Day 12: 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.