Price
Tour Details
Tour Starts: | Johannesburg/Pretoria and OR Tambo Airport Vicinity (Collection time to be confirmed) | |
Tour Ends: | King Shaka International Airport/ Durban Area | |
Economy Tour Price: | From ZAR 14 500 per person sharing | Extra ZAR 3 500 single room |
Comfort Tour Price: | From ZAR 18 500 per person sharing | Extra ZAR 3 500 single room |
Activity Package: (payable on departure) | ZAR 2500 | |
Meals Included: | 6 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner Braai (BBQ) | |
Countries Visited: | South Africa, Eswatini |
Please note: All lunches and dinners are excluded, time has been allocated, however on the long driving days we won’t always have time to have a sit-down lunch at a restaurant but there will be a supermarket or takeaway options available to enjoy on the road.
Peak Season Rates
Definition: “Peak Season or Peak Period” means a period during which demand for accommodation is high. All bookings that fall in these dates (see below for dates) fall into a peak season, the peak season terms and conditions will apply.
If your booking falls over the peak season period an additional charge of R 500 per night per person will be added to your invoice.
Peak season dates 2023: | Peak season dates 2024: |
1. 24 March – 12 April (Easter Holidays/Period) | 20 March – 3 April (Easter Holidays/Period) |
2. 23 June – 18 July (Winter School Holidays) | 14 June – 9 July (Winter School Holidays) |
3. 29 September – 10 October (Spring Holidays) | 20 September – 1 October (Spring Holidays) |
4. 13 December – 15 January 2024 (Summer Holidays) | 13 December – 15 January 2025 (Summer Holidays) |
Day by Day Summary and Activities Included
The following activities are part of the activity package and are payable on departure in Rands (ZAR).
Day | Area | Highlights Included/Optional Activities |
1 | Panorama Route, Graskop | Panorama Route and Blyde River Canyon (Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes) |
2 | Southern Kruger, Hazyview | Optional Activities |
3 | Southern Kruger, Hazyview | Kruger Park Safari - Full Day Open Vehicle Safari (±9 hours) |
4 | Ezulwini Valley | Swazi Cultural Village Experience |
5 | Hlane Royal National Park | Swazi Candles and Craft Market, Optional Activities |
6 | St Lucia | St Lucia Estuary Boat Cruise (±2 hours) |
7 | End of Tour, Durban | Optional Activities |
What is Included and Excluded
Price Includes | Price Excludes |
Collection from Hotel in Johannesburg/Pretoria and OR Tambo airport Vicinity | Meals not mentioned on itinerary (Dinners, Lunches) |
Air-condition SUV or MINI Bus | Optional extra activities |
Driver Guide | Items of a personal nature |
Activities as per itinerary | Travel insurance, Flights |
Meals as per itinerary | Tipping / gratuity for drivers, guides and waiters |
Drop off at Selected establishment/Airport |
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 1: BLYDE RIVER CANYON | |
ECONOMY: | Forever Resorts Blyde or Similar in Graskop |
COMFORT: | Forever Resorts Blyde or Similar in Graskop |
MEALS: | Dinner Braai (BBQ) |
INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS: | Blyde River Canyon (Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Gods Window) |
ROUTE: | Johannesburg to Blyde River Canyon (±450km) |
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 2: HAZYVIEW, SOUTHERN KRUGER REGION | |
ECONOMY ROOM: | Aan de Vliet or similar in Hazyview |
COMFORT ROOM: | Numbi Hotel or similar in Hazyview |
MEALS: | Breakfast |
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: | Various self-guided hikes in Blyde River Canyon |
Activities at Graskop Gorge Lift (see optional activities page) | |
Sunset Safari on Open Safari Vehicle in the Kruger National Park (±3 hours) | |
ROUTE: | Blyde River Canyon to Hazyview (±100km) |
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 3: HAZYVIEW, SOUTHERN KRUGER REGION | |
ECONOMY ROOM: | Aan de Vliet or similar in Hazyview |
COMFORT ROOM: | Numbi Hotel or similar in Hazyview |
MEALS: | Breakfast pack |
INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS: | Full day Safari on open safari vehicle (±9 hours) |
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 4: EZULWINI VALLEY, ESWATINI | |
ECONOMY ROOM: | Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (Beehive Hut with shared bathrooms) |
COMFORT ROOM: | Mlilwane or Mantenga Lodge (Beehive Hut/Ensuite Room) |
MEALS: | Breakfast |
INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS: | Swazi Cultural Village Experience 15:15-16:30 |
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: | Morning Kruger Open Vehicle Park Safari (±3hours) 04:30-07:30/05:00-08:00 |
Ngwenya Glass Factory and shop (Midday) | |
ROUTE: | Hazyview to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (±300km) Border Crossing |
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 5: HLANE ROYAL NATIONAL PARK, ESWATINI (please note there is no electricity at Hlane) | |
ECONOMY ROOM: | Ndlovu Camp - Wisteria Village (Ensuite Rondavels) |
COMFORT ROOM: | Ndlovu Camp - Wisteria Village (Ensuite Rondavels) |
MEALS: | Breakfast |
INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS: | Swazi Candle and Craft Market (Midday) |
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: | Morning Mlilwane Activities (see optional activities) |
Afternoon Hlane Activities (see optional activities) | |
ROUTE: | Mlilwane to Hlane (±100km) |
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 6: LODGE IN ST LUCIA TOWN, ISIMANGALISO WETLAND PARK | |
ECONOMY ROOM: | The Estuary Guest Chalets |
COMFORT ROOM: | Lidiko lodge |
MEALS: | Breakfast |
INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS: | St Lucia Isimangaliso boat cruise (±2 hours) 15:00-17:00/16:00-18:00 |
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: | Last Morning Activities at Hlane |
ROUTE: | Hlane to St Lucia (±300km) Border Crossing |
Day 7: End of Tour: St Lucia to Durban, South Africa
Morning optional activities will determine our departure time. Our tour comes to an end today, dropping of at King Shaka International Airport or in the Durban area.
For those on the 10 Day we continue on to the UNESCO world heritage site of the majestic uKhahlamba Drakensberg Mountains.
DAY 7: FINAL DAY | |
MEALS: | Breakfast |
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: | Half Day Hluhluwe or Morning Isimangaliso Game Drive (see optional activities for more options) |
Whale Watching (seasonal weather permitting - June to December) | |
ROUTE: | St Lucia to Underberg (±450km) |
Optional Activities
Optional Activities (These activities are operated by trusted 3rd party operators)
There is a range of activities that you can choose to participate in that are not included as part of your tour or in the activity package. The pricing indicated in the table below can help you budget for your tour.
Every traveller has different budgets and interests when travelling, as well as weather conditions that may also impact activities available on tour. For that reason, we have kept our itineraries flexible and let you decide on tour with the local experience and knowledge from your guide as to what extra activities you would like to partake in on tour.
Please note:
- Optional activities are operated by lodges and/or trusted 3rd party operators
- Prices and times may change & subject to availability
- Minimum numbers & weather permitting apply on certain activities
- Optional activities are bookable with your guide on tour
Country | Area | Minimum number | Activity | Day: Time Summer/winter | Rate Guideline (Per Person) |
Graskop Gorge Lift Company - Entrance fee ZAR 60 per person (not included) may be used to discount Lift Forest Experience. | |||||
South Africa | Panorama Route | Na | Lift and Forest Experience | Morning | ZAR 240 |
South Africa | Panorama Route | Na | Zipline (120m long across gorge) | Morning | ZAR 250 |
South Africa | Panorama Route | Na | Big Swing (70m free fall) | Morning | ZAR 650 |
South Africa | Panorama Route | Na | Combo Big Swing & Zipline | Morning | ZAR 750 |
South Africa | Southern Kruger Park | *Min 4 | Kruger Safari, Afternoon/Sunset (±3 hours) | Afternoon/evening 16:30 – 19:30pm | From ZAR 500 – 2 000 |
South Africa | Southern Kruger Park | *Min 4 | Kruger Safari, Sunrise/Morning ±3 hours | Early Morning Summer 04:00am Winter 05:00am | From ZAR 500 – 2 000 |
South Africa | Southern Kruger Park | *Min 4 | Kruger Safari, Night Drive ±2 hours | Late Night 20:00 - 22:00pm | From ZAR 500 – 2 000 |
Eswatini | Mlilwane | Na | Horse Riding per hour | Morning | ZAR 390 |
Eswatini | Mlilwane | Na | Mountain Biking per hour Guided | Morning | ZAR 215 |
Eswatini | Mlilwane | Na | Mountain Biking per hour Self-Guided | Morning | ZAR 155 |
Eswatini | Mlilwane | *Min 2 | Guided Game or Bird Walks ±2½ hours | Morning | From ZAR 270 |
Eswatini | Hlane | *Min 2 | Sunset game drive ±2½ hours | Afternoon 16:00-18:30pm | From ZAR 455 - 910 |
Eswatini | Hlane | *Min 2 | Sunrise game drive ±2½ hours | Early Morning 05:00/06:00am | From ZAR 455 – 910 |
Eswatini | Hlane | *Min 2 | Rhino drive ±1½ hours | Morning 05:00/05:30am | From ZAR 435 - 870 |
Eswatini | Hlane | *Min 2 | Guided Bush Walks ±2 hours | Morning | From ZAR 270 – 540 |
South Africa | St Lucia - Eastern Shores Isimangaliso wetland park | *Min 2 | Night Drive Eastern Shores ±3 hours | Late Night 19:00 or 20:00 | From ZAR 600 |
South Africa | St. Lucia - Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park | *Min 2 | Half-day Game Drive in Hluhluwe ±6 hours | Early Morning 05:00 – 12:00pm | From ZAR 1250 |
South Africa | St Lucia - Eastern Shores Isimangaliso wetland park | *Min 2 | Sunrise/Sunset Eastern Shores ±3 hours | Morning 05:00am | From ZAR 600 |
South Africa | St Lucia | *Min 2 | Whale and Dolphin Watching (Seasonal June-December, weather dependent) | Morning | on request only |
Prices correct at time of publishing in December 2022
*minimum number applies – the party members do not need to be from your travel group, the activity operator requires a minimum number of guests before they will depart!
**Ocean activities will be cancelled due to rough seas and high swells!
FAQs
Extra Information
Who Tours with us
Whether you're traveling alone, with your family, or creating unforgettable memories with your closest friends, a small group tour is an excellent option for a unique, customized travel experience. Please do inform us if you would prefer a private tour (additional rates may apply).
With daily/weekly departures, Footprints in Africa, together with its service providers, provides reasonably priced small group tours and transportation services, catering to groups of 2 to 10 people per vehicle. Private groups larger than 10 traveller’s welcome.
Our Rates
Tour rates may be negotiable depending on the tour and the time of year. It’s always worth asking if discounts or special rates are available, especially if you are booking a larger group or multiple tours.
Economy are twin standard rooms/group houses sometimes with shared bathroom (Basic Rooms)
- Economy is good 2 star, No camping, No sharing in Backpackers
Comfort are private en-suite rooms (Better Standard of Accommodation)
- Comfort is good 3 star
Pre/Post Travel arrangements
If you need any accommodation or tours before or after your trip, please let us know when you make your booking. We can suggest some great places to stay and things to do in Johannesburg and Pretoria. To ensure a stress-free experience, we recommend arriving at least one day before your tour begins and making any onward travel arrangements for the day after the tour ends.
Please note
If you plan to fly out of OR Tambo International Airport on the last day of your travels, we suggest reserving a domestic flight that departs no earlier than 19h30 and an international flight that departs no earlier than 21h00. We will not be responsible for any delays or additional travel costs associated with onward arrangements made on the day the tour ends.
Collection / Drop off
We offer guests the convenience of being collected and/or dropped off from most Hotels or Addresses within Johannesburg, Pretoria city limits and in the vicinity of OR Tambo International Airport.
- Collection times will be provided upon booking
- Drop off times vary per itinerary
Passport and Visas
- Before embarking on any international travel, it's important to ensure that you have all the necessary documentation in order. We highly recommend that your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your exit flight and that you have at least 2 blank pages per country you intend to visit.
- VISAS!!! It's important to note that if you are denied entry to a country for any reason, all additional costs or transportation to re-join the tour will be at your own expense. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.
- Additionally, certain border posts still require a printed-out Covid certificate with a QR code, so be sure to have this on hand when traveling.
Meals and Activities on Tour
Each Itinerary has its own meal plan and highlights/activities that are included, it’s important to read the itinerary carefully to see which are included or if they are for your own cost. Ask us for details should you not understand what’s included in the price.
After Hours Emergency Contact
We have an emergency number that is available after hours to receive calls in case of emergencies. We kindly request that you respect the purpose of this number and use it only in urgent situations. Examples of emergencies that warrant a call include situations such as missing your incoming flight, not being able to locate your guide on the morning of departure, or running late for your tour departure. In case of an emergency, please call +27 83 302 1976. You can also reach us via WhatsApp.