Itinerary

Ø  Day 1 – Johannesburg to Kruger National Park, 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 Kruger National Park.

Making our way down the escarpment to the lowveld, travelling through the fruit basket of South Africa before arriving in Hazyview for lunch (own account). Checking into our accommodation in the afternoon.

This afternoon you have an option to embark on a 3-hour afternoon/sunset safari in the world-famous Kruger Park on an open safari vehicle.

Returning to the lodge in the evening for a restaurant dinner (own account).

Ø  Day 2: 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 3: Kruger National Park to Ponta do Ouro - Mozambique

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 Mozambique after breakfast. Keep the passports nearby today as we have a Border crossing.

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 4: 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 5: Ponta do Ouro to Hlane Royal National Park - Eswatini

This morning you have free time in Ponta for any last optional activities. Leaving the beach behind us today as we make our way to the Eswatini border. Overnighting at Hlane Royal National Park for a unique experience in the African bushveld.

After crossing the border, we continue our journey to Hlane Royal National Park for any late afternoon optional activities or simply relax at camp overlooking the dam with resident hippos and frequently visited by Rhinos and other game species.

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 to St Lucia wetland park (Isimangaliso), South Africa

This morning you have time to join some of the optional activities on offer, a favourite is 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**

Ø  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.

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 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.

Ø  Day 9: End of Tour - Southern Drakensberg to Durban

After breakfast there is time for any last optional activities before heading to Durban arriving in the afternoon.

This is where we say our farewells after an epic adventurous 9 days.