9-day tour from Kruger to Durban via Swaziland
If you’re looking for a close encounter with wildlife, this is the tour for you. With the very little distance between you and them, you’re likely to see ample impala, zebra, elephant, giraffe, blue wildebeest, rhino and half-submerged hippos. Look out for cheetah, buffalo and more as you embark on the most thrilling nine days of your life so far. Wind down at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, become excited about the big five in Kruger National Park and revel in Southern Africa’s natural beauty, as you journey from Johannesburg to Umhlanga (Durban) in a smaller Premium Sprinter / Premium Overland Safari Vehicle and stay in some of the best locations South Africa has on offer. Your experienced adventure crew will make sure you have a safe and enriching trip from this fascinating region.
Day 1 Johannesburg
Welcome to Johannesburg, The City of Gold. On your first night you will have the opportunity to have dinner in one of the many excellent restaurants the city has to offer.
Meals: N/A
Accommodation: Bungalow/Lodge
Activities Included: Welcome Meeting at 18:00
Day 2 Johannesburg to Kruger National Park
Today you travel to the famous Kruger National Park. Get ready to spot hippo, giraffe, elephant, zebra, lion, and many other species in one of Africa’s greatest wildlife areas.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Bungalow/Lodge
Day 3 Kruger National Park
Enjoy another full day’s game drive in Kruger National Park, with approximately 2,000 plants, 53 fish, 34 amphibia, 118 reptiles, 517 bird and 147 mammal species ready for you to discover
Accommodation: Bungalow/Lodge
Day 4 Kruger National Park to Swaziland (Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary)
Another day and another country, this time entering Swaziland, a tiny country, landlocked within South Africa. The journey is just as rewarding as the destination, driving along rolling green hills, vast sugarcane plantations and countless mango trees. Arriving at Mlilwane you will soon feel comfortable and at home in your “beehive village” – traditional grass huts on the outside but all western comfort on the inside. Sometimes animals such as zebra, impala and warthog casually wander into the premises, giving you the opportunity for that unique picture!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Bungalow/Lodge
Day 5 Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Known as Swaziland’s pioneer conservation area that covers 4,560 hectares, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary gives you the opportunity to experience some of Africa’s wildlife while on either the back of a horse, bicycle or on foot. Since there are no big predators, you will be safe to walk around and just enjoy the beautiful landscapes and pure, fresh air.
Accommodation: Bungalow/Lodge
Day 6 Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary to St Lucia
Today we drive through Swaziland in a southern direction and enter South Africa again. We continue towards the Indian Ocean and the Greater St Lucia Wetlands, also known as the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This UNESCO recognized area includes lakes, beaches, coral reefs, wetlands, woodlands, coastal forests and grasslands supporting a wide variety of animal, bird and marine life.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfort Hotel
Day 7 St Lucia
Start your day early with an optional open vehicle game drive through Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve known for its Save the Rhino campaign and of course trying your luck at finding the big five. This game reserve used to be a prime royal hunting ground for the Zulu king, King Shaka but now it is a protected area teaming up with a huge variety of fauna and flora.
Accommodation: Comfort Hotel
Day 8 St Lucia to Umhlanga Rocks (Durban)
Travel further south along the coast to Umhlanga Rocks, a holiday resort village on the coast. Umhlanga offers the best of two worlds, on one hand, you have everything that a city offers and on the other hand, you have the relaxed atmosphere of a holiday town. Make your choice from a variety of grill and seafood restaurants for your last dinner on the tour.
Accommodation: Comfort Hotel
Day 9 Umhlanga (Durban)
Our last goodbye, a healthy breakfast and the end of another successful tour. Book an extra day or two to enjoy the best of the balmy, sub-tropical climate and golden beaches.
