6-Day Safari in South Africa (via the amazing wildlife of the Kruger Park)

Gauteng – Panorama Route – Kruger Park – Eswatini (Swaziland) – Zululand – iSimangaliso World Heritage Site – Durban

There is nothing quite like being on safari in South Africa! You feel the crisp, fresh morning air in your face – alert, excited – taking in the smells! You hear the birds – some closer, others in the distance – otherwise silence! Surrounded by the African bush, the early morning sun streaking through branches, you watch a majestic elephant bull standing just metres away looking straight at the safari vehicle with ears moving slightly – inspecting…

Sounds like something you are yearning to do? Then why not book your African adventure today, pay a deposit and hold the price for travelling from now until the end of October next year! We can also arrange your entire trip to our region. Contact us now to assist with your plans, or click here to book this tour!

It departs from Johannesburg (click here for a departure from Durban) and travels through some of the most scenic areas in the country. Still, the main focus is on the safaris, both in two private reserves and the Kruger National Park. You also join a boat safari on Lake St Lucia, situated in the iSimangaliso world heritage site! The scenic areas include the Panorama Route, Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) mountains and the Zululand forests and lakes. The tour ends in Johannesburg in the afternoon of the sixth day.

DAY 1. Johannesburg – Panoramic Route (African Wildlife)

Our first morning on this 6-day safari in South Africa takes us from Johannesburg via Middelburg, Dullstroom and Robber’s Pass to Pilgrim´s Rest, the early gold mining town turned into a living museum. Rich deposits of alluvial gold were found here at the end of the 19th century, hence the existence of the town deep in the mountains. After exploring this quaint old town, we continue to Sabie where we have a pleasant walk through indigenous forest to visit Lone Creek Falls Overnight Ligna Lodge or similar. (Dinner included).

DAY 2. Panoramic Route – Private Reserve (African Wildlife)

Today, travel via Graskop to marvel at scenic areas such as the Pinnacle, God’s Window and Lisbon Falls. Then on to Bourke’s Luck Potholes, a walk down the hill to this unique trick of nature is worth the effort. Afterwards, visit the magnificent Three Rondavels view site at the Blyde River Canyon. We walk along the cliffs to really appreciate the breathtaking views.  Later, we descend to the Lowveld via Abel Erasmus Pass and the Strijdom Tunnel.

Arrive at Mohlabetsi in the Balule private game area,  a part of the Greater Kruger National Park. This afternoon our encounter with the African wildlife begins as we commence our safari on an open vehicle to search for the game. Enjoy a great dinner under the stars tonight (weather permitting). Overnight Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge  (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included).

DAY 3.             Private Reserve –  Kruger National Park (African Wildlife)

After an early morning open vehicle safari, leave for the Kruger National Park. Spend the afternoon in this magnificent reserve around 2 million ha in extent.  You overnight in chalets at one of the rest camps in the park. Overnight Skukuza Camp Bungalows (Breakfast and dinner included).

 DAY 4.             Kruger National Park – eSwatini (formerly Swaziland)

An early rise for a wildlife safari and have breakfast on a deck overlooking the Sabie River.  You spend the rest of the morning in the reserve and depart for the mountain Kingdom of eSwatini. From here travel via Piggs Peak through magnificent mountain scenery and visit the Ngwenya glass factory where all the products are hand made from recycled glass.

We drive through Mbabane, the capital of eSwatini, before travelling to our overnight stop, the Foresters Arms Hotel, in the mountains just outside Mhlambanyatsi (Breakfast and dinner included).

 DAY 5.             eSwatini – Zululand – Private Reserve

This morning we visit Swazi Candles in the Malkerns Valley where we watch the locals hand-moulding wax into a variety of interesting shapes.  On this site, there is also a market where the locals sell their craft, as well as other shops where you can buy items like batik, hand-woven cloth, colourful handbags, etc. Continue along the Ezulwini Valley towards Manzini, the country’s industrial centre.

We travel further towards Nhlangano on a scenic route where crossing every hill opens up a new vista.  Exit eSwatini at the Onverwacht border post. Now in Zululand, travel southwards to Hluhluwe and arrive at our private lodge for check-in.

Then we embark on another exciting open vehicle safari this afternoon. We return for a well-deserved dinner and overnight.   Overnight Zulu Nyala Heritage Lodge (Breakfast and dinner included). 

DAY 6.             Hluhluwe-Imfolozi – St Lucia (iSimangaliso) – Durban

We have an early breakfast and afterwards travel to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park and enter the reserve for another two hours of great game viewing in the Big Five Reserve where the white rhino was saved from extinction.

From here we travel to the village of St Lucia and join a boat cruise on the estuary of the famous Lake St Lucia (proclaimed a World Heritage Site in 1999). Our African wildlife expedition continues in this paradise with bird species such as fish eagle, Goliath heron and many more. Your skipper/guide will show you the world of the hippo and the crocodile and the mystic inhabitants of the “deep”.

After this unforgettable experience, we travel to Durban, South Africa’s holiday Mecca, where our African wildlife safari ends (Breakfast included).

OTHER TOURS YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

5-Day Wildlife Explorer (via Kruger) (Code: SCJD) Johannesburg to Durban – OR – Durban to Johannesburg (Code: SCDG)

6-Day Safari in South Africa (via Kruger) (Code: SCMJ) Durban to Johannesburg

11-Day Taste of South Africa (Code: SC-02) Johannesburg to Cape Town