Wildlife & Culture Explorer

(Mpumalanga, Swaziland & KwaZulu Natal)

( 7 Days / 6 Nights )  

Where will it take me

The Mpumalanga province, home of the Kruger National Park with an overnight in Swaziland where history and tradition are carefully taken into the 21 century on route to Kwa Zulu Natal with Durban as its capital and the busiest port in Africa.

You should know

Hluhluwe Umfolozi – once the Royal hunting ground of King Shaka – is the oldest reserve in Africa and also responsible for the saving of the white rhino from extinction.

Do not miss

Placing your footsteps onto the pristine beaches of the Kwazulu Natal coastline and watching Swazi craftsmen at work.

Bonus

This tour includes a visit to a viewpoint over the largest green canyon in the world which runs for 33km and about 1 400 meters deep.

Worth a splurge

Explore part of Durban’s famous golden mile on a flamboyant rickshaw.

Something to consider

Spending an additional night in Johannesburg and arrange a tour to Soweto, one of the townships in the area. Here you will find former homes of Nelson Mandela and Artsbishop Tutu. Here you can swop stories with the locals in typical shebeens (African bars) or try authentic African cuisine in a township restaurant.

Day 1: Johannesburg – Hazyview

We depart Johannesburg and travel to the Mpumalanga Province – via the scenic Panorama Route which includes many well positioned vantage points overlooking the largest green canyon in the world – The Blyde River Canyon which stretch for 33 km. Time and weather permitting we stop at God’s Window lookout point for breathtaking views of the Lowveld Escarpment and the 65m Mac Mac Falls. We arrive late afternoon at your hotel. Check in and freshen up before dinner.

Perry’s Bridge Hollow (standard room) or similar (D)

Day 2: Hazyview – Kruger National Park

Start the day with an early morning game drive on an Open vehicle into the world renowned Kruger National Park. Guests will be introduced to the Southern part of this nearly 2 million hectares which consists of an exceptionally mix of wildlife, including some 490 species of birds, 147 mammal species, 94 different reptile species, 33 types amphibians and a magnificent array of at least 336 different kind of trees.

Overnight Perry’s Bridge Hollow (standard room) or similar (BD)

Day 3:  Hazyview – Swaziland

After breakfast, we travel to the Royal Kingdom of Swaziland. This tiny mountainous kingdom is filled with bygone African traditions and culture and offers beautiful scenery and attractions such as game reserves and art & craft outlets to name a few. Enjoy a showcase of the traditional Swazi culture followed by lunch at the Matsamo Cultural Village. Continue to the Ngwenya Glass Works to see master craftsmen create beautiful sculptures and artwork from molten glass. After spending some time at the Mbabane craft markets, arrive at your hotel located in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley.

Royal Swazi SunOvernight Royal Swazi Sun (standard room) or similar (BL)   

Day 4:  Swaziland – Kwazulu Natal

Enjoy a morning visit to the Swazi Candle Factory where each candle is made and finished by hand using the age-old technique “millefiore”. No two are the same and the range boasts an astonishing array of patterns, shapes and designs. Continue via Big Bend into KwaZulu Natal. Arrive at your hotel in the afternoon, in time to embark on an afternoon scenic drive up the Ubombo Mountains, offering views over Lake Jozini. At the summit and as the setting sun transforms the sky into a tapestry of colours, stop for sundowners. The drive will be combined with a visit to a local and authentic Zulu homestead for a glimpse into Zulu life in today’s world. Return to the hotel for dinner on the terrace (weather permitting) or in the classically styled restaurant. Overnight Ghost Mountain Inn (standard room) or similar (BD)

Day 5: Kwazulu Natal

Today you will transfer to the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve – the oldest game reserve in Africa for an afternoon of game viewing.

It covers a combined area of 90 000ha and it was here that the white rhino was saved from extinction.Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. End the day with dinner at the hotel.

Overnight Ghost Mountain Inn (standard room) or similar (BD)

Day 6: Kwazulu Natal

Continue the journey along the Elephant Coast of KwaZulu Natal to St Lucia, located at the southern extremity of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park – a World Heritage Site. Here you embark on an estuarine boat trip which provides an opportunity to view crocodiles, hippo and numerous bird species, including the elusive African Kingfisher Eagle, in their natural habitat. Continue to Durban, home of the busiest and largest port in Africa. Arrive during the afternoon at your hotel which is located on the Golden Mile – Durban’s distinctive beach front which offers superb swimming and surfing, paddling pools, fishing piers, amusement parks, craft markets. Overnight Southern Sun Elangeni (standard room) or similar (B)

Day 7: Kwazulu Natal

This morning you will embark on a brief Durban City Tour where you will discover the cultural and historical contrasts of the city. The tour ends with drop-off at Durban International Airport or your Durban based hotel. (B)

It includes:

  • Accommodation and all entrance fees The service of fully qualified and knowledgeable Place of Rock Tour & Field guide.
  • Meals as per itinerary
  • Game viewing on-board Open Safari Vehicles.

It excludes:

  • Drinks, gratuities, telephone calls and items of a personal nature
  • International and domestic flight (more information available on request)