Thrillophilia Exclusive: Best Of South Africa & Swaziland Tour

Itinerary

• Day 1 - Johannesburg to the Greater Kruger National Park

  We begin our adventure group tour and safari from Johannesburg to Durban as we leave the city of Johannesburg behind us and make our way east through the coalfields of Mpumalanga. Our journey today follows in the footsteps of the old trade-routes to the Lowveld and the Kruger National Park. This afternoon there will be an opportunity to join an optional sundowner drive. Booking is essential and your guide can assist on departure this morning.

• Day 2 - Kruger National Park

  Rising early this morning we enter the Kruger National Park to enjoy a full day of game (wild animals) viewing (safari). The abundance of wildlife presents us with opportunities for excellent sightings and the Kruger is also home to the famed members of Africa’s Big-5. 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. Our activity package offers the added excitement of experiencing the park from an open-sided 4x4 vehicle. This evening there is a second opportunity for the optional Sundowner Drive.

• Day 3 - Kruger National Park and Panorama Route

  While those who elect to do the optional morning walk will have an earlier start, we set out a little later today and travel the short distance to the Panorama Route. Strung along the escarpment that divides the central plateau and low-lying bushveld of the Kruger, the sights of the Panorama route offer us a day of scenic delights. We will visit the highlights of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and God’s Window before returning to camp in the late afternoon.

• Day 4 - Kruger Park to Swaziland

  We start the day early with some coffee and traditional rusks before setting off through Kruger on our way to Swaziland. Our truck offers an excellent platform for game viewing as we make our way south. We exit the southern end of the park and travel the short distance to Swaziland border, our route this afternoon winds through the mountains and forests of this landlocked kingdom. Our destination for today is the Ezulwini Valley just south of the capital Mbabane.

• Day 5 - Swaziland - Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

  Endless hours of self-guided exploration within the small 4560ha Mlilwane sanctuary are possible due to the relative absence of dangerous game. This morning our guide will lead us out on a nature walk to explore the “ Nature Trail “ which provides interpretation of historical and environmental information of the area. Later this morning, we embark on a 2-hour guided walk through the Esijeni community, allowing us a glimpse of life on a day-to-day basis. This interactive experience could involve grinding maize, carrying water, building a wall or washing clothes in the stream.

• Day 6 - Swaziland - St Lucia, South Africa

  We bid farewell to Swaziland and re-enter South Africa, continuing south into the reaches of Zululand, once the realm of the mighty King Shaka who united the Zulu clans. This evening we are treated to a cultural experience where we will learn more of the Zulu traditions and language.

• Day 7 - Hluhluwe - Umfolozi Game Reserve/ iSimangaliso Wetland Park

  We set out early this morning for a game drive in the nearby Hluhulwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, one of the last strongholds of the endangered rhinoceros. While rhinoceros are the most famous of the parks inhabitants, the park also provides a home to many other species, including the Big-5 that we all hope to see. Returning to our lodging for a siesta, we freshen up for an afternoon boat cruise on St Lucia estuary.

• Day 8 - Durban

  This morning we will depart from St. Lucia and make our way to Durban where your tour comes to an end upon arrival.