7 Day Wild Kingdom Safari

Big game, traditional African experiences and bushveld, mountains and beaches – explore the diverse and scenic eastern region of South Africa.

RATE ON REQUEST

Includes:

• 6 Nights accommodation as per itinerary
• 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 1 dinner
• Porterage & Transport
• Sightseeing as specified with an English-speaking guide

Itinerary

Highlights

• Gorgeous mountain scenery and breathtaking vantage points along Mpumalanga’s Eastern Escarpment
• Big 5 game viewing in the pristine wilderness of South Africa’s premier game reserve, the Kruger National Park
• Fascinating cultures of Southern Africa’s pastoral Swazi and Zulu kingdoms

Day One – Johannesburg

On arrival in Johannesburg at OR Tambo International Airport, you’ll be met by your representative and transferred to your hotel. Johannesburg is the largest and most populous city in South Africa. It is also the source of a large-scale gold and diamond trade, due to its location on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills. The remainder of the day is at leisure and unescorted. Why not enjoy a sightseeing tour or simply relax at your hotel? At 19h00 we will meet up at reception for a briefing on the tour and a chance to meet fellow travellers.

 Day Two – Johannesburg – Mpumalanga

Depart Johannesburg after breakfast and head for Pretoria, South Africa’s capital city, for a short orientation tour, before continuing to the Mpumalanga Province, known as “Paradise Country”. Dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld, we travel via the historic towns of Dullstroom and Lydenburg. After traversing the famous Long Tom Pass, we travel via Sabie and arrive late afternoon in Hazyview, the safari hub of the Kruger National Park.

Day Three – Mpumalanga

After an early morning breakfast, we’ll drive along the spectacular “Panorama Route”, offering views of amazing scenery including the 26 kilometre-long Blyde River Canyon (home to the Three Rondavels), Bourke’s Luck Potholes and historic God’s Window, a breathtaking view (weather permitting) of the edge of the escarpment taking in the Kruger National Park. We arrive back in Hazyview in the early afternoon, where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or join an afternoon game experience (optional & for own account).

Day Four – Mpumalanga

The day begins with early morning coffee or tea, followed by a thrilling open-vehicle safari (with English speaking game ranger) through Kruger National Park with pre-packed breakfast. Kruger is one of the world’s greatest national parks, home to a stunning array of wildlife. Search for the Big 5 (rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, and elephant) as well as prolific birdlife and numerous other game. The afternoon is at leisure at your hotel. Late afternoon open-vehicle game drives are available (optional & for own account).

Day Five – Mpumalanga – Swaziland

This morning we travel to Swaziland, an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa, known for its lovely scenery, crafts and colourful indigenous culture. An interactive cultural experience introduces us to the charming people of Swaziland and their traditions. We travel via the capital city, Mbabane, and on to the beautiful Ezulwini Valley for a true African shopping experience at the Ezulwini Craft Market which is packed with woven baskets, beadwork and carvings. Overnight in Swaziland.

Day Six – Swaziland – Zululand

After breakfast we will continue south through Swaziland, before re-entering South Africa. Travel into Zululand, passing traditional round huts and endless vistas. There is an option to enjoy an afternoon open vehicle safari (optional & for own account with an English-speaking game ranger) in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, which contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora and is particularly famous for its conservation of black and white rhino. Overnight in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi region.

 Day Seven – Zululand – Durban (Umhlanga)

This morning we will join a cruise on Lake St Lucia (depending on favourable weather conditions) before departing for Durban. Our journey takes us past traditional Zulu kraals, Eucalyptus plantations and sugar cane fields. We arrive in Durban in the early afternoon where the tour ends on arrival.

Accommodation

Johannesburg

Protea Hotel Wanderers is a stylish hotel in the heart of Johannesburg’s popular suburb of Illovo. Ideally located, it offers easy access to a number of excellent shopping and dining alternatives. It consists of 229 modern, air-conditioned rooms with sound-proofed windows, satellite TV, free Wi-Fi and en-suite bathrooms. Warm earthy tones, elegant decor and harmonious designs compliment the exceptional and intuitive service of this elegant city hotel.

 Hazyview

Located in Hazyview, a ten-minute drive away from the Kruger National Park, Perry’s Bridge Hollow is situated around the Perry’s Bridge Trading Post with its restaurants, bar, adventure centre and working brewery. This upmarket hotel is perfectly placed for exploration of this exciting cultural and Big 5 game region. The rooms, with their colonial décor but thoroughly modern amenities, are spacious and comfortable. Guests do not have to go far for exceptionally good food as the on-site Kuka Restaurant & Cocktail Bar is specialised in sumptuous Afro-chic meals. Guests will be spoilt for choice when it comes to activities, ranging from game drives into the nearby Kruger National Park, exploring the region on horseback, to helicopter trips, golfing, hiking, birding or getting into the local spirit with a night of song and dance at the Shangaan River Club. Facilities at the hotel include a swimming pool and wireless Internet access.

Swaziland

In a lush valley in the Kingdom of Swaziland lies the sensational 4-star Royal Swazi Sun. This regal hotel may be set in a classic colonial style but it offers the best of modern amenities and service. Characterised by sweeping verandas, huge oak trees and gracious wide-open spaces, the Swazi Sun is offers a special experience. Spacious luxury en suite rooms offer sweeping panoramic views of the valley. Revitalise your mind and body at the Royal Swazi Sun’s renowned Spa. After the sun goes down enjoy a meal or a drink at a variety of first-class restaurants and bars or try your luck in the casino.

Hluhluwe

Rich in natural ambiance and with a distinctively African rhythm, Anew Hotel Hluhluwe invites guests to relish the untamed beauty of KwaZulu-Natal and rich cultural heritage of the Zulu people. Comfortable accommodation is in en suite rooms with all modern amenities. Enjoy refreshing sundowners on the swimming pool terrace while a Zulu dance show is held under a magnificent Fever tree. Dine at the friendly restaurant or under the stars in a traditional Zulu boma.

Visa Requirements

This tour travels through Swaziland. Please check visa requirements, as certain nationalities may require visas in order to travel through Swaziland

Optional day tours available for pre-booking:
Further enhance the journey with optional excursions, available for pre-booking.
Rack rates valid from 01/01/19-31/12/19 (optional tours are available in English commentary only)

Day 1 – Sunday – Johannesburg – Afternoon Soweto Tour – Priced from R 840 .00 per person
Soweto is unlike any suburb you’ve ever seen or been to, yet the history of struggle encapsulated here is a cornerstone of the South African story.

Day 4 – Wednesday – Kruger National Park – Afternoon Open Vehicle Safari – Priced from R 1 360.00 per person
For the wildlife enthusiasts a second open vehicle safari in one of the world’s most renowned game reserves.

Day 6 – Friday – Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park – Afternoon Open Vehicle Safari – Priced from R 830.00 per person
Enjoy an afternoon, 3-hour open vehicle safari into the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, Africa’s oldest game reserve and world renowned for its highly successful white rhino conservation programme.

Be inspired by our innovative ability to personalise this package to your requirements. We offer exceptional low season & long stay rates – contact us for further details.