Kruger and Swaziland
Kruger and Swaziland
Day 1
Guests are welcomed at Johannesburg Airport and transfer from to Hotel. (Overnight in Johannesburg)
Day 2
After breakfast we visit cultural highlights of Johannesburg including the Apartheid Museum. The Apartheid Museum, the first of its kind, illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid: The racially prejudiced system that blighted much of its progress and the triumph of reason which crowned half a century of struggle The exhibits are from film footages, photographs, text panels and artifacts illustrating the events and human stories that are part of the epic saga, known as apartheid. A series of 22 individual exhibition areas takes the visitor through a dramatic emotional journey that tells a story of a state sanctioned system based solely on racial discrimination. For anyone wanting to understand and experience what South Africa was really like, a visit to the Apartheid Museum is fundamental. The museum is a beacon of hope showing the world how South Africa is coming to terms with the past and working towards a future that all South African’s can call their own.
In the afternoon we head to Soweto and some highlights of Johannesburg including the Nelson Mandela House and Hector Peterson Museum. (Overnight Johannesburg)
Day 3
After a well deserved rest and breakfast we head out for the great African Adventure to the Limpopo Region and Kruger National Park. We stop for lunch at Dullstroom, a quaint village word famous for its trout fishing and wonderful sights. We drive onward to Pilgrims Rest, a gold mining village and museum before arriving at Graskop with its magnificent views for the evening.(Overnight Kruger Region)
Day 4
Travel through “Gods playground” to Gods Window overlooking the green Lowveld. The most spectacular stretch of the Panorama Route is the Blyde River Canyon. From many well-positioned vantage points one has a view of the 33 km long gorge, which starts at “Bourke’s Luck Potholes” and ends at the “Three Rondavels”. The Potholes are very impressive rock formations that were shaped millions of years ago by erosion. The bizarre swirl holes developed when the once rapid river carried masses of sand and debris. The magnificent Panorama Route in Mpumalanga is best known for its cultural heritage and its dramatic landscapes. Offering a vast array of exciting options for the visitor, the Panorama Route hosts some of the best adrenalin enhancing adventures in the country as well as some more placid pastimes. One of the major highlights of the region is the Blyde River Canyon Reserve, home to spectacular wildlife and birdlife and some of the best views in South Africa. The Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon of its kind in the world.(Overnight Kruger Region)
Day 5
Today you will enjoy an full day open vehicle safari to Kruger National Park with personal Game Ranger and picnic lunch. Kruger National Park is the world’s largest and most famous Big 5 Game Reserve.
It covers 18,989 square kilometres (7,332 sq mi) and extends 350 kilometres (220 mi) from north to south and 60 kilometres (37 mi) from east to west.
We arrive late afternoon to your lodge to relax and enjoy sundowners.(Overnight Kruger.)
Day 6
Today we head for Swaziland to discover ancient rhythms of Africa with magistic Kingdoms and scenic landscapes. Visiting Swaziland is a rewarding experience on so many levels; this tiny country – the smallest on the continent of Africa – is steeped in history, has strong traditions and a unique and vibrant culture, bringing with it a distinctive African ambience. We make our way to Ezulwini Valley with its many delights. We head towards Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is Swaziland’s oldest Game Park and pioneer conservation area. Mlilwane means “Little Fire”, so-called because of the numerous fires that appear where lightning strikes the reserve’s granite mountains.
(Overnight stay in Swaziland in Game Reserve)
Day 7
We visit a Swaziland candle factory and arts centre and then head for Hluhluwe and The Elephant Coast to your lodge where you will be staying for the next three nights. We stop at a lodge for lunch with beautiful views before heading on our way to Hluhluwe. Enjoy the wonderful scenery of this magistic country! (Overnight at Lodge Hluhluwe)
Day 8
In the morning we enjoy the (Optional Extra) Elephant Interaction Experience where guests enjoy an educational show while interacting and feeding two wild elephants and their baby. Next we we enjoy a game drive at Hluhluwe Game Reserve with lunch at Hilltop Camp and with your personal game ranger. These are the days we introduce you to the magical experience of Zululand and Hluhluwe Game Reserve and its magnificent 100000 hectares of Africa. You will be sure to spot elephant, buffalo, giraffe, warthog, zebra, impala and wildebeest and many other species during your safaris to this park. The park is also home animals such as Lion, Leopard and Wild Dog. Enjoy a peaceful and safe ambience with Africa and its wildlife in your luxurious, air-conditioned vehicle with your experienced Game Ranger and your host. We embark on leisurely extended game drives to all areas of the Park. There is much to explore! Your experienced ranger will help you spot and identify many species of bird and animal life. (The Elephant Coast has more than 500 species of birdlife recorded). With a little assistance most people will be able to distinguish the more common families of birds in no time at all. Look out for the abundant animal life such as black rhino, nyala, kudu, hippo, crocodile, waterbuck, reedbuck, red duiker, baboons, monkeys, hyena, wildebeest, giraffe and often to be seen elephant and buffalo. You may also see lion, cheetah, wild dog and other predators. (Overnight Hluhluwe Lodge)
Day 9
Todays adventures include a visit to Dumazulu Traditional Zulu Village where you will learn of the African Zulu Tribe as you visit its cultural village. Be spellbound by the energetic Zulu Dancing with its awesome rhythm of drumbeats and African dancing!( Overnight Hluhluwe)(B)Today we embark on an up close and personal tour of an local Cat Rehabilitation Centre.Join us for an up close and personal tour and learn more about South Africa’s endangered wild cat species. Come and be mesmerized by the beauty of the Caracal (Lynx), enchanted by the playful Serval, astonished by the speed and agility of the Cheetah and delighted by the African Wildcat. View and photograph these amazing animals at the Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre. Educational tours are daily, with feedings during the afternoon tour and an informative talk about the animals and the project by an experienced guide.
The aim of this sanctuary is to care for wild Cheetahs, Serval Cats, African Wildcats and Caracal (Lynx), which have been orphaned or injured in the wild and are in need of care and rehabilitation. This sanctuary breeds where possible and release the offspring back into their natural habitat.
We head on to St Lucia, a picture some village situated within a nature reserve and which is surrounded by 5 distinct ecosystems and Isimangaliso Wetland Park. St Lucia offers the day visitor an endless wealth of possibilities with its shops, curio and African flea markets,pubs,restaurants,boat trips, crocodile farms and a lovely interpretation centre explaining the ecology of the World Natural Heritage Site. You can easily spot hippos and crocs from various shorelines in St Lucia and during a two hour boat ride on the estuary.(Overnight St Lucia)
Day 10
Head to Durban Durban City Tour,Apartheid Museum,Golden Mile,Moses Matilba Stadium with its Cable Car and Skywalk, Ushakamarine World,Bat Centre with World Renowned African Artists and explore rich culture of Hundi Temples.(Overnight Stay Durban)