Kruger Safari with Eswatini

Day 1: Johannesburg to Durban

Welcome to the City of Gold, where our South African escapade begins. We’ll hit the road for a scenic drive through the heart of South Africa to the coastal city of Durban. Along the way, we’ll stop off for a sobering exploration of the nation’s troubled history, with a visit to the site of Nelson Mandela’s capture during the apartheid era. We’ll then take a trip to the museum – yes, you’ll confront the history, but you’ll leave feeling hopeful as you learn how apartheid was finally brought to an end. Tonight’s accom is conveniently located next to plenty of shops and restaurants… So you can go right ahead and treat yourself.

Royal Palm Hotel (or similar)

Day 2: Durban to St Lucia

You have a free morning here at one of the finest coastal spots in South Africa. You can check out the uShaka Marine World, rent a bike and cruise down the ‘Golden Mile’ (AKA the 6km promenade) or you can simply sit back and soak up those rays like the sun junkie you are. Afterwards, we’ll make our way to St Lucia. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife by day and hippos by night here in St Lucia (we’re right by the UNESCO World Heritage listed iSimanagaliso Wetlands Park after all). On a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience this afternoon, we’ll visit a local Zulu village, learning all about the Zulu people and their traditions with a chance to meet some of the locals.

Forest Lodge (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 3: St Lucia

Beach or bush? Why decide when you can do both? This morning we’ll head out to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, so watch out for elephants, buffalo, rhinos, antelope… plus whales (coz we’re right on the coast, baby). We’ll stop off at Cape Vidal for some snorkelling and all-round beach vibes (weather permitting, obvs). You’ll then have some free time to explore St Lucia or kick back at the hotel. This evening, we’ll embark on a Sunset Hippo Boat cruise on Lake St Lucia (Africa’s largest estuary – home to over 800 hippos and 1200 crocodiles). Afterwards, we’ll round things off with a traditional South African braai dinner. Yup, this day’s as action-packed as it is awesome.

Forest Lodge (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 4: St Lucia to Mbabane via Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve

It's an early start today – we’re heading inland to the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve and we aim to be there by sunrise. The Big Five. A half-day game drive at the reserve instrumental for bringing the White Rhino back from the brink of extinction. Even a picnic lunch. Today’s excursion is a biggie indeed. With our wildlife bucket lists sufficiently checked, it’s time to set off for a brand new country. Passports at the ready folks – here in Eswatini, we’ll meet some of the locals and learn about their culture and language on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.

Mountain View Hotel (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 5: Mbabane to Kruger National Park via Miliwane Wildlife Sanctuary

After a hearty breakfast, and checking out that blazing view one last time, we're off in search of (you guessed it) even more wildlife. Here in Mlilwane, we’ll set out on a different type of safari – we’re talking walking, and even a mountain bike safari too. Next up, it’s the big one. The world famous one. Here in Kruger, we’ll stay at an exclusive safari campsite – located right in the middle of the park. (Struggling to picture it? Think glamping canvas tents with mattresses, linen and stretchers, a roaring bonfire burning all the while.) This is a true Once in a Lifetime experience, where you’ll fall asleep to the nocturnal calls of hyenas, jackals and lions.

Contiki Safari Camp (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 6: Kruger National Park

Wakey wakey! We’ve got a morning and an evening game drive waiting for us today, where we’ll stop off for some spectacular view points, and try our luck at catching a glimpse of the elusive cheetahs, leopards and African wild dogs. We’ll escape the heat in the middle of the day, and you’ll have time to hit the pool or check out the camp’s riverfront restaurant (where you’ll have a great view of crocs and hippos in the river). Tonight after our evening game drive, we’ll tuck into a final bush dinner… and let the reminiscing begin.

Contiki Safari Camp (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 7: Kruger National Park to Johannesburg

Our final day. But is there time for one last morning game drive? You bet there is. We’ll head out bright and early before making our way back to Johannesburg. And now, with heavy hearts (and even heavier camera rolls) we’ll make our way back to either the Kruger Mpumalanga Airport (Vic Falls anyone?) or Johannesburg International Airport. It’s been a thrill… we’ve seen wildlife, we’ve made friends for life. The only question is: where next?

Breakfast