Distance covered from Durban - Pretoria +/-2200 KM

Day 1
From Durban we head north to follow in the footsteps of the Great King Shaka. Our destination is Simunye Zulu Lodge, a cultural village, reached on horseback. Here we will learn about the beliefs, customs and culture of the Zulu nation - the People of Heaven. We will experience vibrant Zulu dancing and relax as the drumbeat draws you into the pulse of Africa. An experience you will get no where else. We'll overnight at the village. (D)

Day 2
After breakfast we continue to St. Lucia situated at the southern tip the Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park. From here we are met by local kayak guides, that will take you paddling on the estuary and up the Umfolozi River with the possibility of sighting hippos, flamingos, pelicans and other fish hunting birds. The lake is surrounded by various eco-systems ranging from swamps to grass and bush lands. A short hike will take you to your overnight camp on the southern shores of Lake St. Lucia. (B,L&D)

Day 3
An optional horse ride or mountain biking trip awaits the more adventurous this morning. Alternatively some time is spent on the beach or a hike in the dune forest at Maphelane. After returning to the village, we continue north to the Pongola Biosphere Reserve. Here we will participate in an elephant trekking programme that focuses on the relocated herds of the reserve. Your time will be spent not only searching for, but more importantly, learning about the elephants in terms of, why the need to relocate and about individual personalities. We overnight in the northern region of the reserve, where we'll settle down for a "braai" (barbeque), under the African skies. (B,L&D)

Day 4
An early morning departure, to travel through the small Kingdom of Swaziland. Our route leads north over the border to the Kruger National Park. The park is the natural habitat to a rich variety of wildlife, including “The Big Five”. Stretching almost 350km north to south and 60 km east to west, it covers an area of +/- 20 000 km². An afternoon game drive leads us to our overnight camp in the southern part of the park. (B.L&D)

Day 5
Up at day break for a guided walking safari in one of the greatest and best known parks in the world. The road snakes lazily northwards through several different ecological zones containing a vast variety of wildlife species. Breakfast and lunch en route. Kruger Park's wealth lies not simply in its immensity, but also its variety. We overnight in the central part of the park - "Home" for the next two nights. (B,L&D)

Day 6
Up at sunrise to explore the African bush on foot. We learn how to interpret the spoor and about the medicinal value of the vegetation. This experience is designed to bring you as close to nature as it is possible, without clashing with it. A night drive in search of nocturnal life ends off a memorable day. (B,L&D)

Day 7
After breakfast we depart on our final game drive, before leaving the Kruger Park. We leave the Lowveld behind us to "climb" the Abel Erasmus Pass. Our route follows the Transvaal Drakensberg escarpment to the Blyde River Canyon, with the Three Rondavels at the northern end. We overnight along Panoramic Route- the afternoon is spent exploring the canyon on foot from our base camp. (B,L&D)

Day 8
We continue along the Panoramic Route to the Bourke's Luck Potholes - cylindrical holes formed in the riverbed by the swirling waters at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur Rivers. Our next stop is God's Window, a viewpoint overlooking the canyon to the north and Kruger National Park to the East. We visit a variety of magnificent waterfalls, before our route leads us via the Long Tom Pass to the Highveld. We lunch en route (own expense) before ending this incredible adventure in Pretoria . (B)

General Information & Pricing

This trip also runs in reverse from Pretoria to Durban. Please enquire for reverse itinerary if needed. This is a participation tour. Enquire about our "Combo-Packs" - combination options of all our safaris including airport transfers and pre & post tour accommodation.

Kruger Wildlife Safari Dates 2003/2004

Combo - Packs

KRUGER WILDLIFE SAFARI + DRAKENSBERG - 13 Days & 13 Nights
DRAKENSBERG + KRUGER WILDLIFE SAFARI - 13 Days & 13 Nights