South Africa and Eswatini

10 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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premier

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Cancellation Policy
Small Group Tour
Visit the great game reserves of South Africa and Eswatini. Search for the Big Five, learn about the history of the Zulu battlefields, explore the wetlands of St Lucia and discover the last absolute monarchy in Africa. Kruger - The most iconic National Park in South Africa, home to the Big Five Hluhluwe iMfolozi - Home to the biggest rhino populati...
19%
$2,214
From$1,800
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Search for the Big Five in South Africa's spectacular Kruger National Park
    • Get up close and personal with a thrilling foot safari in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
    • Visit the battlefield of Rorke's Drift -home of the famous battles of the Anglo-Zulu War

What's this trip about?

    Visit the great game reserves of South Africa and Eswatini. Search for the Big Five, learn about the history of the Zulu battlefields, explore the wetlands of St Lucia and discover the last absolute monarchy in Africa. Kruger - The most iconic National Park in South Africa, home to the Big Five Hluhluwe iMfolozi - Home to the biggest rhino population in Africa Mlilwane - A walking safari in this secluded wildlife sanctuary beneath the Nyonyane Mountains.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityJohannesburg
End CityJohannesburg Airport (JNB)

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Trekking & Expeditions

Destinations

  • Saint Lucia
  • Africa
  • South Africa

Attractions

  • Johannesburg
  • Kruger National Park

Activities

  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Bird watching
  • Cooking
  • Culture
  • Cycling
  • Game drive
  • Hiking
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History
  • Mountaineering
  • Nature
  • Relaxing Retreat
  • Safari
  • Short Cruise
  • Snorkeling
  • Swimming
  • Trekking
  • Wildlife viewing

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip Johannesburg Airport; drive to the Drakensberg Mountains

Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city, and once home to both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Today your leader will meet you at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) at 10.30am, we aim to depart no later than 11.30am. From the airport we drive sout...

Day 2 Walk in Drakensberg World Heritage Site

We wake up to a hearty breakfast before having an opportunity to partake in a guided walk, where we will be able to experience the beauty of this mountain range first hand. The full walk will usually take four to five hours and is of a moderate to challenging level of...

Day 3 Visit battlefields; drive on to St Lucia

After an early start, we depart on the drive to the famous battlefield of Rorke's Drift, arriving around mid-morning. Portrayed in the film Zulu Dawn, the battle at Rorke's Drift was a bloody and hugely significant battle in the history of the Zulu nation. Although ti...

Day 4 Game Drives in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve

We rise early this morning to take advantage of the 'golden hour' on what is our first opportunity to experience a 'Big 5' safari, in one of Africa's oldest game reserves. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi park boasts the densest population of both white and black rhino in the whole ...

Day 5 At St Lucia Wetland Reserve

Today is a day of leisure, where we have a choice of optional activities available in the area. There is the opportunity to continue our game viewing experience by taking a leisurely open game drive in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which was the first World Heritage ...

Day 6 Drive to Eswatini

This morning we make our way to Eswatini, during June to November we may have the opportunity to participate in the optional activity of whale watching, the St. Lucia coastline is the optimal location to view Humpback whales as they make their way up the coastline to ...

Day 7 Game viewing and optional activities in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Mlilwane is Eswatini's oldest protected area, owned and managed by a non-profit making trust, it is situated in the low foothills of the Nyonyane Mountains. The park has been rehabilitated to become Eswatini's most frequented reserve where one can enjoy the beauty of ...

Day 8 Drive to Kruger National Park

After an early start we drive north re-entering South Africa and crossing the Crocodile River into the Kruger National Park. This two million hectare wilderness is amongst the world's first proclaimed National Park and is justifiably South Africa's showpiece, boasting...

Day 9 Game viewing in Kruger National Park; drive to Graskop

The Kruger National Park was established in 1898 to protect big game that had been hunted to near extinction, it is now one of the most prolific animal habitats in South Africa, committed to animal conservation. We depart camp for our morning game drive searching for ...

Day 10 Drive to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) where our trip ends

Departing at 9am this morning we drive for around 7 hours back to Johannesburg. Along the way we drive through the airy uplands of Mpumalanga, an area that has been inhabited since the Stone Age and boasts rivers, multiple waterfalls, craggy escarpments and colourful...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,800
Price per day$180
Last Updated: 5/8/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
27 Jun 2024
06 Jul 2024
$2,270
$160
1 spots left
18 Jul 2024
27 Jul 2024
$1,980
$160
Sold Out
01 Aug 2024
10 Aug 2024
$2,370
$170
2 spots left
15 Aug 2024
24 Aug 2024
$2,150
$160
5 spots left
29 Aug 2024
07 Sep 2024
$1,800
$160
6 spots left
05 Sep 2024
14 Sep 2024
$2,370
$170
2 spots left
12 Sep 2024
21 Sep 2024
$2,560
$160
6 spots left
26 Sep 2024
05 Oct 2024
$1,940
$160
3 spots left
03 Oct 2024
12 Oct 2024
$2,520
$160
10 spots left
10 Oct 2024
19 Oct 2024
$1,940
$160
8 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,612
Great
2,191
Average
376
Disappointing
117
Terrible
56
T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

South Africa and Swaziland

The incredibly beautiful wildlife and amazing scenery.

R

Rachel

Apr 2024

Written on

South Africa and Swaziland

All the safari drives, as each park was different. Walki...

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

South Africa and Swaziland

Highlight was being in such a lovely country, seeing the animals, tour guide was brilliant.

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Minibus,

Transportation & flights

Minibus
Guides
Explore Tour Leader
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
South Africa: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, US and Canadian citizens. New Zealand ordinary passport holders do not require a visa, all other passport holders please consult your local consulate for full information. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. Please ensure you have the correct multiple entry visa, especially if you are visiting another country on your itinerary and will need to re-enter South Africa - this includes visiting Swaziland. All visitors should ensure their passport is machine readable, has a minimum of 6 months validity from your arrival date into the country and has two blank pages when entering and leaving South Africa. The South African Immigration officials will not allow child/ infant pages to be used for this purpose and visitors without the stipulated blank pages will be denied entry. There are special requirements for travelling to South Africa with children under 18 who hold South African nationality, and for unaccompanied children entering South Africa. The South African Department of Home Affairs has more information. All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure. Swaziland: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian citizens. You will require one blank visa page in your passport with a minimum validity of 6 months. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.
Health & Safety
Please note that you will be required to supply a yellow fever certificate that has been issued at least 10 days prior to arrival in South Africa if you have travelled from or via a country where yellow fever is endemic. We recommend protection against hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, polio and diphtheria. According to various travel health sources, the Western Cape is not regarded as a malaria risk area. If you are travelling to other areas in South Africa please check with your doctor about malaria requirements. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 9
  • Dinner : 2
  • Lunch : 1
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-ZK

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