12 Days Safari South Africa & Eswatini
includes hiking in the Drakensberge
Highlights of South Africa & eSwatini
Greater Kruger Area & Kruger National Park
Named after Paul Kruger, this is the largest national park in South Africa, spanning the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Kruger National Park is renowned for unforgettable encounters with the Big Five (as well as the “Small Five” and even the “Ugly Five”) and its breathtaking landscapes shaped by a variety of biomes.
The Greater Kruger Area is home to many private game reserves that share open borders with Kruger National Park, allowing wildlife to roam freely. Another highlight is the scenic Panorama Route, featuring the Three Rondavels and Bourke’s Luck Potholes.
Eswatini
Eswatini is the last remaining functioning monarchy in Africa. This small kingdom, surrounded by South Africa, attracts visitors with its breathtaking nature, majestic and spiritual mountains, and a rich cultural heritage proudly expressed through vibrant traditional attire.
A singing and dancing performance is a must-do in Eswatini—guaranteed to leave you with goosebumps and teary eyes.
Drakensberg Mountains
Known in the Zulu language as uKhahlamba (“Barrier of Spears”), the Drakensberg Mountains are a breathtaking landscape of mountain streams, river valleys, and rugged cliffs. Rising to over 3,000 meters in places, they form South Africa’s most impressive mountain range and are renowned for their spectacular views and hiking trails for all levels.
The remarkable concentration of rock art created by the San people has earned the Drakensberg its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 1 – Arrival in Hoedspruit
Arrival at Hoedspruit Provincial Airport / Meet & greet and briefing with the local guide from Chilombo Safaris / Transfer to a private game reserve in the Greater Kruger Area / Time to refresh and recover from the long journey at the lodge / Dinner in a traditional boma
Optional activity: Evening game drive in the private game reserve
Day 2 – Greater Kruger Area (Private Game Reserve)
Early morning game drive in the private reserve / Relax by the pool / Track reading at the lodge / Sundowner game drive in the private reserve / Dinner in a traditional boma
Day 3 – Greater Kruger Area (Panorama Route)
Scenic drive along the Panorama Route to the Three Rondavels and Bourke’s Luck Potholes / Lunch in Graskop with a spectacular view / Dinner in a traditional boma
Optional activities: Early morning or sundowner game drive in the private reserve
Days 4–6 – Kruger National Park
Game drives in Kruger National Park / Overnight stays in 2–3 different rustic rest camps
Optional activity: Night game drives organized by SANParks
Day 7 – Eswatini
Drive to the Kingdom of Eswatini / Visit to a glass factory with showroom and shop / Accommodation in a beautiful botanical garden
Day 8 – Eswatini
Visit to a traditional village with cultural introduction / Dance and singing performance by a local group / Visit to the Swazi Candles factory with a stop at a local handicrafts market
Day 9 – Pongola Game Reserve
Border crossing from Eswatini back into South Africa / Overnight stay in a private game reserve above the Jozini Dam
Optional activities: Sundowner game drive in Pongola / Guided walking experience with tracking and introduction to local flora and fauna / Canoe or boat cruise on the Jozini Dam
Day 10 – Drakensberg Mountains
Scenic drive into the Drakensberg Escarpment
Day 11 – Drakensberg Mountains
Hike to the Tugela Falls (full-day excursion)
Day 12 – Durban
Drive to Durban and drop-off at Durban Airport for your onward or return journey the following day
Trip Extension
An extension of the trip with an additional program to the Garden Route or Cape Town is available on request. Durban can also be combined with a beach stay in Mauritius.
Package
The package includes a private guide as well as all transfers in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan.
All activities mentioned in the package are included in the price. Optional activities can be booked and paid for on site.
Meals During the Trip
Meals are a mix of home-cooked dishes prepared by your guide (included in the price) and visits to restaurants (not included in the price).
Rates
On request
Like the trip? Then go ahead and contact us today—you’ll receive a quote within the next 48 hours.
