Jewels of South Africa
SMALL GROUP TOURS
13 day tour from £2,195pp
Why we love this tour
A fantastic trip covering 4 different game parks, the city, the coast, mountains and Swaziland, this trip is a superb insight into what makes this part of South Africa so wonderful. You'll discover the true natural beauty of this country as you visit the spectacular Drakensberg, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the world-renowned Kruger National Park, enjoying game drives as well as scenery and history along the way.
You'll stay in some lovely 4* boutique hotels and the odd budget park accommodation chosen for location, this tour is great value for money.
Tour Highlights
- Visit several varied game parks for a fantastic wildlife experience
- Go on game drives, game walks, safari boat cruises and even spot hippos walking down the street in the coastal town of St. Lucia
- Take in magnificent scenery with mountains, view points, canyons, and natural rock formations
- Discover the magic of Swaziland
Days 1-4 | Pretoria & Drakensberg
Upon your arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, you will be transferred to Pretoria for a city tour to give you a glimpse into the complex history of South Africa. Driving through the Free State Province we travel to the Golden Gate National Park and enjoy the tranquillity and spectacular views of the Drakensberg mountains! Here we have several options to explore from hiking various trails to experiencing the beautiful surroundings on horseback.
Days 5-7 | St. Lucia & Surrounds
Heading further southeast we travel through the rolling hills of Kwa-Zulu Natal to the coastal town of St. Lucia where our time here is dedicated to game viewing. First up is the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and we also board a boat trip on the St. Lucia Estuary to spot hippos and crocodiles. Next we head to one of the most beautiful parks in Southern Africa, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, well-known for its black and white rhino project, for more exciting game drives . Our next destination is the Pongola Game Reserve, which is one of South Africa’s oldest game reserves where we enjoy a stay at the intimate and beautiful White Elephant Bush Camp with stunning sunsets and the magnificent views, and embark on an early morning bush walk – an incredible experience and an absolute must to encounter the African bush from a different angle and feel connected with nature by soaking up the sights, sounds and smells.
Days 8-9 | Mbabane & Surrounds
Next up on this fabulous and all encompassing tour is the Kingdom of Swaziland, where stunning landscapes, friendly people and a rich cultural heritage await you! With a visit to the Mantenga Cultural Village to gain an insight into the rich Swazi culture, and options to explore the surroundings by mountain bike, on foot or on horseback, plus you'll have a chance to visit the colourful markets with watch the making of the famous and decorative Swazi Candles and the magical art of glassblowing.
Days 10-13 | Kruger National Park & Panorama Route
As we leave Swaziland behind we travel to South Africa’s largest wildlife sanctuary, the wonderful Kruger National Park, home to all animal species of Southern Africa. Not only will you find large herds of elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, lions and leopards, but also around 150 species of mammals, more than 500 bird species and almost 100 different reptiles. We'll go on extensive game drives in open game vehicles and have the chance to join a night drive whilst staying in the Kruger Rest Camp. After so much fantastic game viewing it'll be hard to leave the bush behind, but luckily the magnificent views on the Panorama Route await before the tour ends back in Johannesburg.
- Starts: Johannesburg Airport
- Ends: Johannesburg Airport
- Dates: This tour operates once a month
- Group size: Min 2, Max 10
- Accommodation Type: 4* boutique hotels with low-mid range lodges in some parks
- Age restrictions: 12+
Includes
- 12 nights accommodation
- Transport in an air-conditioned minibus
- Activities as stated in the itinerary
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
- National Park fees
- Services of a highly experienced guide
- Take Me To Africa goody bag
Excludes
- All flights
- Meals / activities not stated
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Pre or post tour accommodation
- Gratuities and spending money
- Items of a personal nature
Key Facts
Tour Dates
Start Date | End Date |
---|---|
01/09/2023 | 13/09/2023 |
29/09/2023 | 11/10/2023 |
03/11/2023 | 15/11/2023 |
01/12/2023 | 13/12/2023 |
26/01/2024 | 07/02/2024 |
23/02/2024 | 06/03/2024 |
19/04/2024 | 01/05/2024 |
17/05/2024 | 29/05/2024 |