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Original

Wildlife

South Africa's Kruger & Coast Adventure

10 days

Start

Start:

Finish

End:

Trip Code

UBSE

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 16

Physical Rating

Transport

Private Vehicle, Boat, 4WD Safari Vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Chalets (2 nights), Lodge (4 nights)

From £2,569(10 days)

Trip Informations

Discover the wild side of South Africa and Eswatini on a 10-day adventure through landscapes you won’t soon forget. Search for wildlife on safari in Kruger National Park, explore Eswatini’s Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary on foot and cruise the St Lucia Estuary in search of hippos and crocodiles. Follow the coast to Cape Vidal to spend time on the beach and have dinner with a local family, then embark on a hike in Drakensberg for views of the forest, waterfalls and mountains. And, do it all with a knowledgeable local leader and expert rangers to help you spot as many elephants, lions, giraffes and rhinos as you can along the way.

Why you’ll love this trip

Spend a full day exploring Kruger National Park on a 4WD safari, searching for elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalo and more. Then, end the day with a bush braai under the African sky.

Cross the border into Eswatini and explore Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary on foot with a local guide. Look out for giraffes, wildebeest and impala, and search for smaller critters living within the diverse ecosystem of the Ezulwini Valley.

Discover the wetlands and coast around St Lucia. Cruise the estuary in search of hippos and crocodiles, take a 4WD safari through iSimangaliso Wetland Park and stop for a swim at Cape Vidal.

Take in sweeping views in Drakensberg, where you’ll hike through indigenous forest to Gudu Falls, following the Mahai River through the valley.

Visit some of South Africa’s most memorable sites – see the dramatic Three Rondavels and Bourke’s Luck Potholes along the Panorama Route and learn about a pivotal moment in the country’s history at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site.

Is this trip right for you?

No two journeys in Africa are identical. Be prepared for travel times to be longer or shorter than advised. Weather and road conditions can change things significantly, so embrace the detours, shortcuts and unforgettable moments along the way.

This is an overland trip. That means you’ll be travelling with a group in a purpose-built vehicle, visiting remote communities and getting the best possible views of Africa's iconic wildlife. While the trucks don’t have air conditioning, they do have sliding windows that let in the breeze and make it even easier to take spectacular snaps of the local wildlife. The drive days can be long, but it’s as much about the journey as the destination, and half the fun is the camaraderie. For more info on this style of travel, see our Africa overland page: https://www.tuuur.com/au/africa/overland . https://www.tuuur.com/au/africa/overland (https://www.tuuur.com/au/africa/overland)

Southern Africa temperatures rise in the hot, dry period of September and October before the rains hit, and temperatures can get as high as 34 to 38°C (93 to 100°F). Not all accommodation will have air conditioning. This is quite common across Africa, particularly in remote locations where lodges or camps operate on solar power or generators.

There will be many early starts, either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.

The day-to-day itinerary features a selection of optional activities. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and is intended only as a guide. Prices are approximate and may change at the discretion of the local provider, and all activities are subject to availability.

This trip can be partnered with other adventures into a ‘combo’, which means that some of your fellow travellers may carry on to further destinations at the end of this trip. If you’d like to spend more time in Africa, have a look at South Africa's Kruger, Coast & Garden Route (UBSHC).

Itinerary

Visit world-class wildlife hotspots and go hiking through the forests of Drakensberg

DAY 1
Day 1 • Johannesburg
Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Your adventure begins in Johannesburg with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe visit the eye-opening Apartheid Museum to start your journey with some crucial history before meeting up with your group. After your meeting, why not head out for an optional group dinner and get to know your fellow travellers. Your leader can point you in the right direction with the best bar and restaurant recommendations.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
DAY 2
Day 2 • Kruger National Park
Leave Johannesburg early this morning and drive to Bourke’s Luck Potholes. These unusual, cylindrical rock formations have been carved by water erosion over centuries. Then, take in the views over Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world, and the Three Rondavels – a trio of peaks named for their resemblance to the traditional beehive-shaped dwellings found throughout Africa. Continue to Kruger National Park, keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way. There’s the option to go on a 4WD safari at sunset to see more of the local wildlife – sprawling over two million hectares, this is one of the best wildlife destinations in all of Africa.
Accommodation
Chalet (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Panorama Route - Bourke's Luck Potholes
Panorama Route - Three Rondavels
Optional activities
Kruger Park - Sunset 4WD Safari - ZAR1142
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
DAY 3
Day 3 • Kruger National Park
Head out early this morning to embark on a full-day 4WD safari in Kruger National Park. With an expert local guide, you’ll search for elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, elands and a variety of other iconic African wildlife across the park’s diverse landscapes, dotted with baobabs, wild date palms and fever trees with their distinctive yellow-green bark. Don’t forget to keep your eyes on the sky – you might see African hawk-eagles, lappet-faced vultures and martial eagles. This evening, get an introduction to an important part of South African cuisine when you head into the bush for a traditional braai (barbecue) dinner.
Accommodation
Chalet (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Kruger National Park - Full Day 4WD Safari
Kruger National Park - Bush Braai Dinner
DAY 4
Day 4 • Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
After breakfast, travel south, crossing the border into Eswatini. Continue to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, where you’ll settle into your accommodation, set among the sanctuary’s ancient hardwood trees in the lush Ezulwini Valley. This afternoon, you can opt to visit a Chief Village to learn more about traditional Swazi culture and gain insight into the way of life in rural Eswatini. Try your hand at braiding lutindzi grass or grinding maize and learn a few phrases in siSwati.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Optional activities
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary - Umphakatsi Village Visit - ZAR220
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
The border crossing between South Africa and Eswatini is generally very smooth, but occasionally there are delays. Come prepared with a good book just in case.
DAY 5
Day 5 • Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
This morning is free for you to explore Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary at your own pace. You might like to join an optional 4WD safari to see even more wildlife. This afternoon, join an expert ranger to explore the sanctuary on foot. Venture through the grasslands, forest and mountainside in search of rhinos, giraffes, elephants, wildebeest, impala and smaller critters like snakes, spiders, aardvarks and porcupines.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary - Guided Walking Safari
Optional activities
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary - Morning 4WD Safari - ZAR545
DAY 6
Day 6 • St Lucia
Leave Mlilwane early this morning and cross the border back into South Africa, headed to the St Lucia Estuary. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park, St Lucia is home to a vast diversity of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, leopards, monkeys and baboons. More than 500 bird species have been recorded here, including giant kingfishers, whiskered terns and African fish eagles. When you arrive, hop on a boat cruise along the estuary and look out for wildlife in the water and along the banks.
Accommodation
Lodge (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
St Lucia Estuary - Safari Boat Cruise
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
DAY 7
Day 7 • St Lucia
Embark on a 4WD safari through the eastern shores of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, keeping watch for rhinos, elephants, buffalo, antelopes and others. Next, continue to Cape Vidal, where forested dunes meet the Indian Ocean. You’ll have some time to relax on the sand or maybe go for a refreshing swim. This evening, you’ll have dinner with a local family. Get to know each other and learn about daily life in the area as you tuck into a home-cooked meal.
Accommodation
Lodge (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
St Lucia - Cape Vidal Beach Visit
St Lucia - iSimangaliso Wetland Park 4WD Safari
St Lucia - Local Family Dinner
DAY 8
Day 8 • Drakensberg
Say goodbye to St Lucia and make the scenic drive towards Drakensberg, passing rolling green hills, sugarcane fields and traditional Zulu homesteads. Along the way, you’ll make a stop at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site to learn about his arrest here in 1962 – a pivotal moment in South Africa’s history. Continue the drive, watching the landscape shift from lush valleys and farmland to wide-open grasslands and dramatic rocky peaks. Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon. You’ll have some time to relax or stretch your legs on one of the short walking trails nearby.
Accommodation
Lodge (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Nelson Mandela Capture Site - Guided Visit
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours.
DAY 9
Day 9 • Drakensberg
Set off on a full-day hike through the unforgettable landscapes of Drakensberg. Follow the Mahai Forest Loop through indigenous forest and sweeping mountain scenery, then stop at Gudu Falls. Descending into the Mahai Valley, pass through a cool forested area where the Mahai River flows. There will be plenty more spots where you can pause to take in the views of the surrounding peaks and valleys as you hike. Return to your lodge later this afternoon.
Accommodation
Lodge (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Drakensburg - Full Day Hike
Special information
Today's hike follows well established trails through indigenous forest, river valleys and mountain landscapes. The trail includes some steep and uneven sections and requires a reasonable level of fitness. Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes with good grip are recommended.
DAY 10
Day 10 • Johannesburg
After breakfast, make the drive to Johannesburg, where your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
Meals
Breakfast
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
You’ll be dropped off at the finishing point hotel listed in the Essential Trip Information. No accommodation is provided for tonight, but this can be arranged at the time of booking if you wish.
You'll arrive in Johannesburg at approximately 1 pm, and the airport is around a 30‑minute drive from the city. If you're catching an outgoing international flight today, we recommend booking flights departing no earlier than 5 pm to allow for any delays on the journey back to Johannesburg.

Inclusions

Transport

Private Vehicle, Boat, 4WD Safari Vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Chalets (2 nights), Lodge (4 nights)

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Friday Apr 02, 2027

Sunday Apr 11, 2027

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£2,569

Friday Apr 16, 2027

Sunday Apr 25, 2027

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£2,569

Friday May 14, 2027

Sunday May 23, 2027

Trip size max: 16 - 15 spaces left

£2,569

Friday Jun 25, 2027

Sunday Jul 04, 2027

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£2,569

Friday Jul 30, 2027

Sunday Aug 08, 2027

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£2,569

Friday Aug 27, 2027

Sunday Sep 05, 2027

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£2,569

Friday Sep 17, 2027

Sunday Sep 26, 2027

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£2,569

Friday Sep 24, 2027

Sunday Oct 03, 2027

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£2,569

Friday Oct 15, 2027

Sunday Oct 24, 2027

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£2,569

Friday Nov 26, 2027

Sunday Dec 05, 2027

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£2,569

Friday Dec 24, 2027

Sunday Jan 02, 2028

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£2,569

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2. The minimum age for this trip is 15 at the time of travel. Any travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, or in lieu of a legal guardian, by an escort over the age of 18, appointed by their legal guardian. The legal guardian or their designee will be responsible for the traveller under the age of 18 day to day’s care. If a legal guardian elects to designate an escort in their lieu, they will be required to complete and sign a relevant document to delegate their authority.

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