| Starts | Johannesburg, South Africa |
|---|---|
| Ends | Durban, South Africa |
| Region | South Africa |
| Duration | 9 days |
| Tour Operator | Intrepid Travel |
Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: Johannesburg & Finishing: Johannesburg
Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Johannesburg is a sprawling city of remarkable contrasts. In the townships, mansions stand alongside tin shacks and there are as many green parks on the outskirts of the city as there are conglomerations of concrete in the centre. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will have you arrive in time, consider arriving a day early so you are able to attend. If you are going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so be sure to have these ready to provide to your leader. Perhaps arrive early and get an insight into South Africa's history.
Day 2 - Starting: Kruger National Park & Finishing: Kruger National Park
Heading for Kruger National Park (approximately 11–12 hours), you will leave Johannesburg and travel through the Mpumalanga Province, journeying along the famous Panorama Route through some of the most stunning scenery South Africa has to offer. The sights along the way include God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Three Rondavels (Sisters) and the magnificent Blyde River Canyon. Kruger, your final destination today, is one of the largest game reserves in Southern Africa. It boasts over 500 bird species, 100 species of reptile and 150 mammal species, including the Big Five and the endangered African wild dog. Your wildlife odyssey begins as soon as you enter the park. Heading straight into some prime game viewing areas on your way to the camp, you'll have the chance to glimpse some amazing creatures. Your campground has shared facilities, hot and cold water, and upgrades are possible (subject to availability).
Day 3 - Starting: Kruger National Park & Finishing: Kruger National Park
Rise early and enjoy a light breakfast of coffee and rusks before embarking on a morning game drive in the truck. Most of the day will be spent game viewing, birdwatching and stopping at various waterholes and viewpoints. Later on, there will be the option of a night drive with the park guide. This is a great chance to spot nocturnal animals and perhaps even a night-time predator or two – catch a lion or hyena out hunting, or perhaps impala out in search of a late-night feed.
Day 4 - Starting: Swaziland/Hlane Royal National Park & Finishing: Swaziland/Hlane Royal National Park
Journey to Hlane Royal National Park today (approximately 6–7 hours). Take a final slow game drive of between 20 and 70 kilometres before exiting the park mid-morning. Travel south-east and enter the Kingdom of Swaziland, which is nestled snugly between Mozambique, Northern Zululand and Mpumalanga. The border crossing between South Africa and Swaziland is generally very smooth, but there may be some delays at certain times of the year. A vast expanse of bushveld with ancient hardwood trees, Hlane Royal National Park is home to the largest wild herds in Swaziland. Take the opportunity to explore this amazing park on a guided game walk. Tonight you will camp inside the national park. Upgrades are possible (subject to availability).Â
Day 5 - Starting: Kosi Bay & Finishing: Kosi Bay
Travel to Kosi Bay (approximately 5-6 hours), the jewel of the Elephant Coast and home to some of the wildest and most breath-taking coastal seascape in South Africa. Departing from Hlane, you will head to the Golela border post and into Maputaland. After completing the border formalities, cross through the rolling hills of the Kwa Zulu Natal Province north east toward the coast and your destination of Kosi Bay. Your campsite of the night is just outside the Kosi Bay National Park, which is a world heritage site, famous for its lakes, beaches, turtles and fish traps. It’s part of iSimangaliso Wetland Park and lies on the shore of Lake Nhlange in the pristine Kosi Lake system, stretching to the Mozambique border and the Indian Ocean to the East. The lakes house hippos, crocs and endless birds, while humpback whales can sometimes be seen off the beaches.
Day 6 - Starting: Kosi Bay & Finishing: Kosi Bay
Today is a free day, and you can enjoy some of the optional activities available in the area. There’s something on offer for all tastes: how about taking in some local culture on a visit to a local traditional healer (Sangoma), or maybe take a trip down to the estuary to learn more about the ecosystem and the fish traps that have been handed down through generations of local Tsonga people. You could spend the day on the beach snorkelling or fishing, or head out on a guided hike to explore this breath-taking region – there’s the chance of spotting the elusive Pels Fishing Owl and resident Palmnut Vulture. In season (Oct-Feb), leatherbacks and loggerhead turtles make their way here to lay their eggs on the beaches. If the time’s right, a nightly tour can be arranged on arrival.
Day 7 - Starting: St Lucia Estuary & Finishing: St Lucia Estuary
Depart Kosi Bay, making your way to Zululand and Lake St Lucia, stopping at a shop for supplies along the way (approximately 4–5 hours). Declared a World Heritage Site in 1999, St Lucia Estuary is home to thousands of varieties of birds, mammals and reptiles, with its most popular residents being the hundreds of hippos and crocodiles. You'll take a boat cruise out on the St Lucia Estuary where you have the chance to spot such creatures basking on the banks – not to mention a diverse array of exotic birds soaring through the air on occasion. You will stay at a campsite with shared facilities (upgrades and WiFi are not available here).
Day 8 - Starting: Zululand & Finishing: Zululand
Make an early departure to the Valley of a Thousand Hills (approximately 5–6 hours). This is the heartland of the Zulu nation. You will gain an insight into the daily life of the rural Zulu people by spending the night in a traditional homestay. Here you'll be treated to some traditional food, song and dance. Be sure to make the most of this rare opportunity to see a remote tribal culture from the inside. Interact with your hosts and perhaps impart some of your own culture and language in turn.
Day 9 - Starting: Durban & Finishing: Durban
Continue to Durban (approximately 2–3 hours). Here your trip comes to an end. Durban is South Africa's second most populous city, boasting sandy beaches and a glitzy nightlife – a great place to extend your stay and enjoy some leisure time. Perhaps take the opportunity for a final dinner with your fellow travellers this evening. Notes: There is no accommodation arranged for tonight, but this can be booked when you first book this trip. It's best not to book any outgoing flights until after 8pm this even to allow for any delays on the journey back to Durban.
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