13 Day Jewels of South Africa Tour

Day 1: Pretoria, South Africa

As soon as you arrive at OR Tambo International Airport, your driver will meet you and take you to Brooks Cottage in Pretoria. Your guide will lead you on a city tour of Pretoria after you have had time to relax and freshen up. You can gain insight into the complex history of South Africa by visiting the Union Building and the Voortrekker Monument Museum. At the end of the day, you are welcome to join your fellow travellers for dinner at a fine restaurant (at your own expense). Brooks Cottage will serve as your accommodation for the night.

Accommodation: Brooks Cottage
Included Highlights: Pretoria City Tour, Union Building and Voortrekker Monument Museum
Distance: Approx. 50 km; driving time approx. 1 hour

Day 2: Pretoria – Drakensberg, South Africa

You depart for your journey after breakfast and a tour briefing. You visit Clarens, a picturesque town in the Free State Province, which is home to many artists and craftsmen. There is an optional lunch before you proceed to Golden Gate National Park, where you will get your first glimpse of South Africa’s captivating mountain scenery. The Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge in the majestic Drakensberg Mountains is our destination for the day. Experience the tranquillity and spectacular views of the Drakensberg Mountains! You can end the day by sitting infront of a roaring fire or by returning to your cozy log cabin after dinner. Overnight will be spent at the Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge.

Accommodation: Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Highlights: Clarens, Golden Gate National Park, Drakensberg Mountains
Distance: Approx. 500 km; driving time approx. 6-7 hours

Day 3: Drakensberg, South Africa

Taking advantage of the spectacular mountain scenery today, outdoor activities will be on the agenda. This is entirely up to you! A variety of trails offer the opportunity for close observation of San rock paintings and the possibility of spotting the Cape vulture. You get a magnificent view over the Drakensberg Mountains as well as the Sterkfontein Dam and the Maloti Mountains in Lesotho from the highest point. The surrounding area can also be enjoyed on horseback. Beginners and experienced riders alike will find suitable riding options. Explore the wonderful surroundings and enjoy the great outdoors. Spend an additional night at the Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge.

Accommodation: The Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Drakensberg Mountains, Sterkfontein Dam, Maloti Mountains

Day 4: Drakensberg – St. Lucia, South Africa

During the morning, you will visit the Blood River Monument and the Ncombe Museum, before continuing your journey to the famous Battlefields. There is a stream that separates these two sites and acts as the site of one of the most bloody battles between the Zulus and the Voortrekkers on 16 December 1838. Throughout South African history, this fierce conflict has played an important role. In the afternoon, you will travel through the rolling hills of KwaZulu Natal and arrive at the coastal town of St. Lucia. Dinner tonight will be at a restaurant in town (at own cost). Accommodation will be at the Forest Lodge.

Accommodation: The Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlight: Blood River Monument, Ncombe Museum, St Lucia
Distance: Approx. 600 km; driving time approx. 8-9 hours

Day 5: iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa

iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which until 2007 was known as Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, is open for viewing today. The park is home to rhinos, waterbucks, nyalas, buffaloes and large herds of kudus. If you are lucky you may also observe a leopard on the hunt. In addition to seeing the Indian Ocean from various viewpoints, you may also have the opportunity to see Southern Right Whales during whale-watching season. After an exciting wildlife experience, you will reach Cape Vidal. Experience a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean at the end of your game drive! In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to take a boat trip on St. Lucia’s Estuary. You can observe hippos, crocodiles, and various species of waterfowl from your boat. . You will be staying at Forest Lodge once again.

Accommodation: The Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlight: iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Boat trip on St Lucias Estuary
Distance: Approx. 120 km; driving time approx. 2 hours + game drives

Day 6: St. Lucia – Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park – Pongola Game Reserve

We begin our day with a trip to the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, one of the most beautiful parks in Southern Africa and renowned for its breeding program for black and white rhinos. You will have the opportunity to explore the park through game drives. In addition to rhinos, you may also see the rest of the ‘Big Five’ (elephant, buffalo, lion, and leopard) in their natural habitats, as well as a number of varieties of antelope and birds. In the following hours, you will make your way slowly but surely to the gate after having lunch at Hilltop Camp (at your own expense). After viewing a few more animals in route, you will finally leave the park and travel north. Pongola Game Reserve, one of South Africa’s oldest game reserves, is the destination for today. You can enjoy a breathtaking sunset while sipping a cold beverage and admiring the view of bushland, Lake Jozani and the majestic Lebombo Mountains from the balcony. A fantastic dinner will round off the day. You will spend the night at the AfriCamps.

Accommodation: AfriCamps – White Elephant Safaris.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Highlight: Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Pongola Game Reserve, Lake Jozani and Lebombo Mountains views
Distance: Approx. 200 km; driving time approx. 3 hours + game drives

Day 7: Pongola Game Reserve – Mbabane, Swaziland

You will begin your day with an early morning bush walk or a boat cruise on Lake Jozini. Discover the sounds, sights, and smells of nature while keeping an eye out for wildlife as you immerse yourself in nature. Your trip continues to Swaziland. You become acquainted with the culture, customs, and traditions of Swaziland by visiting the Mantenga Cultural Village, an authentic living museum. After arriving in Mbabane, you will reach the Foresters Arms Country Hotel.

Accommodation: Foresters Arms Country Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Highlight: Bush walk or a boat cruise on Lake Jozini, Mantenga Cultural Village,Swaziland
Distance: Approx. 250 km; driving time approx. 4-5 hours

Day 8: Mbabane and surroundings, Swaziland

The scope of today’s explorations in Swaziland will be determined by your preferences. Your travel guide will present to you a variety of options for dinner the night before, and you and your fellow travellers will determine the daily agenda together. There is a rich cultural heritage, spectacular landscapes, and friendly people in this region. In accordance with the weather conditions, you can travel by mountain bike, on foot, or on horseback (optional) around the lodge and the Milwane Wildlife Reserve. You will find colourful markets and the opportunity to interact with local residents as well as a variety of Swazi arts and crafts. In candle factories, you can see how Swazi Candles are manufactured, while at glass factories, you can see how the magical art of glassblowing is performed. You spend another night at Foresters Arms Country Hotel.

Accommodation: Foresters Arms Country Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Highlight: Markets in Swaziland, Swazi arts and crafts
Optional Activity: Mountain bike activities, horseback riding in the Milwaner Wildlife Reserve

Day 9: Mbabane, Swaziland – Kruger National Park, South Africa

Leaving Swaziland after breakfast, you will travel to the country’s largest wildlife sanctuary. The Kruger National Park was originally established in 1926 as a game reserve. A large and diverse park, the Kruger National Park is home to all the animal species in Southern Africa as a result of its sheer size and diversity of landscape. It is not only possible to see elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, lions, and leopards in large herds, but this region is also home to over 150 species of mammals, more than 500 species of birds, and over 100 species of reptiles. You will be able to explore the wildlife-rich southern part of the park during your afternoon game drive. You will stay at Skukuza Rest Camp for the night.

Accommodation: Skukuza Rest Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Highlight: Kruger National Park Game Drive
Distance: Approx. 200 km; driving time approx. 4 hours + game drives

Day 10: Kruger National Park, South Africa

Game viewing in Kruger National Park is the focus of the entire day. A full day game drive will be arranged for you in the morning in order to observe wildlife close up. You will have the opportunity to join a night game drive, accompanied by a ranger, to learn more about nocturnal animals (optional). One more night will be spent at the Skukuza Rest Camp.

There are government-run camps in Kruger National Park. The camps are generally clean, but they are not luxurious. There is, unfortunately, some insufficient service.

Accommodation: Skukuza Rest Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Highlight: Full Day in the Kruger National Park
Optional Activity: Night Game Drive
Distance: Depending on choice of route

Day 11: Kruger National Park – Hazyview, South Africa

A park ranger will accompany you on a walking safari (optional) during the early morning hours. The final game drive will take place after breakfast. Be prepared to see a wide variety of wildlife! We will leave the Kruger National Park at noon when we reach the park gate. A short distance from Hazyview lies the lovely Gecko Lodge. Today you are free to spend as you wish. A visit to the spacious garden is a perfect way to relax or simply unwind, and the rock pool is the ideal place to cool off on hot days. Dinner and overnight accommodations are provided at the Gecko Lodge.

Accommodation: The Gecko Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activity: Walking Safari with a park ranger
Distance: Approx. 70 km; driving time approx. 1-2 hours + game drives

Day 12: Panorama Route, South Africa

In the coming days, we will be exploring the diverse attractions along the Panorama Route. The breathtaking views of the lowveld and Kruger National Park can be enjoyed from God’s Window. In addition, the tour will include visits to Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels, which look like round mountaintops. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the majestic Blyde River Canyon. The Gecko Lodge will once again be your home base.

Accommodation: Gecko Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Highlights: Panorama Route, Kruger National Park view, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Three Rondavels, Blyde River Canyon
Distance: Approx 250 km, driving time approx. 4 hours

Day 13: Hazyview – Johannesburg, South Africa

Having enjoyed a delicious breakfast at the lodge, you will drive through the province of Mpumalanga on your way back to Johannesburg. You will be taken to the airport in the afternoon so that you may fly home that evening. The guests who participate in the Fascinating South Africa 20-day tour will continue their journey by flying to George on the Garden Route.

Meals: Breakfast
Distance: Approx. 330 km; driving time approx. 4-5 hours

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.