Day
1
SUN I JOHANNESBURG
Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in Johannesburg, the largest and most populous city in South Africa, and the source of a large-scale gold and diamond trade. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Consider taking time to visit the The Maboneng district, one of Forbes Top 12 Coolest Neighborhoods, featuring edgy galleries, artisanal shops, and a fantastic Sunday Market.
Day
2
MON I JOHANNESBURG I MPUMALANGA
Depart Johannesburg after breakfast and head for South Africa’s capital city of Pretoria for a short orientation tour before continuing on to Mpumalanga Province, known as Paradise Country. Dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld, you will travel through the historic towns of Dullstroom and Lydenburg. After heading across the famous Long Tom Pass, travel via Sabie into Hazyview, the safari hub of Kruger National Park. (B)
Day
3
TUE I MPUMALANGA
After an early morning breakfast, drive along the spectacular Panorama Route that offers views of amazing scenery including the 26 km-long Blyde River Canyon (home to the Three Rondavels), Bourke’s Luck Potholes’ and historic God’s Window, a breathtaking view (weather permitting) of the edge of the escarpment taking in Kruger National Park. Arrive back in Hazyview in the late afternoon, where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax. (B)
Day
4
WED I MPUMALANGA
Begin this spectacular day with early morning coffee or tea, followed by a thrilling open vehicle safari led by your English-speaking game ranger. Enjoy a pre-packed breakfast and experience the awe-inspiring views as you traverse Kruger National Park, one of the world’s greatest national parks and home to a stunning array of wildlife. Search for the “Big Five” – rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, and elephant – as well as prolific birdlife and numerous other animals. Return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure or consider joining an optional open vehicle game drive. (B)
Day
5
THU I MPUMALANGA I ESWATINI (SWAZILAND)
Power up with breakfast this morning before heading out to Eswatini, an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa known for its lovely scenery, colorful crafts, and authentically rich indigenous culture. An interactive cultural experience introduces you to the charming people of Eswatini and their traditions. Travel on via the capital city, Mbabane, to the beautiful Ezulwini Valley for overnight in Eswatini. (B,L,D)
Day
6
FRI I ESWATINI (SWAZILAND) I HLUHLUWE-IMFOLOZI
After breakfast, continue south through Eswatini before re-entering South Africa. Travel into Zululand, passing traditional round huts and endless breathtaking nature vistas. Embark on an afternoon open vehicle safari with an English-speaking game ranger in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve. This game reserve contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora and is particularly famous for its conservation of black and white rhino. Tonight, you will stay in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi region. (B)
Day
7
SAT I HLUHLUWE-IMFOLOZI I DURBAN
Start your day with breakfast before joining a cruise on Lake St Lucia (weather permitting) and then depart towards Durban. Today’s journey will take you past traditional Zulu Kraals, Eucalyptus plantations, and sugar cane fields. Arrive in Durban in the early afternoon. (B)
Day
8
SUN I DURBAN
Rise and shine with breakfast at your hotel and then stroll along the “Golden Mile” revitalized beachfront promenade. Your tour will take you through the city, viewing the majestic City Hall and enjoying its history. Drive past the sugar terminals and very busy harbor warehouses on your way to the University of Natal Durban Campus where you can view lovely sights of the harbor down below. Then visit the bustling African and Indian Markets at Warwick Triangle. Next, see the peaceful Durban Botanic Gardens founded in 1849, a treasure trove of massive trees from Asia, Africa, and America, featuring a magnificent orchid house. The tour concludes with a visit to an icon of KwaZulu Natal, Moses Mabhida Stadium. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day
9
