Compare South Africa: Walking & Wildlife by Exodus Travels vs The Kingdom of Swaziland Explored by Undiscovered Destination
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 15 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 4,050 | $ 3,158 |
| Price Per Day | $ 270 | $ 263 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | All breakfasts, 11 lunches, seven dinners included. In the itinerary, we state which meals are included on which day. The list below provides an indication of what these will consist of: Breakfast – cereals, coffee, tea and toast, the occasional cooked breakfast. Lunch – cheese, cold meats, salads, bread or rolls. Dinner – potjies (stew), braais (barbecue), stir fries, pasta. Most generally cooked on the open fire. We need at least two weeks’ notice to deal with special dietary requirements (eg vegetarian or allergies.) For this reason, if you did not indicate these on your booking form please advise your sales representative as soon as possible. The tour leaders do all the shopping, meal planning and cooking for each group. They will always try to obtain fresh produce wherever possible. Each tour has two cool boxes for meats and fresh produce and one cool box for cold drinks. We supply the following drinks: fruit squash served with breakfast and tea or coffee served with breakfast and dinner. All other beverages will be at your own expense. For meals not included, dinners can cost on average £12‐£18 (US$20‐US$30) per person and lunches £5-£8 (US$8-US$13). On days when the group are on morning game walks or drives, we have an early morning cup of tea or coffee and rusks followed by the walk. Once we return to camp, we have a large brunch around 11am. In the early afternoon, we have a snack-style lunch and dinner will be served after completion of the optional game drives. The water provided on this trip is safe and clean drinking water, normally from boreholes. It is not bottled water, however. If you would rather have bottled water then this will be at your expense, though we would encourage you to make use of the safe drinking water provided as this helps diminish plastic consumption. |
Daily breakfast (B), plus lunches (L) and dinners (D) as shown in the itinerary |
| Description |
Rising high above the veld, the Drakensberg, which translates as Dragon Mountain, forms an imposing, dramatic and quintessentially South African scene, perfect for exploring on foot. Along with the fantastic walking opportunities, we take time to discover the amazing wildlife of the country, hoping to see elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, giraffes, cheetahs and much more. Complementing our journey are more walks and visits to Eswatini (Swaziland), St Lucia and the Battlefields.Hike through forests, plains and mountains and track wildlife on foot, by boat and 4x4 |
Despite being the smallest country in the Southern hemisphere, Swaziland more than makes up for its lack of size with a hugely diverse range of attractions and activities. As one of the few remaining executive monarchies in Africa, culture and heritage are deeply engrained in all aspects of Swazi life, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all who visit. You will find Swaziland is a welcoming Kingdom with wonderfully stunning landscapes, friendly people and up close and personal wildlife sightings. Walk within the reserves, learning to track animals, and truly immerse yourself into the African bush where your senses will come alive. Swaziland is bound tightly with its culture and there will be opportunities to see traditional dancing and to hear beautifully harmonised singing. In the communities you will be welcomed into their homes and their hearts. |
Day 1 Start Johannesburg; to Graskop
We meet at the start hotel before collecting the rest of the group from the airport. We then transfer to the town of Graskop, which perched on the edge of the Mpumalanga escarpment. It is a long drive but we stop at regular intervals to take in the spectacular scenery and to visit the well-known Mac Mac Falls. En route we travel through the highest town in South Africa, Belfast (6,465ft/1,970m), and the scenic Long Tom Pass. We also take the opportunity to stock up on supplies such as drinks and snacks. Accommodation: Mogodi Lodge (or similar)
Day 2 Explore the Panorama Route; walk the Leopard, Guineafowl and Kadishi-Tufa trails
We drive through some beautiful countryside this morning, starting with the stunning views at God's Window. If we are lucky, God's Blanket may be down, a majestic cloud inversion that gives you the feeling of being on top of the world. We visit the fascinating rock formations at Bourke's Luck Potholes, before stopping for breathtaking views over Blyde River Canyon, the third-largest canyon in the southern hemisphere. In the afternoon, we enjoy our first walk of the itinerary, a loop that includes the Leopard, Guineafowl and Kadishi-Tufa trails. Along the way, we have further views on Blyde River Canyon, walk through forest and stop at Tufa Waterfall. Most of the trail is on a good path, but there are some sections of small rock steps, roots and a few small stream crossings. Accommodation: Blyde Canyon Forever Resort (or similar)
Day 3 Drive to a private game reserve; afternoon game drive
After breakfast, we drive to a private game reserve in the Greater Kruger area, our base for the next two days. We have time to relax and enjoy the views from camp before heading out for an afternoon game drive in search of the resident buffalo, zebra, elephant and the elusive leopard. Accommodation: Makuwa Safari Lodge (or similar)
Day 4 Morning game walk; free afternoon
We have an early start this morning, as we drive 40 minutes from our accommodation and meet out specialist guide in Hoedspruit. It's then a short drive to Pridelands, a wildlife-rich private reserve that forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park and is open to the Kruger. Here we spend three hours, at least two of these walking and the rest of the time on an open game drive, searching for the iconic wildlife of Africa. The walk is likely to be around 3mi (5km) but this changes from trip to trip. We walk in the early morning before the heat of the day but it can still get hot in the African Bush. Wear proper walking shoes and trousers (pants). The afternoon is free to relax or go an optional game drive. Accommodation: Makuwa Safari Lodge (or similar)
Day 5 Transfer to Kruger National Park; afternoon game drive
We head to Kruger National Park, justifiably one of the most famous wildlife parks in the world. It is also one of the oldest, established by the South African president Paul Kruger in 1898. It has arguably the greatest variety of animals of any park in Africa, with lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, black and white rhino, plus cheetah, giraffes, hippos and many species of antelopes and smaller plains game. We game drive (in our vehicle) through the park where we have an excellent chance of seeing a wide variety of wildlife. We arrive at our Kruger campsite in the late afternoon just before the camp gates close to maximise our game-viewing chances. Accommodation: Skukuza or Pretoriuskop camp (or similar)
Day 6 Morning game drive in Kruger; transfer to Eswatini (Swaziland)
We get up before sunrise for a game drive at, arguably, the best time of day for game-spotting. We return to camp for breakfast and to pack up before moving onto a new country: Eswatini (Swaziland). We leave the park at around lunch time and have a short stop to resupply before crossing the border into Eswatini (Swaziland). We drive (three hours) to the hilly Malolotja Nature Reserve, where we spend a relaxing evening in the cabins ready for a long walk tomorrow. Accommodation: Malolotja Cabins (or similar)
Day 7 Full day walk in Malolotja
There is superb flora here and we take a daywalk on one of the picturesque walking trails. More than 280 bird species have been spotted in this reserve, as have many antelope species. You will have great views and the chance to spot various eagles or even the very rare bald ibis. The Nkomati River cuts a gorge through the park and flows east in a series of falls and rapids before it meets the lowveld. Our walk takes us to the Malolotja falls viewpoint and then to the upper Majolomba falls and a great lunch spot. Accommodation: Malolotja Cabins (or similar)
Day 8 Visit craft market; to St Lucia
Today we head out of Eswatini (Swaziland) and back into South Africa. On the way, we visit Ezulwini Valley Craft Market before heading south through rural Eswatini (Swaziland). Upon leaving Eswatini (Swaziland), we move on to St Lucia. The small town of St Lucia is both by the Indian Ocean and by lake St Lucia and is known for its crocodile and hippo populations (hippos are sometimes seen wandering in town). The lake itself is the largest estuary in Africa and a haven for birds. The proximity to the ocean means it is possible to go swimming and even whale watching (June to November). Accommodation: Shonalanga apartments (or similar)
Day 9 Morning boat cruise; afternoon visit Cape Vidal
Getting up early, we head down to the dock and board a boat on the nearby lake. We spend two hours exploring by boat with an excellent chance of seeing some of the many resident hippos, crocodiles and fish eagles. We return to our apartments for breakfast and then pack a picnic lunch for the short drive to Cape Vidal, a long stretch of beach along the Indian Ocean. Along the way we stop at bird hides and there’s a small chance of spotting rhinos. We spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or walking to Mission Rocks. Accommodation: Shonalanga apartments (or similar)
Day 10 Transfer to battlefields; hike the fugitive trail
Leaving the coast behind, we head 185mi (300km) towards the battlefields where the British and Zulus fought in 1879. After lunch, we go on a four-hour hike along the fugitive trail, which follows the route taken by the British survivors from the battle of Isandlwana. The British and colonial force was armed with rifles, mountain guns and rocket battery and were facing 20,000 Zulu warriors armed with spears. By the end of the battle, there were only 65 British and Colonial survivors. After our hike, we transfer 31mi (50km) to our lodge for the night. Accommodation: Amabutho Warrior Lodge (or similar)
Day 11 To Royal Natal National Park; afternoon walk
We continue our journey to the beautiful Royal Natal National Park, known from being home to the distinctive natural Amphitheatre. The Drakensberg is a basalt escarpment forming the border between Kwa-Zulu Natal and Lesotho and continuing into the Free State. It means Dragon Mountains, but the Zulu named it Quuathlamba (the Barrier of Spears) - a more accurate description of the sheer, forbidding, jagged escarpment. This afternoon, we go for walks in the local area from our lodge where we are staying. There are several walks we can chose from such as to Policeman’s Helmet or to some bushmen paintings. Accommodation: Thendele Chalets (or similar)
Day 12 Tugela Gorge hike
Today, we follow the Thukela River, past protea trees (the national flower of South Africa as well as the name of their cricket team), indigenous yellow wood forest and mountainous grasslands to the natural Amphitheatre and Thukela Waterfall viewpoint. The walk takes us into the heart of the Royal Natal National Park and offers stunning views of the dramatic northern Drakensberg Mountains. Accommodation: Thendele Chalets (or similar)
Day 13 Full-day hike to Witsieshoek
As the bus takes our luggage to our next lodge, we head along trails by foot. The start of our trail follows a contour line and takes us via Tiger Falls and Gudu Falls. We then head up as we walk through the Mahai Valley crossing the river and walking via the crack past the Mahai Falls, eventually reaching the Basuto Gate and our destination. The hike should take about six hours including stopping for lunch. Accommodation: Witsieshowk Lodge (or similar)
Day 14 Hike to Tugela Falls, the second tallest waterfall in the world
In the morning, we drive 9mi (15km) to the trek start point at the Sentinel Gate. From here, we trek along the edge of the mountains, possibly chaperoned by mountain baboons or, if we are lucky, by the resident bearded vultures, up to the ladders, which take us to the top (9,515ft/2,900m). We then follow the Thukela River to the edge of the waterfall and enjoy views across the amphitheatre and our previous day’s route. We then walk back to the vehicle and transfer 9mi (15km) to our lodge. The hike should take about six hours including stopping for lunch. Accommodation: Witsieshowk Lodge (or similar)
Day 15 Drive through Golden Gate National Park en route to Johannesburg; end Johannesburg.
There is an optional three-hour final morning walk in these wonderful mountains, with a local guide, before driving back to Johannesburg in time for our flight this evening. The trip ends upon arrival in Johannesburg. Please note: If you are organising your own flights, these should not be earlier than the group flights due to the distance we need to travel back to the airport.
Day 1 – Arrive in Swaziland
You will be met on arrival at King Mswati III airport in Swaziland and take the one hour transfer to Mlilwane. On arrival, there is the chance to stretch your legs and walk in the reserve and see wildlife on foot. The walk can be as long or as short as you want as there are a number of trails in different aspects of the reserve. This is dependent on your arrival time. This evening we have a group evening meal and welcome you as you start your amazing holiday in Swaziland. Overnight at Rondavels camp or similar (D)
Day 2 – Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
In the morning there is a gentle walk through the reserve on the Hippo Trail. This is a trail around the main hippo pool and the central plains. Be prepared to see wildlife on foot including wildebeest, impala, and zebra. Keep an eye out for the hippo in the main dam. This is a gentle stroll with lots of options to cut short or lengthen. It will be a slow walk as we will be stopping to see wildlife all the time. There is also time to learn about the reserve and visit the education boards dotted around the camp. In the afternoon we will visit Mantegna's traditional village where you can learn about the Swazi culture and how a traditional village is set out. Local villagers will show you around, explaining the roles of the chief and his wives, their sons and daughters and the traditional healer, also called the sangoma. Overnight at Rondavels camp or similar (BLD)
Day 3 – Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Another gentle morning walks to take in this incredible reserve and some free time to try the optional activities of riding through the reserve or even cycling gently around the reserve. In the late afternoon, we will go on a game drive finishing with sundowners at Execution lookout point and the amazing view. Overnight at Rondavels camp or similar (BLD)
Day 4 – Local Life
Today we will visit a number of unique Swaziland attractions and experiences. First stop is the Umphakatsi, the local chief near to Mlilwane, and learn about local life in Swaziland. We then visit Gone Rural to learn about the story of how women are being empowered in Swaziland through weaving. Visit behind the scenes and see this in action. Over lunch, we will visit Swazi Candles where there is time to watch candles being hand sculpted into colorful animal shapes of a lion, elephant, and other Swazi wildlife. Overnight at Rondavels camp or similar (BLD)
Day 5 – Malolotja
Today we visit Malolotja. Malolotja Nature Reserve which is one of the most impressive mountain parks in Southern Africa and is the largest protected area in the Kingdom. The spectacular scenery and the variety of fauna and flora make it a prime Highveld conservation area. The views in Malolotja are stunning. Here we will visit some spectacular viewpoints and there is the chance to take a gentle walk in the reserve. After lunch, we will then drive further north to Maguga dam and visit the nearby Nsangwini Rock Shelter which is the largest example of San art in the country and is said to provide the most comprehensive display in Swaziland. 4000 years ago, the San people used this Highveld area for spiritual rituals and for recording iconic moments in their lives through etchings on the ancient rocks. The paintings are remarkably clear and informative interpretations are given by members of the Nsangwini community, who manage and maintain the site. Overnight at Foresters Arms or similar (BLD)
Day 6 - Ngwenya Mine
Today we will visit Ngwenya mine which is the oldest mine in the world. Man first began mining iron ore here over 43,000 years ago. We will join a guided tour into the Lion Cavern, the oldest part of this mine. The walk up to the cavern is quite steep yet well-maintained with stepped walkways over rocky sections. Afterward, there is the chance to visit Ngwenya glass factory to see recycled glass being created into glass sculptures. Overnight at Foresters Arms or similar (BLD)
Day 7 - Mkhaya Game Reserve
Today we travel to Mkhaya Game Reserve, named after the Acacia nigrescent tree. The reserve comprises of acacia-dominated thornveld in the south and broadleaf sand veld in the north. Unique, intimate encounters with Mkhaya’s wildlife are exceptional and all travel within the reserve is by open Land Rovers or on foot. The reserve is crisscrossed with dry riverbeds, dotted with waterholes and has a network of intertwined game-viewing roads. Mkhaya currently supports four of the Big Five; with leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino being present on the reserve. You should be able to see a rhino up close and personal. A host of other game such as giraffe, hippo, crocodile, roan and sable antelope, tsessebe, eland, kudu, ostrich and vervet monkey are also seen regularly. The birdlife is also abundant and the rare Narina Trogan can sometimes be seen in camp along with the more common species such as the crested guinea fowl. Mkhaya was set up as a breeding program for endangered species such as the black rhino, roan, and sable - a sighting of the elusive black rhino is normally very high on most visitors list, so keep your eyes peeled on those game drives. During your stay, there will be game drives in the early morning before breakfast and also in the late afternoon. After breakfast, there is often the opportunity to go on a walking safari where you can learn how to track wildlife. During the rest of the day, there is the chance to sit at Kirky Hide to see what comes into the drink, you never know what to expect! Overnight at Stone Camp or similar (BLD)
Day 8 - Mkhaya Game Reserve
A full day to enjoy the Mkhaya Game Reserve. Mkhaya is staffed and patrolled entirely by Swazis from neighboring communities and has what is arguably Africa's most effective anti-poaching unit. The reserve is totally self-financing through visitor revenues. Overnight at Stone Camp or similar (BLD)
Day 9 - Hlane Royal National Park
On the way to Hlane, we will visit a local school for AIDS orphaned and vulnerable children. Spend time with the children and maybe give a helping hand to increase their social skills by playing and chatting with them. They will want to practice their English. In the afternoon we will go on a sundowner safari to see elephant, rhino, and lion, so has your cameras ready. Overnight at Ndlovu Camp or similar (BLD)
Day 10 – Mbuluzi Game Reserve
Near to Hlane is Mbuluzi Game Reserve which encompasses some of Swaziland's most pristine bushveld with a variety of landscapes and excellent biodiversity. Here there are many kilometers of well-marked and maintained trails offering short strolls to explore the area at your own time and pace. Common species include zebra, kudu, impala and warthog although the main attraction is the giraffe as it is possible to walk within these herds without disturbing them - a unique way to see a giraffe. We will spend the morning here exploring the bush. We then go to Simunye Country Club for a dip in the pool and for lunch. Return to Hlane in the afternoon for the rhino drive to see these wonderful animals up close and maybe even on foot. Overnight at Ndlovu Camp or similar (BLD)
Day 11 – Shewula Mountain Camp
Up early for a morning safari to make sure that we get to see the lion and elephants. We then visit Shewula Mountain Camp which is the first community eco-tourism project in Swaziland and one of the most successful in the whole of southern Africa. The camp is fully owned and run by the community, meaning that all profits are shared by the community in an effort to continually develop and improve this traditionally impoverished area. Arrive in time for an educational walk amongst the community where you will learn about life in Shewula and be shown into people’s homes. The Shewula community is a friendly agricultural people, with traditional thatch and stone houses dotted neatly among fields of maize cotton and vegetables. They encourage visitors to their area to enjoy the incredible view, gain an insight into traditional Swazi lifestyles. Have lunch on the escarpment looking over the Lubombo Conservancy and the view here is incredible. This is a traditional lunch cooked by the ladies of the camp and you can taste delicious genuine Swazi food. Overnight at Ndlovu Camp or similar (BLD)
Day 12 – Depart Swaziland
You will be taken to the airport in time for your flight. As the airport is only 20 mins away, there may be time to have one last safari drive, depending on your flight times.
