Compare South Africa Family Safari with Teenagers by Intrepid Travel vs The Kingdom of Swaziland Explored by Undiscovered Destination

Day 1 Johannesburg

Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Your trip begins with a welcome meeting at 12 noon. Afterwards, head out on a 2 hour cycling tour of Soweto – an exciting opportunity to get an insight into contemporary life in South Africa. You will cycle to some of the most interesting historical sites around Soweto. Visit the formal migrant workers’ hostel and be introduced to conditions of male mine workers and meet the families that live here today. Cycle through the vibrant community of Meadowlands, and continue to the Hector Pieterson Memorial, the historical landmark of the 1976 student's uprising, proceed to the famous Vilakazi street where Nelson Mandela used to live. There will be the chance along the way to visit a market or shop to stock up on any supplies you might need for the next few days. There's WiFi available at your accommodation (the first 30 minutes are free). Note: If you do any exploring on your own today, be sure to get local advice on where it is and isn't safe to walk, especially in the evening. The level of crime here may be higher than what you're used to, and doing a bit of homework can significantly reduce the risk.

Day 2 Hluhluwe Game Reserve

Today is a travelling day. Depart Johannesburg early this morning and travel into the heart of KwaZulu Natal (560km/350miles - approximately 9 hours). Here you will camp at an eco-lodge just 20 kilometres from Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park. The park is home to some amazing wildlife, including lions, elephants, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes and wild dogs. At our camp, you'll have access to a fully stocked communal kitchen, gas stoves, kitchen utensils, a fridge and freezer, a braai (for grilling) and a campfire area. Camping guests are more than welcome to use the swimming pool, bar and restaurant in the lodge. There are also showers, wash basins and toilets available. With the group's assistance, your crew will prepare meals, and the group will help with washing up. The tents are 2 x 2 metres across and 1.7 metres high. Tomorrow we head out on a game drive.

Day 3 Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park

Embark on an adventure through the oldest proclaimed game reserve in South Africa. While you're here, you'll have the chance to see some of the 'Big Five' game –  African elephant, black rhinoceros, Cape buffalo, African lion and African leopard. There will also be a good chance of spotting the white rhino, as Hluhluwe-Imfolozi has the largest population of these near-threatened creatures in the world. A series of conservation efforts has saved them from extinction and their population is once again on the rise. The park also boasts some 400 species of birds, including the African finfoot, bat hawk and white-backed night heron. It is approximately a 40km drive from our overnight camp to the gate of the park. Leaving just after breakfast we spend the whole day in the park on the lookout for animals. The game drive will be in an overland truck with a picnic lunch along the way.

Day 4 Kosi Bay

Depart the game reserve in the morning and visit a Zulu village with a local community guide. Then, travelling northeast to the coast, visit the beautiful Kosi Bay Nature Reserve (160km/100miles - approximately 5 hours including time spent at activities). The location of the bay is amazing. On the one hand there is picturesque jungle with wild figa and monkey orange trees, and a grazing area for hippos; on the other, a mangrove and coral reef that's teeming with aquatic life. Your accommodation, Kosi Bay Lodge, will be in comfortable log chalets. Enjoy a night under the stars as you relax around the campfire.

Day 5 Kosi bay

We have a full day ahead as we explore Kosi Bay by kayak. Kosi Bay is one of very few places on earth where five different species of mangrove trees are found in one area. It is particularly famous for the traditional Tsonga fish traps built to trap fish moving in and out of the estuary with the tide. The Tsonga people, who have made this land their home for more than 1,000 years, are experts in fish traps and the construction of fishkraal. There is also the opportunity to snorkel over the coral reef in search of some colourful fish.

Day 6 Hlane National Park

Driving north, you will reach the small land-locked kingdom of Eswatini (Swaziland), and Hlane National Park (220kms/135miles - approximately 6 hours depending on border crossing). At some point today you'll be able to visit a market or shop to buy anything you might need. A vast expanse of bushveld and its ancient hardwood trees make Hlane Royal National Park home to the largest wild herds in Eswatini. Your camp is spacious and has plenty of tree coverage, making for a nice spot to relax and be greeted by the odd inquisitive impala, warthog or nyala. If you're feeling adventurous, book a guided mountain bike trail, bird walk or game drive and explore the greater Hlane area. In the absence of electricity in Ndlovu Camp, the area is romantically lit at night with candles and parafin lanterns. It's also within easy reach of Ndlovu's semi-open-air restaurant and floodlit waterhole. Hlane Activities Center, a braai/barbeque area (with firewood provided), communal kitchen, and hot showers are all available.

Day 7 Hlane National Park

Explore Hlane National Park on a game drive. This park used to be a private royal hunting ground, which gives you some idea of its calibre as a wildlife-viewing destination. It is Eswatini's largest park, spanning an impressive 30,000 hectares. Landscape-wise, it’s a flat lowland area with some grasslands and shallow pans. There's a great chance of catching sight of Wildebeest, zebra and impala, especially in the drier months. Notably, cheetahs were reintroduced to the park relatively recently. The park also has an abundant and diverse array of birdlife, boasting the highest density of nesting white-backed vultures in all of Africa.  Today's game drive is in an open vehicle with a park guide and takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Day 8 Kruger National Park

Crossing back into South Africa, journey to Kruger National Park – one Africa's very best wildlife arenas (130kms/80miles - approximately 4 hours).  On arrival at the park we start our game drive as we head towards our overnight campsite. The game drive will be in the overland truck and takes approximately 3 hours before reaching camp to set up.  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 an impala out in search of a late-night feed.

Day 9 Kruger National Park

Enjoy further explorations of Kruger. You will embark on a second game drive today, hopefully spotting some animals you didn't cross off the list yesterday! One of the largest game reserves in Southern Africa, Kruger National Park boasts more than 500 bird species, 100 reptile species and 150 mammal species. The big five and the endangered African wild dog are no exceptions. Depending on the areas you visit, you'll have the chance to see some exotic birds along the way, from the tiny bronze mannikin to the more conspicuous ostrich. Keep an eye to the sky where, if you're lucky, a giant eagle owl or martial eagle might be soaring.

Day 10 Blyde River Canyon

Today we set off to visit parts of the Blyde River Canyon, including the three rondavels en route to Graskop (120kms/75miles - approximately 6 hours). One of South Africa's most spectacular attractions, Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world, and probably the greenest. It's an excellent place for walking. The sheer-sided walls of the canyon rise over 2,000 metres and the vegetation varies wildly, from dry rocky sections to rainforest, depending on the altitude. You will explore the stunning Bourke's Luck Potholes, where shadowy rock formations take on different colours and shadings in the changing light.

Day 11 Blyde River Canyon

Enjoy a day of free time with your family. There are many activities on offer. You can choose to take a treetop canopy tour, or perhaps explore the countryside.

Day 12 Johannesburg

Enjoy a morning of free time before returning to Johannesburg (410km/255miles - approximately 7 hours). Your trip comes to an end upon arrival at Tambo International Airport in the afternoon (usually between 2pm and 4pm). If you prefer, we can also drop you at the original joining point location. Please advise your booking agent before you depart or your leader during your welcome meeting on day 1. Please do not book any onwards flights until after 8pm this evening.

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.