Kruger, Eswatini and South Africa's Garden Route

21 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
View all 27 photos
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
premier

Health Safety +

Cancellation Policy
Small Group Tour
Visit the great game reserves of South Africa and Eswatini. Search for the Big Five, learn about the history of the Zulu battlefields, explore the wetlands of St Lucia and discover the last absolute monarchy in Africa. Kruger - The most iconic National Park in South Africa, home to the Big Five Hluhluwe iMfolozi - Home to the biggest rhino populati...
19%
$5,055
From$4,110
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Highlights

    • Search for the Big Five in South Africa's spectacular Kruger National Park
    • Take in the showstopping vistas along the world-famous Garden Route
    • Visit the battlefield of Rorke's Drift -home of the famous battles of the Anglo-Zulu War

What's this trip about?

    Visit the great game reserves of South Africa and Eswatini. Search for the Big Five, learn about the history of the Zulu battlefields, explore the wetlands of St Lucia and discover the last absolute monarchy in Africa. Kruger - The most iconic National Park in South Africa, home to the Big Five Hluhluwe iMfolozi - Home to the biggest rhino population in Africa Mlilwane - A walking safari in this secluded wildlife sanctuary beneath the Nyonyane Mountains.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityJohannesburg
End CityJohannesburg Airport (JNB)

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • Africa
  • South Africa

Attractions

  • Cape Town
  • Johannesburg
  • Knysna
  • Kruger National Park
  • Nelson
  • Oudtshoorn
  • Robben Island
  • Stellenbosch
  • Tsitsikamma National Park

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip Johannesburg Airport; drive to the Drakensberg Mountains

Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city, and once home to both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Today your leader will meet you at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) at 10.30am, we will depart no later than 11.30am. From the airport we drive south-...

Day 2 Walk in Drakensberg World Heritage Site

We wake up to a hearty breakfast before having an opportunity to partake in a guided walk, where we will be able to experience the beauty of this mountain range first hand. The full walk will usually take four to five hours and is of a moderate to challenging level of...

Day 3 Visit battlefields; drive on to St Lucia

After an early start, we depart on the drive to the famous battlefield of Rorke's Drift, arriving around mid-morning. Portrayed in the film Zulu Dawn, the battle at Rorke's Drift was a bloody and hugely significant battle in the history of the Zulu nation. Although ti...

Day 4 Game Drives in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve

We rise early this morning to take advantage of the 'golden hour' on what is our first opportunity to experience a 'Big 5' safari, in one of Africa's oldest game reserves. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi park boasts the densest population of both white and black rhino in the whole ...

Day 5 At St Lucia Wetland Reserve

Today is a day of leisure, where we have a choice of optional activities available in the area. There is the opportunity to continue our game viewing experience by taking a leisurely open game drive in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which was the first World Heritage ...

Day 6 Drive to Eswatini

This morning we make our way to Eswatini, during June to November we may have the opportunity to participate in the optional activity of whale watching, the St. Lucia coastline is the optimal location to view Humpback whales as they make their way up the coastline to ...

Day 7 Game viewing and optional activities in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Mlilwane is Eswatini's oldest protected area, owned and managed by a non-profit making trust, it is situated in the low foothills of the Nyonyane Mountains. The park has been rehabilitated to become Eswatini's most frequented reserve where one can enjoy the beauty of ...

Day 8 Drive to Kruger National Park

After an early start we drive north re-entering South Africa and crossing the Crocodile River into the Kruger National Park. This two million hectare wilderness is amongst the world's first proclaimed National Park and is justifiably South Africa's showpiece, boasting...

Day 9 Game viewing in Kruger National Park; drive to Graskop

The Kruger National Park was established in 1898 to protect big game that had been hunted to near extinction, it is now one of the most prolific animal habitats in South Africa, committed to animal conservation. We depart camp for our morning game drive searching for ...

Day 10 Drive to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) fly to Cape Town

Departing at 9am this morning we drive for around 7 hours back to Johannesburg. Along the way we drive through the airy uplands of Mpumalanga, an area that has been inhabited since the Stone Age and boasts rivers, multiple waterfalls, craggy escarpments and colourful ...

Day 11 Explore Cape Peninsula National Park

Our full day trip to Cape Peninsula will begin with a scenic drive via the white-sand beaches of Fish Hoek, stopping to explore the small but important naval base of Simon's Town. Later, we arrive at Cape of Good Hope, allegedly named due to the optimism once felt b...

Day 12 Free day in Cape Town; evening in Stellenbosch

Today is free for you to explore under your own steam and there is ample choice on how to spend your day. If you want to visit Robben Island, this morning is the best time to go. With prior booking, you can visit the infamous Robben Island, the former prison where...

Day 13 Free day in Stellenbosch to visit a vineyard

Stellenbosch is world famous for its wine and today is a perfect opportunity to visit one or two vineyards for a tasting. Many are set within spectacular gardens and farmland, and offer the opportunity to have lunch and a stroll. A guided tour of Stellenbosch Town is ...

Day 14 Travel to Hermanus via Stony Point's African Penguin Colony

This morning will be an earlier start as we make our way to Hermanus. A 90 minute drive takes us to the Betty's Bay area where we will have an included visit to Stony Point Nature Reserve. This reserve sits on the site of a historic whaling station and has a quiet, un...

Day 15 Visit Cape Agulhas. Spend the night in Swellendam

We'll stand on the southernmost point of the African continent this morning and see where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean in a white crash of waves. Now marked by a stone plaque, the 'Cape of Needles' was once a point of grave danger to European navigators a...

Day 16 Explore Swellendam, continue to Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo, the ostrich capital of the world

This morning, we have time to explore the historic town of Swellendam. The town is small by most standards but is one of the oldest districts in South Africa. Rich in colonial history as an old trading post, the town has well-preserved examples of Cape Dutch architect...

Day 17 Visit Cango Caves and take in the views at Knysna Heads

We start today by exploring the huge limestone caverns of the Cango Caves. These caves are an underground network of extraordinary structures, millions of years old. The combination of dripping rainwater and limestone has led to the creation of ancient stalactites, st...

Day 18 Discover Robberg Nature Reserve. Free afternoon in Plettenberg Bay

Today we'll take a short drive to Robberg Nature Reserve where our Trip Leader will lead a walk along the trails. The hiking here is moderate - it's uneven under foot in places and can be slippery so good walking shoes are advised, but rewards are abundant: brilliant ...

Day 19 Walk, kayak or discover the tree canopy at Tsitsikamma National Park

This morning we leave on a short journey to Tsitsikamma National Park about 45 minutes away. Another hotspot for seasonal whale watching, the national park covers both land and sea, protecting important forest and marine areas and offering stunning coastal views. We'l...

Day 20 Experience a game drive at Addo Elephant National Park

We leave the Tsitsikamma area this morning for another of South Africa's national parks, stopping for breakfast on the way. Home to more than 600 elephants as well as lion, hyena and Cape buffalo, Addo Elephant National Park is our last national park of the trip. On a...

Day 21 Search for wildlife as the sunrises. Trip ends at Port Elizabeth Airport

The trip ends after breakfast at our accommodation near Addo National Park. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Addo at any time. Check out from our accommodation is at 10am. If you would like a transfer today, you need to depart from Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ), which is one hour from Addo.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $4,110
Price per day$196
Last Updated: 4/26/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
27 Jun 2024
17 Jul 2024
$4,110
$660
1 spots left
18 Jul 2024
07 Aug 2024
$4,300
$650
4 spots left
01 Aug 2024
21 Aug 2024
$4,250
$650
2 spots left
15 Aug 2024
04 Sep 2024
$4,250
$650
5 spots left
29 Aug 2024
18 Sep 2024
$4,250
$650
9 spots left
05 Sep 2024
25 Sep 2024
$4,380
$660
2 spots left
12 Sep 2024
02 Oct 2024
$4,430
$650
6 spots left
26 Sep 2024
16 Oct 2024
$4,380
$660
6 spots left
03 Oct 2024
23 Oct 2024
$4,380
$660
3 spots left
10 Oct 2024
30 Oct 2024
$4,380
$660
8 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,513
Great
2,167
Average
377
Disappointing
116
Terrible
53
T

Trusted Customer

Feb 2024

Written on

Zululand and Kruger Wildlife + Garden Route

This is the first Explore trip where we have not had a separate guide and driver and this is a big mistake, no one can drive and guide safely at the same time, for l...

R

Richard

Feb 2024

Written on

Zululand and Kruger Wildlife + Garden Route

Great trip but there were significant issues. Driver required to drive for unsafe periods of time, poor vehicles and combined driver / guide provided a poor overall ...

B

Bernard

Feb 2024

Written on

Zululand and Kruger Wildlife + Garden Route

Seeing lions, a leopard and elephants

K

Karin

Feb 2024

Written on

Zululand and Kruger Wildlife + Garden Route

The Zululand and Kruger part of the trip was excellent. Wonderful sights and great animal watching. Our leader Andrew Kruger was exceptional. The Garden Route was go...

J

Juliet

Feb 2024

Written on

Zululand and Kruger Wildlife + Garden Route

Wonderful wildlife. Especially seeing a leopard

Write a Review

Other Explore! Reviews

M

Mark

Apr 2024

Written on

Cycle Saigon to Hanoi

Wow, what a trip. An awesome tour from Saigon to Hanoi under the excellent guidance of our tour leader Doan. Doan and his amazing local support team made the journ...

M

Margaret

Apr 2024

Written on

Treasures of Jordan

Abdullah was an excellent guide who made our trip run very smoothly with as much time as possible at the various attractions. He was very knowledgible, empathatic, s...

N

Naomi

Apr 2024

Written on

Highlights of Albania

Mixed feelings. Fabulous countryside, mountains & valleys, rivers & greenery. Lovely churches, mosques, museums & old Roman remains. But towns in 1st w...

Write a Review

Tour Operator

Explore!

premier
View Profile

About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Transportation & Flights

4WD, Minibus,

Transportation & flights

4WD, Minibus
Guides
Explore Tour Leader
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
South Africa: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, US and Canadian citizens. New Zealand ordinary passport holders do not require a visa, all other passport holders please consult your local consulate for full information. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. Please ensure you have the correct multiple entry visa, especially if you are visiting another country on your itinerary and will need to re-enter South Africa - this includes visiting Swaziland. All visitors should ensure their passport is machine readable, has a minimum of 6 months validity from your arrival date into the country and has two blank pages when entering and leaving South Africa. The South African Immigration officials will not allow child/ infant pages to be used for this purpose and visitors without the stipulated blank pages will be denied entry. There are special requirements for travelling to South Africa with children under 18 who hold South African nationality, and for unaccompanied children entering South Africa. The South African Department of Home Affairs has more information. Swaziland: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian citizens. You will require one blank visa page in your passport with a minimum validity of 6 months. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Health & Safety
Please note that you will be required to supply a yellow fever certificate that has been issued at least 10 days prior to arrival in South Africa if you have travelled from or via a country where yellow fever is endemic. We recommend protection against hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, polio and diphtheria. According to various travel health sources, the Western Cape is not regarded as a malaria risk area. If you are travelling to other areas in South Africa please check with your doctor about malaria requirements. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 20
  • Dinner : 4
  • Lunch : 1
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-ZKS

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!