A small-group lodge safari offering the best of South Africa, Eswatini (Swaziland) and Lesotho, from Johannesburg to Cape Town – 20 Days. Experience the exciting wildlife in the iconic Kruger National Park, breathtaking scenery in the Drakensberg mountains and along the Garden Route, and witness the various cultures and history in cities such as Cape Town as you travel through South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini. This safari has it all!
Highlights of the Tour
Johannesburg
Johannesburg is one of Africa’s biggest and most vibrant cities. It is the economic capital of Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. Although not as famous as other South African destinations, there is plenty to do in Johannesburg and nearby Pretoria. The old city is a multi-cultural mixture of modern skyscrapers, traditional medicine shops, multi-cultural restaurants, excellent museums, art galleries and organized tours of historical and political interest. The shopping is Southern Africa’s best and the nearby township of Soweto is Johannesburg’s most popular tourist attraction.
Graskop
Perched on the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment, the little forestry town of Graskop, meaning ‘Grassy Hill’ is set in the heart of Mpumalanga Panorama Tourist Route in northern South Africa. Once a gold mining camp, today it serves as a thriving tourist stopover and base from which to explore the countless natural wonders in the surrounding area. Highlights include the famous Kruger National Park, the world-renowned Blyde River Canyon, Pilgrims Rest, the unique formations of Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels. Some spectacular waterfalls to view are Mac Mac Falls, Motitsi Waterfall, Lisbon Falls and the Berlyn Falls. Other popular activities include descending into the Graskop Gorge on the Graskop Gorge Lift and enjoying a delicious pancake at the ‘Pancake capital of South Africa’.
Kruger National Park
The southern area of South Africa’s most famous game reserve, the Kruger National Park, is separated from lush farmlands by the Crocodile River, a popular area to spot crocodiles, playful hippos and many other thirsty species of wildlife. The game viewing area is known as the ‘Southern Circle’ and is renowned for its rhinos and lions, with different prides boasting an array of different hunting techniques and behaviors to observe. Near the Hippo Pool, visitors can view ancient San rock paintings. The Southern Kruger offers incredible game-viewing opportunities and magnificent landscapes covered in African bushveld and savannah.
Kingdom of Eswatini (Swaziland)
Eswatini’s drawcard is its rich culture, traditional ways and friendly people.
Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park
Named after the many thorny climbers that were once found along the Hluhluwe River, on whose banks the town rests, Hluhluwe is nestled between the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve. This fact ensures that visitors will be treated to incredibly scenic surroundings. Those who enjoy fresh, juicy South African pineapples can indulge themselves to the fullest, with most of the country’s pineapples produced in this region.
Drakensberg Mountains
An imposing wall of rock that rises to 3,000m provides inspiring views and hikes. Known to the Zulus as the Barrier of Spears and to the first European settlers as the Dragon’s Mountains, the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg is 1 of 8 South African UNESCO World Heritage sites, uniquely for both its significance as a natural resource and for the heritage of the San Paintings. For thousands of years, these mountains hosted the San people, who left their records on the walls of numerous sandstone caves. Today most of the Drakensberg is protected as a National Park and is a major attraction for lovers of the outdoors.
Lesotho
Resting on the foothills of the majestic Maloti Mountains, Malealea is a remote village tucked in the Makhaleng Valley on the rustic highland terrain of southern Lesotho. Surrounded by a sweeping landscape of rolling hillsides and rugged mountains, this rural village is the ideal starting point for scenic hikes, pony treks, skiing, and mountain biking. Popular attractions include the Botsoela Waterfall, ancient San rock paintings, caves, overhanging rock sites, the Pitseng Gorge and the Gates of Paradise Pass route, which offers peerless views of the magnificent countryside.
Addo National Elephant Park
As South Africa’s third largest national park, the Addo National Elephant Park offers a truly unforgettable safari experience. This finely-tuned ecosystem provides a sanctuary to large numbers of elephant, lion, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, antelope, zebra and over 400 bird species – to name but a few. The park is unique as it is the only park in the world to boast the “Big 7” – the Big 5 as well as the southern right whale and great white shark off the coast of Algoa Bay. Spend your days marveling at the extensive knowledge of the park’s experienced guides who offer exhilarating 4×4 safari adventures, terrific horse riding excursions, and wonderful night drives where you are likely to spot some fascinating nocturnal wildlife. Famed for its large herds of elephants, Addo provides an ideal, tranquil retreat for those looking to escape the stresses of big city living.
Storms River Peak
Backed by the Tsitsikamma Mountains’ mighty Storms River Peak and surrounded by swathes of indigenous forest, Stormsriver Village, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape offers a scenic adventure and sports enthusiast’s paradise. At the Tsitsikamma National Park and other parks nearby – characterized by wildlife-filled jungles, rivers, and sea views – adrenaline-junkies can enjoy canopying, ziplining, tubing, kayaking, snorkeling, segway riding, cycling, and hiking. An especially popular attraction nearby is the Bloukrans River Bridge, the highest in Africa, where spine-tingling bungee jumping can be enjoyed. The famous Otter Trail begins here, and the surf mecca Jeffrey’s Bay lies just 80 kilometers away. Other highlights include luxury spas; charming craft stalls and boutiques; and a collection of interesting restaurants, such as Marilyn’s 60’s Diner, a retro eatery decorated with a jukebox, 1961 Dodge Lancer, and various other vintage cars.
Oudtshoorn
Oudtshoorn is famous for its ostriches and the magnificent Cango Caves. Located along the renowned Route 62, which takes motorists past one awe-inspiring sight after another, Oudtshoorn is known as the Ostrich Capital of the World; these huge birds are almost as common as people in this charming town. Other than ostriches and the wonderful feathers and meat they provide, the Oudtshoorn area also boasts the spectacular Cango Caves; the largest cave system in Africa, permeated with sparkling stalactites and stalagmites and captivating rock formations.
Cape Town
Resting at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean, sandwiched between the slopes of Table Mountain and the glistening waters of Table Bay, the scenic city of Cape Town is in a class of its own. Boasting a mix of rich culture, vibrant nightlife, a cosmopolitan atmosphere, amazing architecture, world-class beaches, top-notch vineyards, diverse flora and fauna a mid expansive mountainous beauty, Cape Town consistently captivates the hearts of all who visit.
