A diverse safari covering some of the best reserves in South Africa including the vast gamelands of Kruger National Park, home to prolific wildlife and the acclaimed Big Five. We also tour the battlefields of Dundee, spot rhino in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi, discover the wetlands of Greater St. Lucia and take an on-foot safari at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary in the kingdom of Swaziland.

Battlefields & Hluhluwe-Umfolozi
From Jo'burg we immediately head south into the Midlands Battlefields area of Kwazulu-Natal. Here we'll visit the world renowned Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana before continuing through Zululand to Greater St. Lucia, the first South African park granted World Heritage status by UNESCO. From here we spend a day in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve. Famous for its ambitious rhino conservation programme, the reserve is arguably the best place in Africa to see both black and white rhino and its also possible to see the Big Five and a host of other wildlife including wild dog, crocodile and hippo.

St. Lucia & Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Before we leave St. Lucia there's time to explore the scenic wetlands and Cape Vidal, snorkel in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, take a guided game walk or join a boat up the St. Lucia River, watching for hippos and crocs. Whale watching and turtle watching are also seasonal options. Next we head to the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland and Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary set in a natural bowl beneath the Nyonyane mountains. Here the absence of big cats allows for a very different game-viewing experience and we take a foot safari in search of giraffe, wildebeest, impala, nyala and warthog. Later there is time for optional activities including mountain biking and a chance to visit a local village and school.

Gamelands of Kruger
Crossing back into South Africa we enter the huge gamelands of Kruger National Park. Covering an area the size of Israel, the park was established in 1898 to protect big game and is now one of the most prolific animal habitats in South Africa. Home to most of Africa's animal species we'll spend a full day making extensive game drives. There's the chance to spot the Big Five as well as rhino, leopard, cheetah, zebra and almost all of South Africa's species of antelope. Finally, we'll visit the awesome Blyde River Canyon, and God's W

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join Jo'burg; drive to Dundee in Kwazulu Natal. 2 Via the Battlefields of Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana to Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park. 3 Full day game-viewing in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve. 4 At leisure; optional excursion to Cape Vidal and boat trip on St. Lucia River. 5 Drive to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary in Swaziland. 6 In Mlilwane; game walk; afternoon free for optional cycling or walks. 7 Drive to Kruger Park boundary in South Africa; optional game drive in Kruger. 8 Full day game-viewing in Kruger NP. 9 Drive to Jo'burg via Blyde River Canyon and God's Window; end Jo'burg.

Accommodation: 1nt hotel, 3nts guesthouse, 2nts beehive huts, 3nts tented camp; 9 breakfasts included.
Transport: 4WD Safari vehicles/On foot.
Comment: An ideal introduction to African wildlife on this easy-going safari. We aim to get off the beaten track in our 4WD vehicles and there are opportunities to explore by boat, bike and on foot too.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader, driver(s), and some ranger/guide(s).
Trip Reference: ZK