20 Day Explorer – Mountain Majesty & Coastal Bliss

Rise with the sun and join park rangers as they unlock the park gates. Your expert guide, with an eagle eye for wildlife, will lead you on an unforgettable game drive. Explore diverse ecosystems teeming with life, searching for over 505 bird species, 148 mammals, and fascinating reptiles. Witness the majesty of Kruger firsthand and understand why it’s revered by wildlife enthusiasts worldwide. Escape the midday heat and relax at the rest camp, offering restaurants, shops, and a refreshing pool. Return to camp in the late afternoon, exhilarated by the day’s sightings. For the truly adventurous, an optional night safari awaits. As evening settles, gather around a crackling campfire and share stories beneath a blanket of stars, before enjoying a delicious dinner. This is your Kruger adventure!

Trip Highlights: Full Day Game Driving – Kruger National Park
Accommodation: Numbi Hotel (or similar) – Twin share accommodation with en-suite faci
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: : Kruger Night Game Drive

Fuel up with a light breakfast before you embark on another thrilling day in Kruger! Bring your cameras and binoculars along for a safari ride in an open 4×4 vehicle. Experience the diverse landscapes of Kruger’s park while winding along established tracks. Be on the lookout for the incredible wildlife the park is known for. More than two million hectares of the park are filled with wildlife, including lions, elephants, leopards, rhinoceros, and more. A truly unforgettable wildlife encounter awaits if you see the Big Five! After exploring the area, return to camp in the late afternoon.

TripHighlights: Full Day Game Driving – Kruger National Park
Accommodation: Numbi Hotel (or similar) – Twin share accommodation with en-suite facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Kruger Night Game Drive

After leaving Hazyview, journey south alongside Kruger National Park, passing charming farming towns and traditional Shangaan settlements. We’ll make a quick stop in Nelspruit before continuing through lush citrus groves. Cross the Crocodile River and enter the majestic Kingdom of Eswatini, a landlocked gem nestled between Mozambique and South Africa. Unwind at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Eswatini’s oldest protected area, nestled in the breathtaking Ezulwini Valley, aptly named “Valley of Heavens.” Prepare for two unforgettable nights in this idyllic sanctuary.

Trip Highlights: Kingdom of Eswatini, Ezulwini Valley – Valley of Heavens
Accommodation: Mlilwane Camp (or similar) – Twin share accommodation with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance Covered: ± 450 kms
Driving Time: ± 8 hours

Enjoy breakfast surrounded by breathtaking scenery as you listen to grunting antelope and exotic birds. Explore the Royal Enclosure, a historical and cultural treasure trove within Mlilwane Sanctuary, Eswatini’s oldest protected area. Immerse yourself in Swazi traditions with a local guide, navigating a village and learning about customs. Browse vibrant street markets, perfecting your bartering skills with local artisans. Back at the sanctuary, choose your adventure on the variety of optional activities available here: horseback riding, game drives, mountain biking, guided walks, or simply relax by the pool with a book. Over 40 animal species call Mlilwane home, from exotic honey badgers and dwarf mongooses to majestic hippos and playful zebras. As the sun dips, unwind with refreshing drinks overlooking the hippo pool before a delicious dinner prepared by your attentive crew. Unwind and reconnect with nature in the heart of Eswatini’s paradise.

Accommodation: Mlilwane camp (or similar) – Twin share accommodation with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
WIFI: Yes
Optional Activities: Mountain Biking Tour, Horse Riding, Sunset Game Drive, Guided Bird Tour, Guided Walk

Bidding farewell to Mlilwane’s charm, delve deeper into Swazi landscapes as we travel south. Cross the border and enter KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa. Our next stop: St. Lucia, a captivating coastal town nestled amidst wild beaches and a lush tropical estuary. Embark on an unforgettable river cruise on the St. Lucia Lagoon this afternoon. Spot playful hippos, lazy crocodiles, and a dazzling array of birdlife lining the sandy banks. Feeling adventurous? Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters. As evening descends, unwind at the camp’s scenic gardens. Gaze upon the star-studded southern hemisphere sky, a perfect end to another unforgettable day.

Trip Highlights: Border Crossing into Kwazulu Natal Province, St Lucia, River Cruise
Accommodation: Monzi (or similar) – Twin share accommodation with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Mountain Biking Tour, Horse Riding, Sunset Game Drive, Guided Bird Tour, Guided Walk
Distance Covered: ± 330 kms
Driving Time: ± 7 hours

Today, you can take your time soaking up St. Lucia’s charms. Take advantage of the campsite’s idyllic setting to explore the town’s shops and markets. We cruise through scenic pine forests and sugarcane fields on our way to Durban, a bustling port city. As soon as you arrive, you can explore Durban’s vibrant energy. Enjoy the city’s renowned nightlife, explore its offerings, or take in the city’s culture!

Trip Highlights: Durban 
Accommodation: Road Lodge (or similar) – Twin share accommodation with en-suite facilities
Meals included: Breakfast
Optional Activities: City Tour
Distance Covered: ± 260 kms
Driving Time: ± 4 hours

Spend a day at your leisure exploring this vibrant city. Soak up the sun on the iconic Golden Mile beachfront, where colorful flea markets and a range of beachfront restaurants with stunning views entice you. Savor the flavors of Durban with a local curry, a must-try for any foodie. Thrill-seekers can head to uShaka Marine World, Africa’s largest marine theme park, boasting the most sharks in the Southern Hemisphere. Dive into the underwater world or conquer your fear on exhilarating water slides. Feeling truly adventurous? Take the plunge from the Moses Mabhida Stadium’s “Big Swing,” experiencing breathtaking 360-degree views of Durban. This is your Durban adventure – customize it to your desires!

Trip Highlights: Durban Golden Mile Beachfront, , Moses Mabhida Stadium’s “Big Swing”
Accommodation: Road Lodge (or similar) – Twin share accommodation with en-suite facilities
Meals included: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Moses Mabhida Stadium Big Swing

Trade the coast for rolling hills and lush mountains as we travel via Pietermaritzburg to Sani Lodge, your home for the next two nights. Nestled at the foot of Sani Pass, the gateway to the majestic Kingdom of Lesotho, this lodge offers breathtaking panoramas. Sani Pass itself boasts a fascinating history, once a humble mule track for trade. Today, it’s the only vehicle access over the Drakensberg escarpment. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, soaking in the scenery or exploring the many hiking trails that snake through this incredible landscape.

Trip Highlights: Pietermaritzburg, Lush mountainous countryside, Kingdom of Lesotho
Accommodation: Sani Lodge (or similar) – Twin share accommodation with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Hiking and Walking Trails
Distance Covered: ± 220 kms
Driving Time: ± 3 hours

Today, we conquer the Sani Pass (2874m), the gateway to this mountain kingdom. Ride in a 4×4 as your local guide navigates the rugged Drakensberg cliffs, sharing stories of the region’s pioneers, history, and the diverse mountain wildlife. Immerse yourself in local life with a visit to a shepherd’s village. Witness a sheep shearing (depending on the season) and gain an appreciation for Lesotho’s way of life. Ascend the Black Mountain, the second-highest pass in Lesotho (3240m), and savor a picnic lunch with breathtaking views. Meet the shepherds who tend their flocks here during the summer months. Take a short hike to view Thabana Ntlenyana (3482m), the highest point in southern Africa! On the return journey, unwind with a drink at the highest pub in Africa, Sani Mountain Lodge, before settling in for the night at our cozy camp. This is Lesotho like you’ve never seen it before!

Trip Highlights:Sani Pass, 
Accommodation: Sani Lodge (or similar) – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Hiking and Walking Trails
Distance Covered: ± 30 kms
Driving Time: Full day tour

Immerse yourself in South Africa’s rich history with a visit to the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields. These solemn grounds, where Zulu, Boer, and British soldiers clashed, hold a powerful silence that resonates with the past. Explore key historical sites and delve into the region’s fascinating narrative. In the late afternoon, unwind at your lodge with a game of table tennis, foosball, or pool, or take a refreshing dip in a nearby rock pool. Choose your relaxation and reflect on a day steeped in history.

Trip Highlights: Kwazulu Natal Battefields,
Accommodation: Amphitheatre Lodge (or similar) – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance Covered: ± 240 kms
Driving Time: 5 hours

Today, we explore Royal Natal National Park, a jewel of KwaZulu-Natal. Towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking scenery await within this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Choose your adventure: lace up your boots and conquer scenic trails (from relaxing hour-long walks to challenging full-day hikes) with a detailed guidebook at your disposal. Horseback riding adventures are also on offer. No matter your pace, you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring views, including the iconic Amphitheatre rock face. Delve deeper into history with a visit to ancient cave dwellings and witness the wonders of bushman rock art. After a day of exploration, soak in the crisp mountain air and savor a delicious dinner under the vast Drakensberg sky. Note: Trails may be adjusted based on weather conditions.

Trip Highlights: Royal Natal National Park, 
Accommodation: Amphitheatre Lodge (or similar) – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Guided Tugela Falls Hike
Distance Covered: ± 240 kms
Driving Time: 5 hours

Bid farewell to the Drakensberg’s majesty! This morning, we embark on a scenic drive, skirting Lesotho’s northern border before re-entering via Maseru Bridge Gate. Travel south, winding through rolling mountains and narrow passes, until Malealea Lodge emerges, perched high in the Mafeteng District of remote western Lesotho. This secluded haven offers a plethora of optional activities – immerse yourself in the local Basotho culture, all while surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas. Unwind and reconnect with nature at Malealea Lodge!

Trip Highlights:
Accommodation: Malealea Lodge (or similar) – Twin share accommodation with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance Covered: ± 350 kms
Driving Time: 8 hours

Embrace Lesotho’s adventure today! Craft your own itinerary with a variety of optional activities. Thrill-seekers can conquer mountain biking trails, navigating narrow paths with breathtaking vistas. Hike at your own pace and connect with the Basotho people as they go about their daily lives. No Lesotho adventure is complete without a pony trek! Explore hidden waterfalls, ancient Bushman paintings, and immerse yourself in Basotho culture – all on horseback. The choice is yours: design your perfect day in Lesotho’s breathtaking mountains!

Trip Highlights: Malealea
Accommodation: Malealea Lodge (or similar) – Twin share accommodation with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Pony Trek to Waterfalls and Bushman Paintings, Bushman Paintings Pony Trek, 1 Hour Pony Ride to Village,
Guided Hiking Trails, Mountain Biking, Village, School, and Museum Hike (3 Hours)

Leaving the Lesotho highlands, we cross into South Africa early in the morning. There are over 700 animals in this park, including eland, cape buffalo, cheetah, lion, caracal, black rhino, and bat eared fox. Cape Mountain zebras, after which the park is named, make up the majority of the park’s mammalian fauna. While en-route to our camp for the evening in the National Park, we game drive in our vehicle in search of these animals.

Trip Highlights: Mountain Zebra National Park
Accommodation: Mountain Zebra National Park Rest Camp (or similar) – Twin share accommodation with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance Covered: ± 430 kms
Driving Time: 9 hours

Addo Elephant National Park awaits! Today’s adventure takes you on a wildlife safari through this diverse park. Addo boasts a unique claim to fame – it’s the only place on earth where you can spot the “Big 7”! Search for iconic land giants like elephant, lion, and rhino, alongside elusive predators like leopard. Keep your eyes peeled for the park’s abundant antelope and zebra species. But the “Big 7” extends beyond the land! Addo neighbors Algoa Bay, offering the chance to see southern right whales and great white sharks with optional marine excursions (not included). After a thrilling day on safari, unwind at your beachfront accommodation just outside Port Elizabeth. This is your Addo Elephant adventure!

Trip Highlights: Addo Elephant National Park
Accommodation: Willows Resort (or similar) – Twin share accommodation with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance Covered: ± 300 kms
Driving Time: 5 hours

Early in the morning, we make our way over to Storms River where we explore the wonders of Tsitsikamma National Park.  Hike amidst lush forests and dramatic coastline, or choose your adventure – cruise scenic waterways, paddle crystal-clear rivers, or go birdwatching. This multi-dimensional paradise offers something for everyone, from gentle hikes to the adrenaline rush of Bloukrans Bridge’s bungee jump (optional). Don’t miss this Garden Route gem!

Accommodation: Plettenberg Bay Forever Resorts (or similar) – Twin share accommodation with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Bungee Jump, Bridge Walk, Half Day Tubing

Immerse yourself in the Klein Karoo’s wonders after breakfast! Explore Oudtshoorn, the “ostrich capital,” and discover the world’s largest show cave system, the Cango Caves, with its towering formations. Witness the majesty of dripstone caverns after a day exploring this unique region nestled between the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains. Unwind in a charming Karoo town for the night!

Accommodation: Kleinplaas (or similar) – Twin share accommodation with en-suite facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance Covered: ± 150 kms
Driving Time: 3 hours

Leaving the charm of Oudtshoorn behind, journey south! Pass sprawling farmlands and reach the dramatic Cape Agulhas, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans collide. Witness the historic lighthouse and learn about the treacherous coastline. Continue to Hermanus, a haven for whale watchers and outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the town, breathe in the fresh sea air, and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and whales in Walker Bay! This exciting day offers breathtaking scenery, historical significance, and a taste of Hermanus’ coastal charm.

Accommodation: Hermanus Backpackers (or similar) – Twin share accommodation with en-suite facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Activities: Hermanus Whale Watching/Cruise

Take your time exploring Hermanus! Alternatively, stroll the charming shops and boardwalk or take a whale watching tour (optional). Experience the history of the town’s maritime heritage at the Old Harbour Open-Air Museum. Take a scenic drive along the coast and stop at charming fishing towns and a winery to sample the wine. At the foot of Table Mountain, Cape Town is the culmination of your unforgettable South African adventure.

Meals included: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Shark Cage Diving

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.