South Africa. Wildlife and Warriors

Arrive to Johannesburg and where you transfer to your hotel. Depending on time of arrival, there are additional activities available on request. Overnight Peermont Metcourt.

Depart Johannesburg by vehicle and travel to the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ – Mpumalanga- via the magnificent Panorama Route. The most spectacular stretch of the Panoramic Route is the Blyde River Canyon, which offers breathtaking vantage points along the 20-mile long gorge, which starts at ‘Bourke’s Luck Potholes’ and ends at the ‘Three Rondavels’. Time and weather permitting, stop at God’s Window and the Mac Mac Falls. In the late afternoon, arrive at your hotel – located just outside the gates of Kruger National Park. Overnight at Perry’s Bridge Hollow.

At dawn depart on an open vehicle safari thought the Kruger National Park. This world-renowned National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks among the best in Africa. At nearly 7,500 square miles in size, Kruger is the flagship wildlife destination in South Africa and is home to an impressive variety of animal species, including lions, elephants, cape buffalo, hyena, and many more. In the afternoon, return to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day relaxing. You will have the option to venture back into Kruger National Park to enjoy an evening safari (at additional cost). Overnight at Perry’s Bridge Hollow.

After breakfast, drive south to the Royal Kingdom of Swaziland. This tiny mountain kingdom is filled with ancient traditions and culture and offers beautiful scenery and attractions such as game reserves and craft markets. Enjoy a showcase of the traditional Swazi culture followed by a lunch at the Matsamo Cultural Village. Continue to the Ngwenya Glass Works to see master craftsmen create beautiful sculptures and artwork from molten glass. After spending some time at the Mbabane craft markets, arrive at your hotel located in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley. Overnight at Royal Swazi Sun.

After breakfast, enjoy a visit to the Swazi Candle Factory where each candle is made and finished by hand using an old technique called ‘millefiore’. No two candles are the same and the range of candles available boasts a wide array of patterns, shapes and designs. Continue south to Big Bend into KwaZulu-Natal. Arrive at your hotel in the afternoon, with plenty of time for a scenic drive up the Ubombo Mountains, offering views of Lake Jozini. Stop at a beautiful viewpoint atop the mountains for sundowners to enjoy a beautiful sunset. The drive will be combined with a visit to a local and authentic Zulu homestead for a glimpse into Zulu life in today’s world. Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight at Ghost Mountain Inn.

This morning you can sleep in, relax, or take an optional morning game drive (at additional cost). In the afternoon, embark into the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve in search of wildlife, including the endangered white rhinoceros. Return to the hotel in the evening for dinner. Overnight at Ghost Mountain Inn.

After breakfast, journey along the Elephant Coast of KwaZulu-Natal to St. Lucia located in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park – a World Heritage Site. Embark on a boat trip through the estuary which provides excellent opportunities for viewing crocodiles, hippo and a variety of bird species such as the African Fish Eagle. In the late afternoon, continue onto Durban, where east meets west. This multi-cultural city lies on the shores on the warm Indian Ocean. Your hotel is located on the Gold Mile - Durban’s distinctive beach front. Overnight at Southern Sun Elangeni (Jan-July) or Protea Hotel Edward (August-Dec).

This morning take a brief city tour of Durban before being transferred to Durban Airport in time for your onward flights. Recommended extensions include the KwaZulu Natal Battlefields or Cape Town.