Depart Johannesburg and travel to the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ – Mpumalanga – via the magnificent Panorama Route. The most spectacular stretch of the Panorama Route is the Blyde River Canyon. From many well-positioned vantage points one has a view of the 33 km long gorge, which starts at ‘Bourke’s Luck Potholes’ and ends at the ‘Three Rondavels’. Time and weather permitting, stop at God’s Window. Late this afternoon you will arrive at your hotel. Check-in and freshen up before dinner. (D)
Early this morning you will depart on an open-vehicle safari through the Kruger National Park. The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. At nearly 2 million hectares, the reserve is the flagship of South African National Parks and is home to an impressive number of flora and fauna. Return to your hotel in the afternoon and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. You will have the option to go on an afternoon safari (at own expense). (BD)
Day 3 - Swaziland
After breakfast, travel to the Royal Kingdom of Swaziland. This tiny mountainous kingdom is filled with bygone African traditions and culture and offers beautiful scenery and attractions such as game reserves and art and craft outlets to name a few. Enjoy a showcase of the traditional Swazi culture followed by lunch at the Matsamo Cultural Village. Continue to the Ngwenya Glass Works to see master craftsmen create beautiful sculptures and artwork from molten glass. This afternoon arrive at your hotel located in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley. (BL)
Accommodation: 1 night Royal Swazi Sun Hotel & Spa.
In Swaziland, there is a verdant and green gorge which is home to a casino resort comprising a trio of hotels: the 5-star Royal Swazi Spa Hotel, the Ezulwini Sun Hotel and the Lugogo Sun Hotel. Set in the natural quiet Ezulwini Valley, this Resort welcomes guests from all corners of the world. The hotels are a minute’s drive apart from each other.
The Standard Rooms provide an en-suite bathroom and shower, air-conditioning, tea andcoffee facilities, television, telephone and hairdryer.
Day 4 - KwaZulu-Natal
Enjoy a morning visit to the Swazi Candle Factory where each candle is made and finished by hand using the age-old technique ‘millefiore’. No two are the same and the range boasts an astonishing array of patterns, shapes and designs. Continue via Big Bend into KwaZulu-Natal. Arrive at your hotel in the afternoon, in time to embark on an afternoon scenic drive up the Lebombo Mountains. (BD)
Accommodation: 2 nights Ghost Mountain Inn.
At the foot of the legendary Ghost Mountain in Mkuze, Northern KwaZulu-Natal, lies the privately owned 4 star Ghost Mountain Inn – a perfect setting to experience the allure of Africa in stylish comfort. This intimate and beautiful hotel is the ideal location from which to explore the array of wildlife and coastal reserves in Maputaland and the Elephant Coast.
Day 5 - KwaZulu-Natal
Today you will transfer to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve for an afternoon of game viewing. The Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve covers a combined area of 90,000hectares and it was here that the white rhino was saved from extinction. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and end the day with dinner at the hotel. (BD)
Accommodation: 1 night The Benjamin Boutique Hotel.
A warm welcome awaits you at The Benjamin, located 5-minutes drive from Durban Beaches and in the heart of the vibrant entertainment strip in Florida Road. The hotel features gardens with an outdoor pool and a shaded terrace. There are 41 rooms, where no two rooms are the same! Most rooms open onto balconies and some onto the gardens. The Benjamin also offers free Wi-Fi.
Day 6 - Durban
Continue the journey along the Elephant Coast of KwaZulu-Natal to St Lucia, located at the southern extremity of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park – a UNESO World Heritage site. Here you embark on an estuarine boat trip which provides an opportunity to view crocodiles, hippo and numerous bird species, including the elusive African kingfisher eagle, in their natural habitat. Continue to Durban, where east meets west; a city beneath which beats the pulse of Africa. Arrive during the afternoon at your hotel. (B)
Accommodation: 1 night The Benjamin Boutique Hotel.
A warm welcome awaits you at The Benjamin, located 5-minutes drive from Durban Beaches and in the heart of the vibrant entertainment strip in Florida Road. The hotel features gardens with an outdoor pool and a shaded terrace. There are 41 rooms, where no two rooms are the same! Most rooms open onto balconies and some onto the gardens. The Benjamin also offers free Wi-Fi.
Day 7 - End of Wildlife & Warriors Tour
This morning you will embark on a brief Durban City Tour where you will discover the cultural and historical contrasts of the city. The tour ends with drop-off at Durban International Airport. (B)