Kruger & Kwa-Zulu Natal Safari Itinerary

Arrival to Pretoria

Day 1 in Pretoria

Upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport, you'll be transferred to Pretoria for a city tour exploring South Africa's history. Key landmarks include the Union Buildings, Voortrekker Monument, and Freedom Park. Consider visiting the Pretoria National Botanical Garden or Ditsong National Museum of Natural History.

Explore the Drakensberg

Day 2–4 in Drakensburg

Head towards the Drakensberg via Free State Province to Golden Gate Highlands National Park. Experience the sandstone formations, landscapes, and wildlife on a guided game drive or hike.

Day three brings you to the Drakensberg region, offering a variety of outdoor activities. Explore the area's hiking trails, including Tugela Falls, Sentinel Peak, and the Amphitheatre, or opt for horseback riding or golfing amidst stunning mountain vistas.

On the final day, delve into the cultural heritage of the Drakensberg. Visit the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park's San rock art sites, or learn about the 19th-century Anglo-Boer and Anglo-Zulu wars at nearby battlefields and museums.

Into Kwa-Zulu Natal

Day 5–7 in Kwazulu-Natal

Heading southeast into Kwa-Zulu Natal and onto the coastal town of St. Lucia. Visit the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with diverse wildlife. Embark on a boat trip along the St. Lucia Estuary to spot hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat.

On the second day, explore Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, renowned for its black and white rhino conservation project. Enjoy thrilling game drives to observe these majestic creatures and other wildlife. Later, head to Pongola Game Reserve, one of South Africa's oldest reserves. Stay at White Elephant Bush Camp, where you'll experience stunning sunsets and magnificent views. Conclude your visit with an early morning bush walk for an immersive encounter with the African bush, appreciating its sights, sounds, and smells.

Kingdom of Swaziland (Eswatini)

Day 8–9 in Mbabane

Head to Mbabane, the capital of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), exploring its captivating landscapes and welcoming locals. Visit Mantenga Cultural Village to learn about Swazi traditions and history. Choose to explore the surroundings on foot, mountain bike, or horseback for a more immersive experience.

On day two, indulge in the local arts and crafts scene. Visit colourful markets, witness the creation of intricately designed Swazi Candles, and marvel at the skilled art of glassblowing. These unique souvenirs will serve as a memorable reminder of your time in this enchanting kingdom.

Onto the mighty Kruger

Day 10–13 in Kruger National Park

The showpiece of South African tourism, Kruger National Park is one of the world’s most famous protected areas, and for good reason.

This huge (19,485 sq km) park in the far northeast of South Africa is home to tens of thousands of mammals and birds including large numbers of all your African favourites.

The scenery is classic Africa, with the diversity of safari activities the equal of anywhere and there are endless accommodation options and safari styles available, from tented camps to luxury lodges. The park is readily accessible and, thanks to an impressive road system, easy to travel around.

There’s a massive amount of accommodation in and around Kruger National Park. The park itself caters to all budgets, from hardcore bush campers to lodges with a luxury royal seal (and a price tag to match). In general, the finest accommodation and best safari guides can be found in the exclusive private reserves bordering Kruger itself. The prices quoted by such places might appear steep but keep in mind that they generally include all activities including guided safaris in state-of-the-art vehicles, meals and most drinks, plus the conservation fees that help maintain such wilderness areas.