Kruger and Swazi Overland: Mountains & Village Culture

Now's the time to explore Africa on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. In Africa, the cultural exchange rate is always favourable. This eye-opening journey into South Africa and Eswatini promises ample face time with the region’s famed wildlife and life-changing contact with the people who make this land their home. Here, you’ll marvel at hippos in their natural habitat and dine on local favourites alongside tasty camp meals. With a reliable and knowledgeable Chief Experience Officer (CEO) on hand at all times, your comfort zone will expand by miles and miles.

Day 1 Johannesburg
Arrive at any time.

Tonight, get to know your group on your first night out together in Johannesburg. After your welcome meeting at the hotel choose to enjoy an Amarula cocktail at the bar or go to Emperors Palace with a wide array of restaurants and bars to choose from. Sit back, relax, eat some grub, sip a cocktail, and get to know your fellow travel buddies as the adventure begins.

Day 2 Johannesburg/Greater Kruger Area
Cruise from Johannesburg towards Kruger National Park in style as the Lando rolls along through scenic mountains and vast open landscapes to the lush, subtropical farming town of Hazyview. Once the group arrives hop out, stretch those legs, and get a feel for your new surroundings before indulging in a traditional dinner with your group and an evening of local dancing.

Day 3 Kruger National Park
Welcome to wildlife country! Kruger is the kind of place that you’ll visit, but still want to return to over and over again. With nearly 5 million acres this park offers some of the best access to wild animals in Africa, so prepare for an epic time… (but you already knew that!) Keep those cameras at the ready as your ultimate African safari fantasy becomes a reality.

Search for lions, elephants, rhinos, and many other animals on a wildlife safari drive. Word of advice? Remember that it’s not all about the animals. This sprawling sanctuary is home to much more; think giant baobab, fever, and marula trees towering over the savannah in a place that feels older than time itself. Stop at prime viewing areas like Hippo Pool, the Kruger Tablets, the Red Rocks and simply revel in your primitive surroundings as nature moves around you.

Day 4 Greater Kruger Area/Eswatini
Hey! Africa is more than just safaris (but you already knew that didn’t you?) Today, the group will cross the border from South Africa to Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) and visit the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary enroute to Lobamba. Lobamba is full of rich culture, diverse heritage, and unique experiences that allow you as a traveller to be a part of it all.

Day 5 Eswatini
Ready… set… go! Explore this endearing little southern country on a full free day to adventure. Trek further into the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary situated in Eswatini’s “Valley of Heaven” in the Ezulwini Valley (you’ll understand why only after standing in this lush landscape).

Then take advantage of even more free time to jump out of those comfort zones; go horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, or for more wildlife viewing in a place that remains one of the raw and untouched sections of bush. See if you can spot rhinos and hippos along the waterways. Encounter Zulu culture, colourful craft markets, and breathtaking mountains looming in the distance. Forget reasons to stop by because you may never want to continue on!

Day 6 Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary/Saint Lucia
Bid farewell to the deep roots of this tiny but mighty country as your group crosses the border back into South Africa into the beautiful Zululand area (one of the mist diverse regions). The group will be staying in the quaint town of St Lucia near the coast. Once you arrive depending on how you feel you can choose to take a boat trip on the estuary or hop on a horse for a ride along the beachfront.

Day 7 Saint Lucia
Another day, another adventure so get out there and explore everyone! St Lucia has lots to do, take a walk down the main drag known as McKenzie Street which is packed with restaurants, lively hostels, and bars for you to try. Or you could amble to the quieter avenues in search of Hippos that sometimes wander around.

Speaking of wildlife there’s plenty of opportunity to see some if you head out on a visit to Hluhluwe - iMfolozi Park, which is a safe haven for both the white and black rhino; but lions, buffalo, elephants, and leopards also call this reserve home.

Day 8 Saint Lucia/Durban
Climb aboard the Lando with your G Adventures friends and travel down the coast to Durban. Use this time to swap jokes, write in your journal, scroll through your photos, or catch up on some sleep. You’ll arrive refreshed and ready to explore the beach, dive into the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, or lounge at your guest house with views of the waves lapping the shore.

In the evening enjoy a traditional Durban meal of "bunny chow" (hollowed out loaf of bread filled with curry).

Day 9 Durban
Depart at any time.

But why would you want to right? If you aren't ready to go home yet that's totally fine just talk with your CEO about extending your adventure and get to know more of South Africa or beyond!