Kruger, Eswatini and South Africa's Garden Route

21 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
View all 11 photos
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Group Tour
Visit the great game reserves of South Africa and Eswatini. Search for the Big Five, learn about the history of the Zulu battlefields, explore the wetlands of St Lucia and discover the last absolute monarchy in Africa. Kruger - The most iconic National Park in South Africa, home to the Big Five Hluhluwe iMfolozi - Home to the biggest rhino populati...
$5,120
From$4,570
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Highlights

    • Search for the Big Five in South Africa's spectacular Kruger National Park
    • Take in the showstopping vistas along the world-famous Garden Route
    • Visit the battlefield of Rorke's Drift -home of the famous battles of the Anglo-Zulu War

What's this trip about?

    Visit the great game reserves of South Africa and Eswatini. Search for the Big Five, learn about the history of the Zulu battlefields, explore the wetlands of St Lucia and discover the last absolute monarchy in Africa. Kruger - The most iconic National Park in South Africa, home to the Big Five Hluhluwe iMfolozi - Home to the biggest rhino population in Africa Mlilwane - A walking safari in this secluded wildlife sanctuary beneath the Nyonyane Mountains.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transport
Start CityJohannesburg
End CityAddo National Park

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

Attractions

  • Cape Town
  • Johannesburg
  • Knysna
  • Kruger National Park
  • Nelson
  • Oudtshoorn
  • Robben Island
  • Stellenbosch
  • Table Mountain
  • Tsitsikamma National Park

Activities

  • Hiking

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 20

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip Johannesburg Airport; drive to the Drakensberg Mountains

Our tour starts today in Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city, once home to both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Your tour leader will meet you at 10.30am at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) and we aim to depart no later than 11.30am. From the airport, ...

Day 2 Walk in Drakensberg World Heritage Site

This morning, after a hearty breakfast, we'll have the opportunity to join a guided walk and experience the beauty of the mountain range first-hand. The full walk takes around four to five hours and we\ ve graded it as moderate-to-challenging. There are several turnin...

Day 3 Visit battlefields; drive on to St Lucia

We'll set off early this morning and head to the famous battlefield of Rorke's Drift, arriving around mid-morning. Portrayed in the film Zulu Dawn, the battle at Rorke's Drift was a bloody and hugely significant battle in the history of the Zulu nation. Although time ...

Day 4 Game Drives in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve

We'll have another early start this morning to take advantage of the \ golden hour\ on a Big 5 safari in one of Africa's oldest game reserves. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park boasts the densest population of both white and black rhinos in the whole of Africa. We'll have lunch...

Day 5 At St Lucia Wetland Reserve

Today you\ re free to choose from one of several optional activities. There is the opportunity to continue our game-viewing experience by taking a leisurely open game drive in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which was the first World Heritage Site in South Africa and h...

Day 6 Drive to Eswatini

This morning, we'll make our way to Eswatini, from June to November we may have the opportunity to participate in the optional activity of whale watching, the St. Lucia coastline is the optimal location to view Humpback whales as they make their way up the coastline t...

Day 7 Game viewing and optional activities in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Mlilwane is Eswatini's oldest protected area, owned and managed by a non-profit making trust, it is situated in the low foothills of the Nyonyane Mountains. The park has been rehabilitated to become Eswatini's most frequented reserve where you can enjoy the beauty of ...

Day 8 Drive to Kruger National Park

After an early start, we'll drive north re-entering South Africa and crossing the Crocodile River into the Kruger National Park. This two-million-hectare wilderness is amongst the world's first proclaimed National Park and is justifiably South Africa's showpiece, boas...

Day 9 Game viewing in Kruger National Park; drive to Graskop

The Kruger National Park was established in 1898 to protect big game that had been hunted to near extinction, it's now one of the most prolific animal habitats in South Africa, committed to animal conservation. We'll depart camp for our morning game drive, stopping at...

Day 10 Drive to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) and fly to Cape Town

Departing at 9am this morning we drive for around 7 hours back to Johannesburg. Along the way, we'll drive through the airy uplands of Mpumalanga, an area that has been inhabited since the Stone Age and boasts rivers, multiple waterfalls, craggy escarpments and colour...

Day 11 Explore Cape Peninsula National Park

Our full-day trip to Cape Peninsula begins with a scenic drive via the white-sand beaches of Fish Hoek, stopping to explore the small but important naval base of Simon's Town. Later, we'll arrive at Cape of Good Hope, allegedly named due to the optimism once felt by a...

Day 12 Free day in Cape Town; evening in Stellenbosch

Today is free for you to explore more at your own pace - there are plenty of options for you to pick from. If you want to visit Robben Island, the former prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated, this morning is the best time to go - please note, you'll need to...

Day 13 Free day in Stellenbosch to visit a vineyard

Stellenbosch is world-famous for its wine and today is a perfect opportunity to visit one or two vineyards for a tasting. Many are set within spectacular gardens and farmland and offer the opportunity to have lunch and a stroll. There's also the option to take a guide...

Day 14 Travel to Hermanus via Stony Point's African Penguin Colony

This morning, we'll have an earlier start as we make our way to Hermanus. A 90-minute drive takes us to the Betty's Bay area where we'll have an included visit to Stony Point Nature Reserve. This reserve sits on the site of a historic whaling station and has a quiet, ...

Day 15 Visit Cape Agulhas. Spend the night in Swellendam

We'll stand on the southernmost point of the African continent this morning and see where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean in a white crash of waves. Now marked by a stone plaque, the 'Cape of Needles' was once a point the site of various evidential shipwreck...

Day 16 Explore Swellendam, continue to Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo, the ostrich capital of the world

This morning, we'll have time to explore the historic town of Swellendam. Rich in colonial history as an old trading post, the town has well-preserved examples of Cape Dutch architecture. Enjoy a coffee, and take a walk around the town to take in the stunning countrys...

Day 17 Visit Cango Caves and take in the views at Knysna Heads

We'll start today by exploring the huge limestone caverns of the Cango Caves. These caves are an underground network of extraordinary structures, millions of years old. The combination of dripping rainwater and limestone has led to the creation of ancient stalactites,...

Day 18 Discover Robberg Nature Reserve. Free afternoon in Plettenberg Bay

Today we'll take a short drive to Robberg Nature Reserve, a World Heritage Site, where our tour leader will lead a walk along the trails. The hiking here is moderate - it's uneven underfoot in places and can be slippery so good walking shoes are advised, but rewards a...

Day 19 Walk, kayak or discover the tree canopy at Tsitsikamma National Park

This morning, we'll leave on a short journey to Tsitsikamma National Park around a 45-minute drive away. Another hotspot for seasonal whale watching, the national park covers both land and sea, protecting important forest and marine areas and offering stunning coastal...

Day 20 Experience a game drive at Addo Elephant National Park

We'll leave the Tsitsikamma area this morning for another of South Africa's national parks, stopping for breakfast on the way. Home to more than 600 elephants as well as lions, hyenas and Cape buffalos, Addo Elephant National Park is our last national park of the trip...

Day 21 Search for wildlife as the sunrises. Trip ends at Port Elizabeth Airport

The trip ends after breakfast at our accommodation near Addo National Park. There are no activities planned today, so you\ re free to depart from Addo at any time. Check-out from our accommodation is at 10am. If you\ d like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ), a one-hour drive from Addo.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $4,570
Price per day$218
Last Updated: 4/13/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
08 May 2025
28 May 2025
$5,010
$690
26 Jun 2025
16 Jul 2025
$4,600
$690
17 Jul 2025
06 Aug 2025
$5,260
$690
31 Jul 2025
20 Aug 2025
$4,570
$700
28 Aug 2025
17 Sep 2025
$5,010
$690
04 Sep 2025
24 Sep 2025
$5,640
$690
25 Sep 2025
15 Oct 2025
$5,880
$700
02 Oct 2025
22 Oct 2025
$5,500
$690
09 Oct 2025
29 Oct 2025
$5,360
$690
23 Oct 2025
12 Nov 2025
$5,120
$690

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
10,290
Great
3,299
Average
517
Disappointing
158
Terrible
82
L

Linda

Oct 2024

Written on

Kruger, Eswatini and South Africa's Garden Route

The trip was full on, especially the Kruger, Eswatini section of our itinerary. The optional extra trip to iSimangaliso Wetland Park was a disappointment, as we rac...

P

Patricia

Oct 2024

Written on

Kruger, Eswatini and South Africa's Garden Route

South Africa is an amazing country with its vast natural beauty in the south and the amazing wildlife in many parts. Our tour had unseasonably cold weather for two t...

G

Grace

Jul 2024

Written on

Kruger, Eswatini and South Africa's Garden Route

This is a trip for those who want to experience the culture, history, landscape and wildlife of such a rich, complex and stunning country. The itinerary is full on b...

Write a Review

Other Explore! Reviews

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2025

Written on

Simply Japan

An amazing trip of memorable experiences, efficiently orga...

M

Michael

Apr 2025

Written on

Simply Japan

First time in Japan. Really enjoyed the experience. The tour guide was excellent, very helpful. The tour was reasonably intense, with the odd day off to do your own ...

S

Sarah

Apr 2025

Written on

Discover Bali, Flores and Komodo Islands

I have been on 15+ tours with explore dating back to 1996. In recent years their pre trip/office based organisation and communication has been inaccurate, poor and f...

Write a Review

Tour Operator

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Accommodation

Transportation & Flights

4WD, Minibus,

Transportation & flights

4WD, Minibus
Guides
Explore Tour Leader
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
South Africa: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, US and Canadian citizens. New Zealand ordinary passport holders do not require a visa, all other passport holders please consult your local consulate for full information. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. Please ensure you have the correct multiple entry visa, especially if you are visiting another country on your itinerary and will need to re-enter South Africa - this includes visiting Swaziland. All visitors should ensure their passport is machine readable, has a minimum of 6 months validity from your arrival date into the country and has two blank pages when entering and leaving South Africa. The South African Immigration officials will not allow child/ infant pages to be used for this purpose and visitors without the stipulated blank pages will be denied entry. There are special requirements for travelling to South Africa with children under 18 who hold South African nationality, and for unaccompanied children entering South Africa. The South African Department of Home Affairs has more information. Swaziland: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian citizens. You will require one blank visa page in your passport with a minimum validity of 6 months. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Health & Safety
Please note that you will be required to supply a yellow fever certificate that has been issued at least 10 days prior to arrival in South Africa if you have travelled from or via a country where yellow fever is endemic. We recommend protection against hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, polio and diphtheria. According to various travel health sources, the Western Cape is not regarded as a malaria risk area. If you are travelling to other areas in South Africa please check with your doctor about malaria requirements. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 20
  • Dinner : 4
  • Lunch : 1
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
[object Object]
Trip ID
explore-ZKS

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!