Kruger and Swazi Overland: Mountains & Village Culture
9 days
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Small Group Tour
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 and amazing camp meals. And wi...
Overview
Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Camping
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule
Highlights
- Enjoy the scenery of the panorama route
- Visit the ezulwini valley in eswatini
- Spot crocs in the st lucia estuary
- Track the "big five" in kruger national park
- Drink in the culture of tiny villages
What's this trip about?
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 and amazing camp meals. And with a reliable and knowledgeable Chief Experience Officer (CEO) on hand at all times, your comfort zone will expand by miles.
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Details
Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 14 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityJohannesburg
End CityDurban
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
Max Group Size
Trip includes
- Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New FriendsYour Foodie Moment: Traditional Durban Bunny Chow
- Durban
- Kruger NP entrance and wildlife safari drive in our vehicle
- Traditional dinner and local dancing
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Itinerary
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 fr...
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 k...
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 l...
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...
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 ...
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 ...
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!
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Dates & Availability
Price From $1,104
Price per day$123
Last Updated: 2/28/2020
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.
G Adventures Reviews & Ratings
S
All encompassing beauty of south Africa
All encompassing beauty of south Africa. You'll get incredi...
S
Before this trip, my only vacations were to resort destinations in the Caribbean
Before this trip, my only vacations were to resort destinations in the Caribbean. My husband and I had never stayed in a hostel before, but now we are convinced they...
M
The Best part of my trip so far
The Best part of my trip so far. It was an amazing group and guid...
D
My trip to Africa was breathtaking, exciting, a little scary, exhilarating, surreal and was a once in a lifetime experience thanks to G Adventures
My trip to Africa was breathtaking, exciting, a little scary, exhilaratin...
B
Best every holiday
Best every holiday!
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Logistics
Accommodation
Simple hotel (1 nt), participation camping (6 nts), hostel (1 nt, multi-share).
Camping in Africa is truly an adventure. You will be able to get off the beaten track to get a first-hand experience of the beautiful wilderness and nature. While camping, we stay at designated campsites in national parks and outside towns. Campsite facilities in southern Africa are generally good, but can be basic in certain places. There are generally small restaurants and/or bars, washing facilities and occasionally telephones available.
The camps have flush toilets, and showers at some camps are outdoors, having simple reed enclosures for privacy. Additionally, warm water is available at most sites, but it is not guaranteed to always be warm when you take your shower; the warm water may be used up others who also use the camp. We usually set-up camp within close proximity to the toilet facilities, though occasionally to reach them you may to walk a short distance.
All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied, including camp mattresses, which are warm and comfortable. We supply dome tents and assembly/disassembly takes only 5 minutes. They are good quality, durable, industry-standard 2-person safari tents. Please note that most adults will not be able to fully stand up inside the tents, though most travellers find these more than adequate, as they have a base area of approximately 4 square meters. These tents are regularly treated with a waterproofing agent, but under certain rainy conditions, the tent fabric may become saturated to the point where seepage or leakage may occur. All tents have built-in mesh insect netting on the windows and doors.
We travel with our own portable camp chairs with a comfortable back-rest, and we utilize our own cooking equipment to provide the group good quality camp meals.
In camping within the national parks and conservation areas, some camp sites are enclosed for keeping the resident wildlife out. Other camps are open to the natural environment – care must be taken, especially at night, when a torch/flashlight is recommended when walking around the camp area.
Despite the challenge that a few days “roughing it” may pose to some, the experience of being that close to nature, camping under the African stars, and seeing incredible wildlife at your tent door-step is not just gratifying but ultimately an experience of a lifetime.
In Durban, we stay in backpacker's (hostels) or small guest houses, which will give us a break from camping and to be better located than the campgrounds in the area. Here, the accommodation is based on several people sharing dormitory-style rooms, with possibly 6 to 8 people sharing a room. Although we will try, we cannot guarantee to be able to divide the group into different dormitories based on gender lines. As such, males and females may have to share the same sleeping quarters for these nights. The bathrooms and showers are private, but may also be shared between both males and females.
Transportation & Flights
Private vehicle,For this tour we will use a touring vehicle with comfortable seats and sliding windows, this style of transportation is a great way to travel through the region and get a good view the surroundings. When necessary, a trailer will be used for your luggage, and the tour gear. Please note these vehicles may not be air-conditioned.
This is not a physically demanding journey; however, travelling can be difficult, with long drives and poor road conditions at times. Please take note of the travel times and distances in the above itinerary, and consider that this is often on poor quality, bumpy roads. Despite this, most clients feel that the diversity of the African landscape, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience.
Transportation & flights
Private vehicle For this tour we will use a touring vehicle with comfortable seats and sliding windows, this style of transportation is a great way to travel through the region and get a good view the surroundings. When necessary, a trailer will be used for your luggage, and the tour gear. Please note these vehicles may not be air-conditioned.
This is not a physically demanding journey; however, travelling can be difficult, with long drives and poor road conditions at times. Please take note of the travel times and distances in the above itinerary, and consider that this is often on poor quality, bumpy roads. Despite this, most clients feel that the diversity of the African landscape, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience.
Guides
2 Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) throughout as head guide/cook and driver, local guides.
Requirements
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.,We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Visa requirements
All countries require travellers to have a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity), and you are required to acquire the entry visas for each of the countries visited.
Please double check with your agent and/or visa agent what the visa requirements is for each country that you will be traveling to. Some countries do require that you get your visa before arrival. If you show up at a border and should you not have the required visa you will be denied entry to the country and be send back to the closest embassy/high commission to get the visa. All arrangements and expenses for that will be at your own cost. The CEO will assist you with travel arrangements but will not be able to accompany you. You will also have to catch up with the group at their next destination at own cost.
We have been experiencing a lot of problems with people that need visas for Namibia and Malawi. Namibian and Malawian visas is not available at the border, so please make very sure if you do need a visa before arrival.
The information provided here is to be used as a guide only. Please consult with the relevant embassy or your travel agency before you travel. We cannot take any responsibility whatsoever for the use of this information.
South Africa
http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries
http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/apply-for-a-south-african-visa
http://www.southafrica.info/travel/documents/visas.htm
Visas are not issued at South African ports of entry, and airline officials are obliged to insist on visas before allowing passengers to board. If you arrive without a visa, immigration officials are obliged to put you onto a flight back to your home country.
If you are a passport holder of the following countries/areas you do not need a visa for stays of LESS THAN 90 days:
African Union / Unity Laissez Passes, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Venezuela, United States of America, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica
If you are a passport holder of the following countries/areas you do not need a visa for stays of LESS THAN 30 days:
Antigua and Barbuda,Barbados,Belize,Benin,Bolivia,Hong Kong,Hungary,Jordan,Lesotho,Malaysia Cape Verde,Costa Rica,Cyprus,Gabon,Guyana,Peru,Poland,Seychelles,Slovak Republic ,South Korea,Swaziland,Thailand,Turkey,Zambia
Visa costs
The visa fee is different for every nationality, so please check this with your agent or closest embassy.
**Please note for those traveling with minors: The International Air Transport Association (IATA), on 29 April, 2019, updated the Travel Information Manual Automatic (TIMATIC), used by airport ground staff to determine whether a passenger can be carried, with regard to the requirements for children travelling to South Africa.
According to the updated text, IATA is advising that members’ check-in staff to no longer request birth certificates from minors who have visas, or who are exempted from visas, if travelling with their parents with the same surname.
Swaziland
http://www.gov.sz/
http://www.welcometoswaziland.com/twpub/pag.cgi?m=howto
Most nationalities can obtain their visas at the border, but please check with your agent and/or closest embassy.
A valid passport is required from everyone who enters the Kingdom of Swaziland .
For nationals of the countries listed below, an entry visa is required:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Angola, Antarctica, Armenia, Aruba, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belorussia, Benin, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cote D'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Gabon, Georgia, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea – Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Iceland, Indonesia, india, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Iribati, Kuwait, Krygyzstan, Laisser, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Macao, Macedonia, Mali, Marshall Islands, Martinque, Mauritania, Mexico,Micronesia, Maldova, Mongolia, Morroco, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Phillipines, Pitcairn, Poland,Puerto Rico, Republic of Korea, Reunion, Rwanda, Romania, Saint Helena, Saint Kitts, Saint Pierre, Saint Vincent Grenadines and Miquelon, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Turkemenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vatican City, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Virgin Islands, Western Sahara, Yemen.
List of country immigrants requiring visas to enter the kingdom of Swaziland
Afghanistan ,Albania ,Algeria , American samoa, Ntarctica, Armenia , Aruba , Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belorussia, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Central african republic, Chad, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cote d'ivoire, Costa rica, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican republic, Drc, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial guinea, Eritrea, Fiji, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Gabon, Georgia, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Hong kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ivory coast, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Mali, Marshall islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mayotte, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North korea, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama , Paraguay, Peoples republic of china, Peru, Philippines, Puerto rico, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint kitts and nevis, Saint vincent grenadines. Sao tome and principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Angola, Somalia, South korea, Sri lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Viet nam, Virgin islands, Western sahara, Yemen, Ethiopia
Visa costsPrice different for nationalities. Please enquire with your local agent and/or embassy.
This information is accurate at the time of writing, and please contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements and costs, regarding these, and the other countries visited, or see your travel agent. It is your responsibility to have the correct travel documentation.
Health & Safety
We recommend you contact your family physician, or your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information at least one month before departure. Travellers should also carry a basic first-aid kit and hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes on their travels. Medical facilities are basic throughout these countries. For your own safety, we strongly recommend that you advise your tour leader of any medical condition that may affect you while travelling with the group. Your tour leader will be able to inform you of local health advisories (e.g. drinking water quality). Please ensure you have all the inoculations recommended by your doctor.
Yellow Fever Certificate Note: (Updated: May 2017)
It is compulsory to show a valid Yellow Fever Certificate if you are travelling to the following G Adventures-visited countries from a Yellow Fever endemic country:
- Botswana
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Rwanda
- South Africa
- Swaziland
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
For some of these countries, proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is also required for passengers who have travelled more than 12 hours through the airport of an endemic country. If other countries not endemic to Yellow Fever have been visited after visiting an endemic country, then a Yellow Fever certificate may still be required on entry. Please check country-specific regulations before your departure.
Malaria
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that is present in some regions in Africa. Risk of malaria can increase during periods of heavy rain, during the rainy seasons, and in densely populated areas of Southern & East Africa. To prevent malaria, we recommend speaking to your doctor about taking preventative medication (prophylaxis), combined with regular use of insect repellent spray/cream. Please check updated travel health advisories specific to malaria before your departure. Johannesburg is not often regarded as a safe city. Some precautions you should take are:
*Always leave your passport (It’s better to carry a photocopy of it instead), traveller’s cheques, flight tickets and money that you won’t be using in the safe deposit at the hotel reception. This is free of charge to G Adventures clients
*Remember that like in any other city, you should never leave your bags unattended, nor flaunt jewellery, cameras etc
*Please don’t wander through the city to unknown areas especially at night. Stick to the main streets only during the day, and after sundown, please take a taxi. Taxis can be organised from reception. Also, take the address of the hotel with you.
*People are generally friendly, but don’t let people take advantage of you, especially the sales people!
* Beware of people approaching you on the street with an apparent interest of where you are from, and want to sit down and have a chat with you. These people are con men and will ask you for money.
* People on the street who ask you if you want a safari and have a brochure are often conmen, best to avoid these folk. Besides, you’re already on safari.
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Please do not take photo’s of Police stations or at Cross borders Airports, army barracks and personnel or any Government building. It is against the law and will result in the minimum of your film and camera being confiscated.
Please note that the use of drones in national parks in Southern Africa is prohibited.
Meals Included
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Tour operator cancellation policy
Trip ID
gadventure-24203
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