South Africa & Swazi Overland: Coasts & Safari Camps

17 days
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4.8/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
The unvarnished grandeur of South Africa is on display in this comprehensive exploration of one of the continent’s most diverse and fascinating destinations. Africa’s incredible culture and wildlife are at a premium on this tour — from the coastal shores of Tsitsikamma to extensive wildlife safari drives in Addo Elephant National Park and the famed Kruger. Yo...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Camping
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Search for the "big five" in national parks and reserves
    • Explore the rugged wild coast
    • Enjoy cosmopolitan cape town
    • Take in south africa's dramatic coastal scenery
    • Experience traditional local dancing

What's this trip about?

    The unvarnished grandeur of South Africa is on display in this comprehensive exploration of one of the continent’s most diverse and fascinating destinations. Africa’s incredible culture and wildlife are at a premium on this tour — from the coastal shores of Tsitsikamma to extensive wildlife safari drives in Addo Elephant National Park and the famed Kruger. You’ll also have the chance to visit a traditional Swazi village, explore modern Cape Town, and follow the glorious Garden Route. Add in knowledgeable CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) and some of the best camp meals you’ve ever tasted and you’ve got a recipe for adventure par excellence.

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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 CityCape Town

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Safari
  • National Parks
  • High Adventure
  • Trekking & Expeditions
  • Overland Journeys

Destinations

Activities

  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Culture
  • History
  • Nature
  • Wildlife Viewing

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 14

Trip includes

    • Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New FriendsYour Foodie Moment: Traditional Durban Bunny Chow
    • Durban
    • Park entrances to Addo Elephant NP & Kruger NP with wildlife safari drives in our vehicle
    • Traditional dinner and local dancing
    • Tsitsikamma National Park entrance
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

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Itinerary

Travel Map

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 warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, or lounge at your guest house with views of the waves lapping the shore.

Day 9 Durban/Chintsa

The group is on the move again to an even cooler hidden gem in South Africa; Chinsta. You’ll travel overland into the heartland of the Xhosa people before arriving in this little piece of paradise along the south east coast of Africa with 15km (9.3 mi) of beach. While...

Day 10 Chintsa

As the sun rises in the sky along the ocean pure paradise awaits you on this free day to explore Chintsa. You could spend the day getting your tan on at the beach, jumping on a surfboard to catch some waves, horseback riding along the water, or visiting a local craft ...

Day 11 Chintsa/Addo Elephant National Park

Traverse the many unique valleys in Southern Africa today as the group continues on to the Addo Elephant National Park; a unique wildlife area. Head out on a wildlife safari drive and listen to the wild sounds of Africa. After arriving at the camp area sit around the fire, share stories, and sip a sundowner (cheers!) as the stars light up the night sky.

Day 12 Addo Elephant National Park/Tsitsikamma

Wake up in the African bush amidst acacia trees with the sounds of nature as your alarm clock. From here the group will be going to Tsitsikamma NP where you can choose to hike, snorkel, canoe, whale watch, or bungee jump. Tsitsikama is tucked between mountains and dee...

Day 13 Tsitsikamma National Park

There’s so much to do in this wonderful place so wake up and get moving! Today, depending on your mood you can do any of the activities you didn’t get to yesterday. Rejuvenate your minds on a hike up the Otter or Dolphin trails, set out on a kayak to explore the shore...

Day 14 Tsitsikamma/Knysna

Even though you may not want to, it is time to leave this place and head further west to the town of Knysna. But don’t worry there’s plenty of beauty to be seen at the Knysna Lagoon — think turquoise waters, rugged sandstone cliffs, and sweeping views of the ocean. (sounds nice right?) Along the way you can choose to visit a cheetah sanctuary or monkey park… or maybe both?

Day 15 Knysna/Oudtshoorn

You will be heading from sea cliffs to cool caves on this leg of the trip. After taking numerous selfies and group photos atop the cliffs of Knysna Heads the Lando will drive along the scenic route over the Outeniqua Mountains into the area known as Klein Karoo (“Litt...

Day 16 Oudtshoorn/Cape Town

It’s the group's last travel day so have some fun! Travel to the beautiful cosmopolitan city of Cape Town enjoying the impressive views of Table Mountain as you drive. And hey a little party never hurt anyone so why not choose to head out for a final night of good times with your G travel family?

Day 17 Cape Town

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!

We highly recommend booking an extra night in Cape ...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,209
Price per day$130
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.

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G Adventures Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
Excellent
29,720
Great
9,289
Average
5
Disappointing
2
Terrible
18
L

Laura

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Overall very satisfied saw plenty and did lots

Overall very satisfied saw plenty and did lots

J

James

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

By far the best experience of my life, opened up my eyes to a lot of things

By far the best experience of my life, opened up my eyes to a lot of thing...

C

Claudia

Oct 2016

Provided byG Adventures

The Trip was amizing

The Trip was amizing

S

Sanja

Oct 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Perfect trip

Perfect trip! Nice group.

V

Vanessa

Oct 2016

Provided byG Adventures

It was a great experience

It was a great experience! I saw so many animals and so many landscapes. But I didn't expect it like that. I didn't know, that this was a campingtrip and that we hav...

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Logistics

Accommodation

Simple hotel (1 nt), participation camping (13 nts), hostel (2 nts, 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 canvas 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 costs Price 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. Travelers must exercise common sense and caution at all times. Tourists should stick to set travel arrangements and avoid unknown areas. Always keep a photocopy of your passport, airline tickets and a record of your travelers' checks and credit card numbers separate from where you keep the originals. South Africa, like any many countries, has its problems but your guide knows the country intimately and will endeavour to show you the best parts while looking after you. Be aware, but not paranoid, and you will have a great trip. We also recommend that you wear minimal jewelry and that you keep valuable items safely stored. Please note that the use of drones in national parks in Southern Africa is prohibited.
Meals Included
16 breakfasts, 15 lunches, 14 dinners
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
gadventure-23169

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