Swaziland and Kruger self drive tour, South Africa

country:

South Africa, Swaziland

location:

Kruger National Park, Swaziland

departures:

This trip can be tailor made at a time to suit you and can be adapted to suit your interests, budget and requirements as necessary

price:

From R 8,000 (14 days) excluding flights

convert currency:

more info:

Price per person based on 2 people sharing. Includes car hire, some meals and accommodation as per itinerary. World Cup 2010, 15 May - 31 July, accommodation and rates only on request

vouchers:

Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday

photo gallery see previous photo

1of4

check out similar holiday ideas...

Cultural Africa holidays here

Tailor made wildlife holidays here

South Africa holidays here

introduction to Swaziland and Kruger self drive tour, South Africa

14 days of adventure. Encounter the best of African wildlife in Kruger National Park and Zululand.

Meet Swazi and Zulu people in their local communities. Hike in Royal Natal National Park. Have the opportunity to visit wildlife breeding projects, different school and health projects on your way.

day-by-day itinerary

Day 1:		After arrival at O.R. Tambo (Johannesburg) International Airport: You will be met by a representative who will hand your travel documents and assist with the formalities of your car, before you set off to your accoomdation. Alternatively you can choose to be transfered to your accommodation and have your car delivered at your accommodation the next morning. Depending on the time you have after you acclimatised, you can explore Johannesburg. Overnight: In Johannesburg. Optional you can go on a guided city tour, visiting historical landmarks in Johannesburg.
Day 2:	The Cradle of Humankind. After breakfast, you will be collected for the start of your guided tour to the Cradle of Humankind – a World Heritage Site. The Cradle of Humankind comprises a strip of a dozen dolomite limestone caves containing the fossilised remains of ancient forms of animals, plants and most importantly, hominids. Our tour takes us to the Sterkfontein caves, the world's richest hominid site, renowned fo rstudies on fossilized fauna, wood and stone used in the past. Marupeng- the origins, a visitor centre in the cradle can be experienced. Still in the cradle, we visit either the Wonder Caves, a natural wonder 2 200milion years old or the old Kromdraai Gold mine, one of the oldest Gold mines in the reef dating back to 1881. Overnight in Johannesburg: You can choose to go on a guided tour into Soweto, a former Township, and now a thriving City. For today, you will live the “township” life. You can listen to Kwaito; South Africa's answer to American Hip Hop and visit a local shebeen (illicit liquor bar). Visit Soccer City – Home to the 2010 World Cup final, the Hector Peterson Memorial, the homes of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, both Nobel peace prizewinners and other famous sites.
Day 3:	Kruger National Park. Departing Johannesburg, you will drive toward Hoedspruit. A scenic drive through the Limpopo province will find you at the Orpen Gate near Kruger National Park, where you overnight 2 nights in unique and thatched Tree house Lodges.Overnight: Kruger National Park / Hoedspruit area Optional: As a luxurious alternative, you can spend the night inside the Timbavati Game Reserve set in the Greater Kruger National Park. The Greater Kruger borders the Kruger National Park and is home to several private game reserves and lodges. Overnight in traditional African reed and thatch huts, in the authentic FTTSA accredited Umlani Bush Camp. Included are all meals and per day 1 guided game activity.
Day 4:	Kruger National Park. Where nearly 2 million hectares of unrivalled diversity of life forms fuses with historical and archaeological sights – this is real Africa. The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. Should you choose to drive yourselves, please note that the Kruger Gates open at 05h30 and close at sunset. For those who prefer a guided game drive in open Land Rovers, or participate in guided bush walks with rangers and trackers; these excursions can be booked directly at your lodge. Overnight: Kruger National Park / Hoedspruit area.
Day 5:	Limpopo Province. Today you can do the highlights of the Limpopo Province. These highlights include the historical gold mining city Pilgrim’s Rest, and the world renowned Panoramic Route. Continuing in direction towards Numbi Gate bordering the Kruger National Park, where you overnight in a luxurious tented camp. Here you will overnight for 2 nights in a unique tented lodge. This accommodation conforms to the highest standards of low impact eco-friendly criteria. Several activities can be booked at the accommodation: tribal dancing, community tours and guided nature experiences. The accommodation is in the progress of becoming FTTSA accredited. Overnight: In the Kruger National Park.
Day 6:	Kruger National Park. Today you will have another day to explore the Kruger National Park, either exploring it in your own vehicle or booking guided drives and walks through your accommodation, searching for The Big Five, The Little Five, and the Birdling Big Six. Overnight: In the Kruger National Park.
Day 7:	Kingdom of Swaziland. Departing the Kruger National Park after breakfast, you continue your journey in southerly direction towards the beautiful Kingdom of Swaziland, where you overnight 1 night near the border. You can choose to drive past Nelspruit or go through the Kruger National Park. Continue to Matsamo Cultural village. In the evening traditional Swazi dancers from nearby villages perform for guests at the lodge. Overnight: Matsamo Culural Village.
Day 8:	Swaziland. Today you continue your journey in southerly direction and travel through the capital of the beautiful kingdom of Swaziland, and continue to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary where you will spend the night. Your accommodation will be in traditional grass-dome shaped beehives. Here you can book optional excursions to discover Swaziland: guided chiefs walk, guided game-drive, mountain bike or horse ride via your accommodation. Overnight: Mlilwane.
Day 9:	Pongola River Valley. Today you will drive to Ithala in the Pongola River Valley; en route you can visit the Swazi market and a local school where you can meet the children and teachers. Ithala’s big game species include white- and black rhino, elephant, buffalo and, notably giraffe. Enjoy guided game walks and game drives in the reserve. Overnight: Ithala Game Reserve.
Day 10:	Zululand. Departing Pongola, you will drive through the sugarcane fields to Zululand, where you overnight for 2 nights. Zululand stretches from the Tugela River in the South to Pongola River in the north. Overnight in a lodge near Hluluwe, which is well known for its eco-friendliness. A small part of the accommodation costs go towards local projects which the lodge supports. Overnight: In Hluhluwe.
Day 11:	Hluhluwe-Umfolozi National Park. Today you have a whole day to discover the magnificent Hluhluwe-Umfolozi National Park. Walk along the long empty beaches on the Elephant coast. Hluhluwe / Umfolozi is home to at least a fifth of the world's black and white rhino population here. Besides the big five - Rhino, Elephant, Leopard, Lion And Buffalo, there is an incredible variety of wildlife to ensure a fascinating encounter for the visitor. Or choose to visit South Africas first World Heritage Site Isimagaliso Wetlandspark (Greater st Lucia); the mosaic of landforms and habitat types creates breathtaking scenic vistas. Here you can go snorkelling, surfing and in season turtle viewing. . Overnight: In Hluhluwe.
Day 12:	Drakensburg. The Ukhahlamba Drakensberg mountain range runs along the entire length of the border between the province of KwaZulu-Natal and the Kingdom of Lesotho. The 243 000 hectare Conservation Area was declared a World Heritage Site in December 2000 due to the area's unique richness of biological diversity as well as its endemic and endangered species and remarkable 'art galleries in the rock' that protect tens of thousands of San rock paintings. Historic Giant's Castle Game Reserve, home of the eland and the majestic bearded vulture, lies in the Central Berg region of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a World Heritage Site. Superb rock art is high among its special attractions. Overnight: Central Drakensberg.
Day 13:	Drakensburg. Today you have time to relax and hike in this impressive mountain range. Enjoy walking and Cultural Zulu dance and song events. The views are spectacular, and an added bonus is a visit to the highest pub in Africa. A visit to a Basotho village is also a rewarding experience. It is optional to book selected hiking trails via your accommodation. Giants Castle - after a 30 minute walk it is possible to get to a cave in which San Rock Art can be viewed in its original state. Other walking trails ranging from a couple of hours to a number of days can be embarked upon. Or listen to the Drakensberg Boys Choir - the home of this world-renowned boys choir. The school regularly offers mid-week concerts that add an unforgettable highlight. Overnight: Central Drakensburg.
Day 14:	Golden Gate and Departure. Today you can drive via through the impressive Golden Gate area. After visiting this rock formation, you can drive via Bethlehem back to O.R. Thambo (Johannesburg) International Airport to connect with your onward travels. At the airport you will also hand in your rental car.

travelling with a local operator

This holiday is operated by a company based in the holiday destination and they will be able to provide expert local knowledge. They will be able to tailor make your holiday to suit your requirements not only concerning the dates of travel but also typically the standard of accommodation, and thus price. It is rare for local operators to be able to help with the booking of your flights.

how this holiday makes a difference

Environment
On this tour you contribute positively to the environment by paying conservation fees at the National Parks and by often staying more than one night at the same accommodation to reduce your footprint. To help you reduce your carbon offset even more we calculate the total kilometres you have been driving. In return we would like to encourage our clients to plant trees through Food & Trees For Africa.

As a sign of commitment in saving the environment we received a Carbon Neutral Certificate from Planet Green Ocean Blue. Besides this we are BEE-accredited and follows responsible tourism guidelines.

Community
We stay in accommodations that are dedicated to staff and local communities as well as the conservation of the areas in which they develop. We stay in these accommodations to assist in the growth of sustainable tourism. On this tour we make use, where possible, of community owned accommodations and use of FTTSA accredited accommodations, accommodations that are in the process of becoming accredited or have responsible tourism guidelines in place. Besides this are all accommodations locally owned, and recruit local staff.

This tour offer tourists the opportunity to uplift the communities by visiting projects. In this 15 day tour the following projects will / can be visited; in the Fair-trade Soweto Tour will you visit a local project, in the Kruger Park will you be able to join the crew of your accommodation on their community trips on which they feed over 1000 children’s mouths. At Ithala you can visit the local schools and These projects offer tourists an opportunity to visit and uplift directly. Help the increase of employment and having the opportunity to share knowledge, interest and joy together. Share with the people you meet. One of the Trust's mission is to utilise all aspects of responsible tourism as a sustainable development tool for the people of Southern Africa. On this tour we work only with local operators for our meet & greets, transfers and excursions.

Our Trust works to create awareness and encourage the sharing of knowledge, culture and passion. Visitors, exchange skills and knowledge with the locals, help support the set up of vibrant tourist stops and community development projects. The assistance and participation, visits and feedback of visitors and volunteers, creates sustenance and boosts the local economy, in turn generating direct income and employment opportunities. Together with local NGO’s and organisations, cooperation is sought for further development of the Trust, providing a network for volunteers and visitors to South Africa eventually hoping to start a helpdesk for sustainable and responsible holidays.

Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people.

We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel.

'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left).

We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays.

We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism.

This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards.

check out similar holiday ideas...

Cultural Africa holidays here | Tailor made wildlife holidays here | South Africa holidays here