Trip Info
-
overland safari truck
-
2-20
-
To be provided for during the trip
-
Johannesburg
-
game drives & nature hikes/walks
-
English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic
-
To be provided for during the trip
Overview
This safari emphasizes walking and discovering South Africa’s scenic landscapes and cultural highlights, with a stop in the picturesque Kingdom of Swaziland. Designed as an active holiday, it features day walks that vary from easy strolls to more demanding hikes, creating a rewarding experience for walking enthusiasts. Key attractions include the historic mining town of Pilgrims Rest, the wildlife-rich reserves of Zululand and Kruger, the historic battlefields of Dundee, and the breathtaking Drakensberg Mountains.
Trip Highlights
- Mid-range tour: This mid-range tour uses lodges and tented camps.
- Shared tour: On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 12 people per vehicle.
- Scheduled departures: This tour starts on fixed start dates only.
- Cannot be customized: The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
- Suitable for single travelers: Single travelers can join this group tour, but it requires a minimum of 4 people to run.
- Minimum age of 12 years: The minimum age for this tour is 12 years.
Itinerary
We depart Johannesburg and head east towards Mpumalanga. During the afternoon, we visit the gold mining town of Pilgrims Rest and the viewpoint over God’s Window. Stretch our legs on a short walk from Mac Mac Pools, then make our way to our chalets on the edge of the escarpment.
We are up early the following day for our first long walk at the Blyde River. We walk from the rim of the escarpment down into the canyon with views of the Three Sisters and the river below before making our way back up the escarpment. After lunch, we spend the afternoon exploring the forests and waterfalls that make Mpumalanga a renowned destination. An exciting optional activity is the Graskop Gorge Lift, which lowers you down for a walk through the lush Afromontane forest below (at your own expense).
Main Destination: Mpumalanga Province (South Africa)
Accommodation: Mogodi Lodge
Mid-range lodgein Graskop (Panorama Route, South Africa)
All meals included
Drinks not included
After an early breakfast, we make our way to Kruger National Park. We enter the national park and spend the day on an exciting game drive. Your guide will interpret bush signs as we hope to see elephants, rhinos, and possibly the elusive leopard. We stop for a picnic lunch before completing our game drive in the late afternoon as we exit the park and make our way to our private game lodge in the Greater Kruger area.
A highlight of our tour is the early morning game walk with a local ranger. Quietly, we venture into the bush, learning about the tracks and other signs of the wildlife we hope to find on foot.
Main Destination: Greater Kruger (South Africa)
Accommodation: Makuwa Safari Lodge
Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Central Kruger NP (South Africa)
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinks not included
We enter the Kingdom of Swaziland and travel through a lush fruit farming area before heading into the mountains. We spend two nights on the outskirts of Malalotja Nature Reserve with a full day to walk through this seldom-explored mountainous reserve. The Swazi people have a rich cultural heritage, and we will visit the craft and medicine markets on day seven as we pass through the capital, Mbabane.
Main Destination: Malolotja Nature Reserve (Eswatini)
Accomodation: Hawane Resort
Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Malolotja NR (Eswatini)
Drinks not included
All meals included
Crossing back into South Africa, we head towards our lodge on a private game reserve in the Msinene Nature Reserve. We take a walk with our local walking guide, who will point out some of the 540+ bird species found in the area and track the shy nyala antelope in the riverine vegetation of the Msinene River. The following morning, we visit Hluhluwe Game Reserve, a key area for rhino conservation, and visit a modern Zulu village to learn more about their culture. Enjoy the sunset and the bush sounds before a hearty dinner at the lodge.
Main Destination: Zululand (KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa)
Accommodation: Zululand Lodge
Mid-range tented camp located outside Hluhluwe-iMfolozi GR (South Africa)
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinks not included
We leave the coastline and make our way through the scenic hills and valleys of Zululand to the small town of Dundee. Here, battles were fought between the Zulus, British, and Boer troops—war cries still resound in the hills. We spend time at the informative Talana Museum before we settle into our lodge and have some free time in the afternoon.
The following morning, we explore the Islandlwana battlefield before we embark on an exciting 4 to 5-hour hike tracing the steps of the two British fugitives through the undulating hills of Zululand to the Buffalo River. Later in the day, we will visit Rourkes Drift before returning to the lodge.
Main Destination: Isandlwana Battlefields (KZN Battlefields, South Africa)
Accommodation: Dundee Battlefields Lodge
Mid-range lodgeat Isandlwana (KZN Battlefields, South Africa)
Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
Drinks not included
Witness the grandeur of the Drakensberg Mountains or uKhahlamba, locally known as the “barrier of spears.” We overnight at the base of the berg (alt. 1600m) and spend a full day walking the mountain trails before taking an invigorating dip in the clear mountain streams of the Royal Natal National Park. The crisp mountain air is refreshing, and our lodge is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy the splendor of the mountain views.
Main Destination: Royal Natal National Park (Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa)
Accommodation: Thendele Camp
Mid-range self catering accommodationin Royal Natal (Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinks not included
We start the day with an early breakfast and make our way to Witsieshoek at the foot of the magnificent Sentinel Peak. At the end of a rough gravel road, we start our trek, which includes a short chain ladder section, to the top of the Drakensberg Amphitheatre and the beautiful Tugela Falls (alt. 3000m), offering unparalleled views down into KwaZulu-Natal. After our walk, we make our way to the lodge perched high in the mountains (alt. 2300m) overlooking the Mont-aux-Sources mountain range.
Main Destination: Drakensberg (Mountain Range, South Africa)
Accommodation: Drakensberg Mountain Retreat
Mid-range lodgenear uKhahlamba Drakensberg (Mountain Range, South Africa)
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
Drinks not included
A leisurely start to the day, with the chance to spot the endangered bearded vulture soaring overhead, before we make our way back to Johannesburg. The tour ends at approximately 5:00pm.
Main Destination: Johannesburg (City, South Africa)
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
Drinks not included
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Cost Excludes
- International flights (From/to home)
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks
FAQs
A Walking Safari in South Africa and Swaziland allows you to experience wildlife on foot rather than from the comfort of a vehicle. This provides a more intimate connection with nature as you observe the smaller details of the bush, such as animal tracks, insects, plants, and birdlife, while still having the chance to encounter larger animals like elephants, giraffes, and antelope. Professional guides ensure safety while enriching the experience with in-depth knowledge of the ecosystem.
Yes, a Walking Safari in South Africa and Swaziland is safe when conducted with experienced and licensed guides. These guides are trained to interpret animal behavior, maintain safe distances, and make quick decisions if needed. Guests are briefed on safety protocols, such as walking quietly in a single line and following guide instructions at all times. The focus is on respect for wildlife and avoiding disturbance rather than close confrontation.
During a Walking Safari in South Africa and Swaziland, you can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife, from the famous Big Five to smaller but equally fascinating creatures. While there is always the chance of spotting elephants, rhinos, or buffalo, the unique aspect of walking is appreciating the smaller wonders like dung beetles, medicinal plants, bird species, and animal tracks that are often overlooked during vehicle safaris. Each walk brings a new perspective of the bush.
A Walking Safari in South Africa and Swaziland typically requires a moderate level of fitness. Walks can last between two to four hours, depending on the itinerary, and may involve uneven terrain, heat, and occasional uphill climbs. While you do not need to be an athlete, a reasonable level of stamina and mobility ensures you can fully enjoy the experience. Most operators tailor walks to suit the group’s pace, ensuring accessibility for different fitness levels.
When preparing for a Walking Safari in South Africa and Swaziland, it is recommended to pack lightweight, neutral-colored clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, comfortable walking shoes, and sunscreen. A small backpack with water, insect repellent, and binoculars is also essential. Since mornings can be cool and afternoons hot, layering your clothing is advisable. A good camera with a zoom lens can also enhance your ability to capture the unique moments encountered on foot.
Choosing a Walking Safari in South Africa and Swaziland offers an immersive and authentic adventure that goes beyond traditional wildlife viewing. By exploring the bush on foot, you engage all your senses—hearing the calls of birds, smelling wild herbs, and feeling the texture of the land beneath your feet. It provides a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of the environment, making it a highly rewarding and unforgettable safari option.
