Trip Info
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open-sided 4x4 vehicle & minivan
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2-20
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To be provided for during the trip
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Johannesburg
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game drives, walking safaris
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English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic
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To be provided for during the trip
Overview
This journey offers an unmatched chance to discover some of the most breathtaking tourist gems in Mzansi. It includes the most popular and iconic locations stretching from South Africa’s eastern regions down to the south, with a visit to the independent Kingdom of Eswatini. The trip begins in Johannesburg, heads through Mpumalanga, and concludes in Zululand. Stops include the Panorama Route, Kruger National Park, Eswatini, Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Game Reserve, St. Lucia, and ends at King Shaka International Airport.
Highlights
- Mid-range tour: This mid-range tour uses lodges.
- Shared tour: On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 10 people per vehicle.
- Can start any day: If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
- Cannot be customized: The contents of this tour cannot be changed.
- Suitable for single travelers: Single travelers can join this group tour, but it requires a minimum of 2 people to run.
- Minimum age of 10 years: The minimum age for this tour is 10 years.
Itinerary
On this first day we start in Panorama Route. Get the glimpse of this scenic attractive destination located in the place of the sunrise. From Johannesburg to Panorama there are beautiful and historical towns to drive pass. In Panorama we stop in Blyde River Canyon, Three Rondavels, God's Window and Berlin or Lisbon falls. Then we head to Hazyview for check in at Sabie River Bush Lodge. Dinner included.
Main Destination: Panorama Route (Highlight, South Africa)
Accommodation:Sabie River Bush Lodge
Mid-range lodgeless than 1hr drive from Panorama Route (Highlight, South Africa)
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
The Kruger National Park is famous for being the world's most visited wildlife destination. Today to spend the full day in this iconic nature's reserve getting the real safari treat in an open safari vehicle. Duration of the game drive is nine hours. Though sounds too long but it becomes too quick while in game drive. Lunch break and comfort stops provided during the game drive. After game drive we return back to the same hotel. Dinner and breakfast meal included.
Main Destination: Kruger National Park (South Africa)
Accomodation: Sabie River Bush Lodge
Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Southern Kruger NP (South Africa)
Meals & Drinks:
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
Our main destination for today is Kingdom of Eswatini, a tiny country to the South of Kruger National Park. Indeed to feel the Royal Treat of the Swazi speaking nation. Warm hearted and very friendly nation. After breakfast we check out from the hotel and drive through the park for another wildlife moment. After Kruger we enter the Kingdom through Matsamo Border post. Our main stops for today is Matsamo Cultural Village right at the border post. The Cultural Village is more about the Swazi tribe culture and traditions. The guided tour is supported by the dance show and drums beats. Then to end on lunch table. This was a real welcome in the Kingdom. We now enter the Kingdom to make our last stop in Ngwenya Glass Factory. Is a home to famous glass blowing factory. Products are made from 100% recycled glass whereby products are sold to tourists direct from the factory.
Main Destination: Mantenga Cultural Village (Cultural Village, Eswatini)
Accommodation: Mantenga Lodge
Mid-range lodgenear Mantenga (Cultural Village, Eswatini)
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Uncover the Kingdom Route - Lobamba Rural Village. Lobamba is one of the oldest and the most famous villages in the Kingdom. The tour starts from King Sobhuza Memorial and walks through the different main centres of the village. It lasts up to three hours and covers a distance of two and a half kilometers. The village walking tour is followed by a visit to Swazi Candle Factory, which has a lunch venue. Witness the locals displaying their creative skill in shaping candles into many amazing forms. There are numerous outlets where you can buy the candle products. We finish this awesome day at Swazi Candle Factory and return to our hotel.
Main Destination: Lobamba (Town, Eswatini)
Accommodation: Mantenga Lodge
Mid-range lodge located In
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Isimangaliso Wetland Park, our destination for today, is located in the coastal belt of the Indian Ocean. After breakfast, we check out of the hotel in the Kingdom and head enter South Africa to the Zululand Province. This is the province of our destination of Isimangaliso Wetland Park or Saint Lucia. This is a huge protected area along the cost of South Africa's Kwa Zulu Natal Province. The park's centre piece is vast Lake St. Lucia, home to large number of hippos, crocodiles, pelicans and flamingos. Remember Isimangaliso Wetland Park is a world Heritage Site by UNESCO.
No activity is set for today.
Main Destination: Isimangaliso Wetland Park (KZN Parks, South Africa)
Accommodation: Forest Lodge
Mid-range lodgein St Lucia (Lake St Lucia, South Africa)
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Non-alcoholic drinks
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve is one of our most safari destinationations in this Provinceof Kwa Zulu Natal and it marks the end of our safari game drives. Is another home to our lovely big five mammals and world renowned for White Rhino Conservation. We return back to Saint Lucia around sunset hours.
Main Destination: Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve (KZN Parks, South Africa)
Accomodation: Forest Lodge
Mid-range lodgeless than 1hr drive from Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (KZN Parks, South Africa)
Meals & Drinks:
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Our last day of the tour. The only activity is Saint Lucia Estuarine Boat Cruise. The two hour boat cruise aimed at bringing you up close to hippos, crocodiles, mangrove swamps and birds such as African fish eagle and giant Kingfisher. Duration is two hours. After the boat cruise we finish our seventh day when we drop you at King Shaka International Airport.
Main Destination: King Shaka International Airport (Durban, South Africa)
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other 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
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Cost Excludes
- International flights (From/to home)
- 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)
FAQs
The ideal time to explore the Kruger – Kingdom of Eswatini – Saint Lucia route is during the dry winter months from May to September. In Kruger, wildlife viewing is excellent because animals gather around waterholes and vegetation is thinner. The Kingdom of Eswatini offers cooler temperatures perfect for hiking and cultural tours, while Saint Lucia’s estuary is calm and ideal for hippo and crocodile sightings. This period also has low malaria risk and fewer afternoon thunderstorms, making travel between the three destinations smoother.
A well-paced visit to the Kruger – Kingdom of Eswatini – Saint Lucia stretch takes about 7–10 days. Spend 3–4 days in Kruger for game drives and Big Five sightings, then allocate 2–3 days in the Kingdom of Eswatini to explore cultural villages, national parks like Mlilwane or Hlane, and scenic landscapes. End with 2–3 days in Saint Lucia to enjoy boat cruises, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and its beautiful beaches. This combination ensures you experience wildlife, culture, and coastal scenery without rushing.
Travelers following the Kruger – Kingdom of Eswatini – Saint Lucia route generally only need a valid passport. Most nationalities receive visa-free entry into the Kingdom of Eswatini for short stays. If renting a car, you must ask the rental company in South Africa for a letter of authorization to take the vehicle across the Eswatini border. No additional permit is needed when continuing from Eswatini into South Africa on your way to Saint Lucia. It is also recommended to carry your accommodation bookings and identification for smooth border processing.
This route is one of the most diverse in Southern Africa. Kruger offers iconic wildlife including lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, buffalos, hyenas, giraffes, and hundreds of bird species. The Kingdom of Eswatini has antelopes, hippos, rhinos, zebras, and abundant birdlife across parks like Hlane and Mlilwane. Saint Lucia, located in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, is famous for hippos that roam the town at night, large crocodiles, marine turtles, whales (in season), and unique wetland species. Altogether, the Kruger – Kingdom of Eswatini – Saint Lucia route provides a rich blend of savannah, forest, and coastal wildlife.
In Kruger, top activities include sunrise and sunset game drives, guided bush walks, birdwatching, and overnight stays in rest camps. In the Kingdom of Eswatini, don’t miss cultural performances, traditional craft markets, hiking in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, and game drives in Hlane Royal National Park. In Saint Lucia, essential experiences include the hippo and crocodile estuary cruise, exploring iSimangaliso Wetland Park, turtle tours (in season), whale-watching (in season), and relaxing on pristine beaches. Together, the Kruger – Kingdom of Eswatini – Saint Lucia route offers safari adventure, cultural immersion, and coastal relaxation.
