Trip Info
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open-sided 4x4 vehicle & minivan
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2-20
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Johannesburg
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game drives, boat trip & beach time
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: English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic
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To be provided for during the trip
Overview
Set off on an extraordinary bush and beach adventure with Elephant Herd Tours & Safaris. The journey starts in Kruger National Park, where you’ll enjoy thrilling game drives in open safari vehicles for a true wildlife experience. We then head to the majestic Drakensberg Mountains to uncover the natural beauty of the Panorama Route and the impressive Blyde River Canyon. A visit to Eswatini (Swaziland) offers a glimpse into its vibrant culture, before the tour winds down in the scenic Isimangaliso Wetlands at St Lucia.
Highlights
- Mid-range tour: This mid-range tour uses lodges and guest houses.
- 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 accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
- Not for single travelers: Single travelers cannot join this group tour and it requires a minimum of 2 people to run.
- Minimum age of 4 years: The minimum age for this tour is 4 years.
Itinerary
Our guide will meet you at your hotel or upon arrival at OR Tambo Airport (time dependent) for an exclusive use vehicle transfer directly through to your accommodation in Hazyview.
After a welcome drink in the beautiful gardens of the guesthouse, you will have 2 to 3 hours to unpack and relax before we collect you for your 1-hour introduction program to the gentle giants being the African elephant, alternatelyif available a Kruger Park Sunset safari.
This enlightening interactive elephant experience introduces you to the magnificent African elephants where we learn about their extraordinary behaviour and physiology.
For those seeking an enjoyable meaningful experience, an elephant interaction at Elephant Whispers is a memorable and touching activity not to be missed.
A vehicle will be available to take you to a local restaurant of your choice if required.
Main Destination: Kruger National Park (South Africa)
Accomodation: Perry’s Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel
Luxury hotel located less than 1hr drive from Kruger NP (South Africa)
Meals & Drinks:
Drinks not included
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Your Kruger National Park safari starts before sunrise in one of our open safari vehicles, allowing you the opportunity to view animals from a higher vantage point. Your guide will use his expert knowledge to help you search for and find the iconic animals in the park as well as interpret the natural environment.
You will stop at various waterholes and rivers to increase your chances of seeing as many of the wildlife species as possible. You'll also see an abundance of fauna and flora that the park has to offer.
Breakfast packs will be provided by your guesthouse for you to enjoy when we stop for a comfort break/breakfast at a rest camp / picnic spot along the route for the day. During the planned lunch stop, you can purchase a lunch snack from the restaurants or stretch your legs.
You will return in time for a sundowner drink or a dip in the pool at your own leisure.
If your accommodation does not have dinner facilities, a vehicle will be available to take you to a local restaurant.
Main Destination: Kruger National Park (South Africa)
Accommodation: Perry’s Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel
Luxury hotel located less than 1hr drive from Kruger NP (South Africa)
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinks not included
After a leisurely breakfast at your guesthouse, we will head off along the Panorama Route which offers a kaleidoscope of breathtaking scenery, natural beauty and African diversity.
The spectacular views of the Blyde River Canyon and out over the endless Lowveld beyond will not disappoint. We take guests along the edge of the escarpment to lookout points offering magnificent views, including God’s Window, Wonderview and the Three Rondawels. Along the route, we'll visit the famous Bourke’s Luck Potholes, deep cylindrical cavities formed by thousands of years of water erosion at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur Rivers.
At lunchtime, the tour will stop in Graskop for guests to enjoy lunch at a restaurant, and if time permits, browse the many curio stalls and shops in this little village.
South of Graskop, where the Sabie River rises there are many beautiful waterfalls that we will visit whilst making our way back to Hazyview.
Main Destination: Panorama Route (Highlight, South Africa)
Accommodation: Perry’s Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel
Luxury hotelat Panorama Route (Highlight, South Africa)
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinks not included
You will be collected in a closed, air-conditioned luxury vehicle after breakfast to travel to your next destination, Eswatini (Swaziland).
After entering through the Jeppes Reef Border Post, it is a scenic drive towards Mbabane where we will stop at the Swazi candle factory with its ancillary curio stalls and displays, before going to the Ngwenya Glass Factory, and then on to Matenga Cultural Village.
On arrival at Matenga Cultural Village, we will get a chance to experience the cultural show and end the day off relaxing at a local lodge.
A transfer will be provided to any local restaurant where dinner can be enjoyed.
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)
Drinks not included
This day starts off with a hearty breakfast before your departure.
We will visit the highlighted attractions we may have missed the previous day before we make our way to St Lucia. Here you will have time to check in to your accommodation before heading off for a leisurely sunset boat cruise awaiting us at 16h00. We'll go on a 2-hour Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise up one of the largest Estuarine systems in Africa as well as being South Africa's very first World Heritage Site.
It's home to 800 hippos and approximately 1200 Nile crocodiles not to mention the abundance of birdlife. This will be a cruise like none other.
Dinner will be at your own cost at one of the local restaurants in St Lucia.
Main Destination: Isimangaliso Wetland Park (South Africa)
Accommodation: iGwalaGwala Guest House
Mid-range guest housein St Lucia (Lake St Lucia, South Africa)
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinks not included
Join us on our signature safari to explore the incredible wildlife, changing landscapes and the unique flora of the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.
You are collected from your accommodation before sunrise and driven to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in an open game viewing vehicle. All vehicles provide full weather protection for your comfort (blankets are provided in winter to keep you warm!).
Once in the Park, you will look for animals that are most active at dawn such as lions, leopards and wild dog. After a beautiful African sunrise, a bonnet breakfast includes muesli, yoghurt, sandwiches, tea/coffee and homemade South African rusks.
The rest of the day is spent looking for wildlife, large and small. The search for the Big 5 may include seeing a rare Black Rhino, with only an estimated 3000 left in the world.
All the guides are extremely knowledgeable about the region’s animals, birds and plant life and love to share this knowledge with you throughout the day.
Main Destination:Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve (South Africa)
Accomodation: iGwalaGwala Guest House
Mid-range guest house located less than 1hr drive from Hluhluwe-iMfolozi GR (South Africa)
Meals & Drinks:
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
The "Beach and Bush Safari" combines a guided game drive through the iSimangaliso Wetland Park with swimming / snorkeling in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean at Cape Vidal. Nowhere else in the world will you find 5 major ecosystems so close together, making this a one of a kind experience!
The day starts at 06h00 when you are collected from your accommodation in St Lucia in one of our open game vehicles and taken on a leisurely game drive through the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On arrival at Cape Vidal, sea conditions permitting, there is the option to swim / snorkel in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, accompanied by your guide for your safety. Alternatively, simply relax on the golden sandy beaches and dip just your toes in the sea if you prefer to stay slightly drier!
Dinner will be at your own cost at one of the local restaurants in St Lucia.
Main Destination:Isimangaliso Wetland Park (South Africa)
Accommodation:iGwalaGwala Guest House
Mid-range guest housein St Lucia (Lake St Lucia, South Africa)
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
On the last morning in St Lucia, you will enjoy a leisurely breakfast whereafter you will be transferred to King Shaka International Airport for your onward flight.
Any extensions on this trip are at additional costs.
Main Destination: King Shaka International Airport (Durban, 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
- 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 Kruger Park – Eswatini – St Lucia Package offers a diverse journey that combines exciting wildlife safaris, cultural immersion, and coastal exploration. In Kruger National Park, you’ll enjoy game drives in search of the Big Five and other remarkable species. Traveling through Eswatini introduces you to breathtaking mountain landscapes, traditional Swazi culture, and vibrant craft markets. Finally, the adventure ends in St Lucia, where you can explore the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, go on hippo and crocodile boat cruises, and enjoy pristine beaches along South Africa’s coastline.
The Kruger Park – Eswatini – St Lucia Package typically lasts between 7 to 10 days, depending on the operator and itinerary. Most itineraries allocate a few days in Kruger for extensive game viewing, followed by two to three days exploring Eswatini’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, and finally, two to three days in St Lucia to enjoy both wildlife and the warm Indian Ocean beaches.
Yes, the Kruger Park – Eswatini – St Lucia Package is ideal for families, as it combines exciting safari activities with cultural and coastal experiences. Children will love spotting animals in Kruger, engaging in cultural activities in Eswatini, and taking part in family-friendly excursions in St Lucia, such as estuary cruises and beach time. Many lodges and accommodations within this package are family-oriented and offer amenities suitable for all ages.
When booking the Kruger Park – Eswatini – St Lucia Package, travelers need a valid passport since Eswatini is a separate kingdom. Depending on your nationality, a visa may also be required for entry into Eswatini, though many countries are visa-exempt. It’s recommended to check updated visa requirements before travel. Additionally, some border crossing procedures are included in the guided tour arrangements, making the process smooth and hassle-free.
The Kruger Park – Eswatini – St Lucia Package allows travelers to experience diverse wildlife habitats. In Kruger, you can encounter the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—along with giraffes, zebras, and countless bird species. Eswatini offers unique landscapes with antelope, hippos, and a variety of birdlife, while St Lucia’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park is famous for its hippos, crocodiles, turtles, and even whale-watching opportunities during the migration season.
Accommodation on the Kruger Park – Eswatini – St Lucia Package usually ranges from mid-range lodges and safari camps to more luxurious options, depending on your preference and budget. In Kruger, guests stay in safari lodges or camps close to the park for easy access to game drives. In Eswatini, charming lodges and cultural-style accommodations are common, while in St Lucia, coastal lodges and boutique hotels provide comfort and proximity to the wetlands and beaches.