trip
NEW Trip – Ladakh Mountain Biking AdventureView Trip Details

14 Days$2490USD

Activities
  • 8 day walks
Accommodation
  • 11 nights hotel/lodge/guesthouse
  • 2 nights permanent safari camp
Meals
  • 10 Dinners
  • 14 Lunches
  • 13 Breakfasts
4
Introductory to Moderate

Traveller Rating

 

 
 

Trip highlights


  • Search for wildlife on a walking safari and game drives in Kruger National Park
  • Enjoy mountain walks in the Drakensberg Mountains, including an ascent of the Amphitheatre
  • Experience the Mpumalanga Panorama Route
  • Explore the historical battlefields of Zululand
  • Discover the rich cultural heritage of Swaziland (eSwatini)
  • Behold the scenic views on a walk in the Blyde River Canyon

This spectacular journey offers the perfect mix of walking, game viewing and history amongst the stunning diverse landscapes of the northern region of South Africa. During a series of selected day walks of varying grades, we explore the Drakensberg Mountains which is the highest range in South Africa, including a strenuous ascent of the Amphitheatre. We undertake mountain walks and cultural sightseeing along the Mpumalanga Panorama Route, Blyde River Canyon and Zululand, and visit the fascinating kingdom of Swaziland (eSwatini). Our South Africa adventure is complete with a game walk and game drives in search of the 'Big Five' in the renowned Kruger National Park.

Trip Code: SAW

After the tour briefing at 06:30am, 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 and then make our way to our chalets on the edge of the escarpment for overnight. Walk grade/time: Easy; 1 hr. NB: Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be provided by the lodge.

Meals:  L,D

Blyde River Canyon is our first long morning walk as we make our way from the rim down into the canyon with views over the Three Sisters and the river below. After lunch we spend the afternoon exploring the forests and waterfalls which make Mpumalanga a beautiful destination. Overnight chalet. Walk grade/time: Moderate; 3.5-4 hrs. Ascent/descent: +331m; -331m. NB: Breakfast and Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be provided by the lodge.

Meals:  B,L,D

After an early breakfast, we make our way to Kruger National Park. This is Big game country, where we spend the day in search of the elusive leopard, the majestic lion and the mighty elephant. We enter the national park and spend the day on an exciting game drive through the reserve as your professional guides will impart their extensive knowledge of ecology, fauna and flora. In the late afternoon 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 the next day (3-4 hrs). Quietly we venture into the bush, learning the tracks and other signs of the wildlife we hope to track on foot. Overnight lodge. Walk grade/time: Easy; 3-4 hrs. Day 3: Breakfast and Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be provided by the lodge. Day 4: Breakfast and Dinner will be provided by the lodge; Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.

Meals:  B,L,D

We enter the Kingdom of Swaziland (eSwatini) and travel through a lush fruit farming area before heading into the mountains. We spend 2 nights on the outskirts of Malalotja Nature Reserve with a full day to walk through this seldom explored mountainous reserve to a beautiful waterfall. The Swazi people have a rich cultural heritage and we will visit the craft markets on day 7 as we pass through the capital, Mbabane. Overnight mountain chalet. Walk grade/time: Strenuous; 4-6 hrs. Ascent/descent: +572m; -573m. NOTE - Driving distance/time (330 kms, 5-6 hrs) excludes 2-3 hour morning drive out of Kruger National Park, shopping stop in Malelane, Jeppes Reef border formalities & stops for meals, sightseeing etc. Day 5: Breakfast & Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be a set meal provided by the lodge. Day 6: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge; Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be a set meal provided by the lodge.

Meals:  B,L,D

Crossing back into South Africa we head towards our lodge on a private game reserve situated on 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. Enjoy the sunset and the sounds of the bush before a hearty dinner at the lodge. Overnight permanent safari camp. Walk grade/time: Easy; 2-3 hrs. NOTE - Driving distance/time (320 kms, 6 hrs) excludes border formalities & stops for meals, sightseeing etc. NB: Breakfast & Dinner will be provided by the lodge; Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.

Meals:  B,L,D

We 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 the Boer troops - war cries still resound in the hills. We spend time at the informative Tulana museum before we settle into our lodge and have some free time in the afternoon. On Day 10, we explore the Islandlwana battlefield before we embark on an exciting hike tracing the steps of the two British fugitives through the undulating hills of Zululand to the Buffalo River. Later in the day we visit Rourkes Drift before returning to our accommodation. Overnight chalet. Walk grade/time: Strenuous; 4-5 hrs. Ascent/descent: +129m; -200m. NB: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge; Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be at your own expense (meal in lodge restaurant).

Meals:  B,L

Witness the grandeur of the Drakensberg Mountains or uKhahlamba “Barrier of Spears”. We overnight at the base of the “berg” (alt. 1,600m) and spend a full day walking the mountain trails up the Tugela gorge, before taking an invigorating dip in the clear mountain streams of the Royal Natal National Park. The crisp mountain air is refreshing and our accommodation is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy the splendour of the mountain views. Overnight chalet. Walk grade/time: Moderate; 5.5 hrs. Ascent/descent: +859m; -856m. Day 11: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge; Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 12: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group

Meals:  B,L,D

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, including two short chain ladder sections, to the top of the Drakensberg Amphitheatre and the beautiful Tugela Falls (alt. 3,000m), offering unparalleled views down into KwaZulu-Natal. After our walk we make our way to our accommodation perched high in the mountains (alt. 2,300m) overlooking the Mont-Aux-Sources mountain range. Overnight chalet. Walk grade/time: Strenuous; 5-6 hrs. Ascent/descent: +789m; -794m. NB: Breakfast & Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be at your own expense (meal in lodge restaurant).

Meals:  B,L

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. Our tour ends at approximately 18:00 in Johannesburg. Please note: we can do a free drop off at OR Tambo Johannesburg Airport at around 17:00pm so you can book your flight out for the last day of the tour. NB: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge; Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.

Meals:  B,L


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Inclusions

  • 13 breakfasts, 14 lunches and 10 dinners
  • 11 nights in comfortable hotels, lodges and guesthouses on a twinshare basis
  • 2 nights in permanent safari camps on a twinshare basis
  • Game drives, day walks and excursions as listed in itinerary
  • English speaking local guide
  • National park fees and site entrance fees as listed in itinerary
  • Private transport in minibus / safari truck

  • Optional activities
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature (i.e laundry, phone calls, tips, etc)
  • International flights and taxes
  • Visas
  • Airport and departure taxes
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory)
  • Airport arrival and departure transfers
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Tips & gratuities

Departure dates


Notes

Note:
This is a limited participation trip (with the participation limited to assisting with the washing up at mealtimes and packing/unpacking the vehicle).

Dates don't fit?
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If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

Priceper person from

$2490USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementUSD$450
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed South Africa Walking Adventure trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


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Enhancing your journey with authentic experiences, genuine cultural exchange and real exploration are the focal points on all of our adventures. In 2019, we were crowned by our peers as the best in adventure travel at The Travel Awards in Sydney.

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Our vision is to leave the world a better place by following our sustainable active outdoor travel charter. All our adventures are 100% carbon offset and our Regenerative 2030 Project aims to integrate ‘regenerative’ projects into every one of our global operations by 2030.

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 When you book one of our adventures, you will receive quality services at the best prices with plenty of inclusions. There are no hidden costs, single travellers don’t pay more and you’ll enjoy many ‘extra touches’ that ensure your holiday is excellent value for money.

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