7 Day Kruger and the Kingdoms
Countries: South Africa , The Kingdom of Eswatini
Destinations: Johannesburg , Panorama Route , Ezulwini Valley , Kwazulu-Natal - Elephant Coast
Group Size: 10
Duration (days): 7
Number of Adults: 0
Number of Children: 0
When you combine the Kruger National Park, an icon of the wildlife world and the Kingdoms of eSwatini and Zululand, you have a mighty experience designed to take your travel desires to new heights.
It all begins in Johannesburg, where you will begin the first leg, a trip into Mpumalanga to marvel at the scenery along the Panorama Route. It’s then on to the Kruger National Park, where the Big Five roam, wild and free. Sightings are of an extraordinary caliber and an open vehicle game drive with a passionate guide is going to both thrill and excite.
You will then travel to eSwatini, an independent kingdom within the borders of South Africa, known for its colorful and vibrant culture. The people of eSwatini are the main attraction, where you will learn all about their traditions and customs. Zululand is where ancient kings once hunted, where the Big Five now roam, conserved, and protected. The journey ends in Durban.
Itinerary Outline
| Day | Location | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johannesburg | Sandton Sun |
| 2 | Panorama Route | Hazyview Sun |
| 3 | Panorama Route | Hazyview Sun |
| 4 | Panorama Route | Hazyview Sun |
| 5 | Ezulwini Valley | The Royal Villas |
| 6 | Kwazulu-Natal - Elephant Coast | ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe |
| 7 | Day of Departure |
Day 1 : Johannesburg
On arrival in Johannesburg at OR Tambo International Airport, you’ll be met by your representative and transferred to your hotel. Johannesburg is the largest and most populous city in South Africa. It is also the source of a large-scale gold and diamond trade due to its location on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills. The remainder of the day is at leisure and unescorted. Why not enjoy an optional (own account) sightseeing tour of Soweto & Apartheid Museum, learning more about the struggle for freedom in South Africa, or simply relax at your hotel? At 19h00 we will meet at reception for a briefing on the tour and a chance to meet fellow travellers.
Distance travelled today: 35 kms
South Africa
For a varied, diverse, exciting and fulfilling holiday, one would be hard pressed to find a country in Africa, or the world, which offers more. South Africa has it all, including wildlife, mountains, deserts, beaches, forests, numerous cultures, first world cities, untouched landscapes, casinos, amusement parks, exciting activities, excellent roads and infrastructure, off road 4 x 4 routes, fantastic food, good wine, great sports stadiums, incredible people and a triumphant history.
Johannesburg
Although usually only used for quick stopovers by most travellers, Joburg is an exciting and vibrant city, with some excellent hotels, fantastic shopping facilities, loads of historic signifcance, and a flourishing sporting culture.
With the launch of the Gautrain in 2010, the Sandton district is now only 10 minutes from the airport, and this places one in a position to easily access most of the city's highlights.
Sandton Sun
Accommodation at Sandton Sun combines luxury comfort with business convenience in a selection of 326 rooms and suites. Options range from 5-star Superior Rooms with large flat screens and skyline views to a spacious two-level Presidential Suite complete with a private Jacuzzi, bar, and outdoor dining.
Every room and suite features an executive workspace, TV with DStv channels, mood-adjustable lighting, a Nespresso machine, mini-bar, and complimentary uncapped WiFi. Comfort is assured with air-conditioning, pillow choices, room service, and a range of bed options. Sleek en-suite bathrooms are a mix of marble and glass, with lighted mirrors, walk-in showers, a full-length vanity, and a bath. Select rooms also feature an equipped kitchenette; perfect for long stays and homely convenience.
Romantic escapes or business breaks are easy in our suites with their private dining area and separate spacious bedroom. Extra suite-exclusives include everything from walk in closets to a private bar area. Our three Presidential Suites combine opulent Sandton accommodation with breathtaking views, personalised service, and a VIP check-in. Wheelchair accessible rooms are available on request.
Room rates include breakfast, and up to two kids under 18 can stay for free when sharing with adults. Sign up for the Tsogo Sun Hotels Rewards programme and get the best rates guaranteed.
Day 2 : Panorama Route
Depart Johannesburg after breakfast and head for Pretoria, South Africa’s capital city, for a short orientation tour, before continuing to the Mpumalanga Province, known as “Paradise Country”. Dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld, we travel via the historic towns of Dullstroom and Lydenburg. After traversing the famous Long Tom Pass, we travel via Sabie and arrive late afternoon into Hazyview, the safari hub of the Kruger National Park. [Breakfast & Dinner]
Distance travelled today: 425 kms
Panorama Route
The Panorama Route in Mpumalanga starts at Nelspruit where you can visit the Lowveld Botanical Garden.
It moves on to White River where you can go play golf and visit a Motor Museum. Sabie brings tons of adventure with activities like 4x4 trips and abseiling. Pilgrims Rest has a few spectacular pubs and restaurants, which is a must if you want to experience the culture of the town.
Graskop is the highlight of the Panorama Route, with attractions like:
- God's Window
- Lisbon Falls
- Berlin Falls
- the Pinnacle
- Bourke`s Luck Potholes, and
- Blyde River Canyon
The Panorama Route ends at the Swadini Forever Resort, which has tons of activities from boat trips to Microlight fights.
Hazyview Sun
Perfectly located in the heart of the Mpumalanga Lowveld only 12 km from the Kruger National Park, guests at Hazyview Sun have stunning natural beauty on their doorstep. From safari game drives to visiting the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and Pilgrims Rest, a stay at Hazyview Sun is an opportunity to discover some of the wonders of South Africa.
On a hill away from the malaria risk area, surrounded by a 10-acre garden estate with an abundance of birdlife, our Hazyview hotel enjoys year-round good weather and breathtaking views. The hotel’s 87 well-appointed en-suite rooms are spacious and comfortable with air-conditioning, satellite TV, free unlimited WiFi and more.
Enjoy a menu of local and international favourites at the Swazi-inspired Letaba Restaurant and Terrace, drinks and sundowners at Maroela Bar and Lounge, or a traditional braai under big African skies in the hotel’s Boma. For business travellers two well-equipped and adaptable conference venues can host everything from team building to multi-day conferences for up to 120 guests.
After a day exploring the beauty of Mpumalanga make a splash in the hotel pool or have some fun in the kiddies play area. For the adventurous, hot air balloon rides, river rafting, quad biking and other wild experiences can be arranged nearby.
Day 3 : Panorama Route
After an early morning breakfast, we’ll drive along the spectacular ‘Panorama Route’, offering views of amazing scenery including the 26-kilometre long Blyde River Canyon (home to the Three Rondavels), Bourke’s Luck Potholes and historic God’s Window, a breath-taking view (weather permitting) of the edge of the escarpment taking in the Kruger National Park. We arrive back in Hazyview in the late afternoon where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax. [Breakfast & Dinner]
Distance travelled today: 320 kms
Day 4 : Panorama Route
The day begins with early morning coffee or tea, followed by a thrilling open vehicle game safari (with English speaking game ranger) through the Kruger National Park with pre-packed breakfast. Kruger is one of the world’s greatest national parks, home to a stunning array of wildlife. Search for the ‘Big Five’ (rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, and elephant) as well as prolific birdlife and numerous other game species. The game safari includes a presentation of the Anti-Poaching Dog Unit (Project Watchdog), that was established because of the increase in rhino poaching worldwide. Learn about the dogs that are trained to track poachers in the field, detect firearms, ammunition and wildlife products that enter and exit through the Kruger National Park gates. A portion of the trip price of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience goes towards ensuring that these dogs receive the best possible care in support of the vital work they do. The experience directly advances UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land. The afternoon is at leisure at your hotel. An afternoon open vehicle game drive is available as an extension to the morning game drive (optional and for own account). [Breakfast & Dinner]
Distance travelled today: 120 kms
Day 5 : Ezulwini Valley
This morning we travel to eSwatini (Swaziland), an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa, known for its lovely scenery, crafts and colourful indigenous culture. An interactive cultural experience inclusive of lunch, introduces us to the charming people of eSwatini (Swaziland) and their traditions. We travel via the capital city, Mbabane, to the beautiful Ezulwini Valley for overnight in eSwatini (Swaziland) and a sumptuous dinner at your hotel. [Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]
Distance travelled today: 310 kms
The Kingdom of Eswatini
Despite being the smallest landlocked country in the Southern hemisphere, and the second smallest country in continental Africa, Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, more than makes up for its lack of size with a hugely diverse range of attractions and activities.
As one of the few remaining monarchies in Africa, culture and heritage are deeply engrained in all aspects of Swazi life, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all who visit. As well as the rich culture, the overwhelming friendliness of the people makes all visitors feel truly welcome and very safe.
Add to that stunning scenery of mountains and valleys, forests and plains; plus wildlife reserves across the country that are home to The Big Five; and a fascinating mix of modern and traditional festivals, ceremonies and events, and you have all that’s best about Africa in one small but perfectly formed and welcoming country.
Ezulwini Valley
Ezulwini Valley is Eswatini’s (Swaziland’s) main tourist area offering a wealth of attractions. Ezulwini means ‘place of heaven’, and the panoramic valley that bears this name certainly offers its share of hedonistic delights. This is where tourism in Swaziland began, and today its attractions include hotels, restaurants, hot springs, casinos, craft markets, art galleries, riding stables, a nature reserve, a golf course and a cultural village. Most visitors pass this way, and those who spend just one night in the kingdom will probably spend it here. Ezulwini Valley lies directly south east of Mbabane, extending from the bottom of the Malagwane Hill to Lobamba, and runs parallel with the MR3 highway from Mbabane to Manzini. It is flanked to the west by the craggy Luphohlo/Lugogo mountains and to the east by the sacred Mdzimba mountains. Its development as a tourist centre dates back to the 1960s, when the Royal Swazi Spa Hotel opened beside some natural hot springs known as the Cuddle Puddle, bringing with it southern Africa’s first casino. By 1983, Ezulwini had become the country’s Golden Mile, with a proliferation of hotels, casinos, golf courses, restaurants and other tourist honey pots.
The Royal Villas
The Royal Villas Eswatini offers award winning accommodation, conference facilities and fine cuisine all year round. Set in a beautiful secure estate with stunning views of the Royal Mdzimba Mountains, 10 minutes from the capital of Eswatini, Mbabane.
Day 6 : Kwazulu-Natal - Elephant Coast
After breakfast we will continue south through eSwatini (Swaziland), before re-entering South Africa. Travel into Zululand, passing traditional round huts and endless vistas. There is an option to enjoy an afternoon open vehicle safari (optional and for own account with an English-speaking game ranger) in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, which contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora and is particularly famous for its conservation of black and white rhino.
Overnight in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi region. [Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 360 kms
Kwazulu-Natal - Elephant Coast
KwaZulu-Natal's Elephant Coast is an eco-tourism destination in every sense of the word. It's renowned for its wetland and wildlife conservation efforts, both of which are major tourism drawcards.
It offers a host of eco-oriented pursuits, of which Big 5 game viewing, hikes and walks, scuba diving, and sea turtle tracking are the most popular.
The Elephant Coast, KwaZulu-Natal houses two of South Africa's greatest natural institutions, the World Heritage Site iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, made famous for its rhino preservation efforts.
iSimangaliso stretches for 220 km from Lake St Lucia to the Mozambique border. It is dominated by Lake St Lucia and the St Lucia estuary with its network of coastal lakes, dunes, subtropical forests, swamps and wetland systems that provide a haven for indigenous flora and fauna, especially bird life.
The park features several reserves, including the St Lucia Game Reserve, St Lucia Marine Reserve, the Sodwana Bay National Park, Maputaland Marine Reserve, False Bay Park and Mkuze Game Reserve, all of which promise exciting game viewing.
There are countless ways to explore iSimangaliso, including hiking, walking, forest and dune trails, boat cruises, canoeing and scuba diving the spectacular coral reefs at Sodwana Bay.
Inland, the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is a conservation marvel renowned for its efforts to save the white rhino from extinction. Today it is home to more than 1 000 white rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo and leopard, providing an authentic Big 5 African safari experience.
The Elephant Coast's magnificent beaches are another major attraction, not only to visitors from around the world, but also to hordes of endangered loggerhead and leatherback turtles that lay their eggs in the dunes here between November and January.
ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe
Set on the magnificent Elephant Coast, you’ll get to experience spectacular accommodation near South Africa’s oldest Game Reserve, the 3-star ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe – the ultimate South African holiday destination.
ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe offers a wide variety of affordable holiday accommodation including a 5-star self-catering safari lodge for a true bush experience. The hotel also offers packages for corporate and government guests with a wide range of intimate conferencing venues in the Zululand area.
The Idyllic African Centerpiece is nestled between the Hluhluwe Game Reserve – home to the Big Five, and the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, a world heritage site. Here you will experience the wild nature of Africa, rejoice in the luxury and revel in the friendly warmth of one of Africa’s most welcoming hotels.
Day 7 - Day of Departure
The day begins with an early breakfast before departing for Durban, travelling past traditional Zulu Kraals, Eucalyptus plantations and sugar cane fields. We arrive in Durban in the early afternoon where the tour ends on arrival. [Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 275 kms