SA Eco Explorer

Our adventure begins as we head north from Johannesburg, passing through the outskirts of Pretoria and venturing into the expansive African plains. We’ll stop for lunch in the charming historic gold mining village of Haenertsburg. After our meal, we’ll descend into the beautiful Magoebaskloof. The final leg of our journey leads us into the renowned Kruger National Park, famous for its stunning natural landscapes and diverse wildlife. 

For the next two nights, we’ll settle into our comfortable Bush Lodge, located in a private reserve within the greater Kruger National Park. This exclusive reserve gives us the opportunity to explore the wilderness in open game drive vehicles, searching for a variety of wildlife both during the day and into the night. 

Overnight at Bush Lodge – Dinner. 

After a restful night, we kick off the day with a light breakfast featuring fresh coffee and rusks, a traditional South African treat. Then, we set out to immerse ourselves in the wild African bush. Guests will have the chance to explore the wilderness, staying alert for animal sightings while also uncovering the smaller wonders that often go unnoticed. Before the day heats up, we’ll return to the lodge for a delicious brunch, followed by some relaxation time to soak in the tranquility of the surrounding nature. 

In the late afternoon, we’ll embark on an open vehicle game drive that transitions into an exciting night drive. As the sun sets, we’ll pause to enjoy a refreshing drink while taking in the beautiful scenery. 

Overnight at Bush Lodge – Brunch and dinner. 

Awakening with the African sun, we savor a delicious breakfast before embarking on our adventure to ascend the escarpment and discover the stunning natural attractions and viewpoints in this picturesque area. After taking in the breathtaking views of the Blyde River Canyon, we proceed to the historic town of Pilgrim’s Rest, where we can stroll along the charming main street. 

Lunch today (at your own expense) will be at a spot overlooking the escarpment. In the mid-afternoon, we head to Greenfire Lodge Hazyview, a beautiful natural retreat that also operates as a working farm producing coffee, limes, and macadamia nuts. We’ll take some time to explore the farm and its operations. 

Overnight at Greenfire Lodge Hazyview – Breakfast and dinner. 

We set off from the lodge at sunrise, making our way to the southern part of Kruger National Park for a full day of wildlife viewing. We’ll spend most of the day observing the incredible animals, with regular breaks at designated spots to stretch our legs and enjoy lunch at one of the park’s rest camps (own expense). Later in the afternoon, we’ll exit the park and return to the comfort of our lodge. 

Overnight at Greenfire Lodge Hazyview – Breakfast and dinner. 

After breakfast, we depart and pass through the provincial capital, Mbombela (Nelspruit), before crossing the border into the Kingdom of Eswatini. Our journey takes us up into the mountains, where we’ll encounter various traditional craft industries. If time allows, we’ll visit one or more craft markets. We’ll spend some time exploring before reaching our accommodation for the night, where we’ll enjoy a meal prepared with local flavors. 

Overnight at Forester’s Arms – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Today, we navigate the scenic roads of the Swazi countryside as we head south, eventually crossing back into South Africa. After completing the necessary border procedures, we arrive in Zululand, part of the modern KwaZulu-Natal region. 

Our adventure continues in St Lucia, where we will spend the next two nights. While in St Lucia, we will explore the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The day will be filled with discovering the beach, rock pools, pristine dune forests, and other natural wonders of this incredible park. In the evenings, we’ll dine at one of the many local restaurants (at your own expense). 

Overnight at Forest Lodge – Breakfast and lunch. 

After breakfast, we depart from St Lucia and continue our journey through KwaZulu-Natal, a region known for its rich history of battles. By the afternoon, we will reach the stunning Drakensberg mountain range, which rises to 3,400 meters and is affectionately called “The Barrier of Spears” by locals. After a full day of travel, we will check into our cozy cabins, where we will spend the next two nights surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The following day, guests will embark on a day hike in the Tugela Gorge, located within the Royal Natal National Park, part of the Drakensberg World Heritage Site. 

Overnight at Alpine Heath – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

We continue our journey south into the Natal midlands, where our overnight stop will be at a working ranch. We will arrive in the afternoon, giving us time to learn about the farming practices in the area and the intriguing history of the farm and its buildings. For those seeking adventure, there will be opportunities to help with some farm work either in the afternoon or early morning. Tonight, we will enjoy a traditional dinner made fresh from the farm’s gardens. 

Overnight at Flitwick Ranch – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

We start our journey early, passing through charming small towns on our way to the Wild Coast. We’ll spend two nights at Coffee Bay, giving us a full day to hike and explore this stunning and rugged region. A highlight of our visit will be a scenic walk along the high cliffs, pristine beaches, and rolling grasslands, leading us to one of the most remarkable sights on the South African coastline – Hole in the Wall. The afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy. 

Overnight at Ocean View Hotel – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Leaving the Wild Coast behind, we journey into the Great Karoo, heading to Cradock, a town nestled in the upper Great Fish River valley. Upon our arrival, a local guide will greet us and lead us on a vibrant walking history tour before we settle into our accommodations for the night. 

Overnight at Tuishuise & Victoria Manor – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

We rise early to enter Mountain Zebra National Park as soon as the gates open. We’ll spend a few hours searching for wildlife and soaking in the breathtaking views before heading back to the hotel for breakfast. After packing up, we’ll leave Cradock and make our way to the famous Addo Elephant Park, where we can observe elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife up close in a unique setting. In the late afternoon, we’ll take a short trip back to the coast and our hotel in Nelson Mandela Bay. 

Overnight at a Nelson Mandela Bay Hotel – Breakfast and lunch. 

This morning is yours to enjoy at your own pace. After breakfast, we set off deeper into the stunning Garden Route region. We’ll make several stops to take in the sights, including a visit to the Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park, where you can stroll along the rugged coastline and cross the suspension bridge over the Storms River mouth. In the afternoon, we’ll arrive in the lively town of Knysna, where you’ll have some free time to explore. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening. 

Overnight at The Rex Hotel – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Leaving Knysna behind, we head towards Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of the African continent. Here, we’ll take a brief walk down to the beach to witness the point where the cold Atlantic and warm Indian oceans meet. Enjoy a picnic-style lunch while feeling the refreshing ocean breeze before we continue our journey to Arniston. 

Overnight at Arniston Hotel – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

We’ll have a leisurely morning drive along the “Whale Route” through Hermanus. Then, we’ll follow the coastline around the Hottentots Holland Mountains to Betty’s Bay, where we’ll visit a charming colony of African Penguins. This afternoon, we’ll travel along one of the world’s most picturesque coastal routes, skirting the edge of False Bay, before heading to the “Mother City,” Cape Town. We’ll arrive at the Mojo Hotel in Sea Point by mid-afternoon, where we’ll be staying for the night. 

Overnight at Mojo Hotel – Breakfast. 

After a leisurely breakfast, the tour concludes, and guests can arrange their own transfer from the hotel to Cape Town International Airport for their onward journeys. 

On request and subject to availability