Kruger Big 5 Safari & the Kingdom of Eswatini

Board your overnight flight from the UK to Johannesburg Airport JNB.

Welcome to Johannesburg.

Your local driver/guide awaits you at the airport and after you are sorted with money exchange you will make your way towards the Kruger Region.

Enjoy the scenery along the way and if you want to you can stop along the way for some Biltong and dried fruits that you can purchase in some of the farm stalls.

After check-in at the lodge, it is time to relax in the Bushveld environment.

Accommodation: 3 or 4 star country lodge or hotel near Kruger National Park

Today, enjoy a full day private Game Drive. An early start sees you head towards the famous Kruger National Park.

You will stop for breakfast (packed breakfast from the lodge) and for lunch (on own account) in the rest camps inside the park. The Kruger National Park is the most famous national park in South Africa and is the largest wildlife sanctuary, offering one of the best wildlife experiences. The biodiversity is one of its kind in the world. The park is home to 147 mammal species including the "Big Five" (leopard, lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo), as well as approximately 507 bird species, 114 reptile species, 49 species of fish and 34 amphibian species.

Nature takes no holidays, and as such, the Kruger Park provides a year-round destination with each season offering a unique spectacle. Summer rains in November & December provide lush greenery, new-born animals and excellent birding. The dry winter period of April to September provides sparser vegetation which makes for better game viewing. During this period, wildlife congregates close to remaining water sources.

Accommodation: 3 or 4 star country lodge or hotel near Kruger National Park

After breakfast, you will embark on the historical Panorama Route, a scenic road in the Mpumalanga Province which features sensational views of breath-taking natural wonders, fascinating rock formations, impressive waterfalls and wonderful fauna and flora.

The most popular stretch of the route is the R532 that winds its way from the town of Sabie via a selection of graceful waterfalls - the Sabie Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Mac Mac Falls - to God's Window, the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes and the three Rondavels.

The first stop will be the famous Three Rondavels - one of the most famous sightings along the Panorama Route. Situated along the third largest canyon in the world you have a fantastic view of the formations as well as a chance to enjoy a walk. The view of the 'Three Sisters' is also known as one of the best in South Africa.

Enjoy the view onto the Blyde River Canyon which is known as the third largest canyon in the world, and the largest green canyon due to its green nature. It offers beautiful panoramic views within 25 kilometres and is home to about 1000 different species of fauna and flora.

The last stop is at Bourkes Luck Potholes. Visit this natural water feature, which marks the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon. Through countless eons the swirling whirlpools which occur as the Treur River plunges into the Blyde River caused waterborne sand and rock to grind huge, cylindrical potholes into the bedrock of the river. The informative visitors centre details some of the interesting natural and socio-historic features and is the starting point of the 700m walk to the potholes.

Accommodation: 3 or 4 star country lodge or hotel near Kruger National Park

Today you will have you second visit to the famous Kruger National Park.

You will stop for breakfast (packed breakfast from the hotel) and for lunch (on own account) in the rest camps inside the park. The Kruger National Park is the most famous national park in South Africa and is the largest wildlife sanctuary, offering one of the best wildlife experiences.

The biodiversity is one of its kind in the world. The park is home to 147 mammal species including the "Big Five" (leopard, lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo), as well as approximately 507 bird species, 114 reptile species, 49 species of fish and 34 amphibian species.

Accommodation: 3 or 4 star country lodge or hotel near Kruger National Park

Today, escape to another country and visit the picturesque mountains of Swaziland (now referred to as Eswatini, since the King renamed the country in 2018), where history and culture have been frozen in time, offering a glimpse into African traditions.

One of Africa’s smallest countries and one of only three monarchies in the continent, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) is beautifully diverse and known for its wilderness reserves, friendly people, traditional arts and crafts. The country is inhabited by the Swazi tribe, who revere their king and take great pride in retaining their culture and traditions.

On the way, stop at Ngwenya Glass - Ngwenya Glass is Eswatini's major tourist attraction and located in large indigenous gardens. Here, Swazi craftsmen and women have mastered the art of glassblowing and create fascinating animals and birds of Africa. During a tour of the factory, you can witness them creating little animals from 100% recycled glass (glass blowing demonstration only available Monday to Friday).

Afterwards you will stop at Swazi Candles - here you can witness how they make beautiful animals out of wax, and of course if you want to, buy some souvenirs.

Accommodation: Mogi Boutique Hotel or similar

Today you will enjoy a cultural experience at Mantenga Nature Reserve and Cultural Village.

During your visit you will have a guided tour of the village, of the different huts, how they are built, and what each hut is used for, with the chance to interact with the sangoma, or traditional healer. You will meet villagers and learn from the women about preparing food (grinding maize), plaiting grass and making traditional beadwork, which you may wish to purchase as a souvenir.

You will also enjoy a performance by a group of dancers showcasing traditional sibhaca routines; a lively show with dancing, drumming and singing. While the villagers live nearby, the huts in the village have been designed to bring Swazi history, culture, and traditions to life for visitors.

Accommodation: Mogi Boutique Hotel or similar

You will be collected by your transfer company, and you will head back to the Kruger Region.

After you have checked-in at the lodge, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: 3 or 4 star country lodge or hotel near Kruger National Park

Today it is time to say goodbye - after a last relaxing breakfast in the Bushveld it is time to meet your driverand head back to Johannesburg Airport for your overnight flight back home.

Your overnight flight arrives back in the UK for you to make your journey home. 

Depending on availability, you can book either a Luxury Tent at Ndhula Lodge or a double/twin room at a carefully selected 3 or 4-star country lodge or hotel near Kruger National Park. These accommodations include Sanbonani Resort, Chestnut Country Lodge, Bohm's Zeederberg Country House or Rissington Inn.

The best time to visit South Africa is between November to March, although each season provides a different spectacle. Summer rains in November and December provide lush greenery, new-born animals and excellent birding.The dry winter period of April to September provides sparser vegetation which makes for better game viewing. During this period, wildlife congregates close to remaining water sources. In July and August, the temperature is warm during the day and cold after sunset, around 5pm.

British citizens do not require a Visa to enter South Africa.

The chosen hotel is located in a low-risk malaria area. The use of insect repellents is recommended between September and May.
Please consult your doctor for the best advice.

Full private game drives.
You'll leave camp at around 5.30am to have the best chance of spotting the animals.
The game drives are private in open air vehicles.
The packed breakfast from the hotel can either be eaten on route or at the rest camp.
Lunch will be a stop at one of the rest places with an onsite restaurant/bar.

This tour is not suitable for children under 12, please enquire about our Private Kruger Big 5 Family Safari instead.