South Africa and Swaziland safari holiday
On this 10-day South Africa and Eswatini safari holiday you’ll see both big game and big landscapes. The trip culminates in Kruger National Park, one of the best safari destinations on the planet.
Johannesburg St Lucia Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve St Lucia Wetland Reserve Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (Eswatini) Kruger National Park whale watching opportunities in June and November
Price
£1595£1445To£1979 excluding flights
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Prices based on 2 adults sharing.
Single supplement available.
Mimimum age 16.
Single supplement available.
Mimimum age 16.
Offers
Up to £200 off selected dates.
Late availability on these dates: 16 Nov, 23 Nov, 21 Dec, 04 Jan, 18 Jan, 01 Feb
Late availability on these dates: 16 Nov, 23 Nov, 21 Dec, 04 Jan, 18 Jan, 01 Feb
Description of South Africa and Swaziland safari holiday
To get to know South Africa you need an itinerary that takes in its epic landscapes, brings you face to face with its majestic nature, and gives you vivid accounts of its history. This tour is a great combination of all three – with a chance to visit eSwatini, too. It starts in Johannesburg and ends in the Kruger.
South Africa has some of the largest and most wildlife-heavy safari destinations in the world. The highlight of this tour is the unmatchable Kruger National Park, where animal lovers will be in heaven. You’ll also visit Africa’s largest rhino population in Hluhluwe iMfolozi. This trip gives you opportunities to engage with the inspirational conservation work done by game reserves to protect and advocate for their wildlife.
This trip also gives you time to explore the vast and dramatic landscapes of southern Africa: you’ll go hiking in the Drakensberg Mountains and visit the Zululand battlefields, and in eSwatini drive through the picturesque Ezulwini Valley.
Little eSwatini – formerly known as Swaziland – is less visited than surrounding South Africa. This is one of the world’s last absolute monarchies ruled by a king who has bene in power since 1986. In eSwatini you’ll get a change to visit Mlilwane, where an absence of dangerous animals means that you can do walking safaris. This is a pretty setting for wildlife watching, set as it is beneath the natural bowl of the Nyonyane Mountains.
This holiday covers some large distances, so be prepared to drive – after all, you’re discovering two countries with very big landscapes.
Map
Price information
£1595£1445To£1979 excluding flights
Convert currency:
Prices based on 2 adults sharing.
Single supplement available.
Mimimum age 16.
Single supplement available.
Mimimum age 16.
Check dates, prices & availability
Travel guides
Stylish cities, fantastic coastal drives, enticing cuisine and accessible national parks – South Africa is a great introduction to southern Africa. Al...
Holiday information
Small group tour, ideal for solos & couples:
Small group travel is not large group travel scaled down. It is modelled on independent travel – but with the advantage of a group leader to take care of the itinerary, accommodation and tickets, and dealing with the language. It’s easy to tick off the big sights independently – but finding those one-off experiences, local festivals, travelling markets and secret viewpoints is almost impossible for someone without the insider knowledge gained from years in the field. Those with a two-week holiday, a small group tour will save valuable planning time.
Reviews
2 Reviews of South Africa and Swaziland safari holiday
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 12 Mar 2023 by Christine Hicks
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The wildlife
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Pack lightly. Prepare yourself for long journeys in minibus and a busy schedule with very early starts! Ensure you're physically capable of fairly challenging walks
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely benefited local people and the game parks supported condervation
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very, very good - probably one of the best small group tours we've done.
Reviewed on 18 Sep 2022 by Lucinda Reid
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The Panoramic Route back to Johannesburg. Amazing scenery!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be flexible and ready for simple accommodations and catch as catch can food/meals - fast food or DIY groceries. LOTS of driving and varied terrain, which I anticipated and was looking forward to (the first long day was mighty boring, however). Pay close attention to local temperatures when packing to go. Be prepared to be out of contact by most methods of communication for several days without notice - no internet, phone (maybe) only if you have an international plan.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not sure. We stayed in national parks, shopped in local stores, most accommodations seemed locally owned, so from that perspective, yes. No direct interaction with any groups or organizations doing work in these areas, but I would say parks count.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I enjoyed this trip because I was generally clear on what to expect. It's not a "safari", focused on wildlife (go to Botswana for this purpose), but more of an overview of the eastern part of this busy and prosperous country. Our Boer/Afrikaans guide added a different twist to the tour, as well. Adequate for the price.
Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for your comments Lucinda! We're so pleased to hear about your memorable parts especially, and I'm sure our future travellers will find your tips super useful. Thanks again!
Responsible Travel
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) holiday so that you can travel knowing it will help support the places and people that you visit, and the planet. Read how below.
Planet
WildlifeDuring this trip there will be amazing safari opportunities in Kruger National Park. We have taken care to ensure we are game-watching in the most responsible way. We use trusted and experienced guides who understand the importance of protecting the wildlife. The crew will educate groups about the wildlife within the national park. We will also visit Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, which is the oldest protected park in Africa and has been putting energy into the conservation efforts since 1895 leading to the park having the largest population of white rhino in the world!
Water
South Africa, particularly in the West Cape region, is going through its worst ever drought and after a research trip in January 2018 to understand the extent of the issue locally, we have been working together with suppliers, hotels and our ground team to ensure our groups are using the minimal amount of water possible without negatively impacting our itineraries. All leaders brief groups on arrival about the importance of conserving water, offer top tips on how to do so and explain the current situation locally to aid understanding.
As a travel company we are continually looking for ways to improve and are proud to be ‘Responsible in everything we do’. Education is key, and so all staff, Tour Leaders and partnering suppliers are trained in responsible and sustainable tourism. At our Head Office, we continually strive towards a sustainable and planet-friendly working environment, including having solar panels installed and a company commitment to reducing our plastic usage.
People
Friends and NeighboursDuring this trip we visit Kruger National Park and 1% from all entrance fees and any activities booked will go to the community levy. The levy will be invested in clinics, schools and other much needed infrastructure to benefit communities within and surrounding park boundaries, with a long-term aim to build sustainable relationships between residents and visitors.
Travelling with respect
Our leaders take time to advise customers about looking after the environments they are exploring. All our groups are advised to keep a safe and fair distance between themselves and wildlife, and to not pick any flowers. In many parks flora is also protected much like wildlife, so leaders will educate groups about what they can see and the importance of sticking to footpaths, not leaving litter and having minimal impact.
As a company we have valuable and longstanding partnerships with UK charities Toilet Twinning and Send a Cow, plus many smaller initiatives and projects around the world. We’re members of the UK travel industry body AITO because we believe it’s important to share our knowledge and experience, as well as learn from other operators.
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