10 Day South African Wildlife Safari, Zululand, Swaziland and Drakensberg mountains tour Itinerary

On arrival at Johannesburg International Airport collect your 1400cc car and head for the unspoilt beauty of Mpumalanga. 

Graskop is a small forestry town perched on the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment, centrally situated in the Panorama region of Mpumalanga.  Graskop is only a few minutes drive from a number of scenic wonders such as God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes and the world renowned Blyde River Canyon and Three Rondawels, as well as spectacular waterfalls such as Lisbon Falls, Berlyn Falls and Mac Mac Falls.  The historic mining town of Pilgrim's Rest as well as the quaint forestry town of Sabie are a mere ½ hour's drive away, with the Lowveld and the Kruger National Park less than an hours drive to the east.   Board basis is Dinner, Bed & Breakfast.
 

Day 2, 3, 4 - Kruger National Park

After a leisurely breakfast set off for the Kruger National Park.  En route discover some of the most spectacular views in Africa as they unfold from the heights of the escarpment.  Selftours recommends you follow the Panorama Route to the Blyde River Canyon and Pilgrim’s Rest, spanning time from the age of the dinosaur to the gold-rush of the late 1800s before entering the Park at the Numbi Gate.  The Kruger National Park ranks among the world’s great game sanctuaries covering nearly 20 000 square kilometres.  It is a haven to a vast array of wildlife including more than 140 species of mammal, 45 species of lizard, 34 different amphibians, more than 500 species of bird not to mention over 380 species of indigenous trees.   You will stay in comfortable en suite accommodation at various camps within the Park giving you the opportunity to experience the diversity of habitat and wildlife.
Included in your South African safari tour Selftours offers 2 complimentary  guided sunset 4X4 safari with a ranger.   Board basis is accommodation only - all meals being available at the restaurants in each camp.
 

Day 5 - Swaziland

Depart the Kruger National Park after breakfast and travel the short distance to the Kingdom of Swaziland. This tiny landlocked country is a gem filled with rolling green hills and lazy rivers.  Your country hotel is just a short drive from the capital Mbabane, and is a haven of tranquillity, set among beautiful gardens and trickling streams.  Sunseekers can lounge around the pool, while nature lovers can explore the surrounding areas on foot, horseback or on bikes. Fish for trout or bass in the stocked dams or discover absolute peace in the forests. Witness traditional Swazi ceremonies at the Royal Village at Lobamba, watch glass blowers turn broken bottles into works of art at the Ngwenya Glass factory, browse through Matenga Crafts, a shady open-air craft market near Matenga Falls or simply relax in the stimulating air and spacious freedom.

NB. You are crossing the border with Swaziland - Selftours recommends that you check your visa requirements. Board basis is Dinner Bed & Breakfast.

Day 6 - Zululand

After a scenic journey through the countryside, a warm welcome awaits you at your 4* hotel in the heart of Zululand.  On arrival you will be met by Zulu dancers in full regalia who will escort you to your room, a thatched beehive-shaped hut with all the modern conveniences and bathroom en-suite.  Watch as they brew beer and make traditional pottery, beadwork and spears, or perhaps try your hand at spear-throwing and stick-fighting. Experience the magic of Africa in an evening rich in Zulu culture and customs.  After a sumptuous feast, sit around the campfire savouring home-brewed tshwala while the song; dance and drumbeat draw you into the pulse of Africa.  All this, tucked away in an indigenous setting of aloes and mimosa trees with spectacular views of the surrounding hills.  Board basis is Dinner, Bed & Breakfast as well as the cultural activities.
 

Let the drumbeat draw you into the true pulse of Africa......

Day 7 - St Lucia Wetlands

St. Lucia, a World Heritage wetlands site is situated on the estuary of the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park and is a haven for the eco-tourist and nature lover. The lake and surrounding areas teem with hippos, crocodiles and many other wild animals. It is a birdwatchers paradise with bird-life featuring Fish Eagles, Hornbills, Goliath Herons, Saddle Billed Storks, Green pigeons and many other species.  The peacefulness of the setting is enhanced by the abundance of birds, antelope, monkeys and other small game.  Here you will stay in a beautiful guesthouse bordering on the Wetland Park.  Breakfast will be served outside in the beautiful tropical garden, weather permitting.  Your hosts can assist you with bookings on tours like beach drives, Cape Vidal tours, horse riding, Turtle tours, and game drives.  Board basis is Bed & Breakfast.

 Day 8, 9 - Drakensberg Mountains

You head for the peace and tranquillity of the 'Dragon Mountains'.  The area, a World Heritage Site, is rich in the history of the San people and you will find caves and rock shelters with rock paintings where they once lived.  Your charming resort nestles in the heart of the Northern Drakensberg set in beautiful gardens. 

After breakfast, you can join in with a guided party hiking into the hills for morning tea and to explore the indigenous forests where woodcutters felled yellowwood trees over a hundred years ago. Study bushman paintings, view the unspoilt splendour of one of natures finest mountain creations where the pressures of traffic and time do not exist. Swim in a 'berg stream before returning with heightened appetites for a tasty lunch.  The bracing air is a haven for the outdoor enthusiast and you can enjoy horse riding, tennis, bowls, volley ball, swimming or trout fishing. Relaxing and enjoying the view from the front lawn on a summer's evening, or sitting in the lounge around a cosy log fire in winter, lead to sundowner conversations with new friends.

The Drakensberg wilderness is also one of only 23 places in the world that is recognised not just as a site of global natural importance in terms of biodiversity and scenic splendour, but also as an area of unique cultural significance.  The Drakensberg has one of the richest displays of rock art in the world with more than 600 sites, or ‘galleries’ of Bushman paintings containing around 400 000 individual images.  Many have been developed for tourism and can be visited either with or without a guide.  Board basis is Bed & Breakfast, Dinner, Guided hikes and Afternoon tea.

Day 10 - Johannesburg

Today you will be heading back up to Johannesburg to connect with your homeward bound flight.  If your flight is in the evening you will still have a little time to relax before departing from your hotel as it is approximately a 4 to 5 hour drive - so you do not have to rush on your last relaxing day.
 

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