Kruger to Durban Overland Camping Safari via Swaziland

April 15, 2016April 15, 2016admin

Summary of this Overland Safari

Travel from the city of gold, Johannesburg, to the coastal playground of Durban city on a one week camping adventure with experienced crew.

Sweep from the scenic gems of the Panorama Route – God’s window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes, into the wild Lowveld to explore game-rich Kruger National Park. After game viewing in the world-famous Kruger Park head to the scenic mountains of Swaziland to discover the beauty of Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and experience local Swazi culture. Then journey to the beautiful coast of KwaZulu-Natal and set off on a boat cruise in St Lucia Wetlands, before embarking on a game drive in the prestigious Hluhluwe Game Reserve.

Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Johannesburg to Greater Kruger Park – South Africa

This Kruger to Durban Overland Safari sets off from the metropolis of Johannesburg, the economic centre of South Africa.

Departing from Johannesburg, known as the Place of Gold (Egoli), we travel northeast into the Mpumalanga Province. Our drive takes us into the beautiful mountains of the Drakensberg Escarpment via the Panorama Route. Along the way we stop to look out over the plains of the Lowveld and the distant mountains, from a viewpoint called God’s Window.

From the breathtaking Panorama Route we continue to the small town of Hazyview, located close to Kruger National Park. Our hotel is in the Greater Kruger region, consisting of the national park and surrounding private game reserves. After dinner we relax at the peaceful lodge and enjoy our first night under starry skies.

Accommodation: Hotel or similar (Twin share tents with shared facilities)
Meals included: Dinner
Travel: about 390 km / 7 hours drive

Day 2: Kruger National Park – South Africa

On day two we rise with the sun, heading to Kruger Park in time to enter the protected area, as soon as the gates open. We spend the whole of day two game viewing in the world-renowned Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s best wildlife destinations.

Your professional guide is an expert at tracking and spotting wildlife and birds which makes all the difference in the bush. Kruger is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant) and a plethora of other wild animals, including almost every major mammal species of Africa. Birdlife is also prolific with over 500 bird species in addition to the 148 mammal species and numerous reptiles, amphibians, insects and plants.

During the heat of day we take a break at one of the shaded rest camps, usually stopping at a camp featuring a pool, gift shop and swimming pool. Then we continue our search for wildlife, driving through the diverse habitats of this exceptional game park. After our game viewing adventure in Kruger, we return to the hotel and our camp for an early dinner and a laid-back evening around the flickering campfire. You also have the option of embarking on a night game drive (extra cost) – an exhilarating wildlife experience!

Accommodation: Hotel or similar (Twin share tents with shared facilities)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Kruger Night Game Drive
Drive: Full day of game drives in Kruger

Day 3: Kruger National Park – South Africa

Today we are up at sunrise for a light breakfast, before returning to Kruger Park for our second adventure-packed day of game viewing. Exploring Kruger in an open 4×4 game viewing vehicle offers unhindered views for capturing photographs and a close-to-nature experience in the wilderness.

Your experienced guide shares his/her knowledge with you – pointing out wildlife, birds, other creatures and indigenous plants of the region. Kruger Park is world-famous for its progressive environmental policies and management practices, as well as its unrivaled array and sheer abundance of African animals and birds. Having spotted all kinds of weird and wonderful creatures out in the African wilderness we return to the camp in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Hotel or similar (Twin share tents with shared facilities)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Kruger Night Game Drive
Drive: Full day of game drives in Kruger

Day 4: Kruger National Park to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary – Swaziland

Onwards on day four, we drive south along the border of Kruger National Park, making our way towards Swaziland. Along the way we pass farming towns and Shangaan settlements, pausing in Nelspruit before heading through fertile farmlands. Then we ascend into the hills, traversing scenic mountain passes, as we wind our way up into the small, land-locked country of Swaziland.

We come across local markets showcasing the signature crafts of the Swazi people and we visit the Ngwenya glass factory, a well-known attraction in the area. Passing Mbabane, the capital of Swaziland, we proceed to the incredibly scenic Ezulwini Valley, which means ‘Valley of Heavens’. Here we will spend time exploring the Milwane Wildlife Sanctuary – a non-profit owned and managed protected area.

For the next two nights we camp near the secluded Milwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Swaziland’s oldest game park.

Accommodation: Safari camp or similar (Twin share tents with shared facilities) / WiFi
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Mountain biking tour, horse riding, sunset game drive, guided birding tour, Umphakatsi cultural tour
Travel: about 450km / 8 hours drive

Day 5: Milwane Wildlife Sanctuary – Swaziland

This morning we wake up in the stunning Ezulwini Valley, surrounded by unspoilt nature. Keep your eyes and ears open for birds and antelopes as we eat breakfast, before we venture into Milwane Wildlife Sanctuary. The protected area hosts more than 40 species of animals, including kudu, zebra, hippo, ostrich and baboon. More unusual finds range from aardwolf and dwarf mongoose to striped polecat and honey badger.

First we visit the Royal Enclosure to encounter the rich history and culture of the Kingdom of Swaziland. Then we walk through a traditional Swazi village with a local guide who tells us more about the customs and cultural practices here. There is time to browse the arts and crafts at the market stalls and walk around the village. Back in Milwane Wildlife Sanctuary we have lunch and then you are free to enjoy optional activities or simply relax at the pool and soak up the scenery. Choose from horse riding trails, game viewing drives, guided nature walks and mountain biking in the area.

At the end of the day we sit back with sundowners watching for animals and birds at the hippo pool, followed by a tasty dinner prepared by the crew.

Accommodation: Safari camp (Twin share tents with shared facilities) / WiFi
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Mountain biking tour, horse riding, sunset game drive, guided bird tour, Umphakatsi cultural tour
Travel: about 60km

Day 6: Swaziland to St Lucia – South Africa

From Milwane Wildlife Sanctuary we set off back into South Africa, stopping in at an interesting Swazi candle factory en route. Travelling into the KwaZulu-Natal Province we head for the East Coast of South Africa and our next destination – St Lucia. This small town is located in a beautiful and wild natural area, boasting rugged beaches, wetlands and an unspoilt estuarine system.

Arriving at St Lucia in the late afternoon we embark on a river boat cruise on the estuary in the former St Lucia Wetland Area, now named iSimangaliso Wetland Park. On the boat cruise hippos and crocodiles are a common sight, along with an abundance of birds and other animals.

After dinner, you can stroll into the seaside town and stop in at one of the cozy local pubs or sit back and watch the stars.

Accommodation: Hotel or similar (Twin share tents with shared facilities)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Night drive, cultural tour, bicycle tour, birding & hiking tour
Travel: about 410km / 8 hours drive

Day 7: St Lucia to Hluhluwe Game Reserve & Durban – South Africa

On day seven we are up early for a light breakfast before setting off for the nearby Hluhluwe Game Reserve. The oldest game reserve in Africa, Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park is world-famous for the pivotal role it played in white rhino conservation during the 1950s and 60s. This is the top game viewing destination in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, and is home to the Big Five and numerous other animals and birds.

We embark on a morning game drive in the safari truck, going in search of abundance of wildlife and birds in this 960 km² (96000 ha) wilderness area.

After our exciting game drive we continue through pine and sugar plantations making our way south to the coastal city of Durban. One of the largest commercial ports in Africa, Durban is a popular holiday destination, known for its sunny beaches and warm Indian Ocean waters. This afternoon our Overland Camping Safari comes to a close upon arrival in the vibrant city.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Travel: about 260km / 4 hours drive

Please Note:

This 7 Day Kruger to Durban Overland Camping Safari via Swaziland is also available as an Accommodated Overland Safari following the same itinerary, but offering lodge and backpacker accommodation instead of camping. See the Full Pricing above for the price of the accommodated tour version.

This tour covers part of the longer 19 Day Kruger to Cape Town Overland Camping Safari. For more details contact us.

Adventure Pass (Local Payment):

Please note that this tour comes with a highly-recommended Adventure Pass at extra cost. We strongly recommend this optional Adventure Pass as it includes major tour highlights and activities. This local payment can be purchased when booking your tour, or at the start of your trip, payable directly to your tour guide. Contact African Budget Safaris for the detailed itinerary listing what is included in the Adventure Pass and see the Full Pricing above for rates.

Tour Accommodation:

Sleep in two-person dome tents with fly sheets, sewn-in groundsheets, zip-up insect screens and foam mattresses. The campsites usually have reasonable washing and showering facilities, electricity points and sometimes even a small shop, bar or swimming pool. We camp at hotels, backpackers, lodges and similar establishments.

Tour Transport:

Travel in a 24-seater, self-contained, custom-built safari truck with on-board tables, plug sockets, freezer, water tank, mini-library, iPod jack, safety features and 70-litre individual lockers. A safari vehicle is used for game drives.