Mozambique, Eswatini, South Africa · Safari

18-Day South Africa Safari with Panorama Route and eSwatini

18 Days Round trip from Johannesburg Easy pace
African Elephant
Masai Giraffe
White-bellied sea eagle
Hippopotamus
African Lion
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The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Discover the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in archaeological wonders
  • 02 Experience thrilling Big 5 safaris in Pilanesberg, Kruger National Park, and Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park
  • 03 Cruise along the Blyde River Canyon for breathtaking views of towering cliffs and lush vegetation
  • 04 Explore the scenic Panorama Route, including God's Window, Three Rondavels, and Bourke's Luck Potholes
  • 05 Visit the Endangered Species Centre to learn about vital conservation efforts
  • 06 Journey through eSwatini, passing sugar plantations and experiencing vibrant local culture
  • 07 Witness the diverse ecosystems of iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the wildlife of St. Lucia
  • 08 Observe hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and rare bird species in their natural habitats

Embark on an 18-day journey through South Africa's wild heart, beginning in vibrant Johannesburg and travelling through the Cradle of Humankind, Pilanesberg Game Reserve, Kruger National Park, the breathtaking Panorama Route, and the UNESCO-listed wetlands of St. Lucia. Experience multiple Big 5 safaris, witness dramatic landscapes from volcanic craters to lush canyons, cruise the Blyde River, uncover historic gold rush towns, and engage with rich cultural traditions in eSwatini. Along the way, discover inspiring conservation projects, encounter diverse wildlife from lions to rare antelope, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and authentic spirit of South Africa.

Embark on an 18-day journey through South Africa's wild heart, beginning in vibrant Johannesburg and travelling through the Cradle of Humankind, Pilanesberg Game Reserve, Kruger National Park, the breathtaking Panorama Route, and the UNESCO-listed wetlands of St. Lucia.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 18 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Luxury
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Johannesburg, Phalaborwa, Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon, Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park, Pilanesberg Game Reserve, Sabie, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Sabi Sands
Languages Afrikaans, Dutch, English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Welcome to Johannesburg

  • Arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
  • Meet the guide and transfer to your hotel in a Land Rover vehicle.
  • Relax at a renowned local spot to acclimatise and enjoy the South African atmosphere.
  • Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Stay overnight in Johannesburg.

2
Day 02

Cradle of Humankind and Nan Hua Temple Discovery

  • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
  • Visit the UNESCO-listed Cradle of Humankind to explore archaeological wonders and learn about ancient human origins.
  • Continue to the Fo Guang Shan Nan Hua Temple for a moment of peace and cultural appreciation.
  • Transfer to Pilanesberg and check into your lodge.
  • Rest in preparation for the first safari experience.
3
Day 03

Big 5 Safari in Pilanesberg Game Reserve

  • Begin the day with an early morning game drive in Pilanesberg.
  • Search for lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo.
  • Spot other wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and bird species.
  • Enjoy a midday rest followed by an afternoon safari.
  • Witness wildlife in the golden light of sunset.
4
Day 04

Second Safari Day in Pilanesberg

  • Embark on another early morning safari to locate animals not yet seen.
  • Explore diverse habitats and observe the park's rich biodiversity.
  • Relax at the lodge before the afternoon game drive.
  • Spend the evening at leisure in the heart of the reserve.
5
Day 05

Scenic Journey to Phalaborwa

  • Drive through rural landscapes and rustic villages.
  • Experience the unspoiled beauty of the countryside.
  • Arrive in Phalaborwa, known as the gateway to Kruger National Park.
  • Prepare for upcoming wildlife encounters.
6
Day 06

Safari in Northern Kruger National Park

  • Enter the quieter northern section of Kruger National Park.
  • Search for the Big 5 and unique species such as sable antelope.
  • Enjoy scenic landscapes from open savannas to lush riverbanks.
  • Capture sunset views over the wilderness.
7
Day 07

Journey into Central Kruger

  • Travel south into the central region of Kruger National Park.
  • Spot a variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, leopards, and bird species.
  • Experience diverse landscapes and thriving ecosystems.
8
Day 08

Conservation Visit and Blyde River Canyon Cruise

  • Visit the Endangered Species Centre to learn about wildlife conservation.
  • Cruise along the Blyde River for views of the Blyde River Canyon.
  • Observe wildlife and enjoy the natural scenery from the water.
9
Day 09

Explore the Panorama Route

  • Visit the Three Rondavels viewpoint.
  • Admire the views from God's Window.
  • See Lisbon Falls and Bourke's Luck Potholes.
  • Descend into the rainforest via the Graskop Gorge Lift.
10
Day 10

Pilgrim's Rest and Waterfalls Tour

  • Explore the historic mining town of Pilgrim's Rest.
  • Visit Mac Mac Falls and Sabie Falls.
  • Follow the Sabie River through tranquil scenery.

Overnight at a riverside location.

11
Day 11

Safari and History in Kruger National Park

  • Embark on a central Kruger game drive.
  • Visit Sabie Sand Nature Reserve, renowned for leopard sightings.
  • Stop at Skukuza to learn about conservation efforts.
  • Explore the historic Albasini Ruins.
12
Day 12

Northern Kruger to the Mozambique Border

  • Travel through Kruger towards the Mozambique border.
  • Pass the Crocodile Bridge and follow the Crocodile River.
  • Observe wildlife in Marloth Park.

Stay overnight by the riverbank.

13
Day 13

Crocodile River Wildlife Exploration

  • Continue wildlife viewing along the Crocodile River.
  • Revisit the Crocodile Bridge for additional sightings.
  • Photograph elephants, giraffes, and birdlife.
14
Day 14

Cross into eSwatini and Explore Local Culture

  • Travel south through eSwatini.
  • Pass expansive sugarcane fields and rolling hills.
  • Visit local markets and experience Swazi culture.
15
Day 15

Explore iSimangaliso Wetland Park

  • Discover the diverse ecosystems of St. Lucia.
  • Spot crocodiles, hippos, zebras, and bird species.
  • Walk along pristine beaches and mangrove swamps.
  • Observe hippos roaming the streets at night.
16
Day 16

Big 5 Safari in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park

  • Experience a Big 5 safari in Africa's oldest game reserve.
  • Learn about rhino conservation efforts.
  • Drive through varied landscapes from savanna to woodland.
17
Day 17

Return to Johannesburg

  • Depart St. Lucia and travel back to Johannesburg.
  • Pass through farmlands, hills, and small towns.
  • Spend the evening reflecting on the journey.
18
Day 18

Departure from South Africa

  • Transfer to O.R. Tambo International Airport.
  • Bid farewell to South Africa with lasting memories of its wildlife and landscapes.
Blyde River Canyon, Three Rondavels, God's Window, iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Where this trip takes you

Blyde River Canyon, Three Rondavels, God's Window, iSimangaliso Wetland Park

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Johannesburg 9 cities · 18 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • 18 days and 17 nights in exclusive and carefully selected unique accommodations on a bed and breakfast basis
  • All transport in luxurious 4x4 vehicles, including fuel costs and road tolls
  • Driver and guide service throughout the entire trip
  • All game drives included

What's Not Included

  • Airplane tickets to and from Johannesburg must be booked and paid for by the guest; assistance with booking is available.
  • Food (lunch and dinners unless otherwise marked as included), drinks, and items purchased along the way are not included and are payable by the guest.
  • Tips are recommended at 10% for services.
  • Personal insurance covering illness, lost items, and other risks is not included.
  • It is customary to tip the driver upon satisfactory completion of the trip.
  • Entrance fees and conservation fees for national parks are not included; these vary between R90 and R535 per person, per day or per entry.
  • Cross-border fees and visa fees are not included.
  • Personal expenses are not included.

Know before you go

  • This trip can be shortened, extended, and adjusted to your own wishes and expectations.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Johannesburg, Zuid-Afrika
Tour start
Johannesburg, South Africa
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 18 days finish where they began, in Johannesburg.

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