South Africa's Enchanting North

ABOUT THIS TRIP

The north of South Africa is much more pristine and "African" than the south of the country and is characterized by the three big "Bs", namely beach, bush and mountain. The beaches between the Elephant Coast and Dolphin Coast are ideal for swimming all year round. Many of the national parks are home to the Big Five. Mighty mountain ranges criss-cross the region. You will experience breathtaking landscapes on the Panorama Route and in the Drakensberg Mountains, first-class national and game parks such as Kruger Park or Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, endless beaches on the coast between St. Lucia and Durban as well as authentic African life in Eswatini and Zululand.

We are happy to change this tour itinerary or the rental car category according to your individual wishes. Please contact us for your personal offer. We recommend starting this tour in the South African winter from April to October. You should allow about two weeks for this route. A four-wheel drive vehicle is not necessary for this route, but a car with a higher wheelbase is sometimes helpful.

OVERNIGHT STATIONS

• 2x Sabie
• 2x Hoedspruit
• 2x Eswatini
• 2x Hluhluwe
• 2x St. Lucia
• 1x Umhlanga
• 2x Bergville

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 13x overnight stay in the Comfort ***/**** category
• 13x breakfast, 4x lunch, 6x dinner
• Rental car class H (VW T-Roc SUV Automatic or similar)
• four game drives in a Big Five game reserve in the Kruger Park
• four game drives in a Big Five game reserve at Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park
• a game drive in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park
• Comprehensive travel documents according to the booked tour itinerary
• Local offices with 24-hour hotline (German/English)
• Travel insurance certificate

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Meals not mentioned
• not mentioned or optional activities
• Flight performance
• Entrance fees and conservation fees not mentioned
• other personal expenses, tips
• personal travel insurance
• Additional costs for rental car (conditions see below)

DAY 1 TO DAY 3 (APPROX. 360 KM):

SABIE

On arrival at Johannesburg Airport or at the agreed station, you will receive your rental car. The northern foothills of the Drakensberg offer a variety of breathtaking views. The malaria-free town of Sabie is conveniently situated to experience the highlights of the Panorama Route on a day trip: God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon and the Three Rondavels, the famous Long Tom Pass, the Horseshoe and Lone Creek waterfalls, the former gold mining town of Pilgrims Rest and the Mac Mac Pools.

You will stay in the Porcupine Ridge guest house, which is located about five minutes' drive outside the small town of Sabie on a hill with a great view of the mountains in the background and is part of a historic gold mining settlement. The five rooms have a bathroom/WC, heating, a fan, a tea/coffee maker, a minibar and a safe. The two superior rooms also offer a view of the garden and the mountains. The guest house has an 8000sqm garden, a terrace, a bar and free Wi-Fi. Hiking trails for bird watching and to a private waterfall start directly at the house.

PORCUPINE RIDGE GUEST HOUSE (LUXURY ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 3 TO DAY 5 (APPROX. 190 KM):

HOEDSPRUIT

Your destination is the almost 50,000-hectare private Balule Game Reserve in Kruger Park. In contrast to the state-run national parks, only overnight guests have access to the private reserves. The small lodges have a very personal atmosphere. Specially trained rangers ensure a first-class nature experience. A private reserve is preferable for a short stay, as it is much easier to observe animals under expert guidance. Balule has had no fences to the national Kruger Park for many years, so the animals, including the Big Five, can move around freely.

The authentic and unfenced Baluleni Safari Lodge is situated in the unique nature of the Balule Game Reserve overlooking the Olifants River. You can make your first game sightings directly from the viewing deck. All eight detached accommodation units have a bathroom/WC, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker, air conditioning (except Luxury Safari Tent), mosquito nets, a veranda and free WLAN. The spacious Luxury Bushveld Chalet also has a free-standing bathtub in the bathroom as well as a hot tub and an outdoor shower on the veranda. The Luxury Safari Tent has four single beds. The four Riverside Suites overlook the Olifants River. The two Garden Cottages overlook the surrounding nature. The lodge offers a pool, a bar, a restaurant, a boma (traditional campfire dining area) and a bush spa (for a fee).

You take part in two guided game drives per night in an open off-road vehicle (English-speaking, participation with other persons), which are conducted in the afternoon before dinner and in the morning before breakfast. The entrance fees to the Balule Game Reserve must be paid on site.

BALULENI SAFARI LODGE (RIVERSIDE SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 5 TO DAY 7 (APPROX. 420 KM):

ESWATINI

The independent kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) is an interesting facet of any trip through northern South Africa. Crossing this original and traditional country is very exciting in terms of landscape and culture. The center is the beautiful Ezulwini Valley with the two culturally interesting towns of Mbabane and Manzini on one side and the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and Mantenga Nature Reserve on the other. Please note that the infrastructure and comfort cannot necessarily keep up with that of South Africa, and you will also have to allow for waiting times when crossing the border. You will be rewarded with an exciting and authentic piece of Africa.

The Foresters Arms is located in the beautiful mountains of Eswatini, about 30 km from the capital Mbabane. The typically African and charming hotel with a lot of flair and heart is surrounded by a beautiful garden with cozy places to linger. The 34 comfortable rooms all have a bathroom/WC, a TV, heating, a telephone, a tea/coffee maker and free WLAN. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar, an outdoor terrace, a large garden with pool and a sauna. The following activities are offered on site (some for a fee): Hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, mountain biking, fishing and more.

FORESTERS ARMS (STANDARD ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 6: ESWATINI

GUIDED GAME & BIRD WALK

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 20 € PER PERSON

The Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the center of the small kingdom of eSwatini in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley, the Valley of the Kings. The game reserve is the oldest protected area in the country and, with the exception of hippos and crocodiles in the dams and lakes, is only home to "plain game", i.e. non-dangerous game such as giraffes, zebras, antelopes and more. Visitors can also experience impressive birdlife. The reserve can therefore be wonderfully explored on foot, on horseback or on a mountain bike.

This approximately two-and-a-half-hour walk is accompanied by a qualified ranger. The reserve offers various habitats such as forests, grassland and scrubland within a relatively short distance, which promise exciting animal sightings. The walk starts and ends at Mlilwane Rest Camp (own arrival) and is conducted in English with other participants. A bottle of drinking water is included in the price, the conservation fees are to be paid on site when entering the reserve.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 7 TO DAY 9 (APPROX. 320 KM):

HLUHLUWE

Your destination is the approximately 30,000ha Munywana Safari Conservancy near Hluhluwe in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The game reserve, which borders the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, was created from the three private reserves of Phinda, Zuka and Bumbeni. It is home to the Big Five and many other African wild animals. In contrast to the state-run Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, only overnight guests have access to the private reserve. This is therefore much better suited to a short stay for unique game viewing. The small lodges also offer a very personal atmosphere. Specially trained rangers ensure a first-class nature experience.

The upscale Makhasa Private Game Lodge consists of only six freestanding suites and thus offers an intimate and unique bush experience. All suites have a shower/WC with separate bathtub, air conditioning, minibar, tea/coffee maker, safe, private veranda with seating and free Wi-Fi. The lodge offers a bar, a restaurant, a pool with sun loungers, a viewing deck overlooking a waterhole and a boma (traditional campfire dining area).

You will take part in two guided game drives per night in an open off-road vehicle (English-speaking, participation with other people), which take place in the afternoon before dinner and in the morning before breakfast. Conservation fees for the reserve are not included in the price and will be paid by you on site.

MAKHASA PRIVATE GAME LODGE (LUXURY SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 9 TO DAY 11 (APPROX. 100 KM):

ST. LUCIA

Your destination is the small town of St. Lucia in northern KwaZulu-Natal. This is the ideal starting point for excursions in the surrounding area. Take a boat trip to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover hippos, crocodiles and unique birdlife. The Eastern Shore Section with Cape Vidal is a unique nature retreat with a real bush & beach feeling between the ocean and the evergreen hinterland, which is even home to three of the Big Five. The beautiful beach of St. Lucia with subtropical water temperatures invites you to swim all year round. An excursion to the famous Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, the oldest and perhaps most beautiful game reserve in South Africa with its Big Five, is also an absolute highlight.

Your destination is the modern Hilltop Guest House on the edge of St. Lucia in the green forest belt that separates the village from the beach. The town center with stores, restaurants and cafés is around a 15-minute walk away. The beach is a 25-minute walk or a five-minute drive away. The eight rooms have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a tea/coffee maker, a safe and a veranda or balcony. The Double Rooms are suitable for two people, the Family Rooms consist of two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom/WC for a maximum of four people. The guest house offers a subtropical garden, a pool, a lounge and free WLAN.

HILLTOP GUEST HOUSE (DOUBLE ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 10: ST. LUCIA

WHALE WATCHING BOAT TRIP

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 140 € PER PERSON

From June to November, you have the best chance of spotting right whales and humpback whales in St. Lucia. You can get within 50 meters of these gigantic marine mammals by boat. An experience that no one should miss. If you are lucky, you may also spot dolphins, penguins and seals during the trip.

The boat trip on the sea takes about two hours, an additional hour is required for arrival and departure. If it is not possible to start in St. Lucia, the whale watching tour can start in Richards Bay, including the journey and boat trip, the tour takes around 5 hours (English-speaking, with additional people).

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 10: ST. LUCIA

ISIMANGALISO SUNSET DRIVE

There is something magical about a sunset in iSimangaliso Wetland Park. In the cooler evening hours, the animals become active again and you have a good chance of spotting leopards, buffalo, hyenas, elephants, rhinos, hippos, zebras, warthogs and numerous species of antelope.

This game drive takes place in an open off-road vehicle and lasts around two and a half hours (English-speaking, conducted with additional persons). You will be picked up at your accommodation at 4 pm and dropped off there afterwards. Conservation fees are included in the price. Please remember to bring a jacket or sweater, as the game drives can get quite chilly in the evenings - even in the South African summer.

DAY 11 TO DAY 12 (APPROX. 230 KM):

UMHLANGA

Continue to the metropolitan area of the lively metropolis of Durban. Visit the colorful markets or simply relax on one of the many excellent city beaches on the warm Indian Ocean, which invites you to swim here all year round. It is also worth visiting uShaka Marine World, a large aquarium and amusement park with stores and restaurants. The Moses Mabhida Stadium, inaugurated in 2010 for the World Cup, has become a tourist attraction.

In the quiet northern suburb of Umhlanga, the modern guest house Caza Beach is located just a few meters from the sea in a lush green garden. Shopping facilities, restaurants and of course the beach are all within walking distance. The attractions of Durban can be reached in ten to fifteen minutes by car. The seven rooms have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker, a TV and a safe. The Family Rooms have a sofa bed for a child. The guest house offers a garden, a guest lounge, a pool with sun loungers and free Wi-Fi.

CAZA BEACH GUESTHOUSE (LUXURY ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 12 TO DAY 14 (APPROX. 290 KM):

BERGVILLE

You drive to the northern Drakensberg near the small village of Bergville. This is the ideal starting point to explore the beautiful Royal Natal National Park with the famous mountain formation of the Amphitheater and the unique Tugela Falls, the second highest waterfall in the world. There are numerous hiking trails of varying lengths and levels of difficulty. But the surrounding area also has a lot to offer with the Giants Castle Game Reserve, the Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve and the Battlefields Route.

The comfortable Ledges Retreat guest farm is located in the middle of the mountains and close to the Royal Natal National Park. Here you can slow down and enjoy the peace and quiet of the mountains. The four cozy guest rooms have a bathroom/WC, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker, a fan, heating and a TV. The two family cottages have two separate bedrooms, each with its own bathroom/WC, as well as a lounge area with kitchenette and fireplace. The accommodation offers a dining room, a lounge area, a pool and a trampoline. Various hiking trails start directly at the spacious outdoor area.

LEDGES RETREAT (STANDARD ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

DAY 13: BERGVILLE

TUGELA GORGE DAY HIKE

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 115 € PER PERSON

The Tugela Gorge Hike is definitely the most popular hike in the northern Drakensberg. From the parking lot of Thendele Camp in the Royal Natal National Park, you and your guide walk through the gorge of the Tugela River with its crystal-clear rock pools to the foot of the Tugela Falls, the second highest waterfall in the world. Along the way, you will have great views of the mountains, including the famous amphitheater.

The journey to the Royal Natal National Park is on your own. Conservation fees are included in the price, food and drinks are not included. This hike is English-speaking and privately guided. It is considered moderate and takes around five to six hours. The total distance is around 14 kilometers with an elevation gain of around 300 meters. An appropriate level of fitness and clothing suitable for the weather and the route, including footwear, are required.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 13: BERGVILLE

SUNDOWNER RIDE

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 80 € PER PERSON

You set off on a sundowner ride with a fantastic view of the amphitheater in the light of the setting sun. Dusk is probably the most magical time in the mountains.

This ride takes about two hours and starts in the late afternoon. The level of difficulty is easy to moderate. A sundowner drink and light snacks are included. The tour language is English and the tour can be done with additional people. Starting point is the Montusi Mountain Lodge (own arrival).

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP

All prices quoted are subject to availability before booking and are based on the number of participants stated. Errors excepted. Alternative availability, seasonal overlaps or exchange rate fluctuations may lead to price changes. Please request your personal tour offer with your desired travel dates. This tour offer does not include flights.

The child rate applies to one child under the age of 12 staying in their parents' room. One child under the age of two stays free of charge. For children aged 12 and over, the adult rate generally applies. Not all accommodation allows children of all ages.

We recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance and travel health insurance to cover the costs of assistance, including repatriation in the event of accident, illness or death. We can provide a corresponding offer on request.

A passport is required to enter the country. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa in advance. Minors under the age of 18 may need to carry additional documents. We will inform you of the exact requirements before you book. Travelers who have stayed in an area at risk of yellow fever must provide proof of a yellow fever vaccination.

The regions around the Kruger Park, the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and eastern Eswatini are malaria endangered areas.

This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Please ask for suitable offers.

The organizer of this trip is South Africa Travel GmbH & Co. KG, Buddestraße 9, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany, Tel +49 521 33676880.

Left-hand traffic prevails on the roads of southern Africa.

CAR RENTAL CONDITIONS FROM EUROPCAR

The following services are included in the price: unlimited free mileage, accident/theft insurance without excess (incl. damage to tires, roof, glass, underbody, oil pan, clutch), liability insurance up to 10 million euros, towing costs in the event of an accident, an additional driver, contract fee, local taxes and fees.

The following services are not included in the price and must be paid locally: Petrol, toll, deposit, border crossing fee to Eswatini 1700 ZAR.

The following services are not included in the price and must be paid for locally if required: additional equipment e.g. navigation device, additional driver, young driver surcharge, traffic fines.

You will need a valid credit card issued to the main driver, an international driver's license and a passport to rent the vehicle. Each driver must be at least 21 years old and have held a driver's license for one year. The deposit is paid by credit card and will not be charged if the vehicle is returned with a full tank of fuel.

The local car rental company reserves the right to provide models of equal or higher value. The rental car mentioned is only an example of the confirmed vehicle class. The costs to be paid locally in ZAR are determined by the local car rental company and are subject to change without notice.

This is an excerpt from the car rental conditions of the local car rental company, which you will receive when booking, or in advance if you wish. You will conclude a contract in English for the use of the rental car on site.

APPROXIMATE ADDITIONAL COSTS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Long-haul flights to Southern Africa in Economy Class cost from EUR 900, while prices can be well over EUR 1000 in the high season. Flights in Premium Economy Class are available from 1500 EUR, in Business Class flights cost from 2500 EUR (per person for outward and return flights). All prices are average values depending on the airline and season. The actual prices at a given time depend on the number of bookings and may vary. Early booking is recommended, especially in the high season.

A light lunch costs around EUR 5 (small salad, soup) to EUR 8 (pizza, pasta, burger) per person, a dinner around EUR 9 (pizza, pasta, burger, large salad) to EUR 11 (steak, fish) to EUR 21 (three-course meal) per person. Coffee, tea, beer or soft drinks cost around EUR 1.60 per cup or glass. Prices may vary upwards or downwards depending on the region or type of restaurant.

A liter of fuel (petrol or diesel) costs around EUR 1. Allow around EUR 216 for fuel for this trip. Some roads are subject to tolls. Allow around EUR 23 for tolls for this trip.

Entrance fees to national parks cost between EUR 5 and EUR 25 per person per day, depending on the size and popularity of the park. Entrance fees to museums or other attractions cost between EUR 3 and EUR 20 per person. Children under the age of 12 usually pay half price.