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 definitely helpful.

OVERNIGHT STATIONS

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

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 13x overnight stay in the Superior category ****
• 13x breakfast, 4x lunch, 6x dinner
• Rental car class M (Toyota Urban Cruiser SUV Automatic or similar)
• four game drives in a private game reserve in Kruger Park
• four game drives in Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park
• Access to the airport lounge on the day of departure
• 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. 380 KM):

HAZYVIEW

You will receive your rental car on arrival at Johannesburg Airport or at the agreed station. This region of the province of Mpumalanga captivates at the transition from the highveld to the lowveld with breathtaking landscapes in the untouched African bush. From here you can easily experience the highlights of the Panorama Route on a round trip: God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes, the Blyde River Canyon and the Three Rondavels, Berlin and Lone Creek Falls, the former gold mining town of Pilgrims Rest, the Mac Mac Pools and much more.

Abangane Guest Lodge is situated just outside Hazyview and is a good base from which to explore the Kruger Park and the attractions of the Panorama Route. The lodge offers peace and relaxation with a fantastic view of the untouched bush landscape of the Lowveld. Despite its location close to nature, restaurants and shopping facilities are only a few minutes' drive away. There is a subtropical garden, a pool, an outdoor terrace and a guest lounge. The five rooms have a private bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker, a TV, a safe, a veranda with a view and free Wi-Fi. The Honeymoon Suite is more spacious and also offers a separate spa bath.

ABANGANE GUEST LODGE (LUXURY ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 3 TO DAY 5 (APPROX. 110 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 intimate Greenfire Game Lodge with only nine modern chalet suites is beautifully nestled in the unique bush landscape overlooking the Mohlabetsi Riverbed. The detached suites have a bathroom/WC, a safe, air-conditioning and a private veranda with seating and a view of the riverbed. The lodge offers a viewing deck with pool, a bar, a restaurant, a boma (traditional campfire dining area) and free Wi-Fi.

For each overnight stay, you will take part in two guided game drives 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. The game drives can also be exchanged for guided bush walks. You pay the entrance fees (conservation fees) on site.

GREENFIRE GAME LODGE (CHALET SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 3 TO DAY 5 (APPROX. 110 KM):

KRUGER PARK

OPTIONALLY UPGRADEABLE FROM 340 € PER PERSON

This extraordinary lodge is situated in a private concession of around 10,000 hectares in the middle of the Kruger National Park on the banks of the Mluwati River. The park is home to more than 150 different mammal species including the so-called "Big Five", i.e. lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. Over 500 different bird species as well as many reptiles and amphibians make the Kruger Park the ultimate wildlife experience.

There are six chalets available for overnight guests, which are built in the style of local Tsonga huts. Each chalet has a shower/WC with separate bath, air-conditioning, a safe, a tea/coffee maker and a private veranda with an outdoor shower. The lodge offers a sun deck with pool, a restaurant, a bar, a boma (traditional campfire dining area), spa treatments (for a fee) and free Wi-Fi in the communal 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. The entrance fees (conservation fees) to the Kruger Park are not included in the price and must be paid on site.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

HOYO HOYO SAFARI LODGE (STANDARD ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND DRINKS 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.

Just a short drive from the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and the capital Mbabane, this luxury boutique hotel is located in the middle of a beautiful botanical garden. Some interesting hiking trails start right outside the door. The 34 rooms all have a bathroom/WC, a TV/DVD player, a minibar, a safe, air conditioning, a tea/coffee maker and free WLAN. The Dove Nest Rooms are located in a beautiful villa and share a small private garden with seating. The Luxury Suites also offer a small lounge area and a dressing room. The Executive Suites also offer a spacious lounge area, a dressing room and a private veranda with seating. There is space for extra beds for children in these two room categories. The spacious Garden Villas have a separate bedroom, a lounge/dining area, a dressing room and a private veranda with seating. The resort offers several bars and restaurants, an outdoor terrace, a pool, as well as various sports and observation activities (some for a fee).

SUMMERFIELD RESORT (LUXURY SUITE)

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. 290 KM):

HLUHLUWE

Your next destination is the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, which is divided into the northern Hluhluwe section and the southern Imfolozi section. The two rivers of the same name gave the park its name. The park is home to the Big Five, i.e. elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and buffalo, as well as many other African wild animals. The rhino population in particular is larger here than anywhere else in the world. With over 20000 hectares of rolling hills and open savannah, the park is one of the most beautiful state game reserves in South Africa.

The luxurious Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is the only private lodge in the Hluhluwe section of the park and offers breathtaking views over the African bush. The lodge has an outdoor pool, sun deck, fire pit, bar, restaurant and spa area (for a fee). The 16 modern rooms have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a fan, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker, a safe, a private outdoor deck and free Wi-Fi. The Family Rooms have two separate bedrooms, each with its own bathroom/WC. The Luxury Bush Villas have an additional lounge area with fireplace and a larger outdoor deck. The Honeymoon Bush Villas also offer a private plunge pool on the outside deck.

You 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. You pay the entrance fees (conservation fees) on site.

RHINO RIDGE SAFARI LODGE (SAFARI ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 9 TO DAY 11 (APPROX. 80 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 beautiful and centrally located Lodge Afrique in St. Lucia. The town center, beach, restaurants and stores are all within walking distance. The African-style lodge consists of eight detached chalets, all of which have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a fan, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker, a TV, a safe and a veranda with an outdoor shower. The lodge has a pool with sun deck, a small subtropical garden and a bar. Free WLAN is available.

LODGE AFRIQUE (CHALET SUITE)

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

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 40 € PER PERSON

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.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

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

UMHLANGA

Continue to 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 all year round. A visit to the new uShaka Marine World, a large aquarium and amusement park, is also worthwhile.

The upscale Cowrie Cove Guest House is located in the quiet suburb of Umhlanga, just a few steps from the Indian Ocean. Restaurants, cafés and shopping centers are just a few minutes' drive away. The twelve rooms have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a TV, a safe and a minibar. The guest house has a garden with pool, a guest lounge and private beach access.

COWRIE COVE GUEST HOUSE (DELUXE SUITE)

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. There are numerous hiking trails of varying lengths and levels of difficulty. The surrounding area also has a lot to offer with the Giants Castle Game Reserve, the Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve and the Battlefields Route.

Stay in a chalet in the upscale Montusi Mountain Lodge with a view of the famous amphitheater. The well-kept and spacious outdoor area invites you to relax and unwind. Adventurous guests can reach all the highlights of the northern Drakensberg from here on day trips. The 14 detached chalets offer a bathroom/WC, a lounge area with a separate bedroom, a fan, underfloor heating, a fireplace, a TV, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker and a veranda with mountain views. The Family Suites have two separate bedrooms, each with its own bathroom/WC. The Mountain View Chalets also have a large skylight with mountain views from the bedroom. The lodge has a restaurant, a bar, an outdoor veranda with a view, a pool and a large garden. Several hiking trails to a small waterfall, to a cave with historical rock paintings or to the summit of Mountusi Peak start right outside the door. Horse riding can be organized at the hotel's own riding stable for a fee.

MONTUSI MOUNTAIN LODGE (GARDEN SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

DAY 13: BERGVILLE

AMAZIZI VILLAGE TRIP

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 95 € PER PERSON

You set off with a member of the Montusi team on an excursion to a village in the AmaZizi tribal area, where most of the Montusi Mountain Lodge staff are based. Experience real life in rural South Africa. For example, a visit to a sangoma (traditional healer), a private home, an elementary school, a crèche or the local craft center may be on the agenda.

This tour takes about two hours. Please discuss the exact start time at reception. The tour language is English. The exact program depends on the day of the week.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 12: BERGVILLE

SCENIC SUNDOWNER 4X4 TRIP

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 70 € PER PERSON

You set off on a sundowner drive in an off-road vehicle to the private Montusi Estate with a fantastic view of the amphitheater in the light of the setting sun. Dusk is probably the most magical time in the mountains. With a bit of luck, you can also marvel at the typical wildlife of the Drakensberg on the way, as zebras, eland antelopes and other wild animals are not rare guests. On the way, you make a sundowner stop at a beautiful viewpoint.

This excursion starts at 4 p.m. and lasts around two hours. A sundowner drink and light snacks are included. The tour language is English and the tour can be conducted with additional people.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 14 (APPROX. 310 KM): JOHANNESBURG

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT LOUNGE

As an SA Travel customer, you are something very special and enjoy the comfort that otherwise only Business or First Class travelers can enjoy. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle at the airport on the day of departure and keep your vacation relaxation going for as long as possible.

You will have access to the airport lounge at your international departure airport in Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban. The lounge offers free drinks, snacks, newspapers, TV, WiFi and washing and shower facilities (facilities may vary depending on the lounge). You can use the lounge at the earliest four hours before your departure. Please note that lounge capacity is limited, especially at smaller airports, and access cannot always be guaranteed or there may be waiting times at the entrance.

Please return your rental car to Johannesburg Airport or the agreed location at least two hours before departure.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP

All prices quoted are subject to availability before booking. 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 228 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.