Pilanesberg National Park 



Day 1 - Johannesburg 

Day 2 Johannesburg - Pilanesberg National Park 

Day 3  Pilanesberg National Park 



We begin our land program in Johannesburg where we spend the first night. The next day we leave the city  and head west through the town of Rustenburg Hartebeest Dam to our first National Park, Pilanesberg. The park is hardly visited by foreign tourists but is popular with South Africans. It is the fifth largest reserve in South Africa in terms of scenery and is quite diverse. Grasslands, dense forests and mountain plateau are home to rich vegetation. You will find many antelope species, including elk, zebras, giraffes and an assortment of birds.  Pilanesberg is also home to the 'big five'. During your first game drive you will have the chance to spot a rhino, buffalo, elephant, lion or leopard! 

Marakele, Mapungubwe 

Day 4 Pilanesberg National Park - Marakele National Park 
Day 5 Marakele National Park - Mapungubwe National Park 
Day 6  Mapungubwe NP - Thsipise 

As we head north, we will cross the border into Limpopo province and reach remote, sparsely populated areas where the ground is often rough. Our destination is the beautifulMarakele National Park. 

Marakele, which means refuge, is home to several endangered species and it is here you will find the special black and white rhino. The park also contains a number of antelope species such as tsessebe, elk, mountain reedbuck and kudu, species that are rare in other parks.

 The colony of Cape vultures, the largest in South Africa. The isolated park was reopened in 2003 by Nelson Mandela and Prince Bernhard, who came here very often. Our overnight stop is beautifully situated on the Matlabasrivier. 

We leave the next day for Mapungubwe National Park. We are now in the north of South Africa, where the mighty Limpopo River forms the boundary with Zimbabwe. Since 2003 Mapungubwe  has been deemed a World Heritage Site because of the landscape and cultural significance of various specific archaeological sites. 

You'll find mysterious remains of communities from the 8th century, who became rich through trade with distant regions such as China, Egypt and India. Important finds, including the “Golden Hippo” show that in this remote area, a high African Kingdom was ruled. The arid landscape is dense with tall baobab trees, impressive sandstone formations and forests along the riverbanks. Against this backdrop, elephants, rhino and various antelope species graze. Ornithologists claim there are more than 300 bird species. Here we make a great game drive. 

We overnight at Tshipise where we can see nearby mineral hot springs

On the route to the Kruger Park we stop at the small Nwanedi National Park in the far north. In this small park, founded in 1983, we will certainly spot zebras and giraffes. 



Kruger National Park 



Day 7 Thsipise - Kruger National Park 

Day 8 Kruger National Park 

Day 9 Kruger National Park 



We are introduced to the famous Kruger National Park from a scarcely-used entry point - Punda Maria. After a game drive  we head to a rest camp. In this area, you will find many tributaries of the Limpopo. Kruger is one of the largest and most famous national parks in the world. We stay in the north, central and southern Kruger, so we can get a grand scope of the varied landscapes, flora and fauna of this impressive park.


During the stay in this park you can take optional game hikes in addition to our planned drives. The ranger can track prints and can say exactly which animals are in the neighborhood. Optional night drives with a  vehicle and park service are also offered. 



Swaziland, Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park 



Day 10 Kruger National Park - Swaziland 

Day 11 Swaziland

Day 12: Swaziland - Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park
 
Day 13 Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park 



We leave South Africa and drive to the less prosperous kingdom of Swaziland. In this varied landscape are the traditional houses of the Swazi's, where the atmosphere is completely different than in South Africa. From our accommodation, you can reserve a jeep safari or hike in the beautiful surroundings.

Back in South Africa we drive to our beautiful lodge near Hluhluwe National Park, Hluhluwe- Umfolzi. If you can take a game drive you are likely to see rhinos.

Nearby is the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the former Great St'Lucia Wetland Park, an UNESCO a World Heritage Site. You can find extensive wetlands, savannas and beautiful beaches, populated by many different animal and bird species. The lagoon at St. Lucia, one of the largest freshwater lakes in South Africa is home to 2000 crocodiles. During a boat trip you can spot hippos bathing. 



Drakensberg, Golden Gate National Park 



Day 14 Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park - Drakensberg

Day 15 Drakensberg 

Day 16 Drakensberg - Golden Gate National Park 

Day 17 Golden Gate Park - Johannesburg 



We leave the coast and drive back inland. The Drakensberg forms a solid edge, with spectacular cliffs and deep valleys. The area has numerous fast-flowing streams and waterfalls.  You will most likely see many animals up close from cheeky monkeys to the rare bearded vulture.

The Drakensberg Mountains are a paradise for hikers. There are many clearly marked hiking trails that lead you to beautiful places. You can explore these beautiful, quiet surroundings on your own, therefore determining the length and difficulty of your walk. 

We conclude this unique journey to the Golden Gate National Park, which owes its name to the golden glow of the sun on the sandstone cliffs. Take a hike and enjoy the beautiful view -points. After one last quiet morning our journey comes to an end.