South Africa - Featured Trips

Embark on an adventurous wildlife safari in a 12,000 hectare unspoiled wilderness concession area in the Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in South Africa. Follow animal tracks on foot through this environmentally sensitive area that offers the traditional Big Five as well as a remarkable diversity of animal and plant life. Explore the vibrant culture and get to know the Swazi lifestyle during an interactive visit to some craft projects and homesteads in the area. Explore the iSimangaliso Wetland Park by boat or canoe, enjoy guided coastal forest walks in Northern Maputoland and go snorkelling in crystal clear rock pools along a deserted stretch of coastline.

This itinerary is ideal for well-travelled families with teenage children (pref. 12 yrs and older) and first time visitors to Africa. The nature of the activities ensures that you will get close to wildlife, accompanied by highly qualified guides who will share their wealth of bush knowledge. The itinerary is designed to include lots of activities and minimum driving time to keep teenagers stimulated and entertained. Children under 12 yrs old are unfortunately not allowed at Plains Camp and on guided walks, but alternative accommodation options can be used to accommodate younger children.

On arrival at OR Tambo International airport, you will catch a connecting flight to Nelspruit in the Mpumulanga Province. Here you will collect your rental car (based on Group I - Toyota Avanza 1.5 or similar with Super Cover) and make your way (approx 2.5 hrs) through the Kruger National Park to your safari lodge situated in a private concession within the park.

Rhino Post Safari Lodge is set on the banks of the Mutlumuvi Riverbed. Enjoy a late afternoon game drive, relax in the afternoon on the sundeck with views of the nearby waterhole with abundant wildlife, and have sundowners and sumptuous meals accompanied by selected South African wines. Overnight at Rhino Post Safari Lodge on FB basis plus guided game drives.

After breakfast you will transfer on a game drive to the exquisite Plains Camp (scheduled departures on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays only). The camp is small, with only 4 explorer style safari tents overlooking the spectacular Timbitene plain and waterhole.

During the next two days the emphasis will be on exploring the surrounding wilderness on foot during guided walking safaris. Plains Camp is used as a base and the length and duration of the walks are determined by guests' interests and fitness levels. Alternatively game drives are also available.

A sleep out can be arranged on request (weather permitting). Pack an overnight lightweight rucksack (provided) and accompanied by an armed guard you will set out on a late afternoon walk to elevated platforms overlooking a waterhole. Enjoy a beautiful African sunset whilst dinner is cooked over an open campfire. Settle in for a night under the stars in mosquito net tents surrounded by the sounds and smells of passing wildlife whilst the observant guards keep a watchful eye.

Overnight at Plains Camp on FB basis with house beverages plus guided game walks.

After breakfast take a game drive transfer back to Rhino Post to collect your car and continue to cross the border into Swaziland. Your next destination is Phophonyane Falls in Swaziland, a 500 ha nature reserve with a network of walking trails, ancient rock paintings and a 80 m high waterfall.

Spend the night in beehive huts, a modern version of the traditional Swaziland beehives made from natural materials using traditional building techniques. Relax around the pool, explore the reserve and try out one of the traditional Swazi meals at the lodge's restaurant. Overnight at Phophonyane Eco Lodge - Beehive Huts on BB basis.

Have a lazy morning or explore the reserve and take a walk to the nearby waterfall. After lunch you will take a short drive to Malandelas Guesthouse, a converted country farmhouse set in lush indigenous gardens. Relax in the afternoon or visit the arts & craft shops on site. The outdoor restaurant offers magnificent views of the Royal Mdzimba Mountains in the distance and meals are prepared from fresh home-grown ingredients. For a fun evening out the House on Fire theatre and art gallery offers African theatre and music events almost every evening. Overnight at Malandelas Guesthouse on BB basis.

Today you will embark on a guided half day Rural Heartbeat tour, a real life experience that will introduce you to the Swazi culture. Visit some of the craft projects and witness the incredible grass weaving methods mastered by the rural women, and even try it yourself. Overnight at Malandelas Guesthouse on BB basis plus Rural Heartbeat Tour.

Continue through the hills of Swaziland and cross the border back into South Africa and into KwaZulu Natal, one of South Africa's most diverse provinces. Travel through a lush green landscape to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Kosi Bay area, situated in the north eastern corner of Natal.

Drive to the border town of Kangwanase, where you will be picked up by 4x4 to the mouth of the Kosi Lake estuarine system. This is where the Tonga tribe have practiced sustainable fish trapping for 400 years. Kosi Forest Lodge is set in a beautiful sand forest on the banks of the Kosi Lake. The thatched bush suites are carefully positioned to provide guests with privacy and an intimacy with the peaceful surroundings.

The rest of the day to relax on the beach, snorkel in the safe waters of the lagoon, take a guided forest walk or canoe trip, all included in trip price. Overnight at Kosi Forest Lodge on FB basis plus selected activities.

Explore this unique ecosystem on guided canoe trips, boat trips on the lakes, guided raffia forest walks or day excursion to nearby coastal beaches for a snorkelling exploration of Kosi's crystal clear waters. This is truly one of South Africa's best eco-tourist destination. Overnight at Kosi Forest Lodge on FB basis plus selected activities.

Take a leisurely drive after breakfast to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi National Park, set in the heart of Zululand and the oldest game reserve in Africa. This is big game country, where the white rhino was saved from extinction. The reserve is renowned for its white rhino conservation and today the park has the largest concentrations of both rhino species as well as plenty elephant, lion, buffalo and all the common species of game. Viewing hides that overlook waterholes give visitors a chance to see animals at close range. Explore the park this afternoon at your own pace on a self-drive safari and enjoy an exciting guided night game drive (included in itinerary price) before crawling into bed. Overnight at Hilltop Camp on HB basis plus guided night drive.

After breakfast make your way over the rolling green hills of KZN towards Durban. This is the end of your tour, and you can choose to spend a couple of days in Durban exploring beaches and city attractions, or fly out of Durban airport to one of the other destinations in South Africa or home.

As with all our itineraries, this trip can be fully tailored to suit your own unique requirements and interests. We can add and/or change destinations and activities to include for example a couple of days in Tembe Elephant National Park, where over 220 of the largest elephants in the world roam and the last remaining indigenous herds in KwaZulu Natal. Enjoy open safari vehicle game drives visiting the water holes, which are magnates for wildlife in this water poor area.

However if you would like to get to know the real South Africa and enjoy some more off-the-beaten track experiences, please check out our Stay Another Day suggestions below. All of our Stay Another Day options create jobs & social upliftment and are as environmentally friendly as possible. They are also carefully chosen for their sustainability and many are FTTSA accredited.

Stay Another Day - KwaZulu Natal

£1,785 (£2,485*) per adult and £1,350 (£2,050*) per child (12-16 yrs old), based on 2 people sharing in Low Season (generally May-Sep)
£1,890 (£2,590*) per adult and £1,445 (£2,145*) per child (12-16 yrs old), based on 2 people sharing in High Season (generally Jan-Apr & Oct-Dec)

Prices based on min of 4 people travelling and Peak Season supplements may apply.
* Includes international flight on British Airways

Rates for the 2010 World Cup period may vary from the above prices - rates on request.

Terms and Conditions apply. Price is subject to availability and subject to change due to currency fluctuation.

10 nights accommodation on mixed board basis
11 days car hire Group I - Toyota Avanza 1.5 or similar with Super Cover (nil excess)
3 days safari in Kruger
Guided Rural Heartbeat Tour
All activities mentioned in itinerary at Kosi Bay
Guided night drive in Hluhluwe
internal flight (Jo-burg - Nelspruit)
* International British Airways flight incl. airport taxes and fuel surcharges

Meals and activities not stated in itinerary
Items of a personal nature
Tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
Visa cost