The South African safari that has it all! Exciting wildlife, breathtaking scenery and insights into culture and history. Travel from Jo'burg to Kruger National Park, through the Kingdom of Swaziland and onto Zululand. Hike in the Drakensberg Mountains and go pony trekking in Lesotho. Journey south through Addo Elephant Park with wonderful game viewing and the lush Tsitsikamma Forest. Before reaching Cape Town, visit Oudtshoorn's Cango Caves and go wine tasting in Stellenbosch.
World in One Country is a non participation lodge safari - group size 4-14.
Johannesburg. Welcome to South Africa! An airport transfer is provided by the Safari Club Lodge (our pre tour accommodation) which is close to the airport. Spend the remains of the day at leisure. Overnight - The Safari Club
Day 2: Graskop
After a pre departure meeting at 06.30am, then we depart Johannesburg and head east towards Mpumalanga. A landscape characterized by mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests. We spend the night in the town of Graskop, a small forestry town situated on the Drakensberg Escarpment at the start of the panorama route and the gateway to Kruger National Park.
Overnight - Graskop Hotel - Mpumalanga (B)
World in One Country - 20 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Graskop - Kruger National Park. This morning we start with a scenic drive along the Panorama Route. The most spectacular stretch is the Blyde River Canyon, which is the 3rd largest canyon in the world. We make a stop at Bourke’s Luck Potholes to view these incredible eroded rock formations. In the afternoon we head into Kruger National Park. Big game country - exciting morning and afternoon game drives provide us with excellent opportunities to encounter wildlife. Spot lion, elephant, rhino and other animals in one of the last African wildernesses.
Overnight - Berg en Dal Camp - Kruger N.P. (B:2)
Kruger National Park - Swaziland. The mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland, lead by King Mswati III, is one of 3 monarchies in Africa. We spend the night in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Swaziland’s pioneer conservation area situated in the ‘Valley of Heaven’. Apart from abundant bird life, there are a number of animal species to be seen including hippo, giraffe, crocodile, zebra and antelope. On day 6 we will visit the Umphakatsi Chief's homestead where we can try our hand at grinding maize, plaiting mountain grass and singing with the children.
Overnight - Mlilwane Rest Camp - Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (B:2)
Swaziland - Zululand. After visiting a craft market en route, we re-enter South Africa via Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal. This afternoon we take a relaxing boat cruiseo the St Lucia Estuary in iSimangaliso National Park - look out for hippos and crocodiles as we ride along. The following day we explore Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve, on a game drive, Hluhluwe Umfolozi is the oldest game reserve in Africa and is a safe haven to both endangered black and white rhino. Overnight - Elzuwini Lodge - Hluhluwe Umfolozi National Park (B:2)
Hluhuwe Game reserve - Drakensburg Mountains. Moving further inland we spend the next two nights adjacent to Royal Natal National Park. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the many activities on offer, such as hiking, mountain biking and fishing. Alternatively just relax and enjoy the views offered by some of the most dramatic scenery in the country. Overnight - Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge - Drakensberg Mountains (B:2)
Drakensburg - Lesotho. Today we cross the border into Lesotho, the southernmost landlocked country in the world, rich in natural beauty, flora, fauna and cultural heritage. Here we have a chance to experience traditional Basotho life, a nation with solid traditions, beliefs and customs. On Day 11 we enjoy pony trekking through the magnificent landscapes that Lesotho has to offer. Overnight - Malealea - Malealea Lodge (B:2)
Day 13: Cradock
Lesotho - Cradock. We leave the beauty of Lesotho behind us and cross the border back into South Africa and drive to the historical Karoo town of Cradock, founded in 1814 as a frontier stronghold. Best known for its natural sulphur spring, Cradock is a place of literary legends and the original part of the town is graced with some of the finest buildings. Overnight - Die Tuishie - Cradock (B)
Cradock - Addo Elephant National Park. Today we drive to Addo Elephant National Park, a conservation success which offers a unique wildlife area, famous for the Addo elephants. We head out on game drives in search of elephant, black rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard with evening viewing at the floodlit waterhole. Overnight - Addo Elephant Rest Camp - Addo (B)
Addo Elephant National Park - Tsitsikamma. On day 15 our journey takes us to a region of startling beauty along South Africa’s southern coastline, known as the Garden Route. Indigenous Tsitsikamma forests surround the campsite and there are walks up the Storms River Gorge and along the rocky coastline or opt to do the world’s highest bungee jump (optional pay locally). Overnight - Storms River Rest Camp - Tsitsikamma N.P. (B:2)
After visiting ‘The Heads’ in Knysna, a town nestled on a tranquil
lagoon we travel over the Outeniqua Mountains into the Little Karoo. In Oudtshoorn we visit the famous Cango Caves. Overnight - Kleinpass - Oudtshoorn (B)
Oudtshoorn - Cape Town. Today we visit Stellenbosch, for wine tasting and a cellar tour en route to Cape Town. Once in Cape Town we explore the many attractions the ‘Mother City’ has to offer on a Cape Point tour. There is plenty of time to enjoy the fabulous beaches or indulge in last minute shopping at the V&A Waterfront. There is also an optional visit to Robben Island (payable locally). Overnight - Lady Hamilton Hotel - Cape Town (B:2)
Cape Town. Spend the final day at leisure, weather dependent there is the chance to take the cable car up Table Mountain and enjoy one last view of the Cape of Good Hope (payable locally). A group transfer to the airport is offered at 18.00. Should you need an earlier or later transfer, this can be arranged at an additional cost. (B)
Participation
The World in One Country Safari is a small group, non participation overland safari. Accommodation is in mid-range typical African standard lodges, chalets and tented lodges. The accommodation named above is subject to change. These safaris run with a minimum of 4 and maximum of 14 passengers, accompanied by a guide who is also the driver.
FROM USD $3,509
Prices & Departure Dates
Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the 'Twin/Double' price.
This tour is guaranteed to run subject to a minimum of 4 travellers and has a maximum Group Size of 14 people.
It is a semi-participation safari and can also be arranged as a private departure, please contact us for details.
Local payment - ZAR 1800
Please note that this is payable locally on day 1 of your trip in the currency specified.
World in One Country - 20 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Experiences
If you are interesting in trips with similar experiences to this one, then check out some of the ones we've listed below.
Go in search of the Big Five in some of Africa's greatest game parks, from the wilds of the Masai Mara, to gorillas in Uganda and the open plains of the Serengeti. Or perhaps head to one of India's finest national parks to try to spot the elusive big cat - the Royal Bengal tiger. There is nothing like seeing wildlife in its natural habitat!
From the snow capped peaks of the mighty Himalayas and Everest - the world's highest mountain, to Patagonia's immense glaciers and holy Mt Sinai in Egypt, Morocco's Atlas Mountains, Russia's Urals and China's breathtaking Yellow Mountain. Our tours visit all of these breathtaking mountain regions and more.
Highlights & Inclusions
Below is a list of key highlights and what is included on this tour. Further, where appropriate, we have listed the items that are not included in the tour price.
Trip Highlights
Hazyview, Mpumalanga Panorama Route,
Kingdom of Swaziland - Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Drakensberg Mountains
The Kingdom of Lesotho
Addo Elephant National Park
'The Heads' in Knysna
Stellenbosch - the Wine Region
Kruger National Park
Zululand - Hluhluwe
Umfolozi Game Reserve and local Zulu village
Blyde River Canyon - Bourke’s Luck Potholes
Cradock - historical Karoo town
Tsitsikamma Forest and Storms River Gorge
Oudtshoorn - Cango Caves
Cape Town - Cape Point, Table Mountain, V&A Waterfront, Cape of Good Hope
What's Included
19 nights mid range lodges, chalets and tented lodges. Please Note: Accommodation named, may be subject to change but will be of a similar standard.
Airport arrival transfer
Services of an experienced local guide/driver
Lesotho - pony trekking and St Lucia Estuary boat cruise.
Stellenbosch - wine tasting and cellar tour
19 breakfasts (optional dinner supplement available to include 16 dinners provided by the lodges. Payable at time of booking please contact us for more details)
Transportation in a Toyota Land Cruisers or similar with forward facing seats (trailer for equipment)
Games drives - Kruger National Park, Hluhluwe
Umfolozi Game Reserve, Addo Elephant National Park
Oudtshoorn - Cango Caves excursion
Cape Point Tour
What's Not Included
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
International flights and visas
Optional activities
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard when necessary.
The Safari Club - Johannesburg
The Safari hotel is located about four minutes away from OR Tambo Airport. Throughout the hotel the rooms reflect the African theme.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: Standard Boutique Hotel
Berg en Dal Camp - Kruger N.P.
Berg-en-Dal offers a variety of self-catering accommodation from bungalows to the more family friendly guest cottages and guest houses.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: Standard Lodge
Mlilwane Rest Camp - Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
There is a semi-circle of rustic huts around the central Rest camp area, all consisting of a single room with an en-suite bathroom. There are wooden and thatch huts and Swazi Style grass beehives.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: Standard Lodge
Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge has charming bungalows. A central restaurant provides breakfast and lunch and dinner are offered on an a la Carte basis. Witsieshoek is owned by the local Batlokloa community
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: Standard Lodge
Malealea Lodge - Malealea
Malealea Lodge has a range of accommodation. The charming rondavels and farmhouse bedrooms are all en suite. There are 3 communal bathroom for the Basotho huts. There are communal facilities for the guests in forest huts
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: Standard Lodge
Die Tuishuise - Cradock
Die Tuishuise is an elegant collection of beautifully restored Victorian era craftsmen’s houses. They have been restored to their former splendour, recreating the gracious era of the 1840's.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: Standard Lodge
Addo Elephant Rest Camp - Addo
Addo Elephant Rest Camp has a range of accommodation from forest cabins to chalets and guest houses. All the rooms are comfortable and the guest houses overlook a floodlit waterhole.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: Standard Lodge
Storms River Rest Camp - Tsitsikamma N.P.
Storms River Rest Camp is large, but not overwhelming, with the accommodation very varied, from basic rooms with shared facilities, right through to the more luxurious honeymoon cottages.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: Standard Lodge
Kleinpass - Oudtshoorn
A variety of rooms offered - 1 standard 4 bed chalet, 1 luxury 4 bed chalet, 2 family chalets and 3 standard 2 bed rooms, all tastefully decorated and immaculately clean.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: 3 Star Hotel
Lady Hamilton Hotel - Cape Town
The Lady Hamilton, built in the early 1950’s, has a colonial feel and is surrounded by historical buildings. The comfortable rooms have views of Table Mountain or over the city.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: 3 Star Hotel
Postcards
Here's what some of our past travellers have written in to us and said about their experiences on this trip.
World in One Country - 20 days
Hi,
Two weeks ago we arrived home from our “World in one country tour” in April. Thank you for an absolutely fantastic holiday, one we certainly never forget.
We are still going through our many hours of video footage, and a thousand plus photos with delight, as we relive our holiday again and again.
Not only was the tour visually spectacular, but the variety in destination and accommodation was great. Our holiday was completely trouble and hassle free, the only thing we had to think about was what we were going to eat! A holiday like this can only be had if you have an extremely good guide. Thank you for choosing Riaan Barnard as our guide. He is polite and friendly to everyone while still remaining professional, and is very knowledgeable about all aspects of the tour.
He is an excellent driver, and not once did Peter or myself feel in the least bit tense or nervous during the whole trip, and that is very rare! A huge thank you for a wonderful trip.