We depart Johannesburg early in the morning from your Johannesburg hotel or the O R Tambo International Airport and travel through the Lowveld to the Kruger National Park. Before continuing, a quick stop on the way for a late breakfast or lunch (Own Account) is made. Before arriving at our lodge near the Kruger National Park, the route passes through some of South Africa’s most beautiful Lowveld farmlands. Relax at the pool or in your chalet before embarking on an open vehicle sunset game drive.

A full-day game drive in an open 4×4 game drive vehicle with a local guide is on the agenda for the day. Today, there is a chance to see the Big Five as well as hundreds of antelope and bird species. It is not guaranteed that you will see all five of the big five, including the elusive leopard, during the day. Throughout the day, we make our way through the Kruger Park’s Skukuza area, hoping to see as much wildlife as possible. Lunch is on your own at one of the rest camps.

This morning we got an early start for a fairly long but scenic drive to Pongola via the small farming towns of Barberton and Piet Retief. The Pongola Game Reserve, located in Northern KwaZulu Natal on the banks of a 13000ha man-made dam, is home to four of the Big 5, with the exception of the Lion.

A full day is spent at the Pongola Game Reserve, taking part in the additional optional activities listed below. The Pongola Game Reserve is a one-of-a-kind African Bushveld destination, and time is spent here during the day enjoying the optional activities with addition cost:

1. Game Drive (approximately 3 hours) – USD 40 per person
2. Boat Cruises (approximately 3 hours) – USD 35 per person
3. Rhino Tracking (approximately 3 hours) – USD 45 per person
4. Guided Game Walks (approximately 3 hours) – USD 40 per person
Rhino tracking on foot in the morning and an afternoon boat cruise on the Pongola Dam are both recommended on this itinerary.

Traveling south late in the morning from the Pongola Game Reserve and the Hluhluwe Park, we arrive in St Lucia, ready for a variety of activities. Dinner is on your own account to enjoy at any of the many quant restaurants in St Lucia’s small town in your own time after a long day on the road.

Spend the day doing one of the many activities available in St Lucia. The full-day Hluhluwe Game Drive and/or a sunset cruise on the estuary are both highly recommended. Tonight’s dinner is included, and I plan to try another one of St Lucia’s many restaurants.
Extra Activities offer include:
• USD 85 per person for a full-day game drive in Hluhluwe.
• Cape Vidal – USD 60 per person (Recommended)
• Sunset Estuary Boat Cruise – USD 35 per person (Recommended)
• Whale watching – USD 90 per person from June to December
• Cultural Tours – USD 35 per person

After a short 250km drive south along the coast, we say our goodbyes with an included transfer to your Durban hotel or the King Shaka International Airport. Please let us know if you’d like us to help you find accommodation in Durban.