Kruger Safari with Eswatini | 2025
Kruger Safari with Eswatini | 2025
Kruger Safari with Eswatini | 2025
7 Days Starting and ending in Johannesburg
Visiting: Durban, St Lucia, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, Kruger National Park, Johannesburg
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AAKSMP20
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 24
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Kruger Safari with Eswatini tour, exploring the rich history and diverse wildlife of South Africa and Eswatini. Begin your journey in Johannesburg, delving into the nation's past with a visit to the Nelson Mandela museum. Experience the vibrant coastal city of Durban, the wildlife haven of St Lucia, and the cultural heart of Eswatini in Mbabane. Traverse the Miliwane Wildlife Sanctuary on foot, and immerse yourself in the world-renowned Kruger National Park with thrilling game drives and a unique glamping experience. This tour promises breathtaking landscapes, cultural encounters, and unforgettable wildlife sightings.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Johannesburg To Durban
Location: Durban
Accommodation Name: Royal Palm Hotel (or similar)
Welcome to the City of Gold, where our South African escapade begins. We’ll hit the road for a scenic drive through the heart of South Africa to the coastal city of Durban. Along the way, we’ll stop off for a sobering exploration of the nation’s troubled history, with a visit to the site of Nelson Mandela’s capture during the apartheid era. We’ll then take a trip to the museum – yes, you’ll confront the history, but you’ll leave feeling hopeful as you learn how apartheid was finally brought to an end.
Tonight’s accom is conveniently located next to plenty of shops and restaurants… So you can go right ahead and treat yourself.
Day 2: Durban To St Lucia
Location: St Lucia
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Forest Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
You have a free morning here at one of the finest coastal spots in South Africa. You can check out the uShaka Marine World, rent a bike and cruise down the ‘Golden Mile’ (AKA the 6km promenade) or you can simply sit back and soak up those rays like the sun junkie you are. Afterwards, we’ll make our way to St Lucia.
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife by day and hippos by night here in St Lucia (we’re right by the UNESCO World Heritage listed iSimanagaliso Wetlands Park after all). On a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience this afternoon, we’ll visit a local Zulu village, learning all about the Zulu people and their traditions with a chance to meet some of the locals.
Day 3: St Lucia
Location: St Lucia
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Forest Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Beach or bush? Why decide when you can do both? This morning we’ll head out to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, so watch out for elephants, buffalo, rhinos, antelope… plus whales (coz we’re right on the coast, baby). We’ll stop off at Cape Vidal for some snorkelling and all-round beach vibes (weather permitting, obvs). You’ll then have some free time to explore St Lucia or kick back at the hotel. This evening, we’ll embark on a Sunset Hippo Boat cruise on Lake St Lucia (Africa’s largest estuary – home to over 800 hippos and 1200 crocodiles). Afterwards, we’ll round things off with a traditional South African braai dinner. Yup, this day’s as action-packed as it is awesome.
Day 4: St Lucia To Mbabane Via Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve
Location: Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve
Accommodation Name: Mlilwane Beehive Huts (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's an early start today – we’re heading inland to the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve and we aim to be there by sunrise. The Big Five. A half-day game drive at the reserve instrumental for bringing the White Rhino back from the brink of extinction. Even a picnic lunch. Today’s excursion is a biggie indeed. With our wildlife bucket lists sufficiently checked, it’s time to set off for a brand new country. Passports at the ready folks – here in Eswatini, we’ll meet some of the locals and learn about their culture and language on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. You've learnt from locals. Now its time to sleep like them too. Tonight you will stay at Mlilwane's Main Lodge - unique beehive thatched huts with ensuite bathrooms (and hotel room amenities for a bit of comfort).
Day 5: Mbabane To Kruger National Park Via Miliwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Kruger National Park
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Contiki Safari Camp (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ah, to wake up in nature. We'll kick off the day with a hearty breakfast and then join the Trip Manager for a morning safari walk. Don't forget to sign up for a guided Mountain bike ride through the wilderness. There is no Big 5 here so feel free and safe to explore as you choose. Keep an eye out to spot some antelopes and warthogs! Next up, it’s the big one. The world famous one. Here in Kruger, we’ll stay at an exclusive safari campsite – located right in the middle of the park. (Struggling to picture it? Think glamping canvas tents with mattresses, linen and stretchers, a roaring bonfire burning all the while.) This is a true Once in a Lifetime experience, where you’ll fall asleep to the nocturnal calls of hyenas, jackals and lions.
Day 6: Kruger National Park
Location: Kruger National Park
Accommodation Name: Contiki Safari Camp (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we're up bright and early for our first taste of the fresh morning air. We'll start with a sunrise safari – just in time to catch Africa’s elusive predators finishing off their nocturnal hunt. At midday, you’ll have the chance to relax back at the camp: you can visit the local shop, take a dip in the pool or visit the nearby restaurant where you can look out over the Sabie River and watch as the animals come to quench their thirst (yup, it's preddy special.) This afternoon, it’s back to the safari vehicles for a sunset game drive and another chance to see the Big Five and more. Tonight back at camp, we’ll tuck into a traditional South African braai or BBQ, complete with local sides and desserts.
Day 7: Kruger National Park To Johannesburg
Location: Johannesburg
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our final day. But is there time for one last morning game drive? You bet there is. We’ll head out bright and early before making our way back to Johannesburg.
And now, with heavy hearts (and even heavier camera rolls) we’ll make our way back to either the Kruger Mpumalanga Airport (Vic Falls anyone?) or Johannesburg International Airport. It’s been a thrill… we’ve seen wildlife, we’ve made friends for life. The only question is: where next?
What's Included
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Meals
Meals as specified in the itinerary, including a traditional South African braai dinner.
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Game Drives
Morning and evening game drives in Kruger National Park and a half-day game drive in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours including a visit to the Nelson Mandela museum, a local Zulu village, and a local village in Eswatini.
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Activities
Activities such as snorkeling at Cape Vidal, a Sunset Hippo Boat cruise on Lake St Lucia, and a walking or mountain bike safari in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.
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Transport
Transport between locations as specified in the itinerary.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from South Africa are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is highly recommended.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as visiting uShaka Marine World or renting a bike in Durban are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into South Africa and Eswatini are not included.
Mode of Transport
Transport between locations as specified in the itinerary.
Accommodation
Accommodation at Royal Palm Hotel, Forest Lodge, Mountain View Hotel, and Contiki Safari Camp (or similar).
Check out our Q&As
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What types of safaris are included in the tour?
The tour includes morning and evening game drives in Kruger National Park, a half-day game drive in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, and walking or mountain bike safaris in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.
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Are meals included in the tour?
Yes, meals as specified in the itinerary are included, including a traditional South African braai dinner.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
Accommodation is provided at Royal Palm Hotel, Forest Lodge, Mountain View Hotel, and Contiki Safari Camp (or similar).
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What activities are included in the tour?
Included activities are snorkeling at Cape Vidal, a Sunset Hippo Boat cruise on Lake St Lucia, and guided tours including visits to the Nelson Mandela museum, a local Zulu village, and a local village in Eswatini.
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What is the significance of the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve?
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve is known for its role in bringing the White Rhino back from the brink of extinction. The tour includes a half-day game drive in this reserve.
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Will I have free time during the tour?
Yes, there are periods of free time, such as a free morning in Durban and free time to explore St Lucia or relax at the hotel.
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes visits to a local Zulu village and a local village in Eswatini, where you can meet locals and learn about their culture and traditions.
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Are international flights included in the tour package?
No, international flights to and from South Africa are not included in the tour package.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and is highly recommended.
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What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities include visiting uShaka Marine World or renting a bike in Durban.
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Are visa fees included in the tour package?
No, visa fees for entry into South Africa and Eswatini are not included.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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