
9 Days | Safaris, epic coastline and local interactions on a southern Africa adventure





Experience the diversity of southern Africa on a nine-day adventure that takes you to wildlife-rich game parks, idyllic beaches, wetlands and small villages, exploring with a local leader along the way. Search for lions in Kruger National Park, enjoy a homestay in Zululand, relax on the sands of Cape Vidal and more. A mixture of included activities and free time make this tour perfect for travellers who want the benefit of on-the-ground local knowledge with some of the freedom of independent travel.
Trip overview

- Start
- Johannesburg, South Africa
- Finish
- Durban, South Africa
- Theme
- Overland, Wildlife
- Destinations
- South Africa, Eswatini (Swaziland)
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Basix
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 22
- Trip code
- UBOE
- Go on an epic safari in search of lions, hyenas and more through Kruger National Park – one of the largest National Parks in southern Africa.
- Go overland in a purpose-built truck and stop to take in geological wonders like Bourke’s Luck Potholes along the Panorama Route.
- Experience St Lucia from a whole new perspective on a guided Boat Safari down this UNESCO-listed landmark.
- Take a day trip to Cape Vidal - within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site, on the exquisite Zululand coast – and enjoy free time to soak up the sun
- Visit the heartlands of the Zulu people and spend the night in a homestay, where you’ll be treated to traditional food and song, plus a meeting with the local healer.
- Swap four wheels for two legs on a guided walking safari through the Hlane Royal National Park with an expert Swazi guide, keeping an eye out for antelopes and zebras passing by.
- This is an overland trip. That means you’ll be travelling with a group in a purpose-built vehicle, visiting remote communities, setting up your own tent (unless you’re on an Original or Comfort style trip), occasionally roughing it in the bush with no facilities, and getting the best possible views of the Big Five. While the trucks don’t have air conditioning, they do have sliding windows which let in the breeze and make it even easier to take spectacular snaps of the local wildlife. The drive days can be long, but it’s as much about the journey as the destination, and half the fun is the camaraderie. For more info on this style of travel, see our Africa overland page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/africa/overland
- While a homestay in Zululand is a unique and rewarding experience, the conditions are basic – foam mattresses on the floor, with up to six people (of the same gender) per room. Clean linen and pillows are provided. Hot water is not available on this night.
- There will be many early starts either to make better use of the safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.
- You may also want to check out our Kruger, Coast & Cape trip if you have longer time to explore in southern Africa.
Itinerary
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024
Inclusions
8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
Overland vehicle
Camping with facilities (4 nights), Camping with basic facilities (2 nights), Homestay (1 night), Hotel (1 night)
- Panorama Route - Three Rondavels Viewpoint
- Panorama Route - Blyde River Canyon Viewpoint
- Kruger National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive
- Hlane Royal National Park - Guided Walking Safari
- St Lucia Estuary - Safari Boat Cruise
- Cape Vidal - Beach Day Trip
- Zululand - Community Centre Visit
- Kruger National Park - Night Game Drive - ZAR290
- Kruger National Park - Sunset Game Drive (from) - ZAR380
- Hlane National Park - Guided 4x4 Game Drive - ZAR455
- Hlane National Park - Umphakatsi Village Visit - ZAR153
- Durban - Art Gallery - Free
- Durban - Bay Cruise - ZAR240
- Durban - Juma Masjid Mosque - Free
- Durban - Bike Hire (per hour) - ZAR30
- Durban - Surf Board Hire (per hour) - ZAR100
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. This trip finishes on arrival in Durban on Day 9. Please do not book any flights before 7 pm this evening.
3.On occasion, especially during the peak months of May, June and July we are unable to secure campsites within the Kruger National Park. In this instance we will camp in a bordering private game park.
4.The minimum age for this trip is 15 at the time of travel. Any travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, or in lieu of a legal guardian, by an escort over the age of 18, appointed by their legal guardian. The legal guardian or their designee will be responsible for the traveller under the age of 18 day to day’s care. If a legal guardian elects to designate an escort in their lieu, they will be required to complete and sign a relevant document, to delegate their authority.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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