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Map of South Africa Family Safari with Teenagers including South Africa and Swaziland

Explore South Africa's abundant wildlife, Zulu culture and dramatic scenery

Travel through South Africa and Eswatini (Swaziland), combining cultural and wildlife experiences. The tour starts with an introduction to South Africa’s most famous township, Soweto, before heading out into the wilderness. Once on the road you’ll stop at a Zulu village and experience activities such as hiking, kayaking and rafting before arriving at Kruger National Park for unbelievable wildlife watching.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Johannesburg, South Africa
Finish
Johannesburg, South Africa
Destinations
South Africa, Eswatini (Swaziland)
Style
Basix
Theme
Family
Code
UWFS
Physical rating
Ages
Min 10
Group size
Min 2, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • This trip visits a great spread of Southern African game reserves, putting you and your family right in the midst of the mighty 'Big Five' game of Africa

  • Camp at Kruger National Park under the African night sky. Experience the sights and sounds of the wild, perhaps the roar of a lion as you and your family drift off to sleep

  • A Zulu village tour introduces you and your family to a fascinating tribal culture. You might learn about anything from spear-making and bone-throwing to dancing and basket-weaving

  • Beautifully lit by candles and parafin lanterns, your spacious campsite in Hlane National Park is just a stone's throw from a floodlit waterhole frequented by elephants and rhinos

  • Enjoy a guided hike at Blyde River Canyon, where the spectacular colours and shades of Bourke's Luck Potholes are a photographer's dream

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip quite a bit of distance, with two particularly long days of travel. A good dose of patience will go a long way towards your enjoyment of these beautiful countries.

  • This is a participatory camping trip and everyone will embrace the team spirit by helping with camp setup, food preparation and cleaning. You will be putting up and taking down your tent as you move from place to place

  • Malaria is a risk in these areas, so it's essential to consult a doctor about relevant medication prior to your trip.

Get up close to Giraffes in Kruger National Park in South Africa
The amazing vistas of South Africa
On safari in South Africa
See the endangered Rhinos in their natural habitat in South Africa

Itinerary
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Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Your trip begins with a welcome meeting at 12 noon. Afterwards, head out on a 2 hour cycling tour of Soweto – an exciting opportunity to get an insight into contemporary life in South Africa. You will cycle to some of the most interesting historical sites around Soweto. Visit the formal migrant workers’ hostel and be introduced to conditions of male mine workers and meet the families that live here today. Cycle through the vibrant community of Meadowlands, and continue to the Hector Pieterson Memorial, the historical landmark of the 1976 student's uprising, proceed to the famous Vilakazi street where Nelson Mandela used to live.

There will be the chance along the way to visit a market or shop to stock up on any supplies you might need for the next few days. There's WiFi available at your accommodation (the first 30 minutes are free).

Note: If you do any exploring on your own today, be sure to get local advice on where it is and isn't safe to walk, especially in the evening. The level of crime here may be higher than what you're used to, and doing a bit of homework can significantly reduce the risk.
Accommodation
  • Holiday Inn, Rosebank or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Soweto - Cycle Tour
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Bike helmets are compulsory during this included activity. Though laws in other countries do not require riders to wear helmets we ask that all riders on Intrepid trips wear a bike helmet on all included riding activities. Bike helmets are provided.

Today is a travelling day. Depart Johannesburg early this morning and travel into the heart of KwaZulu Natal (560km/350miles - approximately 9 hours). Here you will camp at an eco-lodge just 20 kilometres from Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park. The park is home to some amazing wildlife, including lions, elephants, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes and wild dogs.

At our camp, you'll have access to a fully stocked communal kitchen, gas stoves, kitchen utensils, a fridge and freezer, a braai (for grilling) and a campfire area. Camping guests are more than welcome to use the swimming pool, bar and restaurant in the lodge. There are also showers, wash basins and toilets available. With the group's assistance, your crew will prepare meals, and the group will help with washing up. The tents are 2 x 2 metres across and 1.7 metres high.

Tomorrow we head out on a game drive.
Accommodation
  • Bonamanzi Game Reserve or similiar – Basic Camping (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Embark on an adventure through the oldest proclaimed game reserve in South Africa. While you're here, you'll have the chance to see some of the 'Big Five' game –  African elephant, black rhinoceros, Cape buffalo, African lion and African leopard. There will also be a good chance of spotting the white rhino, as Hluhluwe-Imfolozi has the largest population of these near-threatened creatures in the world. A series of conservation efforts has saved them from extinction and their population is once again on the rise. The park also boasts some 400 species of birds, including the African finfoot, bat hawk and white-backed night heron.

It is approximately a 40km drive from our overnight camp to the gate of the park. Leaving just after breakfast we spend the whole day in the park. With a picnic lunch along the way, the day will be full of animal watching.
Accommodation
  • Bonamanzi Game Reserve or similiar – Basic Camping (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park - Game drives
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Depart the game reserve in the morning and visit a Zulu village with a local community guide. Then, travelling northeast to the coast, visit the beautiful Kosi Bay Nature Reserve (160km/100miles - approximately 5 hours including time spent at activities). The location of the bay is amazing. On the one hand there is picturesque jungle with wild figa and monkey orange trees, and a grazing area for hippos; on the other, a mangrove and coral reef that's teeming with aquatic life. Your accommodation, Kosi Bay Lodge, will be in comfortable log chalets. Enjoy a night under the stars as you relax around the campfire.
Accommodation
  • Kosi Bay Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Zulu Village Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

We have a full day ahead as we explore Kosi Bay by kayak.

Kosi Bay is one of very few places on earth where five different species of mangrove trees are found in one area. It is particularly famous for the traditional Tsonga fish traps built to trap fish moving in and out of the estuary with the tide. The Tsonga people, who have made this land their home for more than 1,000 years, are experts in fish traps and the construction of fishkraal.

There is also the opportunity to snorkel over the coral reef in search of some colourful fish.
Accommodation
  • Kosi Bay Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kosi Bay - Kayaking
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Driving north, you will reach the small land-locked kingdom of Eswatini (Swaziland), and Hlane National Park (220kms/135miles - approximately 6 hours depending on border crossing). At some point today you'll be able to visit a market or shop to buy anything you might need. A vast expanse of bushveld and its ancient hardwood trees make Hlane Royal National Park home to the largest wild herds in Eswatini. Your camp is spacious and has plenty of tree coverage, making for a nice spot to relax and be greeted by the odd inquisitive impala, warthog or nyala. If you're feeling adventurous, book a guided mountain bike trail, bird walk or game drive and explore the greater Hlane area. In the absence of electricity in Ndlovu Camp, the area is romantically lit at night with candles and parafin lanterns. It's also within easy reach of Ndlovu's semi-open-air restaurant and floodlit waterhole. Hlane Activities Center, a braai/barbeque area (with firewood provided), communal kitchen, and hot showers are all available.
Accommodation
  • Hlane Royal National Park or similar - (Basic camping) (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Hlane Royal National Park - Guided Walking Safari - ZAR200
  • Hlane Royal National Park - Game Drive - ZAR335
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Explore Hlane National Park on a game drive. This park used to be a private royal hunting ground, which gives you some idea of its calibre as a wildlife-viewing destination. It is Eswatini's largest park, spanning an impressive 30,000 hectares. Landscape-wise, it’s a flat lowland area with some grasslands and shallow pans. There's a great chance of catching sight of Wildebeest, zebra and impala, especially in the drier months. Notably, cheetahs were reintroduced to the park relatively recently. The park also has an abundant and diverse array of birdlife, boasting the highest density of nesting white-backed vultures in all of Africa. 

Today's game drive is in an open vehicle with a park guide and takes approximately 2.5 hours.
Accommodation
  • Hlane Royal National Park or similar - (Basic camping) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hlane Royal National Park - Guided 4x4 Sunset Game Drive
Optional Activities
  • Hlane Royal National Park - Game Drive - ZAR335
  • Hlane Royal National Park - Guided Walking Safari - ZAR200
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Crossing back into South Africa, journey to Kruger National Park – one Africa's very best wildlife arenas (130kms/80miles - approximately 4 hours). 

On arrival at the park we start our game drive as we head towards our overnight campsite. The game drive will be in the overland truck and takes approximately 3 hours before reaching camp to set up.

 Later on, there will be the option of a night drive with the park guide. This is a great chance to spot nocturnal animals and perhaps even a night-time predator or two – catch a lion or hyena out hunting, or perhaps an impala out in search of a late-night feed.

Accommodation
  • Skukuza campsite or similar (Basic Camping) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kruger National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive
  • Kruger National Park - Full Day Game Drive
Optional Activities
  • Kruger National Park - Night Game Drive (from) - ZAR290
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
On occasion, especially during the peak months and school holidays of May, June, July and December we are unable to secure campsites within the Kruger National Park. In this instance we will camp in a bordering camp ground.

Enjoy further explorations of Kruger. You will embark on a second game drive today, hopefully spotting some animals you didn't cross off the list yesterday! One of the largest game reserves in Southern Africa, Kruger National Park boasts more than 500 bird species, 100 reptile species and 150 mammal species. The big five and the endangered African wild dog are no exceptions. Depending on the areas you visit, you'll have the chance to see some exotic birds along the way, from the tiny bronze mannikin to the more conspicuous ostrich. Keep an eye to the sky where, if you're lucky, a giant eagle owl or martial eagle might be soaring.

Today's game drive will be in our overland truck and will be a full day in the park.
Accommodation
  • Skukuza campsite or similar (Basic Camping) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kruger National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive
  • Kruger National Park - Full Day Game Drive
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
On occasion, especially during the peak months and school holidays of May, June, July and December we are unable to secure campsites within the Kruger National Park. In this instance we will camp in a bordering camp ground.

Today we set off to visit parts of the Blyde River Canyon, including the three rondavels en route to Graskop (120kms/75miles - approximately 6 hours). One of South Africa's most spectacular attractions, Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world, and probably the greenest. It's an excellent place for walking. The sheer-sided walls of the canyon rise over 2,000 metres and the vegetation varies wildly, from dry rocky sections to rainforest, depending on the altitude. You will explore the stunning Bourke's Luck Potholes, where shadowy rock formations take on different colours and shadings in the changing light.
Accommodation
  • Mogodi Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Panorama Route - God's Window Viewpoint
  • Panorama Route - Bourkes Luck Potholes
  • Panorama Route - Three Rondavels
  • Bourke's Luck Potholes
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Enjoy a day of free time with your family. There are many activities on offer. You can choose to take a treetop canopy tour, or perhaps explore the countryside.
Accommodation
  • Mogodi Lodge or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Enjoy a morning of free time before returning to Johannesburg (410km/255miles - approximately 7 hours). Your trip comes to an end upon arrival at Tambo International Airport in the afternoon (usually between 2pm and 4pm). If you prefer, we can also drop you at the original joining point location. Please advise your booking agent before you depart or your leader during your welcome meeting on day 1. Please do not book any onwards flights until after 8pm this evening.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

11 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 10 dinners

Transport

Overland truck, 4x4

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Camping with basic facilities (6 nights), Permanent tents with facilities (2 nights)

Included activities

  • Soweto - Cycle Tour
  • Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park - Game drives
  • Zulu Village Visit
  • Kosi Bay - Kayaking
  • Hlane Royal National Park - Guided 4x4 Sunset Game Drive
  • Kruger National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive
  • Kruger National Park - Full Day Game Drive
  • Panorama Route - God's Window Viewpoint
  • Panorama Route - Bourkes Luck Potholes
  • Panorama Route - Three Rondavels
  • Bourke's Luck Potholes

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our South Africa Family Safari with Teenagers trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.

2. Minimum age for children on this trip is 10 years old.

3. A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children under 17 years of age at time of travel.

4. This trip starts at noon on Day 1 and ends at approximately 3pm on day 12 at Johannesburg international airport. Please do not book any flights until after 8pm.

5. Travelling with children: Children travelling on a valid passport with one or both parents are no longer required to present a birth certificate, parental consent letter and other supporting documentation. To check the requirements for other situations, such as legal guardianship or unaccompanied travelling minors, visit the South African Department of Home Affairs.

6.  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.

7. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag, pillow and towel.

8. Border crossing delays in the region have been sporadic and difficult to predict as travel rebounds. What takes an hour one day may take four hours the next. This may affect the order of activities in the itinerary. We understand this uncertainty can be frustrating, and we strongly recommend packing a bit of patience and flexibility.

9. On occasion, especially during the peak months of May to September and December we are not able to secure campsites within the Kruger National Park. In this instance we will camp at a backpackers outside the park.

Essential trip information

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