Itinerary
Discover the hidden gems Southern Africa has to offer ranging from the Big 5 of the Kruger National Park, the Pongola Game Reserve of northern KwaZulu Natal to the warm Indian Ocean from Kosi Bay and St Lucia to Durban. Traverse the South Eastern corner of South Africa across Zululand to Durban and discover the cultures and landscapes that exit here.
Included:
- Professional Guide
- Comfortable 7-seater vehicle
- Accommodation as per Itinerary
- 8 Nights’ Accommodation
- Meals as per Itinerary (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D- Dinner)
- Park Entrance Fees
Excluded:
- Restaurant Meals as indicated
- Visa fees, Airport Transfers, Curios and Tips
- Optional Excursions as indicated
- Beverages
Highlights:
- Kruger National Park Game Drives
- Pongola Game Reserve
- Kosi Bay
- St Lucia
Day 01: Johannesburg – Kruger National Park (Gecko Lodge) (D) (340km)
We depart Johannesburg early morning from your place of accommodation and make our way through the Lowveld to the Kruger National Park. A quick stop on route for a late breakfast or lunch (Own Account) is enjoyed before continuing. The route showcases some of South Africa’s finest Lowveld farmlands before arriving at our lodge near the Kruger National Park. Time is spent relaxing at the pool and at camp before taking part in an open vehicle sunset game drive.
Day 02: Kruger National Park (Gecko Lodge) (B, D)
A full day Game Drive is on the menu for the day in open 4x4 game drive vehicle with a local guide. An opportunity for excellent game viewing to sight the Big Five as well as hundreds of antelope and bird species exist today. Not guaranteed to sight all the big five such as the illusive leopard during the day. We make our way through the Skukuza area of the Kruger Park throughout the day in the effort to tick off most of the wildlife that the Kruger has to offer. Lunch is on own account at one of the rest camps.
Day 03: Kruger National Park – Pongola (nKwazi Lodge) (B, D) (460km)
An early start this morning for a fairly long but scenic drive via the small farming towns of Barberton and Piet Retief to Pongola. Situated in Northern KwaZula Natal, the Pongola Game Reserve, situated on the banks of the 13000ha man-made dam is home to 4 of the Big 5 which excludes the Lion.
Day 04: Pongola Game Reserve (DBB)
A full day is enjoyed at the Pongola Game reserve participating in a variety of additional optional activities listed below. The Pongola Game Reserve is a unique destination to the typical African Bushveld and time is spent here during the day enjoying the optional activities:
Optional Activities:
- Game Drives: R 430 pp
- Boat Cruises: R 430 pp
- Rhino Tracking: R 530 pp
- Guided Bush walks: R 430pp
Recommended on this itinerary would be Rhino tracking on foot in the morning and an afternoon Boat Cruise on the Pongola Dam.
Day 05: Pongola Game Reserve - Kosi Bay (Kosi Bay Lodge) (B, D) (271km)
Departing the Pongola Game Reserve, the route heads south via the small town of Hluhluwe and north to the border town of Kosi Bay. Stopping tin town to pick up a few supplies we arrive at our lodge mid-day ready for an optional sundowner lakes boat cruise.
Dinner tonight is a South African Braai
Day 06: Kosi Bay (Kosi Bay Lodge) (B, D)
A lazy morning with packed picnic and ready to head off to the Kosi Mouth Beach to spend the day at the beach. The lagoon makes for warm calm waters with unspoilt beaches for long walks.
Arriving back at the lodge early afternoon, opt in for an optional 3 lakes boat cruise and a night turtle walk at Bhanga Nek (seasonal) or a Lazy afternoon at the lodge before a sundowner lakes cruise.
Optional Activities:
- Kosi Bay Mouth: R 400pp (Permit price)
- Three Lakes Boat Cruise (9am – 2pm): R 600pp
- Sundowner Cruise: (16:00 – 18:00): R 500pp
- Beach Turtle Tour (16:30 – 23:00): R 700pp
- Bhanga Neck beach and lakes is a nice afternoon visit if the Turtle tour has been chosen.
Day 07: Kosi Bay – St Lucia (Urban Glamping or similar) (B) (230km)
Travelling south late morning from the Kosi Bay via Hluhluwe, we arrive at the small town of St Lucia ready for a host of activities. Dinner is on own account to enjoy at any one of the many quant restaurants in the small town of St Lucia to enjoy in your own time after a good long day on the road.
Day 08: St Lucia (Urban Glamping or similar) (B)
Spend the day enjoying any one of the many activities on offer in St Lucia. We do highly recommend the full day Hluhluwe Game drive and or a sunset cruise on the estuary. Dinner tonight is on own account to try another one of the many restaurants available in St Lucia
Optional Activities:
- Hluhluwe Half Day: R 950pp
- Hluhluwe Full Day: R 1250pp
- Cape Vidal Drive and Snorkelling: R 860pp
- Hippo and Croc Cruise: R 320pp (recommended on day 8 after arrival – sunset cruise)
- Turtle Tours: R 1350pp
- Whale Watching: 1260pp
- Deep Sea Fishing: 1700pp
Day 09: Durban (Own Arrangements) (B)
After a short 250km drive heading south along the coast, we bid farewell. Should you choose to return to Johannesburg with us the following day, this will be at an optional extra charge of R 800
Please let us know if you would like us to assist you in arranging your accommodation in Durban.
*Sandy Tracks reserves the right to amend the published accommodation in the itinerary at any time due to availability at the time of booking
Want to know more about this Safari – Contact Us
