Day 1: (Mon) Johannesburg & Mpumalanga (LD) Depart by 07h30 and leave Johannesburg's distinctive skyline and head for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. We travel via the historic towns of Witbank, Dullstroom and Lydenburg, passing over the famous Long Tom Pass and onto the small town of Sabie. This afternoon explore living history in the form of Pilgrim's Rest, the old mining village where gold was first discovered. Accommodation: The Royal Hotel or similar
Day 2: (Tue) Pilgrim's Rest & the Kruger National Park (BD) This morning, enjoy the glorious vistas of God's Window, a boundless view of forrested mountains and fertile plains, and visit the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, one of the natural wonders of Africa. We arrive at our overnight hotel in time for a welcome sundowner (own account). Accommodation: Kruger Rest Camp or similar
Day 3: (Wed) A Full Day 'Big Five' Game Viewing in Kruger (B) Set off before breakfast in open safari vehicles in search of lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard, and all manner of wondrous wildlife, birds and plant species. Savour the magic of this enormous wilderness. Accommodation: Kruger Rest Camp or similar
Day 4: (Thu) The Kingdom of Swaziland (BLD) Drive to the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland, a former British Protection Territory, now ruled by King MsWati III. Enjoy a Swazi cultural experience, then visit the famous Ngwenya Glass Factory to see master craftsmen fashion collectable figures and functional art out of molten glass. Our next stop is the capital city Mbabane, known for its vibrant markets packed with woven baskets, beadwork and carvings. Accommodation: Lugogo Sun or similar
Day 5: (Fri) The Kingdom of the Zulu's (B) Visit the Swazi Candle Factory, teeming with exquisite wax artworks in every shape and colour imaginable. Then on into Zululand, passing traditional round huts and endless vistas. Arrive mid afternoon at the town of St Lucia - a World Heritage Site and home to hippo, crocodile and no less than 367 bird species. Accommodation: Protea Hotel St Lucia or similar **Clients have the option to purchase an exciting afternoon open safari vehicle game drive into the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve.
Day 6: (Sat) Durban (B) This morning enjoy a cruise on Lake St Lucia before departing for Durban. Hug the lush KwaZulu-Natal coastline en-route to Durban, watching the sugar cane fields do their own version of the Mexican wave at the urging of the wind. End the tour before lunch, either at the airport or at a central Durban hotel.
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