Walking South Africa

Safari Information

• Departure; Scheduled and tailor-made departure dates
• Duration; 14 Days / 13 Nights
• Lodging; Lodges, hotels, chalets or cabins
• Group Size; Maximum 12
• Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all safaris

An Unforgettable 14-Day Walking Safari Through South Africa’s Wildlife, Mountains, and Cultures

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime 14-day walking safari that offers an unparalleled blend of thrilling wildlife experiences, cultural immersion, and awe-inspiring landscapes. This carefully curated itinerary takes you on a breathtaking journey across South Africa, Swaziland, and Zululand, combining the majesty of nature with fascinating cultural encounters. From game-rich reserves to scenic mountain hikes, every moment is designed to immerse you in the beauty and diversity of Southern Africa.

The adventure begins in Mpumalanga, where lush landscapes and historic sites like Pilgrim's Rest set the stage for what's to come. Over the course of the safari, you’ll explore iconic destinations such as Kruger National Park, the Blyde River Canyon, and the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains. Along the way, you’ll have close encounters with Africa’s Big Five, walk among towering peaks, and uncover the region’s rich history, including visits to renowned battlefields like Islandlwana and Rourke’s Drift. Artisanal markets, vibrant craft shops, and traditional villages add colorful highlights to your experience, offering deep cultural insight.

Your accommodations are as diverse as the landscapes, ranging from cozy chalets and tented camps to stunning mountain lodges with jaw-dropping views. Whether you’re tracking elusive wildlife on foot, traversing the famous Tugela Falls, or enjoying local Zulu hospitality, this safari perfectly balances adventure, relaxation, and cultural richness. It’s more than just a trip; it’s a captivating exploration of Southern Africa’s soul.

Day 1: Mpumalanga

• After the tour briefing at 06:30 am, we depart Johannesburg and head east towards Mpumalanga.
• During the afternoon we visit the gold mining town of Pilgrim's Rest and the viewpoint over God’s Window.
• Stretch our legs on a short walk from Mac Mac Pools and then make our way to our chalets on the edge of the escarpment.
• Accommodation: Chalets (Lunch and Dinner)

Days 2-3: Kruger, Private Game Reserve

• Blyde River Canyon is our first long morning walk as we walk from the rim of the escarpment down into the canyon with views over the Three Sisters and the river below.
• After lunch, we make our way to a private game reserve in the Lowveld and enjoy an afternoon game drive leading into a night drive with a spotlight.
• Tonight our tented lodge is an opportunity to experience the wilds of big game country around a campfire.
• A highlight of our tour is the early morning game walk with a local ranger.
• Quietly we venture into the bush, learning the tracks and other signs of the wildlife we hope to track on foot.
• Accommodation: Tented Camp (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 4: Kruger National Park

• This is Big game country, where we spend the day in search of the elusive leopard, the majestic lion and the mighty elephant.
• We game drive south through the reserve as your professional guides will impart their extensive knowledge of ecology, fauna and flora during our time in the bush.
• Accommodation: Tented Camp (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Days 5-6: Swaziland

• We enter the Kingdom of Swaziland and travel through a lush fruit farming area before heading into the mountains of Swaziland.
• We spend two nights on the outskirts Malalotja Nature Reserve with a full day to walk through this seldom explored the mountainous reserve.
• The Swazi people have a rich cultural heritage, and we will visit the craft and medicine markets on day seven as we pass through the capital, Mbabane.
• Accommodation: Chalets (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Days 7-8: Zululand

• Crossing into South Africa, we head towards our lodge on a private game reserve.
• En route we enjoy a game drive in Mkhuze Game Reserve and watch wildlife from a secluded hide.
• The following morning we visit Hluhluwe Game Reserve, a critical area for rhino conservation and visit a Zulu village.
• In the late afternoon, we walk on the lodge conservancy with our local walking guide who will point out some of the 540+ bird species found in the area and track the shy Nyala antelope in the riverine vegetation of the Msinene River.
• Accommodation: Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Days 9- 10: Rourke's Drift and Islandwana Battlefields

• We leave the coastline and make our way through the scenic hills and valleys of Zululand to the small town of Dundee.
• Here battles were fought between the Zulus, British and the Boer troops - war cries still resound in the hills. We spend time at the informative Tulane museum before we settle into our lodge and have some free time in the afternoon.
• The following morning we explore the Islandlwana battlefield before we embark on an exciting 4-5hour hike tracing the steps of the two British fugitives through the undulating hills of Zululand to the Buffalo River.
• Later in the day, we visit Rourke's Drift before returning to the lodge.
• Accommodation: Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Days 11-12: Drakensberg

• Witness the grandeur of the Drakensberg Mountains or uKhahlamba "Barrier of Spears".
• We overnight at the base of the “berg” (alt. 1,600m) and spend a full day walking the mountain trails before taking an invigorating dip in the clear mountain streams of the Royal Natal National Park.
• The crisp mountain air is refreshing, and our lodge is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy the splendour of the mountain views.
• Accommodation: Chalets (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 13: Drakensberg

• We start the day with an early breakfast and make our way to Witsieshoek at the foot of the magnificent Sentinel Peak.
• At the end of a rough gravel road, we start our trek, including a short chain ladder section, to the top of the Drakensberg Amphitheatre and the beautiful Tugela Falls (alt. 3,000m), offering unparalleled views down into KwaZulu-Natal.
• After our walk, we make our way to the lodge perched high in the mountains (alt. 2,300m) overlooking the Mont-Aux-Sources mountain range.
• Accommodation: Lodge (Breakfast and Lunch)

Day 14: Walking South Africa Safari Ends

• From the Drakensberg, we head back to Johannesburg for the safaris conclusion.
• Time to say our farewells.