Kruger & Swazi Overland

Day 1 Johannesburg

Arrive at any time. Arrive in Johannesburg any time and make your way to the joining point hotel. A brief departure meeting will be held in the hotel reception area in evening on Day 1 of your tour. Upon arrival look for information from your tour leader on the hotel bulletin board regarding the meeting time. Our starting hotel is located outside of the city of Johannesburg, but take some time on an excursion to Soweto or to the famous Apartheid Museum.

Day 2-3 Greater Kruger Area/Kruger National Park (2B,2L,2D)

Drive through scenic mountains, experience traditional Shaagan dinner and dance, visit Shalati village and a community project supported by Planeterra. Game drive and animal viewing in overland vehicle. The name Manyeleti, means 'Place of the Stars' in the local Shangaan language and guests have the opportunity to view the magnificent Southern Constellation. Manyeleti is situated away from the mainstream tourist areas and guests can experience the tranquility of the African Bush in absolute seclusion. In the late afternoon/early evening relax around the pool, sit around the campfire and enjoy your sundowner drink, followed by a traditional meal and traditional dancing by the villagers. Sleep tight and listen to the haunting sounds of the African night. The 23,000 hectare Manyeleti Game Reserve is situated between the Timbavati Private Reserve, the Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. With no fences separating Manyeleti from Kruger and the neighbouring reserves, a huge variety of wildlife roams freely over more than 2 million hectares of African bush. Game drives in open vehicles (optional) could bring you into close contact with the Big 5 (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) for an unforgettable safari experience. The Manyeleti Game Reserve is managed by the Mnisi tribe who have been in the area for many generations. The Mnisi are committed to retaining the integrity of the game reserve and ensuring that the benefits of tourism in the reserve are delivered to the surrounding communities. In the late morning of the following day we will visit and interact with the local community of the Planeterra volunteer program in the Shalati village. We continue into the Kruger National Park searching for Africa's "Big 5", we will spend the remainder of the day game driving to spot wild animals in our own vehicle. Project Shalati Pre-school Over 50 children, under the age of 8, attend the pre-school of Shalati. The school has one teacher, and two teacher's helpers that organize activities for the children, as well as provide them with two meals each day. Shalati provides support to the children and prepares them for the transition into primary school. Why is this project needed? In the South African community of Shalati there are many single parent families and a vast number of orphaned children, often cared for by their grandparents. This is due in part to the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Many children do not begin school until the age of eight, and receive no formal education and limited support during their early formative years. The Shalati Pre-School aims to provide children with the opportunity to begin their education, and become involved in organized activities. More information about the community project Shalati Lodge we are staying at: Shalati Bush Camp is unique, offering an intimate and truly memorable bush and wildlife experience combined with the culture of local Shangaan population, of Africa and its people today. At Shalati we understand the impact that tourism have on the environment and strive to create an interactive experience that is affordable and unforgettable. Shalati is at the forefront of responsible tourism offering the guests a rare insight into the fragile ecosystems of the Big 5 areas as well as the communities on the borders of these great National Parks. We are committed to the sustainable upliftment of the communities around Shalati and the long term benefits that this will bring, to these people. Only people from the community are being employed at Shalati. All these people have never previously worked in the hospitality industry nor have they studied for a Hotel & Catering Diploma. Shalati has an extensive training program incorporating day-to-day and hands-on training. The cooks at Shalati were not able to cook or bake for themselves, not to mention guests. They are now able to bake and cook for many guests at the same time. A huge achievement! All the areas of hotel management are being addressed and individual training for housekeeping, cleaning, laundry, stock management etc is undertaken on a daily basis. Through the salaries that these few people earn, the lives of many in the communities are touched in a positive way. Once you enter the gates of Shalati you will become part of a community – a community that cares, that gives and join hands in strengthening our Rainbow Nation.

Day 4-5 Kingdom of Swaziland (2B,2L,2D)

Visit the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Option to go for mountain hikes, mountain biking or a visit to a traditional Swazi village. The mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland, lead by King Mswati III, is one of three monarchies in Africa. Here explore Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, which is situated in the Swaziland's “Valley of Heaven”, the Ezulwini Vallley. In your free time take the opportunity to go horse riding, mountain biking, trailing, or game viewing. Mlilwane was the first wildlife sanctuary in Swaziland, created in the 1950's by a well known Swazilander, Tedd Reilly, on his farm. He has been instrumental in the conservation of Swaziland's natural heritage for many years. This reserve is a gentle relaxed place with zebra, many antelope species and crocodiles. Several hippos have become so used to being fed in the afternoon, that these enormous beasts plod out of the dam to chomp, dribble and munch in front of the Hippo Haunt Restaurant. So close are they, that your entire camera frame is filled with their wide toothy mouth and glistening nostrils. Around the restcamp a variety of animals mill around looking for food, but watching a warthog snuffling near the camp fire while his friend roasts on a spit above, is somewhat disquieting. This reserve offers hiking, cycling and horse riding.

Day 6-7 Zululand (2B,L)

Approximate Distance: 277km Estimated Time: 6 hrs Today we depart for the beautiful Zululand area, re-entering South Africa into one of its most diverse regions. We stay in the St. Lucia area near the coast. Here take the optional boat trip on the estuary or go for a horse ride on the beach. On day 7, visit the Umfolozi Game Reserve (optional) which is a safe haven for both the white and black rhino, and as well lions, buffalo, elephant, and leopard call the reserve home. The St. Lucia Wetlands is a huge expanse of estuaries which is dominated by Lake St. Lucia, the largest estuarine body of water in South Africa. The St. Lucia Marine Reserve, which extends roughly from Sodwana in the north to Mapelane in the south, contains no less than five different ecosystems, and is home to complex body of vleis (wetlands), pans, swamp forests and grasslands. These include the lake itself, a wilderness area known as Mfabeni and Tewati, a marine conservation area, the reed and papyrus wetland of the Mkuze swamps and western shores, and a fossil shoreline more than 25,000 years old.This was the first game reserve in South Africa. Today the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park stands as a beacon to the efforts for conservation in South Africa. Option to go for boat cruises, kayaking or game driving in Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve.

Day 8 Durban (B,L,D)

Approximate Distance: 275km Estimated Time: 6 hrs Spend most of the day travelling the coast to Durban. Here you may say goodbye to some travellers who are finishing their trip here, and you may also be met by new G Adventures travellers beginning their trip here in Durban. Enjoy a traditional curry tonight and meet all new people joining the trip. Explore the beach and dive into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean just out the front door of our guest house. The city of Durban has grown into one of South Africa's best-known and most popular coastal resorts and commercial ports. With stretches of sandy beaches and abundance of holiday accommodation destinations available and all-year sunshine attract visitors to this festive city every year. This city is enjoyed for its vibrant mix of cultures and experiences, with a large diverse population of people. The beach front area has a number of attractions, from fair grounds to restaurants, to water sports and the now world famous “uShaka Marine World”.

Day 9 Durban (B)

Depart at any time.