Sustainable Journey - South Africa with purpose

Johannesburg – Panorama Route – Timbavati – eSwatini – Kosi Bay – iSimangaliso Wetland – Drakensberg – Johannesburg

16 Days / 15 Nights

From ZAR 42900.00 p/p

South Africa

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Your "ZULA Moments" on this tour:

Enjoy eco-friendly and fair-trade certified Lodges, Compelling Northern Region Game and Nature Reserves, Wildlife discoveries in Timbavati, Discover the best hiking trails in the Drakensberg Mountains

All of our self-drive tours can be booked with a private driver/guide as well or turned around to be travelled in opposite direction. The surcharge for a driver/guide is on request and we are happy to quote this service for you.

Trip Route

Sustainable Journey - South Africa with purpose map
-24.70514, 30.53415+-24.33183, 31.30828+-25.06172, 31.12541+-26.44093, 31.18151+-27.0287, 32.78701+-28.23846, 32.41927+-28.2918, 31.01449+-28.66142, 29.4874

1 night at Skyhaven Lodge

South Africa's scenic Panorama Route connects several cultural and natural attractions. It runs through the Mpumalanga province, surrounding the third largest canyon in the world, the Blyde River Canyon. Its popularity is primarily due to its proximity to the Kruger National Park. There are many attractions among the natural highlights – like the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, the many farmstalls, art galleries and cultural village experiences, along with many guided or self-guided hiking routes. The most prominent attraction is 'God's Window', offering stunning views down to the expansive lowveld.

2 nights at Umlani Bushcamp

The Timbavati Private Game Reserve lies in the western region of the Kruger National Park, north of Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve. The borders between these reserves are unfenced, allowing greater freedom of access to wildlife. Timbavati is most famous for its white lions. In ancient Sangaan, the word Timbavati means "the place where something sacred came down from heaven", referring to these genetically rare animals that are not albino but rather classified as a subspecies of lion. Known as a world-renowned honeymoon destination, the reserve uniquely offers luxury in a way unlike anywhere else. 

Included Services:

Umlani included activities

2 nights at Umbhaba Eco Lodge

Hazyview is a subtropical farming settlement in Mpumalanga, South Africa, renowned for its significant banana and macadamia nut production industry. Located on the Kruger National Park border, the town's name derives from a shimmering haze that occurs during the hot summers. Known as Mpumalanga's "Adventure Hub", the town offers many adventurous activities, ranging from Hot Air Balloon tours to elephant rides. It is also home to many delightful restaurants and pubs offering excellent food and wine. Here, spectacular panoramas will undoubtedly remain in your memory, as there is so much to see and experience. 

2 nights at Mantenga Lodge

eSwatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a tiny landlocked nation boasting rich historical and cultural heritage. It is also Africa's last remaining independent monarchy. In addition to its tall mountains and low-lying savannah, it also homes tangled rainforests and lush river valleys. The region boasts many noteworthy attractions, including the mesmerizing Valley of Heaven and the Hlane Royal National Park, noted for its rhinos, antelopes and lions. Wildlife watching, river rafting, mountain biking, and hiking are excellent activities visitors can enjoy on the scenic trails that traverse the mountainous terrain. 

2 nights at Kosi Forest Lodge

In the northern reaches of KwaZulu Natal, Kosi Bay is a rich network of lakes that make up the final stretch of the South African coastline - a wilderness wonderland that is still largely unexplored. The Kosi Bay Nature Reserve protects much of the area homes various animals such as hippos and crocodiles and a great diversity of marine life. Among activities available in the area are bird watching and game viewing, including close encounters with animals such as elephants and giraffes. Boat excursions allow snorkelling along mangrove banks as you meander through reed channels. A true paradise for all who visit. 

Included Services:

Kosi Forest Lodge included activities

2 nights at Makakatana

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal is an incredibly beautiful series of beaches, coral reefs, lakes, swamps, and wetlands. The wealth of wildlife ranges from whales, dolphins, sea turtles, antelope and crocodiles to storks, pelicans, and the magnificent fish eagle. The park has one of the most diverse varieties of frogs, and their choruses are often heard at night or on rainy days. The park is one of South Africa's top tourist attractions. Aside from the numerous hiking trails, fishing and deep-sea diving - horse riding, game viewing, and whale watching are enjoyed in the park. 

Other things to do at this location:

Makakatana Bay Lodge Afternoon Game Drive

Makakatana Bay Lodge Full-day cruise on Lake St Lucia

Makakatana Bay Lodge Full-day Hluhluwe-imfolozi Safari

Makakatana Bay Lodge Morning Game Drive

2 nights at Babanango Valley Lodge

Babanango Game Reserve is a malaria-free reserve that lies at the mouth of the White Umfolozi River in Zululand, encompassing the picturesque Babanango Valley. The region is known for its pristine coastline, rolling hills, waving grasslands and lush forests. Babanango Game Reserve is a bush lover’s paradise. Game species such as buffalo, giraffe, hyenas, and zebras are abundant in the area. A range of outdoor activities is available in the Reserve, including game drives, birdwatching, hiking and mountain biking. Babanango is a world of fascinating contrasts combining cultural riches and natural beauty. 

Included Services:

Babanango included activities

2 nights at Three Tree Hill Lodge

As the tallest mountain range in Southern Africa, the Northern Drakensberg provides access to the Royal Natal National Park. In the winter months, the peaks of the Northern Drakensberg are often covered with snow, creating many scenic vistas. The region is most notable for its Amphitheatre, a 500-meter-high rock face that extends for 5 kilometres. The area is a popular hiking and rock climbing destination. Some of the more challenging hiking trails stop at mountain caves for overnight accommodation. The dams and rivers in the lower slopes offer trout fishing, a popular activity among the locals.

Other things to do at this location:

Three Tree Hill Guided Horse Ride

This trip includes

15 nights including breakfast at selected ZULA accommodations as per itinerary
Rental car from/to Johannesburg Airport for 16 days (Toyota Corolla or similar, manual) incl. unlimited mileage, full insurance cover, 2nd driver and contract fee
Dinner at Iketla Lodge for 1 night
Fully Inclusive including all meals and local drinks at Umlani Bushcamp for 2 days/nights
Lunch & Dinner at Kosi Forest Lodge for 2 days/nights
Dinner at Makakatana Bay Lodge for 2 nights
Lunch & Dinner at Babanango Valley Lodge for 2 days/nights
Lunch & Dinner at Three Tree Hill Lodge for 2 days/nights
Guided Walks at Iketla Lodge
2x Game Drives and optional Bush Walks at Umlani Bushcamp
Guided Canoe trips and walks in Raffia Forest at Kosi Forest Lodge
2x Game Drives per day at Babanango Valley Lodge
Conservation fees and vehicle permits at Umlani Bushcamp
Park fees and Isibindi Foundation Levies at Kosi Forest Lodge
Conservation fees at Makakatana Bay Lodge and Babanango Valley Lodge
Community & Conservation Fund contribution at Three Tree Hill Lodge
Travel Vouchers & Documents incl. Google Maps Links for directions
All local taxes for all services (e.g. VAT, Tourism Tax)
ZULA 24h-Emergency Contact

This trip excludes

Additional meals not specified in itinerary
Additional entrance fees and conservation levies
Fuel & toll fees
Personal extras such as tips, laundry services, roaming etc.
Private expenses
International flights
Visa and Visa fees (if applicable)
Travel Insurance
Any new government taxes, levies or industry increases which are beyond ZULA's control
ZULA Service Package (optional service): Meet & Greet Service at the airport: Personal reception in the arrival hall at the airport, Assistance with collecting the rental car, exchanging money, etc. We will discuss the itinerary and provide relevant information and tips. In addition, a personal Travel Folder, which includes all travel documents, itinerary and travel information, individual and detailed directions, as well as a free travel package.

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