Walking Tour In South Africa And Swaziland

Join tour in Johannesburg. This morning, we leave Jo'burg and head for the spectacular mountains overlooking the the old Eastern Transvaal. We will have a chance to admire the stunning vistas of the “lowveld” as it stretches before us into the distant horizons. The “lowveld” translates literally from Afrikaans into English as the “low bush”. This area has been inhabited since Stone Age times and with its plentiful water from mountain rivers and multiple waterfalls, It's beautiful craggy escarpments are covered in vegetation and offers us the chance to see colourful birdlife. Our destination today is Graskop, a peaceful location surrounded by forestry plantations.

Overnight Standard Lodge

Today's trail will start at the Graskop Hut, which forms part of the Fanie Botha overnight hiking trail. This moderate trail takes us through a patch of pine plantation. Crossing the railway line we will stroll over a concrete bridge of the Mac Mac River and descend into the indigenous forest where we reach the Forest Fall. The breadth of these falls is greater than the height. We will then ascend uphill for a few meters. The last stretch of the trail takes us through pine tree plantations, as well as indigenous forests along the escarpment. Please note that some sections require a fair bit of dexterity and fitness. (Approx 13km, 4 - 6 hrs)

Overnight Standard Lodge Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today's trail starts at Castle Rock Caravan Park follows the path of the beautiful Sabie River. En route we will visit magnificent Bridal Veil Falls and past the Glynis and Elna Falls to a ridge that provides a picturesque view of the Sabie valley. We then follow a forestry track before descending to Castle Rock. We can offer a shorter trail option starting and ending at the Bridal Veil Fall. This trail takes us through indigenous forests and pine plantations. There are some open areas, with some steep descents. Please note there may be a couple of ankle deep stream crossings. (Approx 14km/6.5km 4 - 6 hrs)

Overnight Standard Lodge Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After an early start, we drive to the Kruger National Park . This two million hectare wilderness is amongst the world’s first proclaimed Game Reserves and is justifiably South Africa’s showpiece, with 147 mammal species that roam in the freedom. It has a very good infrastructure, even though 96% of the land is still as pristine and untouched as it was before the first settlers arrived. The Kruger NP is a world leader in animal and plant research. It offers scenery as diverse as riverine forest, granite outcrops, endless savannah and impenetrable Mopani woodland. We will take an open-vehicle game drive in our modified Toyota Land cruisers on our way to our overnight stop inside the park. These camps are very comfortable, offering a unique experience that does not insulate people from the very things they have come to see. Our camp has rustic charm, with the accommodation set out under Natal Mahogany and Marula Trees. Kruger is well wooded and the bird-life is prolific. At night the sound of fruit bats is fused with the chirping of cicadas and crickets. The calls of owls and night jar's add to the symphony that is punctuated intermittently by the whoop of hyena, the howling of jackals and the roars of lion. We will do a two hour walk through Big Five country in the afternoon, or the morning of the following day. Although the walking is easy, temperatures can get very hot. (seasonal dependent)

Overnight Simple Camping Included meals: Breakfast

Today we drive to Milwane stopping en route at Sibebe Rock. Often compared to Australia’s Uluru (Ayers) rock, the geological wonder of Sibebe is, at some 3 billion years old, more than three times as old as its Australian counterpart. However, while Uluru attracts in the region of 500 000 visitors a year, Swaziland’s Sibebe Rock offers, for the moment, peace and solitude. These provide magnificent vistas across the Manzini region all the way to the Lubombo mountains in the east. Local land owners will allow us to cross their land, offering a glimpse of traditional rural lifestyles. We take time to stop and gaze at the imposing west face as we travel to Mlilwane Wildlife Refuge in Swaziland. Our journey takes us through some spectacular scenery in the Ezulwini Valley. This secluded and beautiful sanctuary is a haven of tranquillity, located in a natural bowl beneath the Nyonyane Mountains. Tonight our accommodation is traditional dome-shaped ‘beehive huts’. Though the camp has all the ‘mod cons’ it is rustic in the best sense of the word. Warthogs and ostrich share the camp with us and the restaurant overlooks a lake populated by water birds and a resident hippo. The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy the scenic splendour of your surroundings. You may choose to join a leisurely walk amongst the many hervibores who live within the wildlife sanctuary with your Tour Leader.

Overnight Standard Beehive Huts Included meals: Breakfast

Today we will take a half day's hike in the area around Mlilwane reserve to take in the spectacular scenery. In the morning we will take a steep climb to Execution Hill where in bygone years anyone found guilty of serious crimes against the King would be thrown off the top to their death! From the top of the hill you can observe the Ezulwini Valley in it's full glory. Many of the previous Kings of Swaziland are buried in this mountain range. In the afternoon you have at leisure to pursue your own interests - maybe one of the optional activities available.

Overnight Standard Beehive Huts Included meals: Breakfast

Today we drive to Kosi Bay. During our stay we will have the opportunity of kayaking as our Lodge owners are the proud holders of the only Kayaking concession at Kosi Bay. One of the most famous aspects of this area are the ancient fish traps or kraals that have been passed down from father to son for many generations, as a means of catching the local fish. This is following the traditional lifestyle of the Tsonga tribe. We will explore the waterways of the Kosi Bay lakes by sea kayak and venture around the islands searching for the five different mangrove species and a myriad of birds, before paddling through the surf to the offshore reefs. Some of your time can be spent snorkelling in an area called “The Aquarium”. The water may be shallow but there’s a surprising variety of tropical species like Devil Fire Fish, Honey Comb Moray Eels, small Rays and thousands of reef species you’d expect to see further out at sea. We will also take a walk in the dune forests and grasslands to explore the local area.

Overnight Simple Lodge Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we visit the famous Battlefields. As anyone who has ever watched the film ‘Zulu Dawn’ will know, the Battlefield of Isandlwana were the scenes of bloody and hugely significant events in the history of the Zulu nation. We visit the battle site of Isandlwana to gain a perspective into the people and history of South Africa. Isandlwana is undoubtedly the most haunting of all South Africa’s Battlefields as the many white cairns reflect upon the arrogance of a Victorian empire and the victory of the Zulu people who call themselves ‘the children of the stars’. The hill of Isandlwana stands a silent testimony to the determination and pride of the Zulu people. Isandlwana is truly haunting in the lessons it taught South Africa of colonialism and the folly of war. A Local guide will bring these historic events into sharp focus with a mixture of fact folklore and good old story telling, while we take a walk of about two hours through the battle site.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

This morning we drive to the Drakensberg which comprise of basalt massifs that have been cut through by crystal clear streams. The indigenous people that lived here called these mountains the “Ukhahlamba” translated as “barrier of spears” because all of their peaks resemble upturned weapons. The old San Bushman culture is reflected richly in the paintings that dot the cliff faces and overhangs. During our time here we will have the opportunity of exploring the area covered in indigenous forest and streams. On our full day walk  We will visit and explore the breath-taking amphitheatre, where the Tugela River has its source. These are said to be amongst the world’s highest falls, dropping some 900 metres off the top of the Drakensberg escarpment. The scenery is spectacular, and in spring and summer the valley is a carpet of indigenous flora. The path meanders in and out of lush forests with great views down the hills and follows the meandering path next to the Tugela River. This will be a 4-5 hour walk and we will have a picnic lunch in the gorge. For those feeling less energetic there are a number of shorter walks available to you nearby with some pools fed by the rivers for a dip!

Overnight Simple Hut Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a short morning walk we will leave the Drakensberg behind. Stopping at several excellent viewpoints, we make our final journey back to Johannesburg where the tour ends.

Included meals: Breakfast