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South Africa & Eswatini

Eswatini, South Africa - Trip code ZK Wildlife
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222Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Travel through the heart of South Africa in search of the Big 5. On this ten-day trip, we'll delve into some of the country's most iconic national parks, including Kruger, hoping to spot the bounty of wildlife that calls these varied landscapes home. Along the way, immerse yourself in the history of the Zulu battlefield, explore the wetlands of St Lucia and rub shoulders with the Swazi people in Eswatini.

Why we love this trip
  • Kruger National Park - Get the chance to spot the Big 5 on a game drive in Kruger - one of Africa's biggest game reserves.
  • Hluhluwe iMfolozi - Explore the game reserve which has the biggest rhino population in Africa.
  • Mlilwane - Get closer to South Africa's wildlife on an intimate walking safari in this secluded sanctuary beneath the Nyonyane Mountains.
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 9

    Lunch: 1

    Dinner: 2

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

  • Transport

    4WD

    Minibus

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    Accommodation

    7 nights comfortable lodge

    2 nights comfortable rondavels

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    Trip pace:

    Full on

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    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

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    Wildlife rating

    Frequent wildlife encounters alongside other experiences

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip Johannesburg Airport; drive to the Drakensberg Mountains

Our tour starts today in Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city, once home to both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.

Your tour leader will meet you at 11:00 in the arrival hall at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) and we aim to depart no later than 11.30am. From the airport, we'll drive southeast to the Drakensberg Mountains (a journey of around four-and-a-half hours). Drakensberg is the world's oldest mountain range, deriving its name from the Afrikaans word for 'Dragon Mountains'; in the mist, the razor-back ridges of the mountains have a likeness to these mythical beasts. Upon arrival to our accommodation, there might be time to take a short walk in the surrounding nature.

If you're booking your own flights to Johannesburg, we recommend giving yourself plenty of time to clear the airport. The latest your flight can arrive is 10.30am.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Lodge

Single room available

Meals Provided: Dinner

Day 2 - Walk in Drakensberg World Heritage Site

This morning, after a hearty breakfast, we'll have the opportunity to join a guided walk and experience the beauty of the mountain range first-hand. The full walk takes around four to five hours and we've graded it as moderate-to-challenging. The wakk itself is approximately 8km long, but can be shortened for those preferring a more gentle option.

Weather permitting, upon returning to our hotel, our guide will have prepared a tasty 'al fresco' lunch for us to enjoy while we soak up the spectacular views of the Drakensberg.

The afternoon is left free to either relax whilst enjoying a cool drink or perhaps continue our adventure with an easy walk through the mountain valleys to view a rock carving close to camp.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Lodge

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 - Visit battlefields; drive on to St Lucia

We'll set off early this morning and head to the famous battlefield of Rorke's Drift, arriving around mid-morning. Portrayed in the 1964 movie Zulu , the battle at Rorke's Drift was a bloody and hugely significant battle in the history of the Zulu nation, depicting the 1879 battle between the local Zulu and the British Army. Although time is limited today, due to the distance we have to travel, our tour leader will take time to explain the importance of these clashes in relation to South Africa's history, British colonialism and the Zulu people.

After a lunch stop, we'll drive for the rest of the afternoon to St Lucia, our base for the next three nights.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Lodge

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Game Drives in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve

We'll have another early start this morning to take advantage of the 'golden hour' on a Big 5 safari in one of Africa's oldest game reserves. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park boasts the densest population of both white and black rhinos in the whole of Africa. We'll have our breakfast at one of the reserve's picnic sites, where we can stretch our legs and freshen up before continuing our safari journey. With over 500 species of birds recorded at this reserve, it's also a paradise for any birdwatchers amongst us.

In the afternoon, we'll return to St. Lucia where we'll have the opportunity to experience the optional activity of a 'Hippo Cruise' on the Greater St. Lucia Estuary. The cruise meanders along allowing us to relax whilst viewing the hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat as the sun drops from the African sky. Other activities includes a bicycle tour, a turtle safari (in season only) and an evening game drive in Isimangaliso Wetland reserve.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Lodge

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 5 - At St Lucia Wetland Reserve

Today you're free to choose from one of several optional activities. There is the opportunity to continue our game-viewing experience by taking a leisurely open game drive in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which was the first World Heritage Site in South Africa and home to four of the Big 5. The word iSimangaliso means miracle and wonder, which aptly describes this truly unique place. This optional activity also includes a typical 'braai' lunch at Cape Vidal.

There is also the chance explore the local forest hiking trails. In the evening, you can enjoy an exhilarating night game drive when all the nocturnal wildlife start their day. From November to February, we can join a guided turtle tour in the Wetland.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Lodge

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Drive to Eswatini

This morning, we'll make our way to Eswatini, from June to November we may have the opportunity to participate in the optional activity of whale watching, the St. Lucia coastline is the optimal location to view Humpback whales as they make their way up the coastline to Mozambique to breed. We'll then drive north and enter Eswatini - a tiny, independent kingdom inhabited by the Swazi tribe who revere their king and take great pride in retaining their culture and traditions. Along the way, we can soak up the spectacular scenery of the Ezulwini Valley, dotted with traditional homesteads.

Once we have arrived safely in the Kingdom of Eswatini we will make our first rest stop at the artisan craft market at Swazi Candles near Malkerns. Famous across the world for their colorful and beautiful wax candle designs a visit here is a great way to interact with the local artisinal craftsmen and to witness first hand how so simple as a wax candle can support a whole community.

In the late afternoon, we'll enter one of Eswatini's best wildlife reserves, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. This secluded and beautiful sanctuary is a haven of tranquillity, located in a natural bowl beneath the Nyonyane Mountains. For the next two nights, we'll stay in traditional dome-shaped beehive huts set in a wooded area. Though the camp has all the mod cons - showers, toilets, outdoor swimming pool and restaurant and bar - it is rustic in the best sense of the word. Warthogs, nyala and antelope share the camp with us, and the restaurant overlooks a lake populated by water birds, crocodiles and terapins.

Due to the high demand in Mlilwane, accommodation is subject to change without notice and can vary in style. We'll endeavour to stay within the park when possible, however, some departures may be staying up to a 15-minute drive from the sanctuary in a hotel or guesthouse.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Rondavels

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Game viewing and optional activities in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Mlilwane is Eswatini's oldest protected area, owned and managed by a non-profit making trust, it is situated in the low foothills of the Nyonyane Mountains. The park has been rehabilitated to become Eswatini's most frequented reserve where you can enjoy the beauty of the surroundings and the abundant wildlife that calls these plains home.

Mlilwane has a large area of open grassland making game viewing and bird watching relatively easy and this morning we'll begin with a walk in search of zebra, wildebeest, nyala and warthog. The afternoon is free to choose one of the optional activities available at the reserve, the absence of big cats allows us to partake in mountain biking or trail walking in a relaxed setting. The alternatives are to accompany our guide to the local village of Mantenga, a living-museum to learn more about the Swazi people, their traditions and their culture, or you could simple relax and sit back to watch the local wildlife grazing outside our very own front door.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Rondavels

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 8 - Drive to Kruger National Park

After an early start, we'll drive north re-entering South Africa and crossing the Crocodile River into the Kruger National Park. This two-million-hectare wilderness is amongst the world's first proclaimed National Park and is justifiably South Africa's showpiece, boasting over 145 mammal species. The park offers the Big 5 and over 500 recorded bird species along with scenery as diverse as riverine forest, granite outcrops, endless savannah and impenetrable mopani woodland.

We'll take a game drive on our way to the accommodation where we'll stay overnight. We will be staying just outside the park gates at a newly designed modernistic property offering a fantastic location with all the amenities required and will be enjoying a typical african braai on the patio before getting an early night.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Lodge

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 9 - Game viewing in Kruger National Park; drive to Graskop

The Kruger National Park was established in 1898 to protect big game that had been hunted to near extinction, it's now one of the most prolific animal habitats in South Africa, committed to animal conservation. We'll depart very early for our morning game drive, stopping at various watering holes where we might see buffalo or antelope taking an early morning drink and hopefully a pride of lions nearby. We'll finish the morning drive with lunch at one of the park's restaurants.

Our afternoon game drive will take us to the Sabie River, which is a major water source for the park's wildlife and a fantastic spot for game viewing. We'll leave the park in the late afternoon, climbing more than 1,000 metres to our overnight stop at Graskop.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Lodge

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 10 - Drive to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) where our trip ends

Departing around 7am this morning, we'll drive back to Johannesburg (a journey time of seven hours). Along the way, we'll drive through the airy uplands of Mpumalanga, an area that has been inhabited since the Stone Age and boasts rivers, multiple waterfalls, craggy escarpments and colourful birdlife. We'll stop at several viewpoints, including the aptly named 'God's Window' and admire the awe-inspiring Blyde River Canyon.

We'll arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) at around 5pm and this is where our trip ends. The earliest your flight can depart is 7.20pm.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Eswatini

Climate

Can be visited all year round. Most rain falls in the summer months (October-April). The climate during this period is generally hot and humid in the lowlands with temperatures sometimes up to 40°C. Winters (June-August) are much drier and colder, but still pleasant for travel. The high veld has a temperate climate. Average daily sunshine hours are high throughout the year. Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable.

Time difference to GMT

+2

Plugs

3 Pin Round

Religion

Christian

Language

English, Swati

South Africa

Climate

Mild throughout the year and can thus be visited year round. The Western Cape has a Mediterranean-type climate, with warm, dry summers and cold winters with rainfall. Summer runs from November to March, with temperatures averaging 22oC to 34oC. The months of April and October are generally warm and sunny. Winter is also a good time to visit as towns and sites are not so crowded and the countryside is more verdant, but it can be cold. Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable.

Time difference to GMT

+2

Plugs

3 Pin Round

Religion

Christian

Language

Afrikaans, English

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.



St. Lucia (days 4 and 5):
Hippo Boat Cruise - This two hour relaxing boat cruise on the St Lucia estuary to spot crocodile and hippos, the area is particularly known for its prolific hippo population and excellent variety of birdlife. Approximately R350.00 pp

World Heritage Safari - This full day safari will take you into the Cape Vidal within iSimangaliso World heritage site which has 4 of the Big 5, you will do a safari then you will spend time at a beautiful beach while your guide prepares you a traditional Braai (BBQ) followed by another safari back to St Lucia. Approximately R900.00 pp

Night Safari - This safari you get the chance to spot the nocturnal animals such as chameleons, bushbabies, owls, genets, nightjars, as well as the more elusive leopards, are all possible. Approximately R750.00 pp

Whale Watching (June-Nov) - On this 2 hour whale watching adventure you will get to see the Humpback Whales, which are often considered to be the acrobatic whales. A pproximately R1870.00 pp (no children under 10 years allowed on board)

Turtles Tours (Nov-Mar) This tour takes you onto the beach where you go in search for loggerhead and leatherback turtles. Approximately R1950.00 pp

St Lucia Cycling Tour (3hrs)
A guided tour around St Lucia covering the coastal pathways, wetlands and key sights in the town. R350.00 including bike and helmet hire.


Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (day 7)
Horse Riding - Be led by a Swazi guide amongst the animals of Mlilwane, doing it on horseback offers a real different experience. Approximately R395.00 per hour

Kruger National Park (day 8)
Night drive safari R290.00 for adults and R145.00 for children


Please note that some St Lucia optional activities are payable with cash only. Mlilwane and Kruger National Park options can be paid by credit card as well as cash. Prices are in South African Rand (ZAR) and subject to change without further notice.

All prices accurate as of 15/01/2025

Prices accurate as per 30th January 2024

Clothing

Clothing should generally be lightweight for the day. A few warm fleeces and long trousers are strongly recommended as nights can be very cold, especially from May to August and in the highlands of Eswatini. A waterproof and windproof jacket are also recommended, particularly between October and April. Avoid brightly coloured clothing for game viewing. Take a swimming costume. Please note that it is forbidden to wear camouflage clothing in Swaziland.

Footwear

Comfortable walking shoes or lightweight boots for the treks, trainers or sandals for relaxing/travelling.

Luggage: On tour

Take a tough soft bag or holdall (or rucksack with detachable frame) suitable to be carried by 4WD vehicle. Total allowance: 44lb/ 20kg maximum (due to weight restrictions on our vehicle). Also take a daypack for items needed during any short walks and game drives (20-30 litre).

Equipment

Bring a torch, water bottle, sunhatunscreen and insect repellent. Binoculars are essential for game viewing and a 300mm lens is recommended for photography. Mosquito nets are not required as the accommodation provides screening where necessary.
While tap water in South Africa's urban area is drinkable, some people may take a few days to acclimatise and thus may experience traveller's tummy. Therefore we recommend for you to travel with a reusable filtered water bottle such as the ones featured at Water-to-Go: http://www.watertogo.eu/

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between £20 to £25 per person per week as a guideline.
Local crew
Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, your leader may organise a group's tips kitty for included activities and meals and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.

Accordingly, you should allow £30.00-35.00 per person for group tipping. If you have a separate driver the tip for them will also be included within this amount.

Eswatini

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£10
Dinner price
£15
Water price
£1
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Lilangeni but South African Rand is accepted
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Both GBP and USD are readily exchanged. Please note that the banks and Forex Bureaus do not accept US Dollar notes pre-2002. Take your money in a combination of cash and an ATM card.
Where To Exchange
On arrival.
ATM Availability
Cash can be conveniently drawn on credit/debit cards from ATM's.
Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are usually accepted in large shops and restaurants.

South Africa

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£8.00
Dinner price
£15.00
Beer price
£2.00
Water price
£1.00
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Rand.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Take your money in a combination of cash and an ATM card. Both GBP and USD are readily exchanged at the airport.
Where To Exchange
Most towns or cities, your tour leader will advise you. If your trip is wildlife based and visits rural regions we strongly recommend to exchange money at the airport upon arrival for your trip.
ATM Availability
Cash can be drawn on debit cards from ATM's in most South African towns.
Credit Card Acceptance
In large shops and restaurants.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

4WD, Minibus

Accommodation notes

South Africa is a popular tourist destination and has a good infrastructure. In general, the standard of service is good.

We stay in a variety of accommodations throughout this tour, which reflects the many aspects of this beautiful country.

We use a combination of small, family-run guesthouses, and characterful park lodges, and we spend one night in a permanent tented camp. Some of the properties are owner-occupied and give us a taste of traditional South African hospitality - it's a great opportunity to support these small local businesses. In St Lucia, we stay at a local-style lodge within the wetlands area. Our most unusual accommodation is our beehive huts in Mlilwane - a traditional Swazi design but with en-suite facilities! In Kruger, we stay in small cabins or rondavels with shared facilities in an ablution block. This is our most basic accommodation on the trip, however, it's still comfortable and is based in the heart of the national park, so you can drift off whilst listening to wildlife.

Load shedding is the term used to describe short-term electricity outages, used as a last resort to balance the demand and supply of electricity across South Africa. Power outages typically last between two to four hours per day and can occur at any time, little notice is given to hotels and guesthouses. Whilst some of the properties we use have their own generators, most do not. Please be prepared for electricity outages during your stay in South Africa.

Eswatini

Food and drink

Dietary requirements: Most restaurants and hotels in Eswatini do not have a wide selection of vegan and vegetarian choices. There is usually a choice of salads and one main vegetarian and/or vegan main dish on the menus, but choice will be limited especially in more remote locations. If you have specific dietary requirements we do recommend for you to bring some food with you.

Can you drink the water?
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

South Africa

Food and drink

Dietary requirements: Most restaurants and hotels in South Africa do not have a wide selection of vegan and vegetarian choices. There is usually a choice of salads and one main vegetarian and/or vegan main dish on the menus, but choice will be limited especially in more remote locations. If you have specific dietary requirements we do recommend for you to bring some food with you.

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

South Africa: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, US and Canadian citizens.
New Zealand ordinary passport holders do not require a visa, all other passport holders please consult your local consulate for full information.

Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. Please ensure you have the correct multiple entry visa, especially if you are visiting another country on your itinerary and will need to re-enter South Africa - this includes visiting Swaziland.

All visitors should ensure their passport is machine readable, has a minimum of 6 months validity from your arrival date into the country and has two blank pages when entering and leaving South Africa. The South African Immigration officials will not allow child/ infant pages to be used for this purpose and visitors without the stipulated blank pages will be denied entry.

There are special requirements for travelling to South Africa with children under 18 who hold South African nationality, and for unaccompanied children entering South Africa. The South African Department of Home Affairs has more information.

All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.

Swaziland: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian citizens. You will require one blank visa page in your passport with a minimum validity of 6 months.
Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Ability to swim

An ability to swim is essential for your safe enjoyment of the water based activities on this trip. If you wish to participate in these activities then we insist that you are able to swim.

Eswatini

Vaccinations

Please note you will be required to supply a yellow fever certificate that has been issued at least 10 days prior to arrival in Eswatini if you have travelled from or via a country where yellow fever is endemic. We recommend protection against malaria, hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, polio and diphtheria. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

South Africa

Vaccinations

Please note that you will be required to supply a yellow fever certificate that has been issued at least 10 days prior to arrival in South Africa if you have travelled from or via a country where yellow fever is endemic. We recommend protection against hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, polio and diphtheria. According to various travel health sources, the Western Cape is not regarded as a malaria risk area. If you are travelling to other areas in South Africa please check with your doctor about malaria requirements. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Wildlife information
Award Winning Explore Leaders
Find out more
Price Guarantee Promise
Find out more
Airport Transfers
Find out more
Print Trip Notes

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