18-day South Africa Eco Explorer Comfort group safari
€3.099,00
This is a starting price
- overnight stays as described in the itinerary
- Entrance fees for the aforementioned National Parks and excursions
- activities as described in the itinerary
- transport during the trip in a special safari overland truck with adjustable seats and ample legroom
- meals as described
- Guidance from a professional English-speaking guide
- Travel information
Travel code AOL 1001
Description
In short
A versatile and complete South Africa tour including visits to the Panorama Route, game drives in Kruger National Park, walks in eSwatini, game drive St. Lucia Wetlands, hiking in the Drakensberg Mountains,
Xhosa people on the Wild Coast and a visit to the Nelson Mandela monumentt, game drive in the Mountain Zebra Okay Addo Elephant National Park, visit to the Tsitsikamma National Park, visit Cape Agulhas the most southerly point of Africa, the Whales in Hermanus a visit to the “Mother City” Cape Town
Guaranteed departure from 4 people
Programme
Day 1: Johannesburg - Kruger Greater Area (Balule Game Reserve)
Departure from Johannesburg from the MAttiot Balaika Sandton hotel (approx. 06:30) and drive northeast towards the historic town of Haenertsburg where, after a gold discovery by the Haernert brothers, a bustling mining town was established. Along the way, a stunning landscape ranging from mountain passes to typical African plains with acacia trees. Lunch in Haenertsburg.
Then drive via the hills of the northern Drakensberg mountains to the so-called Lowveld. The next 2 days will be spent in the Lowveld bordering the famous Kruger Park. The Bush Lodge is situated in the Balule Nature Reserve which borders, without fences, the world-famous Kruger National Park.
Overnight stay in Andy's Camp in a twin tented chalet.
- Activity includes: visit Haenertsburg, scenic drive through the Lowveld
- Overnight stay: Andy's Camp in a twin-bedded tented chalet with en-suite bathroom
- Meals included: dinner (lunch in Haernertsburg at your own expense)
- Distance: 530 km
- For more information, see: None
Day 2: Kruger Greater Area
As is usual in Africa, the day starts early today. After a cup of coffee or tea and a “rusk” (a combination of biscuit and rusk), a game drive in the Balule Nature Reserve. During the approximately 3-hour game drive, guided by an experienced ranger, we will search for the BIG FIVE that are found here.
The ranger will also be given information about life in the bush and the animals that occur here. After the game drive, we'll return to the lodge for a well-deserved brunch and a dip in the pool. The afternoon is for relaxing and enjoying this delightful environment.
At the lodge, there is a waterhole where the animals come to drink during the hottest parts of the day. In the afternoon, when the weather is a little cooler and the animals become more active, there will be a game drive in an open safari vehicle, which will transition into a night drive.
During the game drive in search of the animals native to this area, and with a bit of luck, nocturnal animals such as the porcupine, hyena, leopard, bushbabies, and foxes may also be spotted.
After the game drive, back to the lodge for dinner, and then drift off to sleep with the sounds of the bush.
Overnight stay in Andy's Camp in a twin tented chalet.
- Activities include: morning game walk, afternoon/night game drive
- Overnight stay: Andy's Camp in a twin-bedded tented chalet with en-suite bathroom
- Meals included: brunch and dinner
Day 3: Kruger Park area - Panorama Route - Hazyview
Early start and after a delicious breakfast, depart from the Balule Nature Reserve. Drive to the Panorama Route and visit the impressive Blyde River Canyon, and the 3 Rondavels. After this, drive to the open-air museum of the old mining town of Pilgrim's Rest for a walk through the historic town.
For lunch, there will be a stop in the village of Graskop where you can have lunch at Harry's Pancake Bar (at your own expense). In the afternoon, you will drive to the lodge situated on the Sabie River.
Overnight stay at Greenfire Lodge Hazyview in a twin chalet on stilts with shared bathroom. (wooden cabins on stilts)
- Activities include: visit to the Panorama Route with a visit to Blyde River Canyon and Three Rondavels, visit to a coffee plantation
- Optional activity: Gorge swing (130 meter zip line between the treetops)
- Overnight stay: two-person chalets with shared bathroom
- Meals including: breakfast and dinner
- Distance: 225 km
- For more information, see: www.greenfire.co.za/project-details/drifters-hazyview-lodge/
Day 4: Hazyview (visit to Kruger National Park)
Depart at sunrise and drive to the world-famous Kruger National Park for a full day of game driving through the park.
A stop will be made at one of the rest camps for lunch.At the end of the day, return to the lodge for dinner.
Overnight stay at Greenfire Lodge Hazyview in a twin chalet on stilts with shared bathroom. (wooden cabins on stilts)
- Activities include: full-day game drive in Kruger Park including entrance fees
- Overnight stay: two-person chalets with shared bathroom
- Meals included: picnic breakfast and dinner (lunch at own expense)
Day 5: Hazyview - eSwatini
Depart Hazyview after breakfast and drive south to eSwatini.
After crossing the border, drive through an area also known as Little Switzerland. Visit local markets and take a beautiful route via the capital, Mbabane, to the Foresters Arms hotel.
Overnight stay at the Foresters Arms hotel in a double room with an en-suite bathroom.
- Activities include: scenic drive Eswatini
- Overnight stay: double room with en-suite bathroom
- Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Distance: 290 km
- For more information, see: www.forestersarms.co.za
Day 6: eSwatini - St. Lucia
After breakfast, depart from the Foresters Arms hotel and drive south.
On the way to the South African border and through Zululand, we saw various traditional villages and vast sugar cane fields.
Zululand, in Kwa Zulu Natal, was once ruled by the famous King Shaka and this area contains numerous game reserves, former hunting grounds of the Zulu King Shaka.
Arrival in St. Lucia in the afternoon. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.
Overnight stay in the Forest Lodge in a double room with an en-suite bathroom.
- Optional activities: night game drive in Wetland park
- Overnight stay: two-person chalet with en-suite bathroom
- Meals included: breakfast and lunch
- Distance: 370 km
- For more information, see: www.forestkzn.co.za
Day 7: St. Lucia
Today we visit the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park, a subtropical coastal area with white sand dunes, tidal pools, and a wealth of animals such as rhinos, buffalo, and of course hippos.
In the afternoon, a visit to a deserted beach for a dip in the warm Indian Ocean.
Overnight stay in the Forest Lodge in a double room with an en-suite bathroom.
- Activities include: game drive in iSimangaliso Wetland Park including entrance fee, visit to beach and Indian Ocean
- Optional activities: night game drive in Wetland park
- Overnight stay: two-person chalet with en-suite bathroom
- Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Day 8: Zululand – Northern Drakensberg
After breakfast, depart from St. Lucia and drive inland to the Drakensberg. En route, we will visit historic sites from the pioneer era called the “Battlefields".
It is here that the Boers and English fought for possession of South Africa, but also where the Zulu people, under the leadership of King Shaka Zulu, fought the English.
Visit a number of historic places where lunch will also be served. At the end of the afternoon, we will reach the Drakensberg Mountains with the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.
Overnight stay at the Alpine Heath Resort in a twin chalet with an en-suite bathroom. (chalet)
- Optional activities: visit to Isandlwana Battlefield site, Rorke’s Drift
- Overnight stay: double room with en-suite bathroom
- Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Distance: 480 km
- For more information, see: www.aha.co.za/alpine-heath-resort/
Day 9: Northern Drakensberg Mountains
Today a visit to the Royal Natal National Park with a hike to the Tugela Gorge from where there is a brilliant view over the high peaks of the “Amphitheatre” and the Tugela Falls, which at 948 metres are the second-highest waterfall in the world.
Overnight stay at the Alpine Heath Resort in a twin chalet with an en-suite bathroom. (chalet)
- Activities include: visit Royal Natal National Park, Tugela Gorge hike (approx. 14 km)
- Optional activities: horse riding, fishing, walks
- Overnight stay: double room with en-suite bathroom
- Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 10: Southern Drakensberg Mountains
This morning after breakfast, depart from the northern Drakensberg Mountains and drive south towards the Natal Midlands.
Arrival and the rest of the day at your leisure to relax or to observe the activities on the working farm.
Overnight stay at Flitwick Ranch in a double room with en-suite bathroom (hotel)
- Activities include: scenic drive through the Drakensberg Mountains
- Optional activities: horse riding, fishing, walks, stargazing (free), hot tub and horse riding (for a fee)
- Overnight stay: double room with en-suite bathroom
- Distance: 340 km
- For more information, see: www.flitwickranch.com
Day 11: Southern Drakensberg - Wild Coast Coffee Bay
Early breakfast and departure towards the Wild Coast, traditionally the home of the iXhosa tribe. Pristine beaches, traditional communities and iXhosa villages, and stunning nature.
The next two nights will be spent at the Wild Coast, where walks will be taken along the beach and a visit made to one of the iXhosa villages.
Overnight stays at the Ocean View Hotel in a double room with an en-suite bathroom.
- Activities include: scenic drive of the Wild Coast, beach, waterfall hike, coastal walk
- Overnight stay: double room with en-suite bathroom
- Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Distance: 480 km
- For more information, see: www.oceanview.co.za
Day 12: Wild Coast Coffee Bay
Day at leisure to relax and enjoy the unspoilt surroundings.
Long walks on the beach or a visit to Hole in the Wall, an island just off the coast with an arch in the rocks carved out by the water.
Overnight stays at the Ocean View Hotel in a double room with an en-suite bathroom.
- Activities include: hike to Hole in The Wall along the coast (approx. 8 km), relaxing
- Overnight stay: double room with en-suite bathroom
- Meals including: breakfast and dinner
Day 13: Wild Coast - Frontier Country
Depart from the Wild Coast and drive through the former Transkei homeland to the university town of Grahamstown.
A stop is made en route at the Nelson Mandela Memorial near Umtata and the birthplace of this remarkable statesman.
Then straight through what is also called “Frontier Country” after the pioneers who set off from Cape Town in ox-wagons in search of new land.
Arrival in Cradock and in the afternoon a historical walk with a local guide through Cradock.
Overnight stay at Die Tuishuise hotel in a double room with en-suite bathroom (guesthouse)
- Activity includes: scenic drive through Frontier Country, guided historical walking tour of Cradock
- Overnight stay: double room with en-suite bathroom
- Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Distance: 480 km
- For more information, see: www.tuishuise.co.za
Day 14: Cradock – Mountain Zebra N.P. - Addo Elephant N.P. – Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)
This morning, get up on time and drive to Mountain Zebra National Park. Game drive through the park looking for the endangered mountain zebra, but also other animals such as cheetah, buffalo, black rhinoceros, and birds.
After visiting the Mountain Zebra National Park, we returned to the hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, depart from Cradock and drive to the Addo Elephant National Park for a game drive, looking for the famous Addo Elephant.
Entry to the park is on the north side, and at the end of the day, you exit the park via the south exit. From Addo Elephant Park, it's a short distance to the beachfront hotel in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Rest of the afternoon at your leisure to relax or to go for a beach walk.
Overnight stay at the Beach Hotel in a double room with an en-suite bathroom.
- Activity includes: scenic drive through Frontier Country, game drive through Mountain Zebra N.P. and game drive through Addo Elephant N.P. including entrance fees.
- Overnight stay: double room with en-suite bathroom
- Meals included: breakfast and lunch
- Distance: 350 km
- For more information, see: www.thebeachhotel.co.za
Day 15: Port Elizabeth - Knysna
This morning there's time for a walk on the beach and a dip in the Indian Ocean. After breakfast, depart from Port Elizabeth.
Driving via the stunning “Garden Route” to Tsitsikamma National Park where a walk will be taken over the Storms River suspension bridge.
After visiting Tsitsikamma, drive to the world's highest bungee jump over the Storms River.
For the daredevils, there's time to take a leap. Afterwards, drive via Plettenberg Bay to the coastal town of Knysna, situated on a beautiful lagoon.
The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the village and visit the charming Waterfront.
Overnight stays at The Rex Hotel in a double room with an en-suite bathroom.
- Activities include: visit Tsitsikamma National Park, hike Tsitsikamma, suspension bridge inc. entrance fees
- Optional activities: kayaking, mountain biking, township tour, ziplining
- Overnight stay: double room with en-suite bathroom
- Meals including: breakfast and dinner
- Distance: 280 km
- For more information, see: www.aha.co.za/rex-hotel
Day 16: Knysna – Cape Agulhas - Arniston
After breakfast, depart from Knysna and drive via the towns of George and Mossel Bay to the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas.
Here the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.
From June to September, there's a chance you might see whales here. Picnic lunch on the beach.
Continue driving to the fishing village of Arniston. In the afternoon, take a walk to Waenhuiskrans, a huge cave by the sea.
Overnight stay in the Arniston Hotel or Arniston Cabins with an en-suite bathroom. (Hotel)
- Activities include: visit to Cape Agulhas, walk to Waenhuiskrans cave (approx. 1.6 km)
- Overnight stay: double room with en-suite bathroom
- Meals inclusive: breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner
- Distance: 430 km
- For more information, see: www.arnistonhotel.com
Day 17: Arniston - Cape Town
After breakfast, depart from Arniston and drive via the “Whale Route” to the village of Hermanus, famous for the whales that reside in the bay during the winter months and give birth to their young there.
From the footpath through the village, there is a magnificent view over the bay.
From Hermanus, the journey continues along the “whale route” to the village of Betty's Bay, where a visit will be made to a small African penguin colony.
Drive via Rooi-Els and the coastal road to Gordon's Bay and then on to Cape Town. Arrive in ‘The Mother City” in the afternoon with the rest of the day at your leisure.
The afternoon is free for you to explore Cape Town.
A visit can be made to the V&A Waterfront, from where the boat departs for Robben Island, but you can also visit the historic centre of Cape Town, from the colourful houses of Bo-Kaap to the Dutch Fort.
Overnight stay at the Harbour Bridge Hotel in a double room with an en-suite bathroom.
- Activities include: visit to penguin colony at Betty's Bay, including entrance fees, scenic drive along the coast to Cape Town
- Optional activities: parasailing, whale watching, canoeing, shark cage diving, scuba diving, boat cruise, Robben Island visit, Table Mountain
- Overnight stay: double room with en-suite bathroom
- Meals included: breakfast
- Distance: 280 km
- For more information, see: www.themojohotel.com
Day 18: Cape Town
The trip concludes today after breakfast (09:00).
End of arrangement.
- Meals included: breakfast
Reisom
18-DAY TRIP SOUTH AFRICA ECO EXPLORER COMFORT Group safari
- £3,099 per person (valid from 01-01-2026 to 31-12-2026)
- £3199 per person (valid from 01-01-2027 to 31-12-2027)
This price is based on two travellers. For single travellers; Room in a shared arrangement with another traveler of the same sex or a single room with an additional charge of €551 (2026) and €606 (2027) per person
Optional extras:
- Additional overnight stay in Johannesburg (Protea Marriott Balalaika Sandton hotel) at the beginning of the trip: €55 (2026) and €57 (2027) per person per night in a double room based on two people per room including breakfast.
- Supplement for single room € 20,- (2026) and € 29,- (2027) per person per night.
- Additional overnight stay in Cape Town (AH Harbour Bridge hotel) at the end of the trip: €58,- (2026 and 2027) per person per night in a double room based on 2 people per room, including breakfast.
- Supplement single room € 27,- (2026 and 2027) per person per night.
- Arrival and/or departure transfer is optional and can be booked for €45 per person (2026 and 2027) (one-way) during the day and €50 per person (2026 and 2027) for one-way (between 20:00 and 06:00).
Prices for departures after 31-12-2027 are not yet available. If you are interested, please send us an email. Contact form.
Flight
The stated travel sum excludes international flights. However, we can offer you flights from all airlines connected to IATA BSP.
Upon request, we can provide you with a price quotation for various companies.
Flight price indication for this trip: KLM from EUR 875 per person, including airport tax for the Amsterdam –Johannesburg/Cape Town –Amsterdam route.
Extension of the journey
If you prefer a longer or shorter stay in Africa, that is possible. A “tailor-made” trip to your personal wishes is also an option, of course. If you share your wishes with us, we will be happy to prepare a great quote for you.
Departure dates 2026:
October: 06, 13, 20, 27
November: 03, 10, 17, 24
December: 01, 08, 15, 22, 29
Departure dates 2027:
January: 05, 12, 19, 26
February: 02, 09, 16, 23
March: 02, 09, 16, 23, 30
April: 06, 13, 20, 27
May: 04, 11, 18, 25
June: 01, 08, 15, 22, 29
July: 06, 13, 20, 27
August: 03, 10, 17, 24, 31
September: 07, 14, 21, 28
October: 05, 12, 19, 26
November: 02, 09, 16, 23, 30
December: 07, 14, 21, 28
Incl./excl. with this trip
Travel information
Number of participants:
We conduct our lodge safaris in small groups to offer the best and most flexible programme possible.
Small groups mean more time for the traveller, shorter waiting times and a cosy, personal atmosphere during the trip.
The average age on this tour is 38-45 but ages range from 18 to 65+.
The minimum age for children is 6 years old, provided they are accompanied by at least 1 adult. There is no age limit, but travelers aged 65+ are required to fill out a self-completed “fitness” declaration.
Guaranteed departure with 4 booked participants / maximum 16 participants.
Language
Since the participants on the above trip come from different countries, English will be spoken by the guide during the trip.
The trip is guided by 2 certified guides for optimal knowledge, information and individual attention.
Visa
If you are in possession of a Dutch passport, you must have a passport that is valid for at least 3 months upon arrival in the country for a visit to Eswatini.
To travel to South Africa, you must hold a passport that is valid for at least 30 days after your departure from the country. No visa is required for either South Africa or eSwatini.
There must still be enough blank pages next to each other in the passport for the required stamps (allow for 2 blank pages per country to be visited).
If you hold a nationality other than Dutch, please check with the consulate of the respective countries yourself. Furthermore, since July 1, 2026, it is mandatory to fill out a customs declaration online before arriving in South Africa. www.sars.gov.za/travellerdeclaration.
For more information, please visit the website of the www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl. Should you not have a valid passport and/or travel documents during the trip, any resulting consequences will be at your own expense.
If you are traveling to Zambia or Namibia with children under 18, you may need to have a copy of the International Certificate of Birth.
If you are travelling as a single parent or simply alone with your minor child, you must also be in possession of a consent form from the other parent, or be able to show a document stating.
Highlights of the trip:
Johannesburg – Soweto tour (optional), Mpumalanga – Panorama Route and sightseeing, Kruger National Park – game drives, eSwatini – local market, St. Lucia – game drives and beach, Isandlwana Battlefield – visit to Rorke’s Drift, Drakensbergen – mountain walks and visit to Royal Natal National Park – Tugela Gorge hike, Garden Route & Karoo – iXhosa culture, Nelson Mandela museum and birthplace, Mountain Zebra N.P. – game drive, Addo Elephant N.P. – game drive, Tsitsikamma National Park – walks, Cape Agulhas and Arniston, Betty’s Bay – visit to Stoney Point penguin colony, Cape Town – Naturally, during the trip we try to visit villages and make contact with the local people.
Optional excursion possibilities: (prices subject to change)
Soweto Tour – ZAR 650,- p.p.
Johannesburg City Tour – ZAR 590 per person.
Apartheid Museum Johannesburg – ZAR 550 pp.
Cradle of Human Kind – ZAR 990 per person.
Mountain biking in Knysna – £30.26 p.p.
Kayaking in Knysna – ZAR 275 p.p.
Bungee jumping – ZAR 690 pp.
Robben Island tour (3 hours) – ZAR 680,-
Abseiling of the Table Mountain – ZAR 695,- p.p.
White Shark Cage Diving ZAR 2650,- p.p.
Transport
Transport during the trip is by a special Overland safari truck with 16 adjustable seats and spacious legroom. Comfortable travel and excellent for game drives.
Large windows so everyone has a good view. Luggage lockers available for personal items.
Travel – Cancellation Insurance
Taking out travel insurance is mandatory. Taking out cancellation insurance is recommended. Unfortunately, AfrikaOnline cannot arrange insurance.
We kindly request that you provide us with the name of the insurer and the policy numbers of both insurances by email to AfrikaOnline as soon as possible and well before your departure.
Participation
From the age of 6, there is no maximum age limit. However, at least 1 adult must travel with each child under the age of 18. During the trip, there will be walks that require a certain level of endurance.
The walks are classified as simple to mid-range walks and are always optional. Participation is required in preparing the meals and of course helping with the cleaning up afterwards.
Teamspirit is part of the fun of travelling in a group.
Overnight stays
All overnight stays during this trip will be in lodges, B&Bs, chalets and cabins or permanently set up safari tents.
Meals:
During the trip, good, healthy meals will be prepared using mostly local produce. The meals will largely be prepared by the lodge/accommodation where you are staying or by the guide.
Lunch is usually on the go at a local restaurant or in the form of a picnic brought from the lodge or prepared by the guide.
During this trip, 17 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 13 dinners are included in the travel fee.
Medical conditions:
Anyone in good health is welcome to join this trip. Vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis recommended.
Luggage
Due to the space in the car, the luggage must be carried in a suitcase or backpack with a maximum weight of 20 kg per person.
In addition, you can take a small, separate backpack or handy bag for your personal belongings.
Unfortunately, a (heavy) suitcase cannot be brought along.
AfrikaOnline – Tel: 070 401 4092
Price subject to change
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