South Africa & Swazi Overland: Coasts & Safari Camps

Now's the time to explore Africa on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Take one part safari adventures, sprinkle in some cultural gems, and bring it all together with a generous helping of like-minded travel buds for the ultimate South African adventure. The 17-day tour takes you from the coastal shores of Tsitsikamma to extensive wildlife safari drives in Addo Elephant National Park and the famed Kruger. You’ll also have the chance to visit a traditional Swazi village, explore modern Cape Town, and follow the glorious Garden Route. Add in knowledgeable CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) and some of the best camp meals you’ve ever tasted and you've got yourself a recipe for well-cooked adventure.

Day 1 Johannesburg
Arrive at any time.

Tonight, get to know your group on your first night out together in Johannesburg. After your welcome meeting at the hotel choose to enjoy an Amarula cocktail at the bar or go to Emperors Palace with a wide array of restaurants and bars to choose from. Sit back, relax, eat some grub, sip a cocktail, and get to know your fellow travel buddies as the adventure begins.

Day 2 Johannesburg/Greater Kruger Area
Cruise from Johannesburg towards Kruger National Park in style as the Lando rolls along through scenic mountains and vast open landscapes to the lush, subtropical farming town of Hazyview. Once the group arrives hop out, stretch those legs, and get a feel for your new surroundings before indulging in a traditional dinner with your group and an evening of local dancing.

Day 3 Kruger National Park
Welcome to wildlife country! Kruger is the kind of place that you’ll visit, but still want to return to over and over again. With nearly 5 million acres this park offers some of the best access to wild animals in Africa, so prepare for an epic time… (but you already knew that!) Keep those cameras at the ready as your ultimate African safari fantasy becomes a reality.

Search for lions, elephants, rhinos, and many other animals on a wildlife safari drive. Word of advice? Remember that it’s not all about the animals. This sprawling sanctuary is home to much more; think giant baobab, fever, and marula trees towering over the savannah in a place that feels older than time itself. Stop at prime viewing areas like Hippo Pool, the Kruger Tablets, the Red Rocks and simply revel in your primitive surroundings as nature moves around you.

Day 4 Greater Kruger Area/Eswatini
Hey! Africa is more than just safaris (but you already knew that didn’t you?) Today, the group will cross the border from South Africa to Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) and visit the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary enroute to Lobamba. Lobamba is full of rich culture, diverse heritage, and unique experiences that allow you as a traveller to be a part of it all.

Day 5 Eswatini
Ready… set… go! Explore this endearing little southern country on a full free day to adventure. Trek further into the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary situated in Eswatini’s “Valley of Heaven” in the Ezulwini Valley (you’ll understand why only after standing in this lush landscape).

Then take advantage of even more free time to jump out of those comfort zones; go horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, or for more wildlife viewing in a place that remains one of the raw and untouched sections of bush. See if you can spot rhinos and hippos along the waterways. Encounter Zulu culture, colourful craft markets, and breathtaking mountains looming in the distance. Forget reasons to stop by because you may never want to continue on!

Day 6 Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary/Saint Lucia
Bid farewell to the deep roots of this tiny but mighty country as your group crosses the border back into South Africa into the beautiful Zululand area (one of the mist diverse regions). The group will be staying in the quaint town of St Lucia near the coast. Once you arrive depending on how you feel you can choose to take a boat trip on the estuary or hop on a horse for a ride along the beachfront.

Day 7 Saint Lucia
Another day, another adventure so get out there and explore everyone! St Lucia has lots to do, take a walk down the main drag known as McKenzie Street which is packed with restaurants, lively hostels, and bars for you to try. Or you could amble to the quieter avenues in search of Hippos that sometimes wander around.

Speaking of wildlife there’s plenty of opportunity to see some if you head out on a visit to Hluhluwe - iMfolozi Park, which is a safe haven for both the white and black rhino; but lions, buffalo, elephants, and leopards also call this reserve home.

Day 8 Saint Lucia/Durban
Climb aboard the Lando with your G Adventures friends and travel down the coast to Durban. Use this time to swap jokes, write in your journal, scroll through your photos, or catch up on some sleep. You’ll arrive refreshed and ready to explore the beach, dive into the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, or lounge at your guest house with views of the waves lapping the shore.

Day 9 Durban/Chintsa
The group is on the move again to an even cooler hidden gem in South Africa; Chinsta. You’ll travel overland into the heartland of the Xhosa people before arriving in this little piece of paradise along the south east coast of Africa with 15km (9.3 mi) of beach. While it is a long day of travel the views you stumble across will certainly make up for it, especially, the main white-sand beach with a swimmable surf (skinny dipping tonight anyone)?

Day 10 Chintsa
As the sun rises in the sky along the ocean pure paradise awaits you on this free day to explore Chintsa. You could spend the day getting your tan on at the beach, jumping on a surfboard to catch some waves, horseback riding along the water, or visiting a local craft brewery called Emerald Vale for some home-brewed ale. The choice is yours, but we know that no matter what you decide it will be a good time.

Feeling even more adventurous? You could cycle or jump on the bus to Mama Tofu’s Xhosa village for an inspiring cultural experience as well.

Day 11 Chintsa/Addo Elephant National Park
Traverse the many unique valleys in Southern Africa today as the group continues on to the Addo Elephant National Park; a unique wildlife area. Head out on a wildlife safari drive and listen to the wild sounds of Africa. After arriving at the camp area sit around the fire, share stories, and sip a sundowner (cheers!) as the stars light up the night sky.

Day 12 Addo Elephant National Park/Tsitsikamma
Wake up in the African bush amidst acacia trees with the sounds of nature as your alarm clock. From here the group will be going to Tsitsikamma NP where you can choose to hike, snorkel, canoe, whale watch, or bungee jump.

Tsitsikama is tucked between mountains and deep blue sea with the Storms River flowing in between. Full of vibrant marine life, abundant wildlife, and a breathtaking landscape this is a wonderful home base for the next two nights of camping in this area. Some of the optional activities include hiking a portion of the Otter Trail or taking short walks along the coastline.

Day 13 Tsitsikamma National Park
There’s so much to do in this wonderful place so wake up and get moving! Today, depending on your mood you can do any of the activities you didn’t get to yesterday.

Rejuvenate your minds on a hike up the Otter or Dolphin trails, set out on a kayak to explore the shoreline, book a snorkelling or scuba lesson to see life under the sea or feel the adrenaline coursing through your veins while you bungee jump. Whatever you decide your only job is to have fun and make some memories!

Day 14 Tsitsikamma/Knysna
Even though you may not want to, it is time to leave this place and head further west to the town of Knysna. But don’t worry there’s plenty of beauty to be seen at the Knysna Lagoon — think turquoise waters, rugged sandstone cliffs, and sweeping views of the ocean. (sounds nice right?) Along the way you can choose to visit a cheetah sanctuary or monkey park… or maybe both?

Day 15 Knysna/Oudtshoorn
You will be heading from sea cliffs to cool caves on this leg of the trip. After taking numerous selfies and group photos atop the cliffs of Knysna Heads the Lando will drive along the scenic route over the Outeniqua Mountains into the area known as Klein Karoo (“Little Karoo”), and make the quiet town of Oudtshoorn your base. Once here it’s cave time… or ostrich time depending on your mood. Grab some friends and head out to explore the Cango caves or visit an ostrich farm and give these cute creatures some love.

Day 16 Oudtshoorn/Cape Town
It’s the group's last travel day so have some fun! Travel to the beautiful cosmopolitan city of Cape Town enjoying the impressive views of Table Mountain as you drive. And hey a little party never hurt anyone so why not choose to head out for a final night of good times with your G travel family?

Day 17 Cape Town
Depart at any time.

But why would you want to right? If you aren't ready to go home yet that's totally fine just talk with your CEO about extending your adventure and get to know more of South Africa or beyond!