Walking South Africa – Accommodated Safari

Depart Johannesburg and travel east to Mpumalanga, visiting the historic gold mining town of Pilgrim’s Rest and the spectacular viewpoint of God’s Window. Walk to Mac Mac Pools before continuing to our chalets on the escarpment. The following day we hike into the Blyde River Canyon with panoramic views over the Three Sisters and river below, then spend the afternoon exploring waterfalls and forests.

Walk Grade:
Day 1: Leisurely – Mac Mac Walk – short easy walk to stretch your legs. 2-3km, less than one hour. On a foot path with very limited altitude change.

Day 2: Moderate – Blyde River Canyon – 3.5hr walk on good paths with some rocky sections.

We journey into Kruger National Park for thrilling game drives in open safari vehicles, with the chance to see elephants, rhino, lions and more. A full day is spent exploring the park, with picnic lunches and interpretation from your guides. In the Greater Kruger area, we overnight in a private lodge and enjoy a bush walk to learn about tracks and signs of wildlife on foot.

Walk Grade:
Day 4: Leisurely - bush walk late afternoon 1 hr around the lodge.

Crossing the border into the Kingdom of eSwatini, we travel through fruit farming regions and head into the mountains. Spend a full day walking in Malalotja Nature Reserve, a seldom-visited wilderness of dramatic scenery and waterfalls. We also stop at traditional craft and medicine markets near the capital, Mbabane, for an insight into Swazi culture.

Walk Grade:
Day 6: Challenging – 4-6hr walk through undulating hills of Malalotja Game Reserve to a beautiful waterfall.  Uneven paths and this walk has sections of steep gradients.

Returning to South Africa, we stay at a lodge on a private reserve in Zululand. Take a guided bush walk along the Msinene River, home to over 540 bird species and the shy Nyala antelope. The next day we explore Hluhluwe Game Reserve, famous for its rhino conservation, before relaxing in the evening with sundowners and dinner at the lodge.

Walk Grade:
Day 7: Leisurely - 2-3hr gentle bushveld walk along Msinene River.

Travel through the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal to Dundee, an area steeped in Anglo-Zulu War history. Visit the Talana Museum before hiking the Fugitives’ Drift trail, retracing the dramatic escape of British soldiers after the Isandlwana battle. We also visit Rorke’s Drift, where a famous defense took place, before returning to our comfortable lodge.

Walk Grade:
Day 10: Challenging – 4-5hr Fugitives Drift trail through Zululand on uneven paths. It has strenuous sections with some steep gradients. Complete hike time is dependent on the Buffalo River’s water levels.

We head into the Drakensberg, or uKhahlamba “Barrier of Spears,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend a full day hiking in Royal Natal National Park, following trails to Tugela Gorge and enjoying the spectacular mountain scenery. The lodge setting offers crisp mountain air, open views and the chance to relax after a rewarding day’s walking.

Walk Grade:
Day 12 - Moderate – 5.5hr walk up the Tugela Gorge on good paths with some rocky sections, boulder hopping.

Travel up to Witsieshoek at the base of Sentinel Peak for one of the highlights of the trip – a hike to the top of the Drakensberg Amphitheatre. The trail includes a short chain ladder climb and rewards with breathtaking views down into KwaZulu-Natal and Tugela Falls, the world’s second-highest waterfall. Overnight at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge, perched high in the mountains.

Walk Grade:
Day 13: Challenging – 5-6 hrs walk on uneven paths to the top of the Amphitheatre with a short section of chain ladders.

After breakfast, look out for the endangered bearded vulture soaring overhead before departing the Drakensberg. We return to Johannesburg with arrival expected around 5pm, where the safari ends with a drop-off at the airport or departure hotel.

Return to Botswana and the town of Kasane on the banks of the Chobe River. The highlight here is a sunset game-viewing cruise, where you’ll see herds of elephants, pods of hippos, and crocodiles as the sun dips below the horizon.

After breakfast, transfer by road to Kasane Airport or Victoria Falls Airport for your onward flights. An optional early morning game drive in Chobe can be arranged before departure (own expense).