“Experience national parks in two countries”
2% off
16 Day Budget Camping and Self-drive Guided Safari in Eswatini and Kruger, South Africa
InnJoy Boutique Hotel | Centurion Accommodation, 1033 Shirley Road, Eldoraigne, Centurion, City of Tshwane, Gauteng, South Africa
Eswatini and South Africa Safari Tour
The tiny nation of Eswatini - one of Africa's last monarchies - is home to an extraordinary variety of riches. Nature lovers can spot rhino in the wild lowveld or rare birds in the rugged highveld. While in South Africa, the world-famous Kruger National Park offers one of the best wildlife experiences in Africa. Lekgalameetse, located on the northernmost tip of the Drakensberg, means “place of water” and some of the Limpopo's major rivers originate in these picturesque mountains.
Key information
- Private or group safari
- Minimum of two participants per vehicle, maximum of five vehicles
- Children at the age of 12 years old and above are allowed to participate
- Starts and ends in Pretoria
- English-speaking professional 4x4 overlanding adventure / field guide(s)
- International conservation fees and park fees for two adults included
Highlights
- Visit the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and Hlaner Royal National Park
- See the Kruger National Park and the Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve
- Take a trip to the Ngwenya Glass Factory
- Join cultural experiences and see various flora and fauna
- Professional overlanding adventure guide
- Rental 4x4 vehicle included
- 15 nights camping accommodation with meals
- International conservation fees and park fees for two adults included
Skill level
- Intermediate
Styles
14 activity days in English
The organizer also speaks: Afrikaans
Group size: Maximum of 5 participants
Airport transfer included:
O. R. Tambo International Airport
Accommodation
Check-in Time:
08:00
Facilities
- Barbeque facilities
- Free parking
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (2 nights)
The campsite has shared ablution facilities with electricity and water.
Hlane Royal National Park (3 nights)
The campsite has shared ablution facilities with water and no electricity. Hot water for the showers comes from a “donkey,” a big drum filled with water with a fire below it to warm the water.
Bulembu Country Lodge (1 night)
The campsite has shared ablution facilities with electricity and water.
Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp (1 night)
Berg en Dal Rest Camp in Kruger National Park is one of the 'new generation' camps. It is situated on the bank of Matjulu Spruit and is surrounded by rocky hillsides.
The buildings in Berg en Dal Rest Camp, Kruger National Park are set within natural bush and the gardens are planted with flowering shrubs and aloes, leaving much of the natural habitat unchanged within the camp. It is one of the newest camps in the Kruger National Park and offers visitors outstanding accommodation and lodging facilities.
Facilities
- Laundromat
- Cellphone reception
- Petrol or gas station
- Picnic facilities
- Cafeteria; shop
- Film auditorium
- Conference facilities
- Basic first aid assistance
- Emergency road service
- Public telephones; post box
- Limited DSTV (only available in the guest houses)
- Swimming pool (for overnight residents only)
- Communal kitchen and ablutions
Satara Rest Camp (2 nights)
Satara Rest Camp is the Kruger National Park's third biggest rest camp, providing a range of Kruger National Park accommodation. There are 100 sites with power points available for camping and caravans. A range of bungalows with two or three-bed units with kitchens or communal kitchen options. Wheelchair-friendly accommodation is available.
Guests can also stay in the guest cottages which include five-bed or six-bed units with well-equipped kitchens. Alternatively, stay in the Stanley, Wells or Frankel guest houses. Satara Rest Camp, Kruger National Park in South Africa also boasts a grocery store that is well stocked for the self-caterers. There is also a television lounge at this camp.
Letaba Rest Camp (1 night)
The idyllic Letaba Rest Camp is situated on a sweeping bend of the Letaba River, midway between the southern and northern boundaries of the Kruger National Park, South Africa. At Letaba Camp you can choose between a guest house, cottage, bungalow, hut or a furnished safari tent, as well as camping and caravan sites for your lodging in Kruger Park.
Kruger National Park (3 nights)
The campsites have shared ablution facilities with electricity and water.
Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve (2 nights)
The log cabins are set deep in the bush at the foot of the Drakensberg. The Makutsi River flows past the cabins. The cabins are self-catering and well equipped with linen and cutlery.
Program
Bonsai-SA's relaxed 4x4 adventures and tours allow you access to remote areas in national parks and reserves that are not frequented by many visitors. The surrounding wilderness, the remoteness, and the seclusion of travelling through rarely seen areas are the main thrills of their tours.
A professional 4x4 adventure guide will lead the tour and a qualified field / nature guide will assist when it is necessary. The guides will provide the necessary interpretation enroute and also ensure your safety.
Frequently asked questions
- Vehicle type 4x2? No
- Vehicle type 4x4? Yes
- Tire type: Off-road / all-terrain tires? Yes
- Tire type: On-road tires? No
- Accommodation type: Wild camping? No
- Accommodation type: Camping? Yes
- Accommodation type: Safari tent? No
- Accommodation type: Wilderness cabin? Yes
- Accommodation type: Chalet? No
- Can I tow an off-road trailer? Yes
- Can I tow an off-road caravan? Yes
- Will my vehicle be scratched? No, though it is possible that vehicles will be scratched as you'll be in nature. It will be nothing serious.
- Must I remove my vehicle's sidesteps? No.
- Do I need a compressor? No.
- Are children under the age of 12 years allowed to join? No.
Tour size
The tour can only accommodate five vehicles.
Grade 3 trail grading: Standard 4WD trails
There will be demanding trails on which 4WD is required. You will encounter a variety of more difficult challenges (loose rocks, large potholes, steep inclines / declines and large rocks) on these trails. They are possible to navigate with stock 4WD vehicle; however, traction device, off-road tires, and low air pressure are recommended. Higher than stock ground clearance is advisable. Low range is often used. Moderate experience and driving skills is advised. Paint damage and / or possible rocker panel damage is likely.
Traveling plans
Bonsai-SA did a lot of research to bring you an exciting itinerary.
- Day 1 - Arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport. Bonsai-SA's shuttle service will meet you and transfer you to a hotel in Centurion (Pretoria). Once you have settled in, your guide will meet you and accompany you to collect your rental vehicle.
- Day 2 - Meet your guide and drive in convoy to Mlilwane via the Waverley / Lundzi Border Post.
- Day 3 - Drive to the top of the mountain (weather permitting) and explore Mlilwane on your own. Visit the Nkwenya Glass Factory and the Mantenga Cultural Village.
- Day 4 - Drive to Hlane Royal National Park via the Top of World view and the world's biggest granite rock.
- Day 5 - Join a morning walk, then later drive to a bird hide and be surprised by the animal and birdlife.
- Day 6 - Join a sunrise drive (including the Lion Camp) and then explore Hlane on your own. Join the Umphakatsi Experience by visiting a real chief’s village. Watch the birdlife in the camp.
- Day 7 - Drive to the Bulembu Country Lodge and visit the Bulembu Museum.
- Day 8 - Drive to the Berg en Dal Rest Camp.
- Day 9 - Explore the area around Berg en Dal Rest Camp.
- Day 10 - Drive to Satara Rest Camp.
- Day 11 - Explore the area around Satara Rest Camp.
- Day 12 - Drive to Letaba Rest Camp.
- Day 13 - Drive to Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve.
- Day 14 - Explore Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve.
- Day 15 - Drive to Pretoria.
- Day 16 - Departure / Continue to your next destination.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Pretoria
You will arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport. Bonsai-SA's shuttle service will meet you and transfer you to a hotel in Centurion (Pretoria). Once you have settled in, your guide will meet you and accompany you to collect your rental vehicle.
Relax after your long flight, as your adventure will begin tomorrow.
Day 2 - Drive to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
You will meet your guide at a place and time that will be communicated to you before the start of the tour. You'll enter Eswatini via the Waverley / Lundzi Border Post, following your guide.
Entering Eswatini via one of the smaller border posts will give you a more personalized and relaxed experience. The convoy will follow small gravel roads winding through some of the rural villages in Eswatini. It will be your first exposure to the Swazi rural lifestyle.
Mlilwane offers an array of activities and adventures in the picturesque Ezulwini Valley (Valley of Heaven), flanked by the dramatic backdrop of mountains. Next, your guide will discuss the adventures ahead over a meal in the restaurant.
Day 3 - Explore Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and surroundings
After breakfast, you will drive to the top of the mountain for incredible views (weather permitting). Who knows what animals will you see while driving to the top of the mountain?
You'll visit the Ngwenya Glass Factory wherein you will see how a small group of Swazi craftsmen and women breathe life into enchanting interpretations of the animals and birds of Africa. You will witness firsthand the magical art of glassblowing from an overhead balcony.
You'll stop at the Mantenga Cultural Village. This is a replica of the mid-19th century Swazi village, and a guided tour will reveal much more, from how the huts were built and what each was used for, to the role played by the sangoma, or traditional healer.
Day 4 - Drive to Hlane Royal National Park via the Top of World view and the world's biggest granite rock
After breakfast, you'll follow the tarred road from Mlilwane until you reach the largest granite pluton in the world (about 800m tall and covers an area of about 16,500ha). From there, you will drive on small gravel roads winding up and down the mountains.
You will stop at the Top of the World view lookout point and make some coffee / tea. Then, you will continue further on the winding gravel roads.
Hlane Royal National Park was proclaimed as a National Park in 1967, following Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (1961), under the instruction of King Sobhuza ll.
"Hlane" is the siSwati name for "wilderness." It is home to Eswatini’s largest herds of game, conserves vast natural resources, and holds deep royal and cultural significance. Exciting species lists include impressive ancient hardwood habitats, big game, and rich birdlife.
Day 5 - Guided morning walk and then explore hlane on your own
On this morning, you will join a guided morning walk of four hours (included). On the guided walk, your goal will be to experience being in the bush and see African wildlife in their natural habitat.
The best time to spot wildlife will be during the coolest times of the day, when most animals are active. You can expect to see different animal species. While observing the animals, your guide will tell you interesting animal facts to learn more about the animal's behavior.
Afterwards, you will drive to a bird hide and be surprised by what animal or birdlife you will see. You can then relax and watch the animals drinking water at the waterhole near the restaurant or explore Hlane on your own.
Day 6 - Sunrise drive and then explore Hlane on your own
Start the day with a sunrise drive (included in the tariff) that will include a visit to the lion camp. The lion camp is large enough to allow the lions to hunt in a natural way. Afterwards, you can relax and watch the animals drinking water at the waterhole near the restaurant or you can explore Hlane further on your own.
You can also join the Umphakatsi experience by visiting a real chief’s village and watch the birdlife in the camp.
Day 7 - Drive to the Bulembu Country Lodge
Located in the malaria-free, northern Hhohho region, Bulembu Country Lodge stands at the foot of Mount Emlembe, Swaziland’s highest mountain. It presents a charming blend of history, nature, beauty, and comfort.
The town of Bulembu is surrounded by the natural beauty of lush green hills and eucalyptus forests. It was once a thriving asbestos mining community of about 10,000 people. Due to the health risks associated with asbestos, the mine was closed.
In later years, the old infrastructure was upgraded and today, it is home to about 1,000 orphans, a country lodge, and honey farming, to name a few.
You'll also visit the Bulembu Mining Museum. It will be an amazing visual experience to see the history that Bulembu holds.
Day 8 - Drive to the Berg en Dal rest camp
Drive to the Berg en Dal rest camp in the Kruger National Park via the Josefsdal / Bulembu Border Post. The pass between the Josefsdal Border Post and Barberton will be the drive's highlight.
This incredibly scenic mountain pass is regarded as, arguably, one of the most spectacularly scenic drives in southern Africa. People describe it as "jaw-droppingly beautiful."
Berg-en-Dal is situated on the bank of the Matjulu Spruit, with a view of softly undulating hills to the east. On the northern and southern sides, dry riverbeds and a dam border the camp. There are also large trees along the streams and dry riverbeds.
Special care has been taken to preserve the natural vegetation in the camp. Berg en Dal is also the only camp set in a rugged mountain environment.
Day 9 - Explore the area around Berg en Dal rest camp
Join a guided morning walk. Experienced (and armed) guides will share their knowledge of the fauna and flora to explain natural wonders. The walks will be relaxed and won’t take longer than a few hours, so no over-exhaustion will take place.
Two armed field guides will accompany you on the walk to ensure your safety. They will focus on the things that you will usually not be able to see from a vehicle. By being out on foot, you will cover an area more intensely and you can experience nature using all of your senses.
If there is any large game in the area, you will be more than likely able to encounter them and have an exhilarating experience of approaching them on foot.
In the late afternoon, you will join a sunset game drive with a professional field guide in an open game viewing vehicle. It will be the perfect time for game viewing. As the evening approaches, all the nocturnal animals will become active, and you will be able to experience a truly amazing African sunset.
Day 10 - Drive to Satara Rest Camp
This day will be a bit of a long drive to the Satara Rest Camp, following various game-viewing roads. It is a busy camp, and not without reason. It is situated in an excellent game-viewing area, with the bush relatively open and the animals plentiful and diverse. The bungalow you will stay in will be fully equipped.
The camp itself has a rustic charm, with the bulk of the accommodation set out in a series of circles. Satara is well-wooded and the birdlife is prolific. At night, the clink of fruit bats is fused with the chirping of cicadas and crickets. The calls of owls and nightjars add to the symphony that is punctuated intermittently by the whoop of hyenas, the screech of jackals, and the roars of lions.
Day 11 - Explore the area around Satara Rest Camp
You'll join a guided morning walk. Experienced (and armed) guides will share their knowledge of the fauna and flora to explain natural wonders. The walks will be relaxed and won’t take longer than a few hours, so no over-exhaustion will take place.
Two armed field guides will accompany you on the walk. They will focus on the things that you will usually not be able to see from a vehicle. By being out on foot, you will cover an area more intensely and you will be able to experience nature using all of your senses.
Afterward, you will be welcome to explore the area around Satara on your own. This will be a relaxing day to maybe do some washing of clothes if necessary.
Next, join a night game drive with a professional field guide in an open game viewing vehicle. It will be the perfect time for viewing the nocturnal animals and birds. This will be your last night in the Big Five area and hopefully, it will be a memorable one.
Day 12 - Drive to Letaba Rest Camp
The idyllic Letaba Rest Camp is situated on a sweeping bend of the Letaba River, midway between the southern and northern boundaries of the Kruger National Park. The name means “river of sand,” and the sandy riverbed is an excellent location for game viewing, particularly the elephants that thrive in the area.
Letaba is a green oasis in the surrounding mopane veld, and remains a firm favorite with visitors. At night, the stars overlook a symphony of sounds. Owls, nightjars, frogs, fruit bats, crickets, and cicadas all vie to be heard, until the lion roars, then all are silent.
Join an afternoon walk at Letaba. These interesting spots make for exciting time-fillers, as experienced (and armed) guides share their knowledge of the fauna and flora to explain natural wonders. The walks will be relaxed and won’t take longer than a few hours, so no over-exhaustion will take place.
Two armed field guides will accompany you on the walk in order to ensure your safety, and they will focus on the things that you will usually not be able to see from a vehicle. By being out on foot, you will cover an area more intensely and you will be able to experience nature using all of your senses.
If there is any large game in the area you will be more than likely able to encounter them and have an exhilarating experience of approaching them on foot.
Day 13 - Drive to Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve
You will exit the Kruger National Park at the Phalaborwa gate. Lekgalameetse means "place of water," and some important Limpopo rivers have their source in these scenic mountains. There is water all year round there, with many rivers, streams, waterfalls, and rock pools.
Lekgalameetse also has thick indigenous forests, grassy mountain slopes, towering peaks, and krantzes. In the forests, you'll see outeniqua trees, lemonwoods, yellowwoods, cape beech, and wild peach.
You will stop in Phalaborwa for you to buy provisions, firewood, and food for your stay in Lekgalameetse as there are no shops in or near there.
Along the way, you will also visit the smallest city in South Africa and learn about its history. It is amazing how nature has taken back this city. You will visit the more than 2,000-year-old baobab tree near Gravelotte.
Your log cabin for the night is far into the bush at the foot of the Drakensberg. The Makutsi River flows past the cabins. It is a self-catering cabin well-equipped with linen and cutlery.
Day 14 - Explore Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve
After having breakfast and preparing yourself, you will explore the northern section of Lekgalameetse. The main entrance gate will also be the start of the Orrie Baragwanath Pass up the eastern side of the Drakensberg.
It will take you to the top of the Drakensberg Mountain and as you drive, you will climb 600 m over a distance of 12km. It will take you to breathtaking views and you will then visit sites of historical significance (e.g. the Pioneer Graves) and learn about the history of the area.
You will be amazed to learn that the names of a famous soccer team and a hospital have their origins in these mountains. The trails are not difficult and sometimes engaging low range will not be necessary. You will also visit the highest point, which is accessible by vehicle. This point is 1 520 m above sea level.
Day 15 - Drive to Pretoria
You will drive up the mountain to the start of the challenging 4x4 section of the Orrie Baragwanath Pass on the western side of the mountain. You will follow this scenic but challenging 4x4 trail down the Drakensberg, which hugs the mountain. And then, you will descend 500m over a distance of 7km (330m in the last 4km).
From the end of the pass to Pretoria, you will drive mostly on tarred roads.
Day 16 - Continue to your next destination
You will return your rental vehicle to the car hire company. Bonsai-SA's shuttle service will pick you up and transfer you to O.R. Tambo International Airport for your onward journey.
As the time together with draws to a close, you will say goodbye to your new friends and head back home. You will then continue your journey to your next destination on your own.
Bonsai-SA hopes that you will cherish the unforgettable memories you have made during your time with them and that you will have plenty of beautiful photos to share with your loved ones and friends.
Included excursions
- Vist to the Ngwanya Glass Factory
- Vist to the Mantenga Cultural Village
- Hlane Umphakatsi Experience for two adults
- Kruger NP activities for two adults as indicated
- Bulembu Museum for two adults
Location
Eswatini
On this tour, you will visit Eswatini. Despite being the smallest landlocked country in the southern hemisphere, and the second smallest country in continental Africa, Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, more than makes up for its lack of size with a hugely diverse range of attractions and activities.
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
This is Eswatini's (formerly Swaziland) pioneer conservation area, a shining example of what is possible if passion, vision, and action fuse. Once a highly profitable multi-purpose farm, and even labelled an “impossible dream,” Mlilwane was proclaimed in 1961 and is now the kingdom's most popular eco-destination for locals and internationals alike.
The name 'Mlilwane' (“little fire“ in siSwati) was derived from the numerous fires started by lightning strikes on the Mlilwane Hill, but now holds significance as the little fire that ignited the conservation movement in Swaziland.
Hlane Royal National Park
This was proclaimed as a national park in 1967, following Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (1961), under the instruction of King Sobhuza ll.
"Hlane" is the siSwati name for “wilderness.” The place is a typical lowveld destination, with exciting species lists including impressive ancient hardwood habitats, big game, and rich birdlife.
This 22,000 ha park, once the region's rich hunting grounds, still boasts the largest herds of game in the kingdom, with specialty species being lion, elephant, vultures, and marabou stork.
Bulembu
This was once a thriving asbestos mining community of about 10,000 people. Due to the health risks associated with asbestos, the mine was closed and basically everything in the town came to a standstill.
In later years, the old infrastructure was upgraded and today, it is home to about 1,000 orphans, an internationally recognized school for these youngsters, a country lodge, and honey farming, to name a few.
Bulembu Country Lodge lies at the foot of Mount Emlembe, the highest mountain in Swaziland. The town is surrounded by lush green hills and eucalyptus forests, perfectly complementing the natural beauty of this region.
Ngwenya Glass Factory
There, a small group of Swazi craftsmen and women - with age old artistry - breathe life into enchanting interpretations of the animals and birds of Africa, imbuing each with its own irresistible personality. Witness first-hand the magical art of glassblowing from an overhead balcony. Each item is handmade from 100% recycled glass!
Also browse around the adjoining well-stocked showroom and purchase your little memento of a truly African visit to the kingdom.
South Africa
Kruger National Park
Where nearly two million hectares of unrivaled wildlife mix with historical and archaeological sites, Kruger National Park is real Africa. The world-famous national park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa.
Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, the park is unrivalled in the diversity of its wildlife and is a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies. Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fishes, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds, and 147 mammals.
Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve
Lekgalameetse is a vast 18, 718 ha mountain wilderness area with protected escarpments, scenic landscapes, mountain vegetation and wildlife. A place of water, it is the source of many of the lowveld's prominent rivers.
Situated in the Wolkberg Mountains, which form part of the world-famous Drakensberg mountain range, the reserve offers a diversity of plant and insect species. It is also world famous for its rare butterfly species.
It forms part of the Drakensberg in the Limpopo Province and offers a beautiful matrix of Afromontane grasslands and woodlands in a dramatic setting of steep gorges and spectacular vistas. This reserve is situated on the escarpment of the Drakensberg and has spectacular forest and rolling grasslands.
The Orrie Bragwanath Pass is a true off-road pass, covering almost 30 km of rough gravel roads and 4x4 tracks as it crosses the Drakensberg through the Lekgamaleetse Nature Reserve. It has a steep tarmac climb from the east and up the slopes of the far northern Drakensberg to a height of 1370 m above sea level.
From the west, there is an equally steep but 4x4 ascent with a fairly flat gravel section of about 10km along the summit between the two approaches.
Food
- Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary - You will eat at the onsite restaurant.
- Hlane Royal National Park - You will eat at the onsite restaurant.
- Bulembu Country Lodge - You will eat at the onsite restaurant.
- Kruger National Park - You will eat at the onsite restaurants.
- Lekgalameetse - You will prepare your own meals.
The restaurants are in a remote area and the menus cannot always cater for all dietary requirements. Breakfast and dinner are included but you must make provision for your own lunch, snacks, and water.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
What's included
- Activities as indicated
- Hand-held radios
- Professional 4x4 and overlanding adventure guide
- 15 nights accommodation (camping and log cabin) for two adults
- Park fees
- International conservation fees
- Trail cost for one 4x4 vehicle with two adults
- Professional field guide(s) where applicable
- Rental vehicle with camping equipment
- Meals as indicated
What's not included
- Additional accommodation before and after the tour
- International flights
- Domestic flights
- Government imposed increase of taxes and / or park fees
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Tips
- Fuel
- Drinking water (on all days)
- Snacks and beverages
- Medicine
- Firewood
- Additional activities
- Border fees and taxes
- Toll fees
How to get there
Recommended Airports
JNB
O. R. Tambo International Airport
289 km
Transfer included
Arrival by aeroplane
Please book your flight to arrive at O R Tambo International Airport (JNB). Transfers to and from this airport are included in the price. The meeting point in Pretoria with your guide will be communicated before the start of the tour.
Airport: O. R. Tambo International Airport
Airport transfer included: O. R. Tambo International Airport
No additional charges. You can request this in the next step.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.
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Special offer Discount
This listing has a Discount 2025 discount of 2% if you book between 2025-Jan-01 and 2025-Oct-31.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookAllSafaris.com. All major credit cards supported.
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