Example trip

South Africa: mountains, bush, coast, and culture

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Highlights

Water activities, safari, authentic encounters, urban culture, hiking, tropical beaches

Location

South Africa & eSwatini

Budget

from € 2.500,- p.p. excl. flight tickets

Everybody happy

We kick off with a short visit to vibrant Johannesburg, but quickly hit the road to start our road trip. Heading into the mountains, we make our way to the magical Drakensberg: explore it on foot, horseback, or with your rugged 4x4. Next, it’s off to the bush and the Big Five. We continue the journey towards the coast: diving, snorkeling, boat trips, kayaking, and cultural experiences—it’s all there! We wrap up with another absolute safari highlight, our favorite: Manyoni Private Game Reserve.

16 days in South Africa & eSwatini

Day 1

Johannesburg

You are going to visit South Africa's largest township: Soweto! Well township. Don't be surprised if you find villas during your visit, as Soweto has the highest concentration of millionaires in the country. However, much of Soweto is still characterised by poverty and the image you know of a township. But, Soweto exudes character, authenticity and love. The people are proud and will welcome you with open arms. Very special!

Day 2 - 3

Northern Drakensbergen

The majestic Drakensberg, an inspiration for Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, stretches over 1,000 kilometres and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore this breathtaking area with activities such as hikes, fishing, horseback riding, zip-lining, and a day trip to Lesotho! Discover stunning landscapes, from waterfalls to valleys, on short or long hikes, and enjoy a South African wine by the fire. Admire the indigenous forests of central Drakensberg, with the imposing Cathkin Peak in the background. Take in spectacular views from the 60-metre-high cable car, with a mix of rock walls and mountain peaks. Be sure to keep an eye out, as the forest is home to over 150 bird species!

Day 4 - 5

Southern Drakensbergen

Explore the breathtaking Drakensberg on horseback, an experience you won’t soon forget! Begin your adventure at Khotso, where over a hundred horses roam freely. Gallop across grass plains, scramble over rocks, and admire the stunning nature! The legendary Sani Pass is the only route that reaches the top of the Drakensberg, connecting KwaZulu-Natal with Lesotho. Once a donkey path, it’s now accessible by 4x4s, though still challenging. At 2,873 metres, discover the land of the "people of the blanket," where time seems to stand still. Enjoy breathtaking views from the highest pub in Africa!

Day 6

Umdloti

Umdloti is a charming "village" just outside the hustle and bustle of Ballito and Durban, beautifully situated along the coast. The locals all know each other and are wonderfully active with surfing, paddling, fishing, running, and yoga. Enjoy the vibrant beach atmosphere and dine at one of the delightful restaurants.

Day 8 - 7

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi

On your way to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, one of South Africa’s oldest parks, renowned for its vast terrain and commitment to rhino conservation. Here, you’ll find an abundance of wildlife, including rhinos, elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, wild dogs, black rhinos, giraffes, and zebras, as well as an impressive variety of birds. Embark on an adventure! Drive your own 4x4 through the beautiful hills of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, or book a Game Drive with a ranger on-site. Along the routes, you’ll find several hides where you can observe wildlife coming to drink and play by the rivers in shelter. Enjoy the stunning fauna of this park!

Day 9 - 10

Kosi Bay

Kosi Bay, a captivating area where six lakes converge, forms one of the best-preserved estuaries along the Indian coastline. This natural paradise offers an abundance of flora and fauna. Explore by canoe, fishing boat, or swimming to discover diverse wildlife, such as hippos, flamingos, and various bird species. A fantastic tour is on the agenda! Explore the estuary by kayak and navigate through a surreal mangrove channel with five different species of mangrove trees. After snorkelling in "the aquarium," you’ll learn about Thonga fish kraals and local fishing techniques. Try catching your own lunch, Thonga-style! Finish with a delightful local lunch served on wild banana leaves. An unforgettable experience!

Day 11 - 13

Sodwana Bay

Explore Sodwana Bay, an idyllic coastal village in South Africa's oldest UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you'll find incredible diving opportunities, pristine nature, and enchanting beaches. Spot whales between June and October and turtles from October to March. Discover the breathtaking coral reefs of Sodwana Bay, a world-renowned diving destination. Immerse yourself in Zulu culture during a cultural experience with Nomasonto’s family. Also, explore Lake Sibaya, South Africa's largest freshwater lake, for a captivating sunset and a traditional 'boerieroll' by the lake. An unforgettable day full of adventure and culture awaits you!

Day 14 - 15

Manyoni Private Game Reserve

Manyoni Private Game Reserve, located in the heart of Zululand, is world-renowned for its spectacular safaris and rich cultural traditions. Originally part of the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project, Manyoni has become a premier conservation destination in KwaZulu-Natal. Explore 23,000 hectares of stunning Zululand landscape! Head out early with your guide to spot wildlife in the vibrant bush. After a delicious breakfast, unwind by the pool or with a good book, preparing for another safari in the late afternoon. Savor every moment of this adventure!

Day 16

Departure

Everything comes to an end, including this wonderful adventure. Fully rested, you pack your bags to get on the plane home. With a nice healthy colour on your cheeks, you board the plane. With your eyes closed and your seat reclined, you relive the cool adventures of the past few days. Full of inspiration and with an overdose of wonderful memories, you return home. Unspoilt nature, lush wildlife, inspiring people & vibrant cities. You now have plenty of stories to tell family and friends later by the fire. An adventure over, but a new set of experiences richer.

Interested in this example trip?

Schedule a free consultation and we will immediately get to work on making your preferred trip completely to your liking. See you soon in South Africa & eSwatini?

What our travellers say about us

     
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Auralie Blauwbloeme 
 39 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a fantastic trip through Namibia with two families with teenagers. The trip was fully planned according to our wishes and tailored to the composition of the group. The personal approach, the communication, the preparation… everything was top-notch. Our next trip to Africa will be with Charlie's Travels again!

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    +5
 
 
 
 
 
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   RJ 
 72 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wow!! What an amazing trip we took through Kenya with Charlie's Travels. Self-drive, highly recommended, and wonderfully taken care of from start to finish! Thank you so much ❤️🍀

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    +5
 
 
 
 
 
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   GoeVerhaal. 
 79 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We booked our honeymoon to Namibia with this organization, and how fantastic was it? We received clear information beforehand, they used a detailed app, and we received thoughtful messages before and during the trip to check in. Truly an organization with a heart for the mission of showcasing the beauty of Africa. When we looked into the organization further after the trip, we understand why. Thank you for everything! We didn't feel like just a number, received incredibly quick answers to questions before and during the trip, and received a beautiful, customized itinerary where everything was perfectly arranged everywhere on-site. You gave us the trip of a lifetime ❤️ Best regards and see you again! Laura and Arne

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   Merel Doreleijers 
 94 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I look back with immense pleasure on my pioneering trip to Madagascar with Charlie's Travels. What made this trip so special for me was its off-the-beaten-track nature. We visited places you wouldn't easily get to as an ordinary tourist, saw beautiful nature, and had a lot of contact with the local people. That made the experience very authentic. One of the biggest highlights was driving off-road myself. In addition, there were so many unexpected moments that I won't soon forget: a football match against the locals in the Tsaranoro Valley, unexpectedly finding myself in a local sacrificial ritual, and a canoe trip that went very differently than planned. We thought we were going on a sailboat trip, but it turned out to be a few leaky canoes. In hindsight, it actually became one of the best memories of the trip for me. That is also the charm of a pioneering trip: not everything goes as planned, but it is precisely those unexpected moments that make the adventure complete. I also appreciated the variety of accommodations. From homestays, B&Bs, and hotels to sleeping in a tent under the starry sky. That fit perfectly with the adventurous nature of the trip. I do think, however, that a pioneering journey isn't for everyone. You need to be flexible and be able to accept that plans sometimes change. If you can surrender to that and simply enjoy the journey as it unfolds, that is precisely what yields the most beautiful stories and memories. The reason I am not giving 5 stars is that the communication before and during the trip was sometimes a bit disorganized. I would also have liked to see more transparency regarding certain costs. In my opinion, those are areas where Charlie's Travels can still improve. Despite that, I look back on a fantastic trip full of special experiences and memories that I won't soon forget. If you are looking for an adventurous, authentic journey off the beaten path and are open to the unexpected, then I can certainly recommend a trip with Charlie's Travels.

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   Martijn van Heest 
 96 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sjoerd from Charlies Travels organized my trip through Morocco, and it was fantastic! Due to limited time, I skipped the big cities and mainly visited the less crowded places in the interior. For a large part of the time, I stayed with families and experienced just how warm the culture of this country is. My 'guides' felt more like friends; they were hospitable, took me to visit family, and managed to strike a perfect balance between 'going on with life' while showing me the most beautiful spots in Morocco. For me, the added value of Charlies lay in selecting these amazing, not always obvious places, and the accompanying partners/guides/families who were willing to give me an inside look. Highly recommended for everyone!

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   Victor Bijlsma 
 166 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Went on a pioneering trip to Senegal, Gambia & Guinea-Bissau with Charlie's Travels. It was special to visit such pristine countries without mass tourism. The difference between Senegal & Gambia was already significant – and the trip was very diverse. From beaches and big cities to eco-lodges & local markets. Highly recommended to utilize the expertise of Charlie's team; it saved a lot of hassle :)

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     Posted on Google  
   
   Jasper M. 
 187 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a fantastic pioneering trip with Charlie's through Senegal, the Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau 💯 World-class tour guides and a fun group!

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   Casper Berkhout 
 273 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went to Uganda and Kenya for almost a month and we did not leave dissapointed! Our goal was to visit "off the beaten track" destinations and experience real local culture and Charlie's did not let us down. In Uganda we saw TONS of wildlife, with the bike safari in Lake Mburo being the undisputable highlight... unforgettable. We spent a day with the Batwa people, which was a unique culturally enriching experience. In Kenya we got to relax at the beach in a luxurious resort and get our tan on! All the tour guides that were organized by Charlie's were both knowledgable and wonderfully enthusiastic. This was the most memorable vaction in years, and we would reccomend booking a trip with Charlie's to anyone (if you are adventurous enough of course ;) ).
  
 
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   Maikel Hurts 
 290 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Angola surprised me in ways that are difficult to put into words. The country is raw and pure, with landscapes that seem to breathe: the red earth glowing in the sun, endless savannas disappearing into a haze of warmth, and the ocean incessantly beating its rhythm against the coast. With Xavier Rudd playing through the car speakers, everything took on an extra layer of meaning. His music—those earthy sounds, that peace and freedom—seemed to become one with the landscape. As the road wound through villages full of color and smiling faces, it felt as if every song had been written especially for this moment.

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   Wolfeew 
 290 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been to Africa with Charlie's multiple times – Kenya, Uganda, and most recently to Angola: Friendliness and rawness personified, a delightful mix of pure Africa and Portuguese influences. Beautiful, untouched nature, tranquility, and fantastic people. From desert to jungle, from canyons to waves crashing against the rugged coast – what a country. It's wonderful to be taken under Charlie's wing!

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     Posted on Google  
   
   Hanneke 
 290 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Angola with Charlies was amazing! Remote and real pioneering. A great country to discover with friends. One big adventure, from camping in the beautiful desert to making memories for life with proud locals. Went home with a big smile and would love to be back soon!

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    +4
 
 
 
 
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jan 
 291 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic organization, in short. We traveled to Namibia with a group of 7, and CT guided us through the entire process to set it up exactly how we wanted. During the trip, "our" travel coach Nick was also attentive, asked how we were doing, and arranged a few things for us, such as a New Year's breakfast. CT works with local organizations that we felt comfortable with.

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   Tessa Tuk 
 328 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Last October, I went on a pioneering trip to Malawi with Charlie's Travels, and it turned out to be a unique experience. The moments that stuck with me the most are the beautiful hike through Nyika National Park, where we camped in the middle of nature and zebras walked past our tent in the morning; and the evening we all dove into a local pub and danced the night away with the locals. The paradisiacal Likoma Island and the car rides through the stunning African landscape, with spontaneous stops at local bars along the way, are also memories that will stay with me for a long time. Malawi is called 'the warm heart of Africa,' and that is exactly how it felt. It was amazing to discover this country with Charlie's Travels and a wonderful group of people. Highly recommended!

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     Posted on Google  
   
   Lisa Snepvangers 
 342 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went to Kenya for a month with our family of 5, all arranged by Charie's Travels, and it was AMAZING. We wanted a mix of off-the-beaten-path and comfort, a mix of adventure and vacation, and they made it all happen. Everything from planning the trip and airport pick-up to hotel bookings and activity arrangements went smoothly. We really had the most amazing time! (so much so that I'm writing this review years after taking this trip, cause we're still talking about it!) Definitely recommend booking your trip with Charlie's Travels!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Saskia Looijen 
 349 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was a fantastic experience to go pioneering in Malawi with Charlie's Travels. Truly the warm heart of Africa, with very friendly and open people. Malawi is a country with so many different things to do. We explored the lesser-known north: hiking in Nyika National Park with stunning views over colorful hills, an exciting boat trip across Lake Malawi, and beach vibes and lots of beautiful birds on Likoma Island. There are also beautiful bays and hidden spots along Lake Malawi. The roads are getting better but offer challenges here and there, which is highly recommended for the more adventurous traveler. The setup and organization by Charlie's Travels were excellent, always flexible and tailored to everyone's wishes.

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