South Africa's Eastern Loop – mountains, bush, and sea!

Your long-awaited Africa adventure is finally about to start. Today you fly, probably with a healthy dose of jitters in your stomach, towards the southernmost country of the African continent. Prepare for lots of wildlife, pristine nature, breathtaking views and special encounters to remember! The journey starts in the ‘City of Gold’, Johannesburg! Johannesburg once began as a settlement for its gold mines and has grown into South Africa's largest city! The city brims with history and culture and there is an awful lot to see! Visit the huge Soweto Township, once home to Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, and learn more about South Africa's history at the Apartheid Museum.

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!

Safari time!!! On to Greater Kruger: a beautiful area of 344000 hectares of untouched wilderness. Greater Kruger borders the Kruger but there is no fence here; so the animals can move freely between the parks. Greater Kruger is known as a ‘natural beauty’ with its thick bush but at the same time open plains, with a huge amount of wildlife: not only will you find more than 350 bird species and the entire Big Five, but you also have the chance to spot the rare white lion here! Get the cameras ready, put on your safari hat: it's safari time!

Onward to the farming village of Hazyview on the Sabie River! Hazyview is known for its banana industry and its beautiful location near the Panorama Route. The town owes its name to the mist that often covers the area, especially in summer. The many fruit farms make the area beautiful and it is therefore nice to drive the Panorama Route from here to visit all the beautiful viewpoints.

Malolotja Nature Reserve is the largest protected area in eSwatini, where you will find the typical Swazi landscape: vast vistas and rolling green hills. The area is also home to a hundred-metre waterfall and the old mining town of Bulembu, including the oldest mine in the world! Malolotja is very versatile. Whether you are looking for a good hike for a physical challenge, want to take a refreshing dip in one of the potholes, want to sleep in the middle of breathtaking nature, or all in one: this is the place to be!

Malolotja Nature Reserve, the largest protected area in eSwatini, offers a quintessential Swazi landscape: vast vistas, rolling green hills, and a hundred-meter waterfall. Experience its diversity with hikes, refreshing swims in potholes, and overnight stays in the heart of nature. A unique activity is on the itinerary: an overnight hike! You'll meet the Trail Guides early and hike 7 km to the Wilderness Campsite. Enjoy a swim in the 'Lower Potholes' and an evening around the campfire. The next day, pack up and return to Nkomati View. Afterward, you can relax in Ezulwini Valley or further explore Swazi culture.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.