Family South Africa Safari and Beach Adventure

13 days
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Small Group Tour
From the game lands of the Kruger to the beautiful coastline of the Indian Ocean, South Africa is a wonderful destination for a family holiday. Experience many of the country's natural and cultural highlights including a visit to a traditional Zulu village, Blyde River Canyon and game walks in a wildlife sanctuary in kingdom of Swaziland. Kruger Nationa...
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$2,681
From$2,180
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Witness the unrivalled natural beauty of Kosi Bay - a turquoise snorkeller's paradise
    • Visit a traditional Zulu village and learn about the rich culture of these incredible people
    • Go on a thrilling walking Safari in Eswatini's renowned Mlilwane National Park

What's this trip about?

    From the game lands of the Kruger to the beautiful coastline of the Indian Ocean, South Africa is a wonderful destination for a family holiday. Experience many of the country's natural and cultural highlights including a visit to a traditional Zulu village, Blyde River Canyon and game walks in a wildlife sanctuary in kingdom of Swaziland. Kruger National Park - Seeking out the Big Five from our safari vehicle. African style accommodation - Sleeping in a beehive hut or a traditional rondavel. Kosi Bay - walking along unspoilt beaches on Indian Ocean. Johannesburg - visit the apartheid museum to learn more about the recent history of apartheid and Nelson Mandela.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityJohannesburg
End CityDurban Airport

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • Africa
  • South Africa

Attractions

  • Durban
  • Johannesburg
  • Kos
  • Kruger National Park
  • Nelson
  • Soweto

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in Johannesburg. Afternoon optional visit to Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton

Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city, and once home to both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. A city of stark contrasts and infamous history, Johannesburg is going through rapid change and urban regeneration. For those arriving on time today our Lead...

Day 2 Drive to Graskop via South Africa's Panoramic Route

Drive to Graskop via South Africa's Panoramic Route. Leaving our hotel after breakfast, we head out of Johannesburg through the lowveld which stretches before us into the distant horizons. The lowveld translates literally from Afrikaans into English as the low bush....

Day 3 Scenic drive to Tshukudu Game Reserve stopping at Blyde River Canyon

This morning we will stop at several viewpoints along the way, including the aptly named God's Window and admire the awe-inspiring Blyde River Canyon. We also stop at the strangely surreal Bourke's Luck Potholes, a collection of pebble-eroded formations at the conflue...

Day 4 Full day in Tshukudu Game Reserve, game drives

Today we do some more game spotting from the back of our vehicles and there is even a chance to do some walking in the reserve with experienced rangers. They are all acknowledged experts in the bush and are happy to pass on their knowledge of animals great and small, ...

Day 5 Drive to Kruger National Park; afternoon game drive

After a hearty breakfast we bid farewell to Tshukudu driving two hours to the southern gate of Kruger National Park. We stop for lunch and a swim at one of the national park camps before continuing further into the park. The Kruger National Park is one of the world...

Day 6 Full day game viewing in Kruger National Park

Leaving our camp shortly after sunrise, head out for our morning game drive searching for sightings of the extensive wildlife that make this national park their home. We stop at various watering holes where we may see buffalo or antelope taking an early morning drink ...

Day 7 Drive to Mlilwane in Eswatini optional activities including game spotting on a walking safari or on a mountain bike

After a morning of game spotting we continue south passing through rural townships and mountain scenery of the Blyde River Canyon escarpment to the small kingdom of Eswatini, a tiny and independent land inhabited by the Swazi people who revere their king and retain th...

Day 8 Morning game walk in Mlilwane; free afternoon for optional activities

This morning we begin with a walk in search of zebra, wildebeest, impala, nyala and warthog. Mlilwane has a large area of open grasslands, so game viewing is relatively easy. The afternoon is left free for you to choose one of the many optional activities on offer. Th...

Day 9 Drive to Kosi Bay where we stay close to the shores of the Indian Ocean

Crossing through Eswatini we head for the southern border point at Golela, passing back in to South Africa and continuing through KwaZulu Natal to the northern settlement of Kosi Bay, close to the Mozambique border. The next two nights see us staying close to the shor...

Day 10 In Kosi Bay with a walk along the beaches

Today we take a walk along the beaches and forests of this area in search of small antelope and the astounding variety of birds to be seen here. Snorkelling is possible near the estuary and over the coral reef (weather dependent) with equipment available from the lodge.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11 Drive to St Lucia plus visit a traditional Zulu village and learn about the lifestyles

Travelling down the coast we head towards the greater St. Lucia Wetland Park situated on the Indian Ocean coast. This wonderful wetland reserve was recently granted World Heritage status as the largest estuarine lake system in Africa. . Whilst in St Lucia you may choo...

Day 12 In St Lucia with optional whale watching

Another day on the coast allows for some additional relaxation time and the chance for optional activities such as whale watching (June to November) and turtle watching from November to March. There is also the option of a boat trip on the St. Lucia River to spot hippos and crocodiles or a snorkelling trip to Cape Vidal (weather dependent).

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 13 Drive to Durban airport where the trip ends

Departing St Lucia this morning, we drive south along the coast to Durban's International airport (airport code DUR) aiming to arrive at about 2pm. This is where our trip ends. The earliest your flight can depart is 4pm. For those taking an evening flights from Du...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,180
Price per day$168
Last Updated: 4/24/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,528
Great
2,169
Average
377
Disappointing
116
Terrible
53
T

Trusted Customer

Oct 2023

Written on

Family South Africa Safari and Beach Adventure

The amazing wildlife with stunning and varied scenery. Andrew our guide / driver / cook couldn't do enough for us. This was our first family Explore holiday (althoug...

G

Gill

Sep 2023

Written on

Family South Africa Safari and Beach Adventure

We had an amazing trip which I think was a combination of good planning, so that the journeys weren't ever too long for the kids, nice accommodation with swimming po...

T

Trusted Customer

Aug 2023

Written on

Family South Africa Safari and Beach Adventure

A wonderful holiday with a great group and leader. Kids really enjoye...

T

Trusted Customer

Aug 2023

Written on

Family South Africa Safari and Beach Adventure

Trip of a lifetime. We did so much and saw so many animals that it really exceeded our expectations. We also appreciated the exposure to the local culture and the di...

Write a Review

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

4WD, Boat, Minibus,

Transportation & flights

4WD, Boat, Minibus
Guides
Explore Tour Leader
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
South Africa: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, US and Canadian citizens. New Zealand ordinary passport holders do not require a visa, all other passport holders please consult your local consulate for full information. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. Please ensure you have the correct multiple entry visa, especially if you are visiting another country on your itinerary and will need to re-enter South Africa - this includes visiting Swaziland. All visitors should ensure their passport is machine readable, has a minimum of 6 months validity from your arrival date into the country and has two blank pages when entering and leaving South Africa. The South African Immigration officials will not allow child/ infant pages to be used for this purpose and visitors without the stipulated blank pages will be denied entry. There are special requirements for travelling to South Africa with children under 18 who hold South African nationality, and for unaccompanied children entering South Africa. The South African Department of Home Affairs has more information. Eswatini: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian citizens. You will require one blank visa page in your passport with a minimum validity of 6 months. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Health & Safety
Please note that you will be required to supply a yellow fever certificate that has been issued at least 10 days prior to arrival in South Africa if you have travelled from or via a country where yellow fever is endemic. We recommend protection against hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, polio and diphtheria. According to various travel health sources, the Western Cape is not regarded as a malaria risk area. If you are travelling to other areas in South Africa please check with your doctor about malaria requirements. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 12
  • Dinner : 4
  • Lunch : 3
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-FZK

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