13 Night Johannesburg to Durban Scenic Safari

This popular and leisurely Scenic Safari-Self Drive,takes you from Johannesburg to Durban,staying in a delightful mix of lodges with individual character.

We can create this Scenic Safari-Self Drive  utilizing  lodging of your choice to meet your budget

There is time to explore the Drakensberg and Swaziland scenery as well as two complementary safari experiences. You finish with relaxation at one of the finest coastal resorts in South Africa.

This tour can be booked using premier accommodation as well.

Two contrasting safari experiences and time for active pursuits (hiking, white water rafting, golf etc) in Swaziland, on this Scenic Safari-Self Drive.

Ideal for SA winter and spring months

Departure/End Start in Nelspruit and end in Durban

Best Time to Go April to October/November

Health Requirements Anti-malarial precautions, Sunblock

Johannesburg to Durban Scenic Safari Details:

Day 1 – 2 nights, Blue Mountain Lodge, Drakensberg Escarpment, DBB

On arrival in Nelspruit you collect your rental car and drive to the Blue Mountain Lodge for a two-night stay.

The Drakensberg escarpment provides welcome relaxation before the excitement of a safari. This area of tumbling streams and waterfalls amongst indigenous woodland and forest plantations offers scenic drives, walks, horse riding and golf.

The panoramic drive alongside the Blyde River Canyon is magnificent. Pilgrim’s Rest is a 19th century gold rush village and the town’s many preserved houses bring this fascinating history alive. Many clients also enjoy the Cheetah Research and Breeding Centre and the Shangaan cultural village.

Blue Mountain Lodge is set overlooking an avocado and fruit plantation. The attention to detail in both the exquisitely decorated cottages and the presentation of its excellent cuisine is a hallmark of Blue Mountain.

The eight Victorian cottages have luxurious bathrooms, sweeping views from their private terraces and fireplaces for the winter. The four quadrant suites are set away from the lodge.

Day 3 – 3 nights, Kings Camp, Timbavati Private Game Reserve, FBG

Today you travel to the world famous Timbavati Private Game Reserve for your three night safari at Kings Camp. Kings Camp is a real ‘find’. This delightful colonial-styled lodge has 10 air-conditioned thatched suites. The staff and rangers are passionate about sharing their knowledge of bush and its wildlife.

We like it because of its excellent cuisine, great wine cellar and flexible approach to guest’s wishes, with bush breakfasts and sleep outs under the African sky on offer.

With access to 100 square kilometers of traversing, game-viewing is excellent and includes spotting of elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, rhino, general game and bird life.

 Day 6 – 1 night, Buhala Country House, near Kruger Park, BB

Today you travel south and perhaps meander through the southern part of the Kruger Park for your overnight stay at Buhala Lodge. Buhala Country House, near Kruger – is set on a tropical fruit and avocado farm and looks out over the Crocodile River to the Kruger Park.

Parties of elephants come down to the water to drink, and hippos have even been known to walk up to the lawn! Buhala is the perfect country house retreat, offering seven bedrooms furnished with antiques and cooled by fans.

Day 7 – 2 nights, Reilly’s Rock Lodge, Mlilwane Reserve, Swaziland, DBB

Today you travel to the Kingdom of Swaziland for your two night stay at Reilly’s Rock Lodge.

Swaziland provides a fascinating cultural experience. Travel through undulating country dotted with Swazi villages and enjoy game viewing in the Mlilwane reserve. The Swazis are renowned craftsmen, and you can buy marvellous examples of basket ware, colourful fabrics, carvings, and Mother of Pearl in friendly markets and roadside stalls.

White-water rafting and hiking are on offer for the adventurous whilst others may prefer a mellow round of golf or a gentle horse ride through the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.

Reilly’s Rock Lodge is the utterly captivating former homestead of conservationist Ted Reilly. Enjoying commanding views of Mlilwane’s game-studded plains, its atmosphere is one of complete peace and tranquillity.

The colonial homestead has a colourful pioneer history and has been sympathetically restored with great attention to period detail. Accommodation consists of six beautifully furnished bedrooms including a charming cottage with two en suite bedrooms, a sitting room with fireplace and wraparound veranda.

Breakfast on the veranda, listening to the sounds of the birds, is a magical experience.

Day 9 – 2 nights, White Elephant Safari Lodge, Pongola Game Reserve, FBG

After breakfast you travel to the Pongola Game Reserve overlooking the beautiful Lake Jozini for your two night stay at White Elephant Safari Lodge.

Here you encounter a variety of antelope, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, hyena and elephant and loads of activities – open top game drives, sunset boat cruises, nature walks, Tiger fishing and unique excursions to track rhino or elephant.

White Elephant Lodge is an elegant, colonial lodge in the beautiful Pongola reserve. This romantic retreat is ideal for a relaxing game and nature experience or for those travelling to Swaziland.

The 1920’s homestead is artfully furnished with antiques. Paths lead to eight luxury tents, thoughtfully decorated with crisp white linen, teak furniture, ceiling fan, dressing table and day beds on the deck.

The bathroom has a double vanity basin, and a ball and claw bath in front of huge French windows which can be drawn back to give the sensation of bathing in the open air. Stylish rim pool.

 Day 11 – 3 nights, Zimbali Lodge, BB

Today you travel south to the Natal North Coast to Zimbali Lodge.

The luxurious Zimbali lodge has spectacular views through the lush sub-tropical forests to the warm Indian Ocean. Only 20 minutes north of Durban, Zimbali is a haven of peace and quiet, an elegant and sophisticated retreat.

Every room opens onto a private, furnished balcony offering sweeping views down the valley to the sea, and is luxuriously decorated. Sink into the inviting easy chairs in the elegant drawing room or treat yourself to a traditional afternoon tea.

Zimbali boasts a superb 18 hole golf-course, tennis, walking trails, a breath-taking pool and deck, a private beach with beach club and a welcoming health and beauty spa.

Day 14 – Return car to Durban

Today you drive to Durban Airport to drop off your rental car in time for your onward flight.

This package can be extended,to include other Safari, Eco Cultural tour, Golf, Spa, Swim with Dolphins,walking, visit cape Town,Botswana Safari, Victoria Falls,etc what ever you want to do, or it can stand alone.