Active South Africa: Kruger Safari & Tugela Falls
Active South Africa: Kruger Safari & Tugela Falls
8 Days Starting and ending in Johannesburg, South Africa
Visiting: Johannesburg, Drakensberg Mountains, Tugela Falls, Hoedspruit, Pridelands Conservancy
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26196
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
12-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an exhilarating journey through South Africa with the "Active South Africa: Kruger Safari & Tugela Falls" tour. This adventure begins in Johannesburg, leading you to the majestic Drakensberg Mountains for a choice of hikes to the breathtaking Tugela Falls or the serene Gudu and Mahai Falls. Experience the thrill of a 4-night bush camp stay, where you'll learn wildlife tracking and leave no trace practices with expert rangers. Enjoy four safari drives in the Kruger area, a full wildlife immersion day, and an overnight camping experience in the savanna. The tour also includes a mountain biking activity through Pridelands Conservancy, a traditional Boma dinner, and a final night in Johannesburg. With comfortable lodge accommodations and all transport provided, this tour promises an unforgettable South African adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Johannesburg to Tugela Falls, Drakensberg Mountains
Location: Johannesburg, Drakensberg Mountains
Accommodation Name: Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Dinner
Today is arrival day, and hit the road straightaway. Meet up with the rest of your fellow travel mates at the joining location before departing for your mountain lodge accommodations near Tugela Falls, in the Drakensberg Mountains of Royal Natal National Park. The lodge is owned by the local Batlokoa (Sotho) community, and all staff and guides are members themselves. Once here, sit down for a welcome meeting and briefing about the hiking that is expected in the coming days. Then, have an included group dinner at the restaurant on the lodge property.
Additional Information: Your flight must arrive no later than 6am in order to make your 8am meeting time at the Joining Hotel. We strongly recommend booking pre-nights in Johannesburg to ensure you are on time for the morning group departure to the Tugela Falls area.
ACTIVITY: Today, the adventure begins. Be sure to arrive in time to meet your group. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your trip.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between the airport in Johannesburg to your lodge accommodations in the mountains. The views along the way will be stunning as you climb upwards into the mountains past rural dwellings and beautiful vistas.
FREE TIME: EVENING Get settled at the mountain lodge near Tugela Falls. It is owned by the local Batlokoa (Sotho) community, and the staff and guides are members of the community. The Lodge is certified by Fair Trade Tourism. Spend free time enjoying the property before your evening safety briefing regarding the next day's hikes.
Day 2: Tugela Falls Area
Location: Tugela Falls
Accommodation Name: Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning you have two hiking options to decide between. Choose to set off on the more intense Sentinel Peak hike to the second highest waterfall in the world, Tugela Falls and enjoy lunch at the top. Or opt for the Gudu and Mahai Falls guided hikes along more gentle routes and have lunch back at the lodge in between each one. Dinner will be had back at the lodge with views over the surrounding scenery you spent the day immersed in.
Choose between two guided hiking options this morning. One is more strenuous and takes you to the top of Tugela Falls, the second highest waterfall in the world, while the other is moderate and also visits two separates waterfalls with a return to the lodge in between for lunch.
ACTIVITY: Option 1: Hike the Sentinel Peak trail to the top of Tugela Falls. This 12km trail will take most of the day and a packed lunch will be had at the top overlooking the impressive Drakensberg. The hike is also commonly known as the 'chain ladders hike' because of a series of chain ladders that hikers must climb up along an almost vertical rock face. Certainly not for the faint of heart, but well worth the incredible views you are rewarded with at the top.
In regards to the chain ladders, there are two sections of about 50 rungs a piece and a choice between one with large "grabbing handles". Please feel confident before attempting this section as there's no shame in choosing the alternate route.
ACTIVITY: Option 2:
Hike first to Gudu Falls on a shorter more moderate trail that leads you to the base of a waterfall in this lush green environment of rolling hills. Travel back to the lodge for an included lunch and then walk from the lodge on a nearby trail through peaceful scenery and quiet forests. Pass Mahai Cave and walk down to the tranquility pool named the 'Crack'.
Day 3: Tugela Falls Area to Pridelands Conservancy
Location: Tugela Falls, Hoedspruit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast at the lodge transfer to the airport and onwards to Hoedspruit and your immersive and active lodge stay. Once at the lodge, sit down for a brief orientation of the property and the safety rules for the upcoming bush camp stay. Take some time to get settled in before the afternoon open safari vehicle drive through the bush searching for wildlife and continuing after sunset with a focus on nocturnal life and astronomy.
ACTIVITY: Set off in a open safari vehicle into the African bush with a focus on the area's ecology. Search for the resident wildlife going about their daily routines and watch the sunset over this incredible landscape. The drive will continue in the evening with a shifted focus to nocturnal life and astronomy.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle to your accommodations in the magnificent bush landscape awash in the golden light. There will be a safety briefing before you are shown your rooms.
TRANSPORT: Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery on your flight out to Hoedspruit and the wild area of Kruger National Park and your unique Eco camp accommodations in the bush.
TRANSPORT: Travel back to the airport near Johannesburg from your lodge stay near Tugela Falls and at the base of Sentinel Peak. The drive will take most of the morning, but the scenery will be enjoyable.
Day 4: Pridelands Conservancy
Location: Pridelands Conservancy
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a full-day wilderness trail experience in the form of a bush walk. Connect with the wilderness and learn a minimal impact approach as you spend the day trekking on foot, observing wildlife both near and far, and learning about how guides and rangers in South Africa are taught to track and observe the animals in the bush. In the afternoon, set up an eco-friendly tent camp in the wild with your local guides. You will stay overnight here in your pitched tent along with the company of your travel mates and guides for a once in a lifetime opportunity to sleep under the starts in the savanna. Enjoy dinner around the fire and listen out for wildlife in the distance. The night sky should put on quite a display, so don't forget to look up as you drift off to sleep.
ACTIVITY: Today's experience is an in-depth introduction to the bush. Begin with a walk from the main lodge along a wilderness trail with your expert guides. Lessons during the walk include wilderness appreciation and Minimal Impact Approach and how to set up an eco-friendly camp in the surroundings. There will also be lessons at camp about how to build an eco-friendly fire, the importance of night watch, and mastering time with the light and by the stars. You will take those lessons learned and employ a mimimal impact approach while camping in the bush. Dinner will be served as you spend the night under the vast sky of stars.
Day 5: Pridelands Conservancy
Location: Pridelands Conservancy
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise early and after some refreshments clear the camp leaving no trace. Trek back to Pridelands Conservancy with your guide and group and indulge in a hearty breakfast there at the lodge. Later in the day, listen in on an expert-led discussion at the Pridelands Basecamp about an important wilderness topic led by your local expert. Later in the day, hop into the vehicles and join an afternoon safari drive incorporating important points from your earlier talk into the safari drive. Enjoy a Boma dinner back at the camp and fall asleep under the stars.
ACTIVITY: Awake in the early morning at camp and experience all of the responsible tasks needed in order to leave no trace. Clean camp, pack breakfast for the walk back and then set of into the bush as your guide points out various plants and animals in the morning light. Upon arrival to the Pridelands main camp there will be a hearty breakfast to refuel after an active few hours.
ACTIVITY: Attend an afternoon discussion at the main lodge on a wildlife topic. Have lunch at the restaurant on the property and then embark on a safari drive in which you spot the resident animals and your guide incorporates aspects from the discussion in your drive experience. Topics range from Animal Tracks to Common Tree and Shrubs, and Bird Identification, leaving travellers with a deeper understanding of the topics discussed as well as first-hand experience identifying tracks, plants, and birds while on safari afterwards.
Day 6: Pridelands Conservancy
Location: Pridelands Conservancy
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As the sun begins to rise the group will embark on an adrenaline-pumping mountain biking activity through the reserve. In the afternoon, choose to join an outdoor wilderness focused discussion led by the local guides and rangers. On your final evening in the conservancy, head out on a last safari drive to spot those last few animals. Bid farewell to the savanna with dinner and a drumming session out in the bush as darkness falls.
ACTIVITY: Pedal through the morning glow on a sunrise bike ride through the wild landscape. Feel the wind rush past and search for resident wildlife going about their business. Along the way the group will make a pit stop for some coffee and a quick bite to eat before continuing back to the lodge.
ACTIVITY: Attend an afternoon discussion at the main lodge on a wildlife topic. Have lunch at the restaurant on the property and then embark on a safari drive in which you spot the resident animals and your guide incorporates aspects from the discussion in your drive experience. Topics range from Animal Tracks to Common Tree and Shrubs, and Bird Identification, leaving travellers with a deeper understanding of the topics discussed as well as first-hand experience identifying tracks, plants, and birds while on safari afterwards.
Day 7: Pridelands Conservancy/Kruger to Johannesburg
Location: Pridelands Conservancy, Johannesburg
Accommodation Name: Onomo Johannesburg Sandton Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Sip your morning tea or coffee in the bush as the golden light crosses the savanna. Set out on a short morning drive to simply enjoy and envelop yourself in the dawn with nature rising around you. Return for breakfast before transferring onwards to the airport for your flight back to Johannesburg. Arrive in the late afternoon, get settled at the hotel, and enjoy a free evening to explore and grab dinner at a trendy spot in the city with your fellow travel mates and CEO.
ACTIVITY: Soak in the calming atmosphere of the bush on a final morning safari drive from camp. Search for the big five and slow down as the sun rises to sit in silence and simply be in nature.
FREE TIME: Spend time on your own in Johannesburg. Visit historical sites, walk through the botanical garden, or choose to find a delicious local spot to try some regional staples.
TRANSPORT: Fly back to Johannesburg from your time in the bush.
TRANSPORT: Travel back to Hoedspruit from your active stay at a lodge in the Kruger area. Enjoy the scenery as you ride in a private vehicle to the airfield.
Day 8: Johannesburg
Location: Johannesburg
Depart at any time.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Lodges (6 nts), Hotel (1 nt). -
Meals
6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners -
Welcome Moment
Your Welcome Moment includes an arrival day and morning welcome meeting.
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Hiking Experience
Hike either Sentinel Peak to Tugela Falls or Gudu and Mahai Falls.
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Bush Camp Stay
An immersive and active 4-night stay at a bush camp learning about best leave no trace practices.
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Safari Drives
Enjoy 4 safari drives through the Kruger area.
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Wildlife Immersion
Full wildlife immersion day and overnight camping.
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Biking Activity
Biking activity through Pridelands Conservancy.
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Morning Bush Walk
Morning bush walk back to the main lodge.
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Boma Dinner
Enjoy a traditional Boma dinner.
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Internal Flight
Internal flight between Johannesburg and the Kruger area.
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Transport
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from South Africa are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into South Africa are not included.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in lodges for six nights and a hotel for one night, providing a blend of rustic charm and modern amenities.
Transport
Private vehicle, plane, safari vehicle, walking.
Meals Included
6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
Group Size
Max 16
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Meals
Eating is a big part of travelling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available in South Africa
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with private vehicles, planes, safari vehicles, and on foot, ensuring a seamless and immersive journey through South Africa's stunning landscapes.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Important Notes
1. SENTINEL PEAK HIKE & TUGELA FALLS
Please note that on the Sentinel Peak hike there are two section of chain ladders with about 50 rungs a piece. Travellers must be comfortable climbing up a vertical cliff face on these ladders to do this section of the hike. Please feel confident before attempting this section as there is an alternate route available that will take you to the same place.
2. YELLOW FEVER
South Africa is to enforce new rules requiring proof of Yellow Fever vaccination for all travelers - even in airport transit - who have been in Zambia or other countries where the disease is endemic. The stricter guidelines, effective 01 Oct 2011, will see travellers without an international Yellow Fever certificate refused entry.
3. TRAVEL DAYS
This is not a physically demanding journey; however, travelling can be difficult, with long drives and poor road conditions at times. Despite this, most clients feel that the diversity of the African landscape, countries, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience. We use a comfortable and safe air-conditioned touring vehicle for the long drives.
4. COMBO TOUR
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
5. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
Group Leader
On this tour, you will be accompanied by one group Chief Experience Officer (CEO).
The Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will be the group manager/leader and driver- this person is a registered and licensed tourism guide, experienced in the routes travelled. You crew member has studied to have a broad knowledge base of the region’s history, cultures, and wildlife, and are legally certified to lead/guide tours in the regions visited. Most of our leaders in the region are from South Africa. As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. He/she will provide information on the places where you are travelling, and will take care of the small things so you can concentrate on enjoying your adventure. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting.
Safari guides at the lodge (wildlife safari drives): All safari guides are certified safari guides, and are of course very skilled and experienced drivers. With years of experience taking wildlife seekers into the wildlife parks, our local safari guides are exactly what will make your safari a success.
What to Take
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labelled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase, sports bag, or backpack. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. Porters may not always be available, so be prepared to carry your own bags. It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a warm jacket for early morning wildlife safari drives. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable.
The Southern Hemisphere essentially has the opposite weather to the Northern Hemisphere. The winter months of June, July and August, whilst clear and warm during the day (up to 25 degrees), can drop down to single figures and even below freezing at night. Between September and May it is considerably warmer with the time between October and March being the hottest, getting up to the high 30C and sometimes above. However it is always a dry heat and the temperature does drop at night. The wet season is between November and February, but this is not a bad time to go, as it generally does not rain for very long. We strongly recommend lots of layers to wear from the start of the day until the night. You might still need to wear a fleece jacket in the mornings, a t-shirt during the day and again the fleece jacket at sunset time. A woolen hat is also very much recommendable for the cold winter’s early morning wildlife safari drives.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of hiking options are available during the tour?
During the tour, you have the option to hike the more intense Sentinel Peak trail to Tugela Falls, which includes climbing chain ladders, or opt for the more moderate hikes to Gudu and Mahai Falls.
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What wildlife experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several wildlife experiences such as safari drives in the Kruger area, a full-day wilderness trail experience with a bush walk, and an overnight camping experience in the savanna.
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What is the accommodation like during the tour?
Accommodation during the tour includes stays in lodges for six nights and a hotel for one night. There is also an overnight camping experience in the savanna.
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Are there any special activities included in the Pridelands Conservancy?
Yes, in the Pridelands Conservancy, you will participate in activities such as a bush walk, setting up an eco-friendly tent camp, a mountain biking activity, and safari drives.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners.
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Is there a focus on eco-friendly practices during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes learning about best leave no trace practices, setting up an eco-friendly tent camp, and employing a minimal impact approach while camping in the bush.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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