Royal South Africa Safari

Royal South Africa safari is a 7 day safari holiday in South Africa. The Royal South Africa safari is a fully escorted tour. This 7 day Africa safari to South Africa starts from Johannesburg and ends in Durban.

About The 7 Days Royal South Africa Safari

The Royal South Africa safari is a combo of cultural and wildlife attractions. The Royal South Africa safari also visits two royalties. They are the kingdoms of Swaziland and the Zulu. You’ll end the Royal South Africa safari in Durban.

Be sure to see some of South Africa’s finest scenic sights on the tour. You also have an opportunity to visit the most prolific Big Five game scenes. Your Royal South Africa safari begins every Sunday.

7 Days Royal South Africa Safari Highlights:

The 7 days Royal South Africa safari is one of the best wildlife and cultural combo safaris in South Africa. You are able to visit the wilds of Kruger National Park and cultural rich Swaziland and Zulu Kingdom.

It’s a truly royal seven days, fully escorted, so you’re taken directly to some of South Africa’s finest scenic sights and most prolific Big Five game-viewing country. Culture and wildlife come alive with vibrant finesse.

• Big Five game watching
• Beautiful Scenery, topography and landscape
• Nature walk
• Cultural exploration of the Swazi and Zulu Kingdoms

7 day South Africa Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Johannesburg

You’ll be met by our South African safari rep on arrival. This is at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. After greetings and introduction, enjoy a transfer to your hotel in Johannesburg.

You will have the rest of the day at leisure. You may explore the magnificent suburban shopping malls. You can take the afternoon Soweto Tour if you so wish.

Soweto Tour is an optional and at cost. You will gather to meet fellow travelers at 1900hrs. This will be at the comfort of your hotel’s reception. It is here that your tour guide will brief you on this Royal South Africa safari. You will sleep at the Protea Hotel Wanderers on bed and breakfast basis.

Day 2: Johannesburg – Pretoria – Mpumalanga (425 Kms)

You’ll begin your Royal South Africa safari day with a sumptuous breakfast. This will be followed by departure at 0830hrs. This 7 day Royal South Africa safari will be heading for Pretoria. This is South Africa’s capital city.

In Protea you will enjoy a short orientation tour of the city. After this tour, you will then proceed to Mpumalanga. This drives you into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld.

The Royal South Africa safari goes via the historic towns of Dullstroom and Lydenburg. You will arrive at your hotel that’s located on the famous Long Tom Pass. The afternoon will be spent at leisure. You may take in the panoramic views across the escarpment.

Alternatively, you may participate in one of the many activities here. These include mountain biking, hiking or trout fishing. All these activities are at cost. Today’s accommodation is on half board basis at Misty Mountain.

Day 3: Mpumalanga – Panorama Route – Hazyview (320 Kms)

This morning you’ll gasp at the glory that is God’s Window. This is a boundless view of forested mountains and fertile plains. Your Royal South Africa safari explores Bourke’s Luck Potholes.

You will have a lunch break, with meals at own cost. Later, you’ll view Africa’s largest active tufa falls. This also goes to the famous Three Rondavels. The overnight stay is on bed and breakfast at Perry’s Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel.

Day 4: Hazyview – Kruger National Park – Hazyview (250 Kms)

Your Royal South Africa safari then sets off for an early game drive. This is before your picnic breakfast which will be in the park. You’ll be looking for lions, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard.

There are other manner of wondrous wildlife, birds and plant species here. Take your time to savor the magic of this enormous wilderness. Your return to Hazyview will be around lunch time. The afternoon will be spent at leisure. Overnight is to be on bed and breakfast Perry’s Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel.

Day 5: Hazyview – The Kingdom of Swaziland (310 Kms)

You will start your Royal South Africa safari with an early breakfast. This is to be followed by an enchanting drive to Swaziland. This is a former British Protection Territory. It is now ruled by King MsWati III.

An interactive cultural experience introduces us to the charming people of Swaziland. You are here to learn about their cultures and traditions. Your drive proceeds through Mbabane, the capital city. You will be heading the beautiful Ezulwini Valley.

Here you are invited to a true African shopping experience. Ezulwini Craft Market is packed with woven baskets, beadwork and carvings. Your accommodation will be at Lugogo Sun.

Day 6: Swaziland – The Kingdom of the Zulu’s (360 Kms)

You will wake up to your Royal South Africa safari leisure breakfast. Today you will depart Swaziland for a drive into Zululand. A long the way you’ll pass traditional round huts and endless vistas.

You are expected to in Umfolozi area in mid-afternoon. The afternoon will be spent at leisure. Overnight on bed and breakfast will be at Protea Hotel Umfolozi River.

Day 7: Umfolozi – Lake St Lucia – Durban (475 Kms)

You will enjoy your breakfast in Umfolozi. Your Royal South Africa safari then enjoys a cruise on Lake St Lucia. This will be followed by a departure for Durban.

The drive goes through the lush KwaZulu-Natal coastline. You will arrive in Durban before lunch that is at cost. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel in Durban. For those flying out, a drop off at the airport will end this safari.

—— End of 7 Days Royal South Africa Safari ——

7 Days Royal South Africa Safari Costs:

What is included in the 7 Days Royal South Africa Safari?

• All road transfers as per the itinerary
• Airport transfers
• Transportation in an air-conditioned mini bus
• Professional guides that escort the tour
• Accommodation in midrange accommodation as per the itinerary
• Meals as per the program

7 Days Royal South Africa Safari excludes:

• Visa to South Africa and Swaziland
• All international and domestic flights
• Items of personal use
• Deviation from the above program
• Drinks and beverages

What to Carry on the 7 Days Royal South Africa Safari

• Sun glasses
• Light and some few heavy clothing
• Sun screen
• Insect repellant
• Hat
• Comfortable shoes

Other South Africa Safari Tours

• 3 Day Kruger National Park Safari
• 3 Day Garden Route Tour
• 4 Day Garden Route Tour
• 4 Day Affordable Garden Route South Africa Tour
• 14 Day South Africa Adventure
• 15 Days Best South African Safari
• 10 Days South African Flying Safari

7 Days Royal South Africa Safari Destinations

About Long Tom Pass

The somewhat mystical area of Long Tom Pass is one filled with beautiful mountain ranges – each with a story to tell, exciting outdoor activities that will keep the whole family on Royal South Africa safari entertained and captivated.

The Long Tom Pass gets its name from the Long Tom cannons used during the Anglo-Boer war. The original Long Tom Pass was a treacherous one of steep hairpin bends and hair-raising drops.

It was originally the route followed by pioneer wagon drivers transporting goods from Mozambique to Lyndenburg. The road tumbled over the so called Devil’s Knuckles, and many wagons were lost in this area as it was so dangerous.

Back in the old days, this road was a dangerous area where wild animals roamed freely and it was truly ‘the wild’. This coupled with the relentless mosquitoes made it a difficult journey and not one for the faint of heart.

Today however, as you travel on the new tarred road on the Royal South Africa safari, you will still see the old road twisting over its dangerous course but the danger is no longer present. This area is now rich in vegetation like eucalyptus and pine trees as far as the eye can see.

The scene on your Royal South Africa safari will be dominated by the peaks of Mount Anderson and Mauchsberg making it quite a beautiful route to drive along.

Misty Mountain is a 280 hectare South African Natural Heritage Site situated on the spectacular Long Tom Pass. Misty Mountain is uniquely set in mountainous countryside with majestic views across the escarpment and into the lowveld for those on Royal South Africa safari.

God’s Window

Situated on the Drakensberg escarpment in Mpumalanga is God’s Window. Just one look down on your Royal South Africa safari and you will begin to understand why it is called “God’s Window”.

With magnificent views, canyons, rock formations and waterfalls, God’s Window is truly an area of breathtaking scenic splendor. It is no wonder that Mpumalanga is known as Paradise Country.

Gods Window is so called for the panoramic view of the Lowveld more than 900 m down into lush indigenous forest clad ravine. The majestic cliffs plunge over 700 meters to the Lowveld and the private game reserves which have made the area one of South Africa’s main wildlife destinations.

God’s Window is a small part of a 250km long earthwork of sheer cliffs and extravagant beauty. Royal South Africa safari guests can observe the hills and forests as far as the eye can see. In fact, it seems as if one can see forever!

Viewing sites are provided along the length of the spectacular Blyde River Canyon including God’s Window, and there are numerous fantastic walks, hiking, horse and mountain bike trails.

From the parking area a very steep stepped footpath along the edge of the escarpment leads to the actual viewpoints.

For the best lookout points for those on Royal South Africa safari and exotic forest plants, steer away from the crowds and hike up into the clouds and the misty Rain Forest. Make sure you take a few refreshments along as it is very humid and an extremely steep and strenuous walk.

God’s Window and Graskop are perfect en-route stopping points for those on Kruger National Park safari.

St Lucia Wetlands

The Greater St Lucia Wetlands is a truly remarkable conservation area, and includes a substantial marine reserve. The park is centered on Lake St Lucia, separated from the ocean by a line of dunes, covered in forest vegetation, that tower to 200 meters in height. The lake and dune barrier form two of the five ecosystems that comprise the park.

The others are the marine, which includes the beaches and the coral reefs, the most southerly in the world; the swamps and wetlands at the north of the lake; and the dry western shore of the lake, which has bushveld as well as the rare sand forest.

There is a huge variety of animal life within the park for Royal South Africa safari guests. From larger water-dwellers such as hippos and whales, to the smaller species of antelope and a huge variety of birdlife, making this one of the best bird watching destinations in South Africa.

Lake St Lucia is home to more than 800 Hippos, 1200 Nile Crocodiles and an abundance of birdlife. This is also the largest estuarine system in Africa.

155 Various fish species have been recorded within the Lake system, of which 70 species use the lake as a nursery. 24 of these species have a fundamental importance in the marine fisheries.

Numerous wildlife may be encountered and witnessed by those on Royal South Africa safari along the banks of Lake St Lucia and may include the likes of Elephant, Water Buck, Nyala, Reed Buck, Leopard, Kudu, Impala, and Duiker.

Unbelievably more than 50% of all of the water birds in KwaZulu Natal roost, nest, and feed from the estuary. Lake St Lucia supports 6000 to 17000 birds over a period of a year.

Ezulwini Valley

Ezulwini Valley is Eswatini’s (Swaziland’s) main tourist area offering a wealth of attractions. Ezulwini means ‘place of heaven’, and offer Royal South Africa safari guests panoramic valley that bears this name certainly offers its share of hedonistic delights.

This is where tourism in Swaziland began, and today its attractions include hotels, restaurants, hot springs, casinos, craft markets, art galleries, riding stables, a nature reserve, a golf course and a cultural village.

Most visitors pass this way, and those who spend just one night in the kingdom will probably spend it here.

Ezulwini Valley lies directly south east of Mbabane, extending from the bottom of the Malagwane Hill to Lobamba, and runs parallel with the MR3 highway from Mbabane to Manzini. It is flanked to the west by the craggy Luphohlo/Lugogo Mountains and to the east by the sacred Mdzimba mountains.

Its development as a tourist centre dates back to the 1960s, when the Royal Swazi Spa Hotel opened beside some natural hot springs known as the Cuddle Puddle, bringing with it southern Africa’s first casino.

By 1983, Ezulwini had become the country’s Golden Mile, with a proliferation of hotels, casinos, golf courses, restaurants and other tourist honey pots.

Times have changed, however, and the Valley – once famed for its colourful nightlife – is now better known for its fine family-friendly hotels, and natural and cultural attractions. And while its lights may be bright by Swati standards, the developments are still dwarfed by their picturesque backdrop.

Today visitors can still stay at top-end hotels, or choose from plentiful guesthouses, chalets and backpacker hostels. Eating out options range from the renowned Calabash Restaurant, to international cuisine at the Gables shopping centre, with no shortage of cafés and takeaways for the budget conscious.

The Ezulwini Valley offers Royal South Africa safari guests a wealth of options for that quintessential Swazi gift. At the Ezulwini Craft Market – Eswatini’s largest, with some 126 different stalls – you will find everything from wooden carvings, plates and beadwork to jewellery, textiles and traditional garments.

The Mantenga Craft and Lifestyle Centre nearby offers similar fare, plus an opportunity to nip round the back and watch the artisans in action. For lovers of contemporary art, the Yebo Art Gallery and Design Studio hosts regular exhibitions. Gables provides standard ‘mall shops’.

Where to Stay on 7 Days Royal South Africa Safari

Protea Hotel Wanderers

Situated within the grounds of Wanderers Club, this 4-star hotel features an in-house gym and outdoor pool with sundeck. Royal South Africa safari guests also have access to the Wanderer’s Club facilities.

Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Wanderers offers well-appointed rooms with a flat-screen satellite TV. The en-suite bathrooms come with a separate bath and shower.

Protea Hotel by Marriott Wanderers Restaurant serves Royal South Africa safari guests a rich breakfast buffet daily. In the evening à la carte specialities, including mixed grill and smoked salmon, are offered. A 24-hour Deli Bar is on site.

Guests can work out at the in-house gym complimentary or Planet Fitness at the Wanderers Club for a fee. The club includes a golf course, and a tennis court. Younger guests can join the Kid’s Club at the Wanderers Club.

Misty Mountains Lodge

Misty Mountain is situated on the Long Tom Pass, between Sabie and Lydenburg on the Panorama Route and close to Kruger National Park. The lodge has a restaurant, pub and kid’s playground.

The studios and family units come with en suite bathrooms, log fires and private verandas with stunning views.

Facilities and services offered to Royal South Africa safari guests include a guest lounge with a TV, a games room, a gift shop and free WiFi.
There is also a concierge and room services, while babysitting can be arranged in advance.

Activities for guests on Royal South Africa safari on site include bird-watching, walking trails, mountain bike trails, guided quad biking and trout fishing. The lodge is located 24 km from Sabie and 31 km from Lydenburg.

Perry’s Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel

The location of Perry’s Bridge Hollow puts Royal South Africa safari guests in a natural, subtropical surrounding while still being central to a host of attractions and activities. The Kruger National Park is a mere 10 minute drive and the breath-taking vistas of the Panorama Route are on your doorstep.

Royal South Africa safari guests will experience a ‘Big 5’ safari, elephant embraces at Elephant Whispers, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Blyde River Canyon during an easy drive from Perry’s Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel.

The Lugogo Sun Hotel

The Lugogo Sun Hotel in Swaziland is a convenient resort that is well-equipped and offers an attractive accommodation option for families, as well as corporate travellers.

The Lugogo Sun Hotel Swaziland is part of a large chain Sun International which ensures staff are friendly and trained to make Royal South Africa safari guest’s visits as comfortable as possible.

Swaziland is home to the most beautiful and verdant valley the resort comprising a trio of hotels which are part of Sun International. They are the 5-star Royal Swazi, the Ezulwini Sun, and the Lugogo Sun.

These three hotels are a short distance apart from each other, which makes it ideal for events, including large conventions, banquets, and international golf championships.

Protea Hotel Umfolozi River

Offering an outdoor pool and restaurant, Protea Hotel Umfolozi River is located in Mtubatuba, just off the N2 highway. Attractions for Royal South Africa safari guests in the area include the Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park and Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve.

Each room here will provide you with air conditioning, tea-and-coffee making facilities and satellite TV. Featuring a bath or shower, the private bathrooms also comes with free toiletries. A hairdryer is also available. Royal South Africa safari guests can enjoy garden views.

Protea Hotel Umfolozi River has 24-hour front desk, a garden and a bar. Other facilities offered at the property include meeting facilities, luggage storage and an ironing service.