Night 1
See Tripadvisor ReviewsThe Aviator Hotel in Johannesburg
The Aviator Hotel is a comfortable lodge near the airport in Johannesburg, offering a nice pool and well-equipped rooms.
An unforgettable journey through four countries of Southern Africa
Dive deep into the beauty of Southern Africa, from the shores of Mozambique to the safari reserves of South Africa on the Ultimate Southern Africa Adventure Tour.
The Ultimate Southern Africa Adventure Tour shows you the best of South Africa, Mozambique, eSwatini, and Lesotho. You’ll stay in friendly villages like Malealea that still follow traditional ways of life and explore busy cities like Maputo and Durban that combine old and new. Hike high into the mountains of Northern Drakensberg and drive deep into Royal Natal National Park.
The Ultimate Southern Africa Adventure Tour shows you the legendary wildlife of the region, with game drives through renowned Kruger National Park and Hlane Royal National Park. You’ll cruise across estuaries and bright blue coves near Kosi Bay and pick and choose individualized activities to make the tour your own. The Ultimate Southern Africa Adventure Tour is an exhilarating chance to see why Southern Africa is a must-visit.
Welcome to South Africa! Once you and your family arrive at the airport in Johannesburg, you’ll be met by your guide and taken to the hotel. The rest of the evening is yours to do as you please.
The first full day of your tour of Southern Africa begins with a departure to Lesotho. You’ll stop in Parys along the way for a cup of great coffee and a chance to stretch your legs in this artsy town before continuing on. Then, you’ll have another break in Ladybrand for lunch, and finally, finish the trip at your hotel for the evening.
Today’s going to be an adventurous one! After breakfast, you’ll be treated to an intimate tour of Malealea, a small town nestled near the Maloti Mountains. Enjoy meeting the women who brew beer in their huts, the men working the fields, the children at school, all as their authentic selves. A stop at the Basotho cultural museum is also included. Then, the afternoon takes you up to the top of Pitseng Gorge for a hike with expansive views.
Day 4 of your 4 countries tour takes you back over the border into South Africa, where you’re headed for Northern Drakensberg. This region has stunning mountain scenery, and you’ll get a peek at them upon entry to Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The Maluti Mountains tower above while you explore unique rock formations closer to the ground, like the Brandwag Buttress. After enjoying the park, it’s off to the hotel for the evening.
After breakfast, it’s off to Royal Natal National Park, a place renowned for its scenery. Mountains dominate this incredible nature reserve, and you’ll be able to spend the day choosing some trails that suit your fitness level to enjoy them. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to enjoy the pool and relax.
Durban is a beautiful, beach-clad city and KwaZulu-Natal’s tourist hub. You’ll visit Moses Mabhida Stadium where there’s a skycar that provides a birds-eye view of the city. Then, get your taste buds ready for a foodie walking tour of the city! Gelato, curry, local produce, and gin are all on the menu. Finally, it’s off to the hotel for the rest of the night.
Day 7 of your tour of Southern Africa begins with a drive towards Kosi Bay, a picturesque seaside area on the Indian Ocean. First, you’ll make a pit stop in St. Lucia, where a boat will be waiting to whisk you across the gorgeous estuary. Once you’ve made it to Kosi Bay, you’ll set up camp for the next two nights and enjoy the beach.
Kosi Bay deserves a day of its own, so today is free for you to do as you please. Some of the available activities in the area include fishing, snorkelling, boat cruises, hiking, birding, and loggerhead turtle tours. Have fun!
Welcome to Mozambique! The road into the country passes through an elephant reserve, so keep your eyes out the window and you might see some of the gentle giants. Then, it’s across Africa’s longest bridge and to the town of Bilene. This beachy resort town boasts an idyllic white-sand coastline dotted by flamingoes. You’re free to do as you please here today, whether it be quad biking, a visit to Wimbi Beach, deep-sea fishing, snorkelling, diving, horseback riding, or turtle safaris.
One day simply isn’t enough in Bilene, so enjoy one more chance to take advantage of the town and its activities however you prefer.
The next leg of your African tour heads towards Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. Here, you’ll enjoy lunch at one of the wonderful restaurants, stroll along to enjoy the Portuguese colonial architecture, and visit the incredible railway station built by Gustave Eiffel (yes, that Eiffel!). Then, you’ll spend the evening enjoying the bustling market before heading back to the hotel for the night.
Time to knock another country off the list! You’ll cross the border into the Kingdom of Swaziland, recently renamed eSwatini, first thing in the morning. You’ll head into Hlane Royal National Park, which is home to lion, elephant, leopard, white rhino, vultures, and more. Enjoy a 2-hour guided walking tour before dinner. In the evening, you have the option of enjoying a sunset game drive complete with a cocktail!
Kruger National Park is South Africa’s most renowned game reserve. One of the most exciting parts is the ‘Southern Circle’, where rhinos and lions frequent. This is exactly where you’re headed today! First, you’ll spend some time at the Hlane Umphakatsi, which is a unique group that practices the rural Swazi way of life. You’ll tour their homestead, learn about their culture, and try some of their crafts. Afterwards, it’s on to Kruger for a game drive while en route to camp.
Today’s morning is nice and relaxed. After breakfast, you’re welcome to enjoy some siesta time at camp, and then you’ll head out for a sunset game drive. What a treat!
Today is all about the animals that call Kruger home. You’ll enjoy morning, afternoon, and sunset game drives.
The next portion of your Southern Africa adventure takes you to Lowveld, an area that lies between Mozambique and the Mpumalanga region of Drakensberg. It’s known for its lovely subtropical climate, abundant wildlife, and a neat old gold rush town. You’ll enjoy a game drive on the way out of Kruger and then enjoy the facilities once you arrive at the lodge. Cocktails at a lookout point await.
First thing in the morning, you’ll depart for Nelspruit to visit the Chimp Eden Jane Goodall Institute. This 1,000 ha game reserve and chimpanzee sanctuary is the perfect place for a tour. Then, it’s on to the town of Kaapschehoop, where wild horses roam! This interesting little town is full of galleries and artists, so it’s worth taking some time to explore before lunch. You can also walk out to a nearby escarpment for a view of the plunging Baberton Valley, where you can see all the way to Mozambique on a good day. Legend has it, ghosts frequent the area. Four countries later, it’s time to leave Southern Africa. You’ll end the day with a drive to the airport- safe travels home!
This guided tour of Southern Africa is always run as a private tour for your group only and the price depends on the size of your group.
Prices below are per person:
Please note that the pricing might change depending on the availability and the group size
This tour is based in 3 & 4-star hotels and safari lodges. The hotels offer comfortable rooms that often have ensuite bathrooms. Rooms are double occupancy, and single travellers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of $475USD to have a private room in a hotel. Contact us and we can try and match single travellers up where possible.
The Aviator Hotel is a comfortable lodge near the airport in Johannesburg, offering a nice pool and well-equipped rooms.
The Malealea Lodge is like an oasis in the bush, with wonderful hosts and cozy accommodations.
This lodge offers an array of rooms, from camping spots to deluxe ensuite rooms. There is a great outdoor pool, a hot tub, a bar, and a restaurant onsite.
Garden Court offers a contemporary, clean design, free WiFi, a gym, and more. It’s located close to a shopping and food centre.
This camp has a charming beach lodge atmosphere and great proximity to the Isimangaliso Wetland Reserve, making it a breeze to enjoy the local attractions.
This beach club has incredible activities and amenities, including two pools, direct beach access, banana boat rides, bike rentals, and more.
This comfortable hotel has modern, clean ensuite rooms and a nice pool. It’s close to the beach and offers air conditioning and WiFi.
This campsite has cozy huts, wonderful scenery, and friendly staff.
This rest camp has a lovely setting, nice facilities, and a pool.
Muluwa Lodge has a spectacular view over the nearby valley, extra-long beds, walk-in showers, and spacious rooms.
16 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 4 dinners are included, as well as cocktails on day 16.
Accommodation for 16 nights is included.
Personal and luggage transfer to and from the airport is included, as well as transportation throughout the tour.
How hard is the Ultimate Southern Africa Adventure Tour?
We rate this tour as a 1 / 5. The included excursions are not physically demanding, and the optional add-on excursions can be relaxed or demanding depending on what each guest desires.
Do I need a visa to travel to South Africa, Mozambique, Lesotho, or eSwatini?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Ultimate Southern Africa Adventure Tour?
16 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 4 dinners are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, you will need to acquire travel insurance, and you may need insurance that covers various activities if you wish to add optional excursions. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Johannesburg to start this tour?
You can fly into OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, where you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel by your guide.
Is the Ultimate Southern Africa Adventure Tour guided?
Yes, you will have an English-speaking guide for the duration of the tour.
Where does the Ultimate Southern Africa Adventure Tour end?
The tour ends in Johannesburg, where you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Are equipment rentals included?
Basic camping equipment like tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, and pillows are provided. Please bring any other personal equipment desired.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to South Africa, Mozambique, Lesotho, or eSwatini?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for South Africa, Mozambique, Lesotho, or eSwatini?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to South Africa for this tour?
The Ultimate Southern Africa Adventure Tour is available from January to the end of October. The best time to visit Southern Africa for this tour is any time outside of the wet season (November through April), when torrential rains can make travel difficult in certain regions.
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
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58 total ratings, 0 with reviewsStephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
We rate this tour as a 1 / 5. The included excursions are not physically demanding, and the optional add-on excursions can be relaxed or demanding depending on what each guest desires.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
South Africa, Namibia, Botswana
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