Price
Tour Details
Tour Starts: Nelspruit | TIME: 06:00am | ||
Tour Ends: | Johannesburg/Pretoria and OR Tambo Airport Vicinity | ||
Tour Price: | ZAR 7 500 per person sharing | Single Room | ZAR 8 500 |
Minimum Numbers: | 2 Travellers | ||
Meals: Bed and Breakfast | 2 Breakfasts | ||
Countries Visited: | South Africa, Eswatini |
Please note: All lunches and dinners are excluded, time has been allocated, however on the long driving days we won’t always have time to have a sit-down lunch at a restaurant but there will be a supermarket or takeaway options available to enjoy on the road.
What is Included and Excluded
Day | Overnight | Highlights Included/Optional Activities | ||
Day 1 | Eswatini – Hlane | Optional Activities at Hlane | ||
Day 2 | Eswatini - Mlilwane | Swazi Candles and Craft Market, Swazi Cultural Village | ||
Day 3 | Optional Activities at Mlilwane, Ngwenya Glass | |||
Price Includes | Price Excludes | |||
Collection / Drop-off at your address or airport | Meals not mentioned on the itinerary | |||
Air-conditioned SUV or mini-bus transportation | Optional extra activities | |||
Professional driver guide | Items of a personal nature | |||
Sites/Activities as per itinerary | Tipping/gratuity for drivers, guides, and waiters | |||
Meals as per itinerary |
Itinerary
Day 1 – Nelspruit to Hlane Royal National Park, Eswatini
After pick-ups, we begin our journey to the Kingdom of Eswatini. As we journey towards this unique and culturally rich nation, you'll have the opportunity to take in the stunning scenery and prepare for the adventures that await.
Hlane is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, and more. Upon arrival, we'll check into our accommodations, situated amidst the picturesque wilderness of Hlane Royal National Park. Enjoy lunch overlooking the waterhole seeing what wildlife will come down for a drink.
This afternoon you can participate in an optional afternoon bushwalk or sunset open jeep safari, taking in the sights and sounds of the African bush, exploring the natural beauty and wildlife of this unique and pristine region.
Day 1 Accommodation: | Hlane Royal National Park, Eswatini (Please note there is no electricity at Hlane) | |||
Room Type: | Ndlovu camp - wisteria village rondavels | Twin room with ensuite | ||
Meals: | (included) | Lunch (own cost) | Dinner (own cost) | |
Included Highlights: | ||||
Optional Activities: | Sunset Safari | |||
Route: | Nelspruit to Hlane (±200km) BORDER CROSSING | |||
Day 2: Hlane to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Eswatini
Good morning! Today promises to be another exciting day on our adventure through Eswatini. We'll rise early in time for optional activities, giving you the chance to immerse yourself in the incredible surroundings of Hlane Royal National Park.
One of our favourite activities is tracking rhinos on foot, an exhilarating experience that allows you to witness these incredible creatures up close and personal. Alternatively, you can participate in a rhino drive, which is 80% driving and 20% on foot. No matter which option you choose, you're sure to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience in this incredible national park.
After breakfast, we'll depart for our next destination - Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Along the way, we'll visit a candle factory and various artists studios, giving you the opportunity to explore the rich culture and artistic traditions of this unique region.
Upon arrival in Mlilwane, we'll overnight in beehive huts, a truly authentic African experience. In the afternoon, we visit an authentic Eswatini Cultural village, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and learn more about the traditional way of life.
Day 2 Accommodation: | Ezulwini Valley, Eswatini | |||
Room Type: | Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary | Beehive Hut with shared bathrooms | ||
Meals: | Breakfast (included) | Lunch (own cost) | Dinner (own cost) | |
Included Highlights: | Swazi candles of craft market, Swazi Cultural Village Experience | |||
Optional Activities: | 15:15-17:00, See Activities List | |||
Route: | Hlane to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (±100km) | |||
Day 3: Mlilwane to Johannesburg, South Africa
As our epic 3-day tour of Eswatini comes to an end, we have one final day to enjoy the stunning surroundings of Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. This morning, you have some time to explore this incredible sanctuary, and there are plenty of optional activities to choose from. If you're feeling adventurous, you can opt for a horseback safari, mountain biking, or a self-guided hike, all of which offer the chance to experience the breath-taking scenery and wildlife up close.
After our morning activities, enjoy a delicious brunch before making our way back to the city of Johannesburg. As we drive back, we'll reflect on the amazing experiences we've had over the past days.
We'll arrive in Johannesburg in the late afternoon, bidding farewell to our fellow travellers and the incredible region that has captured our hearts. This adventure has been an unforgettable journey through some of the most stunning landscapes, diverse cultures, and breath-taking wildlife that Africa has to offer, leaving us with memories that will last a lifetime.
Day 3 Last Day: | End of Tour | ||
Meals: | Breakfast (included) | Lunch (own cost) | Dinner (own cost) |
Optional Activities: | See Activities List | ||
Route: | Mlilwane to Johannesburg (±370km) BORDER CROSSING |
Optional Activities
Optional Activities Summary 2024
Optional Activities Detailed 2024
Optional Activities (These activities are operated by trusted 3rd party operators)
We understand that every traveller has unique interests and budgets when it comes to activities during a tour, which is why we offer a range of optional activities that are not included in your tour package. Our goal is to provide you with the flexibility to choose the activities that suit your preferences and budget, and to ensure that you have the best possible experience during your tour.
To help you plan and budget for your tour, we have provided a table with pricing information for the optional activities that are available. However, Weather conditions and other factors may impact the availability of certain activities during your tour, so we encourage you to speak with your guide, who will have local knowledge and experience, to help you make the best choices based on the conditions and your interests.
At the end of the day, our aim is to provide you with a personalized and unforgettable experience that meets your individual needs and preferences.
Please note:
- Optional activities are operated by lodges and/or trusted 3rd party operators
- Prices subject to change & availability
- Minimum numbers & weather permitting apply on certain activities
- Optional activities are bookable with your guide on tour or upon checking into the lodges
Country | Area | Minimum number | Activity | Day: Time
Summer/winter |
Rate Guideline (Per Person) |
Eswatini | Hlane | Min 2 | Guided Game or Bird Walks (±2 hours) | Day 1: Afternoon 15:00-17:00am | *From ZAR 270 – 540 |
Eswatini | Hlane | Min 2 | Sunset game drive (±2½ hours) | Day 1: Afternoon 16:00-18:30pm | *From ZAR 455 - 910 |
Eswatini | Hlane | Min 2 | Sunrise game drive (±2½ hours) | Day 2: Early Morning 05:00/06:00am | *From ZAR 455 – 910 |
Eswatini | Hlane | Min 2 | Rhino drive (±1½ hours) | Day 2: Morning 06:00/06:30am | *From ZAR 435 - 870 |
Eswatini | Mlilwane | Na | Horse Riding per hour | Day 3: Morning | ZAR 390 |
Eswatini | Mlilwane | Na | Mountain Biking per hour Guided | Day 3: Morning | ZAR 215 |
Eswatini | Mlilwane | Na | Mountain Biking per hour Self-Guided | Day 3: Morning | ZAR 155 |
Eswatini | Mlilwane | Min 2 | Guided Game or Bird Walks (±2½ hours) | Day 3: Morning | *From ZAR 270 |
Prices correct at time of publishing in December 2022, *minimum number applies
FAQs
Extra Information
Who Tours with us
Whether you're traveling alone, with your family, or creating unforgettable memories with your closest friends, a small group tour is an excellent option for a unique, customized travel experience. Please do inform us if you would prefer a private tour (additional rates may apply).
With daily/weekly departures, Footprints in Africa, together with its service providers, provides reasonably priced small group tours and transportation services, catering to groups of 2 to 10 people per vehicle. Private groups larger than 10 traveller’s welcome.
Our Rates
Tour rates may be negotiable depending on the tour and the time of year. It’s always worth asking if discounts or special rates are available, especially if you are booking a larger group or multiple tours.
Pre/Post Travel arrangements
If you need any accommodation or tours before or after your trip, please let us know when you make your booking. We can suggest some great places to stay and things to do in Johannesburg and Pretoria. To ensure a stress-free experience, we recommend arriving at least one day before your tour begins and making any onward travel arrangements for the day after the tour ends.
Please note
If you plan to fly out of OR Tambo International Airport on the last day of your travels, we suggest reserving a domestic flight that departs no earlier than 19h30 and an international flight that departs no earlier than 21h00. We will not be responsible for any delays or additional travel costs associated with onward arrangements made on the day the tour ends.
Collection / Drop off
We offer guests the convenience of being collected and/or dropped off from most Hotels or Addresses within Johannesburg, Pretoria city limits and in the vicinity of OR Tambo International Airport.
- Collection times will be provided upon booking
- Drop off times vary per itinerary
Passport and Visas
- Before embarking on any international travel, it's important to ensure that you have all the necessary documentation in order. We highly recommend that your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of your exit flight and that you have at least two blank pages per country you intend to visit.
- VISAS!!! It's important to note that if you are denied entry to a country for any reason, all additional costs or transportation to re-join the tour will be at your own expense. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.
- Additionally, certain border posts still require a printed-out Covid certificate with a QR code, so be sure to have this on hand when traveling.
Meals and Activities on Tour
Each Itinerary has its own meal plan and highlights/activities that are included, it’s important to read the itinerary carefully to see which are included or if they are for your own cost. Ask us for details should you not understand what’s included in the price.
After Hours Emergency Contact
We have an emergency number that is available after hours to receive calls in case of emergencies. We kindly request that you respect the purpose of this number and use it only in urgent situations. Examples of emergencies that warrant a call include situations such as missing your incoming flight, not being able to locate your guide on the morning of departure, or running late for your tour departure.
In case of an emergency, please call +27 83 302 1976. You can also reach us via WhatsApp.
Helpful hints for packing and what to bring
When packing for a safari in South Africa, it's important to pack light and only bring the essentials. Here are some items you might want to consider bringing:
- Comfortable and breathable clothing in neutral colours (e.g. khaki, beige, green) to blend in with the environment and avoid attracting insects.
- A lightweight rain jacket in the summer months (September-March). If you're traveling during the winter months (May to September), we suggest adding a tracksuit, beanie, scarf, gloves, and a warm fleece
- Sturdy closed-toe shoes or hiking boots for walking safaris.
- Insect repellent and Sun protection, including a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Binoculars and a camera with extra batteries and memory cards to capture the moments.
- Medications and first aid kit, including anti-malaria medication if necessary.
- A small backpack or daypack to carry essentials on game drives.
Remember to check with your safari operator for any specific packing recommendations or restrictions, and to pack in a soft-sided bag that's easier to store in safari vehicles.