Mpumalanga

Traveling from Johannesburg through Mpumalanga to Kruger National Park is one of South Africa’s most scenic and rewarding road trips. The journey takes you from the bustling urban center of Johannesburg into the heart of Mpumalanga's lush landscapes and ultimately to one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. The drive typically follows the N12 and N4 highways eastward, passing through charming towns like Machadodorp, Lydenburg (Mashishing), and Mbombela (Nelspruit). Along the way, you can enjoy panoramic views, waterfalls, and mountainous terrain, especially as you enter the Lowveld region.

Kruger National Park

On arrival in Kruger after checking into your hotel, we then embark on a Sunset safari at Kruger National Park. A sunset safari at Kruger National Park offers a magical and unforgettable experience as the African bush comes alive with the golden hues of dusk. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, you’ll set out in an open safari vehicle with an experienced guide, venturing into the wilderness during one of the most active times for wildlife. The cooler evening air often brings out nocturnal animals such as leopards, hyenas, owls, and civets. You may also see elephants, lions, and antelope moving about in the fading light. The safari usually includes a stop to enjoy the sunset with refreshments, allowing you to take in the sounds and sights of the bush as day turns into night.

Kruger National Park

Day 2 sees us doing a Full day safari in Kruger National Park. A full-day safari in Kruger National Park is the ultimate way to immerse yourself in the vast wilderness and diverse wildlife of South Africa’s most famous game reserve. From sunrise to sunset, you’ll journey through a variety of landscapes—open savannas, riverine forests, and watering holes—each offering a unique chance to spot the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Guided by expert rangers in an open 4x4 vehicle, you’ll learn about the park’s intricate ecosystems, track animals, and witness thrilling wildlife interactions. The day typically includes multiple breaks at rest camps or picnic spots, where you can stretch your legs and enjoy meals in the heart of nature. Spending an entire day in the park increases your chances of extraordinary sightings, from herds of elephants and grazing giraffes to predators on the hunt. Every hour brings something new.

Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

Visit Blyde River Canyon to see God's Window, Bourkes Luck Potholes, Three Rondavels and Lisbon Falls. A visit to the Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga is a highlight of any journey through South Africa, offering some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country. As the third-largest canyon in the world and one of the greenest, it is home to a series of natural wonders that captivate every traveler. Start at God’s Window, where you can gaze out over vast forested ravines and cliffs that stretch toward the horizon—on a clear day, you can even see as far as Mozambique. Next, marvel at the Bourke’s Luck Potholes, where centuries of swirling water have carved unique cylindrical rock formations at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur Rivers. Continue to the iconic Three Rondavels, offering panoramic views over the canyon and the Blyde Dam far below. Finally, stop at Lisbon Falls, one of South Africa’s highest waterfalls, where water plunges over 90 meters into a lush gorge.

Mpumalanga

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast in Kruger National Park, begin your journey westward toward Mbombela (Nelspruit), the vibrant capital of Mpumalanga. This scenic drive winds through lush Lowveld landscapes, with rolling hills, banana plantations, and occasional wildlife sightings along the roadside. From Mbombela, continue your route through the heart of Mpumalanga, passing charming towns like Machadodorp and Belfast. As you ascend back onto the Highveld, the scenery shifts dramatically—wide open grasslands and dramatic cliffs welcome you back to urban civilization. Arrive in Johannesburg by late afternoon or evening, where your incredible 15-day adventure across South Africa comes to a close—full of unforgettable memories, diverse landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and extraordinary wildlife encounters.