KRUGER BIG FIVE
Our journey begins in Johannesburg, the centre of so much of South Africa's ancient as well as recent history and we take the opportunity to visit the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site before starting our journey. Heading east into the Transvaal through spectacular mountain scenery we reach Kruger, arguably South Africa's greatest reserve. The huge gamelands here are the size of Israel and home to most of Africa's animal species (including the ?Big Five?) as well as excellent birdlife. We'll make extensive game drives hoping to see rhino, lion, cheetah, giraffe and elephant.

TSHUKUDU & MLILWANE
We continue our viewing at Tshukudu game reserve where we also have the opportunity for a very close wildlife encounter with a visit to the lion and cheetah wildlife rehabilitation centre and breeding projects. Next it's on to the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland and the wildlife sanctuary of Mlilwane. Here, antelope walk freely amongst the grass-huts and it is possible to walk anywhere in the sanctuary. There's time for optional activities and also the chance to visit a local school to gain an insight into the very traditional Swazi kingdom.

MOZAMBIQUE & ST. LUCIA WETLANDS
Next we head to the remote coastal area of Ponto-do-Ouro in Southern Mozambique where we have the remarkable opportunity to take a boat launch with the aim of seeing bottle-nosed dolphins in their natural habitat (weather permitting). There is also time for relaxing on the beach and for visiting an elephant park before we head back into South Africa to Greater St. Lucia to explore the scenic wetlands and Cape Vidal. There's the opportunity to take a boat up the St. Lucia River watching for hippo or crocs or even take an exciting night game-drive before we return to Johannesburg via the rural area of Howick.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join Johannesburg; visit Cradle of Humankind site. 2 Drive to Kruger via panorama route. 3 Game-viewing in Kruger National Park. 4 Game-viewing in Kruger; drive Tshukudu. 5 In Tshukudu Game Reserve; game-viewing and lion & cheetah project visit. 6 Game-viewing in Tshukudu; drive Marloth NP. 7 Drive Mlilwane in Swaziland; optional activities. 8 Game walk in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary; optional activities. 9 Drive to Ponto do Ouro in Mozambique. 10 In Ponto do Ouro, boat excursion and beach. 11 Drive to St. Lucia via Dumuzulu cultural village. 12 In St. Lucia; explore wetlands and Cape Vidal; optional activities. 13 Drive Howick; visit waterfalls and optional activities. 14 Drive to Johannesburg where tour ends.

Accommodation: 2nts chalet, 3nts bungalow, 2nts tented camp, 4nts guesthouse, 2nts beehive hut; 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 2 dinners included.
Transport: 4WD safari vehicle(s)/Boat/ On foot.
Comment: A magical opportunity to encounter some of the most famous gamelands and cultures of southern Africa as well as plenty of exciting optional activities and a unique chance to search for bottle-nosed dolphins in Mozambique. We aim to get off the beaten track in our 4WD vehicles and also on foot.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s) and some local guides.
Trip Reference: FZK