Delve Deep: South Africa (Safari)

Stock up on snacks and plug in the AUX cord, we’re kick-starting the trip with an overland journey to Kruger National Park. Looking for the real South Africa? This is it. Before the day’s done, we’ll get our first taste of the great outdoors on a game drive. Hold up – is that an elephant? This is going to be a wild couple of weeks.

You wanted to delve deeper – so here’s two full days to soak up Kruger’s rolling grasslands and broad horizons. This place is home to 500 species of birds, 148 species of mammals, a variety of reptiles and the Big Five (obvs), so get ready for buffalos grazing, rhinos frolicking, lions hunting and elephants bathing. You packed your binoculars, right? Sing the ‘Circle of Life’ all the way back to camp before we swap safari stories over the campfire. This is livin’.

Dig into breakfast, then it’s back to the 4x4s for our second day of game driving. With our eagle-eyed safari guide at the wheel, you’re sure to spot more than a few animals doing their thing. Ready for another hundred ‘pinch me’ moments? We thought so. Tick off as many of the Big Five as you can before we head back to camp. Tonight, tuck into dinner with your trip mates under a star-studded sky. It really doesn’t get better than this.

We’ll get one last chance to lap up all the Lion King vibes on an included bush walk through Kruger before rolling into the kingdom of Swaziland. Taking the scenic route doesn’t get much better than our drive today. Cue: epic panoramic views. We’ll stop in at Blyde River Canyon for a jaw-dropping photo op. Then: it’s onto Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary we go. Flanked by the dramatic backdrop of mountains and stretches of forests, Mlilwane is what eco-dreams are made of.

Get a taste of traditional Swazi culture on an included Esitjeni village walk today. Wander around the perfectly crafted beehive huts, get to know the locals and receive an insight into day-to-day life in the community. Even opt to meet the village chief, if you want. Later, jump on board a sunset game drive for some I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E views over the mountain ranges or play ‘I spy’ on a sunset guided walk. SD cards full and tummies rumbling, tonight’s included dinner with the gang is gonna be filled with wildlife-spotting bragging rights. Bring it on.

After another group brekkie, the adventuring continues as we make tracks towards the coastal town of St Lucia. It may be small, but it is MIGHTY. Truthbomb, the ride’s a bit of a trek so get comfy. Master those card games. Swap stories with your travel fam. Make reels of the incred trip so far. Cos tomorrow, it’s a helluva day. At St. Lucia, fuel up at dinner and get some rest – we’ll be shipping out early.

Get pumped up with your trip mates ‘cos this morning we’ve got an included estuary cruise on the cards. Cue: frolicking hippos and lazy crocodiles hanging out on sandy river banks. Fun fact: the name hippopotamus comes from the Ancient Greek word ‘river horse’. True story. Then: we’re heading to Durban. Located on the KwaZulu-Natal coast, South Africa’s third largest city is buzzing with activities to sink your teeth into. And the best part? You’ve got plenty of free time to do just that. So go get it! Hire a surfboard and hit the beaches along the Golden Mile. With over 300 days of sunshine every year it’s the perfect place to work on your tan, go for a swim or learn to shaka like a pro. There’s even a cruise around the bay for even more wildlife spotting, if you want it. Tonight, get the gang together and head to Beach Bums for (you guessed it) beachside cocktails and delish food. Bliss.

Didn’t get to everything yesterday? DW, you’ve got another full day to do your own spontaneous this-is-what-I-came-for thing in Durban. Need some suggestions? Get on an optional tour of the Valley of 1000 Hills for epic views and an insight into the lives of the Zulu people. Or visit the largest mosque in the Southern Hemisphere on a guided tour of Juma Masjid. Epic doesn’t even cut it. And then there’s always more surfing, sunbaking, shopping or sampling the local foodie delights on offer too – trust us, you won’t be short on things to get up to. Tonight, dinner is on you but we hear the burgers at Surf Riders Café are pretty droolworthy.

Sling your stuff in the truck, we’re off to Drakensberg after breakfast. A mountain range that extends over 600 miles across South Africa, the Drakensberg is a truly awe-inspiring sight. Just like a 50c mixed bag, this place is filled with exactly what you want and need. Think: abundant wildlife, gorgeous flora and stunning scenery. Strap on those Nikes and treat your peepers to some amazing sights as we hike through the Royal Natal National Park. After an afternoon of exploring, we’ll bed down for the night surrounded by mountains and waterfalls in the heart of the African wilderness.

Make sure you get your fill at breakfast because today = exploring. Need some suggestions? Say hi to the Amphitheatre on an optional day hike. A five kilometre-long cliff face that looms dramatically over the national park – this one’s worth the sweat marks and burning calves. Trust us. Or ask your Trip Leader about the array of hikes in the area – Tugela Falls (the second-highest waterfall in the world) is just begging to be climbed. Later, kick back at your digs with a cold bevvie. You earned it.

Wave goodbye to Drakensberg – we’re rolling into the remote mountainous region of Lesotho. Once a hub for traders transporting goods through the treacherous mountain passes, Lesotho is THE place for all things outdoor activities. Use the drive hours to catch up on some zzzs and message the ‘rents – you’ll be too busy later.

Today is your day, 100% your way. Suggestions? Soak up all the nature vibes on a guided hike with a local expert. Hit the trails on a pony trekking or mountain biking experience. Discover a local way of life on a tour of Malealea village, then have all your questions answered at a Sangoma spiritual healing appointment. Or just head out and do your own thing. It’s your trip, after all. Whatever you choose, just be back in time for tonight’s included dinner with the fam.

South Africa, we meet again. No prizes for guessing what we’ll see at Mountain Zebra National Park when we roll in later today. Earn your stripes and jump aboard an optional 4x4 game drive – bet you haven’t seen a sunset like this before. After setting up camp, get stuck into dinner with your trip mates surrounded by the tranquility of the African wilderness. Bliss.

From one African local to another – don't say we don't spoil you. Home to over 350 elephants brought back from the brink of extinction, today we'll have the chance to meet Dumbo and his friends on an included 4x4 sunset game drive through the park. Want more? There's a nighttime experience on offer too. Grab your headtorch and get out there – this is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Trust us.

Say one jumbo-sized goodbye to the elephants: today we’re rolling on to Storms River. Ready to get your adrenalin pumping? Not only does Storms River have a sick AF name, but it’s also got a bunch of awesome optional activities to get around. Check out the suspension bridge hanging just seven metres from the churning waters below, or paddle your way down the river in a kayak. Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of hiking trails to explore as well. Settle into Marilyn’s 60’s Diner for dinner tonight – where the cocktails are just as quirky as the décor – before we bunk down a short drive from the village.

Wakey wakey! Time to kick it to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world (no joke). On the way, we’ll hit up the Cango Caves with a local guide. This place is Africa's largest show cave system, so you know it’s gonna be impressive. Tonight, we’ll tuck into our last included dinner together – time to share your best ostrich facts. We’ll start: they’ve got three stomachs. Top that.

This morning we’re heading to Hermanus, a town that’s?famous for its whale and dolphin sightings. But first, we’ll make a pit stop at Cape Agulhas – Africa’s southernmost tip. Soak up the dramatic cliffside vibes before we put our palates to the test along the infamous R320 winery route. Hope you left room in your suitcase for a commemorative bottle (or two). We’ll unload the truck in the beachside town of Hermanus tonight. Take in all the rugged coastal views from the Hermanus Coastal Path, then head to Bientang’s Caves for de-licious seafood and whale watching!

Quick maths: this is our last day together. How the F did that happen? We’re wrapping things up in South Africa’s oldest city. Cape Town. Sticking around? We don’t blame you! From catching sunrise up Table Mountain to watching the penguins play at Seaforth Beach, and all the awesome coffee shops, street art and beachfront bars in between – this place has got it going on. What. an. unforgettable. trip.