Why book the Kruger eSwatini & Lesotho tour?
This 14-day small-group overland journey from Johannesburg to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) takes you through four distinct destinations in southern Africa: Kruger National Park for Big-5 game drives and the Panorama Route, the landlocked Kingdom of eSwatini for culture and wildlife at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Zululand for Hluhluwe-Imfolozi (one of Africa's last rhinoceros strongholds) and a St Lucia estuary boat cruise, the UNESCO-listed Drakensberg mountains, the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, and finally Addo Elephant National Park. It is a true overland adventure rather than a single-country fly-in, and no two days feel the same.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to southern Africa?
Yes. The tour is designed to show you the best of this corner of Africa without requiring any prior knowledge. You travel in a 12-seater Quantum vehicle with large windows optimised for wildlife viewing, accompanied by qualified crew who handle logistics, park entries, and local guides for activities. Highlights like the Panorama Route's Bourke's Luck Potholes and God's Window, the Mandela Capture Site, and a guided Drakensberg hike give you both nature and history.
What is the best time of year for this tour?
South Africa is a year-round destination. The dry winter months (May to September) offer excellent game viewing in Kruger as animals gather at water sources, and days are warm and sunny. Summer (October to March) brings lush greenery and birdlife but also some rain and higher humidity. Lesotho and the Drakensberg can be cold at altitude in winter nights, so pack accordingly. Tour departures run throughout the year.
How many countries does this tour cover?
The tour visits South Africa (Kruger, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Drakensberg, Eastern Cape), eSwatini (formerly Swaziland), and Lesotho. Crossing into two independent kingdoms within southern Africa gives the tour a genuinely multi-country feel, with different cultures, landscapes, and wildlife at each stop.
Why does this tour cost what it does?
We get it, you can find cheaper Africa tours floating around. This tour includes 13 nights of accommodation at comfortable lodges and permanent en-suite tented camps (including Nkambeni Safari Camp next to Kruger, Forest Lodge at St Lucia, Monks Cowl in the Drakensberg, and Malealea Lodge in Lesotho), a full-day 4x4 open-sided game drive in Kruger, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi game drive, St Lucia estuary boat cruise, a guided Drakensberg hike, all national park entrance fees, and all transport in a purpose-built 12-seater Quantum vehicle with large viewing windows. That is a lot of included content for 14 days.
What is actually included in the price?
Included: 13 nights accommodation at lodges and camps, all transport in a 12-seater Quantum-style vehicle, national park entrance fees for all parks visited, local guides for sightseeing and activities as per the itinerary, qualified crew throughout, and 13 breakfasts and 11 dinners.
What is NOT included and how much extra should I budget?
Not included: international flights, visa fees where applicable, travel insurance (mandatory), lunches (none are included, so budget for 13 midday meals on the road), drinks, snacks, tips for guides and drivers, and optional activities such as pony trekking in Lesotho, optional game drives in eSwatini, morning bush walks, or an evening game drive at Addo. Budget for these extras when planning your trip.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. You can reserve your place online with a deposit or hold a reservation without immediate full payment. Full payment is due 8 weeks before departure. Payment is accepted by credit or debit card (a processing fee applies), bank transfer, or cheque.
How physically demanding is this tour?
This is a moderate-activity overland tour. Game drives involve sitting in a vehicle for extended periods on rough tracks. The Drakensberg hike on Day 9 can be several hours long on mountain trails, and Lesotho involves a couple of hours walking on foot in high-altitude mountain terrain. The tour notes flag that bumpy roads can be uncomfortable for those with back problems. You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be reasonably fit and mobile.
What if I am older than the rest of the group?
Older travellers join this tour regularly. The game drives, boat cruise, and most sightseeing are accessible. The Drakensberg hike can be adjusted for different fitness levels within the group, so you are not locked into a pace that does not suit you. The one honest caveat is that long stretches of bumpy overland roads can be tiring, and Lesotho is at high altitude. If you have significant cardiovascular or joint concerns, speak with us before booking.
What if I have mobility issues or a medical condition?
The overland vehicle requires stepping up into the vehicle, and some accommodation is in tented camps with walking on uneven ground. If you have significant mobility restrictions, please contact us before booking so we can discuss what is and is not feasible. Travellers 65 and over are asked to complete a brief health questionnaire approximately 30 days before departure so we can ensure appropriate emergency planning.
Do I need malaria prophylactics?
The Kruger National Park region and parts of KwaZulu-Natal are in a malaria zone. You should consult your GP or a travel clinic before travelling to get current advice on prophylactics appropriate for the regions and your health profile. Long sleeves, mosquito repellent, and sleeping under nets where provided are also recommended.
Is South Africa safe to visit?
South Africa is a well-established tourist destination. The main areas on this itinerary, Kruger, the KwaZulu-Natal coast, and the Eastern Cape, are visited by many international travellers each year. Standard urban precautions apply in Johannesburg, where the tour starts and you may spend a pre-tour night. Check your national government's current travel advisories before departure and follow your crew's advice on ground.
Is it safe for women travelling solo?
Yes. Many solo female travellers join this tour. The small group setting means you are always with your crew and fellow travellers. Standard common-sense precautions apply, particularly in urban areas like Johannesburg, and your crew will advise on any location-specific considerations as you move through the route.
What happens if I get sick on tour?
Your crew carries a basic first-aid kit and has experience managing health issues on the road. Travel insurance with full medical cover and emergency evacuation is mandatory, as some areas of the route (Lesotho's mountain interior, remote Karoo) are a distance from major hospitals. Make sure your policy covers all activities including game drives and hiking.
Are the animals dangerous on game drives?
All game drives in open 4x4 vehicles are led by qualified local guides who follow park safety protocols. You stay in or very close to the vehicle at all times unless explicitly told otherwise. Kruger and Hluhluwe-Imfolozi are well-managed parks with experienced rangers. The risk from wildlife is managed, not eliminated, which is precisely what makes it a genuine safari.
What is the accommodation actually like?
Accommodation ranges from permanent en-suite safari tents to comfortable lodges. At Kruger you stay at Nkambeni Safari Camp, with 146 luxury timber-and-canvas tented suites featuring air conditioning, indoor and outdoor shower, and a pool overlooking a wildlife dam. At St Lucia you stay at Forest Lodge. In the Drakensberg you stay at Monks Cowl. In Lesotho you stay at Malealea Lodge, a well-regarded base in the mountains. In Graaff-Reinet the stay is at Profcon Resort, and the tour ends at Garden Court Kings Beach Hotel in Gqeberha.
What is Malealea Lodge in Lesotho like?
Malealea Lodge is a well-established travellers' base in the mountains of Lesotho, a country often called the 'Kingdom in the Sky' because no point in the country falls below 1,000 metres. It is a relaxed, community-connected property set against spectacular mountain scenery. Pony trekking excursions to waterfalls and Bushman paintings depart from here as optional extras.
Will I have Wi-Fi?
City hotels and larger lodges typically have Wi-Fi. In remote areas such as Malealea Lodge in Lesotho and the Nkambeni tented camp next to Kruger, connectivity may be limited or absent. Download what you need before heading into the bush.
Can I upgrade my accommodation?
The tour can be booked as a private departure with customised accommodation options. Contact the sales team to discuss alternatives. Room shares on this tour are not available, so solo travellers will need to add the single supplement.
What kind of food will we eat?
Breakfasts are provided at your accommodation each morning and dinners are included most evenings, covering a range of South African and international dishes. Lunches are not included in the tour price, so you buy these on the road. Local food highlights include South African braai (barbecue) evenings and various regional specialities as you move through different areas.
Can you cater for vegetarian vegan or gluten-free diets?
Let us know your dietary requirements when you book. Most lodges on the itinerary can accommodate vegetarian and vegan needs, though remote areas like Lesotho have more limited options. The more notice we have, the better prepared your crew and accommodation providers will be.
Is it safe to drink the water?
Tap water quality varies across the countries on this tour. Stick to bottled or filtered water throughout. A Water-to-Go filter bottle (use code ENCOUNTERS25 for a discount) is a practical way to stay hydrated while reducing single-use plastic.
Is this trip good for solo travellers?
Yes. Many solo travellers join this tour. The small group maximum (12 in the vehicle) means you quickly build friendships with your fellow travellers and crew. Note that room shares are not available on this tour, so a single supplement applies for solo travellers.
Do I have to share a room?
Unlike some tours where we try to match solo travellers together, room shares are not available on this tour. Solo travellers need to add the single supplement when booking.
What is the group size and who else will be on the trip?
The vehicle holds a maximum of 12 travellers, with a minimum of 4 to operate. This is a genuinely small group. Travellers come from all over the world, a wide age range, and a mix of solo travellers, couples, and friends.
Can I book this as a private tour?
Yes. Private charters are available on any date. This is particularly useful if you have a specific travel window that does not align with scheduled group departures. Extensions starting from Cape Town are also available, ask for details when you enquire.
Is this tour suitable for children?
There is no specified minimum age, but the tour is best suited to adults and older teenagers. Long days in the vehicle, remote accommodation in Lesotho, and the physical demands of the Drakensberg hike make it less suitable for young children. Contact us to discuss if you are travelling with young people.
Do I need a visa for South Africa eSwatini or Lesotho?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and are subject to change. Many nationalities (including British, US, Australian, and EU) do not require a visa for South Africa, eSwatini, or Lesotho for short tourist stays, but you should verify current requirements with the relevant embassies before travel. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your departure date.
What should I pack?
No hard Samsonite-style suitcases: use a soft backpack or holdall of up to 20kg plus a daypack. Wear dull, neutral colours (khaki, olive, brown, stone) for game drives. Avoid white, black, blue, and camouflage. Pack layers for cool Drakensberg and Lesotho mountain nights, swimwear for the Nkambeni pool, walking shoes with ankle support, sun hat, insect repellent, and sunscreen. A sleeping bag is useful for cooler nights.
Are any vaccinations required?
For South Africa, Hepatitis A is recommended. Malaria prophylactics are advisable for the Kruger region and parts of KwaZulu-Natal. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate may be required if you arrive from or transit through an infected area. Check with your GP or a travel clinic for up-to-date, personalised advice.
Do I need to book international flights through you?
No. International flights are not included. You fly into OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg (the tour starts from Johannesburg) and depart from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). The team can suggest flights if you ask.
What about tipping?
Tipping is part of southern African travel culture. For overland crew, a fair guide is a few dollars per person per day per guide. For specific activities (Serengeti or Masai Mara guides, park rangers), your crew will advise appropriate amounts in local currency. Tipping is always at your discretion and based on the quality of service.
Can I add pony trekking in Lesotho?
Yes. Pony trekking excursions from Malealea Lodge are available as a locally booked option. Options include a waterfall trek and a Bushman paintings trek. These operate with a minimum of 2 participants and are one of the most distinctive experiences on the whole route.
Can I do extra game drives in eSwatini?
Yes. Your crew can arrange optional game drives, hiking, or mountain biking activities in eSwatini on your free day. These are booked and paid locally.
Can I add extra time before or after the tour?
Yes. An extra night in Johannesburg pre-tour and an extra night in Gqeberha post-tour are available as bookable options through us, with airport transfers also available separately. Extensions starting from Cape Town are also possible, ask for details.
Can I do a sunrise Valley of Desolation excursion?
Yes. The Valley of Desolation sunrise visit in Graaff-Reinet is scheduled for Day 13 and is built into that day's itinerary. It gives you a panoramic view over the historic Karoo town and the wide plains below before heading to Addo.
How far ahead should I book?
This tour runs with a minimum of 4 travellers. Places fill across all seasons. Booking 3 to 6 months in advance is advisable to secure your preferred departure. Private charters can be arranged on more flexible timelines.
How does booking work?
Complete the online reservation form via the Dates and Prices tab. Pay a deposit, pay in full, or hold a reservation (full payment due 8 weeks before departure). You will receive a booking confirmation by email with full preparation details.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory. Your policy must cover personal accident and liability, medical expenses, emergency evacuation and repatriation, and travel delay and abandonment. For the Kruger region, ensure malaria-related medical cover is included. For Lesotho's high-altitude mountain terrain, check that emergency evacuation is covered. World Nomads Travel Insurance covers adventure activities and is one option worth considering.
What is your cancellation policy?
A sliding scale cancellation policy applies, with charges increasing closer to departure. Full details are in the booking conditions. Encounters Travel is UK-registered, and your funds are protected through Trust My Travel's insurance scheme.
What if my preferred dates are sold out?
Contact the team to join a waitlist or discuss a private charter on dates that suit you. Private tours run on any date with a flexible minimum group size.