- South Africa Private Tours
- South Africa and Eswatini: Safaris, Kingdoms and Battlefields with Victoria Falls Extension - Private Tour
From breathtaking landscapes to vibrant local traditions, this tour offers a deep dive into the heart of Southern Africa. Explore Johannesburg’s apartheid landmarks, enjoy thrilling safaris in Kruger and Hluhluwe, and experience the unique culture of the Swazi people. Visit stunning natural wonders like Blyde River Canyon and the UNESCO-listed Lake Saint Lucia Estuary, while discovering the rich history of the Zulu wars.
Travel to Zimbabwe and witness the awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur of the 'Smoke that Thunders' on this extension to Victoria Falls; one of the world's most sensational natural wonders.
Dinner
Arrive in Johannesburg and meet your local guide, who will accompany you throughout your journey. Begin your exploration with a visit to Soweto, South Africa’s largest township and an iconic symbol of the fight against apartheid. Explore landmarks such as the Hector Pieterson Museum, Vilakazi Street, Walter Sisulu Square, and the unforgettable Soweto Towers. Dive into South Africa’s history at the Apartheid Museum, where you’ll walk through powerful exhibits that tell the rise and fall of apartheid. In the evening, indulge in a traditional South African Boma dinner at the Indaba Hotel, trying game meat and Afrikaner flavours, all accompanied by the rhythm of marimba music.
If you are arranging your own international flights, free airport transfers are available and included in the price. Transfers need to be booked with us at least two weeks before the tour starts and you will need to provide your inbound and outbound flight details.
Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast, head out on a scenic drive to Kruger National Park, stopping in the picturesque village of Dullstroom. Known for its fly-fishing dams and charming shops, Dullstroom is a hidden gem surrounded by lush countryside, your next stop will be the Blyde river canyon – a 26km canyon, the third largest canyon in the world. You will have the chance to try South Africa's moonshine, witblitz, for a true taste of local culture. Continue your adventure towards Kruger, your gateway to Africa’s incredible wildlife.
Breakfast & Dinner
Rise early for a full-day safari in Kruger, one of Africa’s largest game reserves, spanning nearly 19,000 square kilometres. This is the place where Africa’s 'Big Five'—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—roam freely. Kruger is home to over 12,000 elephants, 27,000 African buffalo, and 1,000 leopards, not to mention a staggering 147 mammal species and 500 species of birds. Keep your camera ready as you enjoy an unforgettable day in one of the world’s premier wildlife destinations.
Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast, head towards the enchanting kingdom of Swaziland. Before crossing the border, visit the Matsamo Cultural Park and immerse yourself in the traditions of the Swazi people. Upon arrival in Swaziland, head through the mountains toward Ngwenya, with a stop at the Ngwenya Glass Factory to witness the artistry behind beautifully crafted glass pieces. Head to your hotel for the evening, where you can relax and enjoy a delicious dinner while sharing stories and discussing the incredible wildlife you've encountered throughout the journey.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Explore the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, where you’ll have a guided nature walk. This pioneering conservation area is home to diverse wildlife and stunning views, ideal for walking safaris. Continue to the Duma Zulu Cultural Village, where you’ll experience the vibrant culture of the Zulu people through traditional music, dance, and storytelling, giving you a true taste of their rich heritage.
Breakfast & Dinner
Today, set out on a safari in Hluhluwe Game Reserve, the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa. Known for its exceptional wildlife, including the endangered African wild dog, Hluhluwe offers a wealth of opportunities for wildlife spotting. Later, head to St. Lucia, a small town within the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a boat cruise on the Lake Saint Lucia Estuary, where you’ll encounter hippos, crocodiles, and grazing antelope, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the park’s pristine waterscapes.
Breakfast & Dinner
Travel to the historical town of Dundee, where you’ll step back in time at the Talana Museum, a treasure trove of South African history. With 23 buildings showcasing the country’s significant milestones—from war and mining to agriculture and industry—you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of South Africa's heritage.
Breakfast & Dinner
Today, step back in time with the poignant history of the Zulu Wars, with visits to two of the most iconic and significant battlefields in South Africa. Begin your journey at Isandlwana, the site of the remarkable Zulu victory over British forces in 1879. Standing on this hallowed ground, you'll learn about the fierce and pivotal battle that altered the course of history. Continue to the Blood River battlefield, where the tragic events of December 1838 unfolded, resulting in the death of over 3,000 Zulu warriors. The river, stained red with the blood of those fallen, gives the battle its haunting name and serves as a stark reminder of the conflict's brutality. These historical sites provide a powerful and emotional glimpse into South Africa's complex past, allowing you to reflect on the struggles, bravery, and sacrifice that shaped the nation's history.
Breakfast & Dinner
Today you head to the Drakensberg Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the Royal Natal National Park. Surrounded by stunning hill landscapes, tumbling waterfalls, and scenic walking trails, this area marks the beginning of the Orange River’s journey westward across the country. Get lost in the natural beauty of this region, which offers some of the best hiking and panoramic views in South Africa.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Moving on to Durban, where you’ll stay at the beloved Blue Marlin Hotel in Scottburgh, a coastal retreat with a rich history. Relax at this perfect seaside spot, which offers direct access to the beach and is ideal for whale watching. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the stunning scenery of KwaZulu Natal's South Coast.
Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe via Johannesburg. You will be met by a representative and taken to your hotel to settle in. Early this evening, enjoy a sundowner during a sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River before returning to your hotel for the evening.
Breakfast
This morning, depart your hotel for a tour of the falls. Your guide will accompany you to the various vantage points where the finest views can be appreciated whilst educating you on how the falls were formed and the local customs and traditions surrounding them. Later, return to your hotel to relax.
Breakfast
Enjoy your day at leisure to explore Victoria Falls or opt for a cross-border excursion to Botswana’s Chobe National Park, renowned for its large population of elephants and rich diversity of wildlife - enjoy a morning game-viewing boat cruise along the Chobe River, where antelope, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife gather (payable locally).
Breakfast
Transfer to Victoria Falls airport for your return flight to the UK.
If you are arranging your own international flights, free airport transfers are available and included in the price. Transfers need to be booked with us at least two weeks before the tour starts and you will need to provide your inbound and outbound flight details.
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The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. The schedules of the domestic airlines in country are subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least 3 blank pages.
South Africa visa requirements
British passport holders are not currently required to obtain a visa to travel to South Africa. This will be granted on arrival.
For clients travelling to South Africa with children under the age of 18: Children travelling with both biological parents must travel with:
• Valid passport of travelling parent and child • Visa, if required • Birth certificate listing both parents (note: these must be the original documents, or certified copies of the originals)
A child travelling with just one of the parents listed on his or her birth certificate must also present:
• Parental consent affidavit not older than 4 months or • Letter of special circumstances issued by director-general of home affairs in the event that a parent or parents are incapacitated or deceased, and no legal guardian has been appointed as yet.
For full details of requirements for travel to South Africa, please visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
We work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange your visa on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250 590 and quote 'Mercury Holidays'. When calling the Travel Visa Company, they will advise you of any changes to the fees or the procedure, they will also advise you of all information they will require in order to apply for the visa. We recommend you check with your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy prior to departure for the most up to date guidelines regarding these.
Zimbabwe visa requirements
British passport holders are required to obtain a visa to travel to Zimbabwe. For this extension you would require a single-entry visa, however if you are planning to partake in any optional activities that cross into Botswana or Zambia, we suggest getting a double-entry visa or a KAZA Visa. You can apply for an e-visa online prior to travel or you can purchase one upon arrival. If purchasing a visa upon arrival, please ensure you have the correct amount of cash as change isn't always available.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, early mornings, long days of driving, some days with lots of walking and includes some climbing of stairs and getting on and off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). Credit cards are widely accepted and ATM’s are available in most town/cities.
We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK. Some local banks will not change money back into Pound Sterling, so do not exchange too much. It is advisable to carry smaller note denominations as some outlets and vendors may not accept the larger notes.
The Zimbabwean dollar is no longer a valid currency, with all transactions currently conducted in US dollars ($). Only currency minted after 2006 will be accepted so be sure to have newer currency to avoid issues. We recommend having cash before you travel as credit card machines and ATM’s are available but unreliable.
As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels as well as American Express.
You will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry, any meals not included in the itinerary as well as drinks and any additional snacks. Approximately £300- £400 per person will be sufficient for the duration of the tour. It is a good idea to try and maintain a supply of small notes and change in the local currency for tipping or small purchases.
Tipping
It is customary to tip both your driver and guide. We would recommend tipping your guide and driver approximately £6 per person per day in total and £6 (150ZAR) per person per day for the ranger. It is customary to tip your guides/rangers/drivers at the end of your time with them. Tipping for restaurants (recommended 10%) and the porters at your hotels will be at your discretion and done on-site. Tips are accepted in the local currency, US dollars, Euros and British pounds for the guides/rangers/drivers however for waiters, porters etc, please tip in local currency.
This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival by your national guide who will remain with you for the duration of the tour, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times. In Hoedspruit and Kruger, you will have a Ranger who will be taking you on your safari. Due to the capacity of the safari vehicles, the group may be split with each vehicle having their own ranger.
Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location or character, and can range from business hotels to leisure hotels or lodges. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist compared to what you might expect in the UK. Scheduled power outages, commonly referred to as load shedding, can be a common occurrence in South Africa. While most hotels and lodges are equipped to mitigate the effects of load shedding, ensuring that your comfort and convenience are maintained to the best of our ability, it's important to acknowledge that not all establishments may be fully functional during these times. As a result, you may experience temporary disruptions to certain amenities such as air-conditioning, television services, the operation of electric kettles, etc. The hotels/lodges and your guide however, will do their utmost to minimize any impact on your stay. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs
Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Lunch and dinner where stated will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotels. International meals will also be available.
On your arrival you will be met by a representative from our local agent, African Eagle, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/African Eagle representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your national guide will be on hand 24 hours a day should you have any queries.
If you need to contact your representative during your stay the details are:
African Eagle: Telephone Number 0027 82 325 0201 E-mail duty@ae.co.za
Emergency contact information: Please find below the emergency contact details for African Eagle 24 hour: 002782 325 0201 or 00278 1039 2847
