Escorted Tours 2023-2024

Day 7: Swaziland to Hluhluwe B/D Enjoy a guided nature and wildlife walk at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. This small reserve is considered a pioneering conservation area where diverse habitats support a surprisingly extensive species list. Ideal for walking safaris, due to the absence of dangerous game, visitors can pass by herds of grazing antelope and soak up the striking views of the region. Continue on to the DumaZulu Cultural Village. Experience the rhythmic beat of the Zulu’s drums and dance as you discover the Tribe’s culture in the village described as a living museum. Day 8: Hluhluwe B/D Following breakfast, enjoy a three-hour game drive in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve. The oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa boasts a wealth of wildlife, including the endangered African wild dog. Continue onto St. Lucia, a small, picturesque town in the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park where you’ll embark on a boat cruise on the Lake Saint Lucia Estuary. Designated a World Heritage Site, the area offers some of the most extraordinary waterscapes in the world. The networks of coastal lakes, dunes, forests and swamps provide a haven for indigenous flora and fauna, especially birdlife. Spot hippos, crocodiles along with antelope and zebra grazing on by the wetland’s shores. Day 9: Hluhluwe to Dundee B/D Travel to Dundee for a journey through South Africa’s history at the Talana Museum, a complex of 23 buildings that showcase special moments of historical significance in South Africa. From war and mining to agriculture, industry and domestic life, visitors can uncover the various stages of the country’s history. Day 10: Dundee B/D Today, discover the history of the Zulu wars with tours of two significant 19th century battlefields, first Isandlwana in the heart of Zululand, followed by the Blood River battlefields, where approximately 3,000 warriors were killed, turning the nearby river red and giving the battle it’s infamous name. Day 11: Dundee to Drakensberg B Following breakfast, travel to Drakensberg and the Royal Natal National Park. Overflowing with striking hill scenery, tumbling waterfalls and walking trails the area marks the beginning of the Orange River’s journey west across South Africa to the Atlantic Ocean. Day 12: Drakensberg to Johannesburg B Return to Johannesburg for an orientation tour of Pretoria including the Union Building and Voortrekker Monument. Day 13: Johannesburg to the UK B Today, learn about South Africa’s infamous history and the rise and fall of apartheid in the 20th century. Starting with a visit to the Apartheid Museum discover what life was like under the nations policy of racial segregation before visiting the Soweto township, made famous for its role in the struggle against apartheid. Continue to the Mandela Family Museum. Later today, you’ll be transferred for your return overnight flight, or continue on to your chosen extension. Kruger National Park Drakensberg Mountains Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Zulu drummer Mauritius Meal plan: 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 9 dinners Accommodation: Johannesburg, 4 H Indaba Hotel Kruger, 4 H Chisomo Safari Camp Kruger, 4 H Casa Do Sol Hotel Swaziland, 3 H Mountain Inn Hotel Hluhluwe, 3 H Anew Hotel Hluhluwe Dundee, 3 H Battlefields Lodge Drakensberg, 3 H Little Switzerland Resort Johannesburg, 4 H Protea Hotel by Marriott Balalaika Sandton Flights: London Heathrow to South Africa with Virgin Atlantic Tour pace: Intermediate Extend your tour NEW Mauritius beach stay, 4 H Half Board, 4 nights from £749 or 7 nights from £899 Cape Town city stay, 4 nights, 4 H B&B from £599 Victoria Falls experience*, 4 nights from £1,349 *Please note one night spent in Johannesburg Departures & from prices 10 May 23 £2,999 13 Mar 24 £2,899 7 Jun 23 £2,999 24 Apr 24 £2,799 5 Jul 23 £3,199 8 May 24 £2,699 9 Aug 23 £3,199 5 Jun 24 £3,199 13 Sep 23 £2,499 3 Jul 24 £3,379 4 Oct 23 £2,999 7 Aug 24 £3,379 1 Nov 23 £2,699 11 Sep 24 £2,499 6 Dec 23 £2,999 2 Oct 24 £3,199 10 Jan 24 £3,099 30 Oct 24 £2,599 7 Feb 24 £2,999 4 Dec 24 £3,199 • A single supplement starts from just £469 • Tipping paid locally £96 Africa 137 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk