11-Nights Three Kingdoms of South Africa Adventure

Johannesburg

Johannesburg's contrasts are some of the most extreme in the world; poverty-stricken and overcrowded Alexandra is surrounded by some of the richest suburbs in South Africa, and downtown hundreds of homeless struggle to survive around the Stock Exchange. The contrast between suburb and township is mirrored nationwide, but is more extreme here because of the intense wealth of many of the suburbs, and the sheer size of the townships and their satellite squatter camps. Yet the city as a whole continues to suck in people and skills from all over the country, making it the financial, commercial and cultural powerhouse of South Africa.

Durban

South Africa's third-largest city, thriving industrial center, and largest port in Africa creates a photogenic place for meandering or eating and drinking dockside. Durban's second-largest population group, Indians, have mosques, bazaars and temples festooned with wildly coloured deities standing juxtaposed to Victorian buildings that mark out the colonial center. The city's main interest lies in reconciling competing Indian, African and English cultures and in keeping rampant vegetation at bay. Admire mosques, explore the Indian area around Grey Street, or pass by Dalton Road Zulu Market. Enjoy the KwaZulu-Natal game parks, the Drakensberg, and the Battlefields.

Zululand

Evocative of grandeur as Zululand surely is - conjuring up images of noble culture, magnificent wildlife and fabulous surroundings - nothing compares to first- hand experience of our Kingdom's heartland...via ultra- modern, efficient infrastructures. Once a magnet for the tall ships, dhows and caravans of early imperialists, seafaring opportunists and fortune-hunters, this great wealth of earthly beauty and resources is now firmly established as one of the world's most protected places. An extensive network of expertly-run Nature Reserves and Game Parks, ensure not only our flora and fauna's abundant future, but absolute delight for today's outdoor-loving traveller... and those to follow. zoom For these sanctuaries give refuge to several hundred bird species - of South Africa's total - in addition to many antelope variants and, of course, our much- vaunted Big Five...lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Not that the hippo is insignificant, the cheetah lacking in grace or the giraffe vertically- challenged! Glancing seawards from pristine sand dunes before the snorkel - or scuba-adventure of a lifetime, a likely reward is yet another awesome sight - giant and gentle whales plying their way north to breed...or returning south to feed. Woven into this exhilarating fabric of nature-at-large are fascinating opportunities to be immersed in vibrant, living culture...and gain insights into our somewhat turbulent past. The powerful Zulu nation was forged amid this splendour...involved itself in a short, bloody conflict with Boer settlers...then traded battle scars with British soldiers during the year-long Anglo-Zulu War. Historic military landmarks also bear witness to several major campaigns of the Anglo-Boer War that followed. From luxury game lodge, floating chalet or beach camp...on foot or horseback...by canoe or 4x4...these unforgettable adventures beckon with open arms. As do your proud hosts...the People of Heaven. We look forward to meeting you soon!

Swaziland (eSwatini)

Swaziland - independent since 1968 - is one of the only three monarchies left in Africa. And proud of it! Led by His Majesty King Mswati III the nation rejoices in its traditions and is staunchly committed to safeguarding its rich culture, social and natural heritage for future generations.Few countries today can boast the safety, stability and peace which Swaziland enjoys, both internationally and with her neighbours. Visitors to the Kingdom cannot but feel and appreciate the warmth and friendliness of their hosts, a characteristic engendered by this stability, nor fail to appreciate the safety it promises to travellers. Access to Swaziland, may be made through any of twelve border posts or the centrally located Matsapha airport with all four corners of the country accessible by tarred road. The capital Mbabane, and the industrial hub of Manzini, are sophisticated business centers offering an upbeat alternative to the tranquility and sense of timeless found in more outlying areas. No matter where your travels take you within the kingdom, you will meet the courtesy, friendliness and genuine desire to help and share that make it easy to see why Swaziland claims to offer the visitor …. "The Royal Experience." Swaziland was renamed The Kingdom of eSwatini in 2018.

Kruger National Park

This enormous and magnificent park is one of the most popular public game parks in the world. Its density of permanent game is unrivalled with hundreds of different species; 507 birds, 336 trees, 147 mammals, 114 reptiles, 49 fish and 34 amphibians! Sighting the "Big Five" has become a quest for many people on safari, and Kruger National Park has more than its fare share of these, with an estimated 1,800 lion, 9,125 elephant, 25,000 buffalo, unknown number of leopards and 2,300 black and white rhino. These animals became the 'Big Five' because they are the five most dangerous animals to hunt - when injured they attack! There are plenty of other fascinating animals and birds in the African bush.