DAYS 1: BADPLAAS

Leaving the city of Johannesburg, we head east to the mineral springs resort of Badplaas. The hot sulphur spring that bubbles out of the ground here used to be known to the local people as ‘Emanzana’ – "the healing waters". The dramatic backdrop of the Hlumuhlumu Mountains provides a peaceful setting for an afternoon’s relaxation and rejuvenation at the spa.

A short drive brings us to the mountain Kingdom of Swaziland. The Swazi’s are a handsome and proud people and most visitors will take away memories of smiling adults and waving children. Try your hand at bartering for some of the excellent handcrafts at the Swazi Market. We overnight in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary – Swaziland’s first National Park, where we have the optional* opportunity to walk, cycle or horse ride in the park, bringing us up close to the animals. Watch the sunset overlooking the camp’s waterhole where hippo can often be seen grazing.

We re-enter South Africa and with camera and binoculars at the ready, enter the southern section of the world-famous Kruger National Park. Proclaimed in 1898, the untamed wilderness of Kruger offers potential sightings of Africa’s Big 5: lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant. It may be possible to organise an optional foot safari* with an armed ranger and/or a night drive* in search of the nocturnal predators.

Leaving Kruger, we explore the reconstructed gold rush town of Pilgrim’s Rest, where a handful of prospectors still work the streams. We spend a day enjoying the spectacular scenery of Mpumalanga’s Panorama Route, including Bourkes Luck Potholes, the Berlin Falls, the breathtaking view from Gods Window and the impressive sight of the Three Rondawels and Blydepoort Dam.

Travelling west through typical African savanna, the rolling mountains and scenic valleys of the Waterberg, with its abundance of streams and rivers, brings us to our overnight stop. The area is rich with stories of the Voortrekkers, some of the regions earliest settlers.

We enjoy two nights in Pilanesberg National Park, which protects an unusual landscape of extinct volcanoes. The product of "Operation Genesis" launched in 1979, the park is amongst the most successful and largest of the world’s game relocation projects. Pilanesberg offers excellent game viewing with the additional bonus of a wide variety of optional activities* such as hot air ballooning (undoubtedly the finest way of viewing the park), elephant back safaris, hiking trails and night drives. We visit Sun City, an extraordinary entertainment complex and casino, only a short drive from the Park. The complex is dominated by the extravagant Palace of the Lost City, which symbolises African culture and heritage. There is an amazing variety of things to see and do*, including the Valley of the Waves, Cultural Village, Crocodile Sanctuary, Birds of Prey Rehabilitation Centre and Health Spa.