Algarve Odyssey
The coast, villages and countryside of the Eastern Algarve and then explore the treasures of this most westerly corner of Europe.
The world's more beautiful on foot...
Call us on 01707 331133
Or, email us at [email protected]
Call us on 01707 331133
Or, email us at [email protected]
Combine wildlife and walking in South Africa's world famous Kruger National Park and Swaziland, the oldest Mountain Kingdom in Southern Africa
From£2,970
South Africa
Swaziland
Experiential
Pioneer
Sightseeing
Wildlife
Sep
What does this mean?
Tour codes: 47000
Full and half day walks at a moderate pace over hilly terrain. Half day walks will probably involve about 3 hours of walking, with full day walks having around 5 hours. Expect ascents and descents of up to 600m. Some days of this holiday will be dedicated solely to sightseeing (or include an element of sightseeing). To enhance your experience, a knowledgeable local guide will accompany your small group for part (or the majority) of the holiday.
Overview
Kruger National Park is one of the finest Big Five wildlife viewing destinations. Here elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, rhino, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and zebra share the bushveld together. Spend a night in Johannesburg before driving the Panorama Route to Graskop. In Kruger National Park we get up close to wildlife on 4x4 game drives and ranger led bush walks. This is Africa at its best!
Next up is Swaziland, or renamed Eswatini, which is the oldest mountain kingdom in southern Africa. Think breathtaking landscapes, wildlife experiences and friendly locals. Continue into Hlane Royal National Park with a guided bird walk and the chance to observe lion, elephant, white rhino and leopard. We observe Sibebe Rock, the world’s largest exposed granite plateau before continuing to Mlilwane, where we stay in traditional beehive huts.
Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.
NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen
Itinerary & Travel
Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we may unfortunately need to withdraw a tour that is currently confirmed to operate and we therefore reserve the right to cancel your booking. We would always do our utmost to give you plenty of notice should we have to do this. Selected elements of this tour, including local attractions and restaurants, may change at late notice. Please ensure you have valid insurance cover before you travel.
Accommodation
Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.
Belvedere Estate is situated in the upmarket suburb of Midrand, set on 2.5 hectares of lush gardens neighboured by a bird sanctuary. Each room in the guest lodge is comfortable and cosy with a wood fire place and a kitchenette containing a microwave oven, fridge .
Graskop Hotel offers friendly accommodation, decorated with contemporary South African art in a variety of interesting settings. It is situated in Mpumalanga on the Drakensberg Escarpment, providing spectacular scenery and breathtaking views. Rooms are equipped en-suite bathroom with a bath or shower, a TV, work desk, heaters, tea-and-coffee-making facilities .
Free WiFi is available in public areas.
Nkambeni Safari Camp is located within the heart of the Kruger National Park. The camp contains no concrete and no foundations, which means there is minimum damage to the environment! The camp also provides an excellent level of luxury and comfort and allows us to enjoy nature the way it is meant to be.
The accommodation at Nkambeni Safari Camp consists of 150 beautifully appointed luxury timber and canvas tented suites. The luxury tents contain the following facilities, bathroom with an indoor and outdoor shower, air conditioning, and a self-help coffee station in each room.
The camp facilities include a large dining area overlooking the Kruger National Park, a bar and lounge area, a curio shop, a large swimming pool and leisure area overlooking a dam where Hippo and other wildlife often visit. Typical African entertainment may be provided on some evenings.
Ndlovu Camp is the active heart of Hlane National Park. The resort offers the following facilities a curio shop, restaurant, and activity centre. We will be staying in Wisteria Village, which offers 14 Twin-bed Rondavel huts slightly separate from the main camp area, perfect for our groups. All accommodation is with en-suite facilities. The highlight is the busy waterhole frequented by elephant, rhino, hippo and other wildlife.
There is no electricity at Ndlovu Camp, everything runs on gas / paraffin.
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is Swaziland's Outdoor Lover's Paradise. We stay in traditional Beehive huts, which contain en-suite facilities, comfortable beds with towels provided, tea and coffee making facilities. This camp provides electricity.
The camp facilities include a large restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, education centre and curio shop.
Trip Information
This Grade 4 moderate holiday includes full and half day walks at a moderate pace over hilly terrain and is likely to include an element of sightseeing as well. Half day walking will probably include about 3 hours of walking, with full days having around 5 hours. Expect ascents and descents of up to about 600m. See the 'Proposed Itinerary' section for more information.
Local Transport Costs
All local transport costs in conjunction with the advertised activity programme are included in the holiday cost. There may be occasions where additional visits or excursions are added to enrich your experience, these will be paid for locally by you if you choose to participate. Local transport can be a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses and ferries depending on the itinerary.
Optional Excursions
A range of local excursions and activities may be available to book at your destination through a local operator. We have no involvement in such activities or excursions which are not run, supervised or controlled in any way by us. Your contract will be with the local activity supplier and we accept no responsibility for their actions or omissions.
Holiday Budgeting
When budgeting for your holiday, you will need to consider drinks, any meals not included in the holiday price, non-included entrance fees, optional excursions you may choose to participate in locally and any souvenirs or additional services such as laundry. A general guideline for lunches and drinks is £10-£20 per person per day.
Currency in Swaziland
The currency used in Swaziland is the Swazi Lilangeni (SZL) although South African Rand banknotes are also legal tender.
Currency in South Africa
The currency used in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR).
Tipping
Although entirely at your own discretion, tipping is an important aspect of tourism and hospitality life and expectations are fairly high. In order to simplify tipping, we strongly recommend that you allow your leader to take care of making sure tips are given to hotel and restaurant staff & to local guides and drivers. This will be done using some funds provided by us together with, if you wish, a contribution from you, which he/she will collect during the holiday.
Tour Leaders
Your tour leader makes the world of difference to your holiday and ours are as passionate about discovering the world on foot as you are. They're resourceful, organised and widely travelled. They will handle all the local administration and other needs that might arise to ensure that you don't have to worry about planning your days and you can enjoy your holiday. Although leading group holidays, they won't forget that every group is made up of individuals. Each tour leader has their own individual style, talents and professional backgrounds and all are trained, qualified, experienced and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting and inspiring as possible.
Leader's Evening Briefing
Each evening, your tour leader will discuss with you the programme for the following day. This will be your opportunity to discuss the details and ensure the planned activities suit your walking ability. If you have concerns on clothing or equipment, this can be discussed then also. If you do not wish to join the organised group programme, please let the leader know.
Flight are from London Heathrow to Johannesburg and return with British Airways.
On this holiday, we will be travelling in a 24 seater overland vehicle; which is equipped with a larger cooler box to store your drinks and snacks, charging facilities, USB ports, and individual lockers to store your bags.
Where possible your bags should be the soft variety, such as a soft sided backpack or duffel bag with no hard cover suitcases, measuring no more than 35cm wide and 80cm long. A weight limit of 1 x 20kg for your main bag is required.
Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements?
If you wish to organise your own flights from a non-UK or provincial airport or travel by rail or car to your holiday destination, 'land only' reductions are often available. Please contact us for details.
Before finalising any independent travel arrangements, please check with us first - especially if doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended date of travel. If you do intend to join your holiday locally please do tell us at least 14 weeks in advance.
If you are joining and leaving your holiday overseas we assume, unless you advise us otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel.
Although airport transfers are not included for those making their own independent travel arrangements, if you wish to join the group at the overseas airport, depending on your flight arrival time, you may be able to be included on the group's transfer. Please contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details.
Please note that your flight must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight to be able to join the group transfer. We also need your flight number, arrival time and departure point so that the group leader is able to meet up with you.
Luggage Allowance & Travel Documents
For all those booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be confirmed in your travel documents, sent to you approximately 10 days prior to departure.
Personal Details Check
To ensure that we can accurately administer your holiday arrangements, please confirm that the personal details we hold for you are up to date and that you have provided the information we need to secure your holiday travel and accommodation arrangements. Please check your passport details, date of birth and any other important details necessary for us to properly manage your holiday booking. You can view and update information already provided, and add details not yet asked for, by using the Manage My Booking facility on our website www.ramblersholidays.co.uk, or by calling our Sales and Reservations team on +44 (0)1707 331133. When you receive your booking confirmation please check the details as soon as possible.
General Passport Advice
It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport. Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to your home country.
Passport and visa requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements.
General travel and destination advice for UK nationals is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel and at www.gov.uk/travelaware.
Passport Information for Swaziland
British passport holders do not require visas. Visitors will normally be given entry permission for up to thirty days. This can be extended at the Swaziland Immigration Department in Mbabane. All Swaziland border posts open daily throughout the year, but hours of operation are variable. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of three months from the date of entry into Swaziland and have at least 2 blank pages.
Passport Information for South Africa
For entry into South Africa, a passport is required and must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure. Your passport should have at least two blank pages when you present it at immigration to enter or leave South Africa. A visa is not required by holders of British passports bearing the inscription 'British Citizen' for holidays less than 90 days. Holders of non-British passports should check with the South African Embassy or their nearest consulate regarding requirements.
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are provided, except for one lunch which will be at your own expense. Most breakfasts and some lunches and dinners will be taken at the accommodation. Others will be prepared and cooked for us by the guides travelling with us on the tour. In most cases, these meals will take place around a camp fire or in a scenic location.
Tap water in South Africa is mainly safe to drink and cook with when taken from taps in urban areas. Not all tap water in rural areas is safe for consumption so take precautions if necessary. We recommend drinking only bottled or sterilised water.
The hotel(s) listed within this document are examples of standard only. Whilst we strive to deliver the hotel(s) listed within this Holiday Information Sheet, there will be times throughout the year when they change. If this occurs, we will advise you as such. From time to time hotels will change near to departure and you will not be advised until after arriving into the destination. We always aim to provide a replacement of similar standard and location, although we cannot guarantee similar facilities such as pool or bar.
Footwear
Lightweight waterproof walking boots with a good moulded sole (such as Vibram or similar) and a deep tread and which provide ankle support are strongly recommended and may be essential for some walks.
General Kit List
Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.
If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:
This list is not exhaustive and every walker is different and may have their own preference.
Travel Documents Checklist
Documents and Information to take with you:
Electricity in Swaziland
In Swaziland the electricity is supplied at 220-240V A/C, and sockets accept 15 amp. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a three-pin plug with round pins. More information can be found at https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/
Electricity in South Africa
In South Africa the electricity is supplied at 220-240V A/C. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a three-pin plug with round pins. More information can be found at https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/
Water To Go
An alternative to bottled water from single-use sealed water bottles is filtered water from a refillable bottle containing its own water filter such as a Water-to-go bottle available from www.watertogo.eu. Just fill up from any water source and save the environment from disposable plastic bottles.
We have negotiated an exclusive 15% discount with our partners Water-to-Go for you as a thank you for helping the environment. Please go to their website at www.watertogo.eu and enter the code RWH17 when ordering. In addition, Water-to-Go will match the discount with a donation to our charity, Heart & Sole, which will allow us to continue to make a difference in the countries you visit on our holidays.
Maps, Guidebooks & More
Many local libraries stock a selection of travel guides and books which might offer you more information on Kruger and Swaziland. You might also find the following websites useful:
Kruger: www.krugerpark.co.za
Swaziland: www.thekingdomofswaziland.com
Suggested Reading:
The Map Shop
Maps and guidebooks relating to the areas you will be walking in may be bought before your holiday from The Map Shop at www.themapshop.co.uk
Weather
Visit the following websites for an idea of the climate in your destination:
Health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure. Advice on vaccinations is available from your GP.
Health Advice for Swaziland
No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to Swaziland.
You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK.
Tetanus, Typhoid and Hepatitis A immunisations are recommended.
You might also like to consider immunisations against Cholera, Rabies and Hepatitis B.
There is a high risk of Malaria in the northern and eastern regions bordering Mozambique and South Africa, including all of the Lubombo district and Big Bend, Mhlume, Simunye and Tshaneni regions.
There is a very low risk of malaria in the rest of the country.
There is a risk of schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection (also known as bilharzia) that is transmitted to humans through contact with fresh water. Please seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic.
Health Advice for South Africa
No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to South Africa.
You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK.
Diphtheria and Hepatitis A immunisations are recommended.
You might also like to consider immunisation against Hepatitis B, Rabies, Tetanus, Cholera and Typhoid.
There is low to no risk of Malaria in South Africa, apart from the Kruger National Park where the risk is high.
There is a risk of schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection (also known as bilharzia) that is transmitted to humans through contact with fresh water. Please seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic.
Further Travel Advice
For further advice please visit:
You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.
You must be adequately insured to join our holidays. You will be unable to participate in our local walking and other activity programmes without being able to demonstrate that you have valid travel insurance.
Please ensure that as a minimum your travel insurance policy covers you for travel to your holiday destinations (country and geographical region) and for medical expenses, mountain rescue (including helicopter rescue) and emergency repatriation to your home country in the event of illness or injury. Your policy should also provide adequate cover for the activities, included and optional, you are likely to participate in during your holiday.
Whoever you insure with, please ensure that you take full details, and ideally the policy itself, with you on holiday and provide our tour leader with your insurer's name, the policy number and emergency assistance contact numbers.
Please note that it is very difficult to obtain travel insurance once your holiday arrangements have started.
The UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office provides up to date information on security and local laws for travellers, together with current passport and visa information, at www.gov.uk/travelaware. Please take a few minutes to look at the current advice on your planned destination.
Please be aware of what's going on around you, take sensible precautions with your credit cards and passport and avoid displays of wealth such as wearing expensive jewellery or watches. Do not carry more cash on you than you will need for each day, and we recommend that a money belt is used.
Responsible Travel
We're committed to ethical tourism in all our destinations. Our holidays are designed for you to discover the essence of the country you are visiting. Travelling in small groups not only gives you an up close and personal experience of your destination, but minimises your impact on the immediate environment. We feel that the most important starting point to protect the environment is to be out in it. For more details visit our website.
The Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust
Unlike many tour operators we have our own trust through which RWH Travel’s profits are channelled back into a variety of outdoor, walking-related or environmental conservation projects in the UK. The focus of the Trust’s financial support is Britain’s leading walking charity, The Ramblers, and their role in promoting the benefits and importance of walking to the British public. In addition the Trust welcomes applications for small grants from local organisations in the UK who need support for walking-orientated activities. This includes the establishment of footpaths and bridleways, funding for rebuilding bridges and renovating huts, as well as bursary funding for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for children who could not otherwise afford to do it. Please visit the ‘About Us’ section of our website and click on the Charitable Trust link for more details.
Heart and Sole
We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way. See our website for more information and details of some of the projects we support.
Mobile Phones
Please do provide us with a mobile phone contact number. We will only use this to contact you with important information relating to your holiday arrangements.
Do keep your mobile phones switched on and readily available when travelling to the airport or if delayed in transit so that we can contact you with any last minute information relating to your travel arrangements.
As a matter of courtesy, please switch off your mobile phone during walks, or endeavour to minimise its use. Please also try to minimise the use of mobile devices during group meals.
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January
Avg. Rain: 91mm
February
Avg. Rain: 80mm
March
Avg. Rain: 75mm
April
Avg. Rain: 51mm
May
Avg. Rain: 32mm
June
Avg. Rain: 28mm
July
Avg. Rain: 25mm
August
Avg. Rain: 29mm
September
Avg. Rain: 36mm
October
Avg. Rain: 61mm
November
Avg. Rain: 78mm
December
Avg. Rain: 81mm
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