How many travellers will be in my group?

Maximum 12 travellers — that's the cap on every Undiscovered Destinations small-group tour. Small enough to eat in a local family home; large enough to share the wonder with other like-minded travellers.

Yes — there's no compulsory single supplement on our small-group tours. You get your own room at no extra cost. About 60% of UD travellers come solo, so you'll be in good company.

How fit do I need to be?

Fitness requirements vary by itinerary, from gentle to demanding. The day-by-day tour dossier sets out walking distances, terrain and any altitude so you know what to expect. If you have specific concerns, speak to our team before booking — they can talk you through a typical day.

When are the next departures?

The next available departures are 12 September 2026; 11 April 2027; 11 September 2027. See the "Pick your departure" table further up the page for the full schedule and per-departure pricing.

What's included in the tour price?

Included items vary by tour — see the full list above. On this trip, expect: All accommodation as per the itinerary; Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader; Meals as listed; and more. International flights and travel insurance are not included.

Where exactly does this trip go?

This tour visits Eswatini (Swaziland) and South Africa. Each destination has its own page with practical information, climate, and the attractions our specialists recommend — linked from the itinerary above.

Eswatini (Swaziland)16 daysMax 12Solo-friendly

Southern Africa Explorer Mountains to Coast

Traverse four countries in 15 days — from the dramatic Drakensberg escarpment and Lesotho's highest peaks to Mozambique's colonial coast and Eswatini's wildlife sanctuaries.

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About this journey

The story behind the route

Embark on an adventure beginning in Johannesburg, from where we will be transported to the Northern Drakensberg. Nestled amidst the peaks of the Drakensberg mountain range, The Cavern Resort & Spa offers a cozy retreat with a rich history of hospitality and community support. Explore the rugged beauty of the Drakensberg with expert-led hikes or indulge in leisurely activities like tennis and horse riding. Or take an optional, breathtaking hot air balloon ride over the scenic landscape. Venture southward to the Midlands Meander, stopping at charming shops and marvelling at Howick Falls. Pay homage to Nelson Mandela at the Capture Site before retiring to our accommodation in Underberg/Himeville. Experience the thrill of crossing from South Africa into Lesotho via the iconic, nearly 3,000m high, Sani Pass and immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture of a traditional Basotho village.

We continue our journey with a safari adventure in Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park, where we can expect to spot the ‘Big 5’ (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo). Unwind at Forest Lodge in St Lucia, before indulging in optional snorkeling at Cape Vidal and a scenic boat cruise along the St Lucia Estuary. Journey to Kosi Bay, near the Mozambican border, for relaxation and a chance to witness the remarkable phenomenon of turtle nesting. Alternatively, indulge in snorkeling, birding, or hiking.

Cross into Mozambique and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Maputo, sampling its culinary delights and exploring its historic landmarks. A day trip to the Maputo Special Reserve offers encounters with diverse wildlife amidst pristine natural surroundings. From there, continue into Eswatini (Swaziland) on this immersive Eswatini group tour. Delve into the cultural tapestry of Maputo or explore the historic neighbourhood of Mafalala before crossing into Eswatini. Nestled within Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, immerse yourself in nature and local village life, and enjoy a walking safari.

We return to South Africa from where we stay at a comfortable lodge in the Mpumalanga Lowveld region, our base from which to visit the Kruger National Park, renowned for its rich biodiversity and iconic ‘Big 5’. We also journey along the Panorama Route, marvelling at the awe-inspiring sights of Blyde River Canyon and Graskop Gorge before we head back to Johannesburg, cherishing the memories of an unforgettable Southern African odyssey.

The journey

Southern Africa Explorer Mountains to Coast

Key moments

The moments that define this trip

Drawn from the full tour dossier — the standout days, encounters and views our specialists keep coming back to.

Your route

The Cavern Resort & Drakensberg Hiking
Stay at The Cavern Resort & Spa, a family-run hotel of over 75 years set among dramatic Drakensberg peaks. Expert-guided hikes cross varied mountain terrain, with optional sunrise hot air balloon rides and alternative activities including horse riding and tennis. The resort supports local charities and community projects.
Sani Pass & Lesotho Highland Villages
Cross into Lesotho via Sani Pass, a famously thrilling 4×4 drive reaching 2,876m elevation — home to the highest pub in Africa. Visit a traditional Basotho village where locals wear iconic blankets and conical hats and rely on Basotho ponies for daily life.
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Big 5 Safari
Afternoon guided safari through Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park seeking lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo alongside crocodiles, hyena, monkeys, and diverse birdlife. An optional morning snorkel at Cape Vidal reveals warm coastal waters, rock pools, and reefs, while an evening boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary observes hippos, crocodiles, and sundowner birdlife.
Nelson Mandela Capture Site & Howick Falls
Stop along the Midlands Meander to view Howick Falls, a striking 95-metre waterfall. Continue to the Nelson Mandela Capture Site — a sculpture and visitor centre commemorating the spot where Mandela was arrested in 1952 for his anti-apartheid activism.
Kosi Bay Turtle Viewing
Spend a night at Utshwayelo Kosi Mouth Camp and join an afternoon turtle viewing tour at Bangha Nek Beach (November to March), witnessing egg-laying or hatchlings in an excursion that typically ends around midnight. Alternative activities include snorkeling, birding, and hiking around the Kosi Mouth area.
Maputo Special Reserve Elephant Safari
A full-day 4×4 expedition with a specialist guide into the Maputo Special Reserve on Maputo Bay, originally created as a safe haven for coastal elephants — approximately 400 are present. The landscape encompasses lakes, wetlands, swamp forests, grasslands, mangrove forests, and coastline, with whales, genets, bushpigs, and rare birds also recorded.

Full itinerary · 16 days

Free — no sign-up

Dates & prices

Pick your departure

Reserve your place with a 10% deposit. Final balance due 70 days before departure. Single-room supplements optional — most travellers happily share.

Departs	Returns	Status	Price pp	Single supp.
12 Sept 2026	27 Sept 2026	Guaranteed	£4,495	+£545	Book now
11 Apr 2027	26 Apr 2027	Guaranteed	£4,495	+£545	Book now
11 Sept 2027	26 Sept 2027	Guaranteed	£4,495	+£545	Book now

Departure
12 Sept 2026 → 27 Sept 2026
Guaranteed
From
£4,495 pp
Single supp. +£545
Book now
Departure
11 Apr 2027 → 26 Apr 2027
Guaranteed
From
£4,495 pp
Single supp. +£545
Book now
Departure
11 Sept 2027 → 26 Sept 2027
Guaranteed
From
£4,495 pp
Single supp. +£545
Book now

Can’t find the right fit?

Every one of our Eswatini (Swaziland) journeys can be rebuilt around your dates, pace and interests — or we’ll design something entirely new.

Tailor my trip

What's included

Everything covered — and what's not

Included in the price

All accommodation as per the itinerary
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed
Travel by private minibus or safari vehicle
All excursions and wildlife viewing safaris and activities as stated in the itinerary
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary

Budget separately for

International flights (contact us for expert advice and a quote)
Airport taxes
Travel Insurance
Drinks
Meals not included in the itinerary
Optional excursions and activities
Visa, if required
Tips – at own discretion

Before you go

Essential information

Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.

Foreign Office travel advice

We constantly monitor the travel advice posted by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice and will always advise clients of any warnings before departure. At the time of writing, there are no FCDO warnings against travel to the parts of Eswatini that we visit on our tours. Please contact us if you have any specific concerns or would like to know what measures are in place to keep your trip safe and trouble-free.

Please note this information applies primarily to British citizens — nationals of other countries should check current advice with their respective government travel authority.

Voices from the road

What travellers say about us

Reviews from across our small-group programme — Mongolia, Madagascar, the Silk Road and beyond. Independently rated 4.9 Excellent on AITO by 250+ travellers.

“An amazing trip! We had the most amazing holiday — over two weeks we had a taste of the cities, the culture, the mountains, a safari, and time at the beach. Our driver/guide made the whole trip very relaxing, and we were welcomed warmly by everyone we met, enjoying fabulous food and drink along the way. Undiscovered Destinations planned a really amazing itinerary for us with great hotels, a fabulous guide/driver, and interesting places to visit — they took great care to ensure we had an excellent holiday. We look forward to booking another holiday with them in the future. Thank you, Mark!”

Anna

“This adventure was always going to be very full-on, which is how we like our trips. I didn't count on getting bronchitis and ending up in hospital, however. The itinerary was quickly amended to avoid high-altitude destinations as much as possible while still making sure we had a chance to enjoy interesting experiences. While obviously sad to have missed some of the original sites, the revised itinerary was the only sensible option under the circumstances. I was extremely impressed with how Undiscovered Destinations and their local team handled the situation — taking the stress out of it, smoothing the way, rearranging the itinerary and booking new hotels, translating for me with the medical staff, and making sure I always had transport, medicines and anything else I needed. Nothing was too much trouble, and they kept in touch with me, each other, and the insurance company throughout. I can't recommend them enough!”

Grete

“My wife and I had a wonderful tour with Undiscovered Destinations. We had a different guide at each stop, and all of them were friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. The local people were welcoming, and we always felt safe and comfortable. The beaches were spectacularly beautiful and empty of people, with warm, clear water, and each stop had its own character — some we loved for their unspoiled scenery, others for their history and the warmth of the welcome. We took the opportunity to snorkel on one of the most pristine reefs we've experienced, swimming with sea turtles and enormous manta rays that came right up to us out of curiosity. A wonderful destination for nature lovers.”

Frank

“Excellent. Action packed. Our local agent was excellent, and a good choice by Undiscovered Destinations. Because there were only two of us on the holiday, we had different guides at each stop, each one making sure we were handed over safely. All manner of transport was used, and we appreciated the different guiding strategies, the wealth of information given, the high level of English, and the genuine wish to show off their country at its best. Excellent.”

Cathy

“Far exceeding my expectations, this was one of the best trips I've ever done. A beautiful destination, with interesting history, lively ceremonies, lovely people and — surprisingly, for somewhere that sees so few tourists — absolutely no hassle on the streets. Excellent service from start to finish, with a first-class tour leader.”

Lynn

“We had a two-week trip with Undiscovered Destinations, flying in for two days first to break up the journey. It was a great trip, because we managed to see so much more than just the capital cities. This was the fourth trip we've taken with Undiscovered Destinations, and each one has been wonderful. Our guides were lovely — very professional and helpful. We rate UD very highly.”

Andy

“We had a fabulous trip with an excellent local guide, who took great care of us and enthusiastically shared his knowledge of both ancient and recent history, with lots of fascinating personal stories of his own life. We highly recommend this trip — Undiscovered Destinations were great to work with, and we hope to use them again.”

Jennie

“Everything was great — we got to witness a wonderful variety of wildlife, and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the hospitality of the people. A fabulous trip from start to finish.”

Debbie

“Excellent all-round trip. Drivers were conscientious and careful, accommodation was better than expected, and the scenery was stunning throughout.”

Alexis

“Fabulous, unusual destination, and great people. A private tour of somewhere little-visited, with great service from start to finish and excellent knowledge and advice from Undiscovered Destinations throughout.”

Steve

“An amazing trip! We had the most amazing holiday — over two weeks we had a taste of the cities, the culture, the mountains, a safari, and time at the beach. Our driver/guide made the whole trip very relaxing, and we were welcomed warmly by everyone we met, enjoying fabulous food and drink along the way. Undiscovered Destinations planned a really amazing itinerary for us with great hotels, a fabulous guide/driver, and interesting places to visit — they took great care to ensure we had an excellent holiday. We look forward to booking another holiday with them in the future. Thank you, Mark!”

Anna

“This adventure was always going to be very full-on, which is how we like our trips. I didn't count on getting bronchitis and ending up in hospital, however. The itinerary was quickly amended to avoid high-altitude destinations as much as possible while still making sure we had a chance to enjoy interesting experiences. While obviously sad to have missed some of the original sites, the revised itinerary was the only sensible option under the circumstances. I was extremely impressed with how Undiscovered Destinations and their local team handled the situation — taking the stress out of it, smoothing the way, rearranging the itinerary and booking new hotels, translating for me with the medical staff, and making sure I always had transport, medicines and anything else I needed. Nothing was too much trouble, and they kept in touch with me, each other, and the insurance company throughout. I can't recommend them enough!”

Grete

“My wife and I had a wonderful tour with Undiscovered Destinations. We had a different guide at each stop, and all of them were friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. The local people were welcoming, and we always felt safe and comfortable. The beaches were spectacularly beautiful and empty of people, with warm, clear water, and each stop had its own character — some we loved for their unspoiled scenery, others for their history and the warmth of the welcome. We took the opportunity to snorkel on one of the most pristine reefs we've experienced, swimming with sea turtles and enormous manta rays that came right up to us out of curiosity. A wonderful destination for nature lovers.”

Frank

“Excellent. Action packed. Our local agent was excellent, and a good choice by Undiscovered Destinations. Because there were only two of us on the holiday, we had different guides at each stop, each one making sure we were handed over safely. All manner of transport was used, and we appreciated the different guiding strategies, the wealth of information given, the high level of English, and the genuine wish to show off their country at its best. Excellent.”

Cathy

“Far exceeding my expectations, this was one of the best trips I've ever done. A beautiful destination, with interesting history, lively ceremonies, lovely people and — surprisingly, for somewhere that sees so few tourists — absolutely no hassle on the streets. Excellent service from start to finish, with a first-class tour leader.”

Lynn

“We had a two-week trip with Undiscovered Destinations, flying in for two days first to break up the journey. It was a great trip, because we managed to see so much more than just the capital cities. This was the fourth trip we've taken with Undiscovered Destinations, and each one has been wonderful. Our guides were lovely — very professional and helpful. We rate UD very highly.”

Andy

“We had a fabulous trip with an excellent local guide, who took great care of us and enthusiastically shared his knowledge of both ancient and recent history, with lots of fascinating personal stories of his own life. We highly recommend this trip — Undiscovered Destinations were great to work with, and we hope to use them again.”

Jennie

“Everything was great — we got to witness a wonderful variety of wildlife, and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the hospitality of the people. A fabulous trip from start to finish.”

Debbie

“Excellent all-round trip. Drivers were conscientious and careful, accommodation was better than expected, and the scenery was stunning throughout.”

Alexis

“Fabulous, unusual destination, and great people. A private tour of somewhere little-visited, with great service from start to finish and excellent knowledge and advice from Undiscovered Destinations throughout.”

Steve

Want to customise this tour?

Make Southern Africa Explorer Mountains to Coast your own — adjust the route, dates, pace or who travels, or start from a blank page with a specialist. We'll bring the details of this trip straight into your enquiry.

Customise this tour

More to explore

More tours in Eswatini (Swaziland)

The Kingdom of Eswatini

Despite being the smallest country in the Southern hemisphere, Eswatini more than makes up for its lack of size with a hugely diverse range of attractions and activities. As one of the few remaining executive monarchies in Africa, culture and heritage are deeply engrained in all aspects of Swazi life, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all who visit. You will find Eswatini is a welcoming Kingdom with wonderfully stunning landscapes, friendly people and up close and personal wildlife sightings. Walk within the reserves, learning to track animals, and truly immerse yourself into the African bush where your senses will come alive. Eswatini is bound tightly with its culture and there will be opportunities to see traditional dancing and to hear beautifully harmonised singing.

From

£2,995£2,795

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