13-Day Pretoria to Battlefields

The South African province of Gauteng – 'the place of gold' – is home to one of Africa's most vibrant cities, Johannesburg, South Africa's administrative capital, Pretoria, the renowned township of Soweto, the Magaliesberg Mountains and the World Heritage-listed Cradle of Humankind. Johannesburg is also anchored by Sandton, widely regarded as Africa’s richest square mile and a major financial and business district that reinforces the city’s role as the continent’s economic hub. While it is the smallest of South Africa's provinces, it serves as the country's economic powerhouse. Gauteng is known for its multicultural population, diverse heritage, and jacaranda-lined cities, which contrast with the surrounding grasslands, nature reserves, and mountain landscapes. Visitors can enjoy walking and hiking trails, discover South Africa's best-known township and explore one of the world's most significant centres of human ancestry.

The Panorama Route in South Africa’s Mpumalanga province traces the edge of the Great Escarpment, where the highveld plateau drops toward the Lowveld. Passing through historic towns such as Pilgrim’s Rest and the gateway hub of Graskop, this scenic driving route connects dramatic viewpoints, waterfalls and geological formations. Travellers are drawn by sweeping vistas over Blyde River Canyon, one of the world’s largest green canyons, and iconic landmarks including Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and God’s Window. Short hikes, lookout points and winding mountain roads reveal ever-changing scenery shaped by ancient erosion. Mist often clings to cliffs in the early morning, while sunlight breaks across dense vegetation and the cooler mountain air carries the sound of distant waterfalls through the escarpment.

The Mluwati Concession is a 10 000 hectare private reserve hidden in the wilderness of Mpumalanga’s renowned Kruger National Park. Characterised by a sweeping landscape of bushwillows, acacias, open grassland, the N’waswitsontso River, and the eponymous Mluwati River, the concession is a nature lover’s and photographer’s paradise and provides an important protected habitat for a large lion population. Visitors can enjoy game drives and view an array of wildlife including leopard, wild dog, zebra, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, impala, giraffe, and wildebeest. The area also teems with hundreds of bird species including the southern yellow-billed hornbill, the crested barbet, and Burchell’s glossy starling. Ask a guide to tell you about the intriguing lost treasure of ‘Qugunyan's Fortune’ - an abandoned fortune of gold, diamonds, and coins with a fascinating story attached to it.

Situated just north of Mbombela in Mpumalanga, South Africa, White River is a quiet, peaceful town made up of a large farming community. Culinary types will delight in the town’s renowned delicious tropical fruits, tasty vegetables and wineries, while history lovers should stroll around town and check out White River’s early Lowveld architecture, or explore the fascinating White River History and Motor Museum. Three dams, thick forests, a picturesque botanical garden, and distinctive rock formations enhance the splendour of the area, making it an ideal base for hiking and nature photography. Several incredible reserves can also be reached easily from here, including the world-famous Kruger National Park. Other highlights include a reptile park, a wonderful art studio, and numerous craft and antique shops. The Born Biking Indoor Skate Park appeals to active travellers.

Set in what is arguably Swaziland’s most spectacularly beautiful region – the aptly named ‘Valley of Heaven’ – Mlilwane Game Sanctuary is a natural wonderland of grassy plains, granitic mountains, cascading waterfalls and abundant wildlife. The southern section can be explored on foot, mountain bike, horseback or in vehicles, while access to the more remote northern half is restricted to guided hiking groups. Located relatively close to the reserve are the towns of Malkerns and Ezulwini, famous for their many craft shops and other attractions. Visitors can also look forward to staying in traditional beehive-shaped huts and enjoying a breakfast overlooking hippo and crocodiles wading in the water and resting on the banks.

Encircled by the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, St Lucia is South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. St Lucia lies on the magnificent St Lucia Estuary which is one of the largest in Africa stretching over 85 kilometres. It features abundant wildlife, pristine natural beauty, and offers a wide range of wonderful activities. This haven of tranquillity offers excellent mountain biking, hiking, bird watching and deep-sea fishing. Visitors can also look forward to thrilling night drive safaris, hippo and crocodile cruises, and many comfortable accommodation options.

KwaZulu Natal, also known as KZN, is steeped in history and littered with battlefields from the struggles of the Zulu Civil Wars, to their clashes with the Boers and the British. This picturesque area features sweeping views of rolling hills scattered with rugged rock formations. The most well-known and well-visited sites are those of the legendary Battles of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift took place on the same day, lodging the Zulus firmly at the top of great warrior nations. Visitors can also explore the famous Anglo-Boer War fields of Spioenkop, Colenso and the Siege of Ladysmith, which drew characters like Winston Churchill, Louis Botha and Mahatma Gandhi onto the same stage.