Immerse yourself in a unique experience in Marloth Park, where zebras and other wildlife roam freely and Kruger National Park is just around the corner. Stay in a comfortable space surrounded by nature, support local communities, and learn about African wildlife up close. Explore 3 different countries through comfortable camping trips, from bush to beach.
Land at OR Tambo and hop on the shuttle as the city gives way to the African bush.
Pick your food stop along the 5-hour drive. *This meal is not included, allowing travelers to choose and pay for their preferred options.
Settle into your room and unpack before our first dinner together.
Raise a welcome shot and meet your crew over a family-style dinner.
Your first South African breakfast.
Time to get to know the surroundings of Marloth Park on foot, where giraffes and zebras wander between the houses.
Meet the team and get the essentials: safety tips, daily routines and how life works in the bush.
A shared meal to get to know the group.
Unwind by the pool, challenge the group to board games, or just enjoy the quiet of the bush.
Karaoke, games or a movie night: there's always something happening.
Fuel up before sunrise.
Head into Africa's most iconic park with expert guides, tracking lions, elephants and more.
Swap sighting stories back at the hostel.
Rest by the pool or bike around the reserve.
Since the park entry fee is already covered for the day (included in the project), this optional safari (approx. R400) is highly recommended. It is a unique chance to see the savanna at dusk.
Wind down with the group and the activity of the day.
A hearty start before project day.
Support a local school by helping paint classrooms and creating a more inspiring learning environment in an underprivileged community.
Eat on-site and stay close to the kids.
Clean the brushes, organize materials and head back to the hostel.
Celebrate a day of real impact with food, music and games.
Get ready to finish what you started.
Add the last coat and the children's colorful handprints to the walls.
One last meal with the school community.
Swim, play pool or simply relax.
Share what the project meant to you over dinner.
Grab a bite before a full day on the road.
Canyon views, thundering waterfalls and, for the brave, the Big Swing. Tip: bring cash for local markets.
Taste regional food at a local stop. *This meal is not included, allowing travelers to choose and pay for their preferred options.
Head back to the hostel for a cozy meal.
Early start for country number two.
Head into Eswatini to explore Hlane Royal National Park and get to know the local traditional customs firsthand.
Try the local Eswatini food at Hlane National Park. *This meal is not included, allowing travelers to choose and pay for their preferred options.
Pitch your tent while keeping an eye out for local wildlife, as animals often gather around the lake right in front of the camp.
Head out at dusk to spot wildlife as the sun goes down. *Optional activity at additional cost.
A campfire meal under an endless African sky.
Coffee with a soundtrack of the bush.
Choose between a guided rhino bush walk or a game drive through the park. *Optional activity at additional cost.
On the road, at your own pace. *This meal is not included, allowing travelers to choose and pay for their preferred options.
Pack up camp and head home to the hostel.
Share your Eswatini highlights over dinner.
Early start for country number three.
Travel towards the coast, including a short walking border crossing experience. *Note: check the visa requirements for your nationality in advance; the team will assist you at the border.
Drop your bags at your safari-style dorm tent, your coastal home for the next four nights.
A group meal after the journey.
Toes in the sand, Indian Ocean ahead.
Enjoy your first night by the ocean.
Start the day to the sound of the waves.
Swim, play and soak up the coastline.
Refuel by the beach.
Give back to the ocean with a group cleanup walk.
Pick up an activity for the afternoon: Surf Class, Horseback Riding or Sandboarding, whatever you feel like.
Food, stories, laughs and ocean breeze.
Fuel up for an active day.
Pick up an activity for the afternoon: Surf Class, Horseback Riding or Sandboarding, whatever you feel like.
A well-earned break between adventures.
Play volleyball with travelers and locals or even other games.
Head out to watch the sun setting over the Indian Ocean.
Dinner, bonfire, music and a sky packed with stars.
Enjoy a relaxed morning breakfast by the sea.
Spend the day your way: relax on the beach, explore the coastal dunes, or join group games like beach volleyball. If you're up for more adventure, you can try one more session of sandboarding, surf class, or horseback riding along the shore.
Wrap up your time in Mozambique with a group dinner, music, and stargazing around the campfire.
A last meal in Mozambique.
Cross back into South Africa, heading to Marloth Park.
Stop for lunch along the journey (not included).
Rest and recharge after the trip.
A welcoming dinner back to the wild.
Early start for the grand finale.
Your last shot at the Big Five. Which one is still on your list?
Head back to the hostel for lunch.
Enjoy the afternoon at your own pace, whether relaxing at the hostel or exploring Marloth Park by bike. Since your daily park entry is already covered (included in the project), it’s the perfect time for optional adventures: Sunset Safari (approx. R400), or Night Safari (approx. R875, subject to availability).
Music, great food and the friends you made along the way.
One last breakfast in the Bush.
Transfer to OR Tambo with three countries' worth of memories.
See the activities that will make your trip into an epic adventure.
Contribute to your project and make a positive impact while developing new skills.
Make a lasting impact by revitalizing local classrooms alongside an underprivileged community.
The group will be split into two for this activity
Learn to read the bush and identify local flora and fauna with our expert conservation guides.
Protect marine ecosystems while learning about the vital importance of coastal preservation.
Get to know the local culture and have an authentic travel experience with activities included in your itinerary.
Connect with global travelers through themed nights and shared stories at our vibrant hostel.
Discover breathtaking waterfalls and the majestic landscapes of the world's greenest canyon.
Savor authentic flavors and bond with the group around a crackling fire in the African bush.
Explore the raw beauty of Hlane National Park and experience the soul of the African bush.
Search for the Big Five on guided drives through South Africa’s most iconic wildlife sanctuary.
Cross borders to camp by the turquoise ocean and experience the beauty of the Mozambican coast.
Recharge with sun-soaked activities, swimming, and pure relaxation on pristine sandy shores.
Additional activities for you to enjoy this adventure even more in your free time.
Explore Marloth Park’s paths on a hostel bike, you might spot giraffes!
Free
Witness the savanna’s golden hour as predators emerge for the night.
Approx. R500
Deepen your connection with African heritage through a traditional village visit.
Approx. R1700
Discover the park’s nocturnal secrets on a thrilling moonlit expedition.
Approx. R950
Maximize your wildlife sightings with an extended, all-day journey through the Kruger.
Approx. R6,500
United States
I had the most beautiful experience at the hostel and Dune Beach Hostel! We got to see 3 beautiful countries and experience local communities. along with other fun activities such as: sunset walks, surf lessons, and game drives! Thank you Myra for making this such a special trip that I will hold close to my heart. I have a couple allergies and the volunteers were very considerate with making sure I was always fed! I was invited in with open arms and showed South African culture on a very personal level! If I ever find myself back in South Africa I will be returning for sure!
8 days ago
United States
My experience was unforgettable and I never wanted to leave. Our hosts and all guides were true professionals and made each activity so much more fulfilling. The balance of free days and activity-packed days was perfect for the length of stay. I would love to go back some day!
9 days ago
Germany
I had a wonderful experience with this host! There were many different experiences and activities to choose from, and my individual needs and preferences were always taken into consideration. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming, and there were so many activities to participate in that I never got bored. Whenever I had a question or needed help, there was always someone available to talk to. I felt very well taken care of and would definitely recommend this experience!
about 2 months ago
Germany
I had the best time ever on this trip! ❤️ The schedule was super well planned, and it's crazy how many different experiences we had in just two weeks across South Africa, Eswatini and Mozambique. I had an amazing time with all the girls, hosts and volunteers I met along the way. So many unforgettable moments, lots of laughter and new friendships! 🫶🏼 This trip gave me memories I'll never forget and I'm so happy I got to be part of it! 🌍✨
about 2 months ago
Germany
Mayra, Rene, Marion, Oliver are amazing hosts! Both hostels are great places to meet great people and feel very comfortable. The safaris were great, the locations are amazing and my group and I had an unforgettable time there. Would recommend everyone to come!
about 2 months ago
United Kingdom
I had a wonderful time at the hostel! Everyone was friendly, and you could tell how connected they are with the local community. It had a great vibe, and you could always find something to do or somewhere to relax, depending on how you felt. Activities ranged from movie nights and braais at the hostel to safaris and camping trips in Eswatini and Mozambique! The staff, volunteers, and guests all socialised together, which made the family-style dinners, and overall stay, feel genuinely homely. It also felt super safe, including for younger/solo/female travellers!
6 months ago
In our community, you can talk to worldpackers who have already collaborated with this host and get your questions answered directly.
Exchange ideas with other confirmed worldpackers before your trip.
Stay in a mixed-gender shared dorm at the project, right in the heart of Marloth Park. With bunk beds, it's the perfect setup for making new friends and sharing the adventure. You’ll have access to hot showers, limited Wi-Fi, lockers, and all the awesome hostel amenities: a chill-out lounge with books and games, a pool to cool off after a day in the bush, a fully equipped kitchen and free bikes.
You'll enjoy three meals a day during your stay. Start with a buffet-style breakfast of oats, cereal, fresh fruit, eggs, toast, and South African rusks, plus coffee, tea, and milk. Lunch is simple but filling, provided on-site at the hostel or during project days, while for full-day tours, travelers can explore local eateries at their own expense. Dinner is a cozy, home-cooked meal shared with the group, prepared by our staff. Expect local favorites like braai, chickpea curry, pap with stew, and more. We use fresh, local ingredients and offer vegetarian options. Dietary needs? Just let us know!
Arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and connect with your shuttle at the bus terminal for a direct transfer to the hostel. A direct return transfer back to Johannesburg Airport is also included at departure. Full details are in your program guide once your spot is confirmed!
Welcome to the 3-Country Bush and Beach Experience by Kruger Park Hostel and Worldpackers, designed for wildlife enthusiasts and bold adventurers. Nestled in Marloth Park, next to the legendary Kruger National Park, our hostel is where wild encounters and epic memories await. This journey lets you experience three countries in one holiday, combining South Africa’s wilderness with cross-border expeditions into Eswatini and Mozambique. From big-game bushveld and dramatic mountains to tropical coastlines, prepare for an unparalleled adventure through game drives and camping safaris.
Top host
Marloth Park is a unique wildlife sanctuary located right on the border of Kruger National Park, South Africa’s most iconic conservation area. This bush paradise is home to zebras, giraffes, kudus, and countless other species that roam freely among the houses and lodges. It's a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path destination where you can truly disconnect and reconnect with nature. With dirt roads, starry skies, and the sound of lions in the distance, it's a place where travelers can experience Africa in its rawest, most magical form, while also contributing to its preservation.
The project aims to restore Marloth Park’s ecosystem by addressing overgrazing and overgrown trees. By planting grass, clearing invasive plants, and managing vegetation, the project helps maintain biodiversity, prevent wildfires, and create a healthier environment for local wildlife. The goal is to ensure a sustainable habitat that supports both wildlife and the community long-term.
Through immersive and guided wildlife experiences, travelers gain a profound understanding of South Africa’s terrestrial ecosystems. The project emphasizes the importance of protecting endangered species and their habitats, transforming guests into ambassadors for biodiversity. By observing animals in their natural environment during game drives, the group learns the vital role of conservation, not only in the savanna but across the planet.
The project champions a circular lifestyle by producing much of what is consumed on-site. From a sprawling organic garden to handmade bread and yogurt, travelers engage in a sustainable food system that reduces waste and carbon footprints. By participating in composting and mindful resource management, the group learns how to live in harmony with the land, proving that self-sufficiency is the ultimate tool for a healthier planet.
Beyond environmental care, the project actively supports local development by revitalizing educational spaces. By volunteering at underprivileged schools—painting classrooms and improving facilities—travelers help create a more inspiring and dignified learning environment for children. This initiative fosters community empowerment and ensures that the next generation has a brighter, more colorful space to grow and thrive.
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Worldpackers Group Trips offer a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful projects like eco-agriculture, wildlife conservation, and social activities, all while exploring new cultures. Upon successful sign-up, travelers secure their spot instantly - no waiting around for approvals to have their dream experience. To keep things smooth, they get a direct line to a support team and a complete program guide, all set for travelers to immerse themselves in service projects while also having the best time for personal and cultural exploration with like-minded travelers.
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Each of the Worldpackers Group Trips experiences offer different benefits, which may include volunteer certificates. All benefits are stated on the openings’ pages, and you can check what type of certificates are available in each of them.
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