SOUTH AFRICA HIGHLIGHTS

Itinerary

Day 1 | Johannesburg – Pretoria

Distance approx. 70 km; driving time approx. 1 hour

Upon your arrival at OR Tambo Airport, you pick up your rental car and make your way to Brooks Cottage in Pretoria. The rest of the day is for you to enjoy at leisure. You can opt to explore the city of Pretoria or just take a dip in the pool and relax at your guesthouse. Shops and restaurants are within walking distance.

Day 2 – 3 | Pretoria – Hazyview

Distance day 2: approx. 400 km; driving time approx. 5-6 hours

After breakfast you head in an easterly direction through the provinces of Gauteng and Mpumalanga. Along the way you pass the towns of eMalaheni and Mashishing (formerly Lydenburg) before heading to Pilgrims Rest. Take a moment to browse through this small historical town and travel back to the days of the gold rush. In the afternoon, you continue to the Little Pilgrims Boutique Hotel in Hazyview, your accommodation for the following two nights. You have the whole next day to explore the breathtaking Panorama Route. Visit the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. A stop at the Graskop Gorge Lift is also highly recommended. Enjoy the beautiful views and take the lift down into the gorge where walkways and suspension bridges meander through indigenous forest.
Breakfast

Day 4 – 6 | Hazyview – Kruger National Park

Distance day 4: approx. 80 km; driving time approx. 1-2 h (excl. game drives)

Look forward to three amazing days of wildlife viewing in Kruger National Park! The Phabeni Gate or Paul Kruger Gate is your entry point into the park. If you are in luck, you might be able to see the Big Five – rhino, lion, elephant, leopard and the buffalo. Also watch out for Kruger’s Big Six birds, made up of lappet faced vulture, martial eagle, saddle billed stork, kori bustard and ground hornbill as well as the nocturnal Pel’s fishing owl. You spend two nights at the Skukuza Rest Camp, followed by one night at Lower Sabie Rest Camp. Both camps are located on the Sabie River. You also have the possibility of booking guided bush walks and night game drives at the camps.
Breakfast (Day 4)

The bungalows are equipped with cooking facilities. Supplies can be bought from the rest camp shops, but there are also restaurants available for those wanting to sit back and relax. Please note that in high season and school holidays, some camps may be fully booked, and alternatives would be used.

Day 7 | Kruger National Park – Ezulwini Valley, Swaziland

Distance approx. 300 km; driving time approx. 3-4 hours

In the morning you leave Kruger National Park through the Crocodile Bridge Gate and cross the border to Swaziland. Make a stop at the colourful market of Manzini where you can find beautiful arts and crafts. The Ezulwini Valley is today’s destination. This ‘valley of heaven’ and its surrounding mountains are great for hiking, biking or even horse riding. Explore the Milwane Wildlife Sanctuary or visit a nearby candle factory and see the handmade and highly decorative Swazi Candles take shape. Your home for tonight is the Mogi Boutique Hotel.

Day 8 | Ezulwini Valley, Swaziland – St Lucia

Distance approx. 350 km; driving time approx. 4-5 hours

Re-entering South Africa at the Lavumisa border post, you have now reached the Kwa-Zulu Natal province and will continue onwards to the town of St Lucia, close to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. St Lucia offers many activities such as boat trips to see hippos and crocodiles, forest walks and sunbathing on the beach. You can drive through the wetland park to Cape Vidal, where you can go swimming and snorkelling in the rock pools or book a guided game drive in the park. This area is a bird’s paradise and hundreds of species can be spotted. You stay at the St Lucia Wetlands Guesthouse.
Breakfast

Day 9 | St Lucia – Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park – St Lucia

Distance approx. 100 km; driving time approx. 1-2 hours (excl. game drives)

An early start is on the menu as you spend a full day in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. A short drive past sugar cane plantations and forest takes you to Kwa-Zulu Natal’s only Big Five game reserve. This park is home to the endangered black and white rhinos, thanks to the park’s breeding program. Be on the lookout for the other members of the Big Five – the elephants, buffaloes, lions and leopards. In the evening you return to the St Lucia Wetlands Guesthouse.
Breakfast 

Day 10 | St Lucia – Durban

Distance approx. 250 km; driving time approx. 3-4 hours

Today your journey takes you to Durban, one of the busiest trading centres on the Indian Ocean. The city of Durban is home to South Africa’s largest Indian population and this just adds to the cosmopolitan feel of the city. Take a trip to the local spice market and let the diverse sounds and smells enthral you! Other “must” sees are the uShaka Marine World aquarium, the botanic gardens and the muthi market. You will stay the night at the Greenfire Dolphin Coast Lodge in Umdloti, around 19 km north of Durban. For dinner, why not visit one of the nearby restaurants (optional).
Breakfast

Day 11 – 12 | Durban – Port Elizabeth Airport – Oyster Bay

Distance to King Shaka Airport: approx. 10 km; driving time approx. ½ hour
Distance to Oyster Bay: approx. 130 km; driving time approx. 2-3 hours

You head to Durban’s King Shaka International Airport in the early morning. Once you have returned your rental car, you board your flight to Port Elizabeth. Arriving in PE, you pick up another rental car and travel on the highway to Humansdorp. Continue towards the coast and be careful while driving, the last few kilometres on dirt road might be rough. You finally reach the Oyster Bay Lodge, situated on a private coastal reserve, boasting magnificent dunes, unspoilt beaches, woodlands, river deltas, wetlands and lagoons. Look forward to exploring this hidden gem. Take a break from the rest of the world and enjoy each moment to the fullest. You spend two nights at the Oyster Bay Lodge.
Breakfast | Dinner

Day 13 – 14 | Oyster Bay – Knysna

Distance day 13: approx. 180 km; driving time approx. 2-3 hours

After breakfast your journey continues to the famous Garden Route. During the morning you should visit Tsitsikamma National Park, a great destination for birdwatchers and lovers of dramatic coastlines. Put on your walking shoes and go for a little hike! Back at your car, you continue via the pretty town of Plettenberg Bay to Knysna, which is famous for its wood industry and oyster farming. The following day is for you to enjoy at leisure. You can drive up to the viewpoint on Knysna Heads, go for a boat trip on the lagoon, go swimming or go for a hike or cycle tour through the forest. You stay two nights at the Stannards Guest Lodge.
Breakfast

Day 15 | Knysna – Oudtshoorn

Distance approx. 150 km; driving time approx. 2-3 hours

Today you make your way through George and over the Outeniqua pass to Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo. Oudtshoorn is well known for ostrich farming as well as for the Cango Caves, where you can explore the underground caverns and halls. If you are a little bit more adventurous you can also take a drive up the Swartberg pass. Tonight you will stay at the lovely Thabile Lodge outside Oudtshoorn.
Breakfast | Dinner

Day 16 | Oudtshoorn – De Kelders

Distance approx. 380 km; driving time approx. 5-6 hours

On today’s drive along the R62 you pass the towns of Calitzdorp, Ladismith and Montagu. Via Swellendam, you reach the little village of De Kelders, on the Walker Bay coast. Between the months of June and November, the southern right whales come to breed here. Look out for whales as they surface for air. Outside of whale season, the area offers wonderful walks along the rugged coastline or into the nearby forests. For those seeking peace and quiet, this is a perfect getaway. You spend the night at the Crayfish Lodge.
Breakfast

Day 17 – 18 | De Kelders – Cape Town

Distance day 17: approx. 180 km; driving time approx. 2-3 hours

After breakfast, you travel to the mother city, Cape Town. Situated between Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Venture out and explore the town, hike up Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, stretch out on Blouberg or Camps Bay beach, explore Simons Town, take the ferry to Robben Island or go shopping at the V&A Waterfront. You stay two nights at the Nine Flowers Guest House.
Breakfast

Day 19 – 20 | Cape Town – Stellenbosch

Distance day 19: approx. 160 km; driving time approx. 4-5 hours (incl. Cape of Good Hope)

Start the day off early and explore the beautiful Cape Peninsula. Via the scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive, you make your way to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. Expect to be amazed by the panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean! You continue your trip via Simon’s Town, Fish Hoek and Muizenberg to Stellenbosch in the heart of the Cape Winelands. The surrounding mountains create a dramatic backdrop to the beautiful vineyards. The town and its historical streets and buildings can be explored on foot. Join a wine tasting tour to sample the fruit of the winemakers’ labours or go for a hike in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. You spend two nights at the stunning Wedgeview Country House just outside Stellenbosch.
Breakfast

Day 21 | Stellenbosch – Cape Town Airport

Distance approx. 70 km; driving time approx. 1-2 hours

Today your tour ends at Cape Town Airport, where you return your rental car and embark on your journey home. Should you wish to spend more time in the Cape or book a connecting overland trip, we will gladly assist you.
Breakfast

Price includes:

• Self-drive tour according to the itinerary
• 20 nights’ stay in guesthouses and lodges (depending on availability, accommodation of a similar standard will be booked)
• Meals according to the itinerary
• Domestic flight from Durban to Port Elizabeth (max 20 kg luggage)

Price excludes:

• Flights (international)
• Rental car (please contact us for a quote)
• Fuel
• Possible toll and crossing border fees
• Meals not indicated in the itinerary
• Beverages (alcoholic and soft drinks)
• National park fees
• Optional activities
• Visa, tips, personal expenses, travel insurance

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