SOUTH AFRICA’S NORTH & EAST COAST

Itinerary

Day 1 | Johannesburg

Distance approx. 10 km, driving time approx. ½ hour

After arriving in Johannesburg and picking up your rental car, you drive to your pre-booked accommodation which is only a few kilometres from the airport. You have the entire rest of the day to yourself. Take a tour of Johannesburg, visit the Apartheid Museum, stock up on supplies for your upcoming trip or just relax by the pool. You overnight at the Safari Club SA.

Day 2 – 3 | Johannesburg – Drakensberg

Distance day 2: approx. 340 km; driving time approx. 5 hours

After an early breakfast you embark on your self-drive journey and head south. Passing through the Free State province, you drive to the Drakensberg mountain range. The rustic Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge, situated high up in the mountains on a private nature reserve overlooking the Royal Natal National Park, is your destination of today. Look forward to breathtaking panoramic views! The beautiful surroundings can be explored on various hiking trails. Enjoy the serenity and take a break from the rest of the world. You spend two nights at the Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge.
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 4 – 5 | Drakensberg – Giant’s Castle

Distance day: 4 approx. 150-200 km; driving time approx. 3-4 hours

After breakfast, you leave the reserve behind and set off to further explore this stunning area. We recommend you make a detour to the Royal Natal National Park. Venture out on a walk and enjoy the mountain scenery and fascinating rock formations. You then continue via Bergville and Winterton to the Central Drakensberg area. Spend the following day within the Giant’s Castle Game Reserve, boasting some of the most dramatic hiking trails and views in the Drakensberg mountains. This area is also famous for its cultural heritage, a multitude of Bushmen paintings and rock art wait to be discovered. You spend two nights at the Antbear Eco Lodge.
Breakfast | Dinner

Day 6 | Giant’s Castle – Durban

Distance approx. 200 km; driving time approx. 2-3 hours

Today you continue to Durban, a town known for its large Indian population. Make your way to the market, which is a treat for the eyes, ears and nose, or visit the beautiful uShaka Marine World aquarium or botanical gardens. The warm Indian Ocean also invites you to take a quick dip before heading to the Greenfire Dolphin Coast Lodge in Umdloti, about 20 km north of Durban. For dinner try one of the restaurants in the area (at own cost).
Breakfast

Day 7 | Durban – St Lucia

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

After breakfast you head out and make your way to the small town of St Lucia, situated on the Indian Ocean and bordering the spectacular iSimangaliso Wetland Park. You can opt to join a boat trip on the St Lucia Estuary to look for hippos and crocodiles or go on game drives in the park. Alternatively, you can also just relax on the beach or go for a walk. Ornithologists will be amazed by the hundreds of bird species that live in the area. Between November and March turtles come to lay their eggs in nests on the beach – quite a site to see. You can also drive through the park to Cape Vidal, which offers excellent snorkelling and swimming opportunities. Overnight at St Lucia Wetlands Guesthouse.
Breakfast

Day 8 | St Lucia – Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park – St Lucia

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

In the early morning you drive past sugar cane plantations and forests to reach the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, the only Big Five game reserve in Kwa-Zulu Natal. You have the entire day to spend on self-drive game viewing. Black and white rhinos can be found in the park due to its breeding program and with a little bit of luck you might be able to see both these endangered species. Elephants, lions, leopards and buffaloes are to be found in the park too. You return to St Lucia Wetlands Guesthouse in the evening.
Breakfast

Day 9 – 10 | St Lucia – Kosi Bay

Distance day 9: approx. 250 km; driving time approx. 3-4 hours

Today’s destination, Kosi Bay, is known for its four beautiful fresh water lakes, which are connected by canals and flow into the Indian Ocean. Join a boat trip to get an up-close view of the water birds and learn more about the traditional fish traps built by locals. Alternatively, you can take a swim or simply relax on the sandy beaches. The river mouth is teeming with fish and offers great snorkelling opportunities. You stay for two nights at the Utshwayelo Kosi Mouth Lodge. Please bear in mind that a 4×4 vehicle is required for exploring the surroundings. Such excursions can be arranged by the lodge.
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 11 – 12 | Kosi Bay – Ezulwini Valley, Swaziland

Distance day 11: approx. 350 km; driving time approx. 4-5 hours

After breakfast you travel to the neighbouring country of Swaziland. You have a chance to visit the local market in Manzini, where you can shop for authentic Swazi handcrafts. Activities in the area include a visit to a traditional Swazi village, game viewing in the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, hiking and horse riding. The lovely Mogi Boutique Hotel will be your home for two nights.
Breakfast

Day 13 – 15 | Ezulwini Valley, Swaziland – Kruger National Park

Distance day 13: approx. 250 km; driving time approx. 3-4 hours (excl. game drives)

Today you re-enter South Africa and travel to the Kruger National Park. Entering the park through the Crocodile Bridge Gate, you drive to the Lower Sabie Rest Camp in the southern section, where you spend the night in a bungalow. The following days are set aside for game viewing in the national park. Keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant) and animals you might not have seen before. You stay two nights at Skukuza Rest Camp. Night game drives and guided bush walks can be booked at the rest camps.
Breakfast (Day 13)

You can enjoy your meals at the rest camps’ restaurants or you can opt to make your own meals. Basic supplies are available at the park shops. Please note that in high season and school holidays some camps may be fully booked and alternatives would be used.

Day 16 – 17 | Kruger National Park – Hazyview

Distance day 16: approx. 200 km; driving time approx. 3-4 hours (excl. game drives)

You have the whole morning to continue your exploration of the park. No day on safari is like the other and you will be amazed about new sightings. Leaving the Kruger National Park behind, you continue to Hazyview. Spend the following day exploring the magnificent Panorama Route. Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and the Bourke’s Luck Potholes are worth a visit. You can also make a detour to the Graskop Gorge Lift. Beautiful views from top are guaranteed! Down in the gorge, suspension bridges and wooden walkways meander through indigenous forests. You spend two nights at the Little Pilgrims Boutique Hotel.
Breakfast (Day 17)

Day 18 | Hazyview – Johannesburg

Distance approx. 370 km; driving time approx. 5 hours

After breakfast you travel back to Johannesburg and return your rental car at the airport. From here you can fly home. If you would like to extend your stay in South Africa, we will gladly assist you.
Breakfast

Price includes:

• Self-drive tour according to the itinerary
• 17 nights’ stay in guesthouses and lodges (depending on availability, accommodation of a similar standard will be booked)
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary

Price excludes:

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

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