Day 1 & 2: Cape Town

Your adventure begins at Cape Town International Airport, where one of the tour team will meet you and welcome you to South Africa.

On the way: Having said this adventure takes you west to east across South Africa, your first trip is actually in the opposite direction, from the airport by road to your first accommodation of the tour, just a half-hour drive from the airport.

You’ll have the rest of the day and all of tomorrow to enjoy your hotel facilities and everything that Cape Town has to offer. Sure, you won’t be able to see everything in that time, as there’s so much to do and see. Beaches, a harbour, a nature reserve, cafes and restaurants, wineries. Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles, The V&A Waterfront, Robben Island. To name just a few. We’ll leave you to decide what are the ‘must-sees’ and those that are your ‘would like to see if I’ve got time’.

On day 2 you have the whole day to spend as you like in Cape Town. Tomorrow, the touring begins for real.

Luxury Accommodation
Cape Diem Lodge

Standard Accommodation
Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel

Day 3 & 4: Cape Winelands

After breakfast in the hotel, it will be time to take delivery of the rental car that’s going to get you to the next few stop-offs on your journey.  Load up your bags in the back and hit the road.

On the way: You’ll be driving due east from Cape Town to the Cape Winelands, a trip of about 85km that usually takes around two hours.

When you’re there: Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are of the oldest towns in South Africa, with French settlers believed to be the first to make their home here. Its valley location makes for picturesque surroundings, and the towns have all kinds of art galleries and boutique stores to explore, as well as quaint places to buy and enjoy food.

Now its time to experience the local (and famous) hop-on, hop-off wine tram. And yes, it is as exciting as it sounds, because the tram provides you with the best way to discover the wealth of vineyards and restaurants that are dotted around the Franschhoek Valley. Take your pick of the cellar tour and wine tasting opportunities you’ll get on a circuit of stops each tram takes you on. Then head back when you’re ready for your last night at your hotel.

Luxury Accommodation
Grande Provence Wine Estate

Standard Accommodation
Marianne Wine Estate

Day 5: Robertson, Route 62

The wine theme continues as today you’ll be visiting the 150-year-old town of Robertson in the heart of the Wine Route. Don’t forget to grab breakfast first.

On the way: The journey of 120km east from Franschhoek or Stellenbosch to Robertson along Route 62 shouldn’t take you much more than an hour and a half in your hire car.

When you’re there: There is plenty to keep you occupied here for the day, with more wine estates to explore if you’ve not had your fill yet, plus the nearby town of Montagu to visit. You’ll be staying in here for just one night

Luxury Accommodation
Fraai Uitzicht 1798

Standard Accommodation
TheLAB Robertson

Day 6 & 7: Garden Route

It’s time to head into the heart of South Africa’ s famous Garden Route, so-called because of its lush forests. Knysna will be your destination where there’s a town, harbour, lagoon and beaches.

On the way: The 335km drive from Robertson to Knysna takes about 4 hours unless you stop off on the way of course.

When you’re here: You’re sure to want to make the most of the photo opportunities offered by the Heads, two sandstone cliffs that form a gateway to the estuary. There’s plenty to do in and around the water and the harbour and lagoon, whether it’s activities or relaxing cruises.

If you prefer dry land, head to the town centre, perhaps for some retail therapy or something to eat in one of the restaurants.

Then you could get those hiking boots out and explore Diepwalle Forest or Jubilee Creek, or enjoy the thrill of the elevated views you’ll get from the suspension bridge.

As there’s so much to do in and around Knysna, another full day has been allocated for you to spend here.

Luxury Accommodation
The Lofts Boutique Hotel

Standard Accommodation
Stannards Guest Lodge

Day 8: Johannesburg

Today, you’ll leave your trusty rental car behind and take to the skies on a flight to one of South Africa’s largest cities, Johannesburg.

On the way: You’ll start the day with breakfast before heading out on the 70km drive west from Knysna to George Airport, a journey that shouldn’t take much more than an hour.  After dropping off your car at the rental office, you’ll check in for your flight to Johannesburg’s Tambo International Airport. Flight time is just under 2 hours

When you’re here: When you land, one of the tour team will be in the arrivals hall to welcome you and take you to your accommodation for the night.

Luxury Accommodation
African Rock Hotel and Spa

Standard Accommodation
City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport

Day 9: Limpopo National Park, Limpopo

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be transferred back to the airport to pick up your second rental vehicle. This one will take you all the way to the end of your trip.

On the way: Set the satnav for Kings Walden Garden Manor, Limpopo and allow about 5 hours plus stop off times for the 415km journey along the N1 highway. Note how the landscape transforms from bushveld to mountains and forest as you pass Pretoria, Bela-Bela, Modimolle and Tzaneen.

When you’re there: You’ll have an afternoon and evening of free time when you reach Kings Walden Garden Manor in the heart of the Agatha Forest Reserve, just outside Tzaneen. It’s a country house surrounded by gardens with some impressive mountain views.

You’ll be staying on one of six luxury rooms, each with extra-long kingsize beds and an ensuite with shower and luxury bath. The bar and lounge with cosy fireplace are sure to tempt you to relax and unwind after your travels. Be sure to treat yourselves to a dip in the pool and dinner in the a la carte restaurant.

Luxury Accommodation / Standard Accommodation
Kings Walden Garden Manor

Day 10 & 11: Kruger National Park

Your focus moves from Tzaneen to Timbavati (luxury) or Makusi Game Reserve (standard) today as you check out of the country house and check-in your Kruger lodge for a 2-night stay during which you’ll be surrounded by wonderful nature.

On the way: Allow up to three hours for the drive from Kings Walden to the next accommodation on your itinerary, where no less than four game drives and all your meals are included in the price.

When you’re there: Check-in between 1PM and 2PM and grab some lunch before heading out on an afternoon or evening safari. This is Big Five country, renowned for lion sightings as well as leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. If you’re lucky, you might spot an extremely rare white lion. Either way, don’t forget to look to the skies as up to 350 different species of birds are known to fly around here.

Your second day will start bright and early with the chance to grab a coffee before heading out on the first of today’s double helping of safaris, each under the guidance of an experienced tracker. You’ll be transported in an open-top 4X4 and will hopefully tick off the Big 5 from your bucket list, if you haven’t already.

You can opt to take a morning bush walk instead, guided by an expert ranger. The second safari of the day takes place in late afternoon. In between, you’ll have time to spend as you please, perhaps by the pool, in the bush bar or on the viewing deck. However you choose to fill your day, you could end it with a meal in the candlelit dining room, followed by a drink around the fire in the boma.

Luxury Accommodation
Umlani Bushcamp

Standard Accommodation
Karongwe River Lodge

Day 12: Guernsey Private Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park

It’s another early start if you want to make the most of the dawn game drive that’s included in the price you pay for the tour. Which wildlife will you see today that you didn’t view yesterday? After breakfast back at camp, it’ll be time for farewells and to head to the Guernsey Private Game Reserve.

On the way: Only a short drive today, out of camp and heading southwest, a little over 40 km away, so about a 1.5 hour drive.

When you’re there: You’ve another chance to spot the Big 5, plus crocodile, hippo, wild dog, zebra and more. And if you want, you can book hikes, cruises, horse riding and hot air ballooning in the local area.

Luxury Accommodation
Ngama Tented Safari Lodge

Standard Accommodation
Pezulu Tree House Lodge

Day 13 & 14: Hazyview, Mpumulanga

You’ll be travelling ever closer to the world famous Kruger National Park today, with the town of Hazyview in Mpumulanga Province your destination.

On the way: Pack your bags and load your car for the journey from Ngama to Hazyview, a little over 80km away. There’s plenty to stop and see on the way as you take the Panama Route due south. Be sure to view God’s Window, the Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and the many waterfalls you’ll see along the way. You can also choose to self-drive into Kruger, but be sure to enter via the Phabeni Gate and to be out before dark.

When you’re there: Hazyview is a small town with quaint places to eat and relax. The River Café and Kuka Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge come highly recommended.

Guided river rafting and the Graskop Gorge Lift are the activities on the menu today after you grab breakfast at your lodge.

The rafting is a thrilling 2-hour experience during which you’ll be expertly guided down the Sabie River, enjoying the rush of the rapids, the cascades of waterfalls and the beautiful forests all around you.

Hot on the heels of this memorable experience comes another, a 60 metre descent into a gorge brimming with tropical wildlife you can view from the raised wooden paths that take you down into the gorge and back out again. Enjoy lunch at the on-site restaurant which can be followed by a trip to the old gold mining village of Pilgrims Rest. Then it’s back to your hotel for rest, relaxation, eating, drinking and good conversation on your last night at this location.

Luxury Accommodation
Bambuu Lakeside Lodge

Standard Accommodation
Idle & Wild

Day 15 & 16: Lobamba, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)

Passports at the ready, as today sees you venture into another country – Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland), leaving the beautiful landscapes of Hazyview behind for, guess what, yet more beautiful landscapes.

On the way: It’s a 220kmm, 3 and a half hour drive south from Hazyview to your hotel in the Ezulwini Valley.

When you’re there: You’ll soon see why 2 days and nights have been devoted to this leg of the tour, as there’s plenty to do and see. That includes hiking, horse riding, golf, as well as a village with a market, art workshops and a museum to explore, and a wildlife sanctuary.

After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time for a 2 hour guided bicycle tour of the Milwane Game Reserve, the oldest in the country. It’s safe to cycle here as it’s predator free, with zebra and giraffe enjoying hassle-free grazing. After returning to the hotel for lunch, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish, doing all the things you didn’t quite manage to fit in yesterday.

Luxury Accommodation
Mogi Boutique Hotel

Standard Accommodation
Malandela’s Guest House

Day 17: Hluhluwe IMfolozi, KwaZulu-Natal

Today, you’ll return to South Africa and reach the east coast of the country – specifically False Bay Park, which is within the iSimangaliso Wetlands and enjoys UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

On the way: There’ll be plenty of amazing scenery to enjoy on the 4 hr 45 minute drive southeast from Eswatini to the coast of South Africa.

When you’re there: Check into your room and then either relax in or around the lodge (there’s a pool, bar, lounge and dining area) or head out into the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve – one of the oldest in the region and situated in the heart of Zululand - to view the wildlife on the ground and in the air.

Luxury Accommodation
Falaza Game Park & Spa

Standard Accommodation
Hluhluwe Bush Camp

Day 18 & 19: St Lucia Estuary, KwaZulu-Natal

St Lucia is your destination today – no, not the one in the Caribbean – we’re talking the small, beautiful sub-tropical town on the Elephant Coast in Northern KwaZulu-Natal.

On the way: Just a short drive today, 85km south from False Bay Park to St. Lucia.

When you’re there: This area is known for being the gateway to all kinds of safari park and marine-based adventures, with hippos commonly sighted in the region, even roaming the streets at night.

Your cosy lodge in St Lucia town will provide you with shelter for two nights, so once you’ve settled in, you’ll likely want to explore and find somewhere to relax and eat – there are plenty of restaurants to choose from.

You also have a choice of attractions, all just a short drive away, including the beaches at Cape Vidal (great for snorkelling), and Big 5 spotting in the neighbouring Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve.

You have another day to enjoy the delights of St Lucia with a 2-hour Hippo and Crocodile-spotting boat trip the only organised event of the day. With 1000 crocodiles and 800 hippos known to call this area home, your chances of spotting some are good, if not excellent. The rest of your time is free to spend as you wish.

Luxury Accommodation
Serene-Estate

Standard Accommodation
Forest Lodge & Forest Villas

Day 20: Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal

A chance to enjoy the coastline of eastern South Africa today as you travel south to Salt Rock just outside Ballito, to soak up the laidback beach vibes of a popular area of the country.

On the way: St Lucia to Salt Rock on the Dolphin Coast is a 200km journey that should take around 2.5 hours with no stops. Although, as you’ll be travelling along the coast you may want to pause your journey to give yourselves time to fully appreciate some of the views you’ll see en route.

When you’re there: It won’t take you long to appreciate why this is such a popular area. Golden sandy beaches with the warm Indian Ocean washing onto the shores and forming tidal pools in deep blue. What’s not to like? You can sunbathe and swim, look out of dolphins, or get active on, in and above the water. And when you want a change of scenery, a stroll along the promenade or trip to the Litchi Orchard market are both well worth it, the latter for the chance to taste amazing food and sample local arts and crafts.

When you’ve finished exploring for the day, head back to your accommodation for dinner and relaxation.

Luxury Accommodation
Canelands Beach Club & Spa

Standard Accommodation
Petite Provence

Day 21 & 22: Drakensburg

Although you’ll be getting a sense of the tour coming to an end by now, there’s still plenty of excitement to fill your last few days. And today you’ll be heading from the Dolphin Coast inland to Drakensburg neighbouring the country of Lesotho.

On the way: The journey west from Ballito is just under 200km.

When you’re there: It’s a stunning place to spend the last two days of the tour. A place rich with rivers, waterfalls and mountains, over 30,000 ancient rock paintings, plus a huge variety of wildlife, so much so that it enjoys UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

As ever, there will be plenty to do while you’re here. Not had a chance to fish on the trip yet? Now’s your chance. Same too with horse riding or hiking. Or you can visit the Amphitheatre and Tugela Falls, hike the Sentinel Peak Trail for the day, or self-drive through the Golden Gate National Park. There are plenty of activities you can take part in too – including zip wiring, so you can end your tour in style. Or maybe, after so many adventures, you just want to relax in and around the swimming pool, getting your last fill of the spectacular mountain views.

Luxury Accommodation
Montusi Mountain Lodge

Standard Accommodation
Berghouse & Cottages

Day 23:

After breakfast and goodbyes, it’ll be time to drive to Johannesburg and your flight home.

On the way: It’ll take about 6 hours to get to the airport, but the time will fly by (pun intended) as you take in the views of the foothills and grasslands along the way. Head for OR Tambo Airport on the R24 once you’re on the outskirts of the city.

When you’re there: Return your hire car keys to their check-in desk at the airport and then check-in for your flight to wherever you’re off to next – or maybe you plan to stay and enjoy Johannesburg for a while?