Highlights of South Africa
This 21-day Highlights of South Africa tour is perfect for travellers wanting to experience the very best of South Africa. We focus on using small owner-managed guesthouses and private lodges as opposed to large impersonal hotels.
Experience the highlights of South Africa on this 21-day self-drive tour. The tour starts In Johannesburg and ends in Cape Town
It is not called the Rainbow Nation for nothing, South Africa with it’s rich cultural history exquisite cuisine, sandy white beaches, mountain ranges and amazing wildlife will leave you with the memories of a country with all the different possible landscapes combining into one country.
You will start your Highlights of South Africa tour in Johannesburg and as you move East, the landscape will already start to change and you drive along the Panorama Route and get to see the 2nd largest natural Canyon in the world on your way to the historic and rich in wildlife Kruger National Park.
Your journey will continue into Swaziland to the East Coast and Durban, a surfer’s paradise. Taking a flight from Port Elizabeth you will arrive in George and start the scenic Garden Route after spending some time in the beautiful town of Knysna. The last few days will be spent in the winelands of South Africa before heading to the Mother City, Cape Town.
We have designed the Highlights of South Africa Tour based on Lodges and Hotels which would fit any budget. We are able to adjust and upgrade where needed based on your needs and preferences.
Prices are quoted as “from” prices, pp sharing.
| How much: | € 1640 |
| How long: | 21 days |
| Accommodation: | Lodges and Hotels |
| Transport: | Rental Car |
| Start point: | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| End point: | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Meals: | As indicated in Itinerary |
| Countries: | South Africa |
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)
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
Prices are based on 10-12 persons. The price per person will vary depending on the amount of people on this tour and the season.
Day 1: Johannesburg – Pretoria
Distance approx. 70 km; driving time approx. 1 h
Upon your arrival at OR Tambo Airport, you pick up your rental car and make your way to 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: Pretoria – Hazyview
Distance approx. 400 km; driving time approx. 5-6 h
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 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.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 – 6: Hazyview – Kruger National Park
Distance approx. 80km; driving 1-2h excluding game drives
Look forward to three amazing days of wildlife viewing in Kruger National Park! The Phabeni 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 3 nights In the Park You also have the possibility of booking guided bush walks and night game drives at the camps
Meals: Breakfast on day 4
Day 7: Kruger National Park – Ezulwini Valley, Swaziland
Distance approx. 300km; driving time 4h
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.
Day 8: Ezulwini Valley – St Lucia, South Africa
Distance approx. 350 km; driving time 4-5h
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…
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9: St Lucia – Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park – St Lucia
Distance approx. 100 km; driving time 2h, ecluding 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.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 St. Lucia – Durban
Distance 250km; driving 3-4h
After 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. For dinner, why not visit one of the nearby restaurants (optional).
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 & 12 Durban – Port Elizabeth Airport – Oyster Bay
Distance 140km; driving time 3-4h, excluding 1hour flight
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 here
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13 & 14: Oyster Bay – Knysna
Distance approx. 180 km; driving time 3h
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.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15 Knysna – Oudtshoorn
Distance approx 150km; driving time 2h
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.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 16: Oudtshoorn – De Kelders
Distance approx. 380 km; driving time 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.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 17 – 18: De Kelders – Cape Town
Distance approx. 180 km; driving time. 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.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 19 & 20: Cape Town – Stellebosch
Distance approx. 2160 km; driving time. 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.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 21: Stellenbosch – Cape Town Internationa Airport
Distance approx. 300 km; driving time. 5 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 trip, we will gladly assist you
Meals: Breakfast
This tour is available whole year round.
Just let us know when you want to go… or contact us for more details regarding the best time of year to book this tour.
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