South Africa's highlights in 25 days

Day notes

Day 1. Meet & greet upon arrival ORT (JNB) Airport

Welcome to South Africa!

Upon arrival in Johannesburg, the hotel shuttle will be waiting to take you to the hotel for your first night in South Africa.

Day notes

Day 2 & 3. Klaserie Private Game Reserve

After breakfast you will be dropped off at the airport , from where you will take a flight to Hoedspruit. Once there, pick up your rental car and drive to Umlani, located in the Timbavati Nature Reserve. Time for safari! * When picking up the rental car, make sure that they give you the "cross-border letter" for Swaziland

** You can also opt to drive this first leg, it is a 6-hour drive more or less. If need be we can add a stop.

Day notes

Day 4 & 5. Hoedspruit

After a final game drive and breakfast it is time to check out.

Next destination is the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate. From here you can explore the northern part of the Panorama Route, or visit the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre.

Day notes

Day 6. Hazyview

Travel south today and explore the other places along the Panorama Route.

*Try to avoid the R40, there is often a lot of traffic there, rather drive around and take the R532 via Graskop.

Day notes

Day 7 & 8. Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary - leisure

Today you cross the border into Swaziland. The lodge is extremely helpful with arranging local activities.

You will experience that Swaziland has a very different atmosphere compared to South Africa and the people are extremely friendly and helpful. Candle factories, craft markets, nature reserves, bike rides and hiking trails, plenty to do!

Read more https://africantravels.com/nl/what-can-you-do-in-swaziland-eswatini/

Day notes

Day 9 - 11. ISimangaliso Wetlands Park

Continue via Kwazulu Natal to green St Lucia. 

St. Lucia itself is known for its large lagoon, which is teeming with crocodiles and hippos. On one of the days we will book a boat trip for you so that you can view it at your leisure.

 A day trip to the nearby Isimangaliso Park is also very worthwhile, the combination of wildlife and a beautiful large beach is unique and beautiful! Wildlife found in Isimangaliso Park includes elephants, leopards, black and southern white rhinoceroses, cape buffalo, and ocean whales, dolphins, and sea turtles, including leatherback and loggerhead turtles.

The park is also home to 1,200 crocodiles and 800 hippos which are best spotted on a boat safari.

Day notes

Day 12 & 13. Sundays River Valley

Durban airport is a short 2.5 hour drive away. Return the car  (with a full tank) and take the plane to Port-Elizabeth.

Here you pick up the second rental car and drive to the Addo Elephant Park.

Addo Elephant Park is again excellent to explore with your own rental car. However, the lodge also offers game drives in an open 4x4 safari vehicle. We can book this activity in advance. The lodge is located a short distance from the Addo Elephant Park. Addo Elephant Park is South Africa's fourth largest national game park and offers an unforgettable safari experience. Here you will find a lot of wild animals, including of course elephants, but also lions, buffaloes, black rhinoceroses, spotted hyenas, leopards, antelopes, zebras and more than 400 bird species can be viewed here!

Day notes

Day 14. Knysna

Continue to Knysna, located on the beautiful Garden Route.

Visit the Knysna heads on the way or take a boat trip on the lagoon or the sea, we can arrange this for you. There are plenty of excursions to book for the more active amongst you. Canoe trips in Wilderness, surf lessons in Plettenberg bay, mountain biking or try out a SUP board!

Day notes

Day 15 - 17. Oudthoorn

Travel towards the mountains to the small town of Oudtshoorn.

The ostrich farms are the biggest attraction of this beautiful area. A visit to such a farm is very interesting and definitely worth it. The famous Cango Caves are also very impressive. Accommodation this time is 'glamping'. You sleep under canvas, but that's really where the 'basic' ends.

The tents are equipped with everything you need! If desired, meal packs can be ordered in advance that can be prepared in the tent, or you drive to the nearby village to do some shopping.

Day notes

Day 18 & 19. Elgin Valley

Travel on to the beautiful Elgin Valley!

 Accommodation is in a family cottage on a working farm. Don't forget to visit the Elgin Railway Market.

If you're driving there via the beautiful R62, don't forget to stop at Diesel & Creme in Barrydale for the best milkshakes in South Africa!

Day notes

Day 20 - 21. Stellenbosch

10 Alexander in Stellenbosch is ideally situated as a base from which to explore the Cape Peninsula and surrounding Boland towns, including Franschhoek, Paarl, Wellington and some of the most scenic beaches in the world.

Stellenbosch is located in the heart of the Cape Winelands. It is a pleasant student town, where you can taste delicious wine at one of the more than 200 wineries. You can visit many without an appointment!

Stroll through the streets of this cozy village at your leisure and enjoy the surrounding nature!

Day notes

Day 22 - 24. Cape Town

Located in the upscale neighbourhood of Fresnaye, Sundown Manor offers stylish accommodation on the Atlantic Seaboard. The property's location makes it an ideal base to explore many of Cape Town's popular attractions, such as the V&A Waterfront and Camps Bay. Accommodation comprises ten spacious units featuring air-conditioning, Wi-Fi access, hairdryers and coffee-making facilities. Guests can enjoy delicious breakfasts every morning. Additional amenities and services include a swimming pool, a library, an indoor fireplace and laundry service.

Day notes

Day 25. Last day South Africa