15 days - Self drive South-Africa: Kruger, Swaziland, St Lucia, KwaZulu Natal, The Wild Coast, Addo Elephant, Tsitsikamma, Knysna, Route 62, Cape-Town

The southern area of South Africa’s most famous game reserve, the Kruger National Pak, is separated from lush farmland by the Crocodile River, a popular area to spot crocodiles, playful hippos and thirsty wildlife. The game viewing area is known as the ‘Southern Circle’ and is renowned for its rhinos and lions, with different prides boasting an array of different hunting techniques and behaviours to observe. Near the Hippo Pool, visitors can view ancient San rock paintings. The Southern Kruger offers incredible game-viewing opportunities and magnificent landscapes covered in African bushveld and savannah.

This tiny, land-locked nation boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. Swaziland encompasses a diverse array of ecosystems – towering mountains and low-lying savannah, tangled rainforests and lush river valleys. Highlights of this laid-back land include the mesmerizingly beautiful ‘Valley of Heaven’, the handicraft haven of the Malkerns Valley and the Hlane Royal National Park, famed for its white rhinos, antelopes and lions.

St Lucia lies on the St Lucia estuary, and is a haven of tranquillity that only unspoilt nature can provide. Entirely surrounded by the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, the residents of little village are protective of their beautiful environment. Mountain biking, hiking, bird watching and deep-sea fishing present opportunities to enjoy the surroundings. From the town, you can catch the Santa Lucia ferry and take a trip around the lower reaches of the lake where you can view water birds, crocodiles and hippos wallowing in the shallows.

Idyllically set on the exquisite North Coast of South Africa, just 40 km from the vibrant city of Durban, Ballito is a quiet seaside resort town known for its spectacular beaches and laidback atmosphere. The town features an attractive blue flag accredited main beach which offers safe swimming conditions as well as lifeguards and protective shark nets. There are also some lovely tidal pools which are ideal for families with young children. The area is famous for its large school of dolphins which can be spotted on a leisurely boat cruise or while relaxing on the shore. Whales are also frequently seen on their annual migration to Mozambique for the summer. Other popular activities on offer include: golf, tennis, squash, scuba diving, and a variety of other watersports.

The small coastal town of Port St. Johns is known as the Jewel of the Wild Coast and is situated at the mouth of the Umzimvubu River in the Eastern Cape. Boasting pristine, white sandy beaches, a wide array of wonderful natural attractions, and fantastic fishing and surfing opportunities, the town is a favourite among families and those seeking a leisurely escape. The Selaka Nature Reserve offers a birdwatcher’s paradise and the chance to see the cute Cape clawless otters. Travellers looking for something a little different can head to the sulphur pools for a natural mud bath, which is a healing tradition among the local Pondo people, and rinse off in the calming river waters afterwards. Watching the natural wonder of the famous gap and blowhole on the beach presents an adrenaline-filled experience of the power of the sea and mother nature.

Situated close to the city of East London in the beautiful Eastern Cape Province, Chintsa is a hidden treasure along the Wild Coast of South Africa. It is made up of two small villages: Chintsa East and Chintsa West, which are separated by the Chintsa River Mouth. It features a pristine, unspoilt long stretch of white-sand beach fringed by dense lush vegetation scattered with a variety of wonderful places to stay ranging from luxury to budget accommodation. Chintsa offers visitors the opportunity to surf the waves, kayak along the river, enjoy a fishing excursion and soak up the African sun on the spectacular beach.

As South Africa’s third largest national park, the Addo National Elephant Park offers a truly unforgettable safari experience. This finely-tuned ecosystem provides a sanctuary to large numbers of elephant, lion, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, antelope, zebra and over 400 bird species - to name but a few. The park is unique as it is the only park in the world to boast the “Big 7” - the Big 5 as well as the southern right whale and great white shark off the coast of the Algoa Bay. Spend your days marvelling at the extensive knowledge of the park’s experienced guides who offer exhilarating 4x4 safari adventures, exciting horse riding excursions, and wonderful night drives where you are likely to spot some fascinating nocturnal wildlife. Famed for its large herds of elephant, Addo provides an ideal, tranquil retreat for those looking to escape the stresses of big city living.

Much of the indigenous forest in this eastern part of the Garden Route falls within the Tsitsikamma National Park. The park is not only a breathtaking haven for indigenous flora and fauna but also for marine life. A marine conservation belt forms part of the park, stretching five and a half kilometres out into the ocean.

Nestled between the imposing Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean and surrounded by world-renowned forests, Knysna offers a wealth of activities for visitors. The beautiful lagoon and more than eight beaches provide opportunities to swim, surf, canoe, yacht, jet-ski, boat, fish, walk on soft sand and take ferry rides. Various markets offer organic goods, delicious food, indigenous plants and a social atmosphere. Mountains, valleys, lakes, forests and streams are ready to be explored. The region isn’t known as the “Garden of Eden” for nothing! A birding route is available for avid bird watchers. World class golf courses are at your doorstep. And of course the area is famous for the Knysna Heads and delicious oysters.

Oudtshoorn is famous for its ostriches and the magnificent Cango Caves. Located along the renowned Route 62, which takes motorists past one awe-inspiring sight after another, Oudtshoorn is known as the Ostrich Capital of the World: these huge birds are almost as common as people in this charming town. Other than ostriches and the wonderful feathers and meat they provide, the Oudtshoorn area also boasts the spectacular Cango Caves; the largest show cave system in Africa, permeated with sparkling stalactites and stalagmites and captivating rock formations.

Situated in the beautiful province of the Western Cape in South Africa, Montagu is a popular stop along the famous Route 62, a scenic alternative to the N2 highway. This quaint town serves as the gateway to the Little Karoo and is well-known for its natural hot springs, heritage and idyllic setting. The rugged terrain features majestic mountains, spectacular passes, vineyards, orchards and rivers. It is a popular destination for rock climbers who flock here to scramble up the many rugged rocky outcrops and cliff faces encircling this charming town. Visitors can explore the wide picturesque streets lined with over twenty Cape Victorian national monuments, discover a wide range of wining and dining options, and soak up the scenic tranquillity on one of the many hiking trails in and around Montagu.

Resting at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean, sandwiched between the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain and the glistening sapphire waters of Table Bay, the exceptionally scenic city of Cape Town is in a class of its own. Some cities boast rich culture, vibrant nightlife, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and extraordinary architecture, while others boast breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary natural wonders. Cape Town, is lucky enough to be blessed with all of these attractions and so much more. With its bustling harbour, world-class beaches, top-notch vineyards, and its mountainous surroundings brimming with diverse flora and fauna, Cape Town consistently captivates the hearts of all who visit.