Jan
min : 16°C
max : 26°C
We Love —
- Discover the majestic beauty of South Africa and seek out its fascinating wildlife on this thrilling self-driven tour.
- Unearth South Africa's wildest inhabitants at Kruger Park and stay on a private reserve at the lovely Bongani Mountain Lodge, embarking on daily safaris and enjoying the adventure of a lifetime!
Your Destination —
South Africa
Experience all the must-sees in South Africa, behind the wheel of your vehicle. The tumultuous Cape Town, the famous Kruger Park safaris, and The Zulu culture.
Our Offer —
9-Night Essentials of South Africa Self-Drive Tour
Your Itinerary In Brief —
Day 1: Arrival in Cape Town
Day 2: Cape Town- Cape Peninsula of Good Hope
Day 3: Cape Town - The Wine Route
Day 4: Cape Town - Durban (domestic flight)
Day 5: Durban - Hluhluwe
Day 6: Hluhluwe - Swaziland
Day 7: Swaziland - Kruger Park
Day 8: Kruger Park
Day 9: Kruger Park - Blyde River Canyon
Day 10: Blyde River Canyon - Johannesburg - Departure
The itinerary is subject to availability on the day of your booking.
Your Itinerary —
Arrive in Cape Town and pick up your rental car. Head out on the road to the city of Cape Town.
Cape Town owes its fame to its exceptional site between the bay and the mountain - Cape Town or Kaapstad is one of the most geographically isolated metropolises in the world. Dominated by a mountain with flat tops and vertiginous slopes, it surrounds itself with a beautiful mountainous landscape that extends vineyards and beaches conducive to superb walks. It was the Portuguese who first passed off the Cape of Good Hope in 1487. It was only in the 16th century that the English and Dutch understood the importance of establishing a colony to allow ships en route to India to refuel. From its inception the colony was nicknamed "the tavern of the seas" by sailors all over the world.
Our Excursion Suggestions:
- The company'sgardens, these gardens succeeded the orchard that Jan Van Riebeeck had planted to feed the crews of the dutch East India Company's ships.
- The parliament, seat of government for 6 months, alternating with the capital PRETORIA
- Tuynhuys, official residence of the Presidents of the Republic
- StGeorge's Cathedral , Diocese of the Nobel Peace Prize, Monsignor Desmond TUTU
- Castle Of Good Hope, a fort with impressive walls dating back to 1697
- The City Hall, Italian Renaissance-style town hall
- The Bo Kaap, or Malay neighborhood with colorful houses.
- Ascent of Table Mountain to admire the view of the city and the bay. The main symbol of the city of Cape Town, Table Mountain, or Table Mountain, is a famous mountain that owes its name to its "flat as a table" summit spread over 3 km2. When the clouds reach the top of the mountain it is fun to say that "the tablecloth has been put". Table Mountain peaks at 1,086 m. The view at the top is splendid overlooking the beautiful bays and beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and the rooftops of the city. It is flanked by two hills: Signal Hill and Lion's Head, a little behind.
The day is free for you to discover Cape Town with no meals included. Then enjoy a 3-night stay at Grenadine Petite Hotel in a Standard room with breakfast.
Enjoy breakfast followed by a day at leisure for you to make the most of the area.
Our Excursion Suggestions:
Day on the Cape Peninsula
Departure for the Coastal Road, the Atlantic, Beach Road Sea Point, Bantry Bay and the beautiful Camps Bay Beach. Stop at Hout Bay, a picturesque village renowned for its fishing port. Departure for a sea excursion to Duiker Island, sanctuary of seals and many birds. Your boat will allow you to approach them a few meters away and take unforgettable pictures of these very cocky animals.
Continue to the southwestern tip of South Africa that appears to split the waters between the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. A mythical place for explorers, it was for the first time defeated in the 15th century by the legendary Vasco da Gama. Today, Cape of Good Hope is part of the Cape Point Peninsula, which brings together a wide slee of coastal land in a superb nature reserve
You will reach the Cape of Good Hope, the extreme southern tip of the Cape Peninsula. Crossing the reserve, you may discover the momentum of the cape, the springbok, the bontebok, the impala or the ostriches.
Stop at Boulder's Beach. With a windward ride and a wooden promenade, Boulders Beach is the sanctuary of African penguins.
Then head for a night at the cape.
Following breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore at your leisure.
Our Excursion Suggestions:
Departure to the Wine Route, a region of famous South African vineyards where towering mountains dominate fertile valleys where wonderful properties and mansions steeped in the Dutch architecture of Cape Town are nestled. Road to Paarl Founded in 1690, this town owes its name to a granite rock resembling a giant pearl clinging to the mountain that overlooks it. In the heart of the Winelands and the fruit region; Paarl offers a multitude of activities. This sprawling town is the ideal starting point for many hikes in the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, renowned for its huge variety of Fynbos and at the top of which you will enjoy breathtaking views of the valley.
Continuation to Franschhoek, the "corner of the French". It was in this beautiful valley that the French Huguenots and Dutch settlers began growing vines in the 17th century. Visit the city with the Huguenot Museum and the region. Stop for wine tastings in the winery in the region (not included). Visit Stellenbosch which today includes more than 100,000 hectares of vineyards. Cape Town's wines have long been world-renowned.
Head back to the hotel for a night at the cape.
Day 4: Cape Town - Durban (domestic flight) (Breakfast Included)
After breakfast you will return your rental vehicle to Cape Town Airport. Check in for your flight to Durban. (20kg luggage per person/Economy Class). Arrival at Durban airport and prise in charge of your new rental car. Here you will stay at Quarters Hotel in a Standard Room with breakfast.
Our Excursion Suggestions:
Visit Durban, capital of the Natal region. A city with a subtropical climate, it remains a seaside resort renowned for South Africans. Durban is also the first city in Kwazulu Natal province and South Africa's third largest city after Johannesburg and Cape Town. During this city tour you will discover, the waterfront called Golden Mile, a kind of South African "Miami Beach", the Indian market and the botanical gardens.
Discovery of the Juma Mosque,nestled in the Indian quarter, remarkable construction famous for being the largest mosque in the Southern Hemisphere. Enter the heart of the Indian Quarter to enjoy the atmosphere of the community. Stop at the Indian market, where the main food and crafts products of the Indian community are exchanged (attention open from 07:00 to 17:30 on weekdays and from 09:00 to 15:00 on weekends).
Meals are at your leisure. Enjoy night's stay in Durban.
Enjoy breakfast before heading off on the road to Maputaland, a large region of sugar cane whose fields you will see from the road, as well as huge plantations of eucalyptus and fir trees. All the lands of Maputaland are under the tutelage of "King Zulu". It's the perfect natural place for private reserves. The Zulus arrived in this region in the early 17th century. They planted grain that they had brought with them, and lived from hunting. The maize was brought to them by Portuguese traders. Elephants were very common in this region during the time of the "Nguni" people For the Zulus, the elephant is "Ndlovu" or sacred. But King Shaka Zulu learned to know and appreciate the passion that whites had for ivory.
Our Excursion Suggestions:
Road to the Santa Lucia Wetlands Natural Park,a green paradise spread over 80 km between SODWANA BAY located in the north of the Maputaland region and to the south by lake St. Lucia.The Park alone comprises five interdependent ecosystems with a real national protection interest. The territory of Santa Lucia Wetlands also meets the criteria for the selection of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Continue to the natural lagoon of St. Lucia and board your flat-bottomed boat for an aquatic safari to meet crocodiles, hippos and other wader birds. During your 2-hour safari your ranger will explain the peculiarities of the biodiversity of the lagoon of St. Lucia, the translation will be provided by your local French-speaking guide.
Lunch is free at your leisure. Enjoy a 1-night stay at Falaza Game Lodge in a room/tent on a half board basis and 1 safari in the Falaza Reserve. Enjoy dinner and a night in Hluhluwe.
Day 6: Hluhluwe - Swaziland (Breakfast and Dinner Included)
Departure for your 4x4 safari in the reserve. Then head back to the hotel and have breakfast. Head off on the road to Swaziland, a small independent kingdom. The current King H.M. KING MSWATI III was crowned in April 1986. Swaziland owes its picturesque character to the prevention of its traditions, habitats, ceremonies and political institutions. The language of the country is SISWATI. This is traditional Africa. Most of the inhabitants will still consult the "Inyanga", the sorcerer healer, or the "Sangoma", the traditional healer. Lunch is at your leisure.
Our Excursion Suggestions:
Visit the many markets, craft shops (including candles and glass). Visit Swaziland's national parks such as the Mlilwane Reserve where you can enjoy the scenery during a mountain bike ride, a walk with a specialist guide.
Visit the Mantenga Cultural Village to discover the customs and language "Swazi" which has a strong "Sotho" influence. The passion with which this community will pass on its knowledge and indigenous practices will not leave you indifferent. It is a fine example of solidarity that this community full of energy and cultural knowledge shows us.
Enjoy a 1-night stay at Foresters Arms Hotel in a Standard Room on a half board basis. Dinner and a night in Swaziland is included.
Enjoy breakfast before departing for Hazyview.
Our Excursion Suggestions: These will need to be booked and confirmed before departure
Interaction with elephants
Experience the fascinating experience of getting as close as possible to these magnificent creatures and discover their intelligence, compassionate nature and curiosity when it comes to interacting with their human counterparts. This activity offers you the opportunity to pet the elephants, greet them and offer them delicacies. Experienced healers will share their passion for the fascinating pachyderm. Duration: 1 hour / Schedule: 9am, 12pm and 4pm/ minimum age: 4 years
Note: Kruger Park entry not included - price to date: ZAR 440 per person per day
Arrival at Kruger Park, created in 1898 by President Kruger. Kruger Park is 350 km long and 60 km wide or 20,000 km2. It is the largest wildlife reserve in the country. The park brings together nearly 150 species of mammals, more than 500 birds and 100 reptiles, including the famous "Big Five" (Bufflos, Rhinoceros, Elephants, Lions and Leopards) but also zebras, giraffes, crocodiles.
Enjoy a 2-night stay at Mjejane River Lodge in a Standard Room on a full board basis with 2 safaris per day. Lunch will be depending on arrival time. Depart on an afternoon 4x4 safari. Have dinner before a night at the lodge.
Day 8: Kruger Park (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Enjoy a day of full board dining and lodge activities.
After breakfast depart towards the region of the Blyde River Canyon.
Our Excursion Suggestions:
Visit the 20 km long Blyde River Canyon, where the construction of a dam gave birth to a charming lake. On the road, discover the Giant Marmites (Bourkes Luke Potholes), the 3 huts (Three Rondavels), the windows of God (God's Windows). There is also the option of possible hikes to take here. Guests can have lunch at Pilgrim's Rest and explore the village. Take full advantage of the largest man-made forest estate! It is possible to discover splendid waterfalls. Discover the incredible caves of Sudwala, via the Long Tom Pass.
Enjoy a 1-night stay at Blyde River Canyon Lodge in a Standard Room with breakfast. The rest of the meals are at leisure before a night at the hotel.
Day 10: Blyde River Canyon - Johannesburg - Departure (Breakfast Included)
Enjoy breakfast before heading off on the road to Johannesburg. Return your rental vehicle at the TAMBO JOHANNESBURG GOLD Airport. Note: The vehicle is rented in 24-hour increments. The vehicle must therefore be returned before the time when customers took care of it in Durban. Check-in to catch your flight home.
Your Tour Hotels —
Our members will stay at the following 4* category hotels in a Standard Room with meals included as per itinerary.
4* Category Hotels
Durban - 1-night stay Quarters on Florida (Breakfast)
Hluhluwe - 1-night stay at the Falaza Game Lodge (Half Board) + room/tent and 1 safari in Falaza Reserve
Swaziland - 1-night stay at Foresters Arms Hotel (Half Board)
Kruger Region - 2-night stay at Mjejane River Lodge (Full Board) and 2 Safaris
Blyde River - 1-night stay at Blyde River Canyon Lodge (breakfast)
Sleeps up to
2 Adults
or
2 Adults
+ 1 Child
Please note: the bed for the 3rd/4th guest sharing is likely to be a sofa bed or camp style bed. If any of these hotels are not available, hotels of a similar standard will be found.
If one of the accommodations offered is not available, the tour will offer accommodation alternatives according to availability, indicating the difference in rates if necessary and we will validate these accommodation alternatives with your agreement.
Please note that due to the current global health pandemic (COVID-19), certain restaurants and buffets may be closed or places and tables may be limited. We strongly recommend that you contact the hotel for further information two days before your arrival.
Please note that due to the current global health pandemic (COVID-19), the cultural, leisure and wellness activities, as well as the outdoor swimming pools at this hotel, may be closed or limited in terms of access. We advise you to contact the hotel or the tourist office two days before your arrival.
Your Journey —
Flights: You may choose from Economy, Premium or Business class flights on sectors that they operate, at the next stage of the booking process.
The flights included are with either a scheduled or no-frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.
Transfers: Transfers are not included in this offer.
Car Hire: For the freedom to explore your destination at your own pace, car hire is included. This will be in a Group C Toyota Corolla/similar. Details: Manual, air-con, power-steering, central locking, ABS, airbags, Radio/CD Luggage: 2 medium, 1 small suitcase, 1 carry on.
What you will need:
- Compulsory international driver's license for all vehicle rentals.
- Mandatory credit card - An amount (ZAR 3,725 will be deducted at the beginning of the rental and returned at the end of the rental / GPS Caution - ZAR 1000.
