This journey delivers a vivid introduction to South Africa, moving from wide open reserves alive with wildlife to cities defined by their rich history. Early morning game drives bring close encounters with iconic animals across changing landscapes, while time in Johannesburg, Oudtshoorn, and Cape Town reveals the country through its streets, neighbourhoods, and landmarks.

The pace is carefully balanced, combining guided experiences with moments to pause, observe, and explore independently. From the sounds and movement of the bush to coastal air and city streets, the itinerary connects nature, history, and contemporary South Africa.

Your itinerary:

Day 1: Johannesburg

Day 2: Johannesburg → Panorama Route → Hazyview 

Day 3: Hazyview ⇄ Kruger National Park 

Day 4: Hazyview → Kruger National Park → Malelane

Day 5: Malelane → Eswatini → Hluhluwe

Day 6: Hluhluwe → St Lucia → Hilton

Day 7: Hilton → Howick → Drakensberg 

Day 8: Drakensberg → Mthatha

Day 9: Mthatha → Qunu → Port Alfred

Day 10: Port Alfred → Eastern Garden Route → Knysna

Day 11: Knysna → Cango Caves → Oudtshoorn

Day 12: Oudtshoorn → Winelands → Capetown

Day 13 & 14: Capetown

Day 15: Departure

Please note: Tour group sizes will range from 2 to 30 people. 

Table Mountain will be closed for annual maintenance between July and August (dates to be finalised).

DAY 1 | Johannesburg

• Johannesburg, also known as Egoli, the City of Gold, is alive with adventure. Beginning as a tent city during the gold rush, its eclectic mixture of diverse cultures reflects the uniqueness of South Africa. You’ll soon get used to the sound of hooting taxis and the chatter of street vendors rising against the distinctive, modern city skyline.
• Enjoy the day at leisure or take an optional, guided afternoon tour of Johannesburg and Soweto’s highlights (optional). Return to the hotel late afternoon.
• Meet your tour guide at the hotel for the tour briefing at 6pm before dinner.

Night at Protea Hotel by Marriott Balalaika Sandton 4*.

DAY 2 | Johannesburg → Panorama Route → Hazyview (310 miles) 

Breakfast included.

• After breakfast, leave the city and head towards the scenic Panorama Route. Passing rolling grasslands and small towns, the road eventually climbs an escarpment of the Drakensberg Mountains to enter a scenic wonderland.
• Blyde River Canyon, the world’s largest green canyon, filled with waterfalls and ancient geological features, will take your breath away. Spot the Three Rondawels - three conical peaks resembling African huts.
• Stand on the bridges over the Bourke’s Luck Potholes, where millennia of swirling water have carved giant holes into the sandstone.
• Take in the panoramic vistas of Wonder View, the highest point of the day.
• The town of Graskop (grassy peak), established in the 1880s at the height of gold rush, is now part of the local timber industry. Visit one of its famous pancake bars and then browse the many curio shops to find unique artefacts.
• The scenic drive to Hazyview winds through rolling hills and dense forests. Take a breath and soak in the outstanding natural beauty of Mpumalanga as you head for your hotel.

Night at ANEW Resort Hazyview 4*.

DAY 3 | Hazyview ⇄ Kruger National Park (155 miles) 

Breakfast included.

• After an early breakfast, a full day of adventure awaits you in the world’s premier safari destination. The Kruger National Park will immerse you in the world of the 'Big 5': lion, rhinoceros, leopard, buffalo, and elephant. The Park, sprawling over 20,000km², is slightly smaller than Belgium and supports a staggering variety of fauna and flora - including rare bird species. 
• Enjoy lunch at one of the park’s rest camps, before continuing on the bush adventure.
• An optional full-day safari in an open safari vehicle with an expert guide is available.
• Exit Kruger National Park and head back to the hotel to freshen up and enjoy pre-dinner drinks before dinner.

Night at ANEW Resort Hazyview 4*.

DAY 4 | Hazyview → Kruger National Park → Malelane  (124 miles) 

Breakfast and dinner included.

• Enjoy an early breakfast before spending a second day in the park, as you drive from Phabeni Gate to exit at Malelane Gate in the south.
• Pre-book the optional full-day safari in an open safari vehicle Be ready to add to your game and bird viewing list and look out for unique flora. There’s a lot to look for, with 336 tree, 49 fish, 34 amphibian, 116 reptile, 507 bird, and 147 mammal species. 
• Use the lunchtime spent in a rest camp to look for one of the ‘Little 5’:  the ant lion, the buffalo weaver, the elephant shrew, the leopard tortoise, or the rhino beetle.
• The time in the park ends in the late afternoon as you exit at the Malelane Gate. The overnight accommodation is situated on the border of the famous Park.
• Enjoy drinks on a deck overlooking the Crocodile River, and watch the animals come down to the river to drink as the sun sets on the experience of a lifetime. 

Night at Pestana Kruger Lodge 4*.

DAY 5 | Malelane → Eswatini → Hluhluwe (360 miles) 

Breakfast included.

• After an early breakfast, the adventure will continue as you depart for Hluhluwe via the often misty mountains of the Kingdom of Eswatini and into the Ezulwini Valley. Craft markets, overflowing with carvings, beadwork and colourful materials, provide wonderful shopping opportunities. Sample local food specialties, such as Buganu, a marula fruit drink, or Sishwala porridge, served with a meat stew or vegetables. 
• There will be a stop for lunch on the way to Hluhluwe, where you will arrive at your hotel in the early evening in time for a Zulu cultural experience and dinner.

NOTE: When entering the Kingdom of Eswatini, guests must ensure that they have a valid passport and for nationals of applicable countries, multi-entry visa regulations apply.

Night at ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris 3*.

DAY 6 | Hluhluwe → St Lucia → Hilton (248 miles) 

Breakfast included.

• There is an opportunity to go on a morning open safari vehicle game drive in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve (optional).
• After breakfast, visit the coastal town of St Lucia, at the heart of South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
• Go on an optional boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary. The Estuary, with its island-like setting, is one of the largest estuaries in Africa and a recognised natural wonder. This rich wetland is home to a mind-boggling 2,180 plant species, over 1000 Nile crocodiles, more than 800 hippos and many prehistoric-looking monitor lizards. With over 400 species of birds, it is a watery paradise.
• Load up with snacks before leaving St Lucia, before a late lunch on arrival at Salt Rock Hotel.
• Take a short stroll on the beach before journeying inland through miles of golden sugarcane fields and the small, previously predominantly German town of Wartburg.
• Arrive in the quaint village of Hilton in the late afternoon. Enjoy your evening meal in this historic hotel.

Night at ANEW Hotel Hilton 4*.

DAY 7 | Hilton → Howick → Drakensberg (105 miles) 

Breakfast and dinner included.

• After breakfast, visit the place that changed the course of South Africa’s history; the Mandela Capture site marks where the apartheid police apprehended Mandela in 1962.
• Continue to the small town of Howick for a stop at the beautiful Howick Falls. It is the second-highest waterfall in South Africa, with a drop of 95m into a large pool.
• Head for the majestic Drakensberg (Dragon’s) Mountains via the country villages of Underberg and Himeville. The mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a high point of 3,482m.
• Arrive at the hotel before midday with plenty of time to enjoy lunch. Spend the afternoon taking in the mountain scenery, stretching your legs on one of the hiking trails, or enjoying the many resort activities.

Night at Premier Resort Sani Pass 3*. 

DAY 8 | Drakensberg → Mthatha (195 miles)                                     

Breakfast included.

• Over breakfast, enjoy the majestic peaks as you spend the morning at your leisure, taking a walk or looking out for black eagles or Cape vultures. On the mountain slopes, you will find proteas, South Africa’s national flower, growing amongst the fynbos.
• Be ready to leave later in the morning as the coach takes you back down the mountain roads, over rivers and through valleys.
• There will be a stop en route to Mthatha for lunch.
• With a late afternoon arrival in Mthatha, visit the Nelson Mandela Museum in town (time permitting).
• After checking in, there will be time to relax before dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Night at Garden Court Mthatha 3*.

DAY 9 | Mthatha → Qunu → Port Alfred (226 miles) 

Breakfast and dinner included.

• After breakfast, continue to the coast. The road winds through the green hills of Nelson Mandela’s heartland, to the cluster of tiny villages that make up Qunu, and the village of Mvezo, where Nelson Mandela was born and buried. This is a rural area, where goats roam the streets and many of the inhabitants are subsistence farmers.
• After a morning spent soaking in history, head back on the road, reaching the beautiful marina town of Port Alfred in the late afternoon.
• End the day with a sunset cruise along the tranquil Kowie River, keeping an eye out for kingfishers, water monitors and crocodiles.
• Enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Night at The Royal St Andrews Lodge 4*.

DAY 10 | Port Alfred → Eastern Garden Route → Knysna (254 miles) 

Breakfast included.

• After an early breakfast, depart for Knysna along the N2 highway via Gqeberha, a route famous for its outstanding natural beauty.
• One of the many gems of the Garden Route is the Tsitsikamma Forest, where you will enjoy lunch.
• As you enter the Storms River section of the Garden Route National Park, watch for when the road suddenly tops a rise, offering a breathtaking view of the ocean and a deep, emerald-green gorge.
• Cross the famous Storms River suspension bridge and experience the thrill of standing high above the vast rocky chasm below you. There are a series of 3 bridges with stable wooden paths and stairs. This hour-long walk offers spectacular views of the gorge and ocean.
• The afternoon continues with a scenic drive through Plettenberg Bay to Knysna. The beauty of Knysna is found in its inland waterways and the Heads rock formations, towering over each side of a vast lagoon.
• Spend your afternoon at leisure, relaxing or exploring the many craft shops and art galleries or Gin Distiller, before heading back to your hotel for dinner.

Night at Premier Hotel The Moorings Knysna 4*.

DAY 11 | Knysna → Cango Caves → Oudtshoorn (111 miles) 

Breakfast included.

• The drive to Oudtshoorn runs through pretty seaside towns, past lakes, and mountains. From the town of George, the road turns inland and up the 13km Outeniqua Pass, with waterfalls and views of the ocean.
• The Pass exits into the semi-desert of the Klein Karoo where you find the town of Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world. See an ostrich farm the traditional way by taking a fun and interactive tractor tour of the farm. You will be served a farm lunch: be sure to try ostrich biltong (dried meat).
• You will have travelled through game parks, up mountain passes and across estuaries, but the Cango Caves Heritage Tour will take you into an astounding subterranean world. The Caves, approximately 20 million years old, are an underground wonder. 
• With leisure time in the evening, have dinner at the hotel.

Night at Protea Hotel by Marriott Riempie Estate 3*.

DAY 12 | Oudtshoorn → Winelands → Capetown (279 miles)

Breakfast included.

• Enjoy breakfast as you prepare to head to one of South Africa’s premier destinations, the magnificent city of Cape Town. The road twists along Route 62, the longest and most mountainous wine route in the world.
• There will be time for lunch in one of the charming towns along the way.
• After lunch, indulge in a cheese and wine pairing and cellar tour of one of the many fine vineyards on the route (optional). South Africa is justifiably famous for its wine industry, which dates back to the 17th century, making it one of the oldest in the world.
• Table Mountain awaits, and you will soon be in the most beautiful city in South Africa. With an afternoon arrival in Cape Town, enjoy a relaxing dinner at the hotel or venture out to a restaurant in the city, where you will be spoilt for choice...

Night at StayEasy Cape Town City Bowl 3*.

DAY 13 & 14 | Capetown

Breakfast included.

• Enjoy 2 days exploring Cape Town at your leisure, with the freedom to spend the time however you choose on day 13. On Day 14, enjoy an included full-day tour of Cape Point, the extreme southwestern tip of the mighty African continent. 

Our suggestions for day 13 (not included; choose the best excursions to suit you)

• Table Mountain: No visit to Cape Town is complete without ascending Table Mountain. Take the cableway or hike to the top for unparalleled panoramic views over the city, the bay, and the rugged coastline.
• Boulders Beach: Witness one of Africa’s most endearing wildlife experiences at Boulders Beach. Get up close to the resident African penguin colony, strolling along boardwalks and sandy beaches while observing their charming behaviour.
• Bo-Kaap: Immerse yourself in Cape Town’s vibrant history and culture. Walk the cobbled streets of Bo-Kaap, admire the vividly painted houses, and sample local Cape Malay spices. This neighbourhood is a feast for the senses and a cultural highlight.
• Cape Winelands (Constantia or Stellenbosch): Discover South Africa’s wine heritage with a guided tasting in the scenic Winelands. Sip crisp whites and rich reds amid rolling vineyards and mountain backdrops, combining gastronomy and scenery.

Night at StayEasy Cape Town City Bowl 3*.

DAY 15 | Capetown

Breakfast included.

• Departure.

Throughout your tour, you will stay in carefully chosen hotels, as follows:

Day 1, Johannesburg: Protea Hotel by Marriott Balalaika Sandton 4*

Day 2 & 3, Hazyview: ANEW Resort Hazyview 4*

Day 4, Malelane: Pestana Kruger Lodge 4*

Day 5, Hluhluwe: ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris 4*

Day 6, Hilton: ANEW Hotel Hilton 4*

Day 7, Drakensberg: Premier Resort Sani Pass 3*

Day 8, Mthatha: Garden Court Mthatha 3*

Day 9, Port Alfred: The Royal St Andrews Lodge 4*

Day 10, Knysna: Premier Hotel The Moorings Knysna 4*

Day 11, Oudtshoorn: Protea Hotel by Marriott Riempie Estate 3*

Day 12 - 15, Capetown: StayEasy Cape Town City Bowl 3*

If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply. 

Stay connected on the move with this exclusive mobile internet offer, perfect for modern travellers. Activate your included eSIM and enjoy connection wherever you go. Easily share your internet connection with friends and family without limits.

Please note: 3GB of internet data represents around 30 hours of web browsing/audio streaming or 3 to 4 hours of video streaming/social networking/video calls.

Add an unlimited mobile data plan to stay connected with complete freedom, without any risk of exceeding your allowance. Activate your eSIM and enjoy continuous connectivity wherever you go: share the internet with your loved ones, find the best places around you, use your GPS without stress and enjoy your favourite apps to the full, without worrying about your usage.

Explore the key moments that shaped Johannesburg, from its gold rush origins to its role in South Africa’s political history. The route includes Constitution Hill and the former Old Fort Prison, Kliptown Open Air Museum, the Hector Pieterson Memorial, views of the iconic Soweto Towers, Vilakazi Street, and a lively local street market. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Full-day game drive in an open safari vehicle in Kruger National Park, accompanied by an expert guide. Travel through varied landscapes in search of iconic wildlife, with time to observe animal behaviour and learn about the park’s ecosystems. A day focused on unfiltered safari viewing in one of Africa’s most renowned reserves.

Morning game drive in an open safari vehicle in Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Game Reserve, led by an experienced guide. Set out early to explore one of South Africa’s oldest reserves, known for its rolling hills and rich wildlife, with opportunities to observe animals during the most active hours of the day.

Boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary. Glide along calm waters to observe the estuary’s rich wildlife in this unique wetland ecosystem, which could include hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of birdlife.

Guided tour of Capetown's rich history, from the Malay Quarter and Company Gardens to the diamond merchants and, time permitting, the Castle of Good Hope. Conclude with a visit to Table Mountain, one of the world’s natural wonders, and take in sweeping views (weather permitting; cableway ticket not included).

Discover South Africa, a captivating destination bordered by two oceans and renowned for its breathtaking landscapes. From majestic mountains and vibrant cities to serene beaches and charming villages, this diverse country offers a wealth of experiences for every traveller.

Must-sees:

• Table Mountain: Iconic for its flat-topped silhouette, this natural wonder provides panoramic views of Cape Town.
• Kruger National Park: One of Africa's largest game reserves, it is celebrated for its rich wildlife and exceptional safari opportunities.
• The Garden Route: A scenic coastal drive featuring stunning landscapes, quaint towns, and diverse ecosystems.

Culinary culture:

South Africa’s culinary culture reflects its rich heritage, offering a delightful blend of flavours. Indulge in traditional dishes such as bobotie (a spiced meat dish), braai (barbecue), and biltong (cured meat), paired with exquisite local wines from the Stellenbosch region.

Dive deeper:

To gain a deeper understanding of the country’s culture, explore the vibrant art scene in Johannesburg or visit the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Engage with local communities to discover traditional crafts, music, and dance that highlight South Africa's diverse cultural tapestry.

Good to know:

• The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). The best time to visit varies by region, but the dry winter months (May to September) offer excellent game viewing.
• Cape Town's Wine Route includes Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl, renowned for world-class wineries, picturesque vineyards, and Cape Dutch architecture.
• In contrast, South Africa's Garden Route is a scenic coastline from Mossel Bay to Storms River, featuring diverse landscapes of beaches, forests, and mountains, along with charming towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.

The Kruger National Park, one of South Africa’s most renowned wildlife reserves, spans nearly two million hectares and offers a vast array of landscapes. From granite hills in the south to the savannahs of the east and the tropical forests in the north, this park is a haven for nature lovers. Known for its diversity, the park is a top destination for spotting the Big Five and offers rich wildlife experiences throughout the year.

Must-sees:

• The Big Five: Elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, and buffalo
• Historical and archaeological sites, including ancient rock engravings
• Scenic spots such as Sabie River and Shingwedzi for wildlife viewing and birdwatching

Culinary culture:

Kruger National Park's culinary scene is deeply rooted in local flavours. Most lodges and camps offer traditional South African braais (barbecues), where visitors can enjoy freshly grilled meats and locally grown produce. For an authentic experience, try biltong, a type of dried, cured meat, and pair it with South African wine, particularly from the nearby regions of Stellenbosch or Paarl.

Dive deeper:

Beyond the well-known game drives, the Kruger offers unique experiences such as guided walking safaris and birdwatching tours, where you can spot rare species like the African Fish Eagle. The park is also home to a variety of indigenous tribes, and several cultural tours give insight into the area's rich history, from the Shangaan and Zulu cultures to the stories of early explorers.

Good to know:

The Kruger National Park operates year-round, with the dry winter months (May to September) being the best time for game viewing. The park is easily accessible by road from Johannesburg or via daily flights to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. South African Rand (ZAR) is the local currency, and it’s recommended to bring cash for purchases within the park.