DAY 1: Johannesburg to Mpumalanga, South Africa 

Departing from Johannesburg at 06h30 you head east towards Mpumalanga. A landscape characterized by mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests. Spend the night in the town of Hazyview, a favourite stopover for visitors to the region.  Hazyview is not only a tourism hub, but also a thriving farming community, situated in an area which has the best climate for growing bananas, and you will see row upon row of these tropical plantations.

Distance: 350 km
Accommodation: Gecko Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, restaurant and bar)

DAY 2 – 3: Kruger National Park, South Africa 

This morning you start with a scenic drive along the Panorama Route, arguably one of the most beautiful destinations in South Africa. The most spectacular stretch is the Blyde River Canyon, which is the 3rd largest canyon in the world, and filled with lush vegetation and wildlife. You will make a stop at Bourke’s Luck Potholes to view these spectacular rock formations, formed eons ago by erosion. In the afternoon we head into the Kruger National Park. Spend two nights inside the park and will have the chance to encounter the wildlife of Africa on exciting morning and afternoon game drives.

DAY 4: Kingdom of Swaziland 

Today you will cross the border into the mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland, lead by King Mswati III, and one of 3 monarchies in Africa.  You will explore the traditions and discover the culture of which the Swazis are so proud. Spend the night in the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Swaziland’s pioneer conservation area situated in the “Valley of Heaven”.  Apart from abundant bird life, there are a number of animal species to be seen including hippo, giraffe, crocodile, zebra, and a variety of antelope.

Distance: 195 km
Accommodation: Mlilwane Rest Camp or similar (tents with wash rooms with hot and cold water)

DAY 5-6: Zululand, South Africa 

After visiting a craft market en route, re-enter South Africa. Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve is a safe haven for the white rhino. Spend the afternoon and the following morning on game drives in our vehicle and stop at hides and waterholes to watch game come down to drink. The first afternoon you will visit a local Zulu village to learn about their culture, traditions and lifestyle.

DAY 7-8: Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa

Moving further inland, we travel to the newly formed Maloti Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation Area. Spend two nights at Witsieshoek, which at 2286m above sea-level is one of the highest lodges in South Africa. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the many activities on offer, such as hiking, mountain biking or fishing. Alternatively just relax and enjoy the views offered by some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the country.

Accommodation: Witsieshoek Hotel or similar (bungalows)

DAY 9 & 10:  Lesotho 

Today we cross the border into the Kingdom of Lesotho, the southernmost landlocked country in the world, rich in natural beauty, flora, fauna and cultural heritage.

Malealea is situated in a remote part of Western Lesotho that is breathtaking in its beauty. Take advantage of the chance to experience traditional Basotho life, a nation with solid traditions, beliefs and customs. No visit to Lesotho would be complete without a pony trek and the next day we take a ride on the transport of choice for most Basotho, as these sturdy animals handle the narrow trails better than any 4x4 can!

Accommodation: Malealea Lodge or similar (assorted types of accommodation)

DAY 11:  Cradock, South Africa 

Leave the beauty of Lesotho behind and drive to the historical Karoo town of Cradock. Founded in 1814 as a frontier stronghold, the town is an important agricultural centre with traditional Karoo hospitality. Best known for its natural sulphur spring, Cradock is a place of literary legends and the original part of the town is graced with some of the finest buildings.

Distance: 470 km
Accommodation:  Die Tuishuise or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 12-13: Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa 

A conservation success, Addo Elephant N.P. offers a unique wildlife area, famous for the Addo elephants and the remaining population of the flightless dung beetle. Spend our days on game drives in search of elephant, black rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard. Evenings spent at the floodlit waterhole allow us to watch the nocturnal animals and listen to their calls.

DAY 14-15: Tsitsikamma, South Africa 

This morning after breakfast your journey takes you to a region of startling beauty along South Africa’s Southern coastline, known as the Garden Route. Indigenous Tsitsikamma forests surround the rest camp at Storms River mouth, where you spend the next two nights.  Enjoy some of the many walks up the Storms River Gorge and along the rocky coastline. There is an option to plunge off the world’s highest bungi jump at the Bloukrans River. (own expense) and there is also whale watching in season (July to November).

Accommodation:  Storms River Camp or similar

DAY 16: Karoo, South Africa 

After visiting ‘The Heads’ in Knysna, a town nestled on a tranquil lagoon travel over the Outeniqua Mountains into the Little Karoo to the town of Oudtshoorn. We take a trip to the famous Cango Caves, with their impressive ancient stalagmites and stalactites before you overnight just outside the ostrich capital of the world.

Distance: 250 km
Accommodation: Kleinplaas Campsite or similar (tents with wash rooms with hot and cold water, swimming pool & cafeteria)

DAY 17 – 18: Cape Town, South Africa 

En-route to Cape Town, visit the pretty University town of Stellenbosch, for wine tasting and a cellar tour. Once in Cape Town you get to explore the many attractions the ‘Mother City’ has to offer, on our Cape Point tour.  There is plenty of time to enjoy the fabulous beaches or indulge in some last minute shopping at the V&A Waterfront.  Why not take an optional excursion to Robben Island. (own expense)

Distance: 495 km
Accommodation: Lady Hamilton or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool and restaurant)

DAY 19: Cape Town, South Africa 

Spend the final day at leisure, weather dependent, there is the chance to take the cable car up Table Mountain (own expense) and enjoy one last view of the Cape of Good Hope before being dropped off at the airport at 18h00 by your guide.