14 Day Best of South Africa: Big Five, Culture & Cape Town (Accommodated)

Day 1: Johannesburg, South Africa

Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg), where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps exploring the city or relaxing before meeting your fellow travelers and guide for a tour briefing at 19h00.

Meals: No meals included on this day
Accommodation: Southern Sun Sandton or similar
Included Highlights: Airport Transfer
Optional Activities: Soweto & Apartheid Museum Tour – ZAR 2530 per person
Distance: ± 35 km

Day 2: Johannesburg – Mpumalanga, South Africa

Leaving Johannesburg after breakfast, we embark on a scenic journey to Mpumalanga, known as “Paradise Country”. Enjoy a brief orientation tour of Pretoria, South Africa’s capital city. Travel through historic towns like Dullstroom and Lydenburg, traverse the legendary Long Tom Pass, and continue via Sabie to arrive in Hazyview, the safari hub near Kruger National Park, in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hazyview Sun Hotel or similar
Included Highlights: Scenic drive through Mpumalanga, orientation of Pretoria, crossing the Long Tom Pass, Arrival in Hazyview
Distance: ± 425 km

Day 3: Mpumalanga – Panorama Route, South Africa

An early breakfast precedes a breathtaking drive along the Panorama Route. Witness spectacular scenery, including the iconic Blyde River Canyon (home to the Three Rondavels), the intriguing Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the awe-inspiring God’s Window, offering panoramic views of the escarpment and Kruger National Park (weather permitting). We return to Hazyview in the late afternoon for leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hazyview Sun Hotel or similar
Included Highlights: Exploring the Panorama Route, marveling at the Blyde River Canyon, Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the vista from God’s Window
Distance: ± 320 km

Day 4: Mpumalanga – Kruger National Park, South Africa

Embark on an unforgettable early morning open vehicle game safari through the world-renowned Kruger National Park with an experienced English-speaking game ranger. Search for the legendary ‘Big Five’ (rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, and elephant) and encounter a diverse array of wildlife and birdlife. Experience a presentation by the Anti-Poaching Dog Unit (Project Watchdog) and learn about their vital conservation work. A portion of your trip price contributes to the care of these dedicated dogs. Enjoy a pre-packed breakfast during your safari. The afternoon is free for relaxation, or you can opt for an additional afternoon game drive (optional).

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hazyview Sun Hotel or similar
Included Highlights: Open vehicle safari in Kruger National Park, searching for the Big Five, learning about rhino conservation with the Anti-Poaching Dog Unit
Optional Activities: Kruger National Park – Afternoon Open Vehicle Game Drive – ZAR 1030 per person
Distance: ± 120 km

Day 5: Mpumalanga – eSwatini (Swaziland), South Africa

Journey to the independent Kingdom of eSwatini (Swaziland), known for its stunning landscapes, traditional crafts, and vibrant indigenous culture. Engage in an interactive cultural experience, meeting the friendly Swazi people and learning about their traditions. Travel via the capital city, Mbabane, to the beautiful Ezulwini Valley for your overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner at your own expense)
Accommodation: he Royal Villas in Ezulwini (eSwatini)
Included Highlights: Crossing into eSwatini (Swaziland), immersive cultural experience, exploring the Ezulwini Valley
Distance: ± 310 km

Day 6: eSwatini (Swaziland) – Zululand, South Africa

Continue south through eSwatini after breakfast, re-entering South Africa and travelling into Zululand, passing traditional round huts and expansive landscapes. Opt for an afternoon open vehicle safari (optional, own account) in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, famous for its successful white rhino conservation program and diverse wildlife. Overnight in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi region.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Anew Hotel Hluhluwe
Included Highlights: Journey through Zululand
Optional Activities: Open Vehicle Game Safari in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve (Renowned for rhino conservation) – ZAR 1115 per person
Distance: ± 360 km

Day 7: Zululand – Durban (Umhlanga) –  Tsitsikamma, South Africa

An early start takes you past traditional Zulu Kraals, eucalyptus plantations, and sugar cane fields en route to Durban (Umhlanga) airport. Take a short southward flight to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) (flight excluded). Upon arrival, you’ll be met and begin your journey west along the iconic Garden Route, following the Indian Ocean coastline, with majestic mountains and indigenous forests inland. Overnight in the Tsitsikamma area.

Highlights: Travel through KwaZulu-Natal, flight to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) – Own Expense, beginning the scenic Garden Route exploration, overnight in Tsitsikamma

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tsitsikamma Village Inn
Included Highlights: Travel through KwaZulu-Natal,  beginning the scenic Garden Route exploration
Distance: ± 430 km
Please Note: Flight to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) will be at your own expense

Day 8: Tsitsikamma – Knysna, South Africa

After breakfast, explore the stunning Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River Mouth (weather permitting). Discover its dramatic coastline, indigenous forests, and river gorges. Continue to Knysna, known as the “oyster box” of South Africa, nestled on a beautiful lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route. Enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on the Knysna Lagoon, followed by a delicious dinner at the renowned Drydock Restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Rex Hotel or similar
Included Highlights: Exploring Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River Mouth, sunset cruise on Knysna Lagoon
Optional Activities: Dinner in Knysna
Distance: ± 100 km

Day 9: Knysna – Oudtshoorn, South Africa

Travel over the scenic Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, the “ostrich capital” of the world. Stop at ‘Dolphin Point’ in Wilderness for breathtaking views of Wilderness beach. In Oudtshoorn, experience a fun and interactive tour of a working ostrich farm, including a light lunch with local specialties like Ostrich Steak. Explore the spectacular limestone formations of the Cango Caves, one of the world’s great natural wonders. Check into your hotel in the late afternoon, with dinner at your own expense.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hlangana Lodge or similar
Included Highlights: Crossing the Outeniqua Pass, scenic views from ‘Dolphin Point’, ostrich farm tour and lunch, exploring the Cango Cave
Distance: ± 210 km

Day 10: Oudtshoorn – Hermanus, South Africa

There is an optional early morning Meerkat Safari for a unique wildlife encounter (own account, subject to availability). A portion of the proceeds supports local wildlife conservation.

After breakfast, journey through the ‘Little Karoo’ to Barrydale, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit a local farm school, interact with the children and teachers, and support local education. A portion of your trip contributes to the Barrydale Farm School Development Fund. (Subject to school being open). Continue via the Tradouw’s pass to Swellendam and then to the seaside resort of Hermanus, known as the heart of the whale route and offering the best land-based whale watching (August-November).

Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner at your own expense)
Accommodation: Auberge Burgundy
Included Highlights: Visit to a local farm school in Barrydale, Scenic drive through Tradouw’s pass, Arrival in Hermanus on the whale route
Optional Activities: Meerkat Safari – ZAR 985 per person
Distance: ± 365 km

Day 11: Hermanus – Cape Town, South Africa

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departing Hermanus and travelling along the spectacularly scenic coastal road to Somerset West. Continue to Stellenbosch, nestled in the beautiful Cape Winelands, where you’ll have free time to explore its charming streets, cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. Finally, travel to Cape Town for your three-night stay.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: President Hotel or similar
Included Highlights: Scenic coastal drive, Exploring the Cape Winelands town of Stellenbosch, Arrival in Cape Town
Distance: ± 160 km

Day 12: Cape Town, South Africa

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Cape Town at your own pace. Consider joining an optional sightseeing tour to Table Mountain (own account) or a Marine Big Five Safari (optional, own account) for a chance to see sharks, whales, seals, and seabirds with marine biologists. A portion of the proceeds supports marine conservation efforts. In the evening, enjoy a fun-filled authentic African dinner experience with interactive entertainment at Gold Restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast , Dinner
Accommodation: President Hotel or similar
Included Highlights: Free day in Cape Town, Authentic African Dinner Experience
Optional Activities: Excursions to Table Mountain or a Marine Big Five Safari
Distance: ± 10 km

Day 13: Cape Town (Full Day), South Africa

Embark on a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula, showcasing some of the world’s most stunning coastal scenery. Drive through Sea Point and the picturesque village of Hout Bay (optional seal island boat cruise, own account). Continue to Cape Point, traditionally said to be the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Return to Cape Town via Simon’s Town, where you’ll visit the delightful penguin colony at Boulders Beach (entrance fee own account), the fishing village of Fish Hoek, and Muizenberg.

Highlights: Full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula, scenic drive, Cape Point, Boulders Beach penguin colony, charming coastal towns.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: President Hotel or similar
Included Highlights: Full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula, Scenic drive, Cape Point, Boulders Beach penguin colony, charming coastal towns
Optional Activities: Seal island boat cruise in Hout Bay

Day 14: Cape Town, South Africa

Enjoy some last-minute shopping (unescorted) or optional sightseeing in Cape Town (own account), such as a visit to Robben Island (own account, time permitting). Transfer to the airport, harbor, or railway station for your onward journey.

Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlights: Airport Transfer
Optional Activities: Last minute shopping, Sightseeing in Cape Town, Visit Robben Island

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.