14 Day Best of South Africa: Big Five, Culture and Cape Town

Welcome to Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest and most vibrant city! Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your representative and transferred to your hotel. This bustling metropolis, built on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand, is a hub for the gold and diamond trade. The rest of your day is at leisure, giving you the freedom to relax at the hotel or opt for an insightful sightseeing tour of Soweto and the Apartheid Museum (at your own expense), where you can delve into South Africa’s powerful history. This evening, we’ll all meet at 7pm in the reception area for a comprehensive tour briefing and to get to know your fellow travelers before your adventure begins.

Stay at Protea Hotel Balalaika

Protea Hotel Balalaika offers an English country oasis right in the bustling heart of Sandton. Here, travellers gather over local craft beers on the garden terrace, shake off jet lag in two hidden outdoor pools, and savour legendary steaks at The Bull Run. It is the perfect launchpad to meet your crew, trade safari stories, and build the anticipation before hitting the open African road.

After breakfast, leave the bustling city behind and descend into the lush, subtropical Lowveld of Mpumalanga. You will travel past the scenic Drakensberg Mountains and the historic gold-mining town of Sabie. The highlight of the day is a visit to the pristine 65-meter Mac-Mac Falls. By late afternoon, you will arrive in Hazyview, the ultimate safari gateway to the Kruger National Park.

Stay at Hippo Hollow Country Estate

Nestled along the scenic banks of the Sabie River just outside Kruger National Park, Hippo Hollow Country Estate serves as an enchanting safari pitstop on any South African overland journey. Here, travellers can unwind between game drives by taking a dip in two garden pools, taking in panoramic sights along the nearby Panorama Route, and sipping sundowners on the terrace as wild hippos graze on the lawns below. It offers the ideal mix of lowveld relaxation and bushveld thrill, keeping you perfectly primed for your next leg on the open road.

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.

Stay at Hippo Hollow Country Estate

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).

Stay at Hippo Hollow Country Estate

Today, you cross international borders into the independent Kingdom of eSwatini, celebrated for its vibrant indigenous culture and beautiful rolling landscapes. You will enjoy an interactive cultural experience and lunch with the locals, learning about traditional Swazi customs. Afterward, visit the famous Ngwenya Glass Factory to watch artisans craft beautiful wares from recycled glass.

Stay at Royal Villas Eswatini

The day ends with a sumptuous dinner in the scenic Ezulwini Valley. Framed by the dramatic peaks of the Ezulwini “Valley of Heaven,” The Royal Villas offers an elegant taste of eSwatini hospitality on an overland journey through Southern Africa. Here, travellers can gather in shared villa lounges, take a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool overlooking the mountains, and sip fine regional wines or single malts on the terrace at The Lihawu. Located minutes from local craft markets and cultural highlights, it serves as a serene sanctuary to recharge before continuing your expedition across the Kingdom.

Following breakfast, visit the vibrant Swazi Candle Factory to watch wax artists mold intricate designs. You will then drive south, taking in endless vistas of traditional round huts before crossing back into South Africa’s historic Zululand. Join an optional afternoon open-vehicle game safari in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve. As Africa’s oldest game reserve, it is world-renowned for its highly successful white rhino conservation program.

Stay at Anew Hotel Hluhluwe

Situated on the doorstep of Africa’s oldest game reserve, Anew Hotel Hluhluwe brings vibrant Zululand culture and wild adventure together on your overland route. Here, travellers can cool off in the sparkling outdoor pool after a game drive, enjoy authentic open-fire dining and traditional Zulu dance performances under the stars, and swap stories around the boma fire. It is an immersive bushveld pause that pairs wild Big Five encounters with rich local heritage before your safari moves on.

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.

Stay at Tsitsikamma Village Inn

Tucked away in the forested hamlet of Storms River Village, Tsitsikamma Village Inn offers a nostalgic, character-packed Garden Route retreat for overland travellers. Here, guests can wander through a micro-village of vintage colonial cottages, sample ice-cold craft beers at the on-site microbrewery and Marilyn’s 60s Diner, and relax in tranquil garden courtyards after exploring nearby canopy tours and coastal suspension bridges. It is a warm, storybook pitstop that captures the adventurous spirit and small-town charm of South Africa’s wilderness coast.

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.

Stay at Rex Hotel

Located along South Africa’s famed Garden Route, The Rex Hotel brings chic, contemporary comfort to the heart of vibrant Knysna. Here, travellers can recharge in sleek modern suites, savour fresh coastal dining at the open-air Rose Cafe, and explore the bustling waterfront and lagoon just steps from the property. It offers a sophisticated urban base to soak in Knysna’s coastal charm before heading back out onto the open road.

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.

Stay at Hlangana Lodge 

Set against the backdrop of the majestic Swartberg Mountains in Oudtshoorn, Hlangana Lodge offers an elegant Klein Karoo sanctuary along South Africa’s iconic Route 62. Here, travellers can unwind in lush, manicured gardens, take a cooling dip in the saltwater pool, and enjoy a full champagne breakfast before venturing out to explore the famous Cango Caves and ostrich farms. It is a refined, tranquil oasis designed to recharge overland adventurers before heading through the rugged Karoo landscapes.

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).

Stay at Auberge Burgundy

Tucked along the scenic coastal shores of Hermanus, Auberge Burgundy brings warm Provençal style to South Africa’s world-renowned whale-watching capital. Here, travellers can wander through stone-paved courtyards overflowing with bougainvillea, relax alongside a sun-drenched plunge pool, and step straight out to the cliff paths to spot Southern Right Whales in the bay. It is a charming, coastal sanctuary that perfectly blends Old-World elegance with fresh sea breezes before your journey continues toward Cape Town.

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.

Stay at The President Hotel

Perched along the Atlantic Seaboard in Bantry Bay, The President Hotel serves as a breathtaking finale to any South African overland expedition. Here, travellers can soak up sweeping ocean vistas from the expansive infinity pool terrace, enjoy sunset cocktails at the Botany Cafe, and savour fresh coastal cuisine with the sea breeze in the air. Framed by Table Mountain and just moments from the V&A Waterfront, it offers an iconic coastal refuge to celebrate your journey’s end in style.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Cape Town at your own pace. Consider joining an optional sightseeing tour to Table Mountain & Kirstenbosch Gardens (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.

Stay at The President Hotel

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.

Stay at The President Hotel

Enjoy some last-minute shopping (unescorted) or optional sightseeing in Cape Town (own account) or souvenir shopping at the bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (own account, time permitting) before your tours comes to an end.