Day 1: Johannesburg – South Africa

Your 13-Day South Africa Safari begins upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport where you’ll be collected.

As you enter the arrivals area, you’ll be greeted by the vibrant energy of Johannesburg, often referred to as Joburg. Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa, nicknamed Egoli which means ‘the place of gold’. It is a dynamic and multifaceted city, offering a mix of historical significance, cultural richness, and modern amenities.

A short drive will bring you to your hotel in Sandton, where you can glimpse the city’s iconic skyline. Sandton is an affluent suburb and business district known for luxury shopping and high-end hotels.

Take the afternoon to unwind from your journey or dive into the modern allure of the Sandton City complex. Stroll through Sandton Square, where you’ll encounter the towering statue of Nelson Mandela, and explore the Diamond Walk, renowned for its high-end boutiques and designer stores—making it South Africa’s premier shopping destination. Sandton City offers more than just luxury shopping; it’s a sprawling, contemporary hub with diverse retail options and distinctive curio shops.

Return to your hotel in the evening for a leisurely dinner (at your own expense) and get ready to embark on your exciting South Africa Safari.

• Accommodation: Hotel in Sandton
• Travel: 30 km

Day 2: Johannesburg to Dullstroom & Makalali Game Reserve – South Africa

After breakfast at your Sandton hotel, your guide will drive you to our first South African safari destination, Makalali Private Game Reserve. Makalali Private Game Reserve is a renowned conservation area near Hoedspruit in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Along the way, we’ll stop in Dullstroom, a quaint town famous for trout fishing and celebrated for its serene atmosphere, unique shops, and inviting restaurants that line its main street.

From Dullstroom we continue our safari to Makalali Private Game Reserve, anticipating our first Big 5 safari experience in South Africa. We’ll traverse the rolling grasslands and picturesque hills of the Limpopo Province, heading towards the private game reserve. Upon arrival, we’ll embark on a 4×4 game drive. Our expert game ranger takes us into the 25,000 hectares of pristine wilderness to explore in an open safari vehicle.

Makalali is known for its diverse wildlife, including the Big Five African animals—lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. The range of landscapes (including open savannas, dense bushveld, and riverine areas), provides diverse habitats for wildlife. Besides the Big Five, the reserve is home to other species, such as giraffes, zebras, hyenas, elusive cheetahs, and various antelope species. Waterholes and seasonal rivers attract wildlife, providing excellent game-viewing opportunities, especially during the dry season. The reserve is also a vital conservation area for the endangered Southern Ground Hornbill, often seen hunting for snakes or frogs. It is also a great destination for birdwatching with numerous bird species inhabiting the area.

Makalali Private Game Reserve offers excellent opportunities for game viewing with an authentic and immersive safari experience, combining luxury and conservation in a stunning natural setting. We overnight at a safari lodge in Makalali, and enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge beneath the starry African sky.

• Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation: Safari Lodge in Makalali Game Reserve
• Activity included: Afternoon Game Drive in Makalali
• Travel: 456 km

Day 3: Makalali to Hazyview via Panorama Route – South Africa

Day 3 of our South Africa Safari begins with a guided morning bush walk or an open-vehicle game drive in Makalali. Early mornings in the African bush are truly magical. The crisp air is alive with the melody of birdsong as animals begin to stir and gather at watering holes. Following a hearty breakfast at the lodge, we leave Makalali Private Game Reserve and continue our safari via the picturesque Panorama Route to our next overnight destination in Hazyview.

The Panorama Route is a picturesque roadway in South Africa linking various cultural and natural attractions in Mpumalanga Province. This scenic route passes through the awe-inspiring Blyde River Canyon, ranked as the world’s largest green canyon. It showcases numerous waterfalls, expansive forested areas, and iconic landmarks like Berlin Falls, God’s Window, The Pinnacle and Three Rondawels. Prepare to be impressed by the Blyde River Canyon, adorned with cascading waterfalls and ancient geological formations. Look out for the Three Rondawels, three conical peaks that resemble traditional African huts. Marvel at the Bourke’s Luck Potholes, where centuries of swirling water have sculpted dramatic holes in the sandstone. Don’t miss the stunning views from God’s Window, the highest vantage point of the day.

Following our unforgettable Panorama Route experience, we’ll stop in a historic mining town for a late lunch (at your own expense) and browse for unique curios. Once bustling with gold rush activity in the 1880s, these mining towns now mainly support the timber industry.

We continue our safari adventure after lunch traversing rolling hills and lush forests, soaking in the remarkable beauty of South Africa as we make our way to Hazyview. Here we check into our hotel with plenty of time to relax before dinner and a peaceful night’s rest, waking ready for our Kruger National Park safari in the morning.

• Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hazyview
• Activity included: Morning Bush Walk or Game Drive in Makalali Game Reserve & Panorama Route highlights
• Travel: 180 km

Day 4: Hazyview to Kruger National Park & Ezulwini Valley – South Africa & Eswatini

On day 4 of our South Africa Safari we have an early breakfast before heading to Kruger National Park. Entering Kruger via the Phabeni Gate we enjoy an exciting game drive in South Africa’s top Big 5 safari destination.

Keep your eyes open for the famous Big 5 animals and the abundance of other wildlife, from cheetahs to hippos and African wild dogs. Kruger National Park is renowned for its staggering variety of fauna and flora, including rare animal and bird species. Its diverse ecosystems support a rich array of wildlife in an area of over 20,000 km²—slightly smaller than Belgium. Kruger Park’s expansive terrain supports 336 tree species, 49 fish species, 34 amphibians, 116 reptiles, 507 birds, and 147 mammals.

Look out for graceful giraffes amid the acacia trees and raptors soaring across the vast African skies as you savour the thrill of your Kruger safari in South Africa. We’ll stop for a bush picnic lunch (at your own expense), keeping an eye out for crocodiles and hippos at a nearby waterhole.

In the late afternoon, we’ll exit Kruger National Park via the Malelane Gate and continue our safari towards the misty mountains of Eswatini. The Kingdom of Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a small, landlocked country in Southern Africa. It’s one of the last remaining absolute monarchies in the world. South Africa borders Eswatini to the west, south, and northwest, and Mozambique to the northeast. Featuring a diverse landscape, including mountains, savannas, and river valleys, the country is known for its natural beauty and wildlife and has several nature reserves and parks. Eswatini’s history is rich and complex, with a strong traditional heritage. It gained independence from Britain in 1968 and was renamed Eswatini in 2018 to mark the 50th anniversary of independence and the 50th birthday of King Mswati III. With a culture deeply rooted in traditional customs and ceremonies, the Swazi people have a strong cultural identity with a rich oral tradition, music, dance, and art.

Entering Eswatini through the Jeppes Reef Border Post, we’ll have plenty of time to relax in the evening and enjoy dinner at the lodge in Ezulwini Valley.

• Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation included: Lodge in Ezulwini Valley, Eswatini
• Activity included: Game Drive in Kruger National Park
• Travel: 285 km

Eswatini Safari Note:

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

Day 5: Kingdom of Eswatini to St Lucia – South Africa

We’ll kick off our stay in Eswatini with a hearty breakfast before heading to the Swazi Candle Factory. Here, we’ll uncover truly unique candles. Handmade in a vibrant workshop brimming with music, these candles boast colourful designs crafted from a special wax using the ancient “millefiori” technique. What started as a modest venture in a cowshed in 1982 has evolved into a globally recognised enterprise, now employing over 200 local artisans.

Next, we’ll immerse ourselves in the lively atmosphere of Eswatini’s craft market, where you’ll find intricate carvings, beadwork, and vibrant textiles. A visit to the Yebo Art Gallery will allow us to admire the creations of talented local artists. Savour the local flavours with a taste of Buganu, a traditional marula fruit drink, or enjoy tea and cake at the charming Sambane Tea Garden. For the adventurous palate, there’s the option to sample the fiery Black Mamba chilli sauce, a local speciality.

After a fascinating morning in Eswatini, we’ll cross back into South Africa through the Lavumisa Border Post and continue to St Lucia in the KwaZulu-Natal Province. The next destination on our South Africa safari, St Lucia is part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Isimangaliso is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, grasslands, and forests. This stunning area offers breathtaking landscapes and a range of outdoor activities. The pristine, less crowded beaches in St Lucia are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.

As we approach the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, you’ll witness a dramatic change in the landscape, transitioning through lush wetlands and dense forests. We’ll arrive at our lodge accommodation on the pristine shores of the Indian Ocean. Enjoy a delicious dinner (at your own expense) and unwind after a full day of exploring.

• Meal included: Breakfast
• Accommodation included: Lodge in St Lucia
• Activity included: Visit to Swazi Candle Factory and Craft Market
• Travel: 335 km

Eswatini Safari Note:

Enter South Africa at Lavumisa Border (multiple SA entry visas for own expense).

Day 6: St Lucia & iSimangaliso Wetland Park to Umhlanga – South Africa

Day 6 of our South Africa Safari begins with an exhilarating morning game drive in iSimangaliso Wetland Park. We head out in an open safari vehicle to explore the wetlands where we’ll encounter diverse wildlife. Along the way, we stop to enjoy coffee and rusks (a beloved South African biscuit) on the beach taking in the scenery. iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a rare gem where you may have the unique opportunity to spot both white and black rhinos in a single day. Stay alert for sightings of buffalos, elephants, and elusive leopards. The area hosts abundant antelope species, from the common impala to the elegantly curved kudu, the distinctive waterbuck, and the shy reedbuck.

After breakfast at the lodge, we will embark on a scenic boat cruise along the St Lucia Estuary. This remarkable estuary, one of Africa’s largest, is celebrated as a natural wonder. The wetland is a rich habitat, boasting an astounding 2,180 plant species, over 1,000 Nile crocodiles, over 800 hippos, and numerous prehistoric-looking monitor lizards. Birding enthusiasts will delight in the 400-plus species that inhabit this watery paradise. The boat cruise offers a serene and contrasting experience to the morning’s game drive.

Enjoy lunch (at your own expense) on the estuary’s banks, where you can listen to the melodic calls of an Oriole or the lively chatter of the vibrantly plumed St Lucia Parrot. Though you may be reluctant to leave the beauty of St Lucia, more adventures await.

We’ll journey to Umhlanga for a late afternoon arrival, where we bid farewell to our tour guide for the northern leg of our South African safari. Umhlanga is a vibrant coastal town situated in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, just north of Durban. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, upscale amenities, and lively atmosphere.

Unwind at your Umhlanga hotel accommodation and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant or the hotel (at your own expense).

• Meal included: Breakfast
• Accommodation included: Hotel in Umhlanga
• Activities included: Morning Game Drive in iSimangaliso Wetlands Park & Boat Cruise on St Lucia Estuary.
• Travel: 225 km

Day 7: Umhlanga to Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) – South Africa

After breakfast at the hotel, you have the morning at leisure to enjoy Umhlanga before your flight to Port Elizabeth, the next stop on our South Africa Safari tour. Take a stroll along the promenade that stretches 3km along the Umhlanga shoreline. If you’re an early bird, sit on a bench and watch the spectacular sunrise over the Indian Ocean. Walk out on the Whalebone Pier and watch the fishermen casting their lines from the rocks. You will pass the iconic Umhlanga Lighthouse with its distinctive red stripe that warns ships of the treacherous coast over a distance of 24 nautical miles.

Later, be ready for your transfer to King Shaka International Airport and your flight (at your own expense and arrangement) to Gqeberha, also affectionately known as the “Windy City” by the locals. Port Elizabeth, now officially known as Gqeberha, is a major port city located on the southeastern coast of South Africa in the Eastern Cape Province. The region is known for its beautiful beaches, and diverse wildlife, with notable attractions such as Addo Elephant National Park and Tstistikama National Park.

Upon arrival in Gqeberha, you are collected from the airport and transferred to your overnight hotel. Settle into your beachside hotel and then go for a walk along King’s Beach, swim or relax on the white sands and enjoy the ocean view, watching daredevil surfers making the most of the excellent waves. Once back at your hotel, enjoy an unhurried dinner (at your own expense) and enjoy a relaxing evening in anticipation of our Garden Route safari tomorrow.

• Meal included: Breakfast
• Accommodation included: Beachside Hotel in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)
• Travel: Own arrangement and own account

South Africa Safari Note:

Your flight to Gqeberha is at your own expense and arrangement.

Day 8: Gqeberha to Tsitsikamma Forest & Knysna – South Africa

After breakfast, it is time to meet your local tour guide for the next leg of your South Africa Safari. From Gqeberha we will embark on a scenic Garden Route safari, starting with Tsitsikamma National Park. The Garden Route is a celebrated stretch of coastline known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and charming coastal towns. It spans approximately 300 kilometres along the south coast of South Africa, from the Storms River in the Eastern Cape to Mossel Bay in the Western Cape. The route is dotted with quaint towns and villages, each with unique attractions such as local markets, art galleries, and historical sites.

Today, our South Africa Safari will take us to our accommodation in Knysna, a seaside town renowned for its natural beauty. The excellent road ensures a smooth ride past breathtaking coastal views and lush indigenous forests as we approach one of the Garden Route’s highlights, Tsitsikamma National Park. The park, part of the Garden Route National Park, features lush temperate rainforests with ancient trees like giant yellowwoods and supports a variety of wildlife, including the blue duiker and bushbuck. Though larger mammals are less common, the park’s rich habitats are home to numerous bird species and other animals.

We’ll venture into the Storms River section of the Garden Route National Park, where you’ll have the chance to cross the iconic Storms River Suspension Bridge. Standing high above the rocky chasm, you’ll experience the thrill of walking across a series of three bridges with stable wooden paths and stairs. This hour-long walk provides spectacular views of the gorge and the ocean.

We enjoy lunch in Tsitsikamma Forest (at your own expense), then continue our Garden Route adventure to Knysna. This picturesque coastal town is known for its serene lagoon, surrounding forests, and the impressive Knysna Heads—sandstone cliffs that guard the entrance to the lagoon in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Knysna is celebrated for its awe-inspiring natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and dynamic arts scene. Situated on the shores of a tranquil lagoon fed by the Knysna River, the town is surrounded by lush forests, creating a serene environment ideal for boating, fishing, and leisurely cruises.

Our action-packed day concludes with a tranquil sunset cruise on the Knysna Lagoon, where we enjoy fresh oysters and look out for dolphins and kingfishers, listening for the call of the African Fish Eagle. As evening falls, we head to our Knysna hotel for dinner (at your own expense) and another peaceful night on our South Africa Safari.

• Meal included: Breakfast
• Accommodation included: Hotel in Knysna
• Activities included: Walk in Tsitsikamma National Park & Knysna Sunset Oyster Cruise
• Travel: 285 km

Day 9: Knysna & Plettenberg Bay – South Africa

Day 9 of our South Africa Safari, begins with breakfast at the hotel, before driving west to nearby Plettenberg Bay. Often called Plett, Plettenberg Bay is a premier tourist destination known for its blue flag beaches and expansive bay, stunning natural beauty, outdoor activities, and vibrant community. This charming town is one of the world’s top whale-watching spots.

We embark on an ocean safari adventure from Central Beach, where boats are launched. Here, we’ll witness humpback or southern right whales (in season) as they breach and crash back into the water, a truly unforgettable experience. The waters are also home to large schools of dolphins and, occasionally, great white sharks slicing through the waves. The protected beaches of the Robberg Nature Reserve host large seal colonies, and you may spot elegant Swift Terns, Cormorants, or even a rare Frigatebird.

Returning to land, we’ll visit Qolweni Township, a vibrant Xhosa community. A Qolweni Community Development Trust representative will provide insight into their projects, including how contributions support teachers’ salaries and the maintenance of the Qolweni crèche, which cares for 188 children. The locals warmly invite visitors to experience authentic African culture, sharing their rich history and traditions. The children’s joyful singing at the crèche will be a heartwarming highlight. You are welcome to donate stationery to the Qolweni School in Plettenberg Bay during our visit. You may also visit a spaza shop or enjoy a traditional drink at a local shebeen (pub).

We’ll then head back to Knysna for dinner (at your own expense) at the picturesque Knysna Waterfront.

• Meal included: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel in Knysna
• Activities included: Boat Trip in Plettenberg Bay & Qolweni Township Visit
• Travel: 60 km

Day 10: Knysna to Wilderness & Oudtshoorn – South Africa

After breakfast, we’ll drive a short distance along the Garden Route to the charming coastal town of Wilderness passing serene lakes and wooded mountains. Wilderness is renowned for its beautiful lush forests, serene lakes, and pristine beaches. In Wilderness, we visit the Map of Africa viewpoint on a hillside overlooking the Kaaimans River. Here the river has carved out a natural formation that strikingly resembles the shape of the African continent when viewed from above.

Next, our South Africa Safari heads inland where we ascend the Outeniqua Pass. This scenic road takes us to the semi-desert landscapes of the Little Karoo. We travel to Oudtshoorn, an ostrich farming town in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, famed as the world’s ostrich capital and for the nearby Cango Caves.

While you’ve already experienced game parks, mountain passes, and estuaries, the Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn offers a subterranean wonderland to discover on the Cango Caves Heritage Tour. These dripstone caverns were formed over millions of years through water acting on limestone rock, an ongoing process of stalactites and stalagmites continuing to grow. The cave system spans over 4 kilometres, though only a portion is open to the public. Visitors can explore different sections of the caves on guided tours, which vary in length and difficulty and provide a captivating glimpse into South Africa’s geological history and natural beauty, making it a must-see for cave enthusiasts with cave tours catering to different interests and mobility levels.

Most areas of the caves are accessible, but some require physical fitness due to narrow passages and stairs, while some areas are closed to the public due to conservation efforts. We visit the Van Zyl’s Hall Cave and rest assured, despite the underground journey, the Van Zyl’s Hall cave, one of the largest chambers, offers ample space with dimensions of 107m in length and 54m in width.

We’ll enjoy lunch (at your own expense) before arriving at your lodge in Oudtshoorn in the late afternoon. This region’s dry climate is perfect for olive cultivation, and the local estates produce award-winning olives and exceptional extra virgin olive oil. Later we savour a delectable olive tasting paired with a refreshing Protea Rosé or fruit juice while enjoying stunning views of the Swartberg Mountains.

Spend the evening relaxing and enjoy dinner and a good night’s rest at the lodge, waking refreshed and excited to continue our South Africa Safari to Cape Town tomorrow.

• Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation included: Lodge in Oudtshoorn
• Activities included: Cango Caves Heritage Tour & Olive Tasting Paired with Protea Rose or Juice
• Travel: 125 Km

Day 11: Oudtshoorn to Cape Town – South Africa

After breakfast at the lodge, we’ll visit a renowned ostrich farm for an engaging and interactive tractor tour. On our tour, we explore the ostrich breeding camps to learn about and observe three different ostrich species. While the ostrich feather trade thrived during the Victorian era, it declined during World War I. Today, modern farmers have adapted, focusing on ostrich meat, leather, and eggs. Don’t miss the chance to sample some ostrich biltong (dried meat) on the journey.

Then, our South Africa Safari takes us to Cape Town along Route 62, the world’s longest wine route. The trip takes us through picturesque scenery with rambling vineyards, orchards and charming towns. We’ll stop for lunch en route, and you’ll have the opportunity to taste local wines (at your own expense).

Continuing towards Cape Town via the Stellenbosch Winelands you’ll enjoy a visual feast of lush valleys and historic Cape Dutch farmhouses. As we approach Cape Town, the road reveals stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the picturesque city. The vibrant city of Cape Town, a stunning metropolis nestled at the southern tip of Africa is affectionately known as the Mother City of South Africa. The city is consistently voted as one of the top travel destinations in the world due to its natural beauty, spectacular fynbos, exquisite beaches and majestic mountains.

Once in Cape Town, take some time to explore the V&A Waterfront, where you can dine (own expense) at one of the many excellent restaurants.

• Meal included: Breakfast
• Accommodation included: Hotel in Cape Town
• Activity included: Ostrich Farm Tractor Tour & Route 62
• Travel: 144 km

Day 12: Cape Point, Cape Town – South Africa

Day 12 of our South Africa Safari starts with breakfast at the hotel in Cape Town. Then we set off on an exciting Cape Point tour. Nestled on a mountainous peninsula, Cape Town offers stunning landscapes of white beaches, rocky cliffs and rugged mountains. Our journey to Cape Point Nature Reserve takes us along the Atlantic seaboard to Hout Bay and if time allows, you might opt for a half-hour boat trip to Duiker Island, also known as Seal Island to view a Cape Fur Seal colony (at your own expense).

Continuing our Cape Town safari, to Cape Point Nature Reserve, we’ll traverse Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the world’s most breathtaking roadways. At the Cape Point Nature Reserve, we explore the tip of the Cape Peninsula, a place that has captivated explorers for centuries. Cape Point with its pristine beaches and spectacular views, unique flora and fauna, is home to abundant species of wildlife that include bontebok, cape mountain zebra, dassies and baboons. These primates are famous for loitering around the area and are not shy of humans, so you are most likely to see them.

On our return to Cape Town, we’ll travel along the scenic False Bay coast with an option to visit Boulders Beach, home to a rare colony of African Penguins (entrance fee at your expense). Our route will also take us through the charming naval village of Simon’s Town and Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay, and Muizenberg. Before returning to our hotel in Cape Town, we’ll stop at the Rhodes Memorial viewpoint to learn about the historical significance of this site. Spend your last evening on safari in South Africa enjoying dinner in the city or at the V&A Waterfront.

• Meal included: Breakfast
• Accommodation included: Hotel in Cape Town
• Activity included: Cape Point Full Day Tour

Day 13: Cape Town – South Africa

After breakfast at your hotel, your 13-day South Africa Safari concludes with a transfer to Cape Town International Airport for your departure. It is time to say goodbye until we welcome you back to South Africa again.

South Africa Safari Note:

The following shorter South Africa Safari options are available:

• 5 Days, Johannesburg to Durban: Days 2 to 6 of this 13-Day South Africa Safari
• 4 Days, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) to Cape Town: Days 8 to 11 of this 13-Day South Africa Safari

View the prices for these shorter South African safaris in the full tour pricing information.