Self-drive discovery of South Africa

Cape Town

Day 1: Welcome to South Africa!

Our guide will be waiting for you in the Arrivals hall carrying a branded sign board. You will then be escorted to a restaurant or coffee shop where, while enjoying a complimentary juice or hot beverage, our guide will explain in detail your itinerary and arrangements. He will give you all the advice you might need for your trip and will answer all questions you might have.

Marvel at the views of Cape Town from the aerial cableway and plateau on Table Mountain. The Mother City is synonymous with the striking mountain that is flanked by the Devil’s Peak to the east and Lion’s Head to the west, providing a dramatic backdrop to the city. Table Mountain holds an unusually rich biodiversity and forms part of the Cape Floral Region, a protected area.

Cape Town

Day 2: Snorkel with Seals and Meet Beach Penguins

Enjoy an exceptional diving experience as you frolic through the waves with a colony of Cape fur seals at Duiker Island in Hout Bay. Here the Atlantic Ocean is quite cold and the island is surrounded by a shallow kelp forest that keeps predators away, making diving safe and protected.

Visit the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, recognised globally for its extraordinary land formation, rich and diverse fauna and unique flora. The legendary Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope were key beacons for the early explorers and are the source of many myths and legends.

Get acquainted with African penguins at Boulders Beach. Named for the large, smooth, round boulders that form this coastline, Boulders Beach is one of the few remaining locations in the country where African penguins are able to roost and nest without interference from humans.

Cape Town

Day 3: Explore the Wineries of the Region

Discover the wine-producing village of Franschhoek. This charming town lies nestled between steep mountain slopes just outside Cape Town, situated in the heart of the Cape’s wine producing region. It is world-renowned for the excellent wines produced here and it is also regarded as the food and wine capital of South Africa, with its streets lined with many cafes and restaurants.

Depart from Franschhoek station and climb aboard a tram for a tour of the Franschhoek wine region.The tram tour is one of the best ways to sit back and enjoy the true essence of Franschhoek.

Then wander through the oak-lined streets of Stellenbosch. Lying at the foot of the Simonsberg mountains and within the grandiose Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch is known for incredible wines.

St. Lucia

Day 4: Boat Trip St Lucia Estuary

After breakfast, take a flight from Cape Town to Durban. 

Upon arrival, enjoy a boat cruise on the Lake Saint Lucia Estuary. Situated within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the Lake Saint Lucia Estuary is a designated World Heritage Site that offers some of the most extraordinary waterscapes in the world.

The network of coastal lakes, dunes, subtropical forests, swamps, and wetland systems provides a haven for indigenous flora and fauna and the area is particularly popular with bird lovers.

The Saint Lucia Estuary is one of the largest in Africa and this amazing mass of water is home to approximately 800 hippos and over 1,000 Nile crocodiles. Wildlife such as antelope and zebra graze its shores and birdlife is prolific with over 500 resident species including large flocks of pelicans, flamingos, and ducks.

Mabibi

Day 5: Travel from St. Lucia to Mabibi

Transfer from Coastal Cashews to Thonga Beach Lodge. Thonga Beach Lodge is only accessible in a 4x4 vehicle and transfers are available twice a day.

Designed to leave minimal impact on its exquisite surroundings, Thonga Beach Lodge disappears into a magical coastal dune forest with sweeping views of Mabibi Beach below. Rated as one of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in the country, Mabibi falls within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a thriving and exceptional ecosystem offering a host of great activities.

Mabibi

Day 6: Free Day in Mabibi

Today you'll have a free day to enjoy in Mabibi. You can relax on the beach or book more activities for the morning and afternoon.

World-class snorkeling reefs and important turtle nesting sites lie on the doorstep of the lodge that features elevated eco-sensitive rooms designed to enhance privacy and seclusion.

Activities include scuba diving, boat cruises, turtle tracking, bird watching, kayaking, and so much more.

Swaziland

Day 7: Discover the Heart of Swaziland

Admire the contrasting landscape of Lavumisa while traversing Swaziland.

This tiny, independent country is locked between the provinces of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and Mozambique. The plains in the south-western part of Swaziland contrast sharply with the mountainous landscapes of the north and here you will discover lush sugarcane fields alternating with bush savannah dotted with Swazi kraals.

The Lubombo Mountains loom majestically in the distance. This sweeping mountain range covers the entire eastern side of the country and forms the natural border between Swaziland and Mozambique.

Wax lyrically about the Swazi candlemakers at Malkerns. From its humble beginnings in an old cowshed the Swazi Candle Factory today exports beautiful candles throughout the world.

Kruger

Day 8: Bathe in the Beauty of South Africa's Wilderness

Traverse the mountains towards Piggs Peak. Tucked away in the northwestern corner of Swaziland, Piggs Peak is a region once made famous for its spectacular gold mining and now an important supplier of timber. The beautiful mountainous landscape has led to the area often being referred to as the ‘Switzerland of Africa’, filled with sparkling waterfalls, three of the highest peaks in the Kingdom of Swaziland, Bushmen paintings, nature reserves, and picturesque indigenous bushland.

The town itself is filled with colorful African art and craft shops while slightly further afield you will find the historic Bulembu village, Emlembe, the highest mountain in Swaziland and the Maguga Dam.

Kruger

Day 9: Embark on a Game Drive through Kruger

Arrive at Sabi Sand Game Reserve this morning. This world-renowned private reserve is the oldest in the country and considered a premier location for wildlife viewing.

Covering 650 square kilometre of pristine and ancient landscape, visitors are treated to exceptional animal encounters that put you in touch with the pulse of wild Africa. Sabi Sand is home to the Big Five and shares an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park, giving access to all the highlights of the Kruger within a more concentrated and private environment

Once you've relaxed, you'll then head on another afternoon 4x4 game drive. This private reserve forms part of the larger Kruger National Park area and is highly popular on the safari circuit due to the multitude and diversity of wildlife sightings it offers during a game drive. 

Kruger

Day 10: Look Out for the Big Five

Embark on a morning 4x4 game drive in the Sabi Sand Reserve. Situated adjacent to the Kruger National Park, the two reserves and a multitude of game are free to roam in this huge natural environment.

Big Five game viewing is almost guaranteed and the reserve is well known for its frequent and amazing leopard sightings, the most elusive member of the group.

The reserve's bountiful watering holes provide an abundance of water throughout the year and attract a plethora of thirsty wildlife, making the area richly rewarding for safari-goers and predators alike.

Johannesburg

Day 11: Head to Johannesburg

After your morning safari, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg.

Upon arrival look out for the welcome of friendly face of your private transfer waiting to assist you with your luggage before driving you to your hotel in the heart of the city, where you can relax and get used to the comfort of your hotel. 

Why not go on a walking tour of Johannesburg’s city centre to experience the unique sides of this city. Learn about Joburg’s history through its architecture and landmarks, view some modern city art in the form of graffiti and engage with local shopkeepers.

Johannesburg

Day 12: Say Goodbye to South Africa

Orientate yourself with greater Johannesburg on a full-day tour of Johannesburg, Soweto and the Apartheid Museum.

Your explorations begin in the heart of bustling Johannesburg, the third largest city in Africa, as you seek out landmark buildings such as the Hillbrow Tower, one of the tallest towers in Africa, the sky-scraping Ponte City, Sentech and Carlton Centre Tower and the multi-million rand Nelson Mandela Bridge.

South of the city, you will find the Apartheid Museum that showcases the notorious system of racial discrimination that became synonymous with South Africa from 1948 until 1994 when the country’s first fully democratic elections were held. The museum has two entrances labeled ‘white’ and ‘non-white’ giving visitors a tiny taste of some of apartheid’s prejudiced rules.

Later, head to the airport to catch your flight home. We hope you had an amazing trip!