Self-Drive South Africa: Mountains, Wildlife & Wetlands - 15 Days

South Africa is the perfect self-drive destination and this itinerary showcases some of its well-known highlights as well as many of its lesser known gems. Meander along the Panorama Route, taking in the breathtaking views of Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and more, to Kruger, South Africa’s premier wildlife destination. Spend 4 days in this fantastic national park in search of its stunning wildlife before discovering the treasures of Kwa-Zulu Natal: the fabulous Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, with its protected population of white rhino; the World Heritage iSimangaliso wetlands; and the rugged peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains, where you will take a drive up the famous Sani Pass into the mountain kingdom of Lesotho.

Choose between two accommodation grades - Standard or Upgrade. Alternatively mix and match accommodation from each grade to create your perfect holiday. Interactive itineraries for each accommodation grade can be viewed below.

Blyde River Canyon - Panorama Route - Kruger’s wildlife and birdlife - Swazi crafts and culture - Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve - iSimangaliso Wetlands - Drakensberg Mountains - Sani Pass - Lesotho

Standard accommodation: clean and comfortable B&B accommodation. Self-catering accommodation in Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve is more basic and rustic, however this enables you to stay in some of South Africa’s truly magic spots.

Upgrade accommodation: higher quality B&B accommodation with a broader spectrum of facilities. Self-catering accommodation for your first 2 nights in Kruger National Park is more basic and rustic, however this enables you to stay in some of South Africa’s truly magic spots.

Car hire - Group C car (Hyundai Accent or similar) for 15 days. Vehicle pick up and drop off OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg. For details of the different vehicle types available please see - Self Drive Safaris.
Car hire insurance (Zero Excess) - premium level including collision damage waiver, personal accident insurance, theft protection, third party liability, unlimited kilometres, additional driver and Wi-fi Router with 1GB data per day.
Accommodation as indicated below.
Meals as indicated below.
Relevant Travel Africa Information sheets.

With Travel Africa you are safe in the knowledge that you are working with people who are experts in self-drive travel. We have driven the types of vehicles you are looking to hire and driven them in the places, and on the road conditions, that you will experience. We have enjoyed all kinds of self-drive trips in southern Africa for over 25 years – from quick flits along the Garden Route to 8 month adventure trips with fully equipped 4x4s and roof top tents throughout southern Africa.

We give you peace of mind by working closely with you to custom-make and book your itinerary – ensuring you have the most appropriate type of vehicle and accommodation for your trip. We also provide you with detailed trip dossiers, which include routes, directions, tips and hints on driving in southern Africa, ensuring you have all the information you need to enjoy every minute of your trip and feel comfortable and secure with your holiday plan!

Our in-depth knowledge of destinations, conditions, vehicles and equipment, based on extensive personal experience, gives you the peace of mind you need for your self-drive safari.

Mountains Wildlife and wetlands map, self drive South Africa

Interactive standard itinerary

Interactive upgrade itinerary

Detailed itinerary

Travel distance: Approximately 500kms, good roads.

Arrive OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and pick up your hire car. Drive to the Blyde River Canyon - an extension of the Drakensberg Mountains. The heart of the Panorama Route the Canyon and surrounds is an area of sculpted peaks and deep ravines, tumbling streams and green valleys. The drive alongside the Blyde River Canyon, a majestic red sandstone gorge with sheer cliffs plunging into waters below, is magnificent. The region provides a marked contrast to the sub-tropical bushveld, with scenic mountain passes, relaxing walks, horse-riding, mountain biking and golf all on offer. Gentle walking trails connect a series of delicate waterfalls. Nearby is Pilgrim's Rest, a restored mining village that was the epicentre of the 19th century gold rush.

Stay at:
Standard - Rissington Inn (Superior Room) or similar
Upgrade - Rissington Inn (Garden Suite) or similar

Travel distance: Approximately 165kms, winding roads.

One of the finest nature reserves in Africa, the Kruger is a vast wilderness of thorn trees, prolific game and sub-tropical heat. It is home not only to The Big Seven - elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, cheetah and wild dog, but also to an abundance of smaller, equally fascinating animals and birdlife. The size of Wales or Israel this amazing wildlife paradise contains a vast array of habitats that attract different animals and birdlife in different seasons. Your time in Kruger is spent on early morning and afternoon game drives, choosing your route based on what has been seen in the area. Alternatively park yourself at one of the many waterholes and see what comes along … huge herds of elephant or buffalo needing an afternoon drink or mud bath, or if you are lucky a pride of lions needing water after devouring a kill!

Stay at:
Standard:

Satara Rest Camp, Central Kruger, Self Catering Bungalow or similar for 2 nights
(Distance between the two camps is approximately 100kms, national park roads)

Upgrade:

Lower Sabie Rest Camp, Southern Kruger, Self-Catering Bungalow or similar for 2 nights
Imbali Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park or similar (includes full board and morning and evening game drives) for 2 night - for lodge details plus ideas for other Kruger safari lodges Travel Africa can tempt you with please see Deluxe Kruger (Luxury Safari Lodges).
(Distance between the two camps is approximately 100kms, national park roads)

Travel distance: Approximately 210kms, combination winding and good roads.

The Kingdom of Swaziland provides a fascinating cultural experience; a small yet beautiful and peaceful country. The Swazis are renowned craftsmen, and you can buy terrific examples of basket ware, colourful fabrics, carvings, and Mother of Pearl in friendly markets and roadside stalls. White-water rafting and hiking are on offer for the adventurous whilst others may prefer a mellow round of golf, mountain biking, game-viewing or a gentle horse ride through the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Swazi Candles and Ngwenya Glass produce magnificent products sold throughout the world.

Stay at:
Standard - Foresters Arms Hotel or similar
Upgrade - Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge or similar

Travel distance: Approximately 300kms, combination winding and good roads.

The Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Reserve is the best known of several good game parks in Zululand. The forest and grass covered hills and river plains support a wide variety of game and its particularly famed for its concentrations of rare white rhino. In fact Hluhluwe-Umfolozi is best known for its successful fight to save the white, or square-lipped rhino from extinction. In 1929 only 150 white rhino could be found, and extinction seemed certain. But a determined campaign by the Natal Parks Board saw Hluhluwe's square-lipped rhino population rise to about 1 800. The white rhino shares the park with buffalo, blue wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, waterbuck, kudu, nyala, wild dog, hyena, lion, leopard, and cheetah. In 1985 elephants were reintroduced to the reserve from the Kruger National Park.

Stay at:
Standard - Hilltop Camp Chalet or similar
Upgrade - Hluhluwe River Lodge or similar (includes full board)

Travel distance: Approximately 80kms, combination winding and good roads.

From your base in the ‘hippo’ village of St.Lucia in northern KwaZulu Natal you can enjoy the famous iSimangaliso Wetland Park with its excellent game-viewing, snorkelling at Cape Vidal and boat cruises on the lake in search of hippos and crocodiles. While staying in this region you can also visit one of the Zulu cultural villages and browse in craft shops or road side stalls for excellent Zulu baskets and beadwork.

Stay at:
Standard - Lidiko Lodge or similar
Upgrade - Serene Estate Guest House or similar

Travel distance: Approximately 440kms, combination winding and good roads.

The dramatic Drakensberg Mountains form the border between South Africa and the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. Stay in cosy accommodation nestled in the folds of the mountains with stunning views of the Giants Cup formation. Pick a hike to suit your fitness level and lose your spirit amongst the mountain grasslands, wildflowers and crystal clear waterfalls. Included in your price is a 1 day tour up the famous Sani Pass. Rise high above the clouds as you drive up the spectacular zig-zag 4x4 track, affording amazing views far over Kwa-Zulu Natal, and onto the table top plateau that is Lesotho. This is a different world where shepherds tend their flocks wrapped up in warm Basotho blankets amidst the wildly dramatic scenery.

Stay at:
Standard - Elgin Guesthouse or similar (Full day Sani Pass Tour included)
Upgrade - Moorcroft Manor or similar (Full day Sani Pass Tour included)

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