South Africa: Rainbow Route - 17 Days

Distance/time:

Day 1 ±580km, 8h30 actual driving time, so with a lunch stop and sightseeing at Gods
Window and the Three Rondavels expect a total travel day of ±10h00.
Day 2 ±150km, today is all game driving of ±9h00.

You depart from Johannesburg at 6:30am and head towards Mpumalanga where mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests characterise the landscape. Enjoy the famous views from God’s Window before descending off the escarpment and heading to a game lodge on the border of the Kruger National Park.

The following morning, you are up early for a full day of safari in Kruger National Park in an open safari vehicle. You return to the lodge in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset over the Drakensberg mountains, a swim in the pool and a hearty meal before falling asleep to the sounds of Africa.

Includes: Entrance to God’s Window, Three Rondavels viewpoint & Kruger National Park.

Stay at:
Makuwa Safari Lodge or similar (1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 2 dinners)

Distance/time: ±100km afternoon game drive of variable duration.

Stretch your legs on a short morning walk exploring the surrounding bush before re-entering Kruger National Park and heading south. Kruger is the largest game reserve in South Africa, boasts the world’s greatest concentration of species, and has an amazing 16 different ecosystems. Exciting safari drives provide you with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Spot the “Big 5” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) and many other animals in this true African wilderness.

Includes: Entrance to Kruger National Park, morning & afternoon safari drives.
Optional Activities: Night safari drive in national parks open safari vehicle.

Stay at:
Kruger National Park chalet or tent or similar (breakfast, lunch & dinner)

Distance/time: Overnight: ±220km, 5h00 actual driving time, but the roads are hilly, and this combined with busy rural communities + a border crossing can make it a long day of ±7h00.

Malolotja Nature Reserve in the mountainous Kingdom of eSwatini (Swaziland) is the next attraction. Renowned for a great variety of habitats from short grassland, to thick riverine scrub, bushveld and moist forest, you explore the reserve on foot to enjoy the fantastic mountain views. Relax around a campfire dinner and stay in mountain cabins for the night.

Includes: Entrance fees to Malalotja Nature Reserve.

Stay at:
Hawane Lodge or similar (breakfast, lunch & dinner)

Distance/time: ±320km, 6h00 actual driving time, excluding sightseeing and border formalities, also a stop for lunch so expect a travel day of ±8h00.

In the morning, visit a craft market near Mbabane which has a range of handmade crafts and a local witchdoctor stall! Then re-enter South Africa and head to a lodge on a private game reserve situated on the Msinene Nature Reserve, where your local guide will lead you on a walk through the bushveld and riverine vegetation of the Msinene River, bird watching and game tracking. Nyala, hippo and the elusive leopard are all found on the reserve.

The next day take a safari drive in Hluhluwe Game Reserve, which is a safe haven for the embattled rhino. Relax in the late afternoon with a cold drink while enjoying the views over the reserve from the lodge.

Includes: Entrance to Hluhluwe Game Reserve, morning safari drive.

Stay at:
Zululand Lodge or similar (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners)

Distance/time: ±500km, 7h00 actual driving time, this is a busy day and with a long stop for lunch, expect a travel day of ±8h00.

The Drakensberg Mountains or “uKhahlamba” - the Barrier of Spears, is a 200-kilometre-long mountainous wonderland and world heritage site. From Zululand you move south to the base of these mountains where you spend two nights in quaint cottages. Spend time walking along beautiful mountain stream paths, or just enjoying the spectacular views. En-route to the Drakensberg you visit the Nelson Mandela capture site museum and have an opportunity to pay respects to this great man.

Includes: Nelson Mandela Capture Site Museum entrance. Morning and afternoon hikes in the Drakensberg Mountains.

Stay at:
Lotheni Chalet or similar (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners)

Distance/time: ±550km, 9h00 actual driving time on day 9, the road is slow, with cattle and lots of villages so expect a very long travel day at ±10h00.

The Wild Coast remains a relatively untouched paradise with unspoilt stretches of dramatically beautiful coastline, open spaces and pristine forest areas. Stay overnight in Chintsa and the next day is free to explore the area, meet local villagers or go down to the beach.

Stay at:
Crawfords Beach Lodge or similar (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner)

Distance/time: ±360km, 5h30 actual driving time, drive in the morning and aim for an afternoon safari drive, expect a travel day of ±8h30.

The Addo Elephant National Park was established in 1931 to protect the last 11 wild southerly elephants from extermination. Today more than 600 elephants roam through the area. The park also offers excellent viewing of black rhino, Cape buffalo, lion and leopard, as well as a host of other large and small mammals and over 400 species of birds.

Includes: Entrance fees to Addo Elephant National park, afternoon & morning safari drive.
Optional Activities: Night safari drive in national park open safari vehicles.

Stay at:
Addo Elephant National Park Chalet or similar (breakfast, lunch & dinner)

Distance/time: ±320km, 4h30 actual driving time, the coastal road is relatively flat and you should make good time. With a stop off to walk at Tsitsikamma, expect a total travel day of ±8h00 with stops.

The Tsitsikamma National Park incorporates 80km of spectacular sea and landscapes; a remote mountainous region with secluded valleys, coastal forests with deep river gorges leading down to the sea. You visit the Storms River mouth where there are walks up the gorge and along the rocky coast.

You stay 2 nights in Plettenberg Bay in the heart of the Garden Route. In the morning you can either book an ocean safari to see whales and dolphins (own expense) or spend time on the magnificent blue flag beaches. Your guides will also lead a walk on the beautiful Robberg Peninsula in the afternoon. Sample seafood at one of Pletts' great restaurants (own expense).

Includes: Entrance fees to Tsitsikamma National Park & Robberg Nature Reserve.
Optional Activities: Ocean safari boat cruise.

Stay at:
Bayview Hotel or similar (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch)

Distance/time: ±450km, 6h30 actual driving time, excluding stops for sightseeing and lunch, expect a travel day ±8h00.

Hermanus offers some of the best land based whale watching in the world. From June to November Southern Right whales come up from the southern oceans to calve and mate in the shallow waters around the Cape. In whale season, you will take a walk along this beautiful coastline. In the summer months, you will explore the flowering fynbos in Fernkloof Nature Reserve. Enjoy the evening meal out at a local restaurant (own expense).

Stay at:
Windsor Hotel or similar (breakfast & lunch)

Distance/time:
Day 15 ±190km, 3h30 actual driving time, it's a short travel day but the wine estate visit and lunch can slow you down! Arrive Cape Town late afternoon.
Day 16 ±150km, 3h30 actual driving time, but with stops, penguins and lunch it is a full day out.

Cape Town is one of the most picturesque cities in the world, with the majestic Table Mountain providing its central focus. On your way into Cape Town, visit Stellenbosch, South Africa’s renowned wine region, for wine tasting (own expense) and a cellar tour.

The “mother city” has many attractions; visit the harbour at Hout Bay, stunning Cape Point, enjoy the famous beaches and the V&A Waterfront. Optional visit to Robben Island (own expense) and sample the local fare at a variety of local restaurants (own expense).

Includes: Cellar tour, Entrance fees to Penguin colony & Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
Optional Activities: Robben Island cruise, shark cage diving, seal colony visit.

Stay at:
City Lodge, V&A Waterfront or similar (3 breakfasts)

In the morning climb Table Mountain, offering panoramic views over Cape Town reaching out into the bay and Robben Island. Having explored the highlights of the Rainbow Nation take a last look at Cape Town and catch up on last minute curio shopping in the afternoon, before your tour ends at 18:00. Travel Africa can then help you with additional nights in Cape Town or your onwards travel.

Includes: Guided walk up Table Mountain