Itinerary
- Day 1
Departure
Today you'll head to the airport and prepare for your South African adventure. The flight ahead gives you time to settle in and build anticipation for the African wilderness experience waiting for you.
- Day 2
Johannesburg to Pretoria
After landing in Johannesburg, you'll pick up your rental car and drive to Pretoria. Once you've checked into your accommodation, head over to the Union Buildings where Nelson Mandela was sworn in as South Africa's first black president. The location offers great city views and plenty of historical significance to explore.
Included Activities
- Visit Union Buildings
Landmarks Union Buildings 
- Day 3
Pretoria to Phalaborwa
Today's drive takes you deeper into South Africa's wilderness with several scenic viewpoints along the way. You'll make a worthwhile stop at Blyde River Canyon to see the dramatic panorama, then continue on to your glamping lodge positioned right next to Kruger National Park.
Optional Activities
- Stop at scenic viewpoints along route
- Visit Blyde River Canyon
Landmarks Blyde River Canyon - Day 4
Kruger National Park Self-Drive Safari
You'll spend your first day doing a self-drive safari through Kruger National Park in your rental car. Keep an eye out for elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes as you navigate around waterholes and take in the African savannah's wildlife.
Included Activities
- Self-drive safari tour in Kruger National Park
Landmarks Kruger National Park 
- Day 5
Kruger National Park
The safari continues as you search for the Big Five, hopefully spotting leopards and lions along with other wildlife. Back at the lodge, you'll have options: relax by the pool overlooking the wilderness, visit the spa, or have drinks under the stars while listening to the sounds of the bush.
Included Activities
- Self-drive safari tour in Kruger National Park
Optional Activities
- Spa treatment at lodge
- Sunset drinks at lodge
Landmarks Kruger National Park 
- Day 6
Phalaborwa to Mbabane
You'll drive the scenic panoramic route with views of mountains, waterfalls, and rock formations. Stop to explore Blyde River Canyon highlights including World's End Lookout, Three Rondavels, Bourke's Potholes, Lisbon Falls, and God's Window. Then cross into Eswatini and check into your accommodation. If interested, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is an optional visit.
Included Activities
- Stop at World's End Lookout
- View Three Rondavels
- Stop at Bourke's Potholes
- Visit Lisbon Falls
- View God's Window
Optional Activities
- Visit Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (payable locally)
Landmarks World's End Lookout Three Rondavels Bourke's Potholes Lisbon Falls God's Window Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary 
- Day 7
Sibebe Rock
Today features a three-kilometer hike to the summit of Sibebe Rock, the world's second largest monolith. Along the way you'll pass through impressive rock formations, waterfalls, caves, and wildflowers. The trek rewards you with views across Eswatini. A parking fee applies, and guides are available on-site if you want a more thorough exploration.
Included Activities
- Hike to Sibebe Rock summit
Optional Activities
- Hire a guide for extended hike (bookable on site)
Landmarks Sibebe Rock - Day 8
Mbabane to Pongola Game Reserve
You'll drive across the Eswatini landscape and cross back into South Africa. Your destination is a glamping lodge directly on Lake Jozini in Pongola Game Reserve, one of South Africa's largest dams. The lodge sits at the foot of the Lebombo Mountains, and you'll have time to cool off in the lake's water.
Landmarks Lake Jozini Lebombo Mountains Pongola Game Reserve - Day 9
Pongola Game Reserve
Wake up to the sun rising over the Lebombo Mountains from your veranda, and you might spot nyala antelopes in your garden. You can take optional boat trips across Lake Jozini to see hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, and birds, or join a game drive through the wildlife reserve for closer encounters with animals.
Optional Activities
- Boat trip across Lake Jozini (bookable on site)
- Game drive through wildlife reserve (bookable on site)
Landmarks Lake Jozini Lebombo Mountains Pongola Game Reserve - Day 10
Pongola Game Reserve to Durban
You'll drive along the Dolphin Coast toward Durban, enjoying panoramic ocean views and fresh sea breeze. Watch for dolphins leaping in the water as you head to the coast. After checking into your hotel in Durban, take a short walk down to the sea before settling in for the evening.
Landmarks Dolphin Coast 
- Day 11
Durban
Spend the day exploring Durban's coastal character with palm trees, skyscrapers, and ocean breezes. Ride traditional rickshaws (paid locally) through the Station Drive hipster district, checking out craft beers, restaurants, and trendy shops. Head to the beach promenade to dip your feet in the warm Indian Ocean and relax at beachside cafes.
Optional Activities
- Rickshaw ride through Station Drive (payable locally)
Landmarks Station Drive Durban Beach Promenade - Day 12
Durban to Gowan Valley
You'll have a relaxed final beach morning with coffee by the sea, watching joggers and early tourists pass by. Take one last swim in the pleasantly warm water before checking out and driving inland toward your next destination, leaving the coast behind.
- Day 13
Gowan Valley
Start your morning peacefully with breakfast overlooking the surrounding wilderness. At Gowan Valley Guest Farm, you'll explore the beautiful rose garden, venture into the forest to see the 500-year-old Yellowwood tree and the Mpofana River, then walk back through meadows with colorful cattle and kiwi fields.
Included Activities
- Explore Gowan Valley Guest Farm
- Walk through rose garden
- Visit 500-year-old Yellowwood tree
- See Mpofana River
- Walk through meadows and kiwi fields
Landmarks Gowan Valley Guest Farm Yellowwood tree Mpofana River - Day 14
Gowan Valley to Johannesburg
You'll drive back to Johannesburg for your final night, watching the landscape change during the long journey. Explore Nelson Mandela Square with its top restaurants and giant statue, check out Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein for food and live music (weekends), discover Maboneng's street art and jazz clubs, and end the day with a sundowner at a rooftop bar.
Optional Activities
- Dinner at restaurants near Nelson Mandela Square
- Visit Neighbourgoods Market (weekends)
- Explore Maboneng street art and concept stores
- Jazz club visit in Maboneng
- Sundowner at rooftop bar
Landmarks Nelson Mandela Square Neighbourgoods Market Maboneng - Day 15
Return Rental Car
Today you'll return your rental car at the station, taking time to reflect on the incredible memories from your South African adventure. Say goodbye to your travel companion and prepare for your departure.
- Day 16
Arrival Home
You arrive back home with memories of safaris, beaches, and African sunsets filling your head. The real reward comes from sharing your best travel stories with friends and family.
