12 DAYS SOUTH AFRICA: SUBMERGED IN SAFARIS AND NATURE

From $ 1217 USD* / Big Five safaris / 12 days

*price p.p. incl. rental car and hotels, excl. international flights (based on four persons)

12 days submerged in South African highlights.

Johannesburg is too loud and busy? Then make your way to Tshwane, formerly Pretoria. In this multicultural hub you can explore markets, malls and music. Closeby lies the Groenkloof Nature Reserve – your place to be to hike or (and?) enjoy your first game drive, meeting zebras, giraffes and other four-legged stars.

More nature and wildlife await you in Pilanesberg National Park. Here you can marvel at the Big Five and 7,000 mammals at eye-level or from above during a hot air balloon ride.

On top of everything you’d expect from a safari, Waterberg gives you the possibility to come close to the grey giants of the animal kingdom. Craving some adrenaline? In Magoebaskloof and Hoedspruit the choice is yours: hot air balloon or boat? Quad or zip line? How about all of it? Afterwards you can relax in the cafés and galleries of Haenertsburg village.

Last but not least you can dive into Kruger National Park – the Big Five, the Avian Six, 147 mammal species and 500 bird species call this special piece of land their home. Keep your cameras close, since you’ll probably want to capture every lion’s yawn and elephant trumpet for eternity.

Unbelievable encounters. Unparalleled experiences. It’s all yours.

Explore all of this by yourself during an unforgettable road trip. If you want to learn more about this country during your trip, our guides will be happy to drive and show you around at extra cost.

Make your dream trip come true with Africa Safari Trips

At Africa Safari Trips, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!

Request this trip now

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg + Drive from Johannesburg to Tshwane (Pretoria)
  • Day 2: Tshwane (Pretoria)
  • Day 3: Drive from Tshwane (Pretoria) to Pilanesberg + Pilanesberg National Park
  • Day 4: Pilanesberg National Park
  • Day 5: Drive from Pilanesberg to Waterberg + The Waterberg Biosphere Area
  • Day 6: Drive from Waterberg to Magoebaskloof + Magoebaskloof
  • Day 7: Magoebaskloof
  • Day 8: Drive from Magoebaskloof to Hoedspruit + Hoedspruit
  • Day 9: Drive from Hoedspruit to Kruger National Park – Orpen Gate + Kruger National Park
  • Day 10: Kruger National Park
  • Day 11: Kruger National Park
  • Day 12: Drive from Kruger National Park to Johannesburg + Flight home from Johannesburg

Day 1

Arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg

Welcome to South Africa, nayimkelekile, baie welkom! As you walk out of O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg – Africa’s biggest and busiest airport – you head straight to your rental car pick-up place. This is where your adventure begins! This self-driving journey is all about freedom: explore at your own pace, tailor your days with exciting activities, and decide when to stop and soak it all in. With our travel guide full of top spots, local tips and charming padstalls, you’re set for an unforgettable road trip...!

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Day 2

Tshwane (Pretoria)

Tshwane (formerly Pretoria and nicknamed 'Jacaranda-city' because of its typical purple-blossomed trees) is a bustling multicultural city with tree-lined streets, skyscrapers, nature reserves and lots of history. Its rich cultural heritage and numerous historic landmarks make this city a must-visit for anyone seeking to learn more about South Africa’s complex past. But the city is more than its colonial legacy! Take your time to explore local markets, fine dining restaurants, live music, art and nature with even game drives or hikes in the mesmerising Groenkloof Nature Reserve... A visit to Tshwane will refresh your body, mind and spirit!

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Day 3 - 4

Drive from Tshwane (Pretoria) to Pilanesberg

The journey from Tshwane (formerly Pretoria) to Pilanesberg covers about 170 kilometres and takes roughly 2.5 hours via the N4. Need a quick stop? The small town of Rustenburg has got you covered for a convenient break along the way. Once you arrive, prepare for top-notch game viewing and breathtaking scenery in the fourth-largest national park in the country!

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Day 5

Drive from Pilanesberg to Waterberg

Waterberg lies northeast of Pilanesberg and is easily reached by driving north via the R510 to Northam, then continuing on the N11. From there, follow signs to your chosen destination – whether it’s Bela-Bela, Vaalwater, Welgevonden or something else. The journey covers 200 to 250 kilometres and takes three to four hours, depending on where you're staying. Roads are well signposted, but keep an eye out for your exact location!

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Day 6 - 7

Drive from Waterberg to Magoebaskloof

The drive from Waterberg to the lush, mountainous region of Magoebaskloof covers 283 kilometres via the N1 and takes just over three hours. As you approach your destination, prepare for scenic landscapes with indigenous forests, dramatic mountain plateaus, deep river gorges and cascading waterfalls. Spend a relaxing afternoon settling in or head out again for the afternoon, because the Magoebaskloof is full of adventure!

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Day 8

Drive from Magoebaskloof to Hoedspruit

The drive from Magoebaskloof to Hoedspruit is a scenic 135 kilometres and takes 1.5 hours via the R71. It’s a beautiful route through wild and rugged landscapes, so we suggest leaving after breakfast to take it all in at a relaxed pace. Once in Hoedspruit, check into your lodge and explore all the adventures the town has to offer. Or just relax and rest up, as you'll want to make an early start heading into the iconic Kruger National Park tomorrow!

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Day 9 - 11

Drive from Hoedspruit to Kruger National Park – Orpen Gate

The drive from Hoedspruit to the Orpen Gate of Kruger National Park takes less than 30 minutes via the R40, so you’ll be on safari in no time! Upon entering, you’ll receive a detailed map with clearly marked routes leading to rest camps and prime game viewing spots. The open grasslands near Orpen Gate are rich in wildlife, offering superb sightings of the Big Five, as well as cheetahs, African wild dogs, giraffes, and zebras. This area’s mineral-rich sweetveld attracts animals year-round, making it a hotspot for game drives. Be sure to chat with other visitors at the rest camps—you might get a tip on where to run into a buffalo herd of 250 strong!

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Day 12

Drive from Kruger National Park to Johannesburg

Your Kruger safari has come to an end! After three thrilling days of wildlife sightings, it’s time to head back to O.R. Tambo International Airport – a 5-hour drive (excluding stops) or 430 kilometres from Paul Kruger Gate via the N4 and N12 highways. In need of coffee halfway through? Make a well-deserved pitstop at Alzu Petroport, just past Middelburg on the N4, where you can enjoy a barista special or a hearty meal while watching buffalo and rhino roam just metres away. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs, refuel (literally!), and take in one last bit of bush magic. From there, it's a smooth 175 kilometres to the airport. Cherish the memories and safe travels home!

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Make your dream trip come true with Africa Safari Trips

At Africa Safari Trips, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!

Request this trip now

Why Africa Safari Trips?

  • We are based in Nairobi (Kenya) and Kampala (Uganda)
  • We offer private safaris
  • We have world class safari guides
  • You get Expert advice
  • Best value for money
  • Own safari vehicles
  • No limit on driving distance
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