12 DAYS SOUTH AFRICA: SUBMERGED IN SAFARIS AND NATURE

From $1,218 USD* / Big Five safaris / 12 days

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

Itinerary

Exploring all that Africa has to offer is a dream for many. From epic Kenya safari adventures spotting Africa’s Big Five, going on a Gorilla trekking in Uganda or relaxing at Diani Beach: Africa has it all. Good news: Africa Safari Trips can build a custom-made itinerary that suits all your wishes.

Our most popular itineraries can help you find some inspiration. A lot of our clients love to end their exciting safari with a few days of relaxation on Africa’s most stunning beaches. Would you like that as well?

Whether you choose one of our popular itineraries or prefer to customize your journey, we are here to assist you. Come aboard and get ready to explore Africa at your own pace, exactly the way you like it!

Day 1

Arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg

Platinum

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...!

Activities:

: Head out of 'Jozy' and make your way to Tshwane (Pretoria), a town much more low-key than Johannesburg but still full of adventure. It's only a 45-minute (under 60 kilometres) drive via the N1 highway. Tshwane is the administrative capital of South Africa, where, in springtime, 40,000 jacaranda trees bloom and turn the city into a purple paradise – hence its nickname Jacaranda City. Upon arrival, you can either check into your hotel and unwind after the long flight or head out to explore the city!

Accommodations:

Silver The Regency Apartment Hotel | Menlyn
Gold Waterkloof Mansion Boutique Hotel
Platinum Apogee Boutique Hotel and Spa

Platinum

Day 2

Tshwane (Pretoria)

Platinum

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!

Accommodations:

Silver The Regency Apartment Hotel | Menlyn
Gold Waterkloof Mansion Boutique Hotel
Platinum Apogee Boutique Hotel and Spa

Platinum

Day 3 - 4

Drive from Tshwane (Pretoria) to Pilanesberg

Silver

Gold

Platinum

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!

Activities:

: Pilanesberg National Park lies in a transition zone between the Kalahari and Lowveld, where it covers 550 square kilometres, set in an ancient volcanic crater. The landscape features dramatic rock formations, wooded valleys and historical Stone and Iron Age sites. The Big Five roam freely here, along with over 7,000 other mammals, and the Mankwe Dam is a must-visit for spotting birds and animals gathering to drink. Explore on a self-drive or join a guided game drive; full-day and 3-hour safaris are available. And why not get up early for an unforgettable hot air balloon safari – drifting over the wilderness as the wildlife wakes, before toasting the adventure with some bubbly and indulging in a safari breakfast!

Accommodations:

Silver

Gold

Platinum

Day 5

Drive from Pilanesberg to Waterberg

Silver

Gold

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!

Activities:

: The Waterberg Biosphere in the Limpopo province is an area just three to four hours north of Johannesburg, filled with nature reserves, a few towns and one national park. It offers a rugged escape teeming with wildlife and rare flora (including baobab, marula, and fever trees) and over 200 bird species. This ecologically rich savanna is ideal for game drives and spotting the Big Five, which you normally do in the area where your lodge is located (and is sometimes even included in the price of your overnight stay!). While in the Waterberg Area, don’t miss Adventures With Elephants in Bela-Bela – an unforgettable close-up encounter with Africa’s gentle giants.

Accommodations:

Silver

Gold

Day 6 - 7

Drive from Waterberg to Magoebaskloof

Silver

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!

Activities:

: Magoebaskloof, nestled in the northeastern tip of the Drakensberg range in Limpopo, is a misty mountain escape filled with lush indigenous forests, crystal-clear streams and rare plant and animal life. The area is perfect for hiking and offers quirky highlights such as the echoing 'huilklip' (weeping rock). Thrill seekers can try the Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour, which makes you slide along 11 ziplines through treetops and past dramatic waterfalls, while vibrant gardens filled with azaleas, orchids, cherry trees and jacarandas will calm you down. After your outdoor adventures, unwind in Haenertsburg’s cosy cafés, galleries and lively craft beer scene – the Cape Parrot Ale is a must-try!

Accommodations:

Silver Magoebaskloof Africamps
Gold Bramasole Boutique Hotel
Platinum Fairview Hotels, Spa and Golf Resort

Silver

Day 8

Drive from Magoebaskloof to Hoedspruit

Silver

Gold

Platinum

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!

Activities:

: Hoedspruit is a small town with a big heart, ideally positioned between the Kruger National Park and the awe-inspiring Blyde River Canyon, and as such, your first or last stop on the Panorama Route with its jaw-droppingly beautiful sights. The town is a vibrant base for adventure – think hot air ballooning, boat cruises and quad biking - and Kruger’s backyard, so make sure to keep an eye out for impala, kudu, or even a sneaky leopard to cross your path. Last but not least, this is where you can meet and greet Jessica the (tame!) Hippo.

Accommodations:

Silver

Gold

Platinum

Day 9 - 11

Drive from Hoedspruit to Kruger National Park – Orpen Gate

Gold

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!

Activities:

: If you want a jam-packed wildlife experience, then Kruger National Park will make your dream come true. This park is said to have the highest chance of seeing all the famous Big Five PLUS the Avian Six (six endemic and funny-looking bird species – only to be found in Kruger) in one day. Mind you, this park is massive! With no less than a whopping 2 million hectares, this is the largest (and most famous) national park in South Africa, with almost 150 different mammal species and 500 bird species. You can also visit archaeological sites, learn about Kruger's amazing and turbulent history and check out the wildlife rehabilitation centres.

Accommodations:

Silver Skukuza Rest Camp
Gold Skukuza Safari Lodge
Platinum Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge

Gold

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!

Activities:

: All good things come to an end. It's time to catch your flight home from O.R. Tambo International Airport. Sad to leave…? Not to worry! You can also hop on a domestic flight to Cape Town and add a few highlights to your holiday. How about exploring (and tasting) world-class wines, standing on top of Table Mountain and diving into the rich history of the country? Or simply relaxing at a picturesque beach? Let us know your wishes, and we will gladly organise a holiday extension to help you explore other parts of South Africa.

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