14 DAYS SOUTH AFRICA: HIKES AND BEACH

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:

Accommodations:

• Silver The City Lodge Hotel - O.R. Tambo International Airport
• Gold The Residence Boutique Hotel
• Platinum The Houghton Hotel

Time to swap city buzz for fresh mountain air! The drive from Johannesburg to the charming town of Winterton, gateway to the central part of the Drakensberg, takes just under 4 hours (375 kilometres via the N3 and R74). The Drakensberg is South Africa’s mightiest mountain range that stretches over 1,125 kilometres and towers up to 3,482 metres. Winterton, nestled in its foothills, is a historic pioneer town and a popular base for hikes. This central region is defined by the dramatic Champagne, Cathedral, and Cathkin peaks, offering top trails, trout and bass fishing, and fascinating San rock art. Take time to explore the local museums and monuments before heading further south toward Underberg.

Accommodations:

• Silver Gooderson Monks Cowl Golf Resort
• Gold AfriCamps Champagne Valley
• Platinum Cathedral Peak Hotel

The Drakensberg, South Africa’s highest mountain range, is a hiker’s paradise of rolling grasslands, towering waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs, with nearly 940 square miles recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its valleys echo with the calls of baboons, and its caves hold over 35,000 ancient San rock paintings, making it one of the world’s greatest outdoor art galleries. The views? Simply breathtaking. With dozens of trails spread across the northern, central and southern Drakensberg, there’s a hike for everyone – from easy rambles to all-day treks. Most hotels provide trail maps and transfers to the starting point, and you can find detailed routes, guided options and expert advice online.

Accommodations:

• Silver Gooderson Monks Cowl Golf Resort
• Gold AfriCamps Champagne Valley
• Platinum Cathedral Peak Hotel

The scenic drive from Winterton to Underberg takes 2 hours and 45 minutes (230 kilometres) via the N3 and R617. Leave after breakfast for a relaxed afternoon in Underberg, or enjoy one last hike before packing up. Nestled in the foothills of southern Drakensberg, Underberg is the gateway to the Sani Pass and Lesotho and any nature lover's paradise with lush farmland, winding rivers and the dramatic peaks of Giant’s Cup. In winter (June to August), the area often turns into a snowy wonderland. Breathe in the crisp air, soak up the sunshine and unwind with a drink in one of Underberg’s cosy pubs and restaurants.

Accommodations:

• Silver The Old Hatchery
• Gold Sani Valley Lodge
• Platinum Fairview Hotels, Spa and Golf Resort

Craving some real adventure and a new passport stamp? Take a full-day 4×4 trip up the epic Sani Pass into the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. The journey starts in Underberg and winds up the rugged southern Drakensberg via hairpin bends, dramatic cliffs and jaw-dropping views. A guided tour is your safest bet – your experienced driver handles the tricky gravel roads while you sit back and enjoy the scenery. At the top, you'll cross the border into Lesotho, visit a traditional Basotho village and step inside mud-and-dung huts to learn about life in the highlands. Then you head out to Africa’s highest pub, where a Maluti beer and home-baked bread tasting (with incredible views) await. After soaking it all in, you’ll head back down the pass and return to Underberg by dinner. A true bucket-list day!

Accommodations:

• Silver The Old Hatchery
• Gold Sani Valley Lodge
• Platinum Fairview Hotels, Spa and Golf Resort

Get ready for a longer drive today – but your destination makes it worth the effort! The most direct route from Underberg to the Hluhluwe iMflolozi Game Reserve takes just over five hours (465 kilometres), taking you north via Pietermaritzburg and then along the N2. Your reward? Big Five sightings in one of South Africa’s oldest and most storied game reserves. Once a royal hunting ground for Zulu kings and home to Stone Age settlements, this reserve is rich in both wildlife and history, with plenty of rhinos as your icing on the cake!

Activities:

Accommodations:

• Silver Emdoneni Lodge
• Platinum Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

Activities:

Accommodations:

• Silver Zimbali Lodge by Dream Resorts
• Gold Canelands Beach Club
• Platinum Zimbali Lodge by Dream Resorts

Ballito is a vibrant coastal town just north of Durban, right on the Dolphin Coast - named after the bottlenose dolphins often seen frolicking offshore. It’s famous for its golden beaches, warm Indian Ocean waters and relaxed beach-town energy. Surfing and swimming are top draws here, especially at Willard Beach, home to the legendary yearly Ballito Pro surfing event. Families will love the dolphin-watching tours, Crocodile Creek, and the Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary, which shelters rescued animals and playful monkeys. Ballito also offers fantastic tidal pools, excellent shopping at Ballito Junction Mall and a lively mix of bars, eateries, and nightlife. Get your flip-flops on; it’s the ultimate destination for a sun-soaked, action-packed beach escape.

Activities:

Accommodations:

• Silver Zimbali Lodge by Dream Resorts
• Gold Canelands Beach Club
• Platinum Zimbali Lodge by Dream Resorts

Ballito is a vibrant coastal town just north of Durban, right on the Dolphin Coast - named after the bottlenose dolphins often seen frolicking offshore. It’s famous for its golden beaches, warm Indian Ocean waters and relaxed beach-town energy. Surfing and swimming are top draws here, especially at Willard Beach, home to the legendary yearly Ballito Pro surfing event. Families will love the dolphin-watching tours, Crocodile Creek, and the Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary, which shelters rescued animals and playful monkeys. Ballito also offers fantastic tidal pools, excellent shopping at Ballito Junction Mall and a lively mix of bars, eateries, and nightlife. Get your flip-flops on; it’s the ultimate destination for a sun-soaked, action-packed beach escape.

Activities:

Accommodations:

• Silver Zimbali Lodge by Dream Resorts
• Gold Canelands Beach Club
• Platinum Makakatana Bay Lodge

All good things come to an end. It's time to catch your flight home from King Shaka International Airport in Durban.
Sad to leave…? Not to worry! You can still 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? Let us know your wishes, and we will gladly organise a holiday extension to help you explore other parts of South Africa. However, if duty calls, we wish you safe travels and hope you had a fantastic holiday!