14 DAYS SOUTH AFRICA: PANORAMA ROUTE, KRUGER AND ST LUCIA

From $2,295 USD* / Elephants & hippos & Big Five encounters in Kruger / 14 days

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

A 14-day trip filled with animals and adrenaline.

From up-close encounters with elephants and Jessica the Hippo, to observing a great variety of wildlife at the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and making underwater friends in Cape Vidal – this route makes every animal lover’s heart beat a lot faster! And let’s not forget Kruger National Park, the home of the Big Five and the entire cast of The Lion King.

Should you crave more once-in-a-lifetime moments, you can ascend to the top of Graskop Gorge with a glass lift and fly through the gorge with a big swing. A bit less adrenaline-inducing? No problem: you can also go zip lining, cross the suspension bridge, or simply enjoy the view.

Apart from these memories-to-be, the Panorama Route wows with untamed nature, which you can explore during a cruise through the Blyde River Canyon, white water rafting, a hot air balloon ride over Hoedspruit and a cave tour.

Saint Lucia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and charming small town, wraps all of this up for you: here you can dive into coastal forests, see even more animals, enjoy South African cuisine and relax at the beach.

And as if all of this wasn’t perfect enough, you can enjoy loads and loads of cheese during a visit to a local farm.

Take a walk on South Africa’s wild side.

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.

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
  • Day 2: Drive from Johannesburg to Graskop via Sabie River (Hazyview) + Graskop + White Water Rafting on the Sabie River near Hazyview
  • Day 3: Take the Panorama Route from Graskop to Blyde River Canyon + Blyde River Canyon + Cruise on Blyde River + Graskop Gorge Lift
  • Day 4: Drive from Blyde River Canyon to Hoedspruit + Hoedspruit + Meet Jessica the Hippo
  • Day 5: Drive from Hoedspruit to Kruger National Park – Orpen Gate + Kruger National Park
  • Day 6: Kruger National Park
  • Day 7: Drive from Kruger's Malelane Gate to Mbombela (Nelspruit)
  • Day 8: Mbombela (Nelspruit)
  • Day 9: Domestic Flight from Mbombela (Nelspruit) to Durban
  • Day 10: Ballito + iSimangaliso Wetland Park + Hippo and crocodile cruise in Saint Lucia
  • Day 11: Ballito + iSimangaliso Wetland Park + Snorkeling at Cape Vidal
  • Day 12: Ballito
  • Day 13: Ballito
  • Day 14: Flight home from Durban (not included in the price)

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...!

Accommodations:

Day 2

Drive from Johannesburg to Graskop via Sabie River (Hazyview)

This is the start of your South African road trip – let’s leave the city behind and head straight for adventure! The drive from Johannesburg to Graskop takes 4.5 hours (or 380 kilometres), which leaves time to include a thrilling stop towards the end in Hazyview for some white water rafting on the Sabie River. It’s the perfect adrenaline kick to launch your journey. Once you've checked in at your Graskop hotel, the iconic Panorama Route is yours to explore.

Activities:

Accommodations:

Day 3

Take the Panorama Route from Graskop to Blyde River Canyon

The Panorama Route in Mpumalanga is a breathtaking drive that begins near Graskop and winds north along the R532 to the Blyde River Canyon and Echo Caves. This iconic route takes you past a string of unforgettable stops - each one quick to visit, low-cost to enter, and absolutely camera-worthy. Start with the Graskop Gorge Lift, a one-of-a-kind experience that lowers you 51 metres into a lush forest by glass elevator. From there, head to Bourke’s Luck Potholes, God’s Window, the Berlin and Lisbon Falls, and the Three Rondavels - all offering panoramic views and surrounded by dramatic landscapes. End your journey with a peaceful boat cruise on the Blyde Dam, taking in the Blyde River Canyon from its most impressive angle, right from the water’s edge!

Activities:

Accommodations:

Day 4

Drive from Blyde River Canyon to Hoedspruit

Make the most of the last stretch of the Panorama Route - it’s just 50 kilometres (about 1 hour and 20 minutes) from Blyde River Canyon to Hoedspruit via the scenic R40. The drive is short but packed with stunning views, so take it slow and savour the scenery. Arriving early? You might still have time to visit Jessica the hippo or explore the charming town of Hoedspruit. Rest up at your lodge tonight, because Kruger National Park awaits you bright and early tomorrow!

Activities:

Accommodations:

Day 5 - 6

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!

Activities:

Accommodations:

Day 7

Drive from Kruger's Malelane Gate to Mbombela (Nelspruit)

If you exit Kruger National Park via the Malelane Gate, it’s just about an hour’s drive (67 kilometres) along the N4 to Nelspruit/Mbombela, where you can marvel at the lush Lowveld and its fruit orchards. After checking into your hotel, consider a visit to the Sudwala Caves on the R539 – the oldest cave system in the world with ancient stalactites, stalagmites, and fossils. Craving a bit more action? Then fly over the breathtaking valley on the Sudwala Zipline!

Accommodations:

Day 8

Mbombela (Nelspruit)

Nelspruit or Mbombela (the official name) is known for its lush landscapes, subtropical climate, and its proximity to Kruger National Park. The city blends its rich heritage with modern flair; check the historical walking trail before heading to the shops, lively restaurants and many cultural attractions. Don’t miss the Lowveld National Botanical Garden, home to a man-made rainforest and a rich variety of indigenous flora. Nearby, the ancient Sudwala Caves offer guided tours through the earth’s oldest known cave system, filled with ancient stalactites, stalagmites, and fossils. Craving more thrills? The Sudwala zipline offers a high-flying ride over the stunning valley landscape.

Accommodations:

Day 9

Domestic Flight from Mbombela (Nelspruit) to Durban

Experience the beauty of South Africa with a domestic flight from Mbombela (Nelspruit) to Durban! This quick journey connects you to the vibrant culture and stunning coastline of Durban, known for its beautiful beaches and rich heritage. Enjoy the convenience of a short flight, letting you maximize your time exploring attractions like the uShaka Marine World and the Durban Botanical Gardens. Book your flight today and discover the warm hospitality of this coastal city. Don’t miss out on an unforgettable South African adventure!

Accommodations:

Day 10

Ballito

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:

Day 11 - 13

Ballito

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:

Day 14

Flight home from Durban (not included in the price)

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!

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
Take a look at our excursions