18 DAYS SOUTH AFRICA: CIRCLING THE NORTH WITH KRUGER + 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 Regency Apartment Hotel | Menlyn
• Gold Waterkloof Mansion Boutique Hotel
• Platinum Apogee Boutique Hotel and Spa

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!

Activities:

Accommodations:

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

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!

Accommodations:

• Silver The Kingdom Resort
• Gold Morokolo Safari Lodge
• Platinum Tshukudu Bush Lodge

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!

Activities:

Accommodations:

• Silver The Kingdom Resort
• Gold Morokolo Safari Lodge
• Platinum Tshukudu Bush Lodge

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:

Accommodations:

• Silver Waterberg Game Park
• Gold Bushwa Private Game Lodge
• Platinum Bontle Game Lodge

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!

Accommodations:

• Gold Bramasole Boutique Hotel
• Platinum Magoebaskloof Africamps

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!

Activities:

Accommodations:

• Gold Bramasole Boutique Hotel
• Platinum Magoebaskloof Africamps

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:

Accommodations:

• Silver Leopards Lair Bush Lodge
• Gold Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit
• Platinum Tangala Safari Camp

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!

Accommodations:

• Gold Skukuza Safari Lodge
• Platinum Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge

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:

• Gold Skukuza Safari Lodge
• Platinum Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge

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!

Activities:

Accommodations:

• Silver Sheppard Boutique Hotel
• Gold Loerie's Call Guesthouse
• Platinum Torburnlea Homestead Luxury Accommodation

Activities:

Accommodations:

• Silver Coco de Mer Boutique Hotel
• 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 Coco de Mer Boutique Hotel
• 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 Coco de Mer Boutique Hotel
• 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 Coco de Mer Boutique Hotel
• Gold Canelands Beach Club
• Platinum Zimbali Lodge by Dream Resorts

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!