7 DAYS SOUTH AFRICA: JACARANDAS, SAFARI AND HIKING

From $556 USD* / Big Five & balloon safari possible / 7 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!

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

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

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:

Drive from Pilanesberg to Magoebaskloof

Silver

Your journey from Pilanesberg to the misty mountains of Magoebaskloof takes just under 5.5 hours, covering around 400 kilometres via the N1 highway. Set off after breakfast and enjoy ever-changing scenery along the way – from open bushveld to indigenous forests, deep river gorges and dramatic waterfalls. Upon arrival, you can take the afternoon to relax and breathe in the cool mountain air, or start exploring the adventures of the Magoebaskloof!

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

Drive from Magoebaskloof to Johannesburg

Your unforgettable South African adventure is sadly coming to an end. This morning, get behind the wheel for one last scenic drive back to Johannesburg. It’s just under 380 kilometres to O.R. Tambo International Airport, taking around 3 hours and 45 minutes via the N1. Be sure to factor in potential traffic around Joburg, especially during peak hours. Drive safe and take it slow; there’s no rush to let go of the magic. Not ready to leave yet? Hop on a domestic flight to Cape Town and continue the adventure at the southernmost tip of Africa!

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.

7 DAYS SOUTH AFRICA: JACARANDAS, SAFARI AND HIKING

From $556 USD* / Big Five & balloon safari possible / 7 days

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg

Activities:

Accommodations:

Day 2

Tshwane (Pretoria)

Accommodations:

Day 3 - 4

Drive from Tshwane (Pretoria) to Pilanesberg

Activities:

Accommodations:

Day 5 - 6

Drive from Pilanesberg to Magoebaskloof

Activities:

Accommodations:

Day 7

Drive from Magoebaskloof to Johannesburg

Activities:

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