Type of Safari: Self Drive Safari

Accommodation: Mid range Self Catering Chalets, Guesthouses & Hotels

Includes: Accommodation on self-catering basis.

Excludes: Car rental, park entry fees and activities, all personal expenses, tips, drinks, laundry.

Extra Information: This itinerary is designed for the independent traveler wanting flexibility. Only accommodation is pre-booked and all other activities can be arranged on arrival and payable direct

The 22-day Self Drive Safari is such a popular way to discover Africa. Allow our consultants to tailor make your self drive safari, giving you freedom to be flexible and the independence to travel where you want to. Situated on the tip of the African continent, South Africa has often been described as a world in one country. It has a wealth of natural beauty, pristine wilderness areas, warm and friendly people, cosmopolitan cities and excellent infrastructure - making South Africa a favourite safari destination.
 

Day 1: Arrival in Johannesburg from where the drive begins to Mpumalanga.Spend one night at a lodge near Hazyview, ideally located to explore the Panorama Route which is a must see.The Panaroma route consists of the Blyde River Canyon,Bourkes Luke Pothole,Pilgrims Rest and God's Window.

Day 2-3: Big game country - exciting game drives provide us with excellent game viewing. Spot lion, elephant, rhino and other animals in one of the last African wildernesses. Early morning & afternoon game drives get us close to the wildlife.

Day 4-5: After exploring Kruger and the magnificent sites of the Panaroma Route, the next stop is Swaziland where 2 nights can be spent at Bhubesi Camp which is found in Hlane Royal Park. Hlane, this Kingdom's largest protected area, is home to the largest herds of game in Swaziland.

Day 6-7: Explore the World Heritage site of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. Spend 2 nights at Seasands Lodge in St Lucia. There are various activities available or relax on one of the beaches in the area.

Day 8-9: The next destination is Hluhluwe. Hluhluwe -Imfolozi Park is renowned for its variety of animal and bird life, its wide-ranging photography, and an extremely rich diversity of tree and plant communities. 2 nights will be spent at Hluhluwe Guest House.

Day 10: Approach Umlanga Rocks which is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Natal North coast. General facilities are excellent, and bathing is safe in the warm Indian Ocean. Spend 1 night at Villa Calla which is in the heart of Umhlanga Rocks, all within easy walking distance to the beaches and village center.

Day 11-12: Leaving the coastal area you will drive inland into the Drakensberg Mountains, which are South Africa?s most outstanding attractions, which draws thousands of visitors annually to its scenic beauty, crisp mountain air and clear waters. 2 nights will be spent at Giants Castle.

Day 13-14: From the North Coast you will drive along to Coffee Bay,East London and spend 2 nights at Ocean View Hotel which is nestled between towering cliffs and the mighty Indian Ocean. It is one of the Wild Coast's most easily accessible coastal resorts. It's only a scenic 80kms off the N2 and the road is tarred all the way.

Day 15: From Coffee Bay drive to Addo National Park near Port Elizabeth to spend one night. A conservation success, Addo Elephant N.P. offers a unique wildlife area, famous for the Addo elephants. Time for game drives in search of elephant, black rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard. Evening viewing at the floodlit waterhole allows to watch the nocturnal animals.

Day 16-17: From the Eastern Cape you will start the Garden Route part of the tour.2 nights will be spent in Tsitsikamma National Park where various activities can be done or you can relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Day 18: Leaving Tsitsikamma you will continue to Plettenberg and Knysna. Spend 1 night in the area , making this an ideal stop to explore the Garden Route's attractions and enjoy various activities on offer.

Day 19: On your way to Oudtshoorn you can stop over at Wilderness.Spend 1 night at Baron's Palace Guest House in Oudtshoorn which is centrally located in respect of all tourist attractions such as the Cango Caves,Cango Ostrich Farms,the Cango Wildlife Ranch and many more.

Day 20: The last stop of the tour is Cape Town where 2 nights will be spent at Table Mountain Lodge, a gracious homestead nestled on the slopes of Signal Hill with breathtaking views of Table Mountain. Situated in the popular suburb of Tamboerskloof, guests can stroll to numerous well known restaurants, The Company's Gardens, museums, the city center and is in close proximity to the famous Atlantic beaches, the Table Mountain cable way and the popular Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.