This popular self-drive, using PREMIER/STANDARD accommodation, begins in Cape Town.

It meanders through the Winelands and the Garden Route and then continues with the beautiful sub-tropical province of KwaZulu with time visiting Zulu cultural villages and game reserves.

Travel through the Royal Kingdom of Swaziland to Mpumalanga with time on safari in the Kruger Park before enjoying the tranquillity of the Drakensberg escarpment area.

Highlights of South Africa tour, suitable all year round

Lots of 2 or 3 night stays, minimising overnight stays

Minimum Pax None

Meals Varied, DBB on 3 nights, BB on 14 nights

Departure/End Start in Cape Town and end in Johannesburg

Accommodation Combination of Premier with some Standard

Transport Group B car rental with Super Cover and unlimited kilometres

Best Time to Go April to October/November or Summer for turtle tracking

Health Requirements Anti-malarial precautions, Sunblock essential

Day 1 - 3 nights, Trevoyan, Cape Town, BB

On arrival at Cape Town Airport you drive to Trevoyan House for a three-night stay.

This is a gracious colonial home on the slopes of Table Mountain. The rooms are all individually decorated. Cape Town is Southern Africa’s oldest city and its most scenic; indeed it is arguably one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world.

The unique cultural blend, part African, part European and part Asian reflects its colonial past.

From your base here, you can explore both the city centre and further afield. Take time to walk or take the cable car up Table Mountain, visit the charming Malay quarter and the wonderful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Spend a day at the Waterfront or take a boat trip from the harbour, or just relax on the beach.

On the days when you want to range further, the Whale spotting coastline of False Bay and the nature reserves of the Cape Peninsula are close at hand.

Day 4 - 2 nights, River Manor, Stellenbosch, BB

Only a short distance from Cape Town lies the Winelands region, an area of exquisite beauty With rocky mountains overlooking green vineyards; oak avenues leading to elegant Cape Dutch wine estates and some of the most charming towns and villages in South Africa.

The main pleasure of this region is the enjoyment of the good life: appreciating the wine and the superb architecture, enjoying long, lazy meals in one of the many excellent restaurants, browsing in the craft shops and galleries or taking scenic drives or walks in the surrounding mountains.

Explore the oak-lined town of Stellenbosch, a bustling university city with some unique museums, enjoy the rural charm of the Huguenot town of Franschhoek or meander along a wine route.

Spend two nights at the River Manor. Bedrooms are carefully furnished with homely touches and antiques.

Day 6 - 3 nights, Falcons View Manor, Knysna, BB

Today you drive to Knysna in the Garden Route region.

Falcons View Manor has an stunning setting, high above the lagoon and minutes away from beaches, galleries and restaurants.

The 10 en suite bedrooms are well-appointed with locally-crafted furniture and bathrooms feature elegant Victorian baths. A pool is set in lovely gardens, backed by woodland, and the covered veranda has terrific views.

Day 9 - 2 nights, The Boathouse, Durban, BB

Today you drive to Port Elizabeth Airport for your domestic flight to Durban. FLIGHT NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE.

On arrival at the Durban Airport you collect your rental car for your two night stay at The Boathouse, or Lalaria Lodge.

The ‘Dolphin Coast’ north of Durban is made for swimming, relaxing and enjoying alfresco seafood cuisine.

Here you are away from the bustle of the city and yet easily within reach of its attractions such as the lush botanical gardens and enticing Indian spice markets.

The Boathouse offers stylish accommodation with a nautical theme, right on the beach.

The 19 individually decorated en-suite bedrooms offer TV, air-conditioning, telephone and many have stunning sea views. Evening meals are served and there is a bar and attractive pool. Ballito is a quiet resort, 40 minutes north of Durban.

Day 11 - 1 night, Simunye Village, DBBA

Travel north for your overnight stay at Simunye Cultural Village.

Simunye is a complete experience - a small Zulu village where you stay as guests of the royal Biyela clan. Whilst quite rustic and authentic, this small and intimate evocation of a traditional village offers a very enjoyable stay.

There’s no electricity and you travel to the village, nestling in a beautiful valley, by ox cart.

Here you learn about Zulu culture and traditions and in the evening watch spectacular dancing over a campside meal. The ten stone and thatch rooms are comfortable with unique rock baths filled by hand.

Day 12 - 2 nights, Hilltop Restcamp, Hluhluwe Game Reserve, RO

Head to the Hluhluwe Game Reserve today, particularly famed for its concentrations of rare white rhino, as well as elephant, black rhino, buffalo and predators.

At Hilltop you can book a guided walk or drive with the park rangers, otherwise you enjoy self-guided game viewing in your rental car.

Day 14 - 2 nights, White Elephant Bush Lodge, DBB+1G

Drive north to the Pongola Game Reserve at the foot of the Lebombo Mountains, overlooking the beautiful Lake Jozini.

Here you encounter a variety of antelope, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, hyena and elephant and loads of activities - open top game drives, sunset boat cruises, Tiger fishing and tracking rhino or elephant.

The reed and thatch cottages of Bush Lodge are simple but charming with mosquito nets and fans and a large walk in shower.

Day 16 - 2 nights, Buhala Country Lodge , BB

Today you drive through undulating Swaziland to Buhala Lodge or Malelane Lodge.

The Swazis are renowned craftsmen, and you can buy terrific basket ware, colourful fabrics, carvings, and Mother of Pearl in friendly markets and roadside stalls.

Buhala is set on a tropical fruit and avocado farm and looks out over the Crocodile River to the Kruger Park.

Parties of elephants come down to the water to drink, and hippos have even been known to walk up to the lawn! It’s the perfect country house retreat - 7 bedrooms furnished with antiques and cooled by fans.

Guided game drives into the Kruger are easily arranged.

Day 18 - 2 nights, Chilli Pepper Lodge, BB

Today you travel to Chilli Pepper Lodge. The Drakensberg escarpment provides welcome relaxation after the excitement of a safari.

This area of tumbling streams and waterfalls amongst indigenous woodland and forest plantations provides scenic drives, relaxing walks, horse riding and golf.

Chilli Pepper Lodge is a stylish luxury guesthouse on a sub-tropical fruit farm overlooking the beautiful Sabie River Valley. Accommodation is in individually decorated en-suite rooms and suites.

It’s well situated for exploring the historic goldmining village of Pilgrim’s Rest, the Blyde River Canyon and the Kruger Park.

Day 20 - Return car to Kruger Park Airport

Today you drop off your rental car in time for your flight to Johannesburg. Alternatively you can drive to Johannesburg directly.

This packae can be extended, and the vehicle may be upgraded..rates depend on the season...