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14 DAYS SOUTH AFRICA: PANORAMA ROUTE, KRUGER AND ST LUCIA
From $2,165 USD* / Elephants & hippos & Big Five encounters in Kruger / 14 days

*price p.p. incl. guide, safari jeep, hotel and park entrance fees, excl. international flight (based on six persons)

Home > South Africa Travel > South Africa Tours > 14 Days South Africa: Panorama Route, Kruger and St Lucia

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

Animal lovers will be thrilled by the incredible wildlife encounters across iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Cape Vidal, and Kruger National Park, home to the iconic Big Five. Beyond spectacular animal sightings, the region offers unforgettable adventures at Graskop Gorge, where you can brave the big swing and zip lines, or take in the stunning views from the glass lift and suspension bridge.

The breathtaking Panorama Route further completes the experience with endless outdoor activities, including Blyde River Canyon cruises, white-water rafting, cave tours, and scenic hot air balloon flights over Hoedspruit.

Animal enthusiasts will be thrilled by this adventure, offering intimate encounters with hippos, elephants, and marine life, alongside the iconic Big Five in Kruger National Park. Thrill-seekers can head to Graskop Gorge for adrenaline-pumping gorge swings and ziplining, or opt for a scenic glass elevator ride and suspension bridge walk. The journey perfectly balances excitement with relaxation in the charming, UNESCO-listed town of Saint Lucia, where you can explore coastal forests, lounge on the beach, savor South African cuisine, and cap off the trip by indulging in fresh cheese at a local farm.

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

Low season (March, April, May and 1st of November – 19th of December) 

2 persons 4 persons 6 persons
$2,518.78 USD*
$2,165.49 USD*
$2,271.23 USD*

Mid-Season (the rest of the year)

2 persons 4 persons 6 persons
$2,544.84 USD*
$2,209.24 USD*
$2,308.68 USD*

High season (January, July, August, September and 20th to 31st of December)

2 persons 4 persons 6 persons
$2,611.48 USD*
$2,280.94 USD*
$2,378.18 USD*

* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets

Included
Activities (unless indicated differently on your itinerary)
Bed and breakfast (unless indicated differently on your itinerary)
24/7 service
8 Days
Reservation costs
All Accommodations
Rental Cars
Excluded
Visas
Travel insurance
International flights (can be booked for you on request)
Fuel
Lunch and dinner (unless indicated differently on your itinerary)
Private guide (unless indicated differently on your itinerary)
Surcharge for alternative delivery/collect location for your rental car

Itinerary Details

Itinerary Details

dAY 1

Arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg

Arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg

Welcome to South Africa! Your unforgettable self-drive adventure begins at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo Airport, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace using our comprehensive travel guide. Prepare for an animal lover’s dream as you encounter diverse wildlife at iSimangaliso Wetland Park, spot marine life in Cape Vidal, and seek out the iconic Big Five in Kruger National Park. Beyond the wildlife, you can find thrills and stunning views at Graskop Gorge by riding the glass elevator, braving the big swing and zip line, or simply strolling across the suspension bridge.

Arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg

Accommodation

The Houghton Hotel
Sabie River

Day 2

Drive from Johannesburg to Graskop via Sabie River (Hazyview)

Sabie River

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.

Accommodation

Hoyohoyo Angels View Graskop

Day 3

Take the Panorama Route from Graskop to Blyde River Canyon

Blyde River Canyon

Mpumalanga’s stunning Panorama Route offers a scenic, budget-friendly journey from Graskop to the Blyde River Canyon, packed with breathtaking and easily accessible attractions. Along the drive, you can ride a 51-meter glass elevator down into a lush forest at the Graskop Gorge Lift before taking in spectacular landscapes at Bourke’s Luck Potholes, God’s Window, the Berlin and Lisbon waterfalls, and the Three Rondavels. Finally, conclude your adventure with a relaxing boat cruise on the Blyde Dam to marvel at the canyon’s towering beauty right from the water’s edge.

Blyde River Canyon

Accommodation

Umvangati House
Hoedspruit

Day 4

Drive from Blyde River Canyon to Hoedspruit

Hoedspruit

Enjoy the spectacular final 50-kilometre stretch of the Panorama Route along the R40, taking your time to appreciate the beautiful drive from Blyde River Canyon to Hoedspruit. If you arrive with time to spare, consider meeting Jessica the hippo or exploring the town before settling into your lodge for a good night’s sleep, so you are fully rested for your early-morning adventure in Kruger National Park tomorrow.

Accommodation

Tangala Safari Camp

Day 5 - 6

Drive from Hoedspruit to Kruger National Park – Phalaborwa Gate

Phalaborwa Gate

Reaching Kruger National Park’s Orpen Gate is a swift 30-minute drive from Hoedspruit via the R40, letting you kick off your Voyage Vista African Safaris adventure almost immediately. Armed with a detailed map provided at the entrance, you can easily navigate to various rest camps and premier viewing locations. The mineral-rich plains around the gate draw diverse wildlife all year, offering incredible chances to spot the Big Five, cheetahs, giraffes, and more. Don’t forget to swap stories with fellow guests at the camps, as they might just point you toward massive buffalo herds and other spectacular sightings!

Phalaborwa Gate

Accommodation

Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge
Mbombela

Day 7

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

Mbombela

Exiting Kruger National Park through the Malelane Gate, a scenic hour-long drive on the N4 brings you to the vibrant orchards of Nelspruit/Mbombela. Once settled into your hotel, you can step back in time at the ancient Sudwala Caves on the R539 to view prehistoric fossils and rock formations, or seek an adrenaline rush by soaring across the stunning valley on the Sudwala Zipline.

Accommodation

Torburnlea Homestead Luxury Accommodation

Day 8

Mbombela (Nelspruit)

Mbombela

Serving as a lush, subtropical gateway to Kruger National Park, Mbombela (also known as Nelspruit) perfectly balances its rich history with modern shopping and dining. Visitors can stroll along the historical walking trail, discover the man-made rainforest at the Lowveld National Botanical Garden, or descend into the ancient, fossil-filled Sudwala Caves. For adrenaline seekers, the nearby Sudwala zipline provides breathtaking aerial views of the beautiful surrounding valley.

Mbombela

Accommodation

Torburnlea Homestead Luxury Accommodation
Durban

Day 9

Domestic Flight from Mbombela (Nelspruit) to Durban

Durban

Discover the magic of South Africa with a quick domestic flight from Mbombela (Nelspruit) to Durban. This convenient, short trip gives you more time to dive right into the city’s vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and popular attractions like uShaka Marine World and the Durban Botanical Gardens. Secure your tickets today to experience the welcoming coastal atmosphere and embark on a truly memorable adventure!

Accommodation

Leopard Corner Lodge

Day 10

Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia

Nestled within the UNESCO-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal’s coastal town of St Lucia is a vibrant tropical haven for nature enthusiasts. It offers an irresistible blend of adventure and relaxation, featuring lush coastal forests, sun-drenched beaches, warm ocean waters, and incredible wildlife—including hippos that famously wander the streets after dark. With endless activities ranging from snorkeling at Cape Vidal and estuary wildlife cruises to visiting a local goat cheese farm, this wild and beautiful destination will easily tempt you to extend your getaway.

Saint Lucia

Accommodation

Leopard Corner Lodge
Saint Lucia

Day 11 - 12

Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia

Nestled within the UNESCO-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal’s coastal town of St Lucia is a vibrant tropical haven for nature enthusiasts. It offers an irresistible blend of adventure and relaxation, featuring lush coastal forests, sun-drenched beaches, warm ocean waters, and incredible wildlife—including hippos that famously wander the streets after dark. With endless activities ranging from snorkeling at Cape Vidal and estuary wildlife cruises to visiting a local goat cheese farm, this wild and beautiful destination will easily tempt you to extend your getaway.

Accommodation

Leopard Corner Lodge

Day 13

Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia

Nestled within the UNESCO-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal’s coastal town of St Lucia is a vibrant tropical haven for nature enthusiasts. It offers an irresistible blend of adventure and relaxation, featuring lush coastal forests, sun-drenched beaches, warm ocean waters, and incredible wildlife—including hippos that famously wander the streets after dark. With endless activities ranging from snorkeling at Cape Vidal and estuary wildlife cruises to visiting a local goat cheese farm, this wild and beautiful destination will easily tempt you to extend your getaway.

Saint Lucia

Accommodation

Leopard Corner Lodge
flight

Day 14

Flight home from Durban (not included in the price)

flight

As your getaway wraps up, it’s time to head home from Durban’s King Shaka International Airport. If you’re not quite ready to leave, we can easily extend your adventure with a quick flight to Cape Town to enjoy its world-class vineyards, iconic Table Mountain, and rich history. Simply share your preferences, and we’ll arrange the perfect continuation of your South African journey. Otherwise, if it’s time to get back to reality, we wish you a safe flight and hope your vacation was truly spectacular!

Make your dream trip come true with Tanzania Wildlife Voyages

At Voyage Vista African Safaris, you have complete freedom to tailor your adventure. Our sample itineraries are fully flexible and can be customized to match your interests. Our travel experts collaborate closely with you to design the perfect journey of your dreams.

Why Voyage Vista African Safaris?

Experience expert private guides, well-equipped private jeeps, customizable itineraries, and exceptional customer care. Our thorough trip planning allows you to travel completely stress-free. We truly are your ideal partner for a memorable journey supported by top-quality service.

100% specialized in Africa
Skilled advice – tailor-made private safaris
World-class safari guides
Private vehicle and great customer satisfaction for the best price