12 Days South Africa: Submerged in Safaris and Nature

2 persons	4 persons	6 persons
$2,359.28 USD*	$2,078.64 USD*	$2,172.19 USD*

2 persons

4 persons

6 persons

$2,359.28 USD*

$2,078.64 USD*

$2,172.19 USD*

2 persons	4 persons	6 persons
$2,388.41 USD*	$2,123.68 USD*	$2,211.92 USD*

2 persons

4 persons

6 persons

$2,388.41 USD*

$2,123.68 USD*

$2,211.92 USD*

2 persons	4 persons	6 persons
$2,590.50 USD*	$2,331.06 USD*	$2,417.54 USD*

2 persons

4 persons

6 persons

$2,590.50 USD*

$2,331.06 USD*

$2,417.54 USD*

Itinerary Details

dAY 1

Arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg

Welcome to South Africa! Your incredible self-drive adventure begins the moment you collect your rental car at Johannesburg’s bustling O.R. Tambo International Airport. Enjoy the ultimate freedom to explore at your own pace, customize your daily itinerary with thrilling activities, and pull over whenever the scenery calls to you. Armed with our expert travel guide packed with must-see destinations, local insights, and quaint roadside stops, you are perfectly equipped for the road trip of a lifetime.

Day 2

Ukutula Game Reserve

Ukutula Game Reserve specializes in intimate wildlife encounters, spotlighting magnificent lions alongside various predators and plains animals. Beyond thrilling game drives and immersive guided bush walks, a major highlight is the exclusive waterhole deck, offering a peaceful, up-close view of the big cats in their natural habitat. True to its name as a “place of quiet,” the reserve boasts tranquil landscapes and starry night skies, which your travel consultant can easily help you explore through customizable day packages.

Day 3

Pilanesberg National Park

Set within a 550-square-kilometre ancient volcanic crater between the Kalahari and Lowveld, Pilanesberg National Park boasts striking landscapes and fascinating historical sites. The reserve is home to the famous Big Five and over 7,000 other mammals, making spots like the Mankwe Dam perfect for wildlife viewing. You can explore the park through self-guided or professionally led game drives, or elevate your experience with a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the awakening wilderness, topped off with a celebratory champagne breakfast.

Accommodation

Tshukudu Bush Lodge

Day 4

Pilanesberg National Park

Accommodation

Tshukudu Bush Lodge

Day 5

Drive from Pilanesberg to Waterberg

Located northeast of Pilanesberg, the Waterberg region is a straightforward three- to four-hour drive covering about 200 to 250 kilometres. Just head north on the R510 toward Northam, merge onto the N11, and follow the well-marked signs to your specific destination—like Bela-Bela, Vaalwater, or Welgevonden—while keeping a close eye out for your exact turnoff.

Accommodation

Bontle Game Lodge

Day 6

Drive from Waterberg to Magoebaskloof

The roughly three-hour, 283-kilometer drive along the N1 takes you from Waterberg to the verdant, mountainous region of Magoebaskloof. As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking vistas of native forests, towering plateaus, deep gorges, and stunning waterfalls. Whether you choose to spend your afternoon relaxing or diving straight into the area’s exciting outdoor activities, this scenic destination offers the perfect mix of tranquility and adventure.

Accommodation

Magoebaskloof Africamps

Day 7

Magoebaskloof

Tucked away in Limpopo’s Drakensberg mountains, Magoebaskloof is a misty haven of dense forests, pristine streams, and unique wildlife. It is an ideal destination for hikers looking to explore quirky sights like the echoing “weeping rock” or thrill-seekers wanting to zip past waterfalls on the Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour. For a more tranquil experience, you can wander through the area’s beautifully vibrant floral gardens. Cap off your day of outdoor exploration by relaxing in the charming village of Haenertsburg, where cozy cafes, local art galleries, and a refreshing pint of local Cape Parrot Ale await!

Accommodation

Magoebaskloof Africamps

Day 8

Drive from Magoebaskloof to Hoedspruit

Enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour, 135-kilometer drive from Magoebaskloof to Hoedspruit along the R71, surrounded by ruggedly beautiful landscapes. We recommend setting off after breakfast to savor the journey at a leisurely pace before checking into your Hoedspruit lodge. Upon arrival, you can either dive into the local town’s adventures or simply rest and recharge in preparation for an early morning departure to the legendary Kruger National Park tomorrow.

Accommodation

Tangala Safari Camp

Day 9

Drive from Hoedspruit to Kruger National Park – Phalaborwa Gate

A quick, under 30-minute drive from Hoedspruit along the R40 brings you directly to Kruger National Park’s Orpen Gate to kick off your adventure. Once inside, you’ll grab a trail map and head straight into the region’s mineral-rich grasslands, a premier wildlife hotspot offering incredible year-round sightings of the Big Five, cheetahs, wild dogs, and grazing plains game. While taking a break at the rest camps, don’t forget to swap sighting tips with fellow travelers to help track down massive buffalo herds and other spectacular animals!

Accommodation

Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge

Day 10 - 11

Kruger National Park

For an unforgettable wildlife adventure, Kruger National Park is the ultimate destination. Spanning an incredible two million hectares, South Africa’s largest and most famous park offers unrivaled opportunities to spot the legendary Big Five alongside the park’s exclusive Avian Six birds in just one day. Beyond its incredible biodiversity—boasting nearly 150 mammal and 500 bird species—visitors can also explore fascinating archaeological sites, dive into the area’s rich history, and learn about conservation at local wildlife rehabilitation centers.

Accommodation

Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge

Day 12

Drive from Kruger National Park to Johannesburg

As your unforgettable three-day Kruger safari wraps up, it’s time to begin the 430-kilometer, five-hour drive back to O.R. Tambo International Airport via the N4 and N12 highways. For a fantastic midway break, pull over at Alzu Petroport near Middelburg to grab a coffee and a meal while watching rhinos and buffalo roam just steps away. After soaking up this final touch of bush magic, simply tackle the remaining 175-kilometer stretch to the airport, carrying your wonderful wildlife memories with you on a safe journey home.