18 Day Johannesburg to Cape Town explorer, at your own pace.Can also be converted into a guided tour.
18 Day Johannesburg to Cape Town highlights: Two nights private Game Lodge; Kariega Nature Reserve; Game walks; Garden Route; Open vehicle Game Drives; Cape Town; Panorama route; Zululand; Dolphin Coast
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: Kruger National Park; Knysna Boat Trip; Zululand National Parks ; Robben Island Bungi Jumping; Quad Biking
This 18 Day Johannesburg to Cape Town self drive itinerary is designed for those clients that don’t want the formality of traveling in a group, but still want to take advantage of the excellent lodging infrastructure, Inns, and adventure activities throughout South Africa.
This tour is aimed at self drive clients who want to explore the country concentrating on wilderness areas rather than cities
Our routing allows ample time for taking in the highlights, and each day our staff will be on hand to advise on routes, places of interest etc.
Day 1 : You are met on arrival at Johannesburg International airport by a staff member, handed your world-class documentation, maps, brochures, and other information and are then assisted to collect your vehicle.
From the airport, travel to your lodging of choice to relax and recover from the flight.
Day 2 : Leave Johannesburg and travel in an easterly direction via Witbank, Middelburg, Lydenburg and Hoedspruit to the Lowveld, home to the Kruger and other Game Reserves. The next two nights are spent at the Safari lodge of your choice. Enjoy an open vehicle game drive this afternoon. B D
Approx travel time : 6 hours
Day 3 : Awake early to the sounds of the African bush, after coffee, proceed on an extensive game drive in order to view the many animals in their natural habitat.
On return to the lodge brunch is served. Relax at the lodge for a few hours, and following afternoon tea we head out again in search of animals.
Our drive will include sundowners in the bush and a night drive back to the lodge where dinner is served under the stars in a traditional boma. B L D
Day 4 : Your trip continues along the world renowned Panorama route today, you can visit the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, God’s Window, Pilgrim’s rest and numerous natural attractions. In the late afternoon you will arrive into Hazyview to stay at the lodging of your choice.
Approx travel time : 7 hours
Day 5 : This day you may want to venture into the nearby Kruger National Park for a day of game viewing, or you may choose to simply relax at the Inn and enjoy the swimming pool, Sabie River and excellent walks. B
Approx travel time : Variable
Day 6 : You depart for Swaziland …enjoying the arts and crafts, and beauty of this country. Stay in a local BB this night.
Approx travel time : 7 hours
Day 7 : Travel down to Kwa Zuly to day. Enjoy the many excursions this area has to offer, we suggest a visit into the Hluhluwe or Mkuzi National Parks, or you may spend the day on the beach at Sodwana Bay.
Approx travel time : Variable
Day 8 : Traveling south today, you head for the Umdloti. This Inn is situated literally on the beach and your afternoon will be spent exploring this tiny coastal village and the unspoiled sandy beaches that are constantly pounded by the warm Indian ocean waves. B
Approx travel time : 4 hours
Day 9 : Today holds many options, we advise a drive into Durban to explore this holiday city, the Indian market, aquarium etc, or you may prefer to simply relax and enjoy the beach. B
Approx travel time: Variable
Day 10 : Another long but interesting drive today, you continue south down the coast through the numerous coastal towns before entering the Transkei, with its rolling hills dotted with rural villages. You travel through Umtata, and past the birthplace of Nelson Mandela. Your stop tonight is at the Manderson Hotel in Stutterheim, a sleepy farming town. B
Approx travel time : 8 hours
Day 11 : A short journey today, follow the National Highway to East London and then on to the Kariega Nature Reserve. This reserve offers a huge diversity of fauna and flora, a nature lovers paradise. Tonight’s camp is built on the edge of a ravine offering spectacular views.
B D
Approx travel time : 5 hours
Day 12 : This day is free to relax and enjoy the reserve. Either a Game Walk or Game Drive is included today. Kariega reserve is the ideal to relax and build up energy for the following days of exploring the Garden Route. B L D
Approx travel time : variable
Day 13 : Today we pass through Port Elisabeth and Plettenberg Bay en route to Knysna.
Hidden deep in the forest against the Outeniqua mountains, you will find this Inn. This inn provides the ideal base for exploring without the hustle and bustle of the towns. B
Approx travel time : 5 hours
Day 14 : Today we recommend a trip to the Ostrich capital of Oudthoorn where you are able to visit an Ostrich farm and of course the world renowned Cango Caves. This journey will take you across the mighty Outeniqua mountains, barrier between the dry interior and the lush Garden Rout. B
Approx travel time : variable
Day 15 : We advise that you spend this day in and around Knysna. This quaint woodcutter town offers a wealth of curio shops, restaurants and other attractions. You may want to enjoy a boat trip today in search of Whales and Dolphins. Alternatively, the forests offer fantastic walks. B
Approx travel time : variable
Day 16 : Leaving the true Garden Route, you travel via Mossel Bay and Swellendam, over Sir Lowries Pass and into the “Mother City”, Cape Town.
Approx travel time : 6 hours
Day 17 : This day is for traveling to Cape Point, the Winelands, or perhaps to take a ferry ride across to Robben Island. For those that wish to shop, the Waterfront provides a mecca. Green market square is also not to be missed. B
Approx travel time : variable
Day 18 : On this, the last day, we advise a walk or cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain where the views are spectacular. This afternoon you are able to return your vehicle to Cape Town International Airport, be sure to allow time for your check in. B
Approx travel time : variable – 45 min drive from City to Airport.