23 DAYS | DRAKENSBERG + KRUGER + CAPE TOWN

ABOUT YOUR TRIP

Subheading / Highlights

Explore the rugged mountain passes and ranges of the Drakensberg on an epic road trip from Durban through the Midlands Meander, into the Kingdom of Lesotho and through the the UNESCO Vredefort Dome region en route to Johannesburg. Experience the history, culture and take in the scenery of this remarkable part of South Africa.

After spending a couple nights in the city of gold, board a flight into the Kruger where you will embark on an adrenalin rushing walking safari through the untamed Timbavati and then onto the prized Sabi Sand part of the reserve where it is not uncommon to see all of Africa’s iconic Big 5 on a single game drive.

Head to KwaZulu-Natal’s pristine coastline along the warm Indian Ocean. Stop at the UNESCO Isimangaliso Wetlands and explore the marine biodiversity of this incredible area at Kosi Forest lodge before making your way to Thonga for a bit of scuba diving in Maputaland.

It’s time for The Mothercity! Board your local flight from Durban to Cape Town and check into More Quarters in the city bowl for the next 3 nights. Explore the city on foot with passionate locals while immersing in the culture, history and biodiversity of the city and her natural wonders. Your final stop is the Cederberg region of the Western Cape which is home to some of the most stunning Bushman Rock Art and stunning landscapes which make for epic hiking trails.

 

OVERVIEW

A SNAP SHOT OF YOUR TRIP

22 Nights & 23 Days

Accommodation in private rooms

Local private transport

All specified meals and beverages

All specified activites

Conservation fees, levies and taxes

Remember, international flights are not included and prices are based on 2 persons sharing. If you'd like to upgrade to a different room type, you can do this by contacting our customer experience team.

FULL ITINERARY

DAY 01 — DURBAN / CITY

 

Welcome to the Zulu Kingdom! Once you arrive at King Shaka Airport, your guide will collect you and transfer you to your city hotel in the leafy Morningside area. Embark on an immersive half day tour of the city, tasting her flavours and engaging with her culture. Visit an indigenous art museum as well as a local market before tucking into Durban’s famous street food.

Hotel: Goble Palms Guest House

DAYS 02 & 03 — SANI PASS & LESOTHO / OVERLAND

 

Bright and early on your first full day in South Africa, we’re leaving the country. This time to Lesotho. Travel up the daunting and breathtaking Sani Pass and travel into Lesotho for the next 2 days. Visit Black Mountain, Semonkong as well as authentic Basotho Villages.

Hotel: Semonkong Lodge

DAY 04 — CLARENS / OVERLAND

 

After your overland of Lesotho, drop in at the quaint town of Clarens, visit their galleries and craft breweries or take a drive along the Golden Gate National Park at sunset (which is incredible). For those with an interest in paleontology, why not join a dinosaur fossil tour? Spend the night at Ridge Road and have a good nights rest.

Hotel: Ridge Road

DAY 05 — VREDEFORT DOME / OVERLAND

 

En route to Johannesburg, spend the night at Witklipfontein Eco Lodge which is one of the original farms of The Vredefort Dome, a Unesco World Heritage site. Explore the world's best preserved and largest visible meteorite impact crater on on foot or mountain bike.

Hotel: Witklipfontein Eco Lodge

DAYS 06 & 07 — JOHANNESBURG / CITY

 

After your Lesotho and Drakensberg road trip, relax int he leafy suburb of Rosebank at The Peech Hotel for 2 nights before you head into the wilderness of the Kruger National Park. One your second day, embark on an historical and cultural tour of the city. This can be swapped for one of our other immersive experiences of the Johannesburg.

Hotel: The Peech Hotel

DAYS 08 TO 10 — TIMBAVATI GAME RESERVE / SAFARI

 

It’s safari time! Board your short flight to Hoedspruit and make your way into the untamed Timbavati Private Game Reserve. Spend 3 nights at Simbavati Trails Camp which is all about being close to nature and exploring by foot — which takes you to an entirely different place emotionally and psychologically. Embark on twice daily walking safaris with trained rangers where you will gain a more intimate understanding of the ecosystem and conservation. Witness plains game as well as some of the Big 5 on foot while at Trails Camp.

Hotel: Simbavati Trails Camp

DAYS 11 TO 13 — SABI SAND GAME RESERVE / SAFARI

 

Not that you’ve ticked a walking safari off that bucket list of yours, it’s time to head into the Sabi Sand Game Reserve (leopard country) where you will spend another 3 nights at the hidden gem of the reserve — Nottens Bush Camp. Embark on twice daily game drives in open safari vehicles in an area where it is not uncommon to see all of Africa’s Big 5 on a single game drive. Keep your camera on standby and spare batteries on hand.

Hotel: Nottens Bush Camp

DAYS 14 & 15 — ISIMANGALISO / WETLANDS

 

Kosi Forest Lodge is situated within iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa’s first World Heritage Site. Experience the beauty of the unique surrounding ecosystem of waterways, intertwined lakes, grasslands and ancient forests by canoe, motorised boat or on foot over the next 2 nights. Snorkelling and tracking Leatherback & Loggerhead turtles are also not off the table.

Hotel: Kosi Forest Lodge

DAYS 16 & 17 — MAPUTALAND / OCEAN

 

Continue along the warm Indian Ocean to Maputaland. Here you will spend 2 nights at Thonga Beach Lodge where you can indulge in scuba diving, snorkelling, turtle safaris (in-season), whale watching (in-season) as well as a range of other water based and land based activities at this sustainable, community-based lodge.

Hotel: Thonga Beach Lodge

DAYS 18 TO 20 — CAPE TOWN / CITY

 

Board your local flight from Durban to the Mothercity, Cape Town. Hit the ground running once you check in at Derwent House which has a great central location. Over the next 3 nights explore the Cape Peninsula, the foodie culture and history as well as an art tour of the city with local guides.

Hotel: More Quarters

DAYS 21 & 22 — CEDERBERG / FLORAL KINGDOM

 

Travel up the west coast of the Cape and into the rocky Cederberg region. Here you will check into Cederberg Ridge which is home to some of Southern Africa’s most exquisite Bushman Rock Art. Explore this stunning wilderness area which revolved around wellness and connection to nature.

Hotel: Cederberg Ridge

DAY 23 — CAPE TOWN AIRPORT / FLIGHT

 

It’s your final morning in South Africa. Why not drop in at the V&A Waterfront for a spot of shopping before your flight (time permitting) or enjoy a slow morning in the winelands before heading to Cape Town International Airport from where you can continue on your travels.

 

EXPLORER

Think of the Explorer as an adventurer who wants to make his mark in the world and discover new lands. The Explorer archetype has high regard for his or her freedom. Sitting still for even just a short period of time can cause them to feel jittery, uneasy, and restless. They crave adventure and feed off new experiences.

PRICE

0 ZAR per person sharing

* A surcharge of 0 ZAR will apply to solo travellers.

IMPORTANT

STARTING POINT: King Shaka International Airport (KSIA)

ENDING POINT: Cape Town International Airport (CPT)

Please be aware that the itinerary and activities are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to poor weather or other circumstances beyond our control however we’ll always do our best to ensure that it has as little impact to your trip as possible.

CUSTOMISE

Like this itinerary but want it tailored to your liking? No problem at all! Just share your preferences with us and any additional information and we will get back to you with a personalised itinerary.