Best of South Africa – Kruger National Park, Cape Town & Garden Route (Standard Package)

South Africa | Ten destinations: Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Cape St. Francis, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Hermanus, Stellenbosch, Cape Town, Marloth Park & Hazyview | 

Eight hotels | Seventeen nights​

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Day 1: Arrival in Johannesburg

Welcome to Johannesburg! Upon arrival at the airport, pick up your rental car. Drive from Johannesburg to Hazyview.

 

Day 2: Hazyview

Today is at your leisure. Near Hazyview lies the famous Panorama Route, one of South Africa’s most popular destinations.

 

Day 3: Hazyview to Kruger Region

Today you continue south to the Marloth Park region, where you will spend the next two nights at the gates of Kruger National Park. In the afternoon, you can go on a self-drive safari in the park with your rental car, or book optional game drives offered by the lodge!

 

Day 4: Kruger Region

Another day of adventure awaits in the African bush. Explore on your own with your rental car or book optional lodge game drives!

 

Day 5: Kruger Region to Cape Town

After a relaxed breakfast, drive to Nelspruit Airport, return your rental car, and take a domestic flight to Cape Town (not included) – approx. 2 hours. Upon arrival, pick up your new rental car and check in at your Cape Town hotel.

 

Day 6: Cape Town

Today is at leisure. A must-do while in Cape Town is visiting the Cape Peninsula, where you’ll see stunning coastlines, quaint fishing villages, the penguin colony in Simon’s Town, and finally the legendary Cape of Good Hope. Leaving Cape Town without seeing the Cape Peninsula is practically a crime — it’s truly essential! Roads are well maintained and clearly marked.
Optional: Full-day Cape Peninsula tour.

 

Day 7: Cape Town

Day at leisure. Use the day to explore more of Cape Town and immerse yourself in South Africa’s vibrant culture.
Optional: Table Mountain cable car ride.

 

Day 8: Cape Town to Stellenbosch

Today you head into the Winelands, another beloved region of South Africa — the most famous and one of the oldest wine-producing areas in the country.
Optional: Guided full-day tour of Stellenbosch & the Winelands.

 

Day 9: Stellenbosch

Day at leisure.

 

Day 10: Stellenbosch to Hermanus

Leave Stellenbosch and drive via Somerset West to Gordon’s Bay, then along the beautiful coastal road of False Bay through Betty’s Bay and Kleinmond to Hermanus. Along the way, you can visit the penguin colony at Stony Point in Betty’s Bay, home to a colony of rare African penguins. Hermanus is a popular seaside town offering nature, ocean views, and a pleasant climate.

 

Day 11: Hermanus

Enjoy an optional whale-watching boat trip today (only from May–November) and keep an eye out for the gentle giants of the ocean. Have your camera ready! Afterwards, continue to Walker Bay Nature Reserve for a walk among unique flora.

 

Day 12: Hermanus to Oudtshoorn

Parallel to the Garden Route runs Route 62, known for breathtaking mountain passes, green valleys, and the semi-desert landscapes of the Little Karoo. The region is famous as the “land of ostriches.” The largest town and centre of ostrich farming is Oudtshoorn, your destination today.

 

Day 13: Oudtshoorn

Nearby are the Cango Caves — among the largest limestone cave systems in the world. Discover the spectacular rock formations on a guided tour! Another highlight is the Swartberg Pass, one of the most beautiful mountain passes in the world. With steep zigzag curves, stone walls, and breathtaking viewpoints, it’s a spectacular drive. Stop in Prince Albert, then continue through the Meiringspoort Gorge with towering cliffs and 25 river crossings. A stunning waterfall pours into a dark pool — a fantastic photo opportunity.
Optional: Meerkat tour early in the morning.

 

Day 14: Oudtshoorn to Knysna

Drive along the coast until you reach Knysna, a beautiful lagoon town with a charming waterfront. Today you can visit the Post Office Tree in Mossel Bay — historically used by Portuguese sailors to leave messages in a shoe tied to a tree. Alternatively, visit Monkeyland, a huge free-roaming sanctuary home to many primate species from Africa, Asia, and South America.

 

Day 15: Knysna

Day at leisure. Explore Knysna on your own, go hiking in the forests, or relax on the beach. Bollard Bay Beach near the Knysna Heads offers great views, while Brenton-on-Sea features a long, scenic stretch of sand.
Optional: Knysna Lagoon boat trip.

 

Day 16: Knysna to St. Francis Bay

St. Francis Bay is South Africa’s little Venice, located 90 km west of Port Elizabeth — a network of small canals perfect for boating and water sports. Along the way, visit the Tsitsikamma National Park with lush forests and ancient trees.

 

Day 17: St. Francis Bay

St. Francis Bay is a playground for dolphins, whales, and the wealthy. Its white-sand beach is one of the safest swimming beaches along the coast and excellent for rock fishing. Surfers flock here for the great waves, and the surrounding nature reserves offer an escape from busy city life. Visit the Irma Booysen Flora Reserve to see beautiful local fynbos. Otherwise, enjoy boating, eco-cruises, surfing, swimming, and the good life.

 

Day 18: Departure from Port Elizabeth

Depending on your flight time, drive to Port Elizabeth Airport and return your rental car. Check in for your onward or return flight (not included).

We wish you a pleasant journey.