SELF-DRIVE TOURS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

Of course, it is lovely not to have to do anything yourself on holiday. But in South Africa it is well worth taking the wheel yourself – with a hire car, you set the pace! That leaves plenty of time to discover the country in all its beauty. But be warned: its magical places will cast their spell on you, and setting off for the next stage is hard every single time.

What can you experience on a self-drive tour in Southern Africa?
Here is a popular example:

Days 1 - 5: The ‘Big Five’ up close

After landing and a first night in Johannesburg, we take the hire car along the Panorama Route to Perrys Bridge Hollow and on to the Sabi Sand Reserve on the edge of Kruger National Park, where the Big 5 are waiting for you. It is simply breathtaking when a giraffe suddenly strides majestically past while an elephant leisurely reaches for a branch with its trunk. After two nights at the elegant Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, the Kingdom of Swaziland offers unique scenery and a fascinating culture. The Royal Swazi Spa lies in the ‘Valley of Heaven’ and looks out over the surrounding mountains.

Days 6 - 8: Safari between the mountains and the ocean

Refreshed and full of energy, you continue to the next safari highlight: in the lush landscape of the private Phinda reserve, between the Ubombo Mountains and the Indian Ocean, the ‘Big Five’ are also at home, and game drives with the rangers set off twice a day. The route then follows the coast to Durban, with its famous beachfront promenade, and on to the historic The Oyster Box Hotel.

Days 9 - 13: Varied scenery

Along the glorious Garden Route, with its idyllic bays and dreamy sandy beaches, you reach some very special ‘tree houses’ in Knysna and Plettenberg. The spectacular suites of the Tsala Tree Top Lodge are spread across the crowns of indigenous trees, and from their terraces you enjoy a fantastic view over the green canopy. Inland, the Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn form a contrast to the vibrant diversity of the forest and, with their bizarre rock formations, are at least as impressive. Back on the coast, depending on the season, you have the chance to watch whales and their calves in Walker Bay from the private Grootbos Nature Reserve – a place of peace, relaxation and inspiration in glorious surroundings.

Days 14 - 18: Wine tasting on the wine estates near Cape Town.

Cape Town is slowly drawing closer. Just an hour’s drive from the most fascinating city on the Cape lie South Africa’s most famous wine regions. The best way to discover the outstanding quality of the wines for yourself is a visit to the Delaire Graff wine estate. Finally, three days at the exquisite One&Only Cape Town leave you time to explore the countless highlights in and around Cape Town, such as a cable car ride up Table Mountain or an excursion to the Cape of Good Hope.

Days 19 - 21: Extend your trip by train

The tour ends in Cape Town – but your holiday in South Africa doesn’t have to. A superb addition is a journey with Rovos Rail. In a luxury suite aboard one of the most beautiful luxury trains in the world, you travel to Pretoria – not at your own pace as in a hire car, but in wonderful luxury instead.

This breathtaking itinerary can of course be tailored entirely to your wishes – talk to our Southern Africa specialists, we will be delighted to advise you.