Welcome to South Africa! Your unforgettable self-drive tour through South Africa begins. You arrive at Johannesburg airport and pick up your rental car. You drive to your accommodation. For the afternoon we recommend an organised city tour of Pretoria or Soweto. The rest of the day is free to relax. Comfort accommodation: Safari Club SA Deluxe accommodation: African Rock.

1 night · double room · with breakfast The Safari Club SA is located very close to OR Tambo Airport and offers 16 guest rooms, each furnished in the style of a particular region – such as the Kalahari Room, Etosha Room, Okavango Room and so on – each with an en-suite bathroom, TV, air conditioning and tea/coffee maker. The main area has lounges, a bar, a business centre and a separate breakfast room. Breakfast is included in the price. The bar is dedicated to the famous Nguni cattle and decorated with beautiful related collectibles. For hot summer afternoons there is a swimming pool.

1 night · double room · with breakfast The African Rock Hotel & Spa lies in a quiet residential area near Johannesburg airport and offers a relaxed, stylish atmosphere away from the big city. The small boutique hotel combines modern comfort with personal service and is ideal as a pleasant start or end point for a trip to South Africa. The property is surrounded by well-kept gardens and has a lovely pool area, cosy terraces and a small spa for relaxing hours after a long flight or eventful days of travel. The rooms and suites are furnished to a high standard and with good taste, combining modern amenities with warm colours and African design elements. Comfortable beds, spacious bathrooms and small details create a calm, feel-good atmosphere.

After breakfast you drive on. Today on your self-drive tour of South Africa you visit the wonderful Panorama Route, which runs along the impressive Blyde River Canyon. This canyon, one of Africa's natural wonders, drops 800 metres from the mighty, flat rock ledge of Mariepskop and its trio of companions, the Three Rondavels, down to the river. You stop at various viewpoints and also see Bourke's Luck Potholes, formed by the unusual effects of water erosion (entrance fees optional). Comfort accommodation: Graskop Hotel Deluxe accommodation: Angels View Hotel.

1 night · double room · with breakfast The Graskop Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel in the centre of Graskop, ideally located on the Panorama Route and close to sights such as God's Window and the Blyde River Canyon. It offers 37 individually designed rooms, including artistic "Artist Rooms" and quiet garden rooms with a terrace. The hotel scores with its cosy atmosphere, friendly staff, good breakfast and an optional evening menu. Facilities include a garden with pool, a restaurant and free Wi-Fi and parking. Ideal for travellers who value creative design, a central location and a relaxed atmosphere – less suitable for guests who expect modern amenities such as air conditioning or a minibar.

1 night · double room · with breakfast Angels View Graskop is a high-quality hotel and lodge complex above Graskop on the famous Panorama Route. It offers wide views over the Lowveld, elegant rooms, suites and villas, and amenities such as an infinity pool, a good restaurant and quiet retreats. The modern yet regionally inspired design blends harmoniously into the landscape and relies on sustainable materials. Thanks to its proximity to sights such as God's Window, the Blyde River Canyon and the Graskop Gorge Lift, it is an ideal base for exploring. At the same time, the relaxed atmosphere means guests can not only be active here but also switch off in style and enjoy nature.

Your self-drive tour through South Africa continues to the Greater Kruger National Park. The attractive private Timbavati Game Reserve is famous for its exceptional wealth of wildlife and excellent safari opportunities. Besides the "Big Five" – lion, buffalo, rhino, elephant and leopard – there are about 40 mammal species and 360 bird species in the reserve. With a bit of luck you may even see the endangered African wild dog on your trip. The Timbavati reserve is the only place in the world where white lions can be spotted. All camps are in the middle of the wilderness – so don't be surprised if an elephant drops by at breakfast. Included in the price: 2 game drives per person per night booked Comfort accommodation: Shindzela Safari Camp Deluxe accommodation: Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp.

2 nights · double room · full board Shindzela is a safari camp located in a travertine area of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, part of South Africa's Greater Kruger National Park. At the Shindzela Tented Safari Camp you stay in a safari tent with 2 single beds and a wooden deck. Each tent has its own bathroom with shower, washbasin and WC. The Shindzela camp runs on solar energy. It offers game drives in open 4×4 vehicles and walking safaris. One morning and one afternoon game drive per day are included in the price. The Shindzela Tented Safari Camp has an outdoor seating area where you can enjoy your meals and Amarula bread and butter pudding.

2 nights · double room · full board The Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp lies in the private Timbavati Nature Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park and offers an exclusive safari experience amid unspoilt nature. The small camp with only a few luxurious tented suites creates a very personal and quiet atmosphere far from larger lodges. The spacious tents combine classic safari charm with modern comfort. Natural materials, warm colours and an open design ensure that the surroundings blend harmoniously into the camp. Each suite has a comfortable bathroom, cosy seating areas and a private terrace overlooking the bush or the waterhole. The open main area with lounge, restaurant and pool invites you to relax between activities. The evenings by the campfire in the middle of the African wilderness are particularly atmospheric.

Today you enjoy unique game-viewing activities – a must on any trip to South Africa. The 53,000-hectare Timbavati reserve is one of the best wildlife-viewing areas in the Kruger region. Please note: conservation fees per person are payable at the gate (approx. 22 euros).

After a last morning game drive (included in the price), your South Africa trip continues to Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). The country is known for its attractive mountain scenery, friendly people and colourful markets. Perhaps you'd like to visit a market or the well-known glass factory, where you can buy original souvenirs. Today's lodge (Comfort) lies between Mlilwane Park in the Ezulwini Valley (also called the "Valley of Heaven") and the Mantenga Nature Reserve of the same name. Surrounded by breathtaking nature, the lodge offers a great view of Execution Rock. The lodge has a pool that can be used all year round for relaxing. Alternatively, you stay at the Summerfield Resort with its dreamlike garden. Comfort accommodation: Mantenga Lodge Deluxe accommodation: Summerfield Botanical Garden & Exclusive Resort.

2 nights · double room · with breakfast The Mantenga Lodge is idyllically located in the picturesque Ezulwini Valley, also known as the "Valley of Heaven", surrounded by gentle mountains and lush greenery and right next to the Mantenga Nature Reserve. The lodge offers comfortable rooms and chalets, some with a wonderful view of the wooded slopes and the striking Execution Rock, a landmark of the region. The lodge is ideally located for experiencing the culture and nature of Eswatini. Just a few minutes' drive away is the Mantenga Cultural Village, a traditional Swazi village with daily dance and drumming performances, as well as the Mantenga waterfall. Craft markets and the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary are also easy to reach. At the lodge itself, guests can enjoy a restaurant with a lovely viewing terrace, a swimming pool to cool off after warm days and a calm, relaxed atmosphere – perfect as a stopover between a safari in the Kruger area and the coast, or for relaxing within Eswatini. The Mantenga Lodge is particularly suitable for travellers who want to combine nature, culture and an authentic, peaceful environment without sacrificing comfort.

2 nights · double room · with breakfast The Summerfield Hotel is located in the picturesque and peaceful Summerfield Botanical Garden, close to the kingdom's main tourist attractions, shopping and business centres. The hotel offers a choice of 4 types of accommodation – Garden Villa Suites, Executive Suites, Luxury Suites and Dove Nest Lodge – each with its own character and a breathtaking view over the botanical garden. In this lush oasis of tranquillity, amid hectares of gently rolling landscaped gardens, your enjoyment and privacy are respected as much as the surroundings, where you'll probably hear nothing but birdsong and relaxation requires no conscious effort at all. The resort has the delightful Red Feather Pool Bar and the casual Summer Terrace Bistro next to the multi-level swimming pool. Breakfast is included in the room rate. In the Grand Palm Cascades area there are somewhat more formal dining and cocktail options. Enjoy a cocktail in the privacy of the waterside pavilion or relax in the cool shade of the Grand Pavilion. Treat yourself to an elegant meal at the Palm Cascades Restaurant, or relax in the Leopard Billiard Lounge or the private dining room.

You continue through the picturesque landscape to the idyllic coastal town of St. Lucia, a paradise right on the Indian Ocean. Warm weather, white beaches and swamps with hippos and crocodiles await you here. St. Lucia is the tourist centre of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The small town (around 2,500 inhabitants) lies at the mouth of the Lake St. Lucia lagoon on a narrow spit of land, bordered by the St. Lucia Estuary to the west and the Indian Ocean to the east. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park – formerly the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies between Maphelane in the south and Kosi Bay on the border with Mozambique in the north and covers an area of 328,000 hectares. This area protects various unique habitats – lagoons, reed and papyrus swamps, mangroves and swamp forests, different types of bushveld and savannah, subtropical coastal forest, dunes and sandy beaches as well as the offshore coral reefs. Take a boat trip on Lake St Lucia (optional). From the boat you can watch hippos and crocodiles in the river and, with a bit of luck, elephants or other animals coming down to the river to drink. Comfort accommodation: St. Lucia Lodge Deluxe accommodation: Lodge Afrique.

2 nights · double room · with breakfast The St. Lucia Lodge lies in the small coastal town of St. Lucia in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and offers a relaxed atmosphere between tropical nature and the wildlife areas of KwaZulu-Natal. Restaurants, small cafés and shops are within easy walking distance, while the lodge is also an ideal base for excursions into the surrounding nature reserves and to the coast. The property is surrounded by a lush garden and has a lovely pool area with shady seating. The quiet atmosphere is particularly pleasant – with a bit of luck, hippos even wander through the streets of the town. The rooms are friendly and comfortably furnished and offer everything for a relaxing stay. Light colours, natural materials and small terraces or balconies create a cosy, feel-good atmosphere. Amenities include air conditioning, Wi-Fi and tea and coffee making facilities. Thanks to the combination of a relaxed lodge atmosphere, tropical surroundings and a good location, the St. Lucia Lodge is ideal for discovering the region's diverse nature.

2 nights · double room · with breakfast The Lodge Afrique is quietly located in the tropical coastal town of St. Lucia and offers a particularly relaxed atmosphere amid the lush greenery of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The small boutique lodge combines African style with personal hospitality and is ideal for travellers who want to combine nature and relaxation. The thatched chalets are spread across a lovingly landscaped tropical garden with palm trees, wooden walkways and a lovely pool area. The rooms are spacious and comfortably furnished, with air conditioning, cosy seating areas and private terraces. Thanks to its quiet location and at the same time easy access to restaurants, beaches and nature reserves, the Lodge Afrique is a lovely base for excursions into the diverse wildlife and coastal landscape around St. Lucia.

Your self-drive tour through South Africa takes you into the wildly romantic Drakensberg. The Drakensberg region shows the country's most beautiful mountain scenery. The name goes back to a legend according to which dragons once lived in the mountains' caves. The Bushmen once searched for food in the foothills of the Drakensberg. A delicious dinner awaits you this evening at your sustainable lodge. Comfort accommodation: Antbear Lodge Deluxe accommodation: Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse.

2 nights · double room · half board The Antbear Guest House is located in the Natal Midlands, with a breathtaking view of the Drakensberg from Giant's Castle to the Sentinel and the unspoilt Bushmans River valley. The lodge has 15 rooms in different categories, all furnished with handmade wooden furniture, a bathroom, hairdryer, tea and coffee tray and mini fridge. The honeymoon suite has a jacuzzi spa bath and a fireplace. The Luxury Rooms have their own lounge, and their bathrooms have a jacuzzi spa bath. Breakfast is served in the dining room or, weather permitting, on the veranda. The kitchen of the main house also has an open fireplace where special dishes can be prepared. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price.

2 nights · double room · half board The Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse is idyllically located in the Kamberg Valley in the Drakensberg and is one of South Africa's most charming boutique country hotels. Surrounded by green hills, mountains and peaceful nature, this personally run establishment offers a particularly cosy and romantic atmosphere. The historic farmhouse combines rural character with stylish elegance. Antiques, fireplaces and lovingly chosen details give the lounges and rooms plenty of personality and warmth. The individually furnished rooms and suites are spacious and offer comfortable beds, cosy seating areas and, in some cases, fireplaces or whirlpools with a view of nature. The house is also highly appreciated for its excellent cuisine with fresh regional ingredients and multi-course dinners in a stylish setting. Thanks to its quiet location, the Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse is ideal for travellers who want to enjoy the Drakensberg at a relaxed pace, go hiking or simply spend a few quiet days in a special atmosphere.

Today you have the opportunity to explore the area – for example Wagendrift Dam and Moor Park, two small nature reserves known for a wide variety of bird species and several smaller antelope species. A pair of black eagles breeds in Moor Park, and visitors can follow a hiking trail along the old Boer wagon route. Above all, visit Giant's Castle, which is crossed by numerous hiking trails. The vegetation today consists largely of grassland; only in a few places can remnants of the original montane rainforest still be seen. The nature reserve, established in 1903, was created above all to protect the last herds of eland. Another conservation function is to preserve the habitat of numerous vulture species. Cape vultures in particular, once widespread throughout southern Africa, still live here in larger colonies, and the last 200 breeding pairs of bearded vultures also nest in the Drakensberg and can – with a bit of luck – be observed in the Giant's Castle Game Reserve.

After a hearty breakfast you drive to Durban airport and fly to Port Elizabeth (flight not included – we are happy to make you an offer). Once you have picked up your rental car again in Port Elizabeth, your journey continues to Addo Elephant National Park (conservation fees payable locally, approx. 20 euros). Comfort accommodation: De Old Drift Guest Farm Deluxe accommodation: Woodall Country House.

2 nights · double room · with breakfast The De Old Drift Guest Farm is located on a citrus plantation, about 15 minutes' drive from Addo Elephant National Park. The guest farm offers a variety of tastefully furnished rooms with great attention to detail. Enjoy the peace on your terrace, from which you have a breathtaking view of the garden and the mountains, or relax by the pool. The exquisitely furnished rooms are equipped with, among other things, handmade pine furniture and other amenities.

2 nights · double room · with breakfast The Woodall Country House is tucked away in the heart of the Sundays River Valley, right next to Addo Elephant Park and close to the Shamwari and Schotia game reserves, on a peaceful citrus farm surrounded by wonderful rose and indigenous plant gardens. The guesthouse offers comfortable guest rooms and cottages furnished with understated elegance, all with their own entrance from the garden. Each unit has its own bathroom with bath and shower as well as an outdoor shower and a private veranda. Amenities include a ceiling fan, air conditioning, heating, minibar, electronic safe, telephone, hairdryer and tea/coffee maker. A tastefully furnished lounge has satellite TV, a fireplace and a good selection of books. In the thatched dining room by the water, with a lovely view of the native herons, cormorants and other South African birds, a tasty breakfast is served (included in the price). Guests can relax by the swimming pool or, over a drink on the sundowner deck, watch the birds at the pond with a view of the magnificent rose garden. A fully equipped health centre with gym, sauna, hydrotherapy bath, steam bath and beauty centre (various beauty treatments and massages available) completes the offer (not included in the price).

In Addo Elephant National Park you experience a real Out of Africa feeling once more. You go on game drives in your own vehicle. The park was founded in 1931 to protect the elephants from ivory hunters and farmers – with great success. Here you can see not only the Big Five but also, in the park's marine section, whales and sharks (in season).

You continue towards Knysna. You can also stop at the famous Bloukrans Bridge. You pass through the jungle-like Tsitsikamma forest (entrance optional). Near the Sauer Bridge, which crosses the Storms River, you can admire huge yellowwood trees up to 850 years old. You can take a look at the "Big Tree" before continuing to Knysna. At the Knysna Waterfront many restaurants await you for dinner. Comfort accommodation: Point Lodge, from 2027: Candlewood Knysna Deluxe accommodation: Elephant Hide of Knysna.

2 nights · double room · with breakfast The Point Lodge lies on the Eastern Head in Knysna along the Garden Route and offers a lovely view of the lagoon, the famous Knysna Heads and the Indian Ocean. Its elevated position creates a quiet atmosphere with wide views over the coastal landscape. The small lodge has individually furnished rooms with a cosy, personal atmosphere. Large windows and open areas ensure that the impressive view is present in many places. Some rooms have balconies or terraces overlooking the water. From the lodge you can easily reach the centre of Knysna as well as the beaches and nature areas of the surroundings. After excursions along the Garden Route, the terrace or pool area invites you to relax with a view of the lagoon. The Point Lodge is particularly suitable for travellers looking for quietly located accommodation with a beautiful view.

2 nights · double room · with breakfast The Elephant Hide of Knysna Guest Lodge lies above the famous Knysna Lagoon and offers wonderful views of the water, the forests and the surrounding hills of the Garden Route. The small, personally run lodge combines tranquil nature with stylish comfort and a very relaxed atmosphere. The spacious suites are tastefully furnished and have large windows, cosy seating areas and private balconies or terraces overlooking the lagoon. Warm colours, wooden elements and plenty of daylight create a pleasant, feel-good atmosphere. The lodge also has a pool area, several viewing terraces and cosy lounges with a fireplace. Thanks to its quiet location above Knysna and at the same time easy access to the waterfront, restaurants and beaches, the lodge is ideal as a relaxing stopover along the Garden Route.

Enjoy another day in Knysna. There is a lot to discover in this region. You can take a boat trip on the lagoon, or visit the Knysna Heads, the Featherbed Nature Reserve, the Outeniqua Nature Reserve, Plettenberg Bay and the Robberg Nature Reserve. Many unique views open up for you.

The section between Mossel Bay and Storms River is called the "Garden Route". This coastal region is characterised by picturesque bays, secluded beaches, high cliffs, rock faces and, in places, jungle-like forests. In Knysna you still have some time to look around the many shops before continuing over the Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn. In the afternoon we recommend a visit to the Cango Caves, one of the largest and most beautiful cave systems in the world. You can choose between the standard tour and an adventure tour. For the adventure version we recommend sturdy footwear and robust clothing. Comfort accommodation: Hlangana Lodge Deluxe accommodation: Pictures Guest House.

1 night · double room · with breakfast The Hlangana Lodge is a comfortable, upscale guesthouse in Oudtshoorn, the centre of the Little Karoo along the Garden Route. The guesthouse is set in a spacious, well-kept garden with a pool and offers bright, elegant rooms and a calm, relaxed atmosphere. Guests appreciate the extensive breakfast, the warm hospitality and the proximity to popular attractions such as the Cango Caves, ostrich farms and the picturesque Swartberg Pass road. All in all, the Hlangana Lodge is an ideal base for relaxing and exploring in and around Oudtshoorn – comfortable, welcoming and perfect for travellers who want to experience both nature and regional culture.

1 night · double room · with breakfast The Pictures Guest House is quietly located in a well-kept residential area of Oudtshoorn and offers a stylish and personal atmosphere in the heart of the Little Karoo. The small boutique guesthouse is ideal as a relaxing stopover along Route 62 or the Garden Route. The rooms are individually and tastefully furnished and combine modern comfort with loving details and warm colours. Large windows, high-quality materials and cosy seating areas create a pleasant, feel-good atmosphere. The property includes a lovely garden, a pool area and several terraces overlooking the surrounding mountains. The guesthouse is particularly appreciated for its warm hospitality, excellent breakfast and quiet location with easy access to the sights around Oudtshoorn.

Even before sunrise you have the opportunity to join a meerkat safari (optional, price approx. € 40 per person). The tour starts with a drive onto farmland before sunrise. Coffee in hand, you wait for the lively meerkats to leave their burrows with the first rays of the sun. You have the rare opportunity to observe these extremely shy animals in their natural environment. Then you continue through the Little Karoo to South Africa's beautiful Winelands. Comfort accommodation: The Corner House, from 2027: Centre-Ville Guesthouse Deluxe accommodation: Franschhoek Country House & Villas.

2 nights · double room · with breakfast The Corner House is located in the historic little town of Franschhoek, in the heart of the Cape winelands. It offers stylish comfort with its 6 rooms, each with its own bathroom with bath and/or shower, and some with a private entrance. Each room has a TV, fans, safe, hairdryer, tea/coffee maker and free Wi-Fi; some rooms also have a fireplace for cold winter evenings. Guests can relax in the small guest lounge with fireplace and magazines or on the wraparound veranda overlooking the garden and swimming pool. Breakfast (included) is served in the cosy dining room.

2 nights · double room · with breakfast The Franschhoek Country House & Villas lies quietly among vineyards on the edge of Franschhoek and offers an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere in the middle of the Cape wine region. This stylish hotel combines historic character with modern comfort and plenty of personal flair. The rooms and villas are spacious and tastefully furnished. Bright rooms, high-quality materials and private terraces or balconies create a pleasant, feel-good atmosphere with views of the gardens or the surrounding mountains. The separate villas in particular offer plenty of peace and privacy. The property includes well-kept gardens, a pool and an excellent restaurant with modern cuisine and regional wines. Thanks to its quiet location and proximity to the centre of Franschhoek, the hotel is ideal for relaxing days between wine estates, small boutiques and outstanding restaurants.

The Cape winelands are known for their wines, lovely landscapes and pretty towns and villages. You can visit a local wine estate and join a guided cellar tour with wine tasting. You can also take the great nostalgic hop-on hop-off Wine Tram from Franschhoek on various routes. It takes you from estate to estate (price optional, approx. 15 euros).

You continue to Cape Town. The day is free for exploring on your own. In Cape Town you can take the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus, which takes you to all the city's highlights (departure from the Waterfront, price optional, approx. 15 euros). In the evening you should definitely try one of the great restaurants at the Waterfront. Comfort accommodation: De Tafelberg Deluxe accommodation: Abbey Manor Luxury Guesthouse.

3 nights · double room · with breakfast The guesthouse lies in Oranjezicht on the slopes of Table Mountain with a breathtaking view of the city, Table Mountain, the harbour, Signal Hill and Lion's Head. 8 comfortable and beautifully furnished rooms with a view of either Table Mountain or the city offer a private bathroom, TV, mini safe, tea/coffee maker and bar fridge. A swimming pool, a whirlpool and a lounge complete the offer. A laundry service is available (for a fee). Breakfast (included) is served on the terrace in good weather. Enjoy friendly hospitality in a cosy atmosphere. Wi-Fi and fax available at reception. The De Tafelberg Guesthouse is ideally located for discovering Cape Town's many attractions: Table Mountain, the city centre, the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, excellent restaurants and beautiful beaches. Your hosts are happy to give you tips and help you reserve a restaurant.

3 nights · double room · with breakfast Abbey Manor lies in the beautiful Oranjezicht district at the foot of Table Mountain, overlooking the harbour and the Hottentots Holland Mountains to the north. Cape Town's many attractions – the Waterfront, the city centre, beautiful beaches and good restaurants – are just a few minutes' drive away. The guesthouse, over 100 years old, offers 9 individually furnished rooms and suites, equipped with every comfort while recalling the charm of times long gone. All have a private bathroom – some with a bath in the bedroom – and some a private balcony. Each room is equipped with a TV, air conditioning, minibar, hairdryer, telephone and tea/coffee maker. Internet access is available. Enjoy a good breakfast (included) before discovering Cape Town. In the lounge you can start the evening with a sundowner. A swimming pool and sun loungers complete the offer.

For today we recommend a trip to the Cape of Good Hope – either on your own, or we can book a guided tour with a tour guide for you (optional). You head to the fishing village of Hout Bay, and from there you drive into the Cape nature reserve. You continue along False Bay via Simon's Town, where you see the penguins, and Fish Hoek. Afterwards you drive to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens with their native and exotic plants.

Use a last day in Cape Town to relax, for a tour to Robben Island, an interesting township tour and much more (optional). We also recommend visiting one of Cape Town's many great markets, such as the Neighbourgoods Market in Woodstock (Saturdays) or the Cape Malay Food Market (Tuesdays to Saturdays).

With many great memories, today you begin your journey home and drop off your rental car at the airport. THE BEST OF SOUTH AFRICA.