Feel the excitement build as your plane touches down at Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport. Collect your choice of hire car and make the short drive to your hotel, where you can relax after your flight or head out to explore the city.

You may like to visit the Maboneng Precinct, with its collection of galleries and bohemian cafes and bars, that points to the country’s dynamic future, alternatively the Apartheid Museum and former prison and fort at Constitution Hill provide a thought provoking insight into South Africa’s troubled past.

Airport > Hotel | 4 kms

Protea by Marriott Balalaika

Breakfast

After breakfast, you can begin your South African road trip. From Johannesburg, cross the provincial border into Mpumalanga and enjoy the ever-changing dramatic scenery of high mountain passes and fertile valleys as you climb towards Long Tom Pass.

Your accommodation tonight is in the heavens, a welcoming lodge that sits 1,700 metres above sea level with majestic views across the escarpment and into the lowveld, and not far from the ‘The Long Tom’ field canon monument, after which the scenic mountain pass was named.

Johannesburg > Long Tom Pass | 320 kms

Misty Mountain Lodge

Breakfast

From Long Tom Pass continue towards Sabie and then onto Graskop, stopping on the way to marvel at Sabie and Mac Mac Falls or taking a short detour to visit the historic gold mining town of Pilgrim’s Rest.

From Graskop, fantastic views come thick and fast as you drive the Panorama Route, one of South Africa’s most scenic driving roads. Visit the geological wonders of God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels, on the way to Blyde River Canyon, the third largest in the world and arguably the most beautiful.

It’s then not too far to Hazyview, your base for the next couple of nights.

Long Tom Pass > Panorama Route > Hazyview | 70 kms

Hippo Hollow

Breakfast

Today is dedicated to big game spotting in the world famous Kruger National Park, home to nearly 150 different species of mammal, including lion, leopard and wild dog, and over 500 species of bird.

From Hazyview the Phabeni Gate is just a 20 minute drive or Numbi Gate a 25 minute drive, the later offering sweeping views over the reserve. You can explore Kruger on a self drive safari in your hire car, with an early start recommended, or pre-book a full day game drive led by an experienced guide.

Hazyview > Kruger National Park (roundtrip) | 28 kms

Hippo Hollow

Breakfast

Travel today to the Kingdom of eSwatini (formerly Swaziland), one of Africa’s smallest nations, with a rich culture and welcoming people.

Your hotel is south of the capital Mbabane, near the Ezulwini Valley and Mantenga Nature Reserve, which is home to the tumbling Mantenga Falls and a replica 19th century Swazi village, at which you can learn about traditional life and witness a high-kicking Sibhaca dance to the beat of African giant drums.

Hazyview > eSwatini | 210 kms

Foresters Arms

Breakfast and dinner

Traverse the lowvelds of eSwatini, perhaps stopping at the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary or to go white water rafting on the Great Usutu River, before crossing back into the mountainous South African province of KwaZulu-Natal.

You’ll be staying for two nights close to the Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park, where you can go game spotting in your own car or opt to join a guided safari with an experienced ranger will seek out the ‘Big 5’.

eSwatini > Hluhluwe-iMfolozi | 260 kms

Ghost Mountain Inn

Breakfast

This morning head for the coastal town of St Lucia. Stop at Lake St Lucia, in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, to join a wildlife cruise. 80 km long and 23 km wide at its largest point, the estuarine lake and its shores are home to hippo and Nile crocodile, as well as over 530 species of bird, including fish eagle, white stork and bee eater.

The following day you may like to enjoy the superb and often deserted beaches of this spectacular stretch of coast. In the evening be sure to watch out for hippos wondering through town – a regular site enjoyed by visitors.

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi > St Lucia | 125 kms

Elephant Lake, St Lucia

Breakfast

From St Lucia, the beaches and cafes of Mtunzini are a popular swimming and lunch spot on the way towards Durban, with this part of South Africa enjoying year-round warm weather.

Your final stop is at Umdloti, a small resort town located to the north of Durban. Not only does Umdloti offer a tranquil beach and a choice of restaurants, it is also a conveniently short journey from Durban airport, maximising your holiday time.

St Lucia > Durban | 240 kms

Fairlight Beach House

Breakfast

After a last hearty South African breakfast, return your car to the airport, in time to check-in for your return flight home.