Our 8-Day Beach & Safari itinerary in South Africa is designed for travellers who want to combine relaxing coastal time with a rewarding wildlife experience. The journey includes a stay at Diaz 15 Guest House in Jeffreys Bay, a popular seaside town on the country’s southern coastline known for its sandy beaches and laid-back atmosphere. From here, the itinerary continues to Kariega Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, a private Big Five reserve offering guided game drives and immersive safari activities. This combination provides a well-balanced South African experience, blending beach relaxation with the excitement of a malaria-free safari destination.

Johannesburg to Jefferys Bay
Days at leisure at Diaz 15 Guest House
Jeffereys Bay to Kariega Game Reserve
On Safari at the Ukhozi Lodge, Kariega Private Game Reserve
Kariega Game Reserve to Cape Town
On arrival at O. R. Tambo International Airport, you will connect with your flight to Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (formerly Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape. Upon landing, you will be met and transferred by road to Jeffreys Bay, a well-known coastal town famous for its long sandy beaches and relaxed seaside atmosphere. Your home for the next three nights is Diaz 15 Guest House, where you will stay on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
Located directly on the beachfront, Diaz 15 offers uninterrupted sea views and easy access to the sand and surf. The guest house features stylishly appointed rooms, landscaped gardens, and a rim-flow swimming pool overlooking the ocean. With its prime position on the main beach and comfortable facilities, it provides an ideal setting for enjoying the coastal side of your South African journey.
Your next two days at Diaz 15 Guest House are free to enjoy at your own pace in Jeffreys Bay, affectionately known as J-Bay. This coastal town is internationally recognised for its surf culture, with Supertubes regarded as one of the best right-hand point breaks in the world. The thriving surf scene has shaped the town’s character, with surf shops, cafés, and relaxed restaurants lining the streets.
Beyond surfing, Jeffreys Bay offers a variety of activities suited to different interests. You can enjoy beach horse riding, hiking along coastal trails, kite surfing, paddle boarding, or sandboarding on nearby dunes. The coastline is also known for dolphin sightings and seasonal whale watching, while shell collecting along the long stretches of beach is a favourite pastime. The surrounding landscape features aloe-studded vegetation and scenic viewpoints, adding to the area’s natural appeal. Whether you choose to stay active or simply unwind on the sun-drenched beaches, Jeffreys Bay provides a relaxed and enjoyable coastal experience.
After breakfast at Diaz 15 Guest House, you will be transferred inland to Kariega Game Reserve, where you will spend the next four nights at Kariega Ukhozi Lodge on a fully inclusive basis. Ukhozi Lodge offers a more intimate safari experience, with standalone suites positioned to maximise privacy and sweeping valley views. Each suite features a private deck, plunge pool, spacious bedroom and bathroom, and a fireplace for cooler evenings. The main lodge area includes a lounge, dining space, and infinity pool overlooking the valley, providing a comfortable setting to relax between safari activities while enjoying the surrounding wilderness. Your stay includes accommodation in a luxury suite, all meals, selected beverages, and twice-daily guided game viewing activities.
Kariega Private Game Reserve spans over 10,000 hectares in the scenic Kariega River Valley in the Eastern Cape. The reserve’s diverse landscape includes rolling savannah, riverine bush, and forested areas bordered by the Kariega and Bushmans Rivers, creating a rich habitat for wildlife. Guests have the opportunity to encounter the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—as well as giraffe, zebra, eland, wildebeest, and a wide variety of bird species. Activities range from morning and afternoon game drives to river cruises and even kayaking along the river.
Your days at Kariega Ukhozi Lodge follow a relaxed yet rewarding safari rhythm. Early mornings begin with coffee or tea before heading out on a guided game drive through Kariega Game Reserve. The cooler hours are ideal for wildlife viewing, and your ranger will navigate the diverse landscapes in search of the Big Five as well as giraffe, zebra, antelope, and abundant birdlife.
After returning to the lodge, a late breakfast is served, followed by free time to unwind. Midday can be spent enjoying the views from your private deck, cooling off in your plunge pool, relaxing by the lodge’s infinity pool, or simply taking in the peaceful bush surroundings.
In the late afternoon, you’ll head out again for another safari activity, which may include a traditional game drive or, depending on conditions, a river cruise along the Kariega River. As the sun sets, you’ll pause for sundowners in the bush before returning to the lodge for dinner. Evenings are relaxed, with meals served in the main dining area and time to reflect on the day’s sightings before retiring for the night.
After a final breakfast, your 8-Day Beach & Safari tour comes to an end. You will be transferred by road to Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth) in time for your onward flight to Cape Town International Airport, where your journey concludes.
Should you wish to extend your stay in Cape Town or explore additional destinations, this itinerary can easily be tailored to suit your travel plans and preferences.
2026
Jan - Apr
R62,425 per person sharing
May - Aug
R52,655 per person sharing
Sep - 19 Dec
R65,615 per person sharing
20 - 31 Dec
R74,270 per person sharing
03 Nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
04 Nights accommodation on a fully inclusive basis:
Kariega Ukhozi Lodge only:
Luxury Suite with a private plunge pool, all meals, bar accounts (selected beverages only - excluding all other bar accounts/beverages and premium imports) and twice daily game viewing activities and the services of professional guides and staff
All road transfers as per itinerary
Tourism levy
Flights:
Johannesburg - Port Elizabeth (economy class)
Port Elizabeth - Cape Town (economy class)
Visas if required
Meals not specified
Flights not specified
Bar accounts not specified and premium imports
Laundry
Additional activities/sightseeing/entry fees/park fees
Travel Insurance
Learn from our experience.
Expert advice on safaris & logistics.
Supportive ‘one on one’ service.