This 10-day self-drive tour through South Africa is a spectacle for the senses and is perfect for travellers who wish to experience the true diversity of the country’s landscape at their own leisurely pace. This tour sees you sipping on outstanding wines in Cape Town, going shark cage diving in Gansbaai, floating amongst the clouds in a hot air balloon over the bushveld, and peacefully listening to the birds and animals of the bush in the famous Kruger National Park.
Itinerary at a Glance
3 Nights Victoria & Alfred Hotel- Cape Town
2 Nights Saxon Lodge- Gansbaai
1 Night Khaya Ndlovu Manor House- Hoedspruit
3 Nights Rhino Post Safari Lodge- Kruger National Park.
Day 01: Victoria & Alfred Hotel, Cape Town
Upon your arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you will collect your rented car (Group C - Toyota Corolla or similar with manual gears and air-conditioning and a GPS Unit) from the Avis desk, and make your way to the luxurious Victoria & Alfred Hotel at the V&A Waterfront.
Known for its outstanding service and timeless beauty, this centrally located hotel will be a memorable introduction to your tour across South Africa and your time in the “Mother City”. You will be spending the first three (3) nights of the tour at this relaxing retreat nestled amongst the city buzz, on a bed and breakfast basis.
Day 02: Victoria & Alfred Hotel, Cape Town
Today, time belongs to you as you get to explore the beautiful city of Cape Town, perched between mountains and oceans thriving with cultures, cuisines and friendly faces. Experience the city’s charm from one of many viewpoints including a cable car up the renowned Table Mountain, a drive along Chapmans Peak or a sunrise hike- up Lions Head. You can also make your way around the rugged Cape Peninsula which marks the southernmost point of the African continent.
Here white, sandy beaches meet rocky outcrops and quaint coastal towns. If you are brave enough to brace the cold, head for a swim with the penguins at Boulders Beach in Simons Town, or treat yourself to a delicious fish and chips in the seaside neighbourhood of Hout Bay.
Day 03: Victoria & Alfred Hotel, Cape Town
Today is all about discovering the idyllic Cape Winelands. A 45-minute drive from Cape Town places you at the base of the Boland Mountains where beautiful long-standing Cape Dutch wineries are dotted. Sip your way around this region with some world-class wine tasting or stroll through some of Franschhoek’s charming galleries and museums.
You may also enjoy the network of hiking and biking trails in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve near Stellenbosch or horseback riding through the vineyards of Paarl. Moreover, the Cape Winelands are home to some of the country’s finest restaurants, allowing you to truly indulge before heading back to the city.
Day 04: Saxon Lodge, Gansbaai
After an early breakfast and checking out of your hotel, you will travel along the Garden Route towards the fishing village of Gansbaai, known as ‘The Great White Shark Capital of the World’.
En route to Gansbaai, stop off for lunch in the attractive town of Hermanus- a destination situated at the heart of the Cape Whale Route, where whale watching is at its best from July –November. During these months, you can often catch the majestic Southern Right Whales frolicking offshore with their calves.
In Gansbaai, you will spend the next two (2) nights at the highly rated Saxon Lodge on a bed and breakfast basis, offering up spectacular views of the Gansbaai harbour and Walker Bay.
Day 05: Saxon Lodge, Gansbaai
This morning, after breakfast you get to head offshore and enjoy a unique White Shark Cage Diving Experience with Marine Dynamics. With the presence of a Marine Biologist on board, you will not only witness these amazing apex predators up close but also have the opportunity to learn about the vital role they play within an aquatic ecosystem. This nail-biting full-day activity can be professionally recorded and purchased via a link after the completion of the trip.
Day 06: Khaya Ndlovu Manor House, Hoedspruit
After an early morning breakfast in Gansbaai, you will head back to Cape Town International Airport and return your rented vehicle before boarding your flight to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Upon arrival in Johannesburg, you collect your rented vehicle and GPS from the Avis desk and begin your journey north along the scenic Panorama Route towards Graskop. This route comprises of multiple attractions and scenic viewpoints that are worth visiting, including the Mac-Mac Falls, Gods Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes.
Hereafter, you travel to the Rietspruit Game Reserve situated near the small town of Hoedspruit in the Lowveld, where you spend (1) night on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis at the magnificent Khaya Ndlovu Manor House.
Day 07: Rhino Post Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park
Make sure you have your cameras ready this morning as you head out at the break of dawn to a hot air balloon launch site. Here you get to embark on a beautiful hot air balloon sunrise safari over the Lowveld region with views of the opulent Blyde River Canyon in the distance.
Once you have soaked up the sights and sounds of the awakening bush below, you arrive back on land to indulge in a delicious breakfast and reflect on your time floating amongst the treetops. After breakfast, it is time to head to the Kruger National Park where you will be spending your final three (3) nights at the environmentally conscious Rhino Post Safari lodge, on a half-board basis, including dinner, bed, breakfast and activities.
Day 08: Rhino Post Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park
Today is spent on safari in one of the world’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries- the Kruger National Park. Situated in the north of the country, this vast expanse of land is home to over 130 mammal species, including elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and the African wild dog, as well as over 500 bird species, some being the rare Lappet-faced Vulture, Pels Fishing Owl and the Southern Ground-Hornbill.
With over one million hectares to explore, a safari through the Kruger’s changing landscape is bound to be an exciting one filled with an array of flora and fauna.
Day 09: Rhino Post Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park
You have yet another day to enjoy a safari through the Kruger National Park. Make sure you have your binoculars and checklist ready to make the most of your game-viewing spectacle before heading back to the friendly atmosphere of the Rhino Safari Lodge for your final evening.
Day 10: Kruger Park to Johannesburg
Today marks the end of your 10 self-drive tours across South Africa. Your journey will end with a drive back to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport where you will return your rented vehicle and GPS before boarding your late afternoon/evening outbound flight back home.
Tour Cost
Jan - Mar 2023
R49,293 per person sharing
Apr 2023
R48,132 per person sharing
May - Aug 2023
R47,664 per person sharing
Sep - 17 Dec 2023
R50,075 per person sharing
Jan - Mar 2024
R52,345 per person sharing
Apr 2024
R51,265 per person sharing
May - Aug 2024
R51,420 per person sharing
Sep - 17 Dec 2024
R55,665 per person sharing
Tour Includes
05 Night’s accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
01 Night’s accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis
03 Night’s accommodation on a fully inclusive basis: Rhino Post Safari Lodge only: Brunch, high tea, dinner, teas/coffees, twice daily game viewing activities and the services of professional ranger and camp staff.
01 Hot Air Ballooning Experience as per itinerary in the Hoedspruit region
01 White Shark Cage Diving Experience as per itinerary in the Gansbaai area
Flight: Cape Town - Johannesburg one way excl. taxes
07 Days use of a Group C Vehicle (Toyota Corolla or similar with manual gears and air-conditioning), including:
Car Rental Includes:
days use of a Group B car (VW Polo Hatch or similar with manual gears & air-con), including:
Premium Collision Damage Waiver (zero liability)
Premium Theft Loss Waiver (zero liability)
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
Unlimited Mileage
Third-Party and General Public Liability Insurance
Windscreen/Tyre Damage Waiver
Location Surcharge/Tourism Levy
1 X GPS Rental
Claim Admin Fee - in the event of an accident or theft
Value Added Tax 15%
Young Driver Surcharge
Tour Excludes:
Visas if required
Flights not specified
Airport taxes
Meals not specified
Bar accounts / beverages & premium imports
Laundry
Additional activities/sightseeing/entry fees/park fees
Personal items and gratuities
Kruger National Park Entry Fees
Car Hire Excludes:
Optional Equipment: Baby Seat, Bicycle Rack etc.
One-way drop-off fees
Delivery/ Collection fees
Traffic Fine Administration Fee
Sandblasting/Water and Undercarriage/Rim and hubcap damage
Fuel
E-tolls / Toll fees
Additional Driver