12 Day South Africa Self-Drive Tour

This 12-day self-drive tour through the northern half ofSouth Africa highlights some of the most attractive regions that the country has to offer. Your trip begins in the spectacular Lowveld area where you get to experience the Kruger National Park and its safari attractions. You then journey south through the cultural-rich Kingdom of Swaziland where you are provided with endless views of grasslands dotted with wildlife and the Ezulwini and Malkerns Valleys. Finally, this tour takes you to the warm beaches along the Kwa-Zulu Natal coastline allowing you plenty of time to laze on the beach and try out a surf lesson or two.

12 Day South Africa Self-Drive Tour

Itinerary at a Glance:

  • Day 01

    Khaya Ndlovu Manor House, Hoedspruit

  • Day 02

    Rhino Post Safari Lodge- Kruger National Park

  • Day 03 & 04

    Rhino Post Safari Lodge- Kruger National Park

  • Day 05

    Camp Shawu- Kruger National Park

  • Day 06

    Reilly's Rock Hilltop Lodge- Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Day 07

    Reilly's Rock Hilltop Lodge- Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Day 08

    Falaza Game Park & Spa- Hluhluwe

  • Day 09

    Falaza Game Park & Spa- Hluhluwe

  • Day 10

    Fairlight Beach House, Umdloti

  • Day 11

    Fairlight Beach House, Umdloti

  • Day 12

    End Tour at Durban's King Shaka International Airport

Day 01

Khaya Ndlovu Manor House, Hoedspruit

Upon your morning arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, head to the Avis desk to collect your rented vehicle (Group C - Toyota Corolla or similar with manual gears and air-conditioning and a GPS Unit). From the airport, you travel along the picturesque Panorama Route making your way to the Lowveld region, whilst stopping off at some fantastic viewpoints along the way. These include Gods Window and Pinnacle Rock in Graskop and Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondawels near the Blyde River Canyon.
You then head to the Rietspruit Game Reserve in the Hoedspruit area where you will be spending one (1) night at the bushveld-chic Khaya Ndlovu Manor House on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Room Interior at Khaya Ndlovu
Swimming Pool at Khaya Ndlovu

Day 02

Rhino Post Safari Lodge- Kruger National Park

Today is an early start as you head out just before dawn to a hot air balloon launch site. Here you get to experience a beautiful sunrise safari over the Lowveld whilst peacefully floating amongst the clouds in a hot air balloon- the perfect occasion for photo enthusiasts to get a snap of the breathtaking views.
Your flight is due to last for an hour, after which you head back to land for a delicious breakfast before making your way to the ecologically conscious Rhino Post Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park. You will be spending the next three (3) nights of your trip at this tranquil lodge on a full-board basis.

Hot Air Balloon over the Greater Kruger
Elephant sighting from Rhino Post Safari Lodge

Day 03 & 04

Rhino Post Safari Lodge- Kruger National Park

Today and tomorrow, you get to spend your time on two guided open-vehicle safaris exploring the vast expanses of the Kruger National Park. Take in the wonders of this wonderful changing landscape which is home to a spectacle of plant, animal and bird life including the African wild dog, lion, rhino, elephant and leopard, as well as the rare Pallid Harrier, the Hooded Vulture and the Saddle-billed Stork (only to name a few). With over two million hectares of land to discover, a safari through the Kruger National Park is one captivating and unforgettable experience.

Cheetah sighting on safari in the Kruger National Park
Elephants in the river bed in front of Rhino Post Safari Lodge

Day 05

Camp Shawu- Kruger National Park

After an early morning safari and breakfast, you will take your own game drive through the Kruger Park and head south towards the intimately set Camp Shawu. Named after the mighty Shawu bull, an African elephant who roamed the Kruger for six years, this camp elegantly captures the bushveld presence with its buffalo dung walls, leather furniture, and private decks with magnificent views of the Mpanamana Dam. You will spend the (1) night here, on a fully inclusive basis.
You can also enjoy some amazing wildlife spotting and birding from the comfort of your private patio for a true sense of rest and relaxation.

Camp Shawu, southern Kruger Park, South Africa
Room Interior, Camp Shawu, Kruger Park
Lounge area Camp Shawu, southern Kruger Park, South Africa
Sunset at Camp Shawu

Day 06

Reilly's Rock Hilltop Lodge- Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

After your guided morning safari and breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the Kruger and head south to the small, landlocked monarchy of Swaziland.
Once you have cleared customs, you make your way to the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary in the Lobamba area- known as Swaziland’s cultural hub. Here you will be spending (2) nights at the colonial-styled Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Reillys Rock Lodge, Swaziland
Verandah at Reillys Rock Lodge, Swaziland

Day 07

Reilly's Rock Hilltop Lodge- Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Today you have the opportunity to enjoy one of the many outdoor activities offered by the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. From guided game drives and nature walks that show off the striking Nyonyane Mountain, to horseback riding, mountain biking and birding, the choice is yours. A visit to the traditional Swazi markets in Lobamba is a must for some shopping, or picking up a game of golf for the day at the nearby Royal Swazi Sun.

Breakfast patio at Reillys Rock Lodge, Swaziland
Room Interior, Reillys Rock Lodge, Swaziland

Day 08

Falaza Game Park & Spa- Hluhluwe

After an early breakfast, it’s time to get back onto the road and head south through Swaziland and back into South Africa. Make your way to the Hluhluwe Game Reserve situated approximately 200km north of Durban, where you will be staying at the wonderful Falaza Game Park and Spa for the next two (2) nights on a full-board basis.
This luxury tented accommodation offers a unique bush experience allowing you to treat yourself at their deluxe on-site spa.

Tented Accommodation at Falaza, Kwa Zulu Natal
Dinner under the stars at Falaza

Day 09

Falaza Game Park & Spa- Hluhluwe

Today you get to experience the myriad of activities provided by the Falaza Game Park and Spa. This includes exciting safari experiences on foot, via boat cruises along the Mzinene River or on guided game drives throughout the park. There are also several things to do in the surrounding area that add to your overall bushveld experience, including the Big 5 Hluhluwe Game Reserve which boasts amazing scenery and spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities, the Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre as well as the Duma-Zulu Cultural Village. Any additional activities/sightseeing that you wish to do can be booked and paid directly.

Game drives at Falaza
Wildlife often wanders through camp

Day 10

Fairlight Beach House, Umdloti

This morning after your breakfast, you will make your way along the scenic subtropical coastline of Kwa-Zulu Natal to the exclusive seaside village of Umdloti. Here you will be spending three (3) nights at the Fairlight Beach House. The Fairlight Beach House is an idyllic beachfront residence that offers guests warm hospitality and breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.

With its sophisticated 4-star environment and direct access to one of the area’s best swimming beaches, this is the perfect place to wind down for your last three nights of the trip. You will be staying here on a bed-and-breakfast basis, giving you plenty of opportunities to try out some of the fantastic restaurants in the Umdloti area.

Luxury rooms at Fairlight Guest House
Fairlight Guest House, Umdloti, South Africa

Day 11

Fairlight Beach House, Umdloti

For two days you get to immerse yourself in this beautiful area of South Africa which lies at the mouth of the Mdloti River, on the Dolphin Coast. Umdloti is a friendly coastal neighbourhood home to some of the region’s best beaches and natural rock pools, meaning that there is plenty of time to surf, windsurf, or even paddle and Jet Ski. Thanks to the area’s sub-tropical climate that is influenced by the warm Mozambican current, Kwa-Zulu Natal is a popular year-round destination that boasts sunshine and warmth for most days of the year.

You also have the chance to make your way to the bustling city of Durban which is only a quick 20-minute drive from Umdloti. Durban is the third largest city in South Africa and boasts several fantastic beaches, the beautiful Durban Botanical Gardens, oriental markets as well as the newly revamped beach-front promenade lined with endless walkways and quaint cafes- the perfect place to sit and watch your final sunset of this trip.

Surfing, swimming, walking just some the activities on this coastline
Durban city is nearby and has a host of activities to offer

Day 12

End Tour at Durban's King Shaka International Airport

Sadly, today is the last day of your 14-day self-drive tour across South Africa. After breakfast, you will make the final stretch from the Fairlight Beach House towards King Shaka International Airport in Durban where you will return your rented vehicle and GPS to the Avis desk. From here, you can either board your outbound flight home or carry onwards with any other travel arrangements that our friendly staff at African Travel Gateway will gladly assist you with.

Tour Costs

2025
Jan - Oct 2025
R63,040 per person sharing

Nov - 17 Dec 2025
R63,765 per person sharing

Price Includes

01 Night accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis (Khaya Ndlovu Manor House)
03 Nights accommodation on a full board basis including twice daily game viewing activities (Rhino Post Safari Lodge)
01 Night accommodation on a fully inclusive basis which includes all meals, twice daily game viewing activities, snacks and beverages (excluding bar accounts not specified and premium imports) and parking (Camp Shawu Dam Lodge)
02 Night’s accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis (Reilly’s Hilltop Lodge)
02 Night’s accommodation on a full board basis including a choice of 2 x Falaza activities per day OR 1 x Hluhluwe / Imfolozi Game Driver per day (Falaza Game Park & Spa Hluhluwe)
02 Night’s accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis (Fairlight Beach House)

01 Hot Air Balloon Flight in the Hoedspruit Area as per itinerary
Tourism Levy

12 days use of a Group C car (Toyota Corolla Quest or similar with manual gears & air-con), which includes:
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

Price Excludes

Visas if required
Personal items and gratuities
Laundry
Bar accounts not specified and premium imports
Additional activities/sightseeing / entry fees/park fees not specified
Travel Insurance
Flights

Car Hire component 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

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Jim Campbell
Jim Campbell
01 May 2025
We asked for a holiday of a lifetime for my wife's birthday ... and Lize Enderstein and ATG certainly delivered!!! We could not have experienced such a magnificent trip without all Lize's organisation and planning. It was an absolute dream! So much so, we're looking to visit again and will certainly be using Lize for our next adventure. Nothing was too much trouble and all the planning made everything work so very smoothly. We felt like royalty throughout our trip with all sorts of birthday surprises already booked at every location. Incredible!!! We are so very grateful for everything Lize arranged and can't thank her enough and would heartily recommend Lize and ATG. Jim and Melanie xxx
Teresa Harrison
Teresa Harrison
29 January 2025
I have been using African Travel Gateway for about 30 years and not once have they let me down. My travels have been varied, visiting different countries and cultures in Africa, but with their help, it is always a magic carpet ride. Lize has been my contact for many years, and the intineries devised have been spectacular. She really understands our requirements and goes the extra mile to ensure all is OK. This time, we visited South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Everything was amazing. Our highlights, however, were La Fontaine in Franshoek and Camp Xakanaxa in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. We HIGHLY recommend African Travel Gateway
Debbie Isaacs
Debbie Isaacs
21 January 2025
We used African Travel again for the second time over Xmas and New Year. Once again, every little bit of our trip ran smoothly and without a hitch. Their communication was great throughout and we will, no doubt, be returning to them in the future too. Thanks Petru.
Daniel Stewart
Daniel Stewart
08 January 2025
We had the most amazing time on our self drive tour of Namibia organised through African Travel Gateway. Everything from the planning and booking process, to the arrival and welcome in Windhoek, to the app with the itinerary and directions made for a really relaxed and well organised holiday. But the most important part was getting to experience Namibia - what a spectacular country! The only negative was that we should have booked for longer!
Hilda Stanfliet
Hilda Stanfliet
27 December 2024
Amazing hotel booked by Lize of African Travel Gateway, the most attentive service leading up to holiday
Zoe Heelas
Zoe Heelas
27 November 2024
ATG were fantastic from start to finish organising our trip 3 week trip in South Africa.Communication with Debbie was excellent before and during our trip. All accommodation and trips chosen by ATG was fantastic. This is our third trip with ATG and we are already thinking about our next.
Harrison Shore
Harrison Shore
09 November 2024
We used African Travel Gateway to plan our honeymoon, and it was incredible! Putting together the itinerary was really smooth and fun - Lize sent us a few options, and was really quick to make the changes we wanted and let us know what made the most sense. The planning portal had a lot of really useful information so we knew what to expect and made the whole thing very comfortable (this was our first trip to Africa!) The itinerary we ended up with was spectacular, and very well structured. We spent most of our trip in the greater Kruger area (Kapama River Lodge then Walkers Plains Camp) and then finished in Victoria Falls (Vic Falls River Lodge) - each stop was both nicer and more wild than the last, which made for a very cool trip. Some real gems - Walkers and the camp at Victoria Falls had both been open less than a year, and were super luxurious, no way we would have found places like that on our own! And starting at Kapama, which is a bigger operation and a little more controlled (fully fenced, very close to the Hoedspruit airport) was a great way to ease into the trip. The animal viewing at all three locations was amazing - we saw the Big 5 at both camps in South Africa, plus wild dogs and a cheetah at Walkers, and not just from a distance - we were able to get up pretty close at several of the viewings. The guides were excellent at all three, same with the staff, and the other guests! Logistics were seamless - all of our transfers were easy, the lodges knew our schedule and drivers were where they needed to be exactly on time. I would absolutely recommend African Travel Gateway, and hope to work with Lize on our next safari!
Hamdan nazarudin
Hamdan nazarudin
28 September 2024
Contacted Lize to get assistance with our trip. Her help has been really great! Enquiries are replied within a short period. Even asking for last minute arrangement of extra baggage and early hotel check-in. Itinerary are also seamless at every transition of camps and location.
Archie B
Archie B
16 August 2024
Travelled across South Africa with ATG. They picked the most amazing places to stay where we felt like royalty. The planning was efficient and there was regular communication during the booking process. The knowledge of Lize was excellent and so we knew what to expect at each stage. Would we use them again? YES, of course, and we are!!! - Already planning our next trip across Namibia for next year!
yvonne omer
yvonne omer
07 August 2024
We chose African Travel Gateway because of their awesome reviews and they did not disappoint! Bianca created a fabulous itinerary combining a luxury private reserve experience, a trip to Victoria Falls, a riverboat stay viewing the animals from a different perspective, ( and BTW the best scrambled eggs we have ever tasted) and a stay at a lodge where we saw different animals and a ride on a bush plane landing in what seemed the middle of nowhere! Every connection was seamless, no stress traveling at its best.Our hosts and guides were excellent, and lovely people. The food was wonderful and of course loved the sundowner drinks and our first” Bush Bar! Would definitely go back for more adventure, thank you ATG for a lovely experience!
Jennifer Morawiecki
Jennifer Morawiecki
06 August 2024
We've just returned from an incredible two-week holiday across Botswana and Zimbabwe with African Travel Gateway. The arrangements made by Bianca were perfect, the documentation provided was extremely thorough, and every detail of our journey was meticulously planned. Communication was excellent throughout. Coming from North America, we felt it best to work with a travel agent located in Southern Africa and it was absolutely the right choice. Highly recommended!
Maria Lohan
Maria Lohan
01 August 2024
Lize helped us find accommodation in Kruger when there was practically none to be got - and t was the best place. The tours she booked were tremendous and the people she booked were great and we are very grateful and glad we had the opportunity to book with Lize. Maria & family form Belfast
Arishana Riek
Arishana Riek
03 July 2024
Tailormade itinerary with knowledgeable guides (Apartheid Museum and Cradle of Humankind).
Sivan Debeljakovic
Sivan Debeljakovic
03 July 2024
Petru, of African Travel Gateway, planned our 12-day South Africa-Zimbabwe itinerary for three of us (arriving from two continents). Her expertise, keen insights, and care in arranging the most perfect accommodation for us, prompt and efficient transfers/drivers, and booking all internal flights, meant this was the smoothest, most enjoyable holiday experience, ever! We covered a lot of ground in a short time, but the precision-timing with transfers, and Petru's choice of such knowledgeable and personable tour guides really made all the difference. Huge thanks to Natasha (Afrifriends) and Chris (Paradise)! Highlights were: The Peech Hotel in J'burg (delightful boutique hotel with a fabulous breakfast - thank you, Oliver!); Ilala Lodge in Zimbabwe; Nkorho Bush Lodge in Sabi Sand (if you want up close & personal experiences with the wildlife, this is where you need to go!); Rickety Bridge Manor House in Franschhoek (perfectly appointed and beautiful accommodation); Boschendal Winery (try the pinotage; farm shop is a must!); Woodstock Markets in Cape Town (so much to see and buy here!). We had the most exceptional holiday – we will definitely return to SA in the future, and will be utilising the expert services of Petru at ATG. Thank you again, Petru.
Sergio Santini
Sergio Santini
03 June 2024
Petru has been our reference person at African Travel Gateway: she organised our self-drive travel through South Africa during April 2024. The itinerary has been tailored according to our wishes and her suggestions. She did a great job , fully meeting our requirements and tacking care about us in real time even during the trip. We really enjoyed the safaris she proposed and we saw what has to be seen in this beautiful country for a 3 weeks visit. The TravelKey App was new for us; it is an efficient tool and has been a very positive experience, having everything filed in the HP.
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