This is a fully self-drive tour of South Africa, including time in the Kruger National Park, the Kingdom of Swaziland, Hluhluwe Game Reserve and some time on the beach in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal. The itinerary captures the north and eastern parts of South Africa and its focus is mostly on safari experiences. On our self-drive tours, we include the Avis Rent a Car, and provide directions to all the hotels & lodges in the itinerary, we can also supply (and recommend) a GPS unit.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 - Arrive in Johannesburg and collect your car, drive along the Panorama Route ending at Khaya Ndlovu Manor in the Hoedspruit area.
Day 2 – Travel into the Kruger National Park. Rhino Post Safari Lodge
Day 3 & 4 – On safari at Rhino Post Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park.
Day 5 – Travel to Camp Shawu, Kruger National Park.
Day 6 – Depart Kruger for Swaziland. Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge.
Day 7 – Explore the activities on offer at Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge.
Day 8 – Depart Swaziland for Hluhluwe. Falaza Game Park & Spa.
Day 9 – Explore the activities on offer at Falaza Game Park & Spa.
Day 10 – Depart Hluhluwe for Durban. Fairlight Beach House.
Day 11 – Travel to King Shaka Airport where you will drop off your rental car and continue on your onward journey.
Day 1 - Khaya Ndlovu Manor House, Hoedspruit
On arrival at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, in the morning, you will make your way to the Avis Desk, where you will collect your rented vehicle (Group C - Toyota Corolla Quest or similar with manual gears and air-conditioning). From the airport, you will drive on the Panorama Route, visiting Dullstroom, Graskop, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and make your way into the Lowveld, where you will continue to the Khaya Ndlovu Manor House in the Hoedspruit area. Here you will spend (1) night on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.
Khaya Ndlovu Manor House boasts magnificent colonial-style gardens as well as unsurpassed views of the Drakensberg Mountains and surrounding bushveld. Situated in the pristine Blue Canyon Conservancy it is the perfect destination for a relaxing and tranquil holiday, an intimate boutique wedding or a honeymoon, with the promise of relaxation in the South African bush.
Day 02 - Rhino Post Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park
This morning very early, before sunrise, you will make your way to the Launchfield, where you will watch the crew getting the Hot Air Balloon ready for your flight in the air for approximately 1 hour in the Hoedspruit area! Enjoy a great breakfast before you head to the Kruger National Park.
Here you will spend the next (3) nights on a fully inclusive basis at the Rhino Post Safari Lodge. Included in your stay are: Brunch, high tea, dinner, teas/coffees and twice daily game viewing activities. Kruger National Park. A natural extension of the bush and landscape, Rhino Post Safari Lodge is the perfect base from which to explore South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park. Experience responsible eco-conscious tourism, affordable, stylish accommodation, knowledgeable guides and staggering biodiversity, including the highly publicised Big Five.
Day 03 to 04 - On Safari at Rhino Post Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park
Today is spent on two guided open-vehicle safaris in the Kruger National Park. The Kruger Park covers an area of about 2 million hectares and is home to a rich diversity of wildlife and bird life including the Big 5. The climate is generally warm to hot with a low annual rainfall. This giant national park offers the best chance to see all of the Big 5 and other big game species in their natural wild habitat.
Day 05 - Rhino Post Safari Lodge to Camp Shawu, Kruger National Park
This morning after your safari and breakfast you will take your own self-drive game drive southwards through the Kruger Park to Camp Shawu also inside the Kruger National Park. Here you will spend (1) night on a fully inclusive basis. Included in your stay are: Accommodation, all meals, twice daily game viewing activities & snacks.
The camp is named after one of the big tuskers (elephants) that roamed this part of the reserve. This classic African safari lodge has been built and decorated with African themes throughout, including buffalo dung walls, leather furniture, fireplaces and private decks that overlook the Mpanamana Dam that attracts regular game to its banks to drink.
Day 06 - Kruger Park to Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Swaziland
This morning after your guided morning safari and breakfast, you will make your way out of the Kruger National Park and south to Swaziland. After clearing customs, you will continue to the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, where you will spend the next (2) nights on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis at the Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge.
Reilly’s Rock is set in the appropriately named ‘Valley of Heaven’ – Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is a natural wonderland of grassy plains, granitic mountains, cascading waterfalls and abundant wildlife. It was originally built by the entrepreneurial Mickey Reilly in the early 1900s and has remained in the Reilly family since. Guests have access to the nature reserve to explore on foot, bicycle or horseback. Guided hikes to the more remote parts of the park can be arranged.
Day 7 - Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Today you have the opportunity to sample one of the many activities on offer at Mlilwane Nature Reserve, or go for a visit to one of the local markets in the area, or even take in a game of golf at the nearby Royal Swazi Sun.
Day 08 - Falaza Game Park & Spa, Hluhluwe
This morning early after your breakfast, you will continue south through Swaziland and back into South Africa. You drive on to the Hluhluwe Game Reserve area, where you spend the next (2) nights at the Falaza Game Park and Spa on a full-board basis. Included in your stay are: Accommodation, all meals and a choice of either 2 x Falaza activities per day OR 1 x Hluhluwe / Imfolozi Game driver per day.
Falaza offers an authentic bush experience in a peaceful, natural haven, boasting impeccable service and all home comforts. Luxury tented accommodation provides a true safari ambience, with every comfort catered for, including spacious dressing rooms, en-suite bathrooms and private sundecks.
The lodge accommodates 30 guests in 15 Luxury, twin bedded tents. All tents are equipped with modern amenities, including fans, hairdryers, tea and coffee-making facilities, while heaters and additional blankets are available on request for the chillier months. The nearby Hluhluwe Game Reserve covers 96000 hectares of rolling green country and is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the big 5. The Hluhluwe - Umfolozi parks of Kwa Zulu Natal were the place where the white rhino was brought back from the brink of extinction under the guidance of world-renowned conservationist Ian Player. Now the park forms a critical sanctuary of safety for Southern Africa’s wildlife that is under constant pressure.
Day 09 - Falaza Game Park & Spa, Hluhluwe
Today is spent at the activities of your choice and any additional activities/sightseeing can be booked and paid directly.
Day 10 - Falaza Game Park to Fairlight Beach House, Durban
This morning after your breakfast, you will make your way along the coastline of Kwa-Zulu Natal to the Fairlight Beach House in Durban. Here you will spend (1) night on a bed and breakfast basis.
Fairlight Beach House is located in the exclusive town of Umdloti, KwaZulu-Natal (just north of Durban). Dating back to the early 1900s this beautiful seaside community is still a much sought-after seaside getaway close to the amenities of a big city. The guest house offers wide sea views from all rooms and is just a few meters from one of the north coast’s best swimming beaches.
Day 11 - End at King Shaka International Airport
This morning after your breakfast, you will make the last stretch to the King Shaka International Airport in Durban, where you will drop your rented vehicle off. You will then carry on with your onward arrangements or let us help you with some guidance on what we can add for you…
Tour Cost
Jan - Oct 2023
R51,667 per person sharing
Nov - 17 Dec 2023
R51,964 per person sharing
Jan - Oct 2024
R56,090 per person sharing
Nov - 17 Dec 2024
R56,100 per person sharing
Included
01 Night accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis (Fairlight Beach House)
03 Nights accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis (Khaya Ndlovu / Reillys Rock Lodge)
03 Nights accommodation on a fully inclusive basis: Rhino Post Safari Lodge only: Brunch, high tea, dinner, teas/coffees and twice daily game viewing activities.
01 Night’s accommodation on a fully inclusive basis: Camp Shawu Dam Lodge only: All meals, twice daily game viewing activities & snacks.
02 Night’s accommodation on a full board basis: Falaza Game Park & Spa only: All meals and a choice of 2 x Falaza activities per day OR 1 x Hluhluwe / Imfolozi Game Driver per day.
01 Hot Air Balloon Flight in the Hoedspruit Area as per itinerary
Tourism Levy
11 days use of a Group C car (Toyota Corolla Quest or similar with manual gears & air-con)
Unlimited Kilometers
Premium Collision Damage Waiver - zero excess
Premium Theft Loss Waiver (TLW) - zero excess
Personal Accident Insurance
Tyre Windscreen Damage Waiver
General Public Liability Insurance
Value Added Tax 14%
Third-Party Liability Insurance
Location Surcharge
Tourism Levy
Sandblasting Damage
Water and Undercarriage Damage
Claim Admin Fee – only in the event of an accident/theft
Rim and Hubcap Damage
Excluded
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
Airport taxes
Fuel & fuel deposit - the amount varies as it is the cost of refuelling if the vehicle is not returned with a full tank
Additional Driver fee
GPS Rental
GPS Liability
Car charger
Special equipment one-way fee for GPS/Baby seat
Delivery & collection charges
Cross Border fees
One Way drop off fee
One-way Cross Border fees
Accident towing fee
Traffic Fine admin fee
Claim Administration Fee
Child Safety Seat & Liability
Contract Fee
E-toll administration fees, Lost E-tag and actual E-toll costs during your itinerary which vary
Call out fee – negligence
Suction cups / Cable
USB & Bags
Roadside assistance
Valet
Windscreen, Tyre Damage Waiver
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