Day 1: Johannesburg
ARRIVAL IN JOHANNESBURG
After arriving at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you will pick up your rental car. This marks the start of your South African road trip, beginning with your first interaction with the local staff at the rental desk. Your first destination is The Peech Hotel in the Melrose district, located right next to James & Ethel Gray Park, where you will spend your first night in Africa. This wonderful boutique-style hotel, with only 16 rooms, is sure to enchant you, especially with its beautiful gardens.
Day 2: The Waterberg Biosphere
JOHANNESBURG - MOKOPANE (248 km / approx. 2:45 hrs)
Your destination today is the Legend Hospitality Golf & Safari Resort. Also known as the "Home of the Extreme 19th," this is one of the world's most renowned resorts and will be your home for the next two nights. This unique leisure destination welcomes all travelers, whether you are here for a vacation, a business trip, or a golf or safari experience. Legend caters to every need. It is home to the unique "Signature" 18-hole course, where each hole was designed by one of the world's golf legends. Furthermore, you can take on the challenge of the world-famous par 3, the "Extreme 19th Hole." Game drives, bush walks, and stargazing at night are also available. You might also consider visiting the Wildlife & Cultural Center—home to Africa's rare white lions—the possibilities for the day are endless.
Day 3: The Waterberg Biosphere
LEGEND HOSPITALITY GOLF & SAFARI RESORT
How about a round of golf today? Or perhaps you would prefer to enjoy the luxury resort set amidst South Africa's stunning nature. You can try your hand at archery, enjoy water sports on the nearby Doorndraai Dam, or take a hot air balloon ride to view the beauty from above. Alternatively, the resort's own spa and wellness area might be just what you need today. This variety of activities makes your South African road trip a truly special experience.
Day 4: Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
MOKOPANE - MOTSWARI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE (400 km / approx. 5:45 hrs)
This morning, you depart for your safari leg, which will be a highlight of your South African road trip. The coming days will be entirely dedicated to the wonderful African wildlife. At Motswari Private Game Reserve, you can observe animals, both large and small, in their natural habitat during game drives. You should aim to reach the nature reserve by the afternoon so you can head out on your first game drive. Alternatively, you could take a detour through the world-famous Blyde River Canyon on your way to the game reserve. In any case, please plan enough time to arrive at the reserve in a relaxed manner before sunset.
Day 5: Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
MOTSWARI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Today requires an early start! You will be woken up before sunrise. After coffee and traditional South African "rusks" (hard biscuits), you will head deep into the bush in an open-top safari vehicle. This is a busy time of day: nocturnal animals are returning to rest, while diurnal animals are emerging from their hiding spots. In the light of the rising sun, the bush glows beautifully—a photographer's paradise! After the game drive, you will return to your lodge, where a hearty breakfast awaits. Afterward, you have time to relax by the pool, read, or perhaps catch up on some sleep. There is always something to see: thirsty animals coming to the lodge's waterhole, colorful birds drinking from the pool, and small antelopes roaming around the accommodations, enjoying the safety of being near humans. After lunch and often a "high tea," you will head out on another game drive in the afternoon, interrupted only by a sundowner in the bush. From this point on, you also have the chance to spot nocturnal animals. Equipped with powerful spotlights, you will search for the many creatures that are not visible during the day. With a delicious dinner and a drink or two at the bar, an exciting day comes to an end.
Day 6: Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
MOTSWARI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Today is also all about wildlife. Game drives and/or walking safaris will bring you closer to nature. Your guides will introduce you to the secrets of the wild, teaching you how to identify tracks and match them to the right animal. Feel the bush and breathe in the wonderful world of the safari. In the evening, another cozy dinner awaits, and later, you can share the day's experiences around the campfire.
Day 7: Stellenbosch
MOTSWARI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE - EASTGATE AIRPORT (HDS) & CAPE TOWN - STELLENBOSCH (54 km / 1:20 hrs & 34 km / 0:40 hrs)
After the safari comes the indulgence! Following a short drive to Eastgate Airport, you will leave the Lowveld and head toward the Cape region. The flight will take about 3 hours to cross this vast and breathtaking country. From Cape Town Airport, take the Settler's Way (N2) to the junction with the R310 (Baden Powell Drive). Follow this north directly to Stellenbosch. The route is short but varied, leading you through the Jonkershoek and Simonsberg nature reserves. Surrounded by rugged mountains and lovely vineyards, the extremely picturesque town lies nestled in the valley. Stellenbosch is an ideal base for exploring the region and is also a university town in South Africa's Western Cape province. In the oak-lined streets, you will find a mix of cafés, boutiques, and art galleries. Like the Cape Dutch architecture, the traditional houses and gardens in the Village Museum are a reminder of South Africa's Dutch colonial heritage. Your South African road trip now leads you into this scenic region.
Day 8: Stellenbosch
STELLENBOSCH & WINELANDS
Another day to explore and enjoy! Today, we recommend a trip to Franschhoek, just over 30 km away. You will drive through lovely vineyards with a multitude of estates open for tours (and, of course, wine tastings). Franschhoek is a wonderful place to stroll, hike, and stop for a bite at one of the exquisite restaurants. The 42 km detour to Wellington is also well worth it to visit the NorSA Community Care project (www.norsacommunitycare.org - please book in advance!) or to enjoy a great steak or an excellent pizza with a glass of wine at the Val du Charron wine estate. These culinary experiences are another highlight of your South Africa self-drive tour.
Day 9: Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
STELLENBOSCH - DE KELDERS (approx. 170 km / 2:20 hrs)
Today you leave Stellenbosch heading towards Franschhoek via the R310 and R45. After one last refreshment, perhaps a coffee in this wonderful region, you will pass through the Theewaters Nature Reserve and over to Caledon via Villiersdorp. This small town of just 13,200 residents became famous when Ferdinand Appel opened the first hot springs to visitors in 1710. Seven springs, with temperatures around 50°C, supply about 900,000 liters of water per day. Hotels, a spa, and a casino attract visitors, as does the Caledon Wild Flower Garden with its thousands of fynbos plant species. Taking the R316 and R326, you will then get closer to your destination for the day, the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve on the opposite side of Walker Bay, just before De Kelders. These scenic and historical highlights are part of your South Africa self-drive tour.
Day 10: Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
WHALE COAST
You will spend the day in one of the most interesting places on Earth to observe the fascinating life of the open ocean. It is not just the whales, which live here either year-round or seasonally, that are a highlight; the area is also known for its great white sharks. Nearby Van Dyks Bay is one of the best places in the world to get up close to these massive predators. Various companies specialize in introducing tourists to these fascinating creatures while simultaneously fighting for their protection. Only through knowledge and understanding of these predators can people's fears be eased and these magnificent animals protected. We recommend that you experience this fascinating adventure consciously and perhaps even feel the adrenaline rush of seeing these large sharks eye-to-eye from inside a cage. These exciting experiences make your South Africa self-drive tour an unforgettable adventure.
Day 11: Cape Town
DE KELDERS - CAPE TOWN (approx. 158 km / 2:10 hrs)
Today you leave De Kelders and head back towards Cape Town, but this time along the ocean. Following Walker Bay, you will pass through Hermanus, the so-called whale-watching capital of the world. During the season from September to December, you might be lucky enough to spot the gentle giants right below the cliff path. A stop is definitely worth it. The route to False Bay takes you via Betty's Bay along the Kogelberg Nature Reserve on a spectacular coastal road through the town of Gordons Bay and on to Somerset West, from where Cape Town is quickly reached via the N2. Although you will see many beautiful beaches today that invite you to swim, you will also drive through another side of South Africa: in the township of Khayelitsha on the outskirts of Cape Town, many contrasts become apparent. Your destination today is in Newlands, near the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. These contrasting impressions are another part of your South Africa self-drive tour.
Day 12: Cape Town
CAPE TOWN
A full day in Cape Town! There is so much to explore and do. What are you in the mood for? A great way to explore Cape Town on your own is, for example, a city tour with the "Hop On – Hop Off" bus. This gives you a very good overview of the city, and you can get off wherever you like and stay as long as you want. A trip up Table Mountain is also an absolute must! The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, and the Bo-Kaap district are waiting to be explored. Or how about an afternoon "high tea" on the rooftop terrace of the modern The Silo Hotel at the Waterfront? You can enjoy your tea with a 360° panoramic view (please be sure to book in advance!). And don't forget: Robben Island is also a must-see! These diverse experiences make Cape Town a highlight of your South Africa self-drive tour.
Day 13: Cape Town
CAPE TOWN
Another full day in Cape Town! Today would be a great day for a trip to the Cape Peninsula. There is far more to see here than just the world-famous Cape of Good Hope. An unforgettable experience awaits you: spectacular coastlines with steep cliffs and endless beaches, one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world, unique flora and fauna (this is the only place where you can swim with penguins), and, of course, the wave-lashed Cape itself. For lunch, the fish restaurants in Kalk Bay Harbour are well worth a visit. Start early; you will need the time! These picturesque and exciting places are another highlight of your South Africa self-drive tour.
Day 14: End of the trip
Cape Town
After arriving at Cape Town airport, please return your rental car. If you have not booked a follow-up program, your vacation has unfortunately come to an end. We are sure that you have experienced a great deal and gathered unforgettable impressions. This South Africa self-drive tour will certainly remain in your best memories.
