Explore South Africa’s wild east independently
South Africa feels particularly African in its subtropical east. This self-drive journey combines the Panorama Route, Greater Kruger, Eswatini, the KwaZulu-Natal coast and the Drakensberg.
The itinerary is intended as inspiration and can be tailored to your preferred route, accommodation and length of stay.
Independent travel, carefully prepared
Flexible itinerary
The journey can be adapted to your personal wishes, additional stops and preferred accommodation categories.
Rental car included
The sample journey includes a rental car with comprehensive insurance, an additional driver and navigation.
Safari included
Intensive safari experiences in Timbavati and Mkhaya Game Reserve are part of the itinerary.
Highlights of the wild east
Panorama Route
Spectacular viewpoints, waterfalls and the Blyde River Canyon shape the start of the journey.
Greater Kruger
In Timbavati you experience the wildlife of Greater Kruger on guided game drives.
Eswatini & Drakensberg
Wildlife reserves, culture and the Drakensberg mountains create impressive scenic variety.
Day by day on your journey
Start of Your Journey
Collect your rental car at Johannesburg Airport and make the short drive to Centurion. The first day is for arriving, settling in and relaxing.
First Stage of the Panorama Route
Drive to Mpumalanga. Along the way, you can visit waterfalls, Pilgrim's Rest and some of the first viewpoints of the Panorama Route.
Blyde River Canyon & Grand Viewpoints
A full day for God's Window, waterfalls, Bourke's Luck Potholes and the Blyde River Canyon with the Three Rondavels.
First Safari in Greater Kruger
Drive into the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. If possible, arrive at camp in time for your first afternoon game drive.
Safari in a Private Game Reserve
Early-morning and afternoon game drives in an open safari vehicle. In between, there is time to relax at the lodge.
South through Kruger
After a final morning game drive, continue towards Malelane. Alternatively, enjoy the scenic route south through Kruger National Park.
Into the Kingdom of Eswatini
Cross the border into Eswatini and continue to Mkhaya Game Reserve. The secluded Stone Camp is your base for immersive nature experiences.
Safari in Eswatini
Game drives and guided walks reveal the Mkhaya Game Reserve, which is particularly known for its conservation of endangered species.
From the Mountains to the Coast
After a final activity, leave Eswatini and descend to the subtropical coast at St Lucia.
iSimangaliso and the Lagoon
A free day in St Lucia. A boat cruise on the estuary, with excellent chances of seeing hippos and crocodiles, is especially recommended.
Along the Dolphin Coast
Travel along KwaZulu-Natal's coast towards the Midlands. Beaches, historic places and varied landscapes accompany this stage.
Into the Drakensberg
The route follows the dramatic scenery of the Drakensberg. The afternoon leaves time for first walks and nature experiences.
Active Day in the Mountains
Choose from hikes of varying difficulty, mountain biking, horse riding or simply a quiet day in the mountain scenery.
Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary
Drive to Lionsrock Lodge. This FOUR PAWS sanctuary provides a permanent home for rescued big cats.
Journey's End
Return to Johannesburg Airport and drop off the rental car. Continue with your flight home or an onward programme.
More about this journey
Want to see more journey details?
The digital itinerary includes accommodation, maps, images and further information.
Your route through South Africa’s wild east
Die Darstellung dient der Orientierung; der tatsächliche Reiseverlauf kann je nach örtlichen Bedingungen geringfügig abweichen.
Good to know what’s included.
INCLUDED
- 14 nights with breakfast and further meals as specified
- Two game drives per day in the private reserves
- 15 days’ rental car including comprehensive insurance with no excess, tyre and windscreen cover, an additional driver and GPS
- Climate protection contribution for flight emissions via atmosfair
NOT INCLUDED
- International flights
- Personal expenses and tips
- Fuel and toll fees
- Entrance fees and excursions not mentioned
- Travel insurance
Clearly planned. Transparently priced.
Per person sharing a double room, including rental car:
from €2,298
DEPARTURE DATES
Daily departures are possible.
Tour code:
JNBSD001
Good to know.
Is it safe to travel through South Africa’s wild east?
With a suitable rental car, detailed travel documents and Ajimba’s emergency hotline, the route is easy to plan and travel.
Can I adapt the itinerary?
Yes. Additional stops, different accommodation and revised stages can all be planned individually.
Do I need special driving skills?
No. You mainly need to adjust to driving on the left; no special off-road experience is required for this route.
Damit Sie gut informiert reisen.
This journey is intended as inspiration and will be tailored individually. It is not readily suitable for travellers with limited mobility; please contact us for an individual assessment.
For your booked journey, we provide a personal digital itinerary with the detailed route, accommodation information, driving directions and further travel guidance.
The digital travel documents are provided through our partner Wetu B.V., based in Cape Town, South Africa. Wetu B.V.’s privacy policy applies when you use the service. Further information is available in Wetu’s privacy policy.
Diese Reise ist in ihrer beschriebenen Form nicht für Menschen mit eingeschränkter Mobilität geeignet. Das bedeutet jedoch nicht zwangsläufig, dass eine Reise für Sie nicht möglich ist.
Bitte sprechen Sie uns an. Wir beraten Sie persönlich und prüfen gemeinsam, ob und wie wir den Reiseverlauf und einzelne Leistungen an Ihre individuellen Bedürfnisse anpassen können.