Self-drive tour South Africa | East Coast and Kruger National Park

Day 1: JOHANNESBURG - Start of your "Through the Wild East" tour

After arriving at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you will pick up your rental car at the rental desk.

Your self-drive adventure begins with your first direct interaction with the staff at the counter. Your first destination is the Leriba Hotel & Spa in Centurion, located about 45 minutes from the airport, where you will spend your first night in Africa. This wonderful 4- to 5-star luxury hotel invites you to enjoy a pampering session in its spa and wellness area, or simply let yourself be enchanted by the beautiful gardens.    

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Day 2: GAUTENG - MISTY MOUNTAIN  ( 334 km / 3:50h)

Your first full day of travel in Africa. Today, you will drive along part of the aptly named Panorama Route to your accommodation, the Misty Mountain Country Lodge, in the heart of the Mpumalanga region.

This province begins east of Gauteng. The landscape changes rapidly the further east you travel. You leave the flat high plateau and enter the rugged mountains of the Mpumalanga Drakensberg, which form the northeastern part of the escarpment separating the inland plateau (Highveld) from the lowlands (Lowveld) to the east.

The "Panorama Route" runs along this spectacular escarpment and is a scenic highlight of any trip to South Africa—even for South Africans who love lush, green landscapes. Beyond the vast Lowveld lies the Kruger National Park, one of the largest and most beautiful wildlife reserves on Earth.

The land of the former Transvaal is shaped by the migration of the Voortrekkers, who traveled through here in their ox wagons and opened up the region through great sacrifice and hardship. 

Be sure to make a few short stops along the way; in the Sabie region, the Lone Creek Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Sabie Falls, Mac Mac Falls, Mac Mac Pools, and Forest Falls are all well worth a visit. Alternatively, step back in time and explore the historic town of Pilgrim's Rest.

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Day 3: PANORAMA ROUTE 

The Panorama Route is one of South Africa's most impressive destinations. Here, the inland plateau (Highveld) drops suddenly and steeply by up to 1,000 meters. Throughout the route, there are numerous spectacular viewpoints with vistas stretching all the way to Mozambique. Especially in the winter months, when the air is dry and clear, you can see for miles. One of these viewpoints is "God’s Window," located not far from Graskop.

A variety of waterfalls of all shapes and sizes line the path, and you should definitely take a closer look at several of them. The Bourke's Luck Potholes are an impressive rock formation created by erosion over millions of years. You should certainly make time to see these bizarre swirling holes.

The undisputed highlight of the Great Escarpment is the Blyde River Canyon with the Three Rondavels. The view is breathtaking and truly unforgettable!

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Day 4: MISTY MOUNTAIN - UMLANI BUSHCAMP  (190 km / 3:20h)

This morning, you depart for the first leg of your safari—another highlight of your trip. The coming days will be entirely dedicated to the wonders of African wildlife. You can explore the flora and fauna of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve and observe animals large and small in their natural habitat during game drives. You should aim to reach the nature reserve by midday so you can head out on your first game drive in the afternoon.

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Day 5: TIMBAVATI PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE

Today requires an early start! You will be woken up before sunrise. After a coffee and some traditional South African rusks, you will head deep into the bush in an open 4x4 vehicle. This is a busy time of day: nocturnal animals are heading home, while diurnal animals are emerging from their hiding spots. The rising sun bathes the bush in a beautiful light—a photographer's paradise! After the game drive, you will return to your lodge, where a hearty breakfast will be waiting for you. Afterward, you will have time to relax by the pool, read, or perhaps catch up on some sleep.

There is always something to see; thirsty animals visit the lodge's own waterhole, colorful birds drink from the pool, and small antelopes roam 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. An exciting day comes to an end with a delicious dinner and a drink or two at the bar.

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Day 6: UMLANI BUSHCAMP - MALELANE (approx. 250 km / 4:00h)

This morning, you will head out on one last early game drive. It is your final chance, for now at least, to say goodbye to the fantastic wildlife. What have you seen? Have you spotted all of the "Big Five"? If not, perhaps you will have one last opportunity now. After returning to the lodge and having breakfast, you will leave Timbavati and head south. You will pass through Nelspruit (Mbombela) with its famous botanical garden. Continue on the N4 toward the Mozambican border. There are a variety of attractions here that you might want to check out.

Alternatively, you can drive from Timbavati straight through Kruger National Park... This is arguably the more scenic route! Just be sure to keep an eye on the time so you can pass through the park gates before they close in the evening.

Your accommodation for the night is located near Malelane.

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Day 7: MALELANE - ESWATINI  (approx. 210 km / 3:10h)

Today you have one last chance to head into Kruger National Park to spot any of the "Big Five" you might have missed, or you can set off for Eswatini in the morning. The route is incredibly scenic, though not particularly fast. Along the way, you will experience South Africa's little sister—a country that feels similar, yet distinct in its own way. Your destination today is the rustic Stone Camp in the Mkhaya Game Reserve.

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Day 8: ESWATINI

Mkhaya Game Reserve is arguably the most famous reserve in Eswatini. It is somewhat secluded and cannot be explored in your own vehicle. This keeps it wonderfully wild and perfect for extended game drives in open 4x4s or guided bush walks. You will have the opportunity to do both in the morning and evening. Please note that Stone Camp does not have electricity, so be sure to fully charge all your devices beforehand.

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Day 9: ESWATINI - ST. LUCIA  (approx. 260 km / 3:00h)

This morning, you have another chance to immerse yourself in the African wilderness—this time in Eswatini. After hopefully spotting plenty more wildlife, you will leave the highlands and make your way down toward the coast, with its stunning beaches, lagoons, and unique wildlife. The Avalone Guest House in St. Lucia will be your home for the next two nights.

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Day 10: ST. LUCIA

Time to rest and relax. Or would you prefer some activities? There is so much to do in St. Lucia! A boat trip on the lagoon is a must. You will find plenty of hippos and crocodiles here, which are best observed from the water.

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Day 11: ST. LUCIA - LIDGETTON  (approx. 350 km / 4:10h)

The drive takes you along the Dolphin Coast. You will have plenty of opportunities to reach secluded stretches of beach and enjoy unparalleled views of the Indian Ocean. The route is also steeped in South African history. From various battlefields and memorials to great tribal chiefs, to historic towns, there is so much to discover.  

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Day 12: LIDGETTON - BERGVILLE  (approx. 170 km / 2:10h)

The drive follows the dramatic backdrop of the Drakensberg mountains. Large parts of the mountains are protected as a national park, and you will have the opportunity to explore them today and tomorrow. It is a fantastic area for extensive hiking.

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Day 13: BERGVILLE

The entire day is dedicated to the majestic Drakensberg mountains. There is a wide variety of hikes available, ranging from easy, self-guided walks to a full-day trek to the top of the Amphitheatre. The latter requires advance booking, but it might be the perfect finale to your trip. Alternatively, you could rent mountain bikes, go horseback riding, play golf, and much more... There is simply never enough time.

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Day 14: BERGVILLE - BETHLEHEM  (approx. 140 km / 2:00h)

At the Lionsrock Lodge & Big Cat Sanctuary, the Four Paws organization has been operating this 1,250-hectare refuge since February 2008, providing a home for big cats rescued from European zoos and safari parks. It is a 10-year success story in international animal welfare. 

Here, the cats are offered a dignified retirement. The lodge is your destination today, and you will surely be able to hear the occasional roar of a lion during the night. 

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Day 15: END OF THE TRIP IN JOHANNESBURG

After arriving at Johannesburg airport, you will return your rental car. If you haven't booked a follow-up program, your vacation has unfortunately come to an end. We are sure you have experienced a great deal and gathered unforgettable impressions.

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