The Best of South Africa

Scooping up the very best of South Africa, this 17-night itinerary blends extraordinary wildlife, natural beauty and vibrant cultures into one unmissable holiday. From safari animals and scenic harbours to colonial cityscapes and lush forests, you’ll experience game reserves, coasts, wineries and the beating heart of this utterly beautiful country.

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Combine the most popular game reserve Kruger, with the best of of the Garden Route, Winelands and time to explore Cape Town.

1 Night – Johannesburg
3 Nights – Kruger
1 Night – Port Elizabeth (optional)
3 Nights – Knysna
2 Nights – Hermanus
3 Nights – Winelands
4 Nights – Cape Town

✈️ UK – Johannesburg (1 night): You’ll fly direct from the UK to Johannesburg, where you’ll stay for one night before continuing to Kruger’s incredible game reserves. You can simply relax at your hotel, or venture out to explore the city’s “Big Apple” vibe to discover a mix of hipster neighbourhoods, buzzing restaurants, street art, and live music.

✈️ Johannesburg – Kruger (3 nights): We’ll transfer you back to the airport for a short flight to Mpumalanga, where you’ll be met and transferred to your lodge in Kruger National Park. Alternatively, you could opt for a scenic drive along the famous Panorama Route, stopping at Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon, and God’s Window (we recommend adding a night en route if you choose this option). The vast grasslands of Kruger are home to the legendary Big Five (elephants, rhinos, leopards, lions and buffalo), along with 500+ bird species and endless natural beauty. Morning and evening game drives offer unforgettable wildlife encounters, while your lodge provides the perfect place to unwind under the stars.

✈️ Kruger – Port Elizabeth (Optional – 1 night): Next, you’ll fly via Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth, where you’ll collect your hire car and begin one of the world’s greatest coastal drives along the Garden Route. Before you hit the road, you may wish to spend a night here in this laid-back seaside town. With its Blue Flag beaches, lively waterfront, and charming craft markets, Port Elizabeth makes a perfect stopover. You can also visit St Croix Island’s penguin colony or enjoy a sunset at Sardinia Bay.

🚗 Port Elizabeth – Knysna (3 nights): Your drive west takes you through rolling national parks, beach towns, and indigenous forests to the tranquil lagoon town of Knysna. Spend three nights soaking up the region’s beauty, exploring forest trails, browsing boutiques, and relaxing on Brenton-on-Sea and Buffalo Bay beaches. The scenery here is breath-taking, with sparkling Indian Ocean views and the Outeniqua Mountains as a backdrop. Be sure to try Knysna’s famous oysters at the waterfront.

🚗 Knysna – Hermanus (2 nights): Continue along the Western Cape to the charming seaside town of Hermanus, known as the whale-watching capital of the world. Between July and November, you can often spot whales right from the shore along the Cliff Path Walk. You’ll also find boutique wineries, farmers markets, a big-cat sanctuary, and plenty of welcoming restaurants and cafés to enjoy during your two-night stay.

🚗 Hermanus – Winelands (3 nights): Your next stop is the picturesque Winelands, where you’ll spend three nights surrounded by rolling vineyards and mountain scenery. This is South Africa’s wine heartland, home to charming towns such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Sample award-winning wines, dine at world-class restaurants, and soak up the relaxed rural atmosphere. A trip on the Franschhoek Wine Tram is a great way to explore without driving.

🚗 Winelands – Cape Town (4 nights): Your final leg takes you to Cape Town for four unforgettable nights. With Table Mountain as its backdrop, Cape Town offers a unique blend of culture, adventure, beaches and dining. Explore the V&A Waterfront’s shops and restaurants, visit Robben Island, or enjoy panoramic views from the Table Mountain cable car. For nature lovers, Cape Point and the penguins at Boulders Beach are must-sees, while Camps Bay offers one of the best spots for sunset cocktails. Whether you’re browsing designer boutiques, hiking mountain trails or simply dining al fresco on world-class cuisine, Cape Town is the perfect finale to your South African journey.

✈️ Cape Town – UK: When your stay in Cape Town comes to an end, drive back to the airport, drop off your car, and board your flight home, bringing your South African adventure to a close.