Drifters South Africa Eco Explorer

Drifters has been one of the largest and most renowned safari operators in Southern Africa for over 40 years. The 18-day South Africa tour combines the main highlights of the south and north of the country. Even though this tour is based in comfortable accommodation, the overall character of an adventurous overland tour is not completely lost. All travelers should have a certain open-minded attitude. This is not a typical hotel bus tour. Single travelers may have to share a room with a fellow traveler of the same sex, but a single room (optional) is also available on request. Transportation is by non-air-conditioned safari truck.

The tour language for this tour is English, the group is international. The age structure is between 18 and around 55 years. The maximum number of participants is 16 with an average of 10 people per tour.

Flights are not included in this tour. We are happy to arrange suitable flights or airport transfers as well as pre- or post-night stays on request. As the Drifters tours usually start early in the morning and only arrive back in the late afternoon, you should book at least one overnight stay at the start location and one overnight stay at the destination in order not to miss the start of the tour or the return flight.

Start dates and prices 2025/26 as PDF (starts every Tuesday)

Our aim is to show the unique nature and culture that South Africa - also known as "A World in One Country" - has to offer. A country almost the size of Europe, with over 3,000 kilometers of untouched coastline and a climate that ranges from hot desert to cool mountain air. It prides itself on a diverse ecosystem that also boasts a variety of flora and fauna, as well as different cultures ranging from the original Bushman to the western world. We visit the highlights and explore nature off the beaten track to discover South Africa's many insider tips. We stay in comfortable lodges, in remote reserves, high up in the mountains or on the beach - always in very special places. This tour is for those with a flexible and adventurous spirit.

DAY 1: JOHANNESBURG - BUSH LODGE
We start in Johannesburg - "the city of gold" - and head north, as many adventurers have done before us. Our journey takes us through the outskirts of the capital Pretoria to the wide open plains of Africa. We enjoy lunch (own expense) in the historic town of Haenertsburg. After lunch we drive down the Magoebaskloof Pass, a spectacular mountainous area ruled by the Modjadi Rain Queen. The last part of our drive takes us into the Greater Kruger - world renowned for its protected nature and wildlife population.

The next two nights we make ourselves comfortable in our well-equipped bush lodge, which is located in a private reserve within the Greater Kruger National Park, where the animals can move freely and without restrictions. The private game reserve gives us the opportunity to explore the wilderness freely in open vehicles in search of animals, whether during the day or at night. The tented lodge blends naturally into the bush and offers comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, a cool swimming pool and breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness, including a waterhole that is frequently visited by various animals. As you drift off to sleep, you will be accompanied by the sounds of the animal kingdom.
Overnight stay: Bush Lodge, meals included: dinner

DAY 2: PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
After a quiet night, we start with an early riser's breakfast consisting of fresh coffee and rusks (a typical South African cookie) before setting off on our game drive into the African bush.
African bush. Accompanied by a qualified guide/ranger, we discover the wilderness with heightened senses. Always on the lookout for animal encounters, we discover that the little treasures are often hidden from our eyes. Before the heat of the day sets in, we return to the lodge for a hearty brunch. Afterwards, it's time to relax at the lodge and enjoy the silence of the surrounding wilderness. A nearby waterhole in front of the camp attracts the animals that come to quench their thirst. Of course, the pecking order is always clearly visible. With a cool drink in hand, you can switch off and watch the animals from the swimming pool or the terrace. When the heat subsides in the afternoon, it's time for another game drive in an open off-road vehicle, which turns into a night drive in search of nocturnal animals.
As dusk sets in, it's time for a traditional sundowner drink or two as the sun sets over the African bushveld.
Overnight: Bush Lodge, meals included: brunch, dinner

DAY 3: PANORAMA ROUTE - HAZYVIEW
We rise with the African sun and enjoy a hearty breakfast before exploring the highlights of the Panorama Route, known for its many natural wonders and viewpoints. First we take a look at the impressive Blyde River Canyon - the world's largest "green gorge". We continue to the museum town of Pilgrim's Rest, where we can enjoy a walk along the main street. Lunch is at your own expense and during this time we can enjoy breathtaking views of the Lowveld. In the afternoon we continue to the tranquil Greenfire Lodge Hazyview. The lodge consists of a spacious log cabin built on stilts in the forest on the banks of the impressive Sabie River. The Sabie River is also known by the locals as "scary". It is not only a natural paradise, but also a working farm where coffee, limes and macadamia nuts are grown and produced. We take time to visit the work on the property.
Overnight stay: Greenfire Lodge Hazyview, meals included: breakfast, dinner

DAY 4: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
We leave the lodge at sunrise and drive the short distance to enter the southern sector of Kruger National Park for a full day of game viewing. We drive slowly through the park, which is about the size of Wales or Isreal, and spend the day searching for many animals. We enjoy the high vantage point and comfort of our well-equipped vehicle. Our well-trained guide will take plenty of time to explain the animals' behavior. Although most of the day will be spent game viewing, we will stop at various designated places to stretch our legs and enjoy lunch at one of the park camps at our own expense.
We leave the park in the late afternoon and return to the comfort of our Greenfire Lodge Hazyview.
Overnight: Greenfire Lodge Hazyview, meals included: breakfast snacks en route, dinner

DAY 5: ESWATINI
After breakfast, we drive through the provincial capital of Mbombela (Nelspruit) before leaving South Africa and crossing the border into the Kingdom of eSwatini, formerly known as Swaziland. eSwatini is a small landlocked country, rich in culture and beautiful nature. Our journey takes us high into the mountains, past numerous traditional villages and into an environment full of spectacular natural beauty. There are many traditional craft workshops in the area and if time permits, we will visit one of them during our stay. We will take some time to explore the small country before reaching our accommodation for the night. There we will also enjoy a local dinner.
Overnight stay: Foresters Arms Hotel, meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 6: ZULULAND
Today we follow the winding roads through the eSwatini countryside before entering South Africa again. After completing immigration formalities, we reach Zululand, part of what is now KwaZulu-Natal and home to South Africa's largest ethnic group, the Zulus. The region became the most powerful regional empire in the early 19th century under King Shaka Zulu and the Zulus influenced much of southern Africa. Back in South Africa, we continue to the lively coastal town of St. Lucia. St. Lucia is home to numerous hippos, crocodiles and bird species that live in the wetlands. In the evening we will visit one of the local restaurants.
Overnight: Forest Lodge, meals included: breakfast, lunch

DAY 7: ISIMANGALISO WETLANDS PARK
Today we spend the day in iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, the evergreen wetlands between fresh and salt water. This extraordinary combination of coast and wetlands offers a unique experience and we look out for rhino, buffalo and other wildlife before reaching the secluded beach. There we can take long walks on the beach or cool off in the Indian Ocean.
In the evening we will visit one of the local restaurants and enjoy a dinner at our own expense.
Overnight stay: Forest Lodge, meals included: breakfast, lunch

DAY 8: NORTHERN DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAINS
We leave St. Lucia after breakfast and continue through the hilly KwaZulu-Natal. The area is known for various battles between the Boers and the Zulus, the British and the Zulus and the British and the Boers. In the afternoon we reach the Drakensberg mountain range, which reaches an altitude of 3,400 meters and is also known as "The Barrier of Spears". We spend two nights here in a lodge surrounded by breathtaking views.
Overnight stay: Alpine Heath Resort, meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 9: ROYAL NATAL NATIONAL PARK
Today we take a hike into the Tugela Gorge, which is located in the Royal Natal National Park and is part of the World Heritage Site. From here we have a spectacular view of the high cliffs of the amphitheater and the Tugela Falls, which at a height of 948m are the second highest waterfalls in the world.
Overnight: Alpine Heath Resort, meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 10: SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAINS
With tired legs, the journey continues south along the mighty Drakensberg Mountains. Our destination for tonight is a working farm. We reach it in the afternoon and learn a lot about everyday farm life in South Africa and can even lend a hand with the work. Dinner consists of fresh ingredients from the farm's own garden.
Overnight stay: Flitwick Ranch, meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 11: WILD COAST
We start early and drive through small villages towards the coast. Our destination is one of South Africa's off-the-beaten-track highlights: the Wild Coast. This used to be an independent country, so there has been little development in the area, resulting in endless empty beaches, natural estuaries and rolling grasslands. This picture is lined with traditional Xhosa round huts. We spend two nights in accommodation in Coffee Bay.
Overnight: Green Fields Hotel, meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 12: WILD COAST
We spend the whole day on this unique, wild coast. The highlight of our stay is a hike along the high cliffs, sandy bays and green meadows until we reach one of the most impressive sights in this area: the "Hole in the Wall". This is an island just off the coast with a naturally formed arch. The more adventurous can swim out for a closer look. This afternoon we have time to enjoy the Robinson Crusoe-like surroundings and the comfort of our accommodation.
Overnight stay: Green Fields Hotel, meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 13: CRADOCK
We leave the Wild Coast and follow the lesser-known roads of the Eastern Cape inland. Our destination is the historic village of Cradock in the Karoo semi-desert, a town at the headwaters of the Great Fish River Valley. The area is full of rich history dating back to the mid-19th century. On arrival in Cradock, we meet a local guide who takes us on a walking tour of the history before we check into our accommodation for the night. Today we enjoy an evening surrounded by old-fashioned hospitality and history.
Overnight: Tuishuise & Victoria Manor, meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 14: MOUNTAIN ZEBRA NATIONAL PARK & ADDO ELEPHANT PARK
Early in the morning we drive to Mountain Zebra Park when the gate opens. Due to its location in the arid semi-desert of the Great Karoo, this park is very different from the other parks we have visited before. Here we have the chance to spot antelopes, ostriches, buffalo, cheetahs and rhinos in addition to the rare mountain zebras. We spend a few hours here looking for animals and enjoying the spectacular views before returning to our accommodation and enjoying a hearty breakfast. We then leave Cradock and drive on to Addo Elephant Park, where elephants, buffalo and other animals can be observed at close range. We will cross this interesting park from north to south. In the afternoon we leave the park and drive the short distance back to the coast. Our hotel is situated directly on the promenade of the beautiful Nelson Mandela Bay. The location of our hotel allows for a stroll along the beach and a wide choice of restaurants where we can enjoy our dinner (own expense).
Accommodation: The Beach Hotel, meals included: breakfast, lunch

DAY 15: GARDEN ROUTE
This morning we have time for a walk on the beach or a quick dip in the Indian Ocean. After breakfast we travel to the spectacular Garden Route. We drive along this magnificent landscape, which lies between the ocean and the mountain ranges. We explore the green and diverse vegetation that can be found here at numerous estuaries and lakes and in the forests. We stop regularly to explore the highlights. These include the Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park, where we take a walk along the rocky coastline and across the suspension bridge that spans the Storms River. In the afternoon we reach the lively harbor town of Knysna. With indigenous forests, fynbos and lakes, this corner is a natural Garden of Eden. In the late afternoon we have time to explore this quaint town and enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Rex Hotel, meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 16: WALK COAST
From Knysna we follow the coastal road through various small towns and drive to Cape Agulhas - the southernmost point of the African continent. We enjoy a short walk to the beach and the official point where the cold Atlantic Ocean meets the warm Indian Ocean. After a picnic, we continue to our accommodation in Arniston. In the afternoon we recommend a walk to the large Waenhuiskrans cave.
Overnight stay: Arniston Hotel, meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 17: CAPE TOWN
A leisurely morning drive takes us along the "Whale Route" through Hermanus, which is known worldwide for whale watching (seasonal), and on through the Hottentots Holland Mountains to Bettys Bay, where we visit a small penguin colony. In the afternoon, we drive along one of the country's most scenic routes past False Bay as we head towards the "Mother City" of Cape Town. We arrive at our accommodation at the V&A Waterfront. The hotel is close to award-winning restaurants, galleries, a vibrant nightlife and the waterfront promenade. We spend the last evening in a local restaurant with a dinner at our own expense and review our wonderful trip.
Overnight stay: aha Harbour Bridge Hotel, meals included: breakfast

DAY 18: CAPE TOWN
The tour ends on day 18 after breakfast. Cape Town is without doubt one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Rich in culture, delicious wines, world-class restaurants, fashion and the most diverse people, Cape Town invites you to stay a little longer. If you book a return flight for this day, please allow sufficient time for the airport transfer and check-in (up to three hours).
Meals included: Breakfast

Dates:
This tour departs from Johannesburg every Tuesday. At the time of publication the itinerary was correct, but Drifters is always working to provide the best possible tour for customers. Drifters reserves the right to change the tour content. While the itinerary is advertised, local conditions may change, roads may improve or deteriorate, new optional activities may be offered or discontinued, etc. Drifters always keeps an eye on all factors that influence a successful tour and will adjust the itinerary if circumstances so require.

Important information:
On this tour you are accommodated in permanent accommodation and bed linen and towels are provided. Depending on the time of year, malaria prophylaxis may be advisable and can be purchased on site. The game varies, so we also want to focus on the little things in the bush. It can get very hot, so sun protection is recommended.

The price includes transportation in a non-air-conditioned safari truck, 16x breakfast, 12x lunch, 13x dinner, accommodation, activities and entrance fees according to the program, group equipment and two members of the Drifters crew.

Not included in the price are alcohol, bottled water and soft drinks, souvenirs, gratuities, meals not mentioned and optional activities. Before departure, guests must sign a consent to the booking conditions and general information. Guests must also be able to show their own travel insurance.

A valid passport is required for all travelers. This tour travels to South Africa and Eswatini and it is the responsibility of the traveler to have all necessary visas.