Multifaceted South Africa privately guided

ABOUT THIS TRIP

On this trip, you will travel as a couple, family or group of friends with your own private tour guide (either German or English-speaking), who will be at your disposal throughout. The trip can be started daily. You will spend the night in selected upscale accommodation. Of course, the itinerary can be adapted to your individual wishes at any point. The price per person depends on the size of your private group.

This is the classic itinerary from Johannesburg to Cape Town, taking in the different facets of the country: The Panorama Route, a private Big Five game reserve at Kruger National Park with game drives in open off-road vehicles, eSwatini, Zululand, the Dolphin Coast, the Drakensberg, the Karoo semi-desert, Addo Elephant National Park, the Garden Route, the Cango Caves and an ostrich farm, Route 62, Cape Town City and Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula and the Winelands.

Please note: Our privately guided tours are designed for groups of people who have already been confirmed in advance. If you are interested in joining a group, please look under "Small group tours".

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 20x overnight stays in the Superior category (4-star guesthouses and lodges)
• 20x breakfast, 2x lunch, 8x dinner
• Air-conditioned vehicle according to group size
• Five game drives in an open off-road vehicle
• Excursions and entrance fees according to program
• Private tour guide (German or English of your choice) and 24-hour hotline (English-speaking) on site
• Comprehensive travel documents (with an individual tour book and a travel guide per room)
• Virtual meeting with the tour guide before departure on request
• Insurance according to German travel law incl. travel price insurance certificate

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Drinks and meals not specified
• Long-haul flights from/to Europe (we are happy to arrange suitable flights on request)
• optional excursions, other personal expenses, tips
• Travel insurance

Tour description and prices as PDF

Day 1: Welcome to South Africa (approx. 380 km)
You will be met at Johannesburg airport by your private tour guide. The journey starts in an easterly direction through the province of Mpumalanga, the land of the rising sun. Your destination is the small town of Hazyview near the Kruger National Park. The afternoon is at your leisure here and you can relax after your long journey.
Overnight stay with half board - Ashbourne Country Escape (Double Room) in Hazyview

Where you stay
The Ashbourne Country Escape is situated just outside Hazyview on a small hill, from where you have a wonderful view over the northern foothills of the Drakensberg. The 5 rooms are spacious and simply but elegantly furnished and have a bathroom/WC, tea/coffee maker and veranda. The guest house offers a garden, a terrace and a pool.

Day 2: Panorama Route (approx. 150 km)
Today you set off for the highlights of the Panorama Route. Your first stop is the impressive "God's Window", where you can see as far as the Kruger Plain on a clear day. Via Berlin Falls you reach the Bourke's Luck Potholes. Here, erosion has created deep swirl holes and a canyon in the dolomite rock. Finally, you visit the Blyde River Canyon, which is 26 kilometers long and 800 meters deep. The "Three Rondavels" can also be seen from here: Huge, round rocks that are reminiscent of the huts of the locals. In the afternoon, you arrive at your authentic safari lodge in a private game reserve. In contrast to the state-run Kruger National Park, only overnight guests have access to the private reserves. In the afternoon, you will set off on your first exciting game drives in an open off-road vehicle (English-speaking, with additional persons). The subsequent dinner is served traditionally at the cozy boma, weather permitting.
Overnight stay with half board - Karongwe River Lodge (Luxury Suite) near Hoedspruit

Where you stay
The spacious Karongwe River Lodge on the Makhutsi River consists of only eleven detached chalet suites. The spacious chalets offer a bathroom/WC, tea/coffee maker, minibar, air conditioning, mosquito nets over the bed, a safe and a private veranda. The lodge offers a pool, a boma (traditional campfire dining area), a bar, a restaurant and a cozy veranda overlooking the river.

Day 3: On safari
The day starts early with a game drive in an open off-road vehicle (English-speaking, with additional persons). Back at the lodge, a delicious breakfast awaits you. Now you have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the amenities of the lodge. In the afternoon, it's off again for exciting game viewing in the reserve (English-speaking, with additional persons).
In 1998, the landowners of the Karongwe area decided to remove the fences and establish the Karongwe Private Game Reserve. Today the reserve is home to 40 species of mammals, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo).
Overnight stay with full board - Karongwe River Lodge (Luxury Suite) near Hoedspruit

Day 4: eSwatini (approx. 360 km)
After another game drive in the early morning (English-speaking, conducted with additional people) and a hearty breakfast, you will continue your journey and shortly afterwards cross the border into eSwatini. The small kingdom impresses with its extremely open-minded and friendly locals and at local craft markets you have the opportunity to purchase a souvenir to take home. In the afternoon you arrive at your beautiful guesthouse.
Overnight stay with breakfast - Mogi Boutique Hotel (Double Room) in eSwatini

Where you stay
The modern Mogi Boutique Hotel is conveniently yet quietly located in the Ezulwini Valley. Enjoy the fantastic view of the surrounding mountains. The 8 rooms have a bathroom/WC, TV and fridge. The hotel offers a restaurant, a bar and a large garden with pool.

Day 5: St. Lucia (approx. 330 km)
After breakfast, you set off and re-enter South Africa at Golela. You continue your journey to the vacation resort of St. Lucia at the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park. The small town lies at the mouth of the Lake St. Lucia Lagoon on a narrow spit of land, bordered by the St. Lucia Estuary to the west and the Indian Ocean to the east. Here you have the rest of the day at leisure. Explore the beautiful beaches or take a stroll through the small tourist town.
Overnight stay with breakfast - Lodge Afrique (Chalet Suite) in St. Lucia

Where you stay
The inviting Lodge Afrique is located in the heart of St. Lucia. All the attractions in the area, as well as the beautiful beaches, are within easy reach. The 8 cozy chalets are set in a tropical garden and have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning and an outdoor shower. The lodge offers a pool, a garden and a bar.

Day 6: Hluhluwe National Park
Early in the morning, we’ll head to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park in an open-air 4x4—the oldest and perhaps most beautiful game reserve in South Africa (English-speaking guide, tour shared with other guests). The two game reserves, Hluhluwe and Imfolozi, were established as early as 1897 to protect the last remaining rhinos. In 1998, both parks and the corridor between them were merged to form the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, and with over 96,000 hectares, it is now the fourth-largest game reserve in the country. Hluhluwe-Imfolozi is known for its large rhino population, but the Big Five are also at home here. Here you will go on an extensive game drive and stop along the way for a traditional bush lunch. In the late afternoon, you will return to your accommodation in St. Lucia.
Overnight stay with breakfast – Lodge Afrique (Chalet Suite) in St. Lucia

Day 7: iSimangaliso Wetlands (approx. 220 km)
In the morning, you will take part in a boat tour in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (English-speaking, with additional persons). This is not only home to around 1500 crocodiles, but also around 800 hippos. Continue south to the metropolis of Durban and reach your accommodation in the beautiful suburb of Umdloti. Here you have the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight stay with breakfast - Fairlight Beach House (Luxury Room) in Umdloti

Where you stay
Fairlight Beach House is located in Umdloti, within walking distance of the beautiful sandy beach on the Indian Ocean. The bright colors of the guest house create a friendly ambience and offers a fantastic view of the sea. The Fairlight Beach House offers a pool, a lounge and a terrace. The six individual rooms have a bathroom/WC, sea view, air conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryer, minibar and TV.

Day 8: Drakensberg (approx. 300 km)
Today you leave the coast behind you and set course for the imposing mountain world of the Drakensberg. Near the small town of Howick, the Nelson Mandela Capture Site offers you the opportunity to stretch your legs a little. South Africa's national hero Nelson Mandela was arrested at this site on August 5, 1962. Today, a sculpture made of 50 steel columns commemorates this historic event. If you are interested in delving even deeper into this moving story, you can also visit the museum on site. You then continue your journey and arrive at an idyllic lodge in the Drakensberg in the afternoon.
Overnight stay with half board - Montusi Mountain Lodge (Garden Suite) in Bergville

How you live
You will stay in a chalet at Montusi Mountain Lodge with a fantastic view of the famous amphitheater. The 14 detached chalets offer a bathroom/WC, a lounge area with a separate bedroom, a fan, underfloor heating, a fireplace, a TV, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker and a veranda with a mountain view. The two Mountain View Chalets also have a large skylight with mountain views from the bedroom. The lodge has a restaurant, a bar, an outdoor veranda with a view, a pool and a large garden.

Day 9: Royal Natal National Park
Today you will visit the Royal Natal National Park with its famous amphitheater. This park is the highlight of the northern Drakensberg, because nowhere else is the mountain world so picturesque and fascinating. The main attraction is the amphitheatre, a 5 kilometer long and up to 500 meter high rock massif. The park not only has different geological formations, but also different climatic zones. This explains the richness of the vegetation, so that more than 900 plants have already been cataloged. 83 kilometers of hiking trails have been laid out on 25 routes and offer something for every taste. Together with your tour guide, you can choose a suitable hiking trail and explore this fantastic landscape on foot.

In the evening, you can go on an optional sundowner ride (for a fee) (English-speaking, possible with additional people). Enjoy the fantastic view of the amphitheater on horseback in the light of the setting sun.
Overnight stay with half board - Montusi Mountain Lodge (Garden Suite) in Bergville

Day 10: Diamond city Kimberley (approx. 530 km)
After breakfast, you continue your journey and reach the diamond town of Kimberley via Bloemfontein. The world's largest diamond deposit was discovered here in 1871 and diamond fever broke out. At peak times, over 50,000 miners populated the town and lived in tents and huts. Kimberley's layout still bears witness to its turbulent history: crooked streets and no orientation to guide you. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, the town still has a certain charm.
Overnight stay with breakfast - 75 On Milner Lodge (Standard Room) in Kimberley

How to stay
The beautiful 75 On Milner Lodge is centrally located in Kimberley. The rooms have a bathroom/WC and a coffee/tea maker. The lodge offers a lounge, a restaurant, a terrace and a pool.

Day 11: Graaff-Reinet (approx. 540 km)
150 years ago, when it became known to the world that diamonds had been found in Africa, people came in their thousands. Carrying nothing but shovels, picks and their hopes, they created the largest hole ever dug by human hands. Today you will visit this historic site and be transported back to times long past in the mining museum. The journey continues to Graaff-Reinet. The fourth oldest town in South Africa is rightly regarded as the jewel of the Karoo semi-desert. A visit to the town is like walking through a living museum.
Overnight stay with breakfast - Drostdy Hotel (Standard Room) in Graaff-Reinet

Where you stay
In the heart of the city, the charming Drostdy Hotel impresses with a successful mix of Cape Dutch Victorian and typical Karoo architecture. The 48 rooms all have a bathroom with WC, telephone, safe, air conditioning and WiFi. The hotel's amenities include a lounge, a restaurant, three swimming pools in the middle of a beautiful garden, a small art gallery, a spa and a fitness room.

Day 12: The Karoo semi-desert
Graaff-Reinet is surrounded by the approximately 16,000-hectare Camdeboo National Park. After a hearty breakfast, you will visit the "Valley of Desolation". The drive along the steep mountain road offers spectacular views of the wonderfully bizarre Karoo landscape. At the end of the road, several easy hiking trails lead to various viewpoints, and these views alone are worth the detour into the desert. Continue along a specially designed circuit through an area where zebras, buffalo and various species of antelope can also be found. Marvel at the unique Karoo with its grasses and succulents. Back in the city, you have the rest of the day at leisure. Take a walk through the town with your tour guide or relax in the garden of your accommodation.
Overnight stay with breakfast - Drostdy Hotel (Standard Room) in Graaff-Reinet

Day 13: Addo National Park (approx. 230 km)
Today's destination is the malaria-free Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape, famous for its large herds of elephants, which gave the park its name. But the Addo has much more to offer: Thanks to land acquisitions, it now stretches all the way to the coast and therefore boasts the only "Big 7" national park, which offers whale and shark sightings as well as lions, buffalo, elephants, rhinos and leopards. On a flying visit in a tour vehicle in Addo Park, you will discover many of the fascinating pachyderms and many other animals. In the afternoon, you will reach your guest house outside the park.

Optionally, you can also take a guided afternoon game drive in an open off-road vehicle in the Addo National Park (English-speaking, with additional persons)
Overnight stay with half board - Woodall Country House (Luxury Room) at Addo National Park

Where you stay
Woodall Country House is nestled amidst beautiful citrus gardens very close to Addo Elephant National Park. The peaceful surroundings are also reflected in the luxurious accommodation and attention to detail. The 18 rooms have en-suite facilities, ceiling fan, air-conditioning, private veranda, mini-bar, stereo, safe, telephone, internet access, hairdryer, tea/coffee making facilities, bathrobes and electric blankets for those chilly winter nights. The guest house offers a pool, a sun terrace, a bar, a restaurant and a wellness center (for a fee).

Day 14: Garden Route (approx. 310 km)
You travel on to Tsitsikamma National Park, which is part of the Garden Route National Park with its hiking trails, beaches and waterfalls. You first stop for a flying visit to the Big Tree, a centuries-old yellowwood tree that is more than 40 meters high. You then visit the mouth of the Storms River. A leisurely, short hike takes you to the famous Suspension Bridge with its fantastic views (access to the bridge may be closed due to weather conditions). In the afternoon, you will reach the beautiful Nature's Valley, where you will have some time to relax on the secluded beaches or go hiking. In the evening you reach Knysna, the heart of the Garden Route.
Overnight stay with half board - Parkes Manor (Lagoon View Suite) in Knysna

Where you stay
You will stay in the historic and lovingly restored Parkes Manor Guest House, a stately home in a 12000sqm park-like garden overlooking the lagoon. The nine individually furnished suites all have a shower/WC with separate bathtub, TV/DVD, hairdryer, tea/coffee maker, air conditioning, minibar, safe, balcony or veranda. The Lagoon View Suites also offer a view over the garden and the lagoon. Parkes Manor offers a fireplace lounge, a restaurant, a bar, an outdoor veranda with lagoon view, a large garden with pool, golf tee and putting green.

Day 15: Knysna
Today is at your leisure, but your tour guide is of course available for excursions in the varied surroundings. The Wilderness National Park, for example, is ideal for a day trip. Or drive to the impressive viewpoint on the Eastern Head directly at the entrance to the lagoon and then enjoy a relaxing day on a beautiful sandy beach. In the evening, round off the day with a leisurely boat tour on the lagoon (English-speaking, with additional people).

Optionally, you can also take part in other activities (for a fee, English-speaking, carried out with other people).
Township tour: This takes place in the morning or afternoon and lasts around 3 hours. True to the motto "Meet the locals", you will visit the small township on the outskirts of Knysna. Here you will meet the residents and learn about education, housing and the health system.
Whale watching: On the whale watching tour, you take a small boat out to sea and, with a bit of luck, get up close to the large marine mammals! The tour takes place during the whale season from June to November and you should be seaworthy.
Overnight stay with breakfast - Parkes Manor (Lagoon View Suite) in Knysna

Day 16: Oudtshoorn (approx. 130 km)
You’ll leave the coast via the scenic Outeniqua Pass and reach the arid inland region. Once you arrive in Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital, you’ll discover the stalactite-filled landscape of the Cango Caves on a guided tour (in English, conducted with other participants). Numerous chambers within the vast cave system showcase an impressive variety of enormous stalactite formations. Afterward, you’ll visit an ostrich farm to get up close and personal with these large, flightless birds and learn many fascinating details about the animals and their breeding on a very informative tour (in English, conducted with other participants). Your destination is a cozy guesthouse in Oudtshoorn.
Overnight stay with breakfast – Hlangana Lodge (Superior Room) in Oudtshoorn

Your Accommodation
You’ll stay at the charming Hlangana Lodge, located on a quiet side street near the town center. The 19 rooms in this Victorian-style property feature a bathroom with toilet, air conditioning, a minibar, a TV, a telephone, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. The lodge offers a pool, a restaurant, a terrace, and a beautiful garden.

Day 17: Route 62 & Winelands (approx. 260 km)
At dawn, you have the option (for a fee) of seeing a family of meerkats in the wild: At sunrise, you set off with an experienced guide in search of the meerkats of the Little Karoo and observe the cute predators as they start their day (English-speaking, carried out with additional persons).

Continue along the famous and scenically unique Route 62, the former connecting route between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. This route exudes a certain Wild West atmosphere, hence the similarity in name to the legendary Route 66. You then reach Robertson, which has developed into one of the most popular Cape Winelands towns with its numerous Jakaranda trees (blossom in November), oak avenues and many Victorian buildings. Here, in the idyllic Wine Valley, you will enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery before arriving at your guesthouse.
Overnight stay with half board - Fraai Uitzicht (Superior Garden Suite) in Robertson

Where you stay
The Fraai Uitzicht 1798 wine estate is remarkable in every respect: the restaurant is undoubtedly one of the best in the wider area, the fantastic four-star guest house is beautifully situated in the vineyards and wine has finally been made again since 2006. The 10 rooms have bath/WC, air conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities, veranda and some have an outdoor shower. The guest house has a pool, beautiful gardens, a restaurant and a wine cellar.

Day 18: Cape Town & Table Mountain (approx. 170 km)
After breakfast, the journey continues to the beautiful small town of Stellenbosch in the middle of the Western Cape. The second oldest town in the country has a beautiful historic town center with many buildings in the Cape Dutch architectural style. Cafés, restaurants and stores invite you to stroll and linger. You then reach Cape Town, the "Mother City", and explore the city's sights. The colorful Bo-Kaap district hides a long history, the centrally located Company's Garden invites you to take a relaxing stroll amidst the hustle and bustle of the city and on Greenmarket Square you can store for all kinds of handicrafts and souvenirs. If the weather is good, you can of course visit Table Mountain, the city's landmark, and enjoy the fantastic view. If the cable car is closed, you can alternatively enjoy the view from the Cape Wheel Ferris wheel at the V&A Waterfront.
Overnight stay with breakfast - Winchester Hotel (Classic Room) in Cape Town

Your Stay at th
The Cape Dutch architectural style of the lovingly renovated Winchester Hotel exudes an atmosphere of pure elegance. Located directly on the waterfront promenade of the popular Sea Point neighborhood, restaurants, cafés, shops, and the V&A Waterfront are just a short walk away. This boutique hotel features a restaurant, a beautiful courtyard, a pool, and free Wi-Fi. The 76 rooms feature a bathroom, air conditioning, a TV, a minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, and a safe. The Loft Rooms and Classic Rooms overlook the courtyard. The Junior Suites offer views of either the ocean, Table Mountain, or Lion’s Head. The Family Suites have two bedrooms that share a bathroom and a lounge area.

Day 19: Cape Peninsula
You set off on a day trip to the Cape Peninsula. First you stop in Muizenberg and marvel at the colorful little houses that can be found on every postcard. Continue along False Bay via Kalk Bay to Simon's Town, where you will visit the famous penguin colony. You then drive to the Cape of Good Hope National Park with the Cape of Good Hope and via Chapman's Peak Drive, one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world, on to Hout Bay with its small fishing port. In the late afternoon you will arrive back in Cape Town, where you will say goodbye to your tour guide.
Overnight stay with breakfast - Winchester Hotel (Classic Room) in Cape Town

Day 20: Cape Town
This day in Cape Town is at your leisure. Take advantage of the excellent shopping opportunities or culinary offerings at the V&A Waterfront, for example. The ferries to the former prison island of Robben Island also depart from here. Or stroll through the lively city center and the Company's Garden and visit one of the many museums located there.
Overnight stay with breakfast - Winchester Hotel (Classic Room) in Cape Town

Day 21: Goodbye South Africa
Your trip ends today and you will be taken to Cape Town airport by a driver from our transfer partner (English-speaking) to coincide with your return flight.