Cozy South Africa privately run

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 round-trip route from Johannesburg to Cape Town, which covers the distance between Durban and Port Elizabeth via a domestic flight: The Panorama Route and Kruger National Park, a private game reserve offering game drives in open-top vehicles, Zululand, the Dolphin Coast, the Drakensberg Mountains, Addo Elephant National Park, the Garden Route, the Cango Caves and the ostrich farm, Route 62, Cape Town and Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula, and the wine regions.

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

• 20 nights' accommodation in the Deluxe category (5-star guesthouses and lodges)
• 20 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 9 dinners
• Air-conditioned vehicle appropriate for the group size:
• four game drives in an open off-road vehicle
• Domestic flight from Durban to Port Elizabeth in Economy Class
• 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

We also offer this trip in the Superior category ****

Day 1: Welcome to South Africa
When you arrive at Johannesburg airport, you will be met personally by a driver from our transfer partner and taken to your accommodation. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Overnight stay with breakfast - The Residence Boutique Hotel (Luxury Room) in Johannesburg

Where you stay
You will stay at the exclusive 5-star boutique hotel "The Residence". The interior design, a combination of modern and classic style, invites you to feel at home. Relax in one of the three pools or enjoy a wellness treatment in the hotel's own spa area (for a fee). The hotel also offers a bar, a restaurant, a lounge, a garden, a tennis court and a fitness room. The 17 rooms and suites all have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, outdoor shower, Nespresso coffee machine, balcony/terrace, safe and TV with Netflix.

Day 2: Hazyview (approx. 400 km)
In the morning you will be greeted at your accommodation by your private tour guide and the journey starts eastwards into the province of Mpumalanga, the land of the rising sun. In the afternoon you arrive at your accommodation near the Panorama Route. The rest of the day is at your leisure and you can relax after the long drive.
Overnight stay with half board - Summerfields Rose Retreat & Spa (Luxury Tented Suite) in Hazyview

Where you stay
The luxurious Summerfields Rose Retreat & Spa is situated between Sabie and Hazyview, close to the Kruger National Park and the attractions of the Panorama Route. The 12 tented suites offer bath/WC, air-conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities, minibar and safe. The guest house offers a bar, a restaurant, a spa area (for a fee), a garden with pool and a fantastic view of the Lowveld.

Day 3: Panorama Route
Today you set off for the highlights of the Panorama Route. Your first stop is the impressive "God's Window". On a clear day, you can see as far as the Kruger Plain. Continue to the Bourke's Luck Potholes. Here, erosion has created deep swirl holes and a canyon in the dolomite rock. Finally, you will 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. Of course, the impressive waterfalls on the Panorama Route, such as Berlin Falls, Lone Creek Falls and Lisbon Falls, are not to be missed along the way. Let your tour guide show you their two favorites. In the afternoon, return to Hazyview via the Long Tom Pass.
Overnight stay with half board - Summerfields Rose Retreat & Spa (Luxury Tented Suite) in Hazyview

Day 4: Kruger National Park (approx. 120 km)
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll set off for the famous Kruger National Park. The Kruger is by far the largest national park in South Africa and provides a habitat for the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard) and countless other African wildlife. At your private safari lodge, you’ll enjoy luxury close to nature and take part in your first game drive in an open-air 4x4 in the afternoon (conducted in English, shared with other guests).
Overnight stay with full board – Hamiltons Tented Camp (Luxury Tented Suite) in Kruger National Park

Your Stay
With its high-quality furnishings and outstanding service, Hamilton Tented Camp carries on the glorious safari tradition of days gone by. You can look forward to delicious meals, fine wines, and a cozy bar. The camp’s six luxurious tented suites feature a bathroom, air conditioning, mosquito nets, an observation deck with an outdoor shower, a lounge area, and a telephone. The lodge features a bar, a restaurant with an outdoor deck, a boma (traditional dining area around a campfire), and a pool.

Day 5: On Safari
The day starts early with a game drive in an open-top SUV (in English, conducted with other guests). Back at the lodge, a delicious breakfast will be waiting for you. Now you’ll have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the lodge’s amenities. In the afternoon, you’ll head out again for exciting wildlife viewing (in English, conducted with other guests).
Hamiltons Tented Camp is arguably the best-known and most famous classic tented camp for discerning guests in all of South Africa. It is located on a 10,000-hectare private concession directly within Kruger National Park. The camp was built to ensure minimal impact on the natural environment.
Overnight stay with full board – Hamiltons Tented Camp (Luxury Tented Suite) in Kruger National Park

Day 6: Badplaas (approx. 320 km)
After another dawn game drive (conducted in English, shared with other guests), you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast before continuing your journey. Your destination is the beautiful Dawsons Lodge near Badplaas, where you’ll have the afternoon at your leisure. The lodge offers numerous activities (some for a fee) that invite you to participate, while those seeking relaxation will find a lovely spot by the pool.
Overnight stay with half board – Dawsons Game Lodge (Standard Room) in Badplaas

Where you stay
The luxurious Dawsons Game Lodge is situated on the Komati River between Barberton and Badplaas in a private nature reserve in beautiful surroundings. The area offers pure relaxation and recreation. You can fish for trout in the river or discover the reserve's animals (giraffes, zebras, antelopes and more) on foot. The 8 rooms have bath/WC, fireplace, minibar, tea/coffee maker and veranda. The lodge offers a pool, a restaurant, a bar, a TV lounge and various activities (some for a fee).

Day 7: Zululand (approx. 420 km)
After breakfast, the journey continues. Via Piet Retief and Pongola you reach the lush green Zululand. Adjacent to the Indian Ocean are the beautiful iSimangaliso Wetlands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to numerous hippos, crocodiles and bird species, as well as many other African animals. Your lodge is located in the middle of this natural paradise. Depending on your arrival time and interests, you can take part in a game drive in an open off-road vehicle in the afternoon or relax at the lodge (English-speaking, with additional persons) before enjoying a delicious dinner around the campfire in the evening.
Overnight stay with full board - Makakatana Bay Lodge (Luxury Suite) in St. Lucia

How you live
The lodge, built on stilts, invites you to linger and relax. Only 6 rooms offer maximum privacy. Guests have access to a bar, a swimming pool with a fantastic view of the bush, a wine cellar and a "boma" (covered outdoor dining area). The spacious rooms offer an incomparable view of the landscape through large windows. They also have air conditioning/heating, ceiling fan, telephone, minibar, outdoor shower and a private viewing terrace.

Day 8: iSimangaliso Wetlands
Today is all about the iSimangaliso Wetlands. The lodge offers many exciting excursions into the beautiful surroundings, which we will be happy to arrange with you in advance. The best way to experience the wetlands is probably from the water on an extensive boat tour through the labyrinth of waterways with a delicious picnic lunch in the midst of nature. Or you can set off in an open safari vehicle to the eastern part of the park to the beautiful beaches on the Indian Ocean for swimming and snorkeling. All activities at the lodge are in English and are carried out with other participants.
Overnight stay with full board - Makakatana Bay Lodge (Luxury Suite) in St. Lucia

Day 9: Umhlanga (approx. 230 km)
In the morning, you will take part in another game drive in an open off-road vehicle (English-speaking, conducted with additional persons). You will then be picked up by your tour guide and continue south to the metropolis of Durban. In the beautiful coastal town of Umhlanga, you can end the day relaxing by the pool or on a walk along the beach. Alternatively, your tour guide is also available for excursions until she bids you farewell in the late afternoon.
Overnight stay with breakfast - Teremok Marine (Suite) in Umhlanga

Where you stay
The luxurious Teremok Marine Lodge is located in the vacation resort of Umhlanga, just a few meters from the sea. Many stores, restaurants and cafés can be reached in a few minutes by car. The 8 individually furnished suites offer bath/WC, air conditioning, coffee/tea maker, TV, minibar, safe, balcony or veranda. The lodge has a pool, a garden, a lounge, a bar and a spa area (for a fee).

Day 10: Departure for the Garden Route (approx. 60 km)
This morning, you’ll have plenty of time for a leisurely start to the day. Afterward, you’ll set off for the beautiful Garden Route and, in time for your flight, our transfer partner (English-speaking) will take you to Durban Airport. You’ll fly to Port Elizabeth, where your new tour guide will be waiting for you. Today’s destination is a lovely lodge in the hinterland between Port Elizabeth and Jeffreys Bay. Here, you can wind down the evening in a relaxed atmosphere.
Overnight stay with half board – Intle Boutique Hotel (Executive Suite) near Jeffreys Bay

Where you stay
The upmarket Intle Boutique Hotel is situated in an 800ha private game reserve with giraffes, zebras, antelopes and more in the hinterland of Jeffreys Bay. The hotel offers unique views of the reserve with the mountains on one side and the Gamtoos River and the sea on the other. Jeffreys Bay with its beautiful beaches is about a 20-minute drive away. The nine modern rooms have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker, a safe, a TV and a balcony. The Superior Rooms are approximately 22 square meters in size. The Executive Suites are approximately 26 square meters in size and have a bathtub in addition to the shower. The Presidential Suite is about 38 square meters and has an extra large bathtub in addition to the shower and an extra large balcony. The hotel offers a restaurant, an infinity pool, a spa area (for a fee), a cigar lounge, a viewing deck, a fireplace and free WiFi. There are hiking and mountain bike trails in the reserve. Bikes can be rented for a fee.

Day 11: Tsitsikamma National Park (approx. 220 km)
You’ll continue on to Tsitsikamma National Park, which—with its hiking trails, beaches, and waterfalls—is part of the Garden Route National Park. First, you’ll stop for a quick visit to the Big Tree, a centuries-old yellowwood tree that stands over 40 meters tall. Afterward, you’ll visit the Storms River estuary. A leisurely, short hike takes you here to the famous Suspension Bridge, offering breathtaking views (access to the bridge may be closed due to weather conditions). In the afternoon, you’ll reach the beautiful Nature’s Valley, where you’ll have some time to relax on the secluded beaches or go hiking. In the evening, you’ll arrive in Knysna, the heart of the Garden Route.
Overnight stay with breakfast – Kanonkop House (Luxury Lagoon Facing Suite) in Knysna

Where you stay
You will spend the night in the spacious and luxurious Kanonkop House. Make yourself comfortable on the large terrace and enjoy the fantastic view over the lagoon and the forests of Knysna. The 7 stylish rooms have en-suite bathrooms, indoor and outdoor seating areas, minibar, TV, underfloor heating, safe and tea/coffee making facilities with Nespresso machine. The guest house offers a pool, sun deck, terrace, lounge and bar.

Day 12: Knysna
Today is yours to spend as you wish, though your tour guide is, of course, available to assist with excursions in the diverse surrounding area. The Wilderness National Park, for example, is an excellent choice for a day trip. Or drive to the impressive viewpoint at Eastern Head, right at the entrance to the lagoon, and then enjoy a relaxing day at a beautiful sandy beach. In the evening, round off the day with a leisurely boat tour on the lagoon (in English, conducted with other participants).

Optionally, you can also take part in a township tour (for a fee, English-speaking, with additional people). 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.
Overnight stay with breakfast - Kanonkop House (Luxury Lagoon Facing Suite) in Knysna

Day 13: Oudtshoorn (approx. 120 km)
Traveling over the scenic Outeniqua Pass, you’ll leave the coast behind and reach the arid inland region. Once you arrive in Oudtshoorn, the “ostrich capital,” you’ll take a guided tour to explore the stalactite-filled landscape of the Cango Caves (in English, conducted with other participants). Numerous chambers of the vast cave system offer an impressive variety of enormous stalactite formations. Afterward, you’ll get up close and personal with these large, flightless birds at an ostrich farm and learn many fascinating details about the animals and their breeding during a very informative tour (in English, conducted with other participants). Your destination is a cozy guesthouse in Oudtshoorn.
Overnight stay with half board – Rosenhof Country House (Luxury Room) in Oudtshoorn

Where you stay
The Rosenhof Country House in Oudtshoorn is a five-star hotel built in Victorian style around 1852 and recently restored for discerning guests who love the natural. Antique furniture and warm colors create a cozy ambience. The lovingly and impeccably landscaped garden with fountains, herbs and a large rose garden will tempt you to dream and is the ideal place for lovers. The wide terraces and lush greenery create a very romantic atmosphere. The Rosenhof offers haute cuisine that combines traditional South African cuisine with international influences. The property is also known for its wide selection of wines.

Day 14: Route 62 (approx. 360 km)
Today’s journey continues along the famous and scenically unique Route 62. The former road connecting Port Elizabeth and Cape Town exudes a certain Wild West atmosphere, hence the similarity in name to the legendary Route 66. In Robertson, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery and arrive in the whale capital of Hermanus in the late afternoon. This lively little town, situated right on the famous Cliff Path, invites you to stroll and linger, and during whale season from June to November, you can even spot these gigantic marine mammals from land.
Overnight stay with breakfast – The Marine (Luxury Seaview Room) in Hermanus

Where you stay
The elegant The Marine is situated on the famous cliffs of Hermanus and the stunning view of Walker Bay is picturesquely framed by the mountainous landscape inland. The 40 luxurious rooms are individually decorated and feature en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, underfloor heating, tea/coffee making facilities, telephone, TV, safe and minibar. The hotel offers a pool, lounge, garden and wellness (for a fee).

Day 15: Hermanus
Today is a free day in Hermanus, but your tour guide will be happy to take you on excursions in the surrounding area. For example, you can stroll through the lively town, walk along the Cliff Path on the famous cliffs of Hermanus, or spend a relaxing day at beautiful Grotto Beach.

You also have the option (for a fee) to take part in a whale watching boat trip. This takes place during the whale season from June to November and gives you the chance to get very close to the large marine mammals (English-speaking, with additional persons).
Overnight stay with breakfast - The Marine (Luxury Seaview Room) in Hermanus

Day 16: Wine Regions (approx. 160 km)
After a delicious breakfast, you’ll leave the coast behind. Traveling over the stunning Franschhoek Pass, you’ll reach the wine town of the same name, with its French flair. The name translates to “French Corner” or “French Nook,” and the wineries have remained true to French tradition to this day. Franschhoek was founded in 1688, when about 200 Huguenots who had emigrated from France settled in the beautiful valley. Discover this charming little town with its numerous boutiques, galleries, and cafés on a leisurely stroll before sampling Franschhoek’s first-class wines at a tasting. We particularly recommend the La Motte, Moreson, and Haute Cabrière wineries.
Overnight stay with breakfast – Babylonstoren (Farmhouse Suite) in Franschhoek

Your Stay
Nestled in the triangle between Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl, amidst beautiful countryside, lies the luxurious Babylonstoren estate, world-renowned for its magnificent gardens. The hotel suites and cottages are located in various buildings spread across the expansive grounds. Various restaurants invite you to enjoy lunch and dinner. Hotel guests can use the pool and, for an additional fee, the wellness area. The individual suites and cottages all feature a bathroom/toilet, air conditioning, a fireplace, a minibar, a TV, a safe, and tea/coffee-making facilities. The Two-Bedroom Cottages have two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom/toilet.

Day 17: Babylonstoren
Today, you’ll explore the unique Babylonstoren farm, which is world-famous for its garden. The beautifully landscaped fruit and vegetable garden can be explored on your own or on a guided tour, and you’re welcome to pick and eat ripe fruit straight from the tree to your heart’s content. For lunch (not included in the price), the quaint Greenhouse Restaurant in the estate’s garden is a great option, where the farm’s own produce ends up directly on your plate. The historic Cape Dutch farm buildings also house a coffee roastery, an ice cream parlor, a bakery, a tasting room for the estate’s own wines, and a well-stocked farm shop with all kinds of homegrown products.
Overnight stay with breakfast – Babylonstoren (Farmhouse Suite) in Franschhoek

Day 18: Cape Town & Table Mountain (approx. 60 km)
You’ll spend the morning in Stellenbosch. The country’s second-oldest town boasts a beautiful historic center with many buildings in the Cape Dutch architectural style. Cafés, restaurants, and shops invite you to stroll and linger. Afterward, you’ll head to Cape Town, the “Mother City,” to explore the city’s sights. Behind the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood lies a long history; the centrally located Company’s Garden invites you to take a relaxing stroll amid the urban hustle and bustle; and at Greenmarket Square, you can shop for all kinds of arts and crafts and souvenirs. If the weather is good, you’ll of course visit Table Mountain, the city’s landmark, and enjoy the breathtaking 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 – Dock House Boutique Hotel & Spa (Luxury Room) in Cape Town

Where you stay
The historic Dock House Boutique Hotel & Spa originally served as the harbor master's private residence and welcomes its guests in an elegant ambience. Located directly on the V&A Waterfront, you can stay right in the heart of the city and still enjoy the tranquillity of the large garden away from the hustle and bustle. The seven luxurious rooms all have a bathroom/WC, balcony/terrace, air conditioning, satellite TV, minibar, tea/coffee station and a safe. The hotel offers a pool, a garden, a terrace, a fitness center and a spa area.

Day 19: The 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 - Dock House Boutique Hotel & Spa (Luxury Room) in Cape Town

Day 20: Cape Town
This day in Cape Town is at your leisure. For example, take advantage of the good shopping opportunities or culinary offerings at the V&A Waterfront. 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 - Dock House Boutique Hotel & Spa (Luxury 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.