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

• 20x overnight stays in the Superior category (4-star guesthouses and lodges)
• 20x breakfast, 3x lunch, 8x dinner
• Air-conditioned vehicle according to group size
•  Five game drives in an open off-road vehicle
• Domestic flight from Durban to East London 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 Deluxe category *****

Day 1: Welcome to South Africa
On arrival at Johannesburg airport, you will be personally welcomed by a driver from our transfer partner and taken to your accommodation (English-speaking, possible with additional persons). The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Overnight stay with breakfast - African Rock Hotel (Luxury Suite) in Johannesburg

Where you stay
The African Rock Hotel is a small oasis in the hustle and bustle of the big city and is located near Johannesburg International Airport in Kempton Park. The eleven suites have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, TV, telephone, minibar, safe, tea/coffee maker, veranda and free WiFi. The Family Suites and Superior Suites also have two additional single beds. The boutique hotel offers a restaurant, a bar, a souvenir store, an outdoor deck with a fireplace, a garden with a pool and a spa area for a fee.

Day 2: Hazyview (approx. 380 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 will 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 - 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 3: Kruger National Park

Today we are heading to the state-run Kruger National Park. It is the largest and most popular national park in South Africa and over a million visitors admire the park's magnificent wildlife every year. The wealth of species is unparalleled anywhere in the world. From the comfort of your closed vehicle, you can make exciting wildlife sightings at river courses, dams and waterholes. You leave the park in the afternoon and return to Hazyview.

Optionally, you have the opportunity to go on a game drive in an open off-road vehicle (for a fee, English-speaking, with additional persons).

Overnight stay with half board - Ashbourne Country Escape (Double Room) in Hazyview

Day 4: 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 - Ashbourne Country Escape (Double Room) in Hazyview

Day 5: Private Game Reserve (approx. 160 km)
After a leisurely breakfast, we continue southward. Located between Badplaas and Baberton at the foot of the Makhonjwa Mountains, the Nkomazi Game Reserve is still considered a true hidden gem. The landscape is striking, featuring mountain ranges, wide river valleys, and impressive grasslands. Unlike the state-run Kruger Park, only overnight guests have access to the private reserves, ensuring nothing stands in the way of breathtaking wildlife viewing. In the afternoon, you’ll take part in your first game drive in an open-top 4x4 (in English, conducted with other guests), followed by a traditional dinner around an open campfire (weather permitting).
Overnight stay with full board – Nkomazi Game Reserve (Deluxe Tent) near Badplaas

Where you stay
The private Nkomazi Game Reserve offers exclusive accommodation, far away from the tourist crowds. Komati Tented Lodge is situated on the banks of the Komati River with beautiful views of the surrounding area. Each of the 12 tented suites offers plenty of privacy with its own large sun deck and plunge pool. In addition, there is an extra-large king-size bed, comfortable heating and cooling, ceiling fan, minibar, safe and en-suite shower with an outdoor bathtub.

Day 6: On Safari
The day begins early with a game drive in an open-top 4x4 (conducted in English, shared with other guests). Back at the lodge, a delicious breakfast awaits you. Now you have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the lodge’s amenities. In the afternoon, you’ll head out again for exciting wildlife viewing in the reserve (conducted in English, shared with other guests). The Nkomazi Game Reserve is home to four of the “Big Five” (only buffalo are missing), many other animal species, unique plants, geological wonders, and Bushman rock paintings.
Overnight stay with full board – Nkomazi Game Reserve (Deluxe Tent) near Badplaas

Day 7: St. Lucia (approx. 410 km)
After another game drive in the early morning (English-speaking, conducted with additional persons) and breakfast, you set off and reach the resort of St. Lucia at iSimangaliso Wetlands Park in the late afternoon. The small town lies at the mouth of 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.
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 8: iSimangaliso Wetlands
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. The rest of the day is at your leisure, but your tour guide will of course be on hand if you are planning excursions in the surrounding area. The beautiful Cape Vidal in the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, for example, is highly recommended. (Entrance fees not included in the tour price). Cape Vidal in the seemingly endless St. Lucia Wetlands is famous for its Beach & Bush Experience. Discover wonderful wildlife in this magnificent, green national park as well as the best beaches in the whole country. But the beach directly in St. Lucia is also a great place for a relaxing day.

Optionally (for a fee), you have the chance to discover South Africa's nocturnal animals in the iSimangaliso National Park on a night game drive (English-speaking, with additional persons).
Overnight stay with breakfast - Lodge Afrique (Chalet Suite) in St. Lucia

Day 9: Hluhluwe National Park
Early in the morning, we drive in an open off-road vehicle to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, the oldest and perhaps most beautiful game park in South Africa (English-speaking, guided tour with additional persons). The two game reserves Hluhluwe and Imfolozi were founded back in 1897 to protect the last remaining rhinos. In 1998, the two parks and the corridor between them were merged to form the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, which is now the fourth largest game park in the country with over 96,000 hectares. Hluhluwe-Imfolozi is known for its large rhino population, but it is also home to the Big Five. Here you will go on an extensive game drive and stop en route for a traditional bush lunch. You arrive back at your accommodation in St. Lucia in the late afternoon.
Overnight stay with breakfast - Lodge Afrique (Chalet Suite) in St. Lucia

Day 10: Departure for the Garden Route (approx. 260 km)
After a relaxed start to the day, you set off today for the famous Garden Route. You drive to Durban Airport and fly to Port Elizabeth together with your tour guide. There you have the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Explore the city or enjoy some peace and quiet in your guesthouse.
Overnight stay with breakfast - Admiralty Beach House (Luxury Double Room) in Port Elizabeth

How to stay
Admiralty Beach House is just a stone's throw from the beach. The Summerstrand shopping center and numerous restaurants are also within easy walking distance. The large rooms all have bath/shower, separate entrance, balcony/veranda (some with sea view) and tea/coffee making facilities. The guest house offers a cozy lounge and a lush garden with a terrace and pool.

Day 11: Jeffreys Bay (approx. 130 km)
After breakfast, if you’re interested, take a short orientation tour of Port Elizabeth before heading to the region’s stunning coastline. You’ll visit the popular resort town of Jeffreys Bay, which is also one of the world’s top 10 surfing spots. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through this trendy town and watch daring surfers ride the waves. Afterward, continue on to your lodge at the pristine Oyster Bay. Here you’ll find plenty of peace and quiet and a unique landscape consisting of dunes, beaches, lagoons, and the endless ocean.
Overnight stay with half board – Oyster Bay Lodge (suite) in Oyster Bay

Where you stay
Oyster Bay Lodge is located in a 235-hectare nature reserve directly on a long, private sandy beach, which is ideal for long walks and sunbathing. Pure nature surrounds you on this untouched stretch of coast with overgrown dunes and a large lagoon. The lodge also has a pool, a bar, a restaurant and a wellness center. The guest rooms all have a bathroom/WC, hairdryer, fridge, tea/coffee maker, safe and a veranda with garden or sea view. The spacious chalets also all offer a fireplace, underfloor heating, a small kitchenette and sea views from the private veranda.

Day 12: Oyster Bay Lodge
Enjoy a relaxing day at the beautiful Oyster Bay! The ocean is right on your doorstep, and the lodge’s pool invites you to unwind with a good book or reflect on your past adventures. Enjoy the endless sandy beach on a leisurely stroll or explore the stunning scenery on one of the marked hiking trails. For an additional fee, you can also have a delicious picnic delivered to you. For those looking for a bit more action, the lodge offers numerous activities for a fee, such as dune safaris, farm tours, mountain biking, horseback riding, sandboarding, and much more—there’s no chance of getting bored here!
Overnight stay with half board – Oyster Bay Lodge (Suite) in Oyster Bay

Day 13: Tsitsikamma National Park (approx. 170 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 make 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 at the time-honored Parkes Manor in Knysna, a stately home in a large park-like garden overlooking the lagoon. After several years of private use, this classic Knysna guest house was reopened in 2013 under the management of SA Travel. The 9 classically and individually furnished rooms have bath/WC, TV, tea/coffee maker, fan, minibar, air conditioning, safe and balcony or terrace. Parkes Manor offers a pool, a fireplace lounge, a bar, a restaurant, a veranda and a large garden area.

Day 14: 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 15: Oudtshoorn & the Little Karoo semi-desert (approx. 130 km)
You’ll leave the coast via the scenic Outeniqua Pass and reach the arid hinterland. 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 of the vast cave system offer 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 16: Route 62 (approx. 400 km)
In the morning, after breakfast, you’ll leave the arid Karoo semi-desert. Today’s journey continues along the famous and scenically unique Route 62, the former road connecting Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. This route exudes a certain Wild West atmosphere, hence the similarity in name to the legendary Route 66. The journey continues to Stellenbosch, the heart of South African winemaking, where you’ll wind down the day in relaxation at your guesthouse.
Overnight stay with breakfast – Van Der Stel Manor (Classic Room) in Stellenbosch

Your Stay
The luxurious Van Der Stel Manor is located in the town of Stellenbosch. You’ll stay in an elegantly and stylishly furnished suite. The property is a great base from which to explore the beautiful wine region. The 11 suites feature a bathroom with toilet, a balcony or terrace, TV, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, coffee/tea maker, and minibar. The guesthouse offers a pool, a beautiful garden, and a lounge.

Day 17: Stellenbosch Winelands
After a hearty breakfast, visit the historic center of 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 explore the wineries of the Western Cape to discover the region’s exceptional wines. You’ll start at Clos Malverne in the beautiful Devon Valley. The journey continues to the renowned Simonsig Estate in the Simonsberg Mountains. Crossing the majestic Helshoogte Pass, you’ll reach the top-tier wineries Tokara or Delaire. Here, you can enjoy lunch at one of Stellenbosch’s two best restaurants, offering a fantastic view (advance reservations are recommended). Afterward, you’ll head toward the Helderberg Mountains and stop at the first-class Rust-En-Vrede winery. The return route takes you over the Bottelary Hills to the Jordan Winery, which offers not only top-quality wines but also one of the best restaurants in all of South Africa. The itinerary and the wineries to visit can, of course, be adjusted in advance or along the way with your tour guide.
Overnight stay with breakfast – Van Der Stel Manor (Classic Room) in Stellenbosch

Day 18: Cape Town & Table Mountain (approx. 40 km)
Today you reach Cape Town, the "Mother City". Bloubergstrand in Milnerton offers a perfect (photo) view of Table Mountain and the Bay of Cape Town. You then explore the sights of the city. 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 you can store for all kinds of handicrafts and souvenirs on Greenmarket Square. 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: 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 - 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.