South Africa Compact 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.

Experience classic South Africa on a privately guided tour: the Panorama Route, the Kruger National Park, a private Big Five game reserve with game drives in open off-road vehicles, eSwatini, the St. Lucia Wetlands and the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, the Dolphin Coast, the Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, 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

• 15x overnight stays in the Superior category (4-star guesthouses and lodges)
•  15x breakfast, 2x lunch, 6x dinner
• Air-conditioned vehicle according to group size
• Five 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 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: Private game reserve (approx. 450 km)
In the morning, you will be greeted at your accommodation by your private tour guide. The drive starts eastwards through the province of Mpumalanga, the land of the rising sun, and 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 and the small lodges have a very personal atmosphere. In the afternoon, you 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 full 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: Panorama Route (approx. 150 km)
After another early game drive in an open off-road vehicle (English-speaking, with additional persons) and a relaxed breakfast, you set off for the highlights of the Panorama Route. The first stop is the Blyde River Canyon, which is 26 kilometers long and up to 800 meters deep. The "Three Rondavels" can also be seen from here: Huge, round rocks reminiscent of the huts of the locals. The tour continues to Bourke's Luck Potholes. Here, erosion has created deep swirl holes and a canyon in the dolomite rock. The route continues via Berlin Falls to God's Window. Here you can see as far as the Kruger Plain on a clear day. You then reach your accommodation in Hazyview.
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 5: Kruger National Park (approx. 280 km)
After a hearty breakfast, it's off to the state-run Kruger National Park. From your closed vehicle, you can enjoy exciting game viewing at river courses, dams and waterholes. After this flying visit, you leave the park at Malelane Gate and shortly afterwards cross the border into the small kingdom of eSwatini, which impresses with its extremely open-minded and friendly locals. Via Piggs Peak, a beautiful pass road, you reach your guesthouse in the late afternoon.

Optionally, you have the opportunity to explore the Kruger National Park in an open off-road vehicle (for a fee). You will then meet your ranger (English-speaking) at the national park early in the morning and explore the park with him. In the meantime, your tour guide will set off in the tour vehicle to Malelane Gate and pick you up again there around midday.
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 6: eSwatini & St. Lucia (approx. 330 km)
After breakfast, you set off to a local craft market in eSwatini and have the opportunity to purchase a souvenir to take home. At Golela you re-enter South Africa and 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.
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 7: Hluhluwe & the iSimangaliso Wetlands
Early in the morning, we set off 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. You will then return to St. Lucia and take part in a boat tour in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in the afternoon (English-speaking, with additional persons). This is not only home to around 1500 crocodiles, but also around 800 hippos.
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: Departure for the Garden Route (approx. 240 km)
Today you set off on the next stage of your journey along the beautiful Garden Route. After a hearty breakfast, you will drive to Durban Airport and fly to Port Elizabeth with your tour guide. Depending on the flight time, you will have the opportunity to get to know the port city on a short tour in a tour vehicle before you reach your accommodation.
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 9: Tsitsikamma National Park (approx. 280 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 in the historic and lovingly restored Parkes Manor Guest House, a stately home in a 12000 square meter 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 10: 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

Where you stay
You will stay in the historic and lovingly restored Parkes Manor Guest House, a stately home in a 12000 square meter 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 11: Oudtshoorn & the small Karoo semi-desert (approx. 130 km)
You leave the coast via the scenic Outeniqua Pass and reach the arid hinterland. Once you arrive in the ostrich capital of Oudtshoorn, you visit the stalactite cave landscape of the Cango Caves on a guided tour (English-speaking, with additional persons). Numerous chambers of the huge cave system offer an impressive variety of enormous stalactite formations. Your destination is a cozy guest house in Oudtshoorn.
Overnight stay with half board - De Denne Country Guest House (Garden or Deluxe Suite) in Oudtshoorn

Where you stay
You will spend the night at the family-run De Denne Country Guest House on a working ostrich farm in the vast expanse of the Klein Karoo. The town center of Oudtshoorn is about 10 minutes away by car. The 14 rooms have bath/WC, air conditioning, tea/coffee maker, minibar, TV and safe. The guest house offers a pool, a garden, a lounge and a restaurant.

Day 12: Route 62 & Winelands (approx. 260 km)
After breakfast, you will get up close and personal with these large, flightless birds on an ostrich farm and learn many amazing details about the animals and their breeding on a very informative tour (English-speaking, guided tour with additional people). We then 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 and arrive at your guesthouse in the evening.
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 13: Cape Town & the Tefalberg (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

How you live
The Cape Dutch architectural style of the lovingly renovated The Winchester exudes an atmosphere of pure elegance. Located directly on the waterfront in the popular Sea Point district, restaurants, cafés, stores and the V&A Waterfront are all within easy reach. The Table Mountain cable car and the city center are about a 15-minute drive away. The boutique hotel offers a restaurant, a beautiful courtyard, a pool and free WiFi. The 76 rooms have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a TV, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker and a safe. The Loft Rooms and Classic Rooms overlook the inner courtyard. The Junior Suites overlook either the sea, Table Mountain or Lions Head. The Family Suites have two bedrooms, which share a bathroom/WC, and a lounge area.

Day 14: 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

How you live
The Cape Dutch architectural style of the lovingly renovated The Winchester exudes an atmosphere of pure elegance. Located directly on the waterfront in the popular Sea Point district, restaurants, cafés, stores and the V&A Waterfront are all within easy reach. The Table Mountain cable car and the city center are about a 15-minute drive away. The boutique hotel offers a restaurant, a beautiful courtyard, a pool and free WiFi. The 76 rooms have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a TV, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker and a safe. The Loft Rooms and Classic Rooms overlook the inner courtyard. The Junior Suites overlook either the sea, Table Mountain or Lions Head. The Family Suites have two bedrooms, which share a bathroom/WC, and a lounge area.

Day 15: 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

How you live
The Cape Dutch architectural style of the lovingly renovated The Winchester exudes an atmosphere of pure elegance. Located directly on the waterfront in the popular Sea Point district, restaurants, cafés, stores and the V&A Waterfront are all within easy reach. The Table Mountain cable car and the city center are about a 15-minute drive away. The boutique hotel offers a restaurant, a beautiful courtyard, a pool and free WiFi. The 76 rooms have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a TV, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker and a safe. The Loft Rooms and Classic Rooms overlook the inner courtyard. The Junior Suites overlook either the sea, Table Mountain or Lions Head. The Family Suites have two bedrooms, which share a bathroom/WC, and a lounge area.

Day 16: 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.