Kruger Park & Garden Route 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.

Experience the highlights of South Africa on a privately guided tour with optimized driving routes: The Panorama Route, the Kruger National Park, a private Big Five game reserve with game drives in open off-road vehicles, the Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, the Cango Caves and an ostrich farm, Route 62, the Whale Coast and Cape Agulhas, 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

• 14x overnight stays in the Superior category (4-star guesthouses and lodges)
• 14x breakfast, 1x lunch, 6x dinner
• Air-conditioned vehicle according to group size
• Five game drives in an open off-road vehicle
• Domestic flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town 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

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: Kruger National Park
Today you will take part in a full-day excursion with your tour guide in an open off-road vehicle into the Kruger National Park (English-speaking, with additional persons).

You will preferably stay in the southern part of the park, as this is where the animal population is densest. Your professional ranger will bring you very close to the animals, a first-class safari experience.

The park is home to more than 150 different mammals including the so-called "Big Five", i.e. lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. Over 500 different bird species as well as many reptiles and amphibians make the Kruger Park the ultimate wildlife experience.
Overnight stay with half board - Ashbourne Country Escape (Double Room) in Hazyview

Day 3: Panorama Route (approx. 150 km)
Today you’ll set out to explore the highlights of the Panorama Route. Your first stop is the impressive “God’s Window,” where, on a clear day, you can see all the way to the Kruger Plain. Passing by Berlin Falls, you’ll reach “Bourke’s Luck Potholes.” Here, erosion has carved deep whirlpools and a canyon into the dolomite rock. Finally, you’ll visit the Blyde River Canyon, which is 26 kilometers long and 800 meters deep. From here, you can also see the “Three Rondavels”: massive, round rocks that resemble the huts of the local people.
In the afternoon, you’ll arrive at your authentic safari lodge in a private game reserve. Unlike the state-run Kruger National Park, only overnight guests have access to the private reserves, and the small lodges offer a very personal atmosphere. In the afternoon, you’ll set out for your first exciting wildlife viewing in an open-air 4x4 (English-speaking guide, shared with other guests). Weather permitting, dinner will be served in the traditional style at the cozy boma.
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 4: 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, conducted 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 half board - Karongwe River Lodge (Luxury Suite) near Hoedspruit

Day 5: Johannesburg (approx. 450 km)
At dawn, you will take part in another game drive in an open off-road vehicle in the private reserve (English-speaking, conducted with additional persons). After a hearty breakfast, your journey to Johannesburg begins, where you will arrive in the late afternoon and say goodbye to your tour guide.
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 6: Wine Regions (approx. 170 km)
In time for your connecting flight, a transfer service will take you to Johannesburg Airport (English-speaking; may be shared with other passengers). You’ll fly to Cape Town, where you’ll be met by your new tour guide. You’ll first head to Stellenbosch for a walking tour of the historic old town. The journey continues to Robertson, which, with its numerous jacaranda trees (blooming in November), oak-lined avenues, and many Victorian buildings, has become one of the most popular towns in the Cape Winelands. Here, in the idyllic Wine Valley, you’ll 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 7: Route 62 & Oudtshoorn (approx. 260 km)
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 name’s similarity to the legendary Route 66. Once you arrive in Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital, 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 lodge 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 8: Cango Caves (approx. 270 km)
In the morning, you’ll explore 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. You’ll then leave the arid hinterland via the scenic Outeniqua Pass and reach the coast. Driving along the Garden Route, you’ll head to Tsitsikamma National Park. In the beautiful Nature’s Valley, you’ll have time to relax on the secluded beaches or go hiking.
Overnight stay with breakfast – The Fernery Lodge & Chalet (Lodge Room) at Tsitsikamma National Park

Where you stay
You will spend the night at The Fernery Lodge in a private nature reserve just east of the Storms River. From the lodge you have a breathtaking view over the Indian Ocean, the gorge of the Sanddrift River and the dense forests. There are seven suites in the main building and 13 chalets a little further away. All rooms have bath/WC, TV, minibar, tea/coffee maker and hairdryer. The lodge offers a lounge, a jacuzzi, a sauna, a pool, a restaurant, a bar and various sports and leisure facilities (some for a fee).

Day 9: Garden Route (approx. 110 km)
Today you’ll explore 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 standing over 40 meters tall. Afterward, you’ll visit the mouth of the Storms River. 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). The journey continues to the beautiful lagoon town of 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 manor in a 12000sqm park-like garden overlooking the lagoon. The 9 classically and individually furnished rooms are equipped with bath/WC, TV, tea/coffee maker, fan, minibar, air conditioning, 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 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 - Parkes Manor (Lagoon View Suite) in Knysna

Day 11: Cape Agulhas & Hermanus (approx. 490 km)
The journey continues along the N2 highway, the main route connecting the Garden Route and Cape Town. After Swellendam, you head back toward the coast and reach Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of the African continent. Cape Agulhas was first reached by Bartolomeu Diaz in 1488. Cabo das Agulhas is Portuguese for “Cape of the Needles”; sailors likely gave it this name due to its numerous rocks and reefs. The convergence of various ocean currents often leads to high waves. For this reason, and because of the reefs, the waters at Cape Agulhas are considered very dangerous. In the late afternoon, you will reach the whale capital of Hermanus.
Overnight stay with breakfast – One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel (Superior Sea View Room) in Hermanus

Your Stay
The elegant One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel is just a stone's throw from the beautiful Cliff Path, and the town center is within walking distance. The hotel itself impresses with its stylish, modern design and exceptionally personalized service in open-concept spaces. The boutique hotel features 16 spacious rooms and suites, all equipped with a bathroom, air conditioning, a safe, a TV, free Wi-Fi, and a balcony or terrace. The Classic and Deluxe Rooms offer either a side view of the sea or the mountains. The Superior Sea View Rooms and the suites have a direct view of the sea. The hotel features a pool, a bar, a spa area (for a fee), a restaurant, and a 24-hour concierge service.

Day 12: Cape Town & Table Mountain (approx. 150 km)
In the morning, you have the option (for a fee) of taking part in a whale-watching boat trip (English-speaking, with additional people). 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.

The journey then continues along the coast to Cape Town, the Mother City. The spectacular Clarence Drive offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Once you arrive in Cape Town, 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 hustle and bustle of the city, 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 – 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 13: The Cape Peninsula
You’ll set out on a day trip to the Cape Peninsula. First, you’ll stop in Muizenberg to admire the colorful cottages featured on every postcard. The journey continues along False Bay, through Kalk Bay, to Simon’s Town, where you’ll visit the famous penguin colony. Afterward, you’ll drive to the Cape of Good Hope National Park, home to the Cape of Good Hope, and continue via Chapman’s Peak Drive—one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world—to Hout Bay with its small fishing harbor. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Cape Town, where you’ll say goodbye to your tour guide.
Overnight with breakfast – Winchester Hotel (Classic Room) in Cape Town

Day 14: 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 15: 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.