South African Highlights Tour is an 11-day, out of the ordinary discovery of the secluded Cape Winelands, the road less travelled Garden Route sites, Big 5 game viewing and the awe-inspiring Panorama Route. Travel through the Cape in luxury touring vehicle. Discover the African bush. And explore the Kruger National Park in true Drifters adventure style.
As this tour departs Cape Town on day 1, we recommend arriving a few days earlier to experience this incredible city.
The scheduled South African Highlights tour departs on selected Mondays in English and German. Choose to join others on the scheduled departure dates; with a maximum of 14 people.
Skip to South African Highlights Tour Rates and scheduled tour departure dates
Trip Highlights
Stellenbosch walking tour
Wine cellar tour, cheese, and wine pairing
Kruger National Park game viewing
‘Big 5’ 5* private game lodge
South African Highlights Tour Summary
Day | Place |
1 | Cape Town to Wellington via Cape Winelands |
2 | Wellington to Oudtshoorn (Garden Route) via Route 62 |
3 – 4 | Oudtshoorn to Knysna via Cango Caves |
4 | Wellington to Oudtshoorn via Route 62 (Garden Route) |
5 | Knysna to Port Elizabeth (now called Gqeberha) via Eastern Garden Route |
6 | Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg (Flight own arrangements and account) |
7 – 8 | Johannesburg to Kruger National Park |
9 | Panorama Route to Hazyview |
10 | Full day in Kruger National Park |
11 | Tour ends in Johannesburg |
South African Highlights Tour Full Itinerary
Day 1, Monday
After breakfast, guests travel into the Winelands and enjoy a craft beer tasting (own account) before a walking tour of Stellenbosch. Lunch (own account). Visit the Afrikaanse Taal Monument in Paarl. Arrive at the Wellington guest house, and enjoy time at leisure before drinks and dinner (own account) at one of the hotel’s restaurants.
Overnight at Val du Charron Guest House or similar – Breakfast.
Day 2, Tuesday
This morning the tour departs for Oudtshoorn, via Bainskloof Pass and Route 62. Enjoy a cheese and wine pairing. Followed by a cellar tour at an estate located off the world’s longest wine route. Lunch en route (own account). Arrive at the guest house. Spend time at leisure before dinner (own account).
Overnight at De Zeekoe Guest Farm or similar – Breakfast.
Day 3-4, Wednesday – Thursday
After breakfast, guests discover the Cango Caves, before a tractor tour at a working ostrich farm. Enjoy lunch at the restaurant (own account). Stop in Wilderness to enjoy photo opportunities and sweeping views from the Map of Africa lookout point (weather permitting) before continuing on to Knysna.
Guests enjoy dinner at the hotel (own account). The following day is spent at leisure. Or on optional excursions in and around Knysna. Our recommendation is to board the ferry to Featherbed Nature Reserve and enjoy the views, a 4WD vehicle. Or an optional guided walk. You can enjoy a buffet lunch on the edge of the lake. Guests spend time at leisure before dinner (own account).
Overnight at Overmeer Guest House or similar – Breakfast.
Day 5, Friday
After an early breakfast, the tour departs for Port Elizabeth, via the Garden Route. Travel to the Storms River Mouth suspension bridge. Guests enjoy lunch (own account) in the Tsitsikamma Forest. Dine at the hotel (own account).
Overnight at The Kelway Hotel or similar – Breakfast.
Day 6, Saturday
After an early breakfast, guests are collected from the hotel and transferred to Port Elizabeth / Gqeberha International Airport for a flight to Johannesburg (not included). On arrival, guests are met and transferred to a city hotel. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Dine (own account) at the hotel or at a restaurant nearby.
Overnight at The Capital on Bath or similar – Breakfast.
Day 7, Sunday
Departing from Johannesburg at 6:30am in a Drifters truck, guests set off on the scenic road to the north east of the country. Where guests encounter beautiful natural scenery and many wild animals in natural parks and game reserves.
Lunch is enjoyed in the historic town of Haenertsburg, located on the edge of the escarpment with beautiful surrounding views. The road is filled with picturesque beauty. From mountain passes to the Acacia trees scattered across the African bushveld.
The tented lodge casually blends into the bush. Offering crisp comfortable beds with en-suite bathrooms with stunning views over the surrounding wilderness. In addition, there is a refreshing splash pool, and a water hole frequented by a variety of animals.
Overnight at an exclusive Bush Lodge – Dinner, breakfast and game activities.
Day 8, Monday
Start your with an early riser light breakfast of fresh coffee and rusks (a traditional South African biscuit). Before embarking on our morning experience within this ‘Big 5’ area. Guided by a qualified guide/Ranger guests explore the wilderness, always on the lookout for an animal encounter. While discovering the smaller treasures often hidden from the eye.
Before the heat of the day sets in, guests return to the lodge for a scrumptious brunch. After which its time to relax around the lodge and enjoy the serenity of the surrounding wilderness. A nearby waterhole in front of the camp attracts a variety of wildlife that come to quench their thirst. Unwind with a refreshing drink and game viewing from the swimming pool or from your deck.
With the heat subsiding in the late afternoon an open game drive is in order. This develops into an extensive night drive in search of nocturnal animals. As dusk approaches guests pull over and enjoy a sun-downer drink or two. While watching the magnificent sunset over the African bushveld.
Overnight at an exclusive Bush Lodge – Dinner, breakfast and game activities
Day 9, Tuesday
Guests enjoy breakfast before setting off to explore the highlights of the Panorama Route, famous for many natural wonders and viewing
points. First stop will be to view the impressive Blyde River Canyon – the world‟s largest “green canyon”. Then onto Bourke‟s Luck Potholes where abundant gold was found. And finally the breathtaking God‟s Window (time permitting).
Enjoy lunch (own expense) giving guests the opportunity to meet the locals. Mid-afternoon we make our way to the tranquil Greenfire Lodge Hazyview. Guests go on a nature walk on the property and the adjoining coffee farm and enjoy the mysterious forest (time permitting).
Overnight at Greenfire Hazyview Lodge – Dinner and breakfast and game activities
Greenfire Lodge Hazyview is only 25 km from the renowned Kruger National Park and 7kms out of Hazyview on the road to Sabie. This lodge provides the ideal base from which to explore all of the attractions of Mpumalanga. Including the Panorama Route. Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Pilgrims Rest, God’s Window, Grasskop, Sudwala Cave’s, Kruger Park, and much more.
The Lodge itself is built in an indigenous forest overlooking the sparkling Sabie River. A swimming pool, bar and cozy lounge are provided for guests comfort. Self-guided nature trails on the property will take you through a variety of indigenous forest types where various animals, birds and other wildlife can be observed. The bird hide offers exceptional viewing.
Day 10, Wednesday
Guests depart the lodge at sunrise with breakfast packs. Traveling a short distance to enter a different area of the Kruger National Park for a full day of game viewing. Enjoy lunch in the park (own account).
Late this afternoon, exit the park and return to lodge for dinner.
Overnight at Greenfire Hazyview Lodge – Dinner and breakfast and game activities
Day 11, Thursday
After a relaxed breakfast, guests depart the Kruger National Park and arrive in Johannesburg in the late afternoon.
South African Highlights Tour Rates
Scheduled* Tour Rates until 31st October 2024:
R 45,000 per person sharing
Single Supplement: R 13,500
Children from 7-11 years pay R 22,500
Below are the departure dates for the scheduled tour (*this is with other people).
South African Highlights Scheduled Tour Includes:
Accommodation: 3 and 4-star guest houses and hotels and a 5* private game lodge
Meals: 9 x breakfasts and 3 x dinners
Transfers: 2 x shared airport transfers (Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg)
Entrance Fees: Taal Monument, Garden Route National Park conservation fee (Storms River Bridge), Voortrekker Monument, Blyde River Canyon, Lisbon Falls, God’s Window, Pinnacle, conservation fees into Kruger National Park, and a private game reserve.
Excursions: Cheese and wine pairing, wine cellar tour, Stellenbosch walking tour, Cango Caves heritage tour, ostrich farm tractor tour, short Pretoria city orientation tour, afternoon and morning open safari vehicle private game reserve game drives.
Green Seat: SANParks Honorary Rangers, Endangered Wildlife Trust, Trees for Tourism
You can also customize this tour to suit your preferences so for a tailor made option, please do contact us with the changes you would like.