12 Days South Africa - Submerged In Safaris And Nature Tour

Welcome to South Africa, nayimkelekile, baie welkom! As you walk out of O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg – Africa’s biggest and busiest airport – you head straight to your rental car pick-up place. This is where your adventure begins! This self-driving journey is all about freedom: explore at your own pace, tailor your days with exciting activities, and decide when to stop and soak it all in. With our travel guide full of top spots, local tips and charming padstalls, you’re set for an unforgettable road trip...!

Activities : Sightseeing

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Activities : Sightseeing

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Activities:

Pilanesberg National Park
Pilanesberg National Park lies in a transition zone between the Kalahari and Lowveld, where it covers 550 square kilometres, set in an ancient volcanic crater. The landscape features dramatic rock formations, wooded valleys and historical Stone and Iron Age sites. The Big Five roam freely here, along with over 7,000 other mammals, and the Mankwe Dam is a must-visit for spotting birds and animals gathering to drink. Explore on a self-drive or join a guided game drive; full-day and 3-hour safaris are available. And why not get up early for an unforgettable hot air balloon safari – drifting over the wilderness as the wildlife wakes, before toasting the adventure with some bubbly and indulging in a safari breakfast!

Hot air balloon safari in Pilanesberg
Soar silently over Pilanesberg National Park in a hot air balloon and take in sweeping views of this extinct volcanic crater, home to the Big Five. With no turbulence and only the soft hiss of the burner, it’s a tranquil way to experience one of South Africa’s most scenic parks. The experience includes a one-hour flight, sparkling wine on landing, a full English breakfast, a flight certificate and hotel transfers. From above, spot elephants, buffalo, antelope, and – if you're lucky – rhino or lion. It’s a bucket-list moment that offers a unique view of the landscape and wildlife. Book early and prepare for an early start, as the full experience lasts around five hours.

Accommodations:
Silver - The Kingdom Resort
Gold - Morokolo Safari Lodge
Platinum - Tshukudu Bush Lodge

Activities : Sightseeing

N/D

Activities:

Pilanesberg National Park
Pilanesberg National Park lies in a transition zone between the Kalahari and Lowveld, where it covers 550 square kilometres, set in an ancient volcanic crater. The landscape features dramatic rock formations, wooded valleys and historical Stone and Iron Age sites. The Big Five roam freely here, along with over 7,000 other mammals, and the Mankwe Dam is a must-visit for spotting birds and animals gathering to drink. Explore on a self-drive or join a guided game drive; full-day and 3-hour safaris are available. And why not get up early for an unforgettable hot air balloon safari – drifting over the wilderness as the wildlife wakes, before toasting the adventure with some bubbly and indulging in a safari breakfast!

Hot air balloon safari in Pilanesberg
Soar silently over Pilanesberg National Park in a hot air balloon and take in sweeping views of this extinct volcanic crater, home to the Big Five. With no turbulence and only the soft hiss of the burner, it’s a tranquil way to experience one of South Africa’s most scenic parks. The experience includes a one-hour flight, sparkling wine on landing, a full English breakfast, a flight certificate and hotel transfers. From above, spot elephants, buffalo, antelope, and – if you're lucky – rhino or lion. It’s a bucket-list moment that offers a unique view of the landscape and wildlife. Book early and prepare for an early start, as the full experience lasts around five hours.

Accommodations:
Silver - The Kingdom Resort
Gold - Morokolo Safari Lodge
Platinum - Tshukudu Bush Lodg

Activities : Sightseeing

Waterberg lies northeast of Pilanesberg and is easily reached by driving north via the R510 to Northam, then continuing on the N11. From there, follow signs to your chosen destination – whether it’s Bela-Bela, Vaalwater, Welgevonden or something else. The journey covers 200 to 250 kilometres and takes three to four hours, depending on where you're staying. Roads are well signposted, but keep an eye out for your exact location!

Activities:

The Waterberg Biosphere Area
The Waterberg Biosphere in the Limpopo province is an area just three to four hours north of Johannesburg, filled with nature reserves, a few towns and one national park. It offers a rugged escape teeming with wildlife and rare flora (including baobab, marula, and fever trees) and over 200 bird species. This ecologically rich savanna is ideal for game drives and spotting the Big Five, which you normally do in the area where your lodge is located (and is sometimes even included in the price of your overnight stay!). While in the Waterberg Area, don’t miss Adventures With Elephants in Bela-Bela – an unforgettable close-up encounter with Africa’s gentle giants.


Adventure with the Elephants in Bela-Bela
Adventures with Elephants in Bela-Bela is a conservation initiative supporting anti-poaching efforts and fostering a deeper connection between man and elephant through personal, intimate and safe encounters. During the one-hour Educational Experience, you’ll meet these gentle giants up close and learn about their intelligence, trust and complex behaviour. Add-ons include the Elephant Bath, where you can brush and bathe them in the dam (minimum age is 12 years and swimming ability is required), and the Bushwalk Experience, a chance to walk next to them in their natural habitat. Sessions run daily at 9 AM, noon and 3 PM, book in advance! This is a powerful, unforgettable way to reflect on the future of elephant conservation.

Accommodations:
Silver - Waterberg Game Park
Gold - Bushwa Private Game Lodge
Platinum - Bontle Game Lodge

Activities : Game Drives

The drive from Waterberg to the lush, mountainous region of Magoebaskloof covers 283 kilometres via the N1 and takes just over three hours. As you approach your destination, prepare for scenic landscapes with indigenous forests, dramatic mountain plateaus, deep river gorges and cascading waterfalls. Spend a relaxing afternoon settling in or head out again for the afternoon, because the Magoebaskloof is full of adventure!

Accommodations:
Gold - Bramasole Boutique Hotel
Platinum - Magoebaskloof Africamps

Activities : Sightseeing

Magoebaskloof, nestled in the northeastern tip of the Drakensberg range in Limpopo, is a misty mountain escape filled with lush indigenous forests, crystal-clear streams and rare plant and animal life. The area is perfect for hiking and offers quirky highlights such as the echoing 'huilklip' (weeping rock). Thrill seekers can try the Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour, which makes you slide along 11 ziplines through treetops and past dramatic waterfalls, while vibrant gardens filled with azaleas, orchids, cherry trees and jacarandas will calm you down. After your outdoor adventures, unwind in Haenertsburg’s cosy cafés, galleries and lively craft beer scene – the Cape Parrot Ale is a must-try!

Activities:

Guided canopy tour in Magoebaskloof
Discover a magical place where mountains meet rivers and adventure comes alive. Glide through the forest on a 2.5-hour Tarzan-and-Jane style canopy tour, soaring between platforms built high in the treetops and on ancient mountain cliffs. Each platform is linked by cable slides that whisk you over sparkling rivers, cascading waterfalls, and the lush forest floor below. Pause on the platforms to soak up the tranquillity and natural beauty! Expert guides share fascinating insights about the fauna, flora, and unique Magoebaskloof ecosystem, while ensuring your safety. Suitable for anyone between 7 and 70 with a maximum weight of 120kg - great fun for the whole family, nature lovers and thrill seekers!

Accommodations:
Gold - Bramasole Boutique Hotel
Platinum - Magoebaskloof Africamps

Activities : Hiking

The drive from Magoebaskloof to Hoedspruit is a scenic 135 kilometres and takes 1.5 hours via the R71. It’s a beautiful route through wild and rugged landscapes, so we suggest leaving after breakfast to take it all in at a relaxed pace. Once in Hoedspruit, check into your lodge and explore all the adventures the town has to offer. Or just relax and rest up, as you'll want to make an early start heading into the iconic Kruger National Park tomorrow!

Activities:

Hoedspruit
Hoedspruit is a small town with a big heart, ideally positioned between the Kruger National Park and the awe-inspiring Blyde River Canyon, and as such, your first or last stop on the Panorama Route with its jaw-droppingly beautiful sights. The town is a vibrant base for adventure – think hot air ballooning, boat cruises and quad biking - and Kruger’s backyard, so make sure to keep an eye out for impala, kudu, or even a sneaky leopard to cross your path. Last but not least, this is where you can meet and greet Jessica the (tame!) Hippo.


Meet Jessica the Hippo
Meet Jessica, the world’s most famous hippopotamus, who lives just outside Hoedspruit. Rescued as a calf in 2000 after a huge storm in Kruger National Park, she was raised by locals Tonie and Shirley Joubert - and went on to steal the hearts of people across the globe. Over the years, Jessica has been joined by Seun (another hippo, rescued by the same couple) and her own calm-natured calf Luku, born in 2024. You can book a 'Meet & Feed' session to interact with all three: enjoy a short introduction video, then feed them snacks and tea, give them a backrub with your feet, and spend time with them by the water’s edge. Visits run daily (minimum age is 6 years old), and booking is essential.

Accommodations:
Silver - Leopards Lair Bush Lodge
Gold - Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit
Platinum - Tangala Safari Camp

Activities : Game Drives

The drive from Hoedspruit to the Orpen Gate of Kruger National Park takes less than 30 minutes via the R40, so you’ll be on safari in no time! Upon entering, you’ll receive a detailed map with clearly marked routes leading to rest camps and prime game viewing spots. The open grasslands near Orpen Gate are rich in wildlife, offering superb sightings of the Big Five, as well as cheetahs, African wild dogs, giraffes, and zebras. This area’s mineral-rich sweetveld attracts animals year-round, making it a hotspot for game drives. Be sure to chat with other visitors at the rest camps—you might get a tip on where to run into a buffalo herd of 250 strong!

Accommodations:
Gold - Skukuza Safari Lodge
Platinum - Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge

Activities : Game Drives

If you want a jam-packed wildlife experience, then Kruger National Park will make your dream come true. This park is said to have the highest chance of seeing all the famous Big Five PLUS the Avian Six (six endemic and funny-looking bird species – only to be found in Kruger) in one day. Mind you, this park is massive! With no less than a whopping 2 million hectares, this is the largest (and most famous) national park in South Africa, with almost 150 different mammal species and 500 bird species. You can also visit archaeological sites, learn about Kruger's amazing and turbulent history and check out the wildlife rehabilitation centres.

Accommodations:
Gold - Skukuza Safari Lodge
Platinum - Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge

Activities : Game Drives

If you want a jam-packed wildlife experience, then Kruger National Park will make your dream come true. This park is said to have the highest chance of seeing all the famous Big Five PLUS the Avian Six (six endemic and funny-looking bird species – only to be found in Kruger) in one day. Mind you, this park is massive! With no less than a whopping 2 million hectares, this is the largest (and most famous) national park in South Africa, with almost 150 different mammal species and 500 bird species. You can also visit archaeological sites, learn about Kruger's amazing and turbulent history and check out the wildlife rehabilitation centres.

Accommodations:
Gold - Skukuza Safari Lodge
Platinum - Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge

Activities : Game Drives

Your Kruger safari has come to an end! After three thrilling days of wildlife sightings, it’s time to head back to O.R. Tambo International Airport – a 5-hour drive (excluding stops) or 430 kilometres from Paul Kruger Gate via the N4 and N12 highways. In need of coffee halfway through? Make a well-deserved pitstop at Alzu Petroport, just past Middelburg on the N4, where you can enjoy a barista special or a hearty meal while watching buffalo and rhino roam just metres away. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs, refuel (literally!), and take in one last bit of bush magic. From there, it's a smooth 175 kilometres to the airport. Cherish the memories and safe travels home!

Activities:

Flight home from Johannesburg (not included in the price)
All good things come to an end. It's time to catch your flight home from O.R. Tambo International Airport. Sad to leave…? Not to worry! You can also hop on a domestic flight to Cape Town and add a few highlights to your holiday. How about exploring (and tasting) world-class wines, standing on top of Table Mountain and diving into the rich history of the country? Or simply relaxing at a picturesque beach? Let us know your wishes, and we will gladly organise a holiday extension to help you explore other parts of South Africa.

Activities : Game Drives