7 Days South Africa - Jacarandas Safari And Hiking 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:

Drive from Johannesburg to Tshwane (Pretoria)
Head out of 'Jozi' and make your way to Tshwane (Pretoria), a town much more low-key than Johannesburg but still full of adventure. It's only a 45-minute (under 60 kilometres) drive via the N1 highway. Tshwane is the administrative capital of South Africa, where, in springtime, 40,000 jacaranda trees bloom and turn the city into a purple paradise – hence its nickname Jacaranda City. Upon arrival, you can either check into your hotel and unwind after the long flight or head out to explore the city!

Accommodations:
Silver - The Regency Apartment Hotel | Menlyn
Gold - Waterkloof Mansion Boutique Hotel
Platinum - Apogee Boutique Hotel and Spa

Activities : Sightseeing

Tshwane (formerly Pretoria and nicknamed 'Jacaranda-city' because of its typical purple-blossomed trees) is a bustling multicultural city with tree-lined streets, skyscrapers, nature reserves and lots of history. Its rich cultural heritage and numerous historic landmarks make this city a must-visit for anyone seeking to learn more about South Africa’s complex past. But the city is more than its colonial legacy! Take your time to explore local markets, fine dining restaurants, live music, art and nature with even game drives or hikes in the mesmerising Groenkloof Nature Reserve... A visit to Tshwane will refresh your body, mind and spirit!

Activities:

Visit the Voortrekkers Museum in Tshwane (Pretoria)
Perched in Pretoria’s leafy Groenkloof area, the Voortrekker Monument is a true heavyweight of South African heritage - quite literally, rising 40 metres above the city. This granite landmark tells the story of the Voortrekker pioneers through dramatic architecture, sculpted reliefs and the impressive Hall of Heroes, depicting their struggles and providing insight into the history and culture of the Dutch pioneers. Step inside for a walk down memory lane, then step outside for a walk through the surrounding nature reserve. Heritage, views and a breath of fresh air! Insider tip: refuel at the nostalgic Skool Op Wiele and don’t skip the milkshakes at the deli on your way out.

Accommodations:
Silver - The Regency Apartment Hotel | Menlyn
Gold - Waterkloof Mansion Boutique Hotel
Platinum - Apogee Boutique Hotel and Spa

Activities : Museums

The journey from Tshwane (formerly Pretoria) to Pilanesberg covers about 170 kilometres and takes roughly 2.5 hours via the N4. Need a quick stop? The small town of Rustenburg has got you covered for a convenient break along the way. Once you arrive, prepare for top-notch game viewing and breathtaking scenery in the fourth-largest national park in the country!

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

Activities : Game Drives

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!

Activities:

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 : Hot Air Ballooning

Your journey from Pilanesberg to the misty mountains of Magoebaskloof takes just under 5.5 hours, covering around 400 kilometres via the N1 highway. Set off after breakfast and enjoy ever-changing scenery along the way – from open bushveld to indigenous forests, deep river gorges and dramatic waterfalls. Upon arrival, you can take the afternoon to relax and breathe in the cool mountain air, or start exploring the adventures of the Magoebaskloof!

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 : Sightseeing

Your unforgettable South African adventure is sadly coming to an end. This morning, get behind the wheel for one last scenic drive back to Johannesburg. It’s just under 380 kilometres to O.R. Tambo International Airport, taking around 3 hours and 45 minutes via the N1. Be sure to factor in potential traffic around Joburg, especially during peak hours. Drive safe and take it slow; there’s no rush to let go of the magic. Not ready to leave yet? Hop on a domestic flight to Cape Town and continue the adventure at the southernmost tip of Africa!

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 : Sightseeing