Best Time To Go: Year Round
Time Difference: GMT +1 hour
Flight Duration: 11 hours approx
Airports: Cape Town (CPT), Johannesburg (JNB) and more
About this itinerary
One of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth, South Africa, fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', boasts 11 official languages, and its inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of culture. Our Grand Tour celebrates this variety with an epic road trip that will take you from the action packed diversity of Cape Town and the Garden Route across the country to the laid back city of Durban and the too often overlooked wonders of the KwaZulu Natal region.
Still not quite grand enough for you? Talk to us about adding one of our Luxury Rail routes, a Victoria Falls extension, or a stay in an Indian Ocean beach resort.
day 1-4 Cape Town
You will also experience the breath-taking beauty of the Cape Peninsula on a full-day private tour. Travel along one of the world’s most scenic coastal routes as you make your way toward the dramatic landscapes of the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Explore Cape Point, where towering sea cliffs meet the turbulent waters of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and enjoy panoramic views from the iconic lighthouse. Stop off at charming villages, scenic coves and the famous Boulders Beach penguin colony on route.
Despite such an action packed itinerary, you’ll still have extra time to really focus on your passions. Dive deeper into the city’s history, swim with sharks, relax with a sunset cruise, or even abseil down the side of Table Mountain. The choice is yours.
Accommodation: Queen Victoria Hotel
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day 5-6 Stellenbosch
After your hire car is delivered to your hotel, drive the short but beautiful route to Stellenbosch, the small town famous for its stunning surroundings, Cape Dutch architecture and of course, wine.
We’ve included a privately guided wine tour offering you a personalised experience through South Africa's renowned wine regions. Visit top wineries in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, enjoy wine tastings and a lunch with wine pairings, and take in the scenic vineyard landscapes, all at your own pace.
Free time can be spent strolling the town’s oak lined boulevards, hiking in the nearby nature reserves or simply relaxing in your luxurious hotel.
Accommodation: Lanzerac Hotel and Spa
day 7 Oudtshoorn
Today you will take the scenic drive to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world! You may like to visit one of the ostrich farms in the area, where you can learn more about these odd birds.
You could meet the wildlife at Cango Wildlife Ranch or visit the Cheetah Preservation Foundation, founded here in 1988 with the principal aim of ensuring the survival of the cheetah and other endangered species.
Alternatively you could visit the Cango caves, an impressive cave system with vaulted ceilings and impressive limestone formations.
Horse riding is also a very popular activity in this area, with horses for every age and ability.
Accommodation: Mooiplaas Guest House
day 8-10 Plettenberg Bay
Before leaving Oudtshoorn, join a sunrise meerkat safari where you can watch these charismatic creatures emerge from their burrows as they busy themselves with their natural morning routine of basking, foraging or standing guard.
Drive on to Plettenberg Bay where you have three days at leisure to explore this beautiful region on foot, by car, by boat or on horseback. Spot whales or take a sunset picnic on the dramatic headland of Robberg nature reserve, hike the lush forests and dramatic coastline of Tsitsikamma National Park or visit the nearby bird and wildlife sanctuaries, just some examples of what this dynamic destination has to offer.
Accommodation: The Plettenberg
day 11-12 Durban
Take a short flight from Port Elizabeth (recently renamed Gqeberha) to Durban, the gateway to Kwazulu-Natal.
Spend two days relaxing on the beach at your luxury beachfront accommodation or explore the unique culture and architecture of this laid back city, perhaps combined with a visit the botanical gardens. Alternatively you could take a surfing lesson, or drive inland to a forest reserve full of many free roaming primate species.
Accommodation: The Oyster Box
day 13-14 Hluhluwe–Imfolozi
Drive up the coast to a private luxury game retreat on the edge of KwaZulu Natal's signature game reserve, Hluhluwe iMfolozi. Known for its healthy rhino population and diverse wildlife, including the Big 5, giraffes, hippos and abundant birdlife, this lesser known game reserve is certain to captivate with it's thrilling wildlife encounters.
Morning and afternoon game drives as well as all your meals are included in your stay.
In your down time relax on your private deck with sweeping views of pristine wilderness in front of you. You'll have one eye on your book and another looking out for elephants heading down to the river for a drink. If you get too hot have a dip in the outdoor pool.
After returning from your afternoon game drives, culinary delights await you at the restaurant followed by drinks at the bar or outside at the Boma.
Accommodation: mFulaWozi Mthembu Lodge
day 15-16 Rorkes Drift
Drive north to the historic home of the Zulu people and spend a full day visiting the pivotal battlefields of the Anglo – Zulu War on a guided tour, starting with Isandlwana. Stop along the way at the Nqutu Escarpment, the high ground from which the Zulus attacked the British positions and the first view you will have of the battlefield itself. Afterwards you will stop at the Isandlwana museum before heading to the battlefield itself where you will have time to explore the area for yourself.
After lunch back at the lodge head out once more to the battlefield of Rorkes Drift, made famous by the 1964 movie Zulu. Just a short drive from your lodge you will once again stop at the museum. Afterwards you will visit the battlefield itself and have time to explore.
Accommodation: Fugitives' Drift Lodge
day 17-20 Drakensberg Mountains
Drive on to the stunning Drakensberg Mountains, the highest in Southern Africa, where you will spend the next three nights at your luxury mountain farmhouse. You will have plenty of time to explore this adventurer's paradise with some of the best hiking trails in the country.
If hiking isn't your thing, horse riding, fishing, birdwatching and ancient rock art are all excellent options, or you could book a 4x4 trip up the Sani Pass, perhaps the most spectacular scenic road in the Drakensberg. Don't forget to bring your passport as you'll need it to cross the border into Lesotho near the top, the second highest border post in Africa.
As your holiday comes to an end you’ll return to Durban in time for your onward flight.
Accommodation: Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse
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