Best of South Africa Self Drive

 

 

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15 DAY BEST OF SOUTH AFRICA SELF DRIVE

Discover the wonders of South Africa on one amazing 14-night trip that will take you from Cape Town to the Kruger National Park. This fantastic package, which includes bed and breakfast accommodation and car hire, includes visits to Stellenbosch, a drive along the Garden Route to Port Elizabeth and time in Durban, plus a chance to spot the ‘Big Five’ in Kruger, South Africa’s largest National Park. You’ll be met on arrival at Cape Town airport by a representative of our ground handlers; African Eagle. They will assist you with the collection of your vehicle and will provide maps and directions for your itinerary.

• 14 nights Standard or Superior accommodation
• Daily breakfast
• Europcar Group B or C Car Hire for 15 days
• Meet and greet at Cape Town airport
• Information pack with maps and detailed itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Cape Town
Met on arrival at Cape Town airport by our representative. Assistance will be given with collecting your Europcar vehicle and a full briefing will be provided by the representative including answering any queries you have and giving some useful tips for your itinerary. Drive to your Cape Town accommodation.
Standard: Mandela Rhodes Place
Superior: Winchester Mansions
Boutique: Four Rosmead


 
Cape Point Peninsula Tour from £39


Day 2-3 Cape Town at leisure
Two full days at leisure in this exciting city! Travelmood recommends pre-booking an orientation half day city tour (from £23) for your first day and the spectacular Cape Point (from £40).


 
Cape Winelands

Day 4 Cape Town to Stellenbosch
31 miles 40 minutes
Short drive to the historic winelands town of Stellenbosch, set at the foot of the beautiful slopes of the Simonsberg. There are numerous vineyards offering daily wine tastings, excellent restaurants and picnic facilities.
Standard: Stellenbosch Hotel
Superior: Spier Hotel
Boutique: Lanzerac Hotel


Day 5 Stellenbosch to Oudtshoorn
249 miles 4 hours
Take historic Route 62 heading east to Oudtshoorn, passing through Worcester, Robertson and quaint Montagu. The final part of this fascinating drive takes you through spectacular mountain scenery to Oudtshoorn, home to the local Ostrich industry. Visit a nearby Ostrich Farm for an Ostrich racing demonstration.
Standard: Outshoorn Hotel
Superior: Rosenhof Country House
Boutique: De Opstal Country House


Day 6 Oudtshoorn to Knysna
87 miles 1.35 hours
Head south via the winding roads that take you through the Outeniqua Mountains to the Garden Route region. Continue to the popular seaside resort of Knysna with its attractive Waterfront offering bars and restaurants with great sea views.
Standard: The Knysna Hollow
Superior: Knysna Log Inn
Boutique: St James of Knysna


Day 7 Knsyna to Tsitsikamma
25 miles 35 minutes
Call in at nearby Plettenberg; home to two beautiful beaches. This is a pleasant resort offering some stylish cafés and a wide range of activities. Enter the Tsitsikamma National Park and some of the most magnificent scenery on the Garden Route; with its cool rivers, misty forests and rugged coastline. Your accommodation choices are located close to the township of Storms River. We also recommend a short detour to an area called Nature’s Valley, located just off the N2.
Standard: Tsitsikamma Lodge
Superior: Tsitsikamma Lodge
Boutique: Tranquility Lodge

 
Nature's Valley, Tsitsikamma

Day 8 Tsitsikamma to Durban
174 miles 3 hours to Port Elizabeth
Continue along the N2, perhaps, time permitting, consider a stop in Jeffreys Bay; South Africa’s surfing capital, or further afield the upmarket resort of St Francis Bay. Drop off your car at Port Elizabeth Airport and fly to Durban (flight not included in the package, but this can be arranged by your Travelmood consultant). Collect your vehicle at Durban Airport and drive to your accommodation.
Standard: Riverside Hotel
Superior: Southern Sun North Beach Hotel
Boutique: Ridgeview Lodge


Day 9 Durban to Hluhluwe
143 miles 2.30 hours
Follow the N2 from Durban as you travel through classic KwaZulu-Natal scenery. At Hluhluwe you can choose between a side trip to the nearby Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park where you may spot elephants, giraffes and other wildlife. Alternatively head into the World Heritage-listed Greater St Lucia Wetland Park; an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Standard: Zulu Nyala Game Lodge
Superior: Zululand Tree Lodge
Boutique: Zululand Tree Lodge


Day 10 Hluhluwe to Malkersn (Swaziland)
162 miles 3.45 hours (including border crossing time)
Cross the border just north of Golela and head north via Big Bend into the small landlocked Kingdom of Swaziland. This is an interesting drive through African villages and gentle undulating scenery. Stay in the Malkerns Valley region, an area known for its arts and crafts shops.
Standard: Malandela’s Bed and Breakfast
Superior: Ezulwini Sun
Boutique: Foresters Arms


Day 11 Malkerns (Swaziland) to Kruger
150 miles 2.35 hours
Head north via Piggs Peak and exit Swaziland at Jeppe’s Reef, returning to South Africa and the Mpumalanga region. Continue to the Hazyview region for your accommodation. This area offers a wide range of activities and sights such as the nearby gold mining town of Pilgrims Rest.
Standard: Hippo Hollow Country Estate
Superior: Casa Do Sol Hotel
Boutique: Blue Mountain Lodge


Day 12 Kruger National Park
Full day at leisure in this region. Travelmood recommends pre-booking a full day 4WD tour to the southern part of the Kruger National Park (from £33). The park contains the world’s greatest variety of wildlife species – an absolute must-see on anyone's South Africa itinerary! It is possible to drive yourself through the park but on a guided tour you will have the benefit of an experienced game guide and commentary.


Day 13 Kruger to Highveld/Mpumalamga
143 miles 2.30 hours
Head west via Middlesberg to your next accommodation, located in the Highveld region. Both lodges offer superb settings in beautiful bush scenery – ideal locations to wind down after an exciting self drive itinerary.
Standard: Isiyala Game Lodge
Superior: Amanzi Mountain Reserve
Boutique: Hannah Lodge

 
Kruger National Park Tour from £33


Day 14 Highveld to Pretoria
112 miles 1.30 hours
Take the N4 to Pretoria, the nation’s capital city and your final nights stay at the newly-built Centurion Hotel, a 4-star property set in lush gardens. If time permits perhaps visit the impressive Voortrekker Monument and Paul Kruger House Museum.
Standard: Forever Resorts Centurion Hotel
Superior: Forever Resorts Centurion Hotel
Boutique: Lombardy Estate


Day 15 Pretoria to Johannesburg Airport
50 miles 50 minutes
Short drive to Jo’burg Airport to return your vehicle to the Europcar depot and complete your itinerary.


CAR UPGRADE
Included in your hire is a group B car. If you wish to upgrade your car to a higher group type, please ask your Travelmood consultant for a quote.

ACCOMMODATION IN PEAK SEASON Please note that South Africa is very popular during its summer months from November to March. Therefore, the accommodation shown on this itinerary is subject to availability at the time of booking. If the accommodation listed is full, we will endeavour to book a comparable alternative.

Price in £ per person, based on twin share
Standard Flight Inclusive Option with Emirates 01 May - 15 Jul 09	from 762 from £1379
Superior	from1139
Boutique	from 1148