Day 1: Johannesburg, South Africa ~ Greater Kruger Region
Depart Johannesburg early this morning at 6:30am following a short tour briefing, travelling towards the Mpumalanga region.
Enjoy a scenic journey through mountains, valleys and forested landscapes, with stops at viewpoints including God’s Window and the Three Rondavels.
Continue to your lodge on the edge of the Greater Kruger region, arriving in the late afternoon with time to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
INCLUSIONS: Entrance fees to God’s Window and Three Rondavels viewpoints
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: 580km
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIME: 8 hours 30 minutes driving, approximately 10 hours with stops
MEALS: Lunch, Dinner
MEAL PREPARATION ASSISTANCE REQUIRED: Lunch
OVERNIGHT: Makuwa Safari Lodge, Greater Kruger Region
Day 2: Greater Kruger Region ~ Kruger National Park ~ Greater Kruger Region
Rise early this morning for a full day of game viewing in Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations.
Travel in an open game drive vehicle as you explore diverse landscapes and search for the Big Five, as well as a wide variety of other wildlife and birdlife.
After an exciting day in the park, return to your lodge in the late afternoon with time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
INCLUSIONS: Full day game drive in Kruger National Park in an open safari vehicle
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: 150km
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIME: Full day game viewing, approximately 9 hours
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
MEAL PREPARATION ASSISTANCE REQUIRED: Lunch
OVERNIGHT: Makuwa Safari Lodge, Greater Kruger Region
Day 3: Greater Kruger Region ~ Kruger National Park
This morning, enjoy a short guided walk in the surrounding bush before re-entering Kruger National Park for another day of wildlife viewing.
Travel south through the park, exploring diverse ecosystems and visiting waterholes in search of the Big Five and a wide variety of wildlife.
Continue to your accommodation inside the park, where you can relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
INCLUSIONS: Kruger National Park entry and game drives
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: 100km
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIME: Afternoon game drive of variable duration
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
MEAL PREPARATION ASSISTANCE REQUIRED: Lunch and Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Kruger National Park Chalets
Day 4: Kruger National Park ~ eSwatini (Swaziland)
Depart Kruger National Park this morning and travel south towards the Kingdom of eSwatini, crossing the border into this mountainous and culturally rich country.
Continue to the Malolotja Nature Reserve, where you will explore the scenic landscapes on foot, taking in sweeping mountain views and diverse habitats.
Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon and enjoy time to relax before dinner in this peaceful setting.
INCLUSIONS: Entrance fees to Malolotja Nature Reserve and guided walk
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: 220km
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIME: 5 hours driving, up to 7 hours with stops and border crossing
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
MEAL PREPARATION ASSISTANCE REQUIRED: Breakfast and Lunch
OVERNIGHT: Hawane Lodge, eSwatini
Day 5: eSwatini ~ Zululand
Depart eSwatini this morning and re-enter South Africa, travelling towards the Zululand region.
En route, visit a local craft market near Mbabane before continuing to your lodge located within a private reserve in the Msinene Conservancy.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk through the bushveld and riverine vegetation, learning about the local environment while searching for wildlife.
INCLUSIONS: Visit to local craft market and guided bush walk
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: 320km
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIME: 6 hours driving, approximately 8 hours with stops and border crossing
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
MEAL PREPARATION ASSISTANCE REQUIRED: Lunch
OVERNIGHT: Zululand Lodge, Zululand
Day 6: Zululand
Spend today exploring the Zululand region with a focus on wildlife and conservation.
This morning, enjoy a game drive in Hluhluwe Game Reserve, one of Africa’s oldest reserves and a stronghold for rhino conservation.
Return to your lodge in the afternoon, with time to relax and take in the views over the reserve.
INCLUSIONS: Entrance fees to Hluhluwe Game Reserve and morning game drive
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: Variable within reserve
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIME: Half day game viewing
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
MEAL PREPARATION ASSISTANCE REQUIRED: Lunch
OVERNIGHT: Zululand Lodge, Zululand
Day 7: Zululand ~ Drakensberg Mountains
Depart Zululand this morning and travel south towards the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains.
En route, visit the Nelson Mandela Capture Site Museum to learn about an important moment in South Africa’s history.
Continue to your accommodation in the Drakensberg, where you can relax and enjoy the mountain scenery.
INCLUSIONS: Entrance to Nelson Mandela Capture Site Museum
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: 500km
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIME: 7 hours driving, approximately 8 hours with stops
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
MEAL PREPARATION ASSISTANCE REQUIRED: Lunch and Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Lotheni Chalets, Drakensberg
Day 8: Drakensberg Mountains
Spend today exploring the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage listed region known for its dramatic scenery.
Enjoy guided walks along mountain streams and scenic trails, taking in panoramic views, fresh alpine air and the unique flora and fauna of the area.
The afternoon is at leisure to relax, continue exploring or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this remarkable landscape.
INCLUSIONS: Guided walks in the Drakensberg Mountains
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: Minimal
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIME: Activities throughout the day
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
MEAL PREPARATION ASSISTANCE REQUIRED: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Lotheni Chalets, Drakensberg
Day 9: Drakensberg Mountains ~ Wild Coast
Depart the Drakensberg Mountains this morning and travel south towards the Wild Coast, one of South Africa’s most untouched regions.
Enjoy a scenic journey through rural landscapes, passing small villages and rolling hills before reaching the coastline.
Arrive at your lodge near the beach in the late afternoon, with time to relax and take in the coastal surroundings.
INCLUSIONS: Scenic drive through the Wild Coast region
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: 550km
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIME: 9 hours driving, approximately 10 hours with stops
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
MEAL PREPARATION ASSISTANCE REQUIRED: Breakfast and Lunch
OVERNIGHT: Crawford Beach Lodge, Wild Coast
Day 10: Wild Coast
Today is free to relax and explore the Wild Coast, a region known for its untouched beaches and rich local culture.
You may choose to visit nearby villages to experience Xhosa culture, take a walk along the coastline or simply unwind at your lodge overlooking the ocean.
Enjoy the peaceful surroundings, with time to soak in the scenery and connect with this unique and remote part of South Africa.
INCLUSIONS: Free day on the Wild Coast
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: 0km
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIME: Nil
MEALS: Breakfast
MEAL PREPARATION ASSISTANCE REQUIRED: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Crawford Beach Lodge, Wild Coast
Day 11: Wild Coast ~ Addo Elephant National Park
Depart the Wild Coast this morning and travel west towards Addo Elephant National Park.
Enjoy a scenic journey through the Eastern Cape before arriving at the park, home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations.
In the afternoon, head out on a game drive in your safari vehicle, with excellent opportunities to spot elephants, buffalo and other wildlife.
INCLUSIONS: Entrance fees to Addo Elephant National Park and afternoon game drive
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: 360km
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIME: 5 hours 30 minutes driving, approximately 8 hours with stops
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
MEAL PREPARATION ASSISTANCE REQUIRED: Lunch and Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Addo National Park Chalets, Addo
Day 12: Addo ~ Tsitsikamma ~ Plettenberg Bay
Depart Addo this morning and travel west along the famous Garden Route, one of South Africa’s most scenic coastal regions.
Stop at Tsitsikamma National Park to explore the dramatic coastline, where forested cliffs meet the ocean. Enjoy a walk to the Storms River Mouth and take in the spectacular views.
Continue to Plettenberg Bay, where the afternoon is at leisure. You may wish to relax on the beach, explore the town or enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
INCLUSIONS: Entrance fees to Tsitsikamma National Park
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: 320km
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIME: 4 hours 30 minutes driving, approximately 8 hours with stops
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch
MEAL PREPARATION ASSISTANCE REQUIRED: Breakfast and Lunch
OVERNIGHT: Bayview Hotel, Plettenberg Bay
Day 13: Plettenberg Bay
Today is at leisure in Plettenberg Bay, allowing time to relax and explore this beautiful coastal region.
You may choose to join an optional ocean safari to spot whales and dolphins, walk the scenic Robberg Peninsula or unwind on the area’s pristine beaches.
Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the Garden Route, with time to explore local shops or dine at one of the many restaurants.
INCLUSIONS: Entrance fees to Robberg Nature Reserve and guided walk
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: Minimal
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIME: Activities throughout the day
MEALS: Breakfast
MEAL PREPARATION ASSISTANCE REQUIRED: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Bayview Hotel, Plettenberg Bay
Day 14: Plettenberg Bay ~ Hermanus
Depart Plettenberg Bay this morning and travel west along the Garden Route towards Hermanus.
Enjoy a scenic coastal journey through forests, mountains and farmland, arriving in Hermanus, one of the world’s best locations for land-based whale watching during the season.
On arrival, take a walk along the coastal paths or visit the Fernkloof Nature Reserve to explore the region’s unique fynbos landscapes.
INCLUSIONS: Coastal walk in Hermanus or visit to Fernkloof Nature Reserve
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: 450km
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIME: 6 hours 30 minutes driving, approximately 8 hours with stops
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch
MEAL PREPARATION ASSISTANCE REQUIRED: Lunch
OVERNIGHT: Windsor Hotel, Hermanus
Day 15: Hermanus ~ Stellenbosch ~ Cape Town
Depart Hermanus this morning and travel towards Cape Town, stopping en route in the renowned wine region of Stellenbosch.
Enjoy time to explore the historic town and sample local wines on an optional cellar tour before continuing to Cape Town, arriving in the afternoon.
The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the vibrant city, including the V&A Waterfront.
INCLUSIONS: Cellar tour in Stellenbosch
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: 190km
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIME: 3 hours 30 minutes driving, approximately 5 to 6 hours with stops
MEALS: Breakfast
MEAL PREPARATION ASSISTANCE REQUIRED: Nil
OVERNIGHT: City Lodge Hotel V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Day 16: Cape Town
Today, explore the highlights of Cape Town, one of the world’s most scenic cities, set beneath the iconic Table Mountain.
Travel along the Atlantic coastline, visiting Hout Bay before continuing to the spectacular Cape Point Nature Reserve. Discover dramatic cliffs, sweeping ocean views and the famous Cape of Good Hope.
Continue to Boulders Beach to visit the charming African penguin colony, then return to Cape Town in the afternoon with time at leisure.
INCLUSIONS: Entrance fees to Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: 150km
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIME: 3 hours 30 minutes driving, full day with stops
MEALS: Breakfast
MEAL PREPARATION ASSISTANCE REQUIRED: Nil
OVERNIGHT: City Lodge Hotel V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Day 17: Depart Cape Town
Your South Africa Rainbow Route journey concludes today in Cape Town.
After breakfast, enjoy free time for last minute sightseeing, shopping or optional activities, including a visit to Table Mountain or Robben Island.
Your tour ends at approximately 6:00pm at the hotel.
INCLUSIONS: Guided walk up Table Mountain
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: Minimal
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIME: Activities throughout the day
MEALS: Breakfast
MEAL PREPARATION ASSISTANCE REQUIRED: Breakfast