Days 1-3: UK – Johannesburg
Arriving in Johannesburg after an overnight flight, your adventure begins! Spend two nights in the Sandton area which is close to Nelson Mandela Square. On your free day, there is the option to visit Lesedi Village for a guided tour to learn how the people in Lesedi live and taste some traditional cuisine.
Days 4-5: Sabie
Distance: 349 km / 216 miles
Today you’ll be transferred to the motorhome depot to collect your vehicle before setting off towards Sabie. A quaint, country town surrounded by stunning natural scenery, Sabie is the centre of the local timber industry and home to the statues of the famous dog, Jock of the Bushveld.
During your stay at Sabie, explore one of South Africa’s most scenic journeys in your motorhome. The Panorama Route winds through the Mpumalanga Highlands and along the dramatic Great Escarpment of the Drakensberg. Along the way, you can visit the magnificent Blyde River Canyon. Highlights also include God’s Window, the Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the charming towns of Graskop and Pilgrim’s Rest.
If time permits, you may also wish to visit the Graskop Gorge. Here, a viewing lift descends 51 metres into the forest below, where a network of timber walkways and suspension bridges leads through the region’s fascinating flora and fauna.
Days 6-8: Kruger National Park
Distance: 73 km / 45 miles
Following breakfast, depart for the south-western part of the Kruger National Park, one of the world’s great wildlife destinations. Almost the size of Belgium, it offers an unforgettable safari experience being home to 147 mammal species, 114 reptile species and more than 500 bird species. Every drive through the park brings the possibility of something unexpected; if you’re lucky, you may see the famous Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo)!
Kruger also has a fascinating prehistoric heritage, with hundreds of Stone Age sites, ancient rock art and evidence of human life dating back more than 100,000 years.
To help you make the most of your time here, on Day 7 a full-day safari is included with the expertise of a local guide. You’ll also have the flexibility to continue exploring independently in your motorhome the following day, allowing you to discover even more of this extraordinary park at your own pace.
Days 9-10: Swaziland
Distance: 277 km / 172 miles
Continue onto Swaziland, officially known as the Kingdom of eSwatini. This small, landlocked country is known for its vibrant culture, striking scenery and has Africa’s last remaining monarchy.
The landscape is wonderfully varied, ranging from dramatic mountains and sweeping savannah to lush rainforest and fertile river valleys. Along the way, you may wish to stop in the beautiful Valley of Heaven, browse local handicrafts in the Malkerns Valley, or visit Hlane Royal National Park for wildlife viewing.
Days 11-13: Hluhluwe
Distance: 258 km / 160 miles
Travelling back into South Africa, the next three nights will be at Bonamanzi Game Reserve, a 4000 hectare privately owned Game Reserve located in the heart of Zululand. Bordering the World Heritage Site, Isimangoliso Wetlands Park, Bonamanzi was proclaimed a Natural Heritage Site in 1995 in recognition of its biodiversity and is recognized as one of the best birding destinations in Southern Africa.
During your stay here, you have the option to visit Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, home to black and white rhinos, or the Emdoneni Cheetah Project to view and learn more about South Africa’s endangered wild cat species.
On Day 12, depart for St Lucia where you will board a boat to enjoy an included guided Hippo & Croc Cruise on the St Lucia Estuary. Observe crocodiles, hippos and hundreds of bird species with experienced rangers providing incredible facts on the area.
Days 14-15: Kwazulu-Natal
Distance: 289 km / 180 miles
The next couple of days allows you to learn more about South Africa’s history as you travel through Zulu battlefields. Situated on the edge of Zululand, Dundee played a role in both the Anglo Zulu and Anglo Boer Wars.
Among the well-known sites is Rorke’s Drift Battlefield, as dramatised in the film Zulu. Also deeply poignant is Isandlwana which is marked by white cairns that commemorate the soldiers who lost their lives. Visit the Talana Guided Museum which brings the events, strategies and personal stories of the conflict vividly to life.
Days 16-17: Drakensburg
Distance: 363 km / 225 miles
Today you’ll travel inland towards the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains which form much of the natural border between South Africa and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. A popular destination for its dramatic peaks, green hills and pretty mountain streams, spend the next two nights in this spectacular region.
The ultimate highlight is the Sani Pass, which at almost 3,000 metres above sea level is South Africa’s highest pass offering magnificent vistas along the way. This UNESCO World Heritage area is not only celebrated for its natural beauty, but also for its rich cultural heritage, including one of the largest collections of prehistoric San rock art in Southern Africa.
There are plenty of ways to experience the area at your own pace. Scenic drives reveal breathtaking viewpoints; while walking and hiking trails range from gentle nature walks to more challenging mountain routes. Horse riding, trout fishing and mountain biking are also available locally.
Days 18-19: Wild Coast
Distance: 272 km / 170 miles
The Wild Coast stretches for more than 200 kms along one of South Africa’s most remote and unspoilt shorelines. Rugged cliff, hidden coves, rolling green hills and vast empty beaches combine to create a landscape of striking natural beauty, far removed from the busier coastal resorts.
As you explore the region, you’ll discover quiet swimming spots, dramatic coastal viewpoints and traditional rural villages scattered across the hillsides. The area is connected to Xhosa culture, adding another layer of interest to this remarkable part of the country.
Days 20-21: Morgan Bay
Distance: 315 km / 196 miles
Continue along the Wild Coast before reaching your stay for the next couple of nights at the coastal village of Morgan Bay. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding area, from forest and coastal trails rich in flora and birdlife to quiet beaches and scenic viewpoints. Cycling and hiking are popular ways to discover the landscape, while the calm lagoon is ideal for kayaking, especially later in the day.
Days 22-23: Addo Elephant Park
Distance: 364 km / 226 km
For the next two nights, you will stay at the Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape, South Africa’s third largest national park. Originally created to protect the region’s remaining elephants, the park is now home to a remarkable variety of wildlife across a diverse landscape of bushveld, plains, forests and coastal areas.
Addo is well known for its large elephant population, but there is plenty more to look out for during your stay such as zebra, spotted hyena and antelope. Alongside the Big Five, the surrounding marine environment of Algoa Bay is home to southern right whales and great white sharks, making this one of the few places associated with the “Big Seven”.
On Day 23, a half-day guided safari in an open vehicle is also included during your stay, offering the chance to learn more about the park and benefit from the expertise of a local ranger.
Days 24-26: Storms River
Distance: 229 km / 143 miles
Joining South Africa’s renowned Garden Route in the Eastern Cape, make your way to Storms River which provides an excellent base for exploring this beautiful region. There is plenty to see nearby, from the peaceful beaches and forests of Nature’s Valley to the lively coastal town of Plettenberg Bay.
Further west, the lagoon-side town of Knysna makes for a rewarding day out. Surrounded by forests and water, the town is particularly famous for the Knysna Heads, the dramatic sandstone cliffs that guard the entrance to the lagoon from the Indian Ocean.
Included during your stay is the Featherbed Eco Experience, offering a wonderful introduction to the scenery around Knysna Lagoon. The excursion includes a scenic cruise across the lagoon, a guided walk within the Featherbed Nature Reserve and lunch beneath the milkwood trees overlooking the coast.
Days 27-28: Oudtshoorn
Distance: 217 km / 135 miles
Your next stop is Oudtshoorn, set in the Klein Karoo region of the Western Cape. Known as the “ostrich capital of the world,” the area has a distinctive semi-arid landscape and a strong heritage shaped by the historic ostrich-feather trade. The surrounding Route 62 provides scenic drives and local food and wine stops, with several working ostrich farms still found throughout the area.
To learn more about the town’s history, visit the CP Nel Museum which offers a fascinating insight into Oudtshoorn’s boom years. Ostrich feathers were among the most valuable commodities in the world leaving a lasting mark on the region’s architecture and prosperity.
Take the opportunity to visit the nearby Cango Caves, one of South Africa’s great natural wonders. Estimated to be over 20 million years old, this extensive limestone system features dramatic chambers, towering stalactites and underground formations that make for a worthwhile visit.
Days 29-30: Montagu
Distance: 232 km / 144 miles
Leaving Oudtshoorn, continue along Route 62 towards Barrydale, passing through a changing landscape of valleys and mountain foothills. The route connects small towns and farming communities that reflect the character of the Klein Karoo region.
A popular stop along the way is Ronnie’s Sex Shop, a quirky and popular roadside pub that has become something of a Route 62 landmark. Originally a simple farm stall called Ronnie’s Shop, it was humorously renamed after a prank by friends and has since developed into a popular refreshment stop.
From here, the route continues to Montagu, a historic spa town set beneath dramatic sandstone mountains. Montagu is particularly well known for its muscadel fortified wine, produced in the surrounding vineyards. Stop at the town’s dried fruit factory to stock up on some snacks.
Days 31-32: Cape Town
Distance: 235 km / 146 miles
As the road trip comes to end, you’ll be rewarded with the vibrant city of Cape Town and the iconic Table Mountain backdrop. After returning your motorhome at the depot, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you can unwind for two nights after your travels.
Explore the city at your own pace with a stroll along the V&A Waterfront or amongst the beauty of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. A must-do is the cableway up Table Mountain for sweeping views across the city, coastline and surrounding peaks.
If you would like to extend your stay, additional nights in Cape Town can easily be arranged, giving you more time to enjoy one of the world’s most scenic and dynamic cities.
Days 33-34: Cape Town - UK
A final morning in Cape Town gives you a little more time to take in the city, whether that’s browsing the shops, or simply relaxing at one of the many restaurants before you depart.
You’ll be transferred to the airport for your overnight flight home, taking with you a plethora of unforgettable experiences from your time in South Africa.
The holidays to Southern Africa are provided by Alan Rogers Travel Ltd, a subsidiary of the Caravan and Motorhome Club. ATOL No.11309
We are ABTA protected. Find out more about our ABTA membership.
