Highlights
- Experience rich culture and complex history on the streets of Johannesburg
- Search for lions, leopards, and more on the savannas of Kruger and Sabi Sands
- Cruise between soaring canyon walls on the famous Blyde River
- Embark on a scenic road trip through the South African bushveld
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Johannesburg, Optional Activities | Johannesburg |
| Day 2 | Drive to Kruger National Park, Afternoon Game Drive | Kruger National Park |
| Day 3 | Morning Game Drive in Kruger, Free Afternoon | Kruger National Park |
| Day 4 | Drive to Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Afternoon Game Drive | Sabi Sands Game Reserve |
| Day 5 | Big Five Safaris in Sabi Sands | Sabi Sands Game Reserve |
| Day 6 | Drive to Hoedspruit, Blyde River Boat Cruise | Hoedspruit |
| Day 7 | Drive to Johannesburg, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Johannesburg, Optional Activities
Welcome to South Africa! With dozens of national parks and reserves, Africa's southernmost nation has earned its place as one of the top safari destinations in the world. But it's not all about the wildlife—there are natural wonders galore, as well as world-class cities. You'll arrive in the largest metropolis of them all, Johannesburg, a city whose rich culture is matched only by its complex and fascinating history.
Upon arrival at the airport in "Joburg" (as it's known to locals), a driver will transfer you to your hotel in the city. Then, head out and explore on your own. Even with just an afternoon, you can enjoy a few of the city's cultural and historic highlights. If there's time, head to the outskirts and tour the township (district) of Soweto. Or, stay in the center and visit the Apartheid Museum to learn how those segregated urban settlements came to be. Then, after dinner, maybe pop in at a historic nightclub to hear live jazz.
Day 2: Drive to Kruger National Park, Afternoon Game Drive
Hit the road on a journey to the world-famous Kruger National Park. Located in northeast South Africa, not only is this the country's first-ever national park (founded in 1926), but it's also one of the largest on the continent at 7,576 square miles (19,623 sq km). The options for safari adventures here are nearly limitless, which you'll discover upon arrival.
Since this is a self-drive adventure, half the fun is getting there. In the morning, you'll get behind the wheel and set off on the 4-5-hour drive to Kruger. It's quite something to watch the city give way to Africa's famous bushveld (subtropical wilderness landscapes). This is a land of vast savannas and soaring mountain plateaus—so savor the ride. At the end of it, you'll arrive at your accommodation: Mjejane River Lodge. Perched on the banks of the Crocodile River and surrounded by thousands of acres of raw African wilderness, it's here that the paths of predators and prey cross, and you'll have a front-row seat.
You won't wait around, either. After dropping off your bags, meet your guide for an afternoon game drive. Spend a few hours in an open-topped 4WD vehicle prowling the park. This ruggedly beautiful savanna is home to 147 species of mammals, including the Big Five safari animals: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. It's also a paradise for birders, as the 508 species here include various hawks, eagles, storks, and parrots—don't forget your camera!
Day 3: Morning Game Drive in Kruger, Free Afternoon
Rise and shine! Your day begins at dawn with game drives across the African savanna. From an open-topped, 4WD vehicle, you'll search for the Big Five. There's no shortage of these animals, as the park is home to around 1,500 lions, plus tens of thousands more elephants, leopards, and buffalo. You also might see both black and white rhinos (though the population of black rhinos here is a mere couple of hundred).
You won't spend the days entirely in the car. There will be opportunities to get out, stretch your legs, learn about the local flora from your expert guide, and take tea and coffee breaks. You can also opt for a bush walk to hike around the savannas as your guide teaches you how to track animals via their prints. You'll likely see more animals in the early morning when they're most active (particularly at the watering holes where they congregate), but dusk is also a prime viewing time, so you'll have the opportunity for another excursion as the sun sets.
Day 4: Drive to Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Afternoon Game Drive
Get back on the road after breakfast for the drive to your next safari destination: Sabi Sands Game Reserve. You won't have to travel far, as this 494-square-mile (1,283 sq km) private reserve is adjacent to Kruger National Park (the two share a fence line). Like Kruger, Sabi Sands is renowned for its exceptional wildlife-viewing opportunities.
You'll stay at Umkumbe Bush Lodge, the reserve's first "glamping" experience. It's a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the rugged bushveld landscapes while enjoying modern comforts like air-conditioning and a swimming pool. But the location is the real star—sitting next to the Sand River under a canopy of indigenous trees, it's the perfect place to enjoy the surrounding wildlife.
Speaking of which, if you arrive early, sit down to lunch and choose from a menu of global favorites prepared with locally sourced ingredients. If you get here later in the afternoon, enjoy high tea and spend the rest of the day on an introductory game drive in an open-topped 4WD vehicle. During this excursion, your knowledgeable guide will reveal info about the area and its animals, which include the Big Five. Upon return, dinner will be served at the lodge.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Big Five Safaris in Sabi Sands
Rise early and embark on a dawn game drive to see the Big Five denizens of Sabi Sands when they're fresh and energetic. There's at least one safari on the itinerary today, and you can opt for a second game drive later in the afternoon. While Sabi is renowned for its Big Five and one of the best places to see the elusive leopard in the wild, it's also home to countless other remarkable species, like hyenas, hippos, waterbucks, jackals, aardvarks, Cape porcupines, and giraffes.
In between the safari activities, you'll have time to relax by the pool and enjoy delicious meals prepared by the friendly staff. You'll also want to avail yourself of the spa facilities, where you can enjoy a massage or wellness treatment to rejuvenate your body and mind. These treatments are often outdoors, allowing you to relax amid the natural splendor of Sabi Sands.
Day 6: Drive to Hoedspruit, Blyde River Boat Cruise
You've seen Kruger and Sabi Sands—now experience the mountainous region beyond the parks' borders. Leave in the morning on a three-hour drive north to the town of Hoedspruit. Here you can get settled in at Wild Blue Lodge, a tranquil riverfront property nestled in the Ndlovumzi Game Reserve. Then, transfer to the nearby Blyde River (which forms the famous Blyde River Canyon) for a river cruise. On this 90-minute boat ride, your guide will reveal fascinating info about the history and geology of the area as you make your way to the river dam.
Nearby is the Kadishi Tufa, a massive waterfall that cascades 656 feet (200 m) over dolomite rocks. The area is home to exotic wildlife, including hippos, crocs, kudu, and waterbirds like fish eagles and the African finfoot—so keep your camera close. After the cruise, you'll transfer back to the lodge, where you can spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying its many amenities and activities, from spa treatments to game drives. As evening falls, savor the final evening of your trip as you watch the sunset over the nearby Drakensberg mountains.
Day 7: Drive to Johannesburg, Depart
More Great South Africa Itineraries
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