Experience the Best of South Africa on this 8-day self-drive tour.
Staring in Johannesburg and finishing in Cape Town, this fantastic 8-day Best of South Africa Self-drive tour is a perfect way to explore the highlights of this country. It allows you to Spot the ‘Big 5’ in a world-renowned private game reserve and appreciate the awe-inspiring sights of the Panorama Route and world-famous Cape Peninsula.
Day 1 – DAY OF ARRIVAL – JOHANNESBURG
Arrive into Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport and meet with our friendly team, who will hand over all your documentation handover and walk you to your hired car.
They will give you a map and explain the best routes to you.
Lunch is at leisure. Why not try Liliesleaf Farm in Rivonia Sandton. Optional and for your account, and may be pre-booked.
Why not book a 1/2 day tour of Soweto. Visit World famous Landmarks such as the Baragwanath Precinct, the Hector Pietersen Museum and the Mandela House Museum.
Dinner is at leisure at the hotel
Hallmark Hotel or similar – breakfast (4-star)
Day 2 – JOHANNESBURG to MAKALALI via DULLSTROOM (±456km | ±5hrs)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel
Make your way to Makalali Private Game Reserve, stopping at Dullstroom, a perfect halfway point for lunch. This pretty town is renowned for its flyfishing.
Lunch at leisure.
In the afternoon, arrive at your lodge and check-in.
Enjoy an afternoon safari in search of the Big Five in an open 4 x 4 safari, before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Makalali Private Game Reserve or similar – dinner and breakfast including two game viewing activities (4-star)
Day 3 – FULL DAY IN MAKALALI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Wake up early, and enjoy an open safari vehicle game drive in search of the Big Five
Return to the lodge for Breakfast
Your morning is at leisure to relax and enjoy the environment.
Lie by the pool and listen to the sounds of Africa, or relax in one of the game hides spotting the wildlife.
Lunch at the lodge
In the late afternoon, depart on a nocturnal game drive before returning to the lodge for dinner
Makalali Private Game Reserve or similar– lunch, dinner and breakfast including two game viewing activities (4-star)
Day 4 – KAPAMA to HAZYVIEW via PANORAMA ROUTE (±180km | ±2hrs | 30min)
Early morning game drive in open 4 x 4 safari vehicle in search of the Big Five, followed by breakfast at the lodge
Afterwards, depart for Blyde River Canyon and Three Rondawels. The Three Rondavels are an ancient geological wonder located in the Blyde River Canyon region. Stop and visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes
Enjoy Lunch at leisure in Graskop
God’s Window, a spectacular viewing point over the Blyde River Canyon, is a must-see.
In the late afternoon, arrive at the hotel
Dinner at the hotel
Sabi River Sun or similar – dinner and breakfast (4-star)
Day 5 – HAZYVIEW to JOHANNESBURG (±388km | ±4hrs)
JOHANNESBURG to CAPE TOWN (Own Flight arrangements and for your account)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, before making your way to OR Tambo airport.
Lunch at leisure en-route
Drop-off hired vehicle at O.R. Tambo International Airport
Flight to Cape Town (flight not included, we recommended SAA flight 2025 arriving 18h00)
On arrival at Cape Town Airport, walk to the hire car counter and collect your new hire vehicle.
Drive to the hotel and check-in.
Dinner at leisure at the hotel or V&A Waterfront
La Splendida or similar – breakfast (4-star)
Day 6 – CAPE TOWN CITY & CAPE WINELANDS FULL DAY (±170km | ±3hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel
Your day is at leisure to explore this beautiful city. Why not join one of the tours before to make the most of your time.
Seal Island Boat Trip from the Hout Bay Harbour (optional and may be pre-booked – own account)
Cape Point Nature Reserve and Flying Dutchman funicular (optional, for your account)
Lunch in Simon’s Town (optional, for your account)
Boulders Penguin Colony (optional, for your account)
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens (optional, for your account)
Dinner and show at Richards Supper Show (optional, for your account)
Dinner at leisure at the hotel or in Town
La Splendida or similar – breakfast (4-star)
Day 7 – CAPE POINT FULL DAY (±150km | ±3hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel
Your day is at leisure.
Table Mountain Cableway (own account and weather permitting)
Castle of Good Hope (optional, for your account)
Light lunch in the Cape Winelands optional, for your account)
Wine tasting in Franschhoek (optional, for your account)
Dinner at leisure
La Splendida or similar – breakfast (4-star)
Day 8 – DAY OF DEPARTURE – CAPE TOWN
Breakfast at the hotel
Drop-off hired vehicle at the airport
Enjoy the Best of South Africa on this 8-day self-drive tour.
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