Imagine a journey that takes you deep into the heart of Africa — far from the well-trodden tourist paths, at your own pace, and with maximum freedom.
The African Ivory Route takes you, as a self-driver, on a journey of discovery through mysterious mountains, untouched wilderness, and vibrant African villages.
We drive ahead in our lead vehicle and you follow in your own rental car — at your own pace, with maximum freedom, yet never alone. We navigate, coordinate all activities with lodges and operators, arrange restaurant visits, handle border crossings across three countries, check-ins and check-outs, park fees, currency exchange, and everything else that comes up along the way. You enjoy — we take care of the rest.
Request Quote10 stops · 3 countries · 3,000+ km
🌍 Southern Cross Experiences · 19 Nov – 2 Dec 2026
Doris Woerfel, founder of Southern Cross Experiences, is German and has lived in South Africa for over 30 years. A specialist in tourism development, she played a key role in shaping the African Ivory Route — from training local staff and hosting international delegations to marketing Limpopo Province as a travel destination.
At Southern Cross Experiences, sustainability isn't a marketing phrase — it's our founding principle. Every lodge on this route creates jobs for local communities, every activity strengthens the community. We follow the UNWTO Code of Ethics and actively advocate for the protection of wildlife and cultural heritage.
19 November – 2 December 2026
We'll pick you up at OR Tambo Airport and bring you to your accommodation in Pretoria. Recover from your flight, enjoy a sundowner on our terrace, and wind down the evening with a shared dinner — the perfect start to your African adventure.
At the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers lies South Africa's first kingdom — today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll stay in a Big 5 Safari Lodge, just a few minutes from the entrance to Mapungubwe National Park — immersed in nature, right by a waterhole where the animals come to drink.
→ Game drives
→ Sundowners at Confluence Point
→ Mapungubwe Heritage Tour
→ Treetop walk & birdwatching
We head deep into the northern Kruger National Park. Our rest camp is picturesquely located on the river of the same name — renowned for elephant herds and extraordinary birdlife.
→ Game drive along the Shingwedzi River
→ Elephant & birdwatching
→ Sundowners by the riverbank
Perched high above the Olifants River, our rest camp is one of the most spectacular in Kruger. The panoramic view from the terrace is legendary — elephants by the river, crocodiles on the sandbanks.
→ Guided game drives
→ Panoramic sundowners over the Olifants River
→ Night game drive (optional, SANParks)
→ Birdwatching by the river
Today, one of South Africa's most beautiful roads awaits you — the legendary Panorama Route through Mpumalanga. Stops at Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls, Bourke's Luck Potholes, and the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon. Overnight in a charming historic guesthouse in Graskop.
→ Lisbon Falls & Berlin Falls
→ Bourke's Luck Potholes
→ Blyde River Canyon viewpoint
→ Souvenir shopping along the route
From Graskop we head down into the southern Kruger and through the park towards Marloth Park. Zebras and giraffes roam freely — safari right outside the door of our lodge on the edge of Kruger.
In Eswatini's oldest protected area: free-roaming zebras and antelope — on foot, by bike, or in a safari jeep. Cosy round huts and a campfire under the starry sky in Africa's smallest kingdom.
→ Walking safari in Mlilwane
→ Mountain biking through the park
→ Cultural experiences in the kingdom
→ Campfire under the stars
Welcome to iSimangaliso Wetland Park — South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. In St Lucia, hippos wander the streets at night, crocodiles bask on the shore, and sea turtles lay their eggs on pristine beaches.
→ Boat trip on the St Lucia Estuary
→ Hippo & crocodile watching
→ Turtle beaches (seasonal)
→ Cape Vidal Beach
We climb one of Africa's most spectacular mountain roads. At the top: the Highest Bar in Africa at over 2,800 m, lunch with panoramic views, and a visit to a traditional Lesotho village. Overnight in a comfortable 4-star resort at the foot of Sani Pass.
→ 4×4 drive over Sani Pass
→ Highest Bar in Africa with lunch
→ Traditional Lesotho village
The massive rock wall of the Amphitheatre — over 5 km wide, with peaks soaring above 3,000 m — is one of South Africa's most impressive natural wonders. In our charming country-style accommodation, you'll enjoy stunning mountain views and a spectacular sunset as the crowning finale to your journey. On the morning of 2 December, we head back to OR Tambo Airport for your return flight.
→ Hike to Tugela Falls
→ Spectacular sunset
→ Return drive to OR Tambo Airport on 2 Dec
November and December mark the beginning of the green season — the landscape turns lush green, there are regular short afternoon thunderstorms, and temperatures are a pleasant 25–35 °C (77–95 °F). Ideal for birdwatching and seeing many newborn animals in Kruger. On the coast at St Lucia, it's warm and humid — perfect weather for the turtle nesting season!
Parts of the route (Kruger, Mapungubwe, St Lucia) lie within malaria areas. We recommend you consult your doctor or a travel clinic before departure. Eswatini, Sani Pass and the Drakensberg are malaria-free.
Yes — for this self-drive safari, you'll need your own rental car. We lead the group in our own lead vehicle, and you follow at your own pace. The group stays together — you never drive alone, and we're in radio contact throughout.
Recommended: A vehicle with slightly raised ground clearance (SUV or crossover, e.g. Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Creta, VW T-Cross) for comfortable driving on Kruger's gravel roads. A 4×4 is not necessary.
Tip: Affordable rental cars for the entire trip can be found on comparison sites like rentalcars.com or kayak.com. Simply select pickup at OR Tambo Airport (JNB) and return at the same location.
Light, neutral-coloured clothing in earth tones for game drives. A warm sweater for morning drives and Sani Pass (it can be cool at 2,800 m!). Swimwear for St Lucia. Sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, and a good camera. We will send you a detailed packing list before departure.
Adventure Awaits!
Questions? Wishes? Ideas? We look forward to hearing from you.