19 November – 2 December 2026
We collect you at OR Tambo Airport and bring you to your accommodation in Pretoria. Recover from your flight, enjoy a sundowner on our terrace and round off the evening with dinner together — the perfect start to your African adventure.
At the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers lies the first South African kingdom — today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You stay at a Big 5 safari lodge, just minutes from the entrance to Mapungubwe National Park — surrounded by nature, right beside a waterhole where the animals come to drink.
→ Game drives
→ Sundowner at the confluence point
→ Mapungubwe heritage tour
→ Treetop walk & birdwatching
We head into the northern Kruger National Park. Our rest camp sits picturesquely on the river of the same name — known for its elephant herds and exceptional birdlife.
→ Game drive along the Shingwedzi River
→ Elephant & bird watching
→ Sundowner on the riverbank
High above the Olifants River sits our rest camp — one of the most spectacular in Kruger. The panoramic view from the terrace is legendary — elephants at the river, crocodiles on the sandbanks.
→ Game drives with Doris & Alfred
→ Panorama sundowner over the Olifants River
→ Night game drive (optional, SANParks)
→ Birdwatching at 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 descend into the southern Kruger and drive through the park towards Marloth Park. Zebras and giraffes roam freely — a safari right on the doorstep of our lodge on the edge of Kruger.
In Eswatini's oldest protected area: free-roaming zebras and antelope — on foot, by bicycle or in a safari jeep. Cosy rondavels and a campfire under the stars 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 the iSimangaliso Wetland Park — South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. In St Lucia, hippos wander the streets at night, crocodiles bask on the banks, and sea turtles lay their eggs on the unspoilt beaches.
→ Boat trip on the St Lucia Estuary
→ Watching hippos & crocodiles
→ Turtle beaches (seasonal)
→ Cape Vidal Beach
We climb one of Africa's most spectacular mountain passes. At the top: the highest pub 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 the Sani Pass.
→ 4×4 drive over the Sani Pass
→ Highest pub in Africa with lunch
→ Traditional Lesotho village
The mighty rock wall of the Amphitheatre — over 5 km wide, with peaks rising above 3,000 m — ranks among South Africa's most impressive natural wonders. At our charming country-style accommodation you enjoy pure mountain panoramas and a spectacular sunset as the crowning finale of your journey. On the morning of 2 December we return to OR Tambo Airport for your flight home.
→ Hike to the Tugela Falls
→ Spectacular sunset
→ Return to OR Tambo Airport on 2 Dec
November and December mark the start of the Green Season — the landscape turns lush green, there are regular short afternoon thunderstorms, and temperatures sit at a pleasant 25–35 °C. Ideal for birdwatching and the birth of many young animals in Kruger. On the St Lucia coast it is warm and humid — perfect weather for turtle season!
Parts of the route (Kruger, Mapungubwe, St Lucia) lie in malaria areas. We recommend consulting your doctor or a travel clinic before departure. Eswatini, the Sani Pass and the Drakensberg are malaria-free.
Yes — for this self-drive safari you need your own rental car. Doris and Alfred lead the group ahead in their own lead vehicle, and you follow at your own pace. The group stays together — you never drive alone and have radio contact at all times.
Recommended: A slightly higher vehicle (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: We recommend booking your rental car in advance for the whole trip, with pick-up and return at OR Tambo Airport (JNB). Doris is happy to advise you on a suitable vehicle and provider.
Light, neutral clothing in earth tones for the game drives. A warm jumper for the morning drives and the Sani Pass (it can get cold at 2,800 m!). Swimwear for St Lucia. Sun protection, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes and a good camera. Doris will send you a detailed packing list before the trip.
adventure awaits!
Questions? Wishes? Ideas? We look forward to hearing from you.