Imagine a journey that takes you deep into the heart of Africa — far from the well-trodden tourist trails, at your own pace and with maximum freedom.
The African Ivory Route takes you on a self-drive adventure through mysterious mountains, untouched wilderness and vibrant African villages.
We plan your route in every detail, book all accommodation and activities, and provide comprehensive route descriptions — you drive yourself and enjoy the freedom to discover Africa at your own rhythm.
Request a QuoteThe African Ivory Route is one of South Africa's most pioneering community-based tourism projects, initiated in the late 1990s across the Limpopo Province. It comprises a network of cultural homesteads and safari camps owned by local communities — designed to empower disadvantaged communities through sustainable tourism.
Our founder, Doris Woerfel, played a key role in the development of this route — working alongside international organisations to train local staff and management, bringing VIPs, media delegations and international tourists to the Limpopo Province for over 15 years, and sponsoring the digitisation of the University of Pretoria's Mapungubwe Archive.
Our "African Ivory Route & Beyond" safari is inspired by this historic route — following its ancient trade paths through Mapungubwe, Letaba and the Greater Kruger, while extending the journey to include Eswatini, the battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Sani Pass into Lesotho, and the majestic Drakensberg mountains.
Collect your rental car at OR Tambo Airport and follow your route description to Bly Bed & Breakfast in Pretoria. Recover from your flight, enjoy a sundowner and round off the evening at one of the area's best restaurants.
At the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers: South Africa's first kingdom — now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Mopane Bush Lodge offers Big Five experiences with night game drives, Heritage Tours and Khoi San rock art.
→ Night game drive at Mapesu (Big 5)
→ Mapungubwe Heritage Tour
→ Khoi San Rock Art Tour
→ Sundowner at the Confluence
The Mtomeni Bush Camp on the Groot Letaba River — authentic bush atmosphere. En route: the legendary Sagole Big Tree and the centuries-old salt harvesting at Baleni.
→ Sagole Big Tree (largest baobab in SA)
→ Salt harvesting at Baleni
→ Game drive at Letaba Ranch (Big 5)
→ Guided bush walk
Between Kruger, Sabi Sand and Timbavati. At the charming Buffelshoek Bush Camp: authentic safari without the crowds. Manyeleti means "Place of the Stars".
→ 4 game drives in open safari vehicle
→ Bush walks with rangers
→ Sundowner by the fire
→ Night game drive (optional)
Enter via Orpen Gate and drive through Kruger National Park. Lunch at Lower Sabie Rest Camp overlooking the Sabie River. In Marloth Park, zebras and giraffes roam freely — safari right on your doorstep.
In Eswatini's oldest nature reserve: free-roaming zebras and antelope — on foot, by bicycle or by safari vehicle. Cosy traditional rondavels and campfires under the stars.
After the exciting safari days, pure relaxation awaits at Zamambongi Guest Houses & Spa in Newcastle. Enjoy the pool, indulge at the spa and explore the region's historic battlefields — including the famous Battle of Blood River and Majuba.
→ Spa & wellness at Zamambongi
→ Historic battlefields (Blood River, Majuba)
→ Ncandu Falls waterfall
→ Relaxation by the pool
By 4×4 over one of Africa's most spectacular mountain passes. 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 at the 4-star Sani Pass Premier Resort.
→ 4×4 drive over the Sani Pass
→ Highest bar in Africa with lunch
→ Traditional Lesotho village visit
The mighty rock face of the Amphitheatre — over 5 km wide, with peaks rising above 3,000 m — is one of South Africa's most impressive natural wonders. At Berghouse & Cottages, enjoy country-house charm with mountain panoramas and a spectacular sunset. The next morning, drive back to OR Tambo Airport for your return flight home.
May to September (dry season) offers the best wildlife viewing in Kruger and Manyeleti. The Drakensberg and Sani Pass are clearest during these months. The green season (November–March) brings lush landscapes and is ideal for birding. Newcastle is pleasant year-round.
A standard car is sufficient for most of the route. For the Sani Pass, we organise a guided 4×4 excursion — you can leave your rental car at the foot of the pass. We are happy to recommend a suitable vehicle for the entire trip.
Yes! As a self-drive safari, you travel at your own pace. Particularly popular with children: the beehive huts in Eswatini and the pool at Zamambongi Guest House in Newcastle. Let us know your children's ages — we'll recommend the best options.
Parts of the route (Kruger, Letaba) are in malaria areas. We recommend consulting your doctor or a travel clinic before departure. Newcastle and the Drakensberg are malaria-free.
Absolutely! Every safari can be tailored to your wishes. More days in Kruger? Skip the Sani Pass? Extra days in Newcastle? Simply let us know your preferences — we'll design your perfect journey.
of a lifetime?
Contact us for personalised travel planning — we'll design your dream safari along the African Ivory Route & beyond.
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