On arrival in Johannesburg you are met by a representative in the arrival’s hall, who will hand over your travel documents and assist you to collect your hired car and set off for Mpumalanga and the quaint village of Dullstroom. Here you check in and spend the night.

Dullstroom is a charming village nestled in the Mpumalanga Highlands. It is a mere 2.5 hours’ drive from Gauteng and conveniently situated halfway to the Kruger Park. Given its altitude at 2100m above sea level, it is the highest village in South Africa and has become a very popular training base for top European athletes during the summer months.

Dullstroom is known for its crystal, clear dams, perfect for trout fishing and popular outdoor activities include not only fly-fishing, but also hiking, mountain-biking and an array of other adventure sports.

Culture is abundant here with true culinary experiences. Numerous excellent restaurants, coffee shops, craft-beer brewery and a world-renowned whisky bar and eclectic pubs all form part of this relaxed village. Dullstroom supports a significant arts community – and is an escape for artists, writers and musicians

Driving time – Johannesburg to Dullstroom – approx. 2½ to 3 hours (direct drive)

After a hearty breakfast, you check out from your guest house in Dullstroom and enjoy the scenic route to Hazyview. South Africa’s Panorama Route is easily one of the most popular places to visit and by far one of the most scenic on the continent. Winding its way through the Drakensberg craggy mountains of Mpumalanga and the north-eastern end of the Great Escarpment, this route has some of the most dramatic landscape in the world. The best views are to be had on a clear winter’s day when the mist and clouds that mar the view in summer are nowhere in sight. At the edge of the plateau the land falls away beneath your feet and the vast Lowveld plains spread out about a kilometre below. The rains that come here the rest of the year are largely due to the plateau acting as a cloud barrier and make it hard to see very far.

The Mpumalanga Province’s Drakensberg Mountains divide the cooler Highveld to the west from the lower coastal plains to the east, creating splendid panoramic mountain scenery.

You can stop in Sabie, which is a small country town nestled deep in the valley of the escarpment of the Drakensberg mountain range in Mpumalanga. There are a number of waterfalls to visit close to Sabie such as the Sabie Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Lone Creek Falls and Horseshoe Falls. From here you continue onto the town of Hazyview, which derives its name from the summer haze that envelopes the low bush land. This occurs during the heat of summer season.

You check into your accommodation for your overnight stay.

Driving time – Dullstroom to Hazyview – Full Day self-drive of the Panorama Route

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, you check out and make your way to your lodge in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. You check into your room and have time to relax before a light lunch or high tea is served. Later in the afternoon, you depart on your afternoon game drive in safari vehicles, returning to the lodge for a wonderful dinner before retiring to your room.

Driving time – Hazyview to your lodge in Sabi Sands – approx. 1½ to 2 hours (direct drive)

After your morning game drive and brunch, you bid farewell to this African wonderland. From here you depart and make your way to Nelspruit airport where you return your hire car and check in for your afternoon flight to Durban.

On arrival in Durban, you make your way to the hire car hire kiosk and collect your vehicle for the next part of your journey.

Leaving Durban airport, you set off for the Midlands where the rolling hills of the Midlands in KwaZulu-Natal will be sure to leave an everlasting impression on you. Winding roads cross streams and lead through quaint towns like Howick, working farms, and exquisite terrains that are peaceful enough to soothe any soul. Marvel at the changing and scattered scenery along this route, from misty forests to grassy plains and rocky cliffs. Stop off at towns so small that if you blink you might miss them. This tranquil pocket of KwaZulu-Natal has been dubbed the Midlands Meander, and, when gliding around lush mountains and rolling farmland, I’m sure it won’t take you long to see why. The Midlands Meander is a popular route for home crafts, local and delicious food and emerging artists.

Driving time – Nottens to Nelspruit airport – approx. 2½ hours
Flight time – Nelspruit to Durban – approx. 1 hour
Driving time – Durban airport to Curry’s Post – approx. 2 hours

After breakfast at Curry’s Post, you make your way to the Drakensberg stopping at some of the art and craft shops on route. On arrival at your lodge, the rest of the day is a leisure to relax at the guest house. Dinner is included this evening.

Driving time – Midlands to the Central Drakensberg – approx. 1½ to 2 hours (direct drive)

Today you explore the surrounding area including Mountain hikes and walks, Horse Riding in the Drakensberg, Rainbow and Brown Trout Fishing in the Drakensberg, View the Drakensberg by helicopter, Bushman Rock Art, the Sani Pass and the Crane Rehabilitation Centre

Geologically the Drakensberg Mountains comprises of a sandstone layer covered by a 1 400- metre-thick basalt layer. This make-up has created hundreds of caves and overhangs where the ancient San people, who roamed freely in the region some 4 000 years ago, have left their mark in the form of more than 30 000 paintings in an estimated 600 caves.

The mountains are also home to a large number of threatened and endemic plants such as the protea, cycad, cabbage tree, tree fern, and giant yellowwood, along with flowers including lilies, lion’s tail, helicrysum, erica, agapanthus, watsonia, and the red hot poker.

More than 300 bird species recorded here range from the tiny greater double-collared sunbird to large raptors like the eagle, buzzard and vulture.

After a scrumptious breakfast you set off back to Durban. Here you return your hired car and check in for your late afternoon flight to Port Elizabeth. On arrival in Port Elizabeth, you make your way to the car hire offices to collect your car and your hotel a short drive from the airport.

Set on the sweeping shores of Algoa Bay, Port Elizabeth provides a unique mix of abundant wildlife, long golden beaches and a rich historic heritage. Often referred to as the ‘Friendly City’, Port Elizabeth is a popular seaside destination. It’s big enough to have everything you’d want from a city but small enough to occasionally feel like a village. The clean sandy beaches and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean make Port Elizabeth a great family destination. The bay ensures safe and sheltered swimming and Port Elizabeth has gained a reputation for being a world leader in water sports, such as surfing, diving, sailing, windsurfing and fishing. There is a long promenade along the seafront, linking four of the city’s top beaches. Port Elizabeth has many first-rate cafés, restaurants and bars. It is also a cultural and artistic centre, with an Opera House and many art galleries.

Driving time – Drakensberg to Durban airport – approx. 3½ hours
Flight time – Durban to Port Elizabeth – approx. 1 hour and 25 minutes
Driving time – Port Elizabeth airport to Port Elizabeth – approx. 10 minutes

This morning you begin a leisurely drive towards the Garden Route. You reach the Tsitsikamma Forest, an indigenous primeval forest with towering ancient yellowwood trees, lush vegetation and deep gorges. The Tsitsikamma Forest is a primeval, indigenous rain forest occurring along the southern Cape coastline of South Africa and is situated at the eastern end of the Garden Route, near Port Elizabeth. It is characterised by towering Outeniqua yellowwood trees, many as old as 600 years.

Continuing your journey, you pass the coastal town of Plettenberg Bay which is recognised as South Africa’s Riviera and is full of trendy shops and cafés. There are miles of sweeping, un-spoilt golden beaches, a dramatic rocky peninsula and intriguing lagoons and estuaries.

A little further along the coast, you reach Knysna and check in at your Lagoon-side accommodation. Knysna is the perfect base for exploring the Garden Route. Set on the shores of the beautiful Knysna lagoon and surrounded by the Knysna Forest, which form part of the Garden Route National Park, Knysna is blessed with great scenic beauty. This quaint seaside town is brimming with quirky arty-crafty shops and markets. Find yourself in foodie-heaven – with superb fine dining restaurants, legendary Knysna oysters and bustling wholefood markets.

Driving time – Port Elizabeth to Knysna – approx. 3 hours (direct driving time)

You have an early start this morning and drive through the heart of the Garden Route’s lakes district and then over the protea covered Outeniqua Mountains to Oudtshoorn. Oudtshoorn is the ostrich capital of the world and ostrich farming has played a large role in the town’s story. Visit the Cango Caves, where you embark on a magical journey through massive caverns and fascinating limestone formations.

On your way turn into the Map of Africa at Wilderness Heights – it’s a viewpoint of mountains and forests. From here you continue your journey to Oudtshoorn. Stop at an ostrich show farm for an insight into the world’s largest bird before checking in to your guest house for your overnight stay.

Driving time – Knysna to Oudtshoorn – approx. 2 hours (direct drive)

Be tempted to take an early morning trip to see the meerkats! It is best to book in advance or check with reception on arrival. It is a short drive from your guest house to the burrows and make sure to dress warmly.

After breakfast, you set off for Cape Town, traveling along the scenic Route 62. The drive takes you through an area of magnificent landscapes and towering cliffs, crystal clear streams and an abundance of indigenous flora – offering a diverse region and a kaleidoscope of scenic tranquility.

This is the longest drive of your trip so make sure to stop at roadside farm stalls along the way to break your journey.

Driving time – Oudtshoorn to Cape Town – approx. 5 to 6 hours (direct drive)

Explore the Mother City and the Fairest Cape – from the oldest buildings in South Africa to trendy waterfront shopping; from majestic Table Mountain to sun drenched beaches; and from dramatic seascapes to verdant vineyards. Cape Town regularly tops many lists of world must-visit destinations and Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain has recently been voted one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Cosmopolitan and fashionable, the relaxed atmosphere and pavement café culture give Cape Town a Southern European feel – but with a distinctive African twist.

During the next few days you enjoy a guided tour of the city & take in the views from Table Mountain and take a drive along the scenic peninsula of the Cape. The Waterfront also has some fantastic local attractions, a range of restaurants and shops.

You check out of your hotel mid-morning and the rest of the day is at leisure until you make your way to Cape Town airport much later in the evening, where you return your hire car and check in for your international flight.

Driving time – Cape Town hotel to Cape Town airport – approx. 40 minutes