17-Day South Africa Rainbow Route

We will leave Johannesburg at 6:30 am and go to Mpumalanga, a region known for its mountains, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, and forests. After taking in the scenery from God's Window, we will head down the escarpment and onto our game lodge, which is located on the edge of the Greater Kruger National Park.

We get up early the next day to spend the entire day at Kruger National Park seeing wildlife. In the late afternoon, we will make our way back to our resort to witness the Drakensberg Mountains' sunset. After a filling dinner and a refreshing swim in the pool, drift off to sleep to the sounds of Africa.
Accommodation: Makuwa Safari Lodge

Prior to reentering Kruger National Park and moving south, we'll stretch our legs with a quick morning stroll through the nearby bush. South Africa's largest game reserve is called Kruger National Park. It contains an astounding 16 distinct ecosystems and the highest concentration of species in the entire globe. We get to watch amazing game viewing from exciting game drives. In this authentic African environment, look for the "Big Five"—the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—among many other creatures.
Accommodation: Lower Sabie Rest Camp

Our next stop is the Malolotja Nature Reserve, which is located in the hilly Kingdom of Swaziland/eSwatini. renowned for its wide range of habitats, which include moist forests, bushveld, thick riverine scrub, and short grasslands. To take in the breathtaking views of the mountains, we'll stroll around the reserve. Spend the evening unwinding over a meal cooked over a campfire and spending the night in mountain lodges.
Accommodation: Hawane Resort

We go to a craft fair close to Mbabane that features a variety of locally made items in addition to a witchdoctor stall! Our local guide will take us on a walk through the bushveld and riverine vegetation of the Msinene River, where we may go game tracking and bird viewing. After we cross back into South Africa, we will go to our lodge on a private game reserve located on the Msinene Nature Reserve. On the reserve are nyala, hippo, and the elusive leopard. The following day, we visit a contemporary Zulu settlement in the area after going on a game drive via the endangered rhino's safe sanctuary, Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Savor a refreshing beverage in the late afternoon while taking in the lodge's views of the reserve.
Accommodation: Zululand Lodge

The 200-kilometer-long alpine wilderness known as the Drakensberg Mountains, or "uKhahlamba"—the Barrier of Spears—is a recognized World Heritage Site. We'll head farther south from Zululand to the foot of these mountains, where we'll spend two nights in charming cottages. We'll spend time taking in the breathtaking vistas or strolling along the lovely mountain stream pathways.
We will pay our respects to this wonderful man by visiting the Nelson Mandela Capture Site Museum on our way to the Drakensberg.
Accommodation: Thendele Camp

With its pristine forest areas, open spaces, and breathtakingly stunning coastline, the Wild Coast is still a relatively unspoiled paradise. The following day is open for us to explore the area, see the local villages, or visit the beach after our overnight stay in Kei Mouth.
Accommodation: Areena Riverside Resort

To prevent the extinction of the last 11 wild elephants, the Addo Elephant National Park was created in 1931. Over 600 elephants are free to wander the area as of right now. In addition, the park provides exceptional opportunities to witness a variety of large and small species, including the black rhino, Cape buffalo, lion, and leopard. The larger park area is home to more than 400 different species of birds.

Accommodation: Addo Rest Camp

We will spend two nights in a lodge resort in Knysna, situated on a peaceful lagoon. We will go to the mouth of the Storms River for a day trip, where you can stroll up the gorge and along the rugged shore. Included in the Tsitsikamma National Park are 80 kilometers of breathtaking coastline and scenery. It's a quiet coastal forest with steep river gorges that descend to the sea, surrounded by isolated valleys and mountains. Try some seafood at one of the fantastic restaurants in Knysna (own expense).
Accommodation: Lagoona Inn

The world's greatest on-land whale viewing experiences may be had in Hermanus. Southern right whales migrate up from the southern oceans between June and November, when they mate and calve in the shallow waters near the Cape. We're going to take a stroll along this stunning beach during whale season. We will investigate Fernkloof Nature Reserve's blossoming fynbos over the summer. Savor your evening meal at a nearby restaurant (on your own dime).
Accommodation: Chesham House

With the magnificent Table Mountain as its focal point, Cape Town is among the most attractive cities on earth. We stop at the well-known wine area of Stellenbosch, South Africa, on the route into Cape Town, for a cellar tour and wine tasting (at your own expense). The harbor at Hout Bay, Cape Point, the world-famous beaches, and the V&A Waterfront are just a few of the many attractions of the "mother city." Optional (own expense) trip to Robben Island. We try a range of local eateries' cuisine (our expense).
Accommodation: City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

We ascend Table Mountain in the morning, which provides sweeping views of Cape Town that extend into the bay and Robben Island. After seeing the main attractions of the Rainbow Nation, we have one final look at Cape Town and spend the afternoon doing last-minute curio shopping before your tour concludes at the hotel at 18:00.