Roads of the Rainbow Nation

Tour highlights

  • Enjoy guided game drives in Kruger National Park and Addo Elephant National Park
  • Drive the Garden Route and the Panorama Route
  • Visit Swaziland and Cape Town
  • Take a trip to Hluhluwe Umfolozi National Park
  • Enjoy a Hippo and Croc Cruise on Lake St Lucia

Meet your tour hosts

Days 1 - 8: Johannesburg to Kruger National Park

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Days 1 - 3: UK to Johannesburg

Fly overnight from the UK to South Africa’s main airport in Johannesburg. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Sandton for two nights. The hotel is close to Nelson Mandela Square and the Sandton Shopping Centre, perfect for enjoying at your leisure. We can also arrange optional activities for you, such as a tour to the Soweto township or the Lesedi Cultural Village.

On day three you’ll travel to the motorhome depot with the group for an orientation session to familiarise you with your vehicle, enabling you to get out on the road quickly on day four. Afterwards transfer back to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. There'll be a group welcome dinner at the hotel this evening where you can get to know your tour leaders and fellow travellers.

Days 4 - 5: Sabie

Distance: 363 km

After breakfast transfer back to the motorhome depot, pick up your vehicle and set out on your first day of exploration. Your first destination is Sabie, the ideal location to experience and explore the beautiful Panorama Route of South Africa.

On day five head out on one of South Africa's most scenic drives - the Panorama Route. Explore the Mpumalanga highlands, or the north-eastern section of the Great Escarpment of the Drakensberg. In these rugged mountains the plateau comes to an abrupt and dramatic halt, falling steeply away into the Lowveld accompanied by incredible views out over the grasslands of Africa. The route is also favoured for the access it provides to one of the province's major scenic draw cards, the Blyde River Canyon. Highlights of the route include God's Window, Bouke's Luck Potholes, The Three Rondavels and visiting the towns of Pilgrim's Rest and Graskop. 

From Pilgrim's Rest travel to the town of Graskop where there's an optional stop at the Graskop Gorge Company. The viewing lift here takes visitors 51 metres down the face of the gorge into the forest below, where wooden walkways & suspension bridges meander along a 600 metre trail through the indigenous forest with interactive exhibits. Under the vivid green canopy of trees lies a lush wonderland filled with a spectacular variety of plants, animals, insects and birds.

Days 6 - 8: Kruger National Park

Distance: 153 km

Stretching over more than two million hectares, the Kruger National Park is one of the world’s largest game reserves and a truly remarkable destination for the next 3 days. Owing to its exceptional size, visitors are able to experience fantastic diversity – from changing scenery and ecosystems to an impressive array of animals, plant life and birdlife. The park is home to over 130 mammals and over 500 bird species. You can look forward to learning about the area’s prehistoric past and viewing the abundant wildlife including the famed Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant).

The diversity and density of wildlife makes Kruger National Park an unforgettable and potentially life-changing experience. We have included a full day guided safari in the park, using open safari vehicles affording 360 degree views of the park. And if that’s not enough you can also return in your own motorhome the following day if you would like another chance to take it all in.

Days 9 - 19: Swaziland to Drakensburg

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Days 9 - 10: Swaziland

Distance: 201 km

Your next destination is a stark contrast as you travel to Swaziland, well known for its vibrant and interesting culture.  

Officially known as the ‘Kingdom of eSwatini’ and still referred to as Swaziland, this tiny landlocked nation boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage and is Africa's last remaining absolute monarchy. Swaziland encompasses a diverse array of ecosystems featuring towering mountains and low-lying savannah, tangled rainforests and lush river valleys. Highlights of this laid-back land include the mesmerizingly beautiful ‘Valley of Heaven’, the handicraft haven of the Malkerns Valley and the Hlane Royal National Park, famed for its white rhinos, antelopes and lions.

Days 11 - 13: Hluhluwe

Distance: 271 km

Continue your journey south this morning and head for Bonamanzi Game Reserve, a privately owned reserve, with the Hluhluwe River forming its eastern border, recognised as one of the best birding destinations in Southern Africa.

At Bonamanzi there is a section of the park where you may self-drive, and guided bush walks are also offered out onto the adjoining False Bay floodplains, offering a more natural way to explore the area and discover its flora & fauna. You can also arrange a guided game drive in Bonamanzi Game Reserve or alternatively in nearby Hluhluwe Umfolozi National Park. 

During your stay we’ve included a two hour ‘Hippo and Croc cruise’ on Lake St Lucia aboard a luxurious double deck passenger ferry, giving you the chance to see these water loving animals safely and up close.

Day 14 - 16: KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields

Distance: 296 km

Heading inland today takes you to an area that boasts the largest concentration of battlefields in South Africa, with Rorke's Drift Battlefield being the most famous. At the Isandlwana Battlefield site, white cairns scattered across the battlefield mark the positions of fallen British soldiers during the Anglo-Zulu war of 1879 between the British and the Zulu Kingdom, after whom the province is named. Optional Guided Battlefield tours are available.

Days 17 - 19: Drakensberg

Distance: 358 km

Continuing inland today takes you to the Drakensberg (aka dragon mountains) which form the border between South Africa and the small mountain country of Lesotho, which is entirely surrounded by the Rainbow Nation. This beautiful part of South Africa offers scenic landscapes and a range of activities including Rock Art sites, beautiful hiking trails, fishing, horse riding and so much more. You can explore the area in your motorhome or alternatively guided excursions can also be arranged.

Day 20 - 29: Wild Coast to The Garden Route

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Days 20 - 21: Wild Coast

Distance: 261 km

Stretching for over 200 kilometres along one of South Africa’s most pristine, wild and beautiful sections of shoreline, the Wild Coast is renowned for its hidden coves, secluded beaches, and rolling emerald hills. Those who love peace, quiet and the great outdoors would be hard-pressed to find a better holiday destination than this scenic wilderness, while it also provides plenty of activities to keep the active and adventurous amused, including fishing, diving, and swimming. Visitors can also look forward to exploring the traditional Xhosa villages that dot the hills, lazing in a hammock, and hiking along the breathtakingly beautiful coastline, which boasts secret swimming holes, rocky headlands, sheer cliffs, footprint-free beaches, and lazy lagoons.

Days 22 - 24: Morgan Bay

Distance: 373 km

Exploring more of South Africa's Wild Coast your journey will continue via Port St Johns and Mthata to Morgan Bay Hotel campsites, where you can spend a relaxing couple of days by the coast. Whether you prefer long, scenic forest trails by foot or by bike, Morgan Bay has something for everyone. Alternatively, you might prefer to rent a canoe and get out on the water to enjoy the serene settings and paddle on the lagoon, a great option for sunset. 

Days 25 - 26: Addo Elephant Park

Distance: 352 km

Set in the enchanting Eastern Cape Province, Addo Elephant National Park is the country’s third largest national park and offers a truly unforgettable safari experience. This finely-tuned ecosystem provides a sanctuary to many animals, and is the world’s only park with the 'Big Seven' - the 'Big Five' plus the southern right whale and great white shark. Spend your days marvelling at the free-roaming wildlife. Enjoy a morning guided game drive through the park in open safari vehicles and afterwards you can explore the park further in your own vehicle if you choose.

Days 27 - 29: The Garden Route

Distance: 230 km

Storms River is the ideal base to explore what the Garden Route of South Africa has to offer. Visit Nature's Valley or spend some time in Plettenberg Bay. Other options include Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, Birds of Eden, and Monkeyland, whilst a visit to Nature's Valley is a must. 

Enjoy a day trip to Knysna during your stay here. The town is situated on the banks of a magnificent lagoon, which stretches out to the Indian Ocean at a dramatic point between the towering twin peaks known as ‘The Heads’. We’ve included the Featherbed Echo Experience which features a scenic cruise on the Knysna Lagoon, a guided walk in the Featherbed Nature Reserve and lunch under Milkwood trees overlooking the ocean.

Day 30 - 38: Oudtshoorn to Cape Town

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Days 30 - 31: Oudtshoorn

Distance: 219 km

Your next destination is Oudtshoorn, a town in the Klein Karoo area of South Africa’s Western Cape. It’s known for its ostrich farms and rests along the Route 62 wine route. The central C.P. Nel Museum traces the ostrich-feather boom era whilst the nearby Cango Wildlife Ranch is a conservation park. To the north, the Cango Caves are a 20-million-year-old network of limestone chambers.

Days 32 - 34: Montagu

Distance: 231 km

From Oudtshoorn travel along Route 62 and see if you can spot the provocatively named bar on the side of the road. Once you arrive in Montagu, enjoy the facilities at your campsite or perhaps visit the Eseltjiesrus Donkey sanctuary, Avalon Springs or one of the regions wineries to sample the local produce.

Days 35 - 36: Cape Town

Distance: 191 km

Your final destination is the stunning city of Cape Town, with the Atlantic Ocean on two sides and Table Mountain dominating the skyline. Drop off your motorhome at the depot before being transferred to the city centre and the Cape Town Hollow Boutique Hotel for a 2 night stay. 

The next day is at your leisure to explore the city and to experience the wonderful attractions. We definitely recommend visiting Table Mountain for unparalleled views across the city and down towards the Cape itself. Other options include the beaches of camps bay or the gardens of Kirstenbosch. In the evening you'll join the group for farewell dinner, including a 30 minute interactive drumming session followed by a 14 course set menu dinner and live entertainment throughout the evening.

Day 37 - 38: Cape Town to UK

Enjoy a final look around the city today or perhaps indulge in some last minute shopping before your transfer to Cape Town International Airport for your overnight flight home, taking some amazing memories of the Rainbow Nation with you!

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