Go for a game safari at Botlierskop Game Reserve. A game safari at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve offers an enchanting blend of wilderness adventure and luxury along the Garden Route. Set on 4,200‑6,000 ha of malaria‑free land, this family‑run reserve is home to over 26 species—including four of the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino), cheetah, giraffe, hippo, and even the rare black impala and mountain zebra

Visiting Knysna Heads is an unforgettable Garden Route experience where dramatic sandstone cliffs stand as sentinels guarding the entrance to the Knysna Lagoon from the Indian Ocean.

Hiking at Robberg Nature Reserve, just south of Plettenberg Bay along the Garden Route, is a breathtaking coastal adventure offering panoramic ocean views, abundant wildlife, and dramatic landscapes. Managed by CapeNature, this UNESCO‑recognised reserve features three circular hiking trails of varying difficulty and length.

Relax and enjoy at Plettenberg Bay Central Beach. Plettenberg Bay’s Main Beach—also known as Central Beach—is the heart of beach life along the Garden Route. With its wide sweep of golden sand, calm, clear waters, and Blue‑Flag status, it’s the perfect spot for families, sunbathing, and swimming.

Travelling from Plettenberg Bay to Port Elizabeth (now called Gqeberha) is a picturesque and enjoyable drive of roughly 230 km, typically taking 2.5 hours along the N2 coastal highway exploring the Garden Route.

Port Alfred—known locally as the “heart of the Sunshine Coast”—is a charming Eastern Cape town nestled at the mouth of the Kowie River where it meets the warm Indian Ocean. Its golden, Blue‑Flag beaches—Kelly’s, East, and West—are perfect for swimming, surfing, family outings, and long coastal walks.

Visiting East London is a delightful way to unwind by the beach on South Africa’s Sunshine Coast. Just east of the Buffalo River mouth lies Orient Beach, a family‑friendly Blue‑Flag spot complete with tidal pools, children’s splash facilities, shaded lawns, cafés, and lifeguards-at-peak times. Overnight in East London.

Experience a thrilling game safari in Addo Elephant National Park, one of South Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. Explore vast landscapes of rolling hills, dense bush, and open plains in search of elephants, lions, buffalo, zebras, and black rhinos, along with a rich variety of antelope and bird species. Whether on a guided 4x4 drive or a self-drive adventure, the park offers unforgettable encounters with Africa’s iconic wildlife, making it a must-visit for nature and safari enthusiasts alike.

A meaningful stop in Mvezo, the remote birthplace of Nelson Mandela on the banks of the Mbashe River, offers more than just a photo opportunity—it’s a journey into South Africa’s soul.

Visiting the Nelson Mandela Museum in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, offers a profound journey into the life of South Africa’s iconic leader. Housed in the historic Bhunga Building—a former seat of the Transkei Parliament—the museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing Mandela’s legacy. The Bhunga Building, with its white-pillared façade, now serves as a vibrant space showcasing exhibitions that trace Mandela’s life, from his early years to his presidency and beyond. Inside, visitors can explore various displays, including photographs, documents, and artefacts, providing insights into his journey and the values he upheld.

Visiting the Drakensberg Mountains—also known by their Zulu name uKhahlamba or “Barrier of Spears”—is a soul-stirring exploration of some of southern Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes.

A visit to the Mandela Capture Site near Howick in KwaZulu-Natal is a powerful and emotional experience, marking the exact location where Nelson Mandela was arrested by apartheid police on 5 August 1962. This pivotal moment in South Africa’s history is commemorated by a striking and world-renowned sculpture titled Release, made up of 50 steel columns that, when viewed from the right angle, form a hauntingly lifelike image of Mandela’s face. As visitors walk the symbolic pathway leading to the sculpture—representing the Long Walk to Freedom—they are drawn into the storey of struggle, sacrifice, and resilience that defined Mandela’s journey. The on-site museum and visitor centre provide deep insights into his life, arrest, and enduring legacy, with well-curated exhibitions, multimedia displays, and personal memorabilia. Surrounded by serene countryside, the Mandela Capture Site offers both a contemplative space and a stirring reminder of the courage it took to change a nation.

Visiting Howick Falls—known in Zulu as KwaNogqaza (“Place of the Tall One”)—is a dramatic and culturally rich experience in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Tucked near the town of Howick on the Umgeni River, this single-drop waterfall plunges approximately 95 m (some sources list as high as 111 m), creating a powerful cascade into a lush, forested gorge.

Brief tour of the sunshine city of Durban

Travelling from Durban to iSimangaliso Wetland Park is an enchanting drive of about 280 km (roughly 2.5–3 hours) along the well-maintained N2 highway—ideal for soaking in coastal scenery and stopping at charming towns like Umhlanga and Richards Bay. As you leave Durban’s bustling Shoreline behind, the route leads north through the subtropical KwaZulu‑Natal coastline, winding past sugar plantations before turning inland along the R618 towards the serene town of St Lucia, the park’s gateway .

A hippo-and-crocodile boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary in iSimangaliso is a must-do wildlife encounter. The two-hour cruise takes you deep into Africa’s largest estuarine system—home to around 800 hippos and 1,200 Nile crocodiles.

Travelling through Mpumalanga to reach Kruger National Park is a journey that unveils some of South Africa’s most captivating natural beauty. As you wind your way along scenic routes like the Panorama Route, you pass through misty mountains, lush forests, and vast highveld grasslands, all rich in colour and life. Along the way, highlights such as God's Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the Three Rondavels offer breathtaking views over deep valleys and ancient rock formations. The region’s rolling hills give way to warmer, low-lying bushveld as you approach Kruger, one of Africa’s premier safari destinations. This transition marks not only a shift in landscape but also in the rhythm of your journey—from scenic wonder to thrilling wildlife adventure. Whether you’re self-driving or part of a guided tour, travelling through Mpumalanga to Kruger is an immersive experience that blends spectacular scenery with the anticipation of encountering Africa’s Big Five.

A full-day safari in Kruger National Park is an unforgettable adventure that immerses you in the heart of the African wilderness from sunrise to sunset. Setting out in an open game drive vehicle with an experienced ranger, you’ll explore vast stretches of savannah, riverbeds, woodlands, and watering holes—each teeming with wildlife. As the day unfolds, you may encounter the famed Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino—along with giraffes gracefully browsing treetops, herds of zebras and impalas grazing, and crocodiles sunning along riverbanks. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the park’s rich avian diversity, from colourful lilac-breasted rollers to soaring eagles. Throughout the day, your guide shares fascinating insights into animal behaviour, plant life, and the park’s conservation efforts. A full-day safari in Kruger is more than a sightseeing trip—it’s a deeply rewarding journey through one of the world’s most iconic wildlife sanctuaries.

Travelling from Kruger National Park to Johannesburg takes you on a scenic and enriching journey through the diverse landscapes of Mpumalanga. As you leave the bushveld behind, the road ascends into the Drakensberg escarpment, unveiling a dramatic panorama of mountains, deep valleys, winding rivers, and lush forested hills. This route offers sweeping views and occasional stops to admire natural wonders like Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest green canyons in the world. You may also pass charming highland towns, waterfalls, and stretches of farmland that give a glimpse into rural South African life. The contrast between the untamed wild of Kruger and the cultivated beauty of Mpumalanga creates a memorable travel experience. As you descend onto the Highveld and continue westward, the scenery flattens out, leading you into the urban heart of Johannesburg by afternoon—bringing an end to a journey rich in both natural splendour and cultural insight.