X Highlights of Johannesburg, Kruger and the Panorama Route

Summary

During this trip you will visit the biggest and most popular game reserve in the country, Kruger National Park; and indulge in a luxurious safari experience at Sabi Sands, a premier private game reserve and world renowned leopard hotspot. You will also discover the astonishing landscapes of the Panorama Route. Added to this is a sprinkle of culture and insight into the fascinating history of this incredibly diverse country; your South African experience is complete!

TOUR TYPE	Self-drive or guided
PRICE	From ZAR 28450 per person
FOCUS	Safari, scenery and culture
NUMBER OF DESTINATIONS	4
MALARIA RISK	Moderate

Key highlights

Go on a bicycle ride in Soweto Township, visit the house of Nelson Mandela and get to meet locals in a ‘Shebeen’
Visit the Apartheid Museum
Explore South Africa's biggest and most popular game reserve, Kruger National Park! Look out for the Big-5 and more!
Indulge in a luxurious safari experience at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve
Drive along the Panorama Route and discover breath-taking sceneries throughout Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

Itinerary

Here at Tailor Made Safaris, we will happily adjust the itinerary below should you wish to see any changes. Of course it is possible to add some days or take some out, and don't forget to take a look at our add-ons! Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about this tour.

Day 1: Arrive in Johannesburg

Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you will be met by a representative of your guesthouse and driven there. Here you can spend the evening relaxing after your flight. If you arrive in the morning, it is possible for us to schedule an activity for you this afternoon.

Day 2: Apartheid Museum and Soweto Township Tour

Today introduces an important era of South African history. This tour is not only hugely interesting, inspiring, and educational but also FUN! First you will visit the impressive Apartheid Museum for the ‘background information’, and then you will go on an informative bicycle ride through the Soweto Township, to see with your own eyes some of the things that you have learned about at the museum.

Day 3: Choice of full day excursion

Choose one of two tours departing from your guest house in the morning. The first option is a city tour of Pretoria, which, being the capital of South Africa, is full of interesting and historic sites. Your passionate guide will provide you with all the details you to need to gain a richer understanding of South Africa's history. On this tour you'll visit the Union Buildings, Voortrekker Monument, Paul Kruger House Museum, and much more!

The second option is a fascinating excursion to the Cradle of Humankind and Sterkfontein Caves. The Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the place where some of the oldest hominid fossils have been discovered. See fossils, learn how humankind evolved, view stone tools up to 1-million years old, take a ride through the 'ice age', and later visit an exhibition in the Sterkfontein Caves!

Day 4: Johannesburg – Kruger National Park

Departing Johannesburg after breakfast, you’ll travel to the world famous Kruger National Park for an exciting safari! You will be staying in the southern region of the Park, an area renowned for its high density of animals. Kruger National Park has an excellent road network and there will be a variety of routes for you to explore during your stay.

Day 5: Kruger national park

Today you have a full day to explore Kruger National Park and discover why this is the most visited attraction in South Africa. The early hours of the day and late afternoon are often the most productive for predator sightings.

Day 6: Kruger national Park

To give you a thorough experience of Kruger National Park, you will spend the next two nights at a different Rest Camp. The drive to the next destination will allow you to discover a different Kruger landscape. Allow plenty of time for your journey - you could be delayed by an elephant roadblock or the striking sight of a leopard lazing in a dead tree!

Day 7: Kruger National Park

Relax and unwind at the camp, or game-drive in your vehicle and explore new territory in the Park.

For a new experience, you can book a guided walk at the Camp reception. This activity allows you to experience African wildlife on foot and totally immerse yourself in the smells and sounds of the bush! Your knowledgeable guide will be able to interpret animal tracks and explain intricate details of the bush that are often overlooked on game drives. All walking safaris are led by professional, qualified guides.

Day 8: Kruger National Park – Sabi Sand private game reserve

This morning it’s on to your next destination, Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. This game reserve is a part of the Greater Kruger National Park and is the oldest private reserve in South Africa. Here you can find the Big-5, as well as cheetah, wild dog, hyena and the caracal. You will stay in the luxurious Umkumbe Lodge located on the banks of the Sand River. The lodge is equipped with a swimming pool, bar and gym; and the beautiful, en-suite chalets boast private verandahs with fabulous views of the river. Every day you can enjoy two guided game drives, your first being this afternoon

Day 9: Sabi Sand Private Game reserve

Watch the sun rise over beautiful Africa as you explore Sabi Sands on a guided safari in an open vehicle. Your skilled guide will do their very best to find any animals you've yet to see! Back at the lodge you will enjoy a hearty breakfast and have plenty time to relax before leaving later in the afternoon in search of more animals.

Day 10: Sabi sand Private Game Reserve

Today is another day for guided game drives, these take place in the morning and in the late afternoon. You will have the chance to spot elephants, leopards and different bird species! In between game drives you’ll be served delicious food and have lots of time for relaxing at the lodge.

Day 11: Sabi Sand PRivate Game Reserve - Hazyview

Today you will go on one last guided game drive and after this you will continue your journey. You will drive to your last destination: The Blyde River Canyon. Here you stay at Rissington Inn, situated in the centre of the Blyde River Canyon Escarpment, from where you can explore the surroundings during the next few days. Relax and unwind at the inn, or take a short drive to explore Blyde River Canyon; the third largest canyon in the world and home to an array of breath-taking sceneries.

Day 12: Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

After breakfast it is time to drive the famous Panorama route! This journey will take you through a range of spectacular landscapes; impressive waterfalls, large canyons and deep abysses. You will have a chance to stop at several points of special interest along the way, taking in the breath-taking sceneries at God’s Window & Wonder View and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. The Blyde River Canyon is famous for it’s beautiful landscape. Be sure to enjoy your time here as much as you can!

Day 13: Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

Today you will discover new sights along the astonishing Panorama Route. For an interesting historical visit, make sure to stop by Pilgrim's Rest, the small town where gold was first discovered in South Africa (back in 1873). Pilgrim's Rest is now a protected heritage site and much of original architecture remains unchanged. For something completely different there are a variety of exciting, adrenaline-filled activities just a short drive from your accommodation; river rafting, tubing, abseiling, and zip lining are some of the options available for an additional cost.

Day 14: Hazyview - JohannesburG

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Rissington Inn before you travel to Johannesburg Airport. We wish you a pleasant and safe flight home!

Please note: Accommodation can potentially differ from the establishments mentioned in this itinerary (if fully booked). In such cases we will look for suitable and similar accommodation. Any changes will be discussed with you. We can only book accommodation after you have confirmed your booking with us.

The European ANVR Travel and Booking Terms & Conditions apply to your booking with us. For full details, click here.

Price Overview

Self-drive tour

Price per person:

	With 2 persons	With 4 persons	With 6 persons	With 8 persons
Priced from	R 32700	R 29850	R 29350	R 28450

For the most recent exchange rate see www.XE.com.
Prices are partly dependent on which type of rental vehicle you choose. For more information about car rentals, click here.

Includes: Car hire, extensive self-drive pack including GPS navigation device & South African cell phone and SIM card, all accommodation, all meals and guided activities as mentioned as included in the quote above/table below, 14% Value Added Tax (VAT).

Excludes: Airfares, travel and cancellation insurances, petrol, road tolls, parking fees, entry fees, meals & activities mentioned under excluded in the table below, snacks and drinks, gratuities for guides and local restaurants.

Included in the car rental is the Super Cover insurance with zero liability and unlimited kilometres. Not included are the following fees though, which will be charged to your credit card upon collecting the vehicle:

AVIS contract fee: ZAR 85 (once off)
Additional driver fee: ZAR 385
Fuel: cost of refuelling if the car is not handed in full
One-way fee (if the car is returned to a different location from where it was picked up): Between ZAR 869-1177 depending on distance)
If the car is handed in late you will be charged an extra day of rent

These costs cannot be paid by us and therefore will be charged on your credit card by AVIS. AVIS also requires a refundable rental deposit (between ZAR 3500-4000). This sum will be taken off your credit card at the beginning of your trip and if all is well it will be deposited back into your account at the end. For renting a vehicle the driver must be over 18 years old and must have had a valid drivers licence for over a year, which must be valid for at least a year at the start of the rental period, and a valid passport and credit card. Please note that without a credit card, you cannot rent a car!

Download the quote overview for this tour: