Detailed Itineraries for Eastern South Africa 14 days
Day 1: Durban
Arrive in Durban, which is a city on the shores of the Indian Ocean. After receiving your vehicle, you will have some time in the afternoon to explore theecity. Some of the sights worth seeing are the Golden Mile Beach, UShaka Marine World, and The Indian Market.
Day 2: St Lucia (iSimangaliso Wetland Park) (250km 3 hours)
Leaving the city behind will you be heading north bound. After a relative short drive will you be reaching your next destination of St Lucia. There will be opportunities in the afternoon to explore the National Park from where you will be able to see some hippos and crocodiles as well have the chance, if in season, to see the green back turtles coming to shore to lay their eggs in the beach sand.
Day 3 and 4 Hluhluwe (80km 1 ½ hours)
You will the choice today to either drive through the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve (well known for their rhino and elephant numbers with a big variety and diversity of fauna and flora). Or you can take the main road which will be faster to your next stop. You will have 2 nights at the accommodation, where you can go and explore the area after you have arrived at your establishment. Highlights in the area are False Bay, which is part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a visit to the Ilala weavers craft outlet, or a visit to a traditional Zulu village).
Day 5 Eswatini (Hlane National Park) (230km 3 ½ hours)
Today will you be making your way to the small kingdom of Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland). After crossing the border between South Africa and Eswatini will you be driving towards your destination Hlane National Park and will be arriving around lunch time. In the afternoon you will have the possibility to do a game drive or go on a guided nature walk.
Day 5 Ithala Game Reserve (340km 5 hours)
After breakfast will you be making your way in the direction of South Africa and will have the opportunity to visit the Swazi Candles Centre on your way, where you will be able to see and buy some unique handmade candles by the Swazi woman. After crossing the border back into South Africa will you be heading towards Ithala Game Reserve, which is one of the youngest game reserves in South Africa. Ithala is renowned for its natural beauty and diversity in ecosystems from grasslands to forest in the valley. After you have settled into your accommodation will you the opportunity to enjoy some of the activities on offer at the reserve, such as game walks, game drives and guided walks.
Day 6 and 7: Drakensberg (300km 4 hours)
You will be making your way to the most famous mountain range within South Africa. After settling in at your accommodation can you enjoy the opportunity to go and visit the breath-taking Amphitheatre, see the San paintings or try your luck by spotting the endangered Cape Vulture enjoying the thermals.
Day 8 and 9: Lesotho (300km 5 hours)
After having an early departure today you will be driving past the Sterkfontein Dam, (where you will have the last opportunity to spot some Cape Vultures). You will be making your way through the Golden Gate National Park (known for the sandstone formations in different colours and shapes). You will be getting to the border between South Africa and Lesotho and will be making your way into the mountainous country. On your drive to the establishment will you be passing by the Katse Dam which has been constructed as a water reservoir for South Africa and is the 2nd largest double curvature dam in Africa. You will be reaching your destination which is situated within the mountains by late afternoon. The next day can you enjoy a nature walk towards some waterfalls and swimming holes within the rivers or enjoy a pony trek on the well adapted Basotho Pony (small horse), there will also be an opportunity to visit a Basotho village, or try your hand at some fly fishing.
Day 10 and 11: Wild coast ( 550km 9 hours) or (822 km 11 hours)
Having an early departure again will you be making your way towards the Wild Coast of South Africa. For the adventure lover you can make your way down the infamous Sani Pass which is an only doable with a 4×4 vehicle due to the steep terrain. If you do not have a 4×4, it will be possible to drive on tar roads to the next stop. You will be arriving at your destination in the late afternoon. The next day provides ample opportunities to explore the breath-taking scenery of the wild coast and visit the famous “Hole-in-the-Wall” which is a big hole within a rock in the ocean
Day 12 and 13: Addo National Park ( 530 km 7 hours)
Today will you be making your way along the coastline to Addo National Park. The National Park is the only park in the world where it is possible to spot the big 7 wildlife (Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Southern Right Whale and Great White Shark). You will have the whole next day to enjoy the game drives and have the opportunity to do some of the activities on offer. (game drives, nature walks, etc.)
Day 14: Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) (60km 1 hour)
You have a short drive to Gqeberha where you will be leaving your vehicle and get on a domestic flight back to Durban, or other destination of your choice, from where you will be flying back home.
FROM CHF 2000 pp