We leave JHB and the hustle and bustle of city life behind at 7am making our way to the Kruger National Park or better known as the people’s park. It is a long drive that will take us along the Panorama Route where we will view South Africa’s biggest and deepest Canyon-Blyde River. We pass Pilgrim’s rest which was a flourishing mining town in 1873. Tinned roofs remind us of a gold rush era of days gone by. God’s Window gives us a view of the plains of the lowveld far below, further on is Wonderview, which also offers a majestic scene. Bourke’s Luck Potholes mark the start of the Blyde River Canyon. We pass the Three Rondavels which are three huge hut shaped rock outcrops, all this and more is a feast for any eye or lens. 

 This day is spent in the Kruger National Park with all it has to offer.  From early morning game drives to a visual feast of the best of both fauna and flora. 

 We head on to Swaziland traveling South East where Hlane Royal National Park will be our home for the next two nights.  Here we will experience Africa by foot experiencing large wild herds close up.  We will set up camp here in order to experience the romance of the African sunrise and sunset. 

 Approximately 7 hours travel takes us to our Mozambique beach camp.  The seaside village of Ponta Malongane offers activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling. Long walks along the beach, a boat cruise on the Indian Ocean or just taking in the beauty of it all. 

 We leave Mozambique and head on to Lake St Lucia Estuary.  This is about a five-hour drive to this World Heritage Site which is home to a large variety of birds and other animals. 

We leave behind Isimangaliso Wetland Park and travel along the cane fields to Durban, the capital of Kwa Zulu Natal, where you can experience anything from the Zulu cultural centers of Shakaland and Dumuzuluto the Ushaka Marine world.  The Golden Mile beach front showcases the Indian Market offering an array of herbs, spices and traditional medicine.  Feast on a “Bunny Chow” 

 The Oribi Gorge canyon is cut by the Mzimkulwana river and one can walk across the 80m bridge which is 130m high and not for the faint hearted!  The swing is 165m . If that is too much opt for the nature reserve where the Oribi- after which the gorge was named can still be seen. 

 The coastline takes us past a variety of Beach resorts en route to Coffee Bay.  The sandstone and Shale natural arch known as the hole in the wall is one of the attractions.  The Hluleka Nature Reserve is a tropical paradise tucked away giving a surreal feeling of being on the beach surrounded by jungle. 

 Grahamstown is a step back in time as you explore the St Michael and St George Cathedrals.  The Albany Museum dates to 1855 sharing with us Natural Science and history.  The Observatory museum dates to 1848 giving us a glimpse of the Victorian period. Wander the streets enjoying bistro’s and coffee shops with freshly baked cakes daily. 

Addo Elephant National Park is our next stop.  Boasting the big 7 and has the largest breeding colony of the African Penguins.  Here you will encounter hundreds of elephants, descendants of the 11 that were saved here in 1931. Many antelope species, the aggressive black rhino and not forgetting the flightless dung beetle which is unique to the park. We urge you to take advantage of the Game drives that are on offer

Now for the most spectacular stretch of the Garden Route. After about four hours we will stop at the Tsitsikamma National Park which protects the land and sea, its name meaning clear water.  Explore the magnificence of the forests housing giant Yellowwood trees, followed by the beaches of the Indian Ocean.

This magnificent national park is home to many animals that can be seen.  Baboons turning over rocks and stones for their lunch, Monkeys in abundance and then to the sea for possible sightings or the southern right whale during their season. An array of activities is on offer to fill your day.

Knysna is home to the seahorse named after the town.  The heads, a treacherous piece of ocean with strong currents offers a variety of underwater life and the Featherbed Nature Reserve all make this town a worthwhile stop, Mitchell’s Brewery started in 1983 is still going strong, wine tasting is another alternative.  Visit the Outeniqua Transport museum, the botanical gardens or a dairy farm in George,

Next stop, the Cango Caves which are approximately 150 000 years old.  Oudtshoorn, our destination, is the ostrich capital of the world.  Their feathers, leather, meat and eggs are farmed.  Once a thriving industry at the turn of the 20th century, fortunately we are still able to visit the farms for a brief informative tour and visit the shops for that special take home curio.

 In Swellendam we will visit the Bontebok Nature Park which was established to preserve the bontebok.  The shipwreck museum is an unassuming treasure trove of relics Make time for the pottery studio and lavender farm. 

 Cape Agulhus is our next stop, the most southern tip of the African Continent is to be experienced by all.  Visit the lighthouse which was the third to be built in SA and is still operating. 

 Hermanus is our last coastal town with much to see and do.  A trip to the abalone farm, a visit to the Fernkloof Nature Reserve where there are many fynbos species which are indigenous to the area and lastly a walk up the Hoy’s koppie from where you will see the entire town  Whale and wine routes are also on offer. 

 This being our last day takes us from Hermanus to Cape Town.  Breakfast in Hermanus or take a walk on the beach before we take the scenic bay route to Cape Town. Where our trip will come to an end