15-Day South Africa & Lesotho Self-Drive

Day 1-3: Discover the beauty of the Panorama Route

Arriving in Johannesburg, your adventure starts with a short drive to Hazyview outside the Kruger National Park with two days to acclimatise and discover the beauty of the Panorama Route. Your accommodation at AfriCamps @ Mackers is in delightful self-catering tents with everything you need for a comfortable stay. While exploring the Panorama Route be sure to visit God’s Window, the Blyde River Canyon, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes for a chance to take in the region’s magnificent scenery.

Day 3-7: Enjoy Africa’s prolific wildlife in the Kruger

After settling into your groove, you will enjoy a Big 5 Self-Drive Safari through the Kruger National Park in search of Africa’s prolific wildlife. The Kruger National Park is by far South Africa’s prime safari destination. With a comprehensive road network, you can explore the southern region of the park which is known for its exceptional wildlife encounters. You stay in the Kruger National Park will consist of two SanParks rest camps in self-catering chalets or tents. The choice of camps will depend on availability and your personal preferences.

Day 7-9: Pongola Game Reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal

Departing the Kruger your time on safari is not yet over! We have included a two-night stay in South Africa’s oldest game reserve – the Pongola Game Reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Here you return to the AfriCamps self-catering tents with a two-night stay at Africamps White Elephant located within the game reserve. A large portion of the Pongola Game Reserve lies on the banks of the Jozini Dam allowing you to enjoy boat-based game viewing for a different safari perspective. Other unique activities on offer include a day out with Project Elephant which incorporates a visit to the elephant research centre, and the local Rhino Relocation Project for a chance to understand the incredible conservation work being done in the reserve.

Day 9-11: Remote beaches of Northern KwaZulu-Natal

From the Kruger, it’s time to slow down and enjoy the remote beaches of Northern KwaZulu-Natal. You will take a break from the self-catering accommodation and relax in a local St Lucia B&B. St Lucia is located on the coast and just outside the iSimangaliso Wetland Park which includes Cape Vidal – a beautiful beach location offering excellent swimming and snorkelling conditions. iSimangaliso also offers excellent game viewing on the road from the entrance to Cape Vidal.

Day 11-12: Inland to the Drakensberg Mountains.

After a relaxing time on the coast, it is time to head inland to the Drakensberg Mountains. An overnight stop at Khotso Lodge in one of their self-catering chalets gives you the chance to walk in the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains or enjoy a guided horse safari with the lodge. We recommend an early start the next morning as you take the time scaling the famous Sani Pass (Read our post on Driving Sani Pass in a Jimny) into Lesotho.

Day 12-13: A stop at Sani

Once in Lesotho, an overnight stop at Sani Mountain Lodge gives you the chance to enjoy a meal at the highest pub in Africa overlooking the valley below.

Day 13-15: Maliba Lodge in the heart of Lesotho

Your final stop is two nights at Maliba Lodge in the heart of Lesotho. With beautiful mountain vistas as the backdrop, spend your time exploring the mountains from a variety of activities. Your final stay is in one of the self-catering chalets or you can spoil yourself with a two-night stay in one of their luxury, all-inclusive cabins. Departure is on day 15 as arranged with Tread Lite, leaving only your memories behind.