SOUTHERN AFRICA SIGNATURE JOURNEY
Duration: 19 Days (Guided Tour)
This carefully curated small-group lodge safari showcases the very best of South Africa, Eswatini and Lesotho over 19 memorable days from Johannesburg to Cape Town.
Experience exceptional Big Five wildlife viewing in Kruger National Park, admire the dramatic mountain scenery of the Drakensberg, and journey along the renowned Garden Route.
Along the way, discover rich cultures, fascinating heritage, and diverse landscapes that make Southern Africa so compelling. This immersive journey delivers a well-balanced blend of wildlife, scenery and cultural discovery.
ROUTE

Important Information
Highlights of the Journey
Johannesburg
- As one of Africa’s largest and most dynamic cities, Johannesburg serves as the economic hub of the continent and a key gateway into Southern Africa. The city offers a fascinating blend of modern skyscrapers, traditional medicine markets, multicultural dining and significant historical sites.
- Visitors can explore excellent museums and galleries, enjoy outstanding shopping, and visit nearby Soweto, one of the region’s most well-known cultural attractions.
Graskop
- Perched on the edge of the Drakensberg Escarpment, the forestry town of Graskop — meaning “Grassy Hill” — lies at the heart of Mpumalanga’s Panorama Route. Once a gold mining settlement, it is now a popular stopover and gateway to many of the region’s natural highlights.
- Nearby attractions include Kruger National Park, the impressive Blyde River Canyon, Pilgrim’s Rest, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels. The area is also known for beautiful waterfalls such as Mac Mac Falls, Motitsi Waterfall, Lisbon Falls and Berlin Falls.
Hazyview
- Surrounded by subtropical fruit orchards, Hazyview is a small agricultural town and an important gateway to the southern Kruger region and Panorama Escarpment.
- The area is well known for its wide range of outdoor activities, including mountain biking, quad biking, ziplining, tubing and river rafting. Visitors may also explore the Panorama Route viewpoints, cultural experiences, or enjoy horse riding along the Sabie River.
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
- Located in Eswatini’s aptly named “Valley of Heaven,” Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary offers a scenic landscape of open plains, granite hills and abundant birdlife.
- The southern section can be explored on foot, mountain bike, horseback or by vehicle, while the more remote northern areas are accessible only with guided hiking groups. The nearby towns of Malkerns and Ezulwini are well known for their craft markets and cultural attractions.
Hluhluwe
- Situated between the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, Hluhluwe is surrounded by lush, scenic landscapes shaped by nearby wetlands.
- The region is also known for its significant pineapple production and rich agricultural heritage.
St Lucia
- Located on the St Lucia Estuary and surrounded by the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, St Lucia is a tranquil destination defined by unspoilt natural beauty. The area offers excellent opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, mountain biking and fishing.
- Boat excursions on the estuary provide close-up sightings of hippos, crocodiles and water birds in their natural habitat.
Southern Drakensberg
- The Southern Drakensberg is a spectacular region of forests, rivers and mountain scenery protected within several nature reserves. The area supports diverse flora and fauna and features hiking trails leading to caves adorned with ancient Khoisan rock art.
- One of the region’s most iconic experiences is the ascent of Sani Pass — South Africa’s highest mountain pass — which climbs to nearly 3,000 metres and connects to Lesotho, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
Chintsa
- Located near East London along South Africa’s Wild Coast, Chintsa is a peaceful coastal destination made up of Chintsa East and Chintsa West, separated by the Chintsa River Mouth.
- The area features an unspoilt stretch of white-sand beach bordered by lush vegetation and offers opportunities for surfing, kayaking, fishing and relaxed seaside exploration.
Oudtshoorn
- Known as the Ostrich Capital of the World, Oudtshoorn lies along the famous Route 62 and is home to the impressive Cango Caves.
- The region is renowned for its ostrich farming heritage and its vast cave system, where dramatic stalactites and stalagmites create striking underground formations.
Cape Town
- Set between the iconic Table Mountain and the sparkling waters of Table Bay at the meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, Cape Town is one of the world’s most scenic cities.
- The Mother City combines rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, renowned vineyards and dramatic mountain landscapes. With its diverse natural beauty and cosmopolitan atmosphere, Cape Town consistently ranks among the world’s most captivating destinations.
Day 1
Southern Sun OR Tambo International Airport (or similar)
Johannesburg
Day 2
The Graskop Hotel (or similar)
Graskop
Days 3 - 4
Hippo Hollow Country Estate (or similar)
Hazyview
Days 5 - 6
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Rest Camp (or similar)
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Days 7 - 8
Elephant Lake Hotel (or similar)
St Lucia
Days 9 - 10
Premier Resort Sani Pass (or similar)
Southern Drakensberg
Days 11 - 12
Crawford’s Beach Lodge (or similar)
Chintsa
Day 13
Zuurberg Mountain Village (or similar)
Greater Addo
Days 14 - 15
Tsitsikamma Village Inn (or similar)
Tsitsikamma
Day 16
Mooiplaas Guest House (or similar)
Oudtshoorn
Days 17 - 18
Pullman Cape Town City Centre (or similar)
Cape Town
Included
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary or similar standard.
- All transport in a fully equipped vehicle.
- Game drives and activities as mentioned.
- Meals as per itinerary.
- Services of an experienced local guide.
- Park entrance fees.
- Airport transfers on the first and last day of the tour.
Excluded
- International and domestic flights.
- Pre- and post-tour accommodation.
- Optional activities.
- All drinks.
- Gratuities.
- Personal expenses (telephone calls, curios, etc.).
- Travel insurance.
TRANSPORT
- Airport transfers are typically conducted in comfortable sedan vehicles or minibuses, depending on group size.
- Touring throughout the itinerary is operated in fully equipped vehicles suitable for long-distance travel. Scheduled safari activities and game drives are conducted in open 4×4 safari vehicles where applicable.
Visas
- It is the responsibility of each traveller to arrange all visas required for the countries visited on this itinerary prior to departure.
- Please ensure your passport has sufficient validity and blank pages in accordance with entry requirements for South Africa, Eswatini, and Lesotho.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel and cancellation insurance is compulsory for all guests on this journey. Insurance arrangements remain the sole responsibility of the traveller.
Your policy must provide cover for the full duration of your trip, including but not limited to:
- Personal Injury
- Loss or damage to personal belongings (including camera and electronic equipment)
- Medical expenses
- Repatriation costs
- Loss of luggage