Your tailor-made holiday will be as unique as you are. These itineraries are just a starting point, a bit of inspiration to show what’s possible. Your own trip all starts with a conversation with one of our South Africa experts, who’ll take the time to understand what matters most to you and design the perfect holiday to match.
This itinerary is designed for travellers who want to dive straight into South Africa’s most rewarding wildlife experiences, with no unnecessary detours. It’s a trip that focuses on the thrill of safari, the drama of the landscapes, and the variety of wildlife found both on land and in the ocean. Starting your adventure in the iconic Kruger National Park, we've designed this 14-day itinerary to propel you straight into the action. Every single holiday we design is unique to you, so if there are other national parks you'd like to visit or conservation efforts you'd like to get involved in, just chat to us and we’ll make it happen.
Three nights in Kruger National Park is the best way to begin your South Africa safari holiday. Your time here will be packed full of memorable encounters with Big Five wildlife, as well as the smaller animals who call the park home. Your next stop will be the stunning landscapes of the Escarpment, where you'll feel dwarfed by the magnificence of the Blyde River Canyon, one of the most beautiful spots in South Africa. You'll spend a night in Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) before driving on to the KwaZulu-Natal region for another three nights of safari adventure. Your final stop is the wild and untamed Elephant Coast. Here you'll explore the vibrant wildlife of iSimangaliso Wetland Park and venture off dry land on an ocean safari to encounter some of the marine life that hides beneath the waves.
Here's a summary of what you might get up to day-to-day on this South Africa holiday. As always, this is just an idea. Every single day of your trip will be tailored to suit you.
Your South Africa safari holiday kicks off with an overnight flight to Cape Town, before hopping on a connecting flight to Kruger National Park.
You'll pick up your hire car this morning and head to your lodge to start your three-night Kruger Safari experience. We've got a fantastic list of selected lodges in Kruger National Park, all of which offer something a little different. So chat to us about whether you fancy a slice of luxury, a rustic retreat or perhaps something a little different like a night under the stars…
The next few days will be a wildlife extravaganza from start to finish. Whichever lodge or rest camp you choose to stay in, the safari guides are at the top of their game. We recommend fitting in as many safaris as possible during your time here, as each one will usually have a unique and unforgettable sighting in store. For the adventurous, why not brave a walking safari? There are few feelings as raw and wild as walking through the African plains knowing you're following in the footsteps of a pride of lions who passed by just hours before.
Today, you'll leave your lodge and Kruger National Park and drive on to the Escarpment region. The Mpumalanga Escarpment is as beautiful as it is dramatic. Forming part of the Drakensberg Mountain Range, this area is home to the famous Blyde River Canyon. The cavernous gorge towers over the winding river below, with plenty of plummeting waterfalls flowing from top to bottom. We highly recommend stopping off at God's Window viewpoint, a truly photo-worthy moment.
There's plenty to keep you busy in the Escarpment region. One highlight is the historic town of Pilgrim's Rest, a quaint gold-rush town with historic buildings filled with Victorian antiques. We'll find you somewhere perfect to stay in the nearby towns of Hazyview or White River. There's a brilliant elephant sanctuary nearby, too, if you're missing the wild magic of Kruger!
It might be small, but the tiny nation of Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) boasts a serious amount of culture, experiences and activities, and is the perfect place to stop over on your journey between the Escarpment and KwaZulu-Natal.
Over the next two days, you'll have countless opportunities to encounter the wildlife that South Africa is so loved for. KwaZulu-Natal is a brilliant spot for wildlife viewing, with your chances of spotting the Big Five very high indeed. We'll keep our fingers firmly crossed that an elusive leopard might just make an appearance.
Your final stop on this South Africa safari holiday is the lush green landscapes of the Elephant Coast, where you'll spend your last three nights. Beyond the lake systems of St Lucia in iSimangaliso Wetland Park, you'll find golden sands sandwiched between a carpet of green and the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean – and a whole host of wildlife, too.
The Elephant Coast is such a unique region to explore, one that few visitors make it to, and one that's sure to reward you with a great show of wildlife. Whether spotting the birdlife and antelopes on the wooded shoreline, exploring iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which is home to vibrant wildlife in the game reserve, or discovering the marine life from the hippos on the lake to the turtles and whales of the offshore marine park, there is a wealth of activities and experiences to enjoy here.
Your wildlife adventure comes to an end today as it's time to hop on a flight back to the UK, hopefully with a camera full of wildlife snaps and plenty of moments you'll never forget.
We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our experts Catherine, Kirsty and Lisa are dedicated to all things South Africa and are here to help you plan your perfect trip.
Catherine fell for Africa in 2000 and has been back countless times ever since. With South Africa being one of her favourite spots, she’s your go-to for everything from self-drives to safaris, hikes and vineyards.
With family living just outside Kruger National Park, Kirsty’s been travelling to South Africa for more than 20 years. From solo trips to family adventures, she knows the country inside out – and always finds new reasons to return.
Our resident South African, our Lisa really has spent a lifetime exploring the country. Especially fond of Kruger, coastal drives and any excuse for a well-earned sundowner with a view, she brings real passion and knowledge to every holiday she plans.
Speak to one of our travel specialists today.
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