Africa Adventures For Solo Travellers

This morning we leave for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. Travel along the circular Panorama Route, visiting the view sites of the Blyde River Canyon, home to the Three Rondavels and one of the natural wonders of Africa; gasp at the glory of God’s Window, with a boundless view of mountains and fertile plains and visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes.[Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 500 kms

Hippo Hollow is nestled amongst lush indigenous gardens on the outskirts of Hazyview and is only a 10-minute drive from the world-famous Kruger National Park. Hippo Hollow has 37 chalets and 54 courtyard rooms. The River & Garden chalets do not have televisions, telephones or Wi-Fi but is the perfect setting to relax while overlooking the Sabie River or the peaceful gardens. The Courtyard Hotel Rooms have just recently been redecorated and offer television, Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and other amenities. These spacious rooms have balconies and verandas overlooking the estate’s gardens. All rooms and chalets have en-suite bathrooms, tea/coffee facilities and are furnished with touches of local wood for a traditional finish. The beautifully maintained gardens, with two swimming pools, are home to a wonderful variety of bird species, and the Sabie River attracts hippo, crocodiles, monkeys, waterbirds and even elephants. There is an a la carte restaurant offering a variety of mouth-watering dishes and South African wines from the wine cellar.

We have a bright and early start to the day to experience the wonders of exploring the Kruger National Park in our closed vehicle. Why not join a thrilling open-vehicle game safari through the Kruger National Park (optional and for own account)? The Kruger National Park is an internationally renowned game reserve of nearly 2 million hectares that supports the largest variety of wildlife species on the African continent. Keep a lookout for the wonderful flora and bird life that abounds. We return to our hotel around lunch time and your afternoon is at leisure to relax. [Packed Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 200 kms

This morning we travel to eSwatini (Swaziland), an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa, known for its lovely scenery, crafts and colourful indigenous culture. An interactive cultural experience introduces us to the charming people of eSwatini and their traditions. We travel south to our hotel, nestled in the mountainous peaks of eSwatini (Swaziland) for overnight. [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 200 kms

After breakfast we journey through eSwatini (Swaziland), visiting Ngwenya Glass, where a small group of eSwati craftsmen and women create beautifully handmade items from recycled glass. Our next stop is The Swazi Candles Centre where you will experience local artisans creating colourful, handmade candles. Our journey continues into the Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal where ancient traditions and modern cultures of both Zulu and Settler have combined into a vibrant society living in peace and harmony. Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon for overnight. [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 375 kms

Anew Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris is nestled between the Hluhluwe Game Reserve – home to the Big Five, and the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, a world heritage site. This lodge offers 81 rooms. Each room is air conditioned, have free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, tea & coffee making facilities and private bathroom. Certain units have a sitting area for your convenience. A 3-bedroom lodge adds a private outdoor pool, a fireplace and a full kitchen. Other amenities include all-day restaurant, an outdoor pool with a waterside bar and a sports bar with a pool table.

Guests have the option to take a morning optional open vehicle game drive in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve (optional and for own account), before heading off to Durban. An orientation tour of Durban, that travels along the Golden Mile, the beachfront promenade, The Point Waterfront, and harbour introduces us to this multicultural, vibrant seaside city. The orientation tour concludes with a visit to the Durban Botanic Gardens before arriving at our hotel late afternoon. [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 320 kms

Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge is located just 20 minutes from Durban, in the Umhlanga New Town Centre, close to the main beachfront, and opposite the Warehouse and Gateway Theatre of shopping, movies, restaurants and other entertainment venues. The hotel offers 205 bedrooms, including 50 family rooms and 24 loft rooms all with semi self-catering facilities. Other facilities include a roof-level swimming pool, conference facilities for 300 people, secure parking, gym, restaurant and bar. Anchoring the development as a green belt is the 2 hectare Chris Saunders Park. The park is a focal destination with water features, shrubbery and lawns, offering visitors a sanctuary within this urban area.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast or perhaps explore the bustling Umhlanga Beach with a stroll along the Promenade mile that buzzes with energy as surfers, joggers and cyclists take to this seaside playground. Then we head into the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains. We visit the impressive 300-foot-high Howick Falls, located in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands town of Howick. Our journey continues through the Southern Midlands Meander Route, arriving at our hotel, situated on a scenic World Heritage site, mid-afternoon. Your afternoon is at leisure to soak up the surroundings, or enjoy fishing, hiking and even horse riding in clean mountain air (all activities are optional and for own account). Sit down to a sumptuous dinner at your hotel. [Breakfast & Dinner]

Distance travelled today: 280 kms

Located in Southern Drakensberg, this resort offers spacious accommodations, an outdoor pool with scenic mountain views and a well-equipped fitness center. Relaxation facilities include a hot tub and sauna.

Each room has an private bathroom, a TV and tea/coffee facilities, the property also  features a luxury wellness center which include a hydrotherapy bath and two hot tubs on the wooden deck.

There are 2 daytime restaurants called the Glengarry and The Bistro Café. The Buffet Restaurant is open daily for breakfast and also offers dinner options. The Bergview Restaurant and the Vine Knot serve à la carte dinners.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to soak up the surroundings of the magnificent Southern Drakensberg Mountains. There are also many leisure activities to be enjoyed at the Resort. Consider joining a thrilling 4x4 tour up the spectacular Sani Pass into the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho (optional and for own account). Enjoy an evening dinner at your hotel with a wide variety of local specialities to choose from.  [Breakfast & Dinner]

This morning we continue south to the Eastern Cape entering the fourth of the provinces and the birthplace of Nelson Mandela (fondly known as Madiba). En route we see the old traditional way of life in the former homeland area known as the Transkei and stop for lunch (own account) outside the capital of Mthata. We travel past Nelson Mandela’s birthplace and house, arriving late afternoon at our accommodation in Chinsta East, on the beautiful, unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast. A delicious dinner with local delicacies awaits you at your lodge. [Breakfast & Dinner]

Distance travelled today: 520 kms

Situated on a beautiful coastline, Crawfords Beach Lodge is in the scenic village of Chintsa East. Surrounded by lush beach forests and with view of the Indian Ocean, the lodge is in an ideal location, just 40km outside of East London. All 30 rooms include free Wi-fi, a kitchenette, satellite televisions, air-conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities, private bathrooms and private balconies. The resort also features a bar/lounge, wellness facilities and fitness centre. In your spare time feel free to enjoy activities such as surfing, boogie boarding or cycling.

We awake to the sounds of the crashing waves and have the morning at leisure to unwind with beach sand between our toes. The beach stretches on uninterrupted for many kilometres and the thick indigenous beach forest is a haven for an amazing variety of birdlife. We set off heading south to the Tsitsikamma Forest. [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 510 kms

Alone the renowned Garden Route in Storms River Village is where the quaint Tsitsikamma Village Inn lies. The Inn is nestled amongst the lush Tsitsikamma Forest and is close to the Storms River Mouth. Accommodation is comprised of 49 individually decorated rooms, housed in different buildings, each of which represent a different colonial period style.  Each room features a private garden, an en-suite bathroom with a bath and shower, a TV, an electric blanket and tea/coffee making facilities. The main building houses a restaurant, pub, café and a lounge. The Inn also has a playground and its own micro-brewery which brews unique, local beers.

After a leisurely breakfast, visit the spectacularly beautiful Tsitsikamma Forest, which provides scenic walking opportunities. A short walk to the Storms River Mouth offers some magnificent views of the gorge and river below. Arrive in Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, for check in at your hotel. Enjoy a dinner filled with culinary delights at the hotel’s trendy restaurant. [Breakfast & Dinner]

Distance travelled today: 92 kms

On the banks of the Knysna Lagoon in the secluded Knysna Head is Premier Resort the Moorings. The resort features 74 rooms and 14 villas, each of which includes an en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, a hairdryer, an in-room safe, Wi-Fi access, cable TV, a telephone and tea/coffee making facilities. The double-storey villas also feature a balcony, a kitchen and a lounge and dining area. Additional facilities at the hotel include a restaurant and a swimming pool. Guests at the hotel can partake in a number of outdoor activities including fishing, golfing, mountain biking and bird watching.

After breakfast, we travel inland over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the ‘feather capital of the world’ because of its ostrich industry. We visit a working ostrich farm and then explore the famous Cango Caves, with a walk around its magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Overnight in Oudtshoorn. [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 180 kms

The Protea Hotel Oudtshoorn Riempie Estate lies secluded in a tranquil farm-like setting on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn, near George on the famous garden route. It is situated next to the Cango Wildlife Ranch and within close proximity to numerous working Ostrich Farms. This hotel offers unique and unconventional accommodation in thatched rondavels and chalets, located in lush green gardens. All units feature air-conditioning, TV with M-Net, hair dryers, en-suite bathrooms and coffee/tea-making facilities. The Riempie Restaurant is well known for its excellent traditional South African cuisine. The Estate has pomegranate, olive, fig and pecan nut orchards as well as an area with farm animals. The Estate also has a lounge with a fireplace, ideal during winter, as well as an outdoor swimming pool, which is an ideal place to cool off and relax in summer.

Today’s journey travels along the famous Route 62 and through the Little Karoo, ending in Cape Town.  On the way we stop off to sample top quality port style wines in Calitzdorp, before continuing via Worcester and the Huguenot Tunnel, arriving in Cape Town in the late afternoon. [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 420 kms

Located near the Cape Town city bowl in the suburb of Gardens, SunSquare Cape Town Gardens is ideally located just 20 minutes’ drive from Cape Town International Airport. The hotel features 136 rooms and 4 spacious suites. Each room includes an en-suite bathroom, a hairdryer, air-conditioning, cable TV, an in-room safe, complimentary Wi-Fi, a direct-dial telephone and tea/coffee making facilities. Suites also feature living areas. Facilities at the hotel include an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a business centre. Laundry services are also available. Guests can enjoy meals at the on-site South African grill restaurant, Zepi, or unwind at the bar.

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join a sightseeing tour of Cape Town and Table Mountain (optional and for own account) or spend the day exploring the magnificent Cape Winelands on a full day winelands tour (optional and for own account) or join a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula, with its dramatic coastline and spectacular scenic beauty (optional and for own account). Although a small city, Cape Town is packed with sightseeing attractions, excellent bars, cafes, and restaurants as well as colourful craft markets. Alternatively relax on one of Cape Town’s many pristine beaches. Overnight in Cape Town. [Breakfast]

This morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel by 11h00. The remainder of the day will be at leisure until your transfer to Cape Town International airport. [Breakfast]