South Africa Exploration: 8 Days Panorama Route & Kruger National Park
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
From/to: Johannesburg or Hoedspruit Airport
Type: Self-drive with rental car (with tour guide on request)
Arrive in Johannesburg or at Hoedspruit Airport and collect your rental car. Begin with the Panorama Route, where waterfalls, canyons and endless views introduce you to the beauty of South Africa. From there, continue into the bush to Klaserie Nature Reserve and the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Both are part of the Greater Kruger, with unfenced borders to the national park and fewer visitors, offering a safari experience that feels close to nature.
Please note that the Kruger National Park is located in a malaria area. It is strongly recommended to consult your doctor or a tropical medicine institute before your trip to discuss necessary precautions and possible malaria prophylaxis
*Availability on request—you can choose your preferred accommodation in every location.
This tour can be extended as desired, for example, with another week towards St. Lucia, where you can explore the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the spectacular Drakensberg mountains. This region offers unique natural experiences like boat trips for hippo and crocodile watching in St. Lucia and hikes in the breathtaking mountain scenery of the Drakensberg.
Furthermore, the famous Garden Route is an option for an extension. This scenic route along the south coast of South Africa takes you through charming coastal towns, dense forests, and along secluded beaches – ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Conclude your extended journey in Cape Town, the vibrant metropolis at the foot of Table Mountain. Here you can discover the diverse culture, excellent cuisine, and the historical attractions of the city before concluding your unforgettable South African journey.
Your journey starts as you arrive at Johannesburg or Hoedspruit Airport. After collecting your rental car, you set off towards the Panorama Route. Waterfalls, canyons and wide views along the way give you the perfect introduction to South Africa.
Settle into the Lowveld at Unembeza Lodge, a boutique retreat on the edge of Hoedspruit. Use these days to explore the region at your own pace. The Panorama Route is right on your doorstep, with sights like the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and cascading waterfalls. In and around Hoedspruit you can also join optional activities such as a boat trip on the Blyde Dam, a visit to a wildlife centre or even a first game drive in a nearby reserve. Evenings invite you to relax at the lodge and enjoy the bush setting.
Continue your journey into the Klaserie Nature reserve, part of the Greater Kruger with unfenced borders to Kruger National Park. At Africa on Foot the focus is on an authentic, close-to-nature safari. Each day begins with a guided bush walk, where you experience the smaller details of the wilderness on foot, followed by afternoon game drives that bring you close to the Big Five. With only a few vehicles in the reserve, sightings feel personal and unhurried, making your safari both intimate and memorable.
Your journey ends in the Sabi Sands, South Africa’s most famous private reserve. Staying at Umkumbe Bush Lodge, you sleep in a spacious Superior Tent with the comfort of a lodge and the charm of canvas walls. Morning and afternoon game drives focus on the Big Five, with excellent chances of leopard sightings. Between safaris, relax on your deck or by the pool while the bush surrounds you.
After your last morning in the bush it’s time to leave the Sabi Sands behind. From here you can fly back home or continue your journey within South Africa. Many travellers choose to extend their trip with a drive along the Garden Route or a visit to KwaZulu-Natal for more coast, culture and safari experiences.
