Exploring the Beauty of South Africa, Eswatini and Lesotho in Three Weeks

Day 1-3: Cape Town

Your adventure begins in Cape Town, one of South Africa’s most vibrant cities. Spend the first few days exploring the city’s attractions, such as the iconic Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the V&A Waterfront. Make sure to also try some of the city’s famous cuisine, such as Cape Malay curry and braai (barbecue).

Where to eat: Mama Africa, The Test Kitchen, The Pot Luck Club

Where to sleep: Cape Grace Hotel, The Silo Hotel, The Table Bay Hotel

Day 4-6: Garden Route

From Cape Town, head east along the Garden Route, a scenic stretch of coastline known for its dramatic landscapes and quaint towns. Stop at the seaside towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, and take in the views from the Bloukrans Bridge, the world’s highest bungee jump.

Travel time: 5 hours

Where to eat: Freshline Fisheries, Emily Moon, The Fat Fish

Where to sleep: The Plettenberg Hotel, Conrad Pezula Resort & Spa, Fancourt Hotel & Golf Estate

Robberg Island, Plettenberg Bay Robberg Island, Plettenberg Bay

Day 7-9: Addo Elephant National Park

Continue along the Garden Route to Addo Elephant National Park, where you can see a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and zebras. Take a guided safari tour and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Eastern Cape.

Travel time: 3 hours

Where to eat: The Colonial Kitchen Restaurant, The Terrace at Woodall Country House & Spa, Elephant House Restaurant

Where to sleep: Woodall Country House & Spa, Gorah Elephant Camp, Kuzuko Lodge

Day 10-12: Port Elizabeth and Durban

Drive further east to Port Elizabeth. Fly from Port Elizabeth to Durban, a coastal city in the east of South Africa. Spend the day exploring Durban’s markets and beaches, then head to the famous steakhouse, Butcher Boys, for dinner.

Travel time: 8 hours

Where to eat: Butcher Boys Morningside, The Oyster Box Hotel, The Chefs’ Table, Mali’s Indian Restaurant

Where to sleep: The Oyster Box Hotel, The Beverly Hills Hotel, The Benjamin Hotel

Day 13-14: Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

Leave Durban and head north to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, one of the oldest game reserves in Africa. Here you can see the famous Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) and enjoy the stunning scenery of the park.

Travel time: 3 hours

Where to eat: Ilala Weavers, Hilltop Restaurant, Mpila Camp

Where to sleep: Hilltop Camp, Mpila Camp, Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

Day 15-17: St. Lucia

From Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, head to the coastal town of St. Lucia, where you can take a boat tour to see hippos and crocodiles in the nearby estuary. You can also visit the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its diverse ecosystems and wildlife.

Travel time: 1 hour

Where to eat: Ocean Basket, Braza, The Ocean Sizzler

Where to sleep: Elephant Lake Hotel, Makakatana Bay Lodge, St. Lucia Eco Lodge

St. Lucia St. Lucia

Day 18-20: Eswatini

Cross the border into Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland), a small kingdom located within South Africa. Visit the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, a nature reserve that offers game drives, horseback riding, and hiking trails. You can also visit the Ngwenya Glass Factory and the Swazi Candles workshop to learn about the local crafts.

Travel time: 4 hours

Where to eat: The Mill Restaurant, The Royal Swazi Spa, The Terrace

Where to sleep: The Royal Swazi Spa, Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge, Foresters Arms Hotel

Week Three: Eswatini to Lesotho and back to Johannesburg

Day 21-22: Sani Pass

From Eswatini, drive to the Sani Pass, a scenic mountain pass that connects South Africa and Lesotho. Take a guided tour to experience the stunning views and rugged terrain of the pass, and visit a traditional Basotho village to learn about the local culture.

Travel time: 4 hours

Where to eat: The Highest Pub in Africa, The Sani Pass Hotel

Where to sleep: The Highest Pub in Africa, The Sani Pass Hotel

Sani Pass Sani Pass

Day 23-24: Malealea

Continue your journey to Malealea, a small village located in the Lesotho highlands. Here you can go on guided pony treks to explore the surrounding mountains and valleys, and visit local villages to learn about the traditional Basotho way of life.

Travel time: 4 hours

Where to eat: Malealea Lodge Restaurant, Sefofane Restaurant

Where to sleep: Malealea Lodge, The Trading Post

Malealea Malealea

Day 25-26: Johannesburg

From Malealea, drive back to Johannesburg, where you can spend your final days exploring the city’s attractions, such as the Apartheid Museum, the Soweto township, and the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Travel time: 6 hours

Where to eat: Marble, Momo Baohaus, Luce Restaurant

Where to sleep: Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, The Maslow Hotel, The Michelangelo Hotel

Conclusion

A three-week road trip through South Africa, Eswatini, and Lesotho offers an unforgettable journey through some of the most beautiful and culturally rich regions of Africa. From the vibrant cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg, to the stunning landscapes of the Garden Route and the Lesotho highlands, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With this itinerary, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the local cuisine, culture, and wildlife, while also taking in the breathtaking scenery of the region. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!