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
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
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
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
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!
