Trip Info
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Minivan & overland safari truck
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Suitable for single travelers and groups
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Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
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Scheduled departures
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This tour starts in Johannesburg and ends in Cape Town, South Africa
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Shared tour
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English
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All meals included
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12
Overview
Explore the wonders of South Africa on a 17-day South Africa Rainbow Route Safari, an unforgettable journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town. Experience diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and thrilling wildlife encounters, including safaris in Kruger National Park, scenic drives along the Garden Route, and visits to vibrant cities and historic sites. This guided adventure offers the perfect mix of nature, culture, and relaxation for travelers seeking the ultimate South African experience.
The Rainbow Route gives a summary of South Africa and includes a visit to the Kingdom of Swaziland/ESwatini. There are many amazing sights on this tour and the national parks receive special attention. The state’s diversity means covering great distances, sometimes for several days and then spending a full day experiencing what it has to offer. The included extras in the fully inclusive tour mean good value for your money. It’s an exceptional way to explore South Africa.
Highlights
- Mid-range shared tour
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Itinerary
Departing from Johannesburg at 6:30 am, we'll head towards Mpumalanga where mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests characterise the landscape. God’s Window will be the last scenery we see before turning to the game lodge on the Greater Kruger National Park border.
Main Destination: Greater Kruger (South Africa)
Accommodation: Makuwa Safari Lodge
- Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Kruger NP (South Africa)
Widespread Away-From-Home Behaviors:
- All three meals are covered by the package.
- Your drinks are not covered by this offer.
On the following day, we get up early to spend the whole day looking for animals in Kruger National Park. Returning to the lodge late in the afternoon allows us to see the sunset in the Drakensberg Mountains. Have a refreshing pool swim, eat your fill and then relax with Africa’s sounds as you get ready for bed.
Main Destination: Greater Kruger (South Africa)
Accommodation: Makuwa Safari Lodge
- Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Kruger NP (South Africa)
Widespread Away-From-Home Behaviors:
- All three meals are covered by the package.
- Your drinks are not covered by this offer.
We'll stretch our legs on a short morning walk exploring the surrounding bush before we re-enter Kruger NP and head south. Kruger NP is South Africa’s largest game reserve. Its scientific diversity is unrivaled, with 16 distinct ecosystems which contain the highest number of species found anywhere in the world. We have very good opportunities to watch exciting game during drives in the area. Spot the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) and many other animals in this true African wilderness.
Main Destination: Kruger National Park (South Africa)
Best Time To Visit: May to September (Dry season)
These months can be considered the High Season: December to January and July to August
Best Weather: Apr-May and Sep-Oct (Mild and little rain)
Wildlife found in Kruger NP: The animals on this safari include the Elephant, Giraffe, Buffalo, Zebra, Wildebeest, Hippo, Hyena, White Rhino, Lion, Black Rhino, Leopard, Cheetah and Wild Dog.
Accommodation: Lower Sabie Rest Camp
- Mid-range rest camp located inside Southern Kruger NP (South Africa)
Widespread Away-From-Home Behaviors:
- All three meals are covered by the package.
- Your drinks are not covered by this offer.
Malolotja Nature Reserve in the mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland/eSwatini is up next for us. Known for plenty of different types of habitats, including short grassland, thick riverine scrub, bushveld and moist forest. We'll explore the reserve on foot to enjoy the fantastic mountain views. Identify lovely mountain cabins for a place to stay and end the night by relaxing around a campfire.
Main Destination: Malolotja Nature Reserve (Eswatini)
Best Time To Go: May to September (Dry season)
High Season: Dec to Jan (It never gets very busy)
Accommodation: Hawane Resort
- Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Malolotja NR (Eswatini)
Widespread Away-From-Home Behaviors:
- All three meals are covered by the package.
- Your drinks are not covered by this offer.
We visit a craft market near Mbabane which has a range of handmade crafts and a
local witchdoctor stall! Back at the border, we proceed to our accommodation on a private game reserve in the Msinene Nature Reserve and our guide will take us on a walk through the bush and riverine areas, letting us watch birds and spot game. Nyala, hippo and leopard are all residents of the reserve.
Main Destination: Zululand (KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa)
Accommodation: Zululand Lodge
- Mid-range tented camp located outside Hluhluwe-iMfolozi GR (South Africa)
Widespread Away-From-Home Behaviors:
- All three meals are covered by the package.
- Your drinks are not covered by this offer.
The following day we join a game drive at Hluhluwe Game Reserve, as it houses many rhinos and afterward we meet with a modern local Zulu group. Have a drink and some food in the late afternoon while enjoying the peaceful spot near the reserve’s lodge.
Main Destination: Zululand (KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa)
Accommodation: Zululand Lodge
- Mid-range tented camp located outside Hluhluwe-iMfolozi GR (South Africa)
Widespread Away-From-Home Behaviors:
- All three meals are covered by the package.
- Your drinks are not covered by this offer.
uKhahlamba, meaning the Barrier of Spears, is another name for the Drakensberg, a 200-kilometre stretch of mountainous wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Zululand, we'll move further south to the base of these mountains where we overnight for two nights in quaint cottages. One day, we may spend it walking on the stream paths or we could just watch the enchanting views around us.
Along the way to the Drakensberg, we will pause at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site Museum and honor this great man.
Main Destination: Royal Natal National Park (Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa)
Accommodation: Thendele Camp
- Mid-range self catering accommodationin Royal Natal (Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa)
Widespread Away-From-Home Behaviors:
- All three meals are covered by the package.
- Your drinks are not covered by this offer.
Drakensberg Mountains, another name for uKhahlamba or Barrier of Spears, covers a scenic and
protected 200-kilometre stretch of mountains and has been included by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Next, we will go south from Zululand and spend two nights in simple, but cozy cottages at the edge of the Champagne castles. We will spend our time in the area by walking along the streams or just admiring the excellent scenery.
On our drive to the Drakensberg, we will take time to visit the Nelson Mandela Capture Site Museum in his memory.
Main Destination: Royal National Park (Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa)
Accommodation: Thendele Camp
- Mid-range self catering accommodationin Royal Natal (Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa)
Widespread Away-From-Home Behaviors:
- All three meals are covered by the package.
- Your drinks are not covered by this offer.
The Wild Coast is still mostly untouched by people, with plenty of amazing coastline, roomy areas and clear forests to explore. We are spending the night in Kei Mouth.
Main Destination: East London (City, South Africa)
Accommodation: Crawfords Beach Lodge
- Mid-range hotelin Chintsa (Village, South Africa)
Widespread Away-From-Home Behaviors:
- All three meals are covered by the package.
- Your drinks are not covered by this offer.
Have a look around, meet some of the local residents or head for the beach.
Main Destination: East London (City, South Africa)
Accommodation: Crawfords Beach Lodge
- Mid-range hotelin Chintsa (Village, South Africa)
Widespread Away-From-Home Behaviors:
- All three meals are covered by the package.
- Your drinks are not covered by this offer.
The The reason for establishing Addo Elephant National Park in 1931 was to keep the 11 surviving wild elephants from being hunted to extinction. At present, more than 600 elephants call the area home. You can also see black rhino, Cape buffalo, lion and leopard, in addition to many other mammals, at the park. The greater park area is home to 400 different bird species.
Main Destination: Addo Elephant National Park (South Africa)
Best Time To Visit: January to December (All year)
High Season: October to March (The park gets crowded)
Best Weather: Sep to Apr (Warmer nights and mornings)
Wildlife found in Addo Elephant NP: Other animals that live there include the Elephant, Zebra, Lion, Buffalo, Hyena, Black Rhino, Leopard, Hippo, Giraffe, White Rhino, Cheetah, Wildebeest and Wild Dog.
Accommodation: Addo Rest Camp
- Mid-range rest camp located inside Addo Elephant NP (South Africa)
Widespread Away-From-Home Behaviors:
- All three meals are covered by the package.
- Your drinks are not covered by this offer.
For our first two nights, we will be in a lodge on a tranquil lagoon in Knysna. Join us on a day trip to the Storms River mouth, where we have the chance to walk through the gorge and along the cliff edge. There are 80km of great beaches and views in the Tsitsikamma National Park. It's a remote mountainous region with secluded valleys, coastal forests with deep river gorges leading down to the sea. Sample seafood at one of Knysna’s great restaurants (at your own expense).
Main Destination: Knysna (Garden Route, South Africa)
Accommodation: Bayview Hotel
- Luxury hotelin Plettenberg Bay (Garden Route, South Africa)
Widespread Away-From-Home Behaviors:
- Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
- Your drinks are not covered by this offer.
We will explore the gorge and the coast by hiking on pretty scenic trails near the Storms River mouth. With 80 km of ocean and lands, Tsitsikamma National Park has wonderful secluded mountain valleys, thick forests by the coast and deep rivers that end in the ocean. Later, we’ll have the opportunity to savor fresh seafood at one of Knysna’s renowned restaurants (at your own expense).
Main Destination: Knysna (Garden Route, South Africa)
Accommodation: Bayview Hotel
- Luxury hotelin Plettenberg Bay (Garden Route, South Africa)
Widespread Away-From-Home Behaviors:
- Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
- Your drinks are not covered by this offer.
Hermanus provides one of the finest experiences for land-based whale watching anywhere. During the time between June and November, southern right whales from the south migrate to the Cape coast to calve and mate in the shallows there. We’ll spend our days during whale season by walking along this lovely coastline. We will examine the spectacular flowering fynbos at Fernkloof Nature Reserve during the summer season. Enjoy the evening meal out at a local restaurant (at your own expense).
Main Destination: Hermanus (Whales, South Africa)
Accommodation: The Windsor Hotel
- Mid-range hotelin Hermanus (Whales, South Africa)
Widespread Away-From-Home Behaviors:
- Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
- Your drinks are not covered by this offer.
Cape Town is recognized worldwide for being a beautiful city, especially because Table Mountain stands at its center. On our way into Cape Town, we visit Stellenbosch, South Africa’s renowned wine region, for wine tasting (own expense) and a cellar tour.
The “mother city” is famous for many sights; we will check out Hout Bay harbour, see Cape Point, enjoy some of the famous beaches and marvel at the V&A Waterfront. Optional visit to Robben Island (own expense). We sample the local fare at a variety of local restaurants (own expense).
Main Destination: Cape Town (City, South Africa)
Accommodation: City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
- Mid-range hotelin Cape Town (City, South Africa)
Widespread Away-From-Home Behaviors:
- Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
- Your drinks are not covered by this offer.
The city is renowned for its pretty scenery centered around the famous Table Mountain. On our journey into the city, we’ll stop in Stellenbosch, South Africa’s celebrated wine region, for a wine tasting and cellar tour (own expense). Cape Town is famous as “Mother City” thanks to its busy fishing harbor in Hout Bay, the impressive Cape Point with its cliffs and the popular V&A Waterfront and beaches.
For those interested, an optional visit to Robben Island can be arranged (own expense). Throughout our stay, we’ll have the chance to sample the city’s delicious cuisine at a variety of local restaurants (own expense).
Main Destination: Cape Town (City, South Africa)
Accommodation: City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
- Mid-range hotelin Cape Town (City, South Africa)
Widespread Away-From-Home Behaviors:
- Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
- Your drinks are not covered by this offer.
We go up Table Mountain in the morning to see amazing sights of Cape Town that also include the bay and Robben Island. We have finished discovering the best highlights of South Africa, now taking one last look at Cape Town and shopping for curio items in the afternoon, so your tour will end at 18:00 at the hotel.
Main Destination: Cape Town (City, South Africa)
Accommodation: No accommodation (Tour is over)
Widespread Away-From-Home Behaviors:
- Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
- Your drinks are not covered by this offer.
Tour is over
- If you want additional facilities, you need to pay extra.
- You may pay extra to have a transfer arranged to the airport.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- • Park fees (For non-residents)
- • All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- • All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- • A driver or guide working in the industry
- • All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- • All Taxes/VAT
- • Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Cost Excludes
- • International flights (From/to home)
- • Getting to and from the airport by private vehicle
- • Accommodation at the start and finish of the tour is also included.
- • Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- • The government increases taxes and/or park charges
- • Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- • Drinks
FAQs
The 17-Day South Africa Rainbow Route offers a diverse and immersive journey through some of Southern Africa’s most breathtaking regions. Starting in Johannesburg, it includes time in the Greater Kruger area (Days 1-2) for exceptional wildlife viewing, followed by a day in Kruger National Park (Day 3). The tour continues into Eswatini with a visit to Malolotja Nature Reserve (Day 4), before returning to South Africa to explore Zululand and KwaZulu-Natal (Days 5-6). Days 7-8 bring dramatic mountain landscapes at Royal Natal in the Drakensberg, followed by East London (Days 9-10), Addo Elephant National Park (Day 11), the Garden Route’s Knysna (Days 12-13), whale watching in Hermanus (Day 14), and ending with a three-day exploration of Cape Town (Days 15-17).
The 17-Day South Africa Rainbow Route is an excellent place to see wildlife. Guests in Greater Kruger and Kruger National Park can anticipate spotting the Big Five—lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo—plus a range of other species. Visitors to the Malolotja Nature Reserve in Eswatini are likely to observe antelope, vervet monkeys and many birds. Addo Elephant National Park is noted for its large number of elephants, plus common plains animals. At certain times of year, Hermanus and similar coastal spots let you observe Southern Right Whales, together with many other bird species and seals.
All accommodations along the 17-Day Rainbow Route are comfortable and convenient. Whether it’s a safari lodge, a reserve, a mountain chalet, a guesthouse or a city hotel, visitors choose from several spots to rest. Wherever you make a stop, there is storied lodging and up-to-date features offered to help you experience the area more comfortably.
This itinerary is made for families, lone travelers and groups alike. There’s a wide range of activities such as wildlife tours, cultural fun, hiking in the mountains and going to the coast. Families will benefit from nature reserves and game parks by learning and visitors going solo will appreciate the diverse settings and chances to meet others.
This route shows the many different cultures found in the area. People traveling in Zululand and KwaZulu-Natal can take part in Zulu dancing and pay a visit to their villages. Eswatini’s culture can be seen up close at Malolotja’s center and the markets. In Cape Town, the tour provides opportunities to visit historic sites such as Robben Island (optional) and the V&A Waterfront. Going on a wine tasting tour and seeing the town’s old sites help add to the itinerary’s cultural value.
Travel along the 17-Day South Africa Rainbow Route in the dry season, May to September, to have the best game viewing in Kruger and Addo Elephant parks and since it’s usually not too hot. Even so, during October and April the months are beautiful, the wildflowers are in full bloom and you can spot whales in Hermanus. The different seasons give everyone a chance to experience different and rewarding things along this route.
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