Motorhome Rentals World Wide South Africa 24 Day Suggested Itinerary Johannesburg to Cape Town DAY 1: Johannesburg to Pilanesberg - 220 kms Following vehicle hand-overs, it is recommended that you visit a local supermarket to purchase provisions. Vehicles are handed over with empty petrol tanks and may be returned empty in Cape Town. Campsite Manyane Caravan Park Pilanesberg National Park Directions Exit Maui Offices turning left along Pomona Road. Turn left at the traffic right on to the R21 to Johannesburg. Continue on the R24 towards JHB then take the N1 Pretoria. Turn left to N1 Roodepoort. Take the Sandton/ William Nichol turnoff. Go right over the highway and continue for 15 km until you see the signs to Sun City. DAY 2: Pilanesberg - No Distance Driving Today Take a short drive through the Game Reserve (The 5th largest in South Africa) and visit the strange Sun City Complex. Have a dip in the Wave pool at the Lost City, wander through the beautiful gardens at Cascades or visit the crocodile park (at the entrance to Sun City) Campsite Manyane Caravan Park DAY 3: Pilanesberg to Loskop Dam Take the opportunity to visit Pretoria. The Union buildings are well worth a visit as are Paul Kruger's House in Church Street and the National Museum at Church square.  Aventura 's resort at Loskop Dam is surrounded by a 12 800 ha. Nature reserve. This area is typical Bushveld. The resort has excellent facilities including a swimming pool, restaurant, mini golf course and petrol station. Game drives through the nature reserve or game viewing by boat from the dam can be arranged. Campsite Aventura Loskop Dam Middelburg Directions Leave Pilanesberg and re-join the N4 towards Middelburg /Witbank. Take the Middelburg turnoff and proceed along the N11 to Loskop Dam. DAY 4: Loskop Dam to Blydepoort - 260 kms  Bourke's Luck Visit "Bourke's Luck Pot Holes" (Thomas Bourke was an early owner of the farm on which this feature was discovered) at the point where the Blyde (joyful) and the Treur (sorrow) Rivers join. Erosion, of the Dolomite rock over thousands of years, has resulted in the development of the famous "Pot Holes" Mac Mac Falls Named after the MacClaughton brothers who lead the gold rush to this area. The search for gold spread from the Barberton area to the pool below this scenic 56 m waterfall. Pilgrims Rest This historic village founded in 1873 is well worth a visit. Call in at the Information Centre and visit the Royal Hotel and local museum. Campsite Aventura Blydepoort Ohrigstad Directions Leave Loskop Dam on the N11 and re-join the N4. Continue on to Belfast taking the R540 to Dullstroom and onwards to Lydenburg. Then take the R36 and R533 to Pilgrims Rest. Then the R532 to Blydepoort. DAY 5: Blydepoort to Numbi Kruger Park - 290 kms  Blyde River Canyon Enjoy spectacular views of this famous canyon from your campsite at Aventura Blydepoort. Look out over the Three Rondavels (derived from "Rodille"), as they resemble women carrying bundles on their head. Kruger National Park This world famous wildlife reserve, first suggested by President Paul Kruger in 1884, was finally established in 1898. It covers 19 000 km and attracts over 800 000 visitors per annum. The Kruger is one of the world's largest National Parks with the greatest diversity of wildlife species: 147 mammals and about 510 birds. The Park is 350 km from North to South and roughly 60 km wide. Gates open at 5h00 and close at 18h30. Enquire at the camp reception areas about the interesting night drives, conducted in specially converted game viewing trucks. Campsite Numbi Hotel Campsite Numbi Gate Kruger National Park Directions Depart Blydepoort and continue along the R36 to Hoedspruit. Take the R40 to Klaserie turning along the R351 to enter the Kruger Park at the Orpen Gate. Drive through the Park an exit at the Numbi Gate. Campsites have been reserved at Numbi Gate Hotel. DAY 6: Kruger National Park After entering the park visit Pretoriuskop and Skukuza. Skukuza is the Park's capital and is located on the banks of the Sabie River. The complex has a well-stocked shop, a cafeteria, laundromat, a fully licensed restaurant, library, post office, petrol station and even a bank! Meaning "He who sweeps clean" was the name the African staff gave to the first warden of the Park, Colonel James Stevenson-Hamilton. The Stevenson-Hamilton Library is well worth a visit. Campsite Numbi Hotel Campsite Numbi Kruger National Park Directions Explore the park mat your leisure. Remember to adhere to speed limits. Believe it or not they do have speed checks. Also watch out for the Zebra crossings! DAY 7: Numbi to Malelane - 87 kms Our recommendation is that you wake up early and park alongside a nearby water hole. Game viewing is best in the early morning or late afternoon. Campsite Onderberg Ontspannings Resort Malelane Gate Directions Depart Numbi and drive through the park exiting at Malelane Gate at the southern area of the Park. DAY 8: Malelane to St Lucia - 540 kms This is one of the longest drives on your tour. We recommend you make an early start. You may need to purchase Visas at the Swazi border. Note this is a full international border and passports, etc. are required. The Kingdom of Swaziland will give you a glimpse of the real Africa, watch out for goats and donkeys on the main road! Explore the fascinating Swazi Market near Mbabane or visit the Ngwenya glass factory and the nearby Swazi candle factory.  One of the smallest Kingdoms in the world, Swaziland was granted independence from the British in 1968. King Sobhuza, who ruled from 1921 to 1986, was one of the world's longest serving Monarchs. Look out along the road for the traditional Swazi domed beehive huts woven from grass in the Nguni method. Campsite Sugarloaf Campsite St Lucia Directions Depart at Malelane Gate, cross over the N4 onto the R570 to Piggs Peak in Swaziland. Enter the Kingdom at Jeppe Reef. Continue through the Kingdom passing Mbabane, Manzini and Big Bend. Exit the country at Lauvimusa. Continue on the N2 to St Lucia. At Mtubatuba turn off the N2 and travel East on the R618 to St Lucia. The Reserve is 25 km from the turn off. DAY 9: St Lucia The St Lucia fresh water estuary is one of the unique Eco systems in Southern Africa. The St Lucia estuary is home to approximately 1500 crocodiles, 700 hippo, 4500 reed buck and over 500 bird species (almost half of all the birds recorded in SA have been seen at St Lucia). Pelicans and flamingos are fairly common. In addition you may come across vervet monkeys, jackals, leopard, zebra, warthog and kudu. The Crocodile centre at St Lucia village is particularly interesting. Campsite Sugarloaf Campsite St Lucia Estuary Directions Relax at this fascinating fresh water estuary Africa. DAY 10: St Lucia to Ballito - 206 kms Campsite Dolphin Resort Ballito Directions Take the N2 highway South towards Durban, at Ballito turn left and head directly towards the Indian Ocean. Turn left at the point where the main road reaches the sea. Dolphin Resort is 500m up on the right.  Day 11: Ballito to Durban Do a City tour of Durban - Africa's second largest port. Explore Durban's famous Botanical Gardens, the Umgeni Bird Park. Try the Café Fish on the yacht harbour for an excellent seafood lunch or have a drink at Thirsty's at the entrance to Durban's North Pier. Although Durban is SA's third largest city and SA's most popular local coastal resort, it still retains a carefree lazy lifestyle. The summer months are marked by high humidity, with nighttime temperatures only a few degrees cooler than midday!  Visit the beautiful yacht harbour, the Fitzsimons Snake Park, take a boat cruise on the Sarie Marais, do some shopping at the Workshop (converted from Durban's old Victorian railway sheds). Stroll with the Baywatch kids at North Beach (along the Marine Parade). For a great view of the city, walk out onto one of the many piers along Durban's Golden Mile. Durban's new International Conference Centre is an architectural masterpiece. Campsite Dolphin Caravan Park Ballito Directions Relax and enjoy a tour!  DAY 12: Ballito to Southbroom - 210 kms En Route The lower South Coast has many beautiful villages and towns and spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. For something different, visit the Crocodile Park near Scottburgh; try a crocodillian steak; have lunch at the scenic town of Ramsgate or visit the Wild Coast Sun across the Umtamvuna River 10 kms from Paradise Resort. Campsite Paradise Holiday Resort Southbroom Directions Depart Ballito along the N2, by-passing Durban and continue on the N2 South to Southbroom. DAY 13: Paradise to Gonubie - 495 kms It is recommended that you stay on the N2 and proceeds directly through the Transkei. Stopping if necessary for petrol at the Ultra City at Umtata. Campsite Gonbie Holiday Resort Gonubie Directions Depart Paradise and continue along the R61 to Port Edward and on to Bizana. Join the N2 at Brooks Nek. Proceed through the Transkei and onwards to Gonubie. The resort is located at the mouth of the Gonubie River on Meier Street. The resort is 6 km from N2 turnoff. DAY 14: Gonubie to Kenton on Sea - 195 kms Gonubie, known to the Xhosa people as Gqunube, after the bramble berries growing along the banks on the river, is a popular holiday resort with a safe bathing beach. Continue along the coastal road towards Port Elizabeth, passing the East London Airport. Stop over at the scenic town of Port Alfred for lunch. At Cannon Rocks the beach is safe for swimming. Call in and see the Diaz Cross at Kwaaihoek. Campsite Cannon Rocks Kenton on Sea Directions Proceed along the R72 past East London Airport and continue on the coastal road to Kenton-on-Sea. DAY 15: Cannon Rocks to Port Elizabeth - 160 kms Port Elizabeth The Pine Lodge Resort is located at the entrance to the Cape Recife Nature Reserve. The reserve features an old lighthouse, World War II harbour defence installation, a bird hide and a penguin sanctuary. The Lighthouse on the Donkin Reserve houses a military museum. Campsite Pine Lodge Resort Marine Drive Port Elizabeth Directions Continue along the R72 to Port Elizabeth. DAY 16: Port Elizabeth to Plettenberg Bay - 250 kms The Garden Route Some of the most beautiful scenery on your tour will be found along the stretch of coastline known as the Garden Route. The official start is Storms River. The bridge across the Storms River Gorge is one the highest in the country. The Tsitsikamma National Park is famous for its giant yellowood trees. Campsite Aventura Plettenberg Plettenberg Bay Directions Proceed along the N2 to Plettenberg Bay. DAY 17: Plettenberg Bay to Oudtshoorn - 250 kms  Plettenberg Bay Take the opportunity to explore Natures Valley located on the R102 (the old main road to Cape Town). At Plettenberg Bay have breakfast at the Beacon Isle Hotel, located right on the rocks. Continue onwards to the Robberg (seal) Peninsula. The North facing view-site offers incredible ocean views. Knysna  The name Knysna is derived from the Khoikhoi name for the sheer cliffs, which guard the entrance to the Knysna Lagoon. The beautiful village of Victoria Bay is worth a visit. Campsite Cango Mountain Resort Oudtshoorn Directions Turn left off the N2 at George Rex drive and continue until the road meets the ocean. After lunch, continue along the N2 highway until you reach George and take the N12 (R62) Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn. Cango Mountain resort is 27 km from Oudtshoorn and 7km from the Cango caves. DAY 18: Oudtshoorn to Hartenbos - 250 kms At Cango Mountain resort mountain bikes are available for hire, as are paddleboats which can be used on the small dam. Explore the magnificent Cango Caves. Perhaps visit a local Ostrich farm and try a king size Ostrich steak (apparently very low in Cholesterol) The more adventurous can take part in the daily Ostrich race. Campsite ATKV Resort Hartenbos Directions Proceed down the Outeniqua Pass back to George. Continue along the N2 to Hartenbos. DAY 19: Hartenbos to Arniston - 350 kms Arniston Arniston (its official name is Waenhuiskrans) is a cute windswept fishing village with fantastic beaches. Explore the restored fishermens cottages. The Hotel is a great place to have lunch. Campsite Arniston Caravan Park Arniston Directions Proceed along the N2 passing Riversdale and Swellendam. Take the R319 to Bredasdorp and the R316 to Arniston (Waenhuiskrans) DAY 20: Arniston to Stellenbosch - 220 kms The views along the coastal road are beautiful. When you leave Arniston drive down to Cape Agulhas the most southerly point of the African continent. This is the true point where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. (Don't mention this to the people at Cape Point, who are convinced the Oceans meet at Cape Town.) Hermanus is a really scenic town and has the title of " whale watching capital of South Africa". The whales are however usually spotted during the Spring months from September to December. Campsite Mountain Breeze Resort Stellenbosch Directions For a quick drive rejoin the N2, for a leisurely drive take the coastal road R320 to Hermanus and onwards on the R44 to Gordons Bay. At Gordons Bay continue on to the Strand and onwards on the R44 to Stellenbosch. The park entance is at the Mountain Breeze farm stall. ( 6 km before you reach Stellenbosch) DAY 21: Stellenbosch Stellenbosch has over 300 years of history. Take a walk down beautiful Oak tree lined Dorp St and explore Oom Samie se winkel a fasinating village shop. The Stellenbosch wine route is world famous. Pick up a brochure from the local tourist information offices and visit the stately vineyard of Boschendal (near Franschoek) for lunch under the Oaks. A visit to the Spier estate is also a must. Campsite Mountain Breeze Park Stellenbosch Directions No real driving today. DAY 22: Stellenbosch to Simonstown - 85 kms Simonstown This picturesque deep-sea Naval port was the South Atlantic headquarters of the British Royal Navy from 1814 to 1957. The South African Navy now occupies a large portion of the town. The deadly submarine fleet is based at Simonstown.  Take time out to visit the Jackass penguin colony at Boulders Beach, close to the entrance to Oatlands Caravan Park. Cape Point is close by. Walk up to the Point or take the funicular train and stroll around the Tip of Africa. Campsite Oatlands Caravan Resort Simonstown Direction Re join the R44 and briefly the N2 before crossing over to the R310 to Muizenberg. Continue along the coastal road all the way to Simonstown. Oatlands is beyond the town just past Boulders beach. DAY 23: Cape Town Cape Town has so much to offer. Take the coastal road M65 over Smitswinkels Bay to Scarborough and onwards past Kommetjie. Continue along the famous Chapman's Peak drive to Hout Bay and on to Llandudno. Take a plunge into the freezing waters of the Atlantic Ocean at trendy Clifton Beach.  Do some shopping at the Waterfront. Take the boat cruise to Robben Island or the short 30-minute cruise around the Bay. Drive to the top of Signal Hill for fantastic views. Have lunch at the Mariners Warf in Hout Bay or better still Blues Restaurant at Camps Bay. Campsite Oatlands Caravan Park Simonstown DAY 24: Cape Town Leave your Maui Camper for the Breakwater Lodge. The Lodge used to be the old waterfront prison, hopefully the rooms and food have improved. Don't worry it is now the main accommodation venue for the Cape Town university graduate School of Business so it will be great. Directions A driver from Maui will meet at the resort (at a pre arranged time) to show the way to our depot in Brackenfell. After the vehicle drop off you will be taken to the Breakwater lodge.