Slow Travel in South Africa: from Johannesburg to Cape Town

Welcome on landing and assistance with formalities. Overnight stay at Satyagraha House. Located in the suburb of Orchards, the house where Gandhi lived between 1908 and 1911 is now a museum dedicated to him, as well as a guesthouse based around the principles that inspired the future Mahatma's famous philosophy. The bright and simple rooms here (two of which face directly into the museum area) are comfortable without being extravagant, while the vegetarian cuisine on offer is tasty and fortifying. This historic Kraal designed by Hermann Kallenbach and the contemporary building by Rocco Bosman each pay tribute to the spirit of openness and peace that inspired one of the great political and humanitarian minds of the 20th century.
In the itinerary - A vegetarian lunch is offered to guests upon arrival. Afterwards, head out to explore Mandela's Johannesburg with a private guide. Pass through Soweto, the iconic township known for its role in the anti-apartheid struggle. Relive the country's dark times at the poignant Apartheid Museum. In the evening, return to Satyagraha where a massage awaits.

Collect your hire car and drive to the green foothills of Mpumalanga. Your accommodation blends perfectly into its surroundings, featuring thatched-roof cottages with spectacular views of the Blyde River Canyon.
Optional A day of hiking to explore the canyon with an expert guide.

Arrive at your bush camp and hit the ground running with a safari south of the Sabi Sands Reserve. Sabi Sands is perfect for nature-loving explorers looking for a chance to spot the Big Five, alongside the likes of cheetahs, kudus, impalas and elands. There's no lack of birds, either, with the Big Six Birds - including the lappet-faced vulture, martial eagle, saddle-billed stork, kori bustard, southern ground hornbill and Pel's fishing owl - all on show.
On the itinerary - Two daily safaris. In between, relax and enjoy the view from the camp's terrace.

Drive to Mbabane, the capital of Swaziland, a landlocked country between Kruger Park and KwaZulu-Natal. Independent since 1968, this small kingdom offers a wide variety of landscapes: mountainous areas along the border with Mozambique, arid in the east and lushly green in the north-west. Stay in the mountains a little outside town. This colonial house has retained a colonial-era countryside atmosphere, with a simple, cosy vibe and flowery garden. Life here is calm and charming, and it's a great place for cycling, bird watching and horse riding, among other activities.
In the itinerary: Meet up with a local and explore the Ezulwini Valley. Discover the villages, the school and meet the people living there to truly get a feel for the place.

Drive to Pongola Private Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, nestled between the Lebombo Mountains and Lake Jozini. Stay in the heart of an animal sanctuary. This sanctuary is home to a wide variety of wildlife, from giraffes to leopards, as well as elephant herds. You'll get the chance to observe them through the various activities on offer at the lodge.

Drive to St Lucia. Stay for two nights south of St Lucia Lake in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The safari starts here with antelopes, monkeys and birds among the species to spot.
In the itinerary - An estuary cruise. At dawn, climb aboard a specially-equipped boat with a private guide for coffee and croissants, a rare luxury on the Elephant Coast. Mangroves and swamps alternate along the banks. At this time of day, there's an excellent chance of encountering Nile hippos and crocodiles, while African fish eagles and Goliath herons are also out hunting.
Optional : a night safari with a qualified nature guide to meet the local reptiles.

Drive to Durban Airport and return your hire car. Flight to Cape Town. Pick up your new hire car. Stay for three nights in a charming guesthouse on a 19th-century farm. Vibrant and creative Kloof Street is nearby, home to restaurants, cafés, young designers, art galleries and museums.
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Cape Town is a young, passionate and open-minded city. Explore the brightly coloured streets in Bo-Kaap, the city's Malaysian quarter, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and Cape Town's old harbour, home to the new temple of African contemporary art, Zeitz MOCAA. Boats also depart from there for Robben Island, the former prison where Nelson Mandela spent almost 20 years in jail. Hop in your hire car and drive to the beaches at Camps Bay or Llandudno, just a stone's throw away. Or go to wild Noordhoek, located just over 20 miles south towards the tip of the Cape of Good Hope, which is another must for your itinerary.

On the itinerary: Discover what everyday life is like in Cape Town with our guided local tour. Go for a spontaneous walk in the city or head to one of the nearby beaches to share a small slice of South African life.