The journey begins in Johannesburg. Arrival time depends on your flight. KLM arrives in the evening, while the other airlines fly overnight.

In the morning, you receive the vehicle handover and 4x4 briefing. Then the first driving day begins. You stay at Somabula Nature Reserve campsite.

Leave the Gauteng highveld and drive east towards the Panorama Route. Pilgrim’s Rest, the old mining town, is one possible stop along the way.

You stay at Panorama View Restcamp.

Continue south through Kruger National Park and stay at Satara Restcamp. Because you choose your own roads through the park, the route and pace remain yours.

The drive through Kruger is a game drive in itself. With some luck, you may already have seen several of the Big Five along the way.

Olifants Restcamp is today’s destination. From Satara, you can first spend time on a longer game drive.

Later in the day there is time for another drive from Olifants Restcamp. You stay at Olifants Restcamp.

Today you cross the border into Mozambique. The morning can still begin with a longer game drive in Kruger National Park.

Then continue to Giriyondo Border Post. Once the border formalities are complete, drive on to the campsite at Massingir Dam.

This is the longest driving day of the three-country self-drive. The route follows the coast north.

Your destination is Jangamo Beach, close to Inhambane.

After the long drive, the 4x4 can stay parked for much of the day. Spend time at the lodge or enjoy a walk on the beach, or optional snorkelling.

Inhambane, the provincial capital, is also nearby.

A second full day at Praia de Jangamo. Walk along the reef or go diving at Manta Reef.

Manta Reef is a dive site where you may see large manta rays.

Drive south from Jangamo Beach to Chizevane. You stay at a lodge on the coast.

After arrival there is time for a beach walk. You can also eat fresh fish at a local restaurant.

This is another longer driving day. From Chizevane, follow the main road towards Maputo.

Maputo National Park lies south of Mozambique’s capital.

Today is for exploring the park. Take the 4x4 out on game drives and set your own pace.

There is time for another morning game drive in Maputo National Park.

Afterwards, continue south towards Ponta Malongane.

A full day without a long transfer. Both diving and snorkelling are on offer.

Today you return to South Africa. It is a short drive to Kosi Bay.

You stay at Thongaland Turtle Lodge.

A second night at Thongaland Turtle Lodge. The day is free to use as you like.

The lodge runs several excursions. A boat safari and walks along the wide beaches are both easy to arrange.

After the coast at Kosi Bay, drive to Tembe Elephant Park.

This stop is known for its excellent elephant sightings.

The next stop is Hluhluwe-iMfolozi National Park. The park is known for its black rhino population, and the Big Five are also found here.

You sleep in a self-catering safari tent at iMfolozi Mpila Camp.

A second night at iMfolozi Mpila Camp. Spend the day on game drives and look for black rhino.

There is also time to slow the pace and stay around camp.

Cross into eSwatini and continue to Mlilwane Game Reserve. Spend the afternoon walking, horse riding, mountain biking or exploring the surrounding 4x4 tracks.

You stay at Mlilwane Restcamp.

A second day at Mlilwane Game Reserve. Several activities are available.

You can explore the reserve by mountain bike for example.

After Mlilwane, this is your final night in eSwatini. The driving distance is short.

There is still time for a walk after arrival. You stay at Malolotja Campsite.

The final day of the journey. Drive to Johannesburg and the 4x4 rental depot.

From there, you are transferred to the airport for your flight home.