Originally Posted by flying_blue_white_red

Hi there,

For her 70th birthday, my mother will receive - as a gift - a trip to South Africa end of May 2025.
We'll arrive and depart (13 nights later) from JNB - Air France AF990/AF995. We'll obviously rent a car for some parts of the trip.
Myself, I've been to Cape Town region two times and down to Agulhas, she has never been to South Africa before. She may like a safari day or 2 but it's not a priority. I'm clearly aware that piling up too much is risky thus i seek for your advises be it for itineraries, safety and health (status of Marburg virus).

So far, which combinations of those visits (in no specific order) would be doable and most enjoyable for her at a reasonable pace:

- 1 day trip in Pinalsberg park (+ Haartbetspoort on the way back if possible), selfdrive or with a tour guide for which animal in that period?
- 2 nights around the Panorama route selfdrive ( for redeeming points in hotel purpose only, is Nelspruit a good base/starting point?)
- Garden route from/to George/PLZ for 5 nights (what are the must see for a newbie in a such short time?)
- Winelands for 2 nights ( is it worth to do both Stellenbosch bus tour and wine tram the day after) - she likes wine a lot!
- Cape town for 2 nights (is it useful to stop at Cape of Good Hope if - only if - you (may) have stopped by at Agulhas before?).

In general, she prefers nice walks through amazing landscapes/views and cultural visits rather than big cats, however it would be unfair to not see some local wildlife such as meerkats, whales (I doubt in May) or penguins while there!

Thanks in advance