20 days tour

Johannesburg To Cape Town

Johannesburg To Cape Town

This tour includes:

Guide

There is a local leader plus one driver/assistant and local guides where needed.

Accommodation

For this 20-day adventure through South Africa, Eswatini (Swaziland) and Lesotho, we have picked a selection of accommodations, each well located for our activities. We stay in a range of log cabins, chalets, hotels and permanent tented camps โ€“ the latter is a quintessential African experience that allows you to experience nature while enjoying the comforts of a regular room. We mostly stay in three-star properties throughout this itinerary. In Cape Town, we have an ideal location between the city centre and the V&A Waterfront, a star attraction in the city packed with restaurants, shops and buzzy bars. Conversely, we spend many nights in the middle of nowhere, such as our time within Kruger National Park where the calls of lions and hippos provide a very different experience to our time in the populated areas of South Africa. While our normal hotels used are listed in the day-to-day itinerary, below are some of the notable stays on this trip. Northern Drakensberg: Alpine Heath Resort (nights 9-10) This stylish four-star resort has an idyllic setting in the heart of the Drakensberg. Beautiful alpine views can be enjoyed from every part of the property regardless of whether you are relaxing with a drink at your chaletโ€™s patio or going for a paddle in one of the outdoor swimming pools. There are also five eateries including La Gruyereโ€™s Restaurant or the Pool Bar to choose from while you enjoy downtime between walks. Hermanus: Windsor Hotel (night 16) The 120-year-old Windsor Hotel sits opposite Walker Bay, one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world when southern right whales migrate to the bay to breed (July to November). Whale-watching is even possible from the comfort of the hotel restaurant. However, the location of the property is also ideal out of season with a central setting within town and quick access to the 7.5mi (12km) Hermanus Cliff Path. Worth knowing Wifi is available in several properties but not everywhere and it can be unreliable. Private bathrooms are available throughout the majority of the tour; however, in Kruger National Park there are shared facilities and in the Drakensberg we stay in chalets where two rooms share one bathroom and a lounge area. The single supplement applies to the bedrooms only and you may have to share a bathroom on certain nights.

Transport

The vehicle used depends on the group size, but it is a minibus in style and fitted with individual forward-facing seats and tows a trailer for equipment and luggage. There are some long driving days, but the scenery is breath-taking so this should not prove too much of a hardship.

Others

All sightseeing and activities stated as included.

Meals

All breakfasts, 16 lunches and 13 dinners are included. Your guide and driver/assistant generally prepare the meals included in this trip. Below is a rough idea of what you can expect: Breakfast: Cereals, coffee, tea and toast, plus the occasional cooked breakfast. Lunch: Cheese, cold meats, salads, bread or rolls, and fresh fruit. Dinner: Potjies (stew), braais (barbecue), stir fries, pasta with fresh vegetables. We need at least two weeksโ€™ notice to deal with special dietary requirements (eg vegetarian or allergies). For this reason, if you did not indicate these on your booking form, please advise us as soon as possible. The tour leaders do all the shopping, meal planning and cooking for each group. They always try to obtain fresh produce wherever possible. We also supply fruit squash, tea and coffee with breakfast, and tea or coffee with dinner. All other beverages are at your own expense. The water provided on this trip is safe, clean drinking water, normally from boreholes. If you would rather have bottled water then this is at your expense, though we would encourage you to make use of the safe drinking water provided as this helps reduce plastic consumption.

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Flights

Flights are not included.

Optional

Other activities and services are not included.

Others

โ€” Travel insurance โ€” Single accommodation โ€” Visas or vaccinations

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Johannesburg To Cape Town

  • Day 1 Day 1: Start Johannesburg; Drive To Graskop (Mpumalamga) (Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Start Johannesburg; Drive To Graskop (Mpumalamga) (Lunch,Dinner)

      We gather at Johannesburg Airport and head to our first hotel in Graskop (Mpumalamga), with views over the Graskop Gorge. En route, we travel through Belfast, the highest town in South Africa at 6,465ft (1,970m), and the scenic Robbers Pass. Our driving time today is approximately five to six hours (250mi/400km) with limited sightseeing. Accommodation: Mogodi Lodge (or similar)

  • Day 2 Day 2: Explore Panorama Route; Afternoon Game Drive (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Explore Panorama Route; Afternoon Game Drive (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Today we explore the aptly named Panorama Route. We drive through spectacular countryside and stop at scenic places such as the Bourkeโ€™s Luck Potholes and Blyde River Canyon, the third largest of its type in the southern hemisphere. From here, we continue to this eveningโ€™s camp for our first game drive of the trip in a private concession of Kruger National Park . Our driving time today is approximately three to four hours (155mi/250km). Accommodation: Nkambeni Tented Camp (or similar)

  • Day 3 Day 3: Morning Game Walk; To Kruger National Park (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Morning Game Walk; To Kruger National Park (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      This morning, we look for wildlife on foot as we enjoy a game walk through the concession. From here, we continue to Kruger National Park, justifiably one of the most famous wildlife parks in the world. It is also one of the oldest, established by the president Paul Kruger in 1898. It has, arguably, the greatest variety of animals of any park in Africa, with lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, black and white rhinos, plus cheetahs, giraffes, hippos and many species of antelope and smaller plains game. The total census includes 147 mammals, 507 birds and 114 reptiles plus 336 different trees. The camps are also excellent and the general infrastructure good. We game drive through the park to the camp, where there is a chance for a swim and hot showers. Our driving time today is approximately three to four hours (155mi/250km). Accommodation: National park huts or permanent tented camp

  • Day 4 Day 4: Game Drives In Kruger National Park (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Game Drives In Kruger National Park (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      We spend all of today inside Kruger National Park and go on game drives in both the morning and the afternoon to maximise our wildlife-viewing chances. Accommodation: National park huts or permanent tented camp

  • Day 5 Day 5: To Hlane Game Reserve In Eswatini (Swaziland), Optional Nature Walk (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: To Hlane Game Reserve In Eswatini (Swaziland), Optional Nature Walk (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      We enter Eswatini (Swaziland) and overnight in the old royal hunting grounds, now the beautiful Hlane Royal National Park. In the afternoon, we can leave the vehicle and enjoy an optional nature walk. Seeing animals and tracks outside the confine of a vehicle is a thrilling experience and gives us the chance to see and hear the variety of smaller animals and birds that are often passed by on game drives. Our driving time today is approximately four to five hours (155mi/250km). Accommodation: Hlane Lodge (or similar)

  • Day 6 Day 6: To St Lucia On The Elephant Coast (Breakfast,Lunch)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: To St Lucia On The Elephant Coast (Breakfast,Lunch)

      This morning, we drive south towards the town of Big Bend on our way to the border and back into South Africa. We continue towards the small town of St Lucia between the Indian Ocean and Lake St Lucia. It is not uncommon to come across stray hippos in the town centre and the nearby lagoon is a haven for crocs, hippos, birds and even sharks! Our driving time today is approximately four to five hours (220mi/350km). Accommodation: Shonalanga Lodge (or similar)

  • Day 7 Day 7: Boat Trip And Game Walk; Afternoon At Cape Vidal (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Boat Trip And Game Walk; Afternoon At Cape Vidal (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      This morning, we spend two hours exploring Lake St Lucia by boat, with an excellent chance of seeing some of the many resident hippos, crocodiles and fish eagles. From here, itโ€™s a short drive to Cape Vidal, a long stretch of beach along the Indian Ocean. We spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or walking to Mission Rocks (the walk to Mission Rocks can only be done at low tide and takes around four hours there and back). Alternatively, there are several optional activities available, including whale watching (June-November) or sunset and night game drives on the western shores of the lake. Our driving time today is approximately two to three hours (45mi/75km). Accommodation: Shonalanga Lodge (or similar)

  • Day 8 Day 8: To Dundee Via Rorkeโ€™S Drift (Breakfast,Lunch)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: To Dundee Via Rorkeโ€™S Drift (Breakfast,Lunch)

      We leave St Lucia today and drive through the Natal midlands and onto Dundee. En route, we stop at Rorkeโ€™s Drift and have a chance to learn about the famous battle at the local museum. Immortalised by Hollywood in the film Zulu (1964), the events that took place here are well known and the small cluster of buildings isolated in the enormity of the African Bush are a moving reminder of this troubled time. Our driving time today is approximately five to six hours (220mi/350km). Accommodation: Battlefields Country Lodge (or similar)

  • Day 9 Day 9: To Royal Natal National Park; Optional Afternoon Walk (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: To Royal Natal National Park; Optional Afternoon Walk (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      We continue to the Northern Drakensberg, our base for the next two nights. The Drakensberg is a basalt escarpment forming the border between KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho and continuing into the Free State. It means Dragon Mountains, but the Zulu people named it Ukhahlamba (barrier of spears). This is a more accurate description of the sheer, forbidding, jagged escarpment. A walk takes us through the lowland areas with magnificent views. Our driving time today is approximately two to three hours (125mi/200km). Accommodation: Alpine Heath Resort (or similar)

  • Day 10 Day 10: Daywalk In The Drakensberg (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Daywalk In The Drakensberg (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      We spend a full day in the mountains where our route has us walking into a natural amphitheatre, following the Tugela River past protea trees. The protea is the national flower of South Africa and the name of their cricket team. Our driving time today is approximately one hour (31mi/50km). Accommodation: Alpine Heath Resort (or similar)

  • Day 11 Day 11: To The Kingdom Of Lesotho (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: To The Kingdom Of Lesotho (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      We have a long dayโ€™s drive as we travel through Golden Gate National Park and the eastern farmlands of the Free State and enter Lesotho at the Maseru border post. This mountainous kingdom has been shielded from outside influence over the generations and the Basotho people historically used this strategic location as a defence against events on the plains below. The lodge in this rugged mountainous region provides us with an ideal opportunity to experience the Lesotho culture. Our driving time today is approximately five to six hours (250mi/400km). Accommodation: Malealea Lodge (or similar)

  • Day 12 Day 12: Free Day To Enjoy The Culture And Mountain Scenery Of Lesotho (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Free Day To Enjoy The Culture And Mountain Scenery Of Lesotho (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      The day is free to relax and experience the unique culture of Lesotho. Mountain ridges protrude into the town and thereโ€™s the option a dayโ€™s pony trekking to a local village. Alternatively, the craft shops and markets can be an enjoyable way to pick up some African souvenirs. Accommodation: Malealea Lodge (or similar)

  • Day 13 Day 13: To Graaff-Reinet In The Karoo (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: To Graaff-Reinet In The Karoo (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Weโ€™re on the road today as we drive south to Graaff-Reinet, the oldest town on the Eastern Cape, founded in 1786. Our driving time is approximately eight hours passing through the desert landscape of the Great Karoo. Accommodation: Obesa Lodge (or similar)

  • Day 14 Day 14: To Tsitsikamma National Park On The Garden Route (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: To Tsitsikamma National Park On The Garden Route (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      We drive down to the coast and over the Baviaanskloof and Kouga mountains before arriving at Tsitsikamma National Park at the mouth of the Storms River. This national park protects the indigenous forests as well as the marine life 31mi (50km) out to sea. We stay at a beautifully positioned camp with the waves breaking a stoneโ€™s throw away. Our driving time today is approximately five to six hours (250mi/400km). Accommodation: Tsitsikamma Storms River Huts (or similar)

  • Day 15 Day 15: Free Day To Go On Walks, Relax Or Explore The Region (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 15: Free Day To Go On Walks, Relax Or Explore The Region (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Our second day in Tsitsikamma National Park is free to enjoy the beautiful setting. There are a range of optional activities including walks to the Storms River gorge and along the rocky coast, snorkelling, sea and river cruises, and a tree canopy tour through the forests. In season, approximately August to October, the marine park is home to migratory whales. Accommodation: Tsitsikamma Storms River Huts (or similar)

  • Day 16 Day 16: To Hermanus; Whale Watching In Season (Breakfast,Lunch)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 16: To Hermanus; Whale Watching In Season (Breakfast,Lunch)

      We drive along the beautiful Garden Route coastline via George and the rolling cultivated fields of the Boland to Hermanus. The route is stunning and follows the ragged coast passing through small fishing villages and seaside resorts. Hermanus is an interesting little town, known for delicious seafood. A visit to one of the great restaurants in the evening is highly recommended. It is also widely regarded as the best place in the world for land-based whale watching from August to November. Our driving time today is approximately six to seven hours (310mi/500km). Accommodation: Windsor Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 17 Day 17: Visit The South African Wine Region En Route To Cape Town (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 17: Visit The South African Wine Region En Route To Cape Town (Breakfast)

      In the morning, we leave Hermanus and, hugging the coastline (there is always a good chance to see whales in season), we drive along this scenic route to Gordonโ€™s Bay and then onto Stellenbosch. The afternoon is spent visiting a few of the vineyards that make this area world famous (optional wine tasting available). We then take a short drive to Cape Town. Our driving time today is approximately three to four hours (125mi/200km). Accommodation: InnsCape on Castle Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 18 Day 18: Cape Peninsula Tour, Cape Point And Simonโ€™S Town Penguins (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 18: Cape Peninsula Tour, Cape Point And Simonโ€™S Town Penguins (Breakfast)

      After an early morning breakfast, we drive via the coastal suburbs of Clifton, Camps Bay and Hout Bay, then over Chapmanโ€™s Peak Drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Here, elands, bontebok, grysbok, springbok, wildebeest, baboons and ostriches, live on a landscape of rugged cliffs, unspoiled beaches, shipwrecks and beautiful flora. We also visit the Cape Point lighthouse. In the afternoon, we take a one-hour walk almost entirely downhill. Our destination is the Cape of Good Hope with a detour to Diaz Beach.We then return to Cape Town passing through the former Royal Navy base of Simonโ€™s Town and a visit to the resident penguin colony. Our driving time today is approximately three to four hours (125mi/200km). Accommodation: InnsCape on Castle Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 19 Day 19: Free Day In Cape Town (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 19: Free Day In Cape Town (Breakfast)

      The day is free. An optional trip to Robben Island, site of Nelson Mandelaโ€™s incarceration, is highly recommended, as is a cable-car ride to the Table Mountain summit if the weather is good. Alternatively, relax and unwind on the Cape Town beaches. Accommodation: InnsCape on Castle Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 20 Day 20: End Cape Town (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 20: End Cape Town (Breakfast)

      The adventure ends in Cape Town after breakfast. If youโ€™d like more time to explore South Africa, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if youโ€™re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 16 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

Select a country to define if the visa is required