22 days tour

Kruger, Coast & Cape

Kruger, Coast & Cape

This tour includes:

Meals

20 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 17 dinners

Others

Included activities Panorama Route - Godโ€™s Window Viewpoint Panorama Route - Bourks Luck Potholes Kruger National Park - Game drive Hlane Royal National Park - Bush Walk Zululand - Community Centre Visit Zululand - Traditional Healer Visit Drakensburg - Royal Natal National Park Hike Addo Elephant National Park - Game drive Oudtshoorn - Cango Caves Guided Tour Oudtshoorn - Ostrich Farm Visit Swellendam - Afternoon Rafting Hermanus - R320 Route Wine Tour

Guide

You will be accompanied by 3 crew members - Group Leader, Cook and Driver. Your Group Leaderโ€™s role involves organizing the overall operation and smooth-running of the trip, managing trip logistics, coordinating the tipping kitty (where applicable) and will form work groups to take turns cooking, cleaning and shopping (from time to time your leader may drive as well). Your Group Leader will work towards making the trip as safe and enjoyable as possible for all travellers. Intrepid trips are built around the coโ€“operation and participation of all the group members under the supervision of the group leader. The group leader will show the group how to set up and use the equipment. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting, especially when tracking and identifying game - we think itโ€™s the best of both worlds. Regardless of the country of origin, our Group Leaders are chosen for their leadership skills and are wonderful ambassadors for our company and our beautiful continent and its people. Your Cook is responsible for the cooking and will help to coordinate the work groups for preparing the meals and washing up! Cooks are also responsible for organising food shopping (they are always happy to have you on board) and most importantly, they make sure high hygiene standards are kept at all times while camping. Your Driverโ€™s main responsibility is to get you to your destination safely; they are also responsible for the maintenance of the vehicles along the way. Everyone is expected participate and carry their share of the workload/duties, making camp chores easier. The duties rota system is adopted where all members share in general camp duties โ€“ cooking, shopping, washing up etc. If the whole group participates it will be quicker, easier, and more fun. We endeavour to provide the services of an experienced leader and crew; however, situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders.

Accommodation

Accommodation on this trip is mainly in two-person canvas dome tents with camping mattresses supplied. The type and variety of accommodation is determined by conditions on each of our routes. Each route is different - on some we use a mixture of campsites and wild camps; on others we also use hotels. In Africa itโ€™s not usually practical to camp when staying in towns and cities so we use hotel accommodation and eat out in local restaurants. There may be the occasional night stop, when we stay in the grounds of a hotel or at a campsite which may also have rooms/cabins available. In this case there may be a choice of camping or upgrading to a room. Rooms cost approximately USD60-120 per room per night for a twin room and cannot be pre-booked. Standards of these rooms vary greatly and we recommend viewing the room before purchasing the nights accommodation. The day by day itinerary advises when upgrades may be possible (subject to availability). Keep in mind that if we are staying in dormitory accommodation, you may have to share with other passengers or be split into same sex rooms. Campsites do have facilities but they usually arenโ€™t to the same standard you would find in western countries. For example the bathroom facilities can be very basic. There is rarely toilet paper provided and shower facilities can be as simple as a hose pipe spurting out cold water. Wild camps have no facilities at all. At times there may be spare tents in the vehicles. Unfortunately these cannot be used without purchase of a single supplement. This is to ensure the tents avoid wear and tear, or are clean and ready for the customers arriving on the next section of the trip. Camping (with facilities) (12 nights),Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nights),Dormitory (3 nights),Homestay (1 night),Hotel (1 night),Lodge (2 nights)

Transport

Overland vehicle Our trucks are purpose-built, self contained safari vehicles. Our fleet of vehicles varies depending on your group size, trip route and style. In Southern Africa some departures may use vans and luggage trailers subject to group size and vehicle availability. It is also important to note that our overland vehicles are not air-conditioned, but all vehicles have windows that can be opened to allow for fresh air. There are many early starts with long hours spent driving on rough roads on all African itineraries. While most people love the chance to watch the changing landscape and daily village life, feedback shows that long periods of inactivity does not appeal to all clients. We provide the approximate distance covered each day and how many hours this normally takes to drive so that you can choose the safari experience that is right for you. African conditions are extremely tough on vehicles. While we fastidiously maintain our vehicles at our workshops, you should not expect Africa to be your traditional touring experience. While itโ€™s certainly our aim to avoid them, itโ€™s important that you set off on your trip knowing that the occasional breakdown can happen and are best treated as part of the African adventure. Due to wet weather there may be times when we have to take an alternative route which will mean longer travel times.

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services not included

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance).

Flights

International flights not included.

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Kruger, Coast & Cape

  • Day 1 Day 1: Johannesburg
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Johannesburg

      Sawubona! Welcome Johannesburg, the sprawling South African capital. In Joburg (unlike a lot of city nicknames, this is one people actually use) mansions stand alongside humble tin abodes and there are as many green parks on the outskirts of the city as there is concrete jungle in the centre. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you canโ€™t wait to begin exploring and arrive with time to spare, why not make your way to the Apartheid Museum and start your journey with some crucial history before you meet up with your group.

  • Day 2 Day 2: Kruger National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Kruger National Park

      Rise and shine for a long dayโ€™s drive to Kruger National Park. Leave Johannesburg and travel through the Mpumalanga Province and along the famous Panorama Route through some of the most stunning scenery South Africa has to offer, such as Bourkeโ€™s Luck Potholes. Kruger National Park is one of the largest National Parks in Southern Africa. It boasts over 500 bird species, 100 species of reptile and 150 mammal species, including the Big Five and the endangered African wild dog. Drive through some of Krugerโ€™s prime game viewing areas on your way to camp and try to spot some of these amazing creatures straight away! Set up camp and get settled for the evening.

  • Day 3 Day 3: Kruger National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Kruger National Park

      Rise early and enjoy a light breakfast of coffee and rusk (twice-baked bread) before heading out on a morning game drive. Most of your day will be spent spotting game from your overland vehicle, birdwatching and stopping at various waterholes and viewpoints to rest along the way. In the evening, choose to relax at camp or perhaps head out on an optional night drive with the park guide. The optional night drives are a chance to spot nocturnal animals and perhaps even a night-time predator or two โ€“ maybe catch a lion or hyena out hunting, or perhaps impala out in search of a late-night feed.

  • Day 4 Day 4: Hlane Royal National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Hlane Royal National Park

      Start the day with a slow game drive through Kruger, covering between 20 and 70 kilometres (depending on what animals you see along the way) in the park then exiting by mid-morning. Hit the road towards Hlane Royal National Park. Travel south-east and cross the border into the kingdom of Eswatini, a country nestled between Mozambique, Northern Zululand and Mpumalanga. Arrive at Hlane Royal National Park, a vast expanse of bushveld with ancient hardwood trees, and begin exploring immediately on a guided game walk. The walking safari, led by a local guide, will give you the best understanding of how large and complex the ecosystem in this park is. With a professional ranger by your side, youโ€™ll look out for animals like rhino, giraffe, and elephant while also searching for tiny creatures like the snakes, spiders, and small mammals (donโ€™t worry, thereโ€™s no lions in the section of the park where youโ€™ll be walking). Youโ€™ll spend tonight at a camp within the national park.

  • Day 5 Day 5: Hlane Royal National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Hlane Royal National Park

      Today youโ€™ll have the opportunity to further explore Hlane Royal National Park at your leisure. You might like to book an optional 4x4 game drive within the park, where you can expect to see all kinds of animals like antelopes, elephants, zebras, rhinos, and lions. Guided by a local Swazi guide, these drives typically take 2-2.5hrs either in the early morning or late afternoon. Another optional activity for today is to visit the Hlane Umphakatsi (Chief Village) - a tour of the authentic living homestead and opportunity to discover the Swazi way of life. Youโ€™ll learn more about the traditional culture here, get to know the locals and even get a chance to try your hand at day-to-day activities. Youโ€™ll discover how Umphakatsi is a special village since it is one of the few with a female Chief: Inkhosikati.

  • Day 6 Day 6: St Lucia Estuary
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: St Lucia Estuary

      Depart Hlane this morning and cross the border to Lake St Lucia, part of the St Lucia Estuary, stopping at a shop for supplies along the way. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1999, St Lucia Estuary is home to thousands of varieties of birds, mammals and reptiles, including hundreds of hippos and crocodiles. On arrival, jump onboard for a Hippo Boat Safari which offers a different perspective to traditional Game viewing with the chance to spot creatures cruising down the estuary, or basking on the banks.

  • Day 7 Day 7: St Lucia Estuary
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: St Lucia Estuary

      Weโ€™ll take a day trip to Cape Vidal today for some time by the sand, in the sun today. Cape Vidal lies within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site and sits on the exquisite Zululand coast โ€“ home to a rich array of marine life. This area is visited seasonally by humpback whales during their migrations, as well as loggerhead and leatherback sea-turtles that come to the beaches north of Cape Vidal from November to February to nest. You can spend the day relaxing on the beach or speak to your leader about booking some of the optional activities in the area. Youโ€™ll head back to your camp at Lake St Lucia this afternoon.

  • Day 8 Day 8: Valley Of A Thousand Hills
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Valley Of A Thousand Hills

      Rise early and head to the Valley of a Thousand Hills, the heartland of the Zulu nation, for a unique homestay experience. Gain insight into the daily life of the rural Zulu people with a night in a localโ€™s house, where youโ€™ll be treated to some traditional food, song and dance. Explore the village on foot and make the most of this rare opportunity to see a remote culture from the inside. Interact with your hosts and perhaps share some of your own culture and language in turn.

  • Day 9 Day 9: Durban
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Durban

      Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. If you arrive early, why not get out and explore Durban โ€“ teeming with golden, sandy beaches and glitzy nightlife. The Golden Mile is an essential spot โ€“ a stretch of fine sands bordered by rolling surf on one side and an attractive beachfront of skate parks, restaurants and cafes on the other. For dinner, perhaps grab your group and head to Florida Road for traditional Bunny Chow or some fresh seafood โ€“ your group leader will be able to recommend their favourite spots.

      Accommodation: Dormitory

  • Day 10 Day 10: Drakensberg
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Drakensberg

      Leave Durban and travel inland towards the majestic Drakensberg mountain range (approximately 7โ€“8 hours). Stop along the way at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site and learn of the history of this great man. Continue the journey to Drakensberg mountain chain. Your accommodation here is in twin rooms with an ensuite at a unique backpacker lodge in Drakensberg. After youโ€™ve settled in, enjoy a drink with your travel group in the thatched-loft lounge room, where thereโ€™s a book-swap and internet facilities. Youโ€™ll also be able to check out the onsite pool, jacuzzi, barbeque, fire pit and wi-fi.

      Accommodation: Lodge

  • Day 11 Day 11: Drakensberg
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Drakensberg

      Enjoy a lovely hike through an amazing array of flora and fauna. Drakensberg is Southern Africaโ€™s highest range โ€“ sitting at 3482 metres โ€“ and forms part of the border between South Africa and Lesotho. The range is often referred to locally as the Barrier of Spears or the Dragon Mountains. Today there are sure to be some amazing views and excellent photo opportunities.

      Accommodation: Lodge

  • Day 12 Day 12: Lesotho Highlands
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Lesotho Highlands

      Leaving Drakensberg behind, head into the mountain kingdom of Lesotho (approximately 8โ€“9 hours). Nestled like a small island in the middle of South Africa, Lesotho is commonly known as the โ€™Kingdom in the Skyโ€™ and has beautiful mountain ranges and endless hiking trails. Generally, the border crossing into Lesotho is quite smooth, but you may experience some delays, depending on the time of year. Drive past the Golden Gate Highlands National Park which is famous for its extraordinary sandstone rock formations. The park is also home to elands, zebras, mongooses and hundreds of bird species โ€“ keep your eyes peeled along the way.

      Accommodation: Basic Huts

  • Day 13 Day 13: Lesotho Highlands
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Lesotho Highlands

      Today youโ€™ll have a variety of hikes to choose from. The Lesotho Highlands offer excellent hiking for all levels of skill, so depending on your experience and level of fitness, you should be able to choose one that allows you to get the most out of these stunning landscapes.

      Accommodation: Basic Huts

  • Day 14 Day 14: Wild Coast/Cintsa
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: Wild Coast/Cintsa

      Head to the stunning Wild Coast of South Africa and the charming little coastal town of Cintsa (approximately 10โ€“12 hours). Cintsa and its surrounding region are home to Xhosa communities, whose lifestyle is deeply rooted in tribal traditions and customs. Youโ€™ll soon discover that these warm and friendly people can provide you an insight into their enduring cultures. Arriving in the late afternoon, you will have time to relax and freshen up before an optional group dinner.

      Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

  • Day 15 Day 15: Wild Coast/Cintsa
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 15: Wild Coast/Cintsa

      Enjoy some free time to explore the town, relax on the stunning beaches or book one of the many optional activities on offer. You might like to go hiking or mountain biking in the hinterland, hire a canoe to explore the Cintsa River or book in for surfing lesson! Be sure to check in with your group leader to get their recommendations.

      Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

  • Day 16 Day 16: Addo Elephant National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 16: Addo Elephant National Park

      Travel on to Addo Elephant National Park (approximately 7โ€“8 hours). Addo Elephant National Park was created in 1931 to protect the regionโ€™s eleven remaining elephants and is a true success story in conservation. Today there are over 450 elephants in the park, as well as Cape buffalo, black rhinos, all kinds of antelopes and even the unique flightless dung beetle. On arrival, youโ€™ll take an afternoon game drive with your group and try to spot some of these resident creatures, among others, from your truck.

      Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

  • Day 17 Day 17: Garden Route / Tsitsikamma National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 17: Garden Route / Tsitsikamma National Park

      Wake early and enjoy another game drive in Addo Elephant National Park in an overland vehicle. Afterwards, begin your journey along the Garden Route, the first stop being Tsitsikamma National Park (approximately 4โ€“5 hours). Steep ancient forests meet the breakers of the Indian Ocean at this park, protecting both land and sea. Itโ€™s a spectacular place for walking and viewing wildlife. Your group leader will take you to a local activity centre where a range of activities will be on offer, some of which you may like to book for your free day tomorrow.

      Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

  • Day 18 Day 18: Tsitsikamma National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 18: Tsitsikamma National Park

      With another day in Tsitsikamma, youโ€™ll have more time to explore this magnificent national park. Cape clawless otters, dolphins, tortoises and southern right whales (depending on the season) are all visitors here, along with baboons, monkeys and a heap of birdlife. See how many of them you can spot on a range of hiking trails, including those to the Stormsriver Mouth and waterfalls.

      Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

  • Day 19 Day 19: Garden Route / Oudtshoorn
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 19: Garden Route / Oudtshoorn

      Head out across the arid Karoo region bound for Oudtshoorn (approximately 4โ€“5 hours). Stop off on the way at Knysna to stretch your legs and explore this hamlet with a gorgeous lagoon. Travel on to the Cango Caves, where youโ€™ll have time to explore the weird and wonderful rock formations โ€“ one is โ€˜Cleopatraโ€™s Needleโ€™, standing at 29 feet high and at least 150,000 years old. Your local guide will give you all the ins-and-outs of their formation and history. Continue on to Oudtshoorn, known as the ostrich capital of the world. At the turn of the 20th century, it was full of โ€™feather baronsโ€™ that grew rich from the popularity of ostrich feathers.

      Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

  • Day 20 Day 20: Bontebok National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 20: Bontebok National Park

      Rise and shine very early this morning to spend some time with wild meerkats, part of the so-called Shy 5. Head to their burrow, pull up a chair and sip coffee while the sun comes up and the meerkats climb out into the sunshine. Youโ€™ll have time to watch these habituated wild animals, which are never fed or handled by humans, go about their daily routine of foraging and frolicking. Then travel onto Bontebok National Park (approximately 3-4 hours) โ€“ the smallest of South Africaโ€™s 18 national parks and named after its unusually marked antelopes. Drive towards Swellendam, through towering mountain passes and crossing some of the most beautiful and rugged scenery around. On arrival, take an leader-led orientation walk, perhaps grabbing some lunch afterwards. Swellendam, South Africaโ€™s third-oldest town, has over 50 provincial heritage sites. After lunch take the short drive to set up camp in Bontebok, with the remainder of the afternoon to hike one of the three nature-hiking trails, all starting and ending in the rest camp area. Trail maps are available at the campsite.

      Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

  • Day 21 Day 21: Cape Agulhas / R320 Winery Route / Hermanus
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 21: Cape Agulhas / R320 Winery Route / Hermanus

      Get up early this morning for your journey to Africaโ€™s southernmost point โ€“ Cape Agulhus (approximately 5 hours). Youโ€™ll travel along the famous R320 winery route, visiting two or three wineries along the way, before heading onto the beach side town of Hermanus. This region is highly influenced by the cooling Atlantic Ocean that sweeps up past Cape Town and brings with it a nice breeze that cools down the grapes that are grown here. The predominant local grape varieties are French, German and northern Italian โ€“ such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Mourvedre, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage.

      Accommodation: Camping (with shared facilities)

  • Day 22 Day 22: Cape Town
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 22: Cape Town

      Enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Hermanus, perhaps with a walk from Grotto Beach along the cliff and beach path or along the local shopping strip. Afterwards, drive back to Cape Town via the scenic bay route (approximately 4 hours). With its stunning coastline, dramatic surrounding mountains and modern cityscape, Cape Town is one of Africaโ€™s most appealing cities. Itโ€™s a great place to end your trip, with vineyards, adventure activities and plenty of good restaurants and cafes at your doorstep. Youโ€™ll be dropped at the centrally located hotel in Cape Town at approximately 3 pm if your group doesnโ€™t encounter any delays. With no activities planned after arriving in Cape Town, you are free to leave at any time.

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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

Challenging

Long and challenging experience. Youโ€™ll be required to have good physical fitness to go on it. In some of these activities you'll need previous experience on similar activities.

Age range

Age range

Min: 15 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

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