From Johannesburg: 12-Day Safari to Cape Town through Durban

Soweto, Garden Route



Embark on a 12-day journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town, traveling through South Africa’s diverse landscapes and vibrant coastal towns. Explore game reserves, nature reserves, beaches and more

South Africa 12-Day Johannesburg to Cape Town Wildlife and Cultural Tour

This 12-day guided tour travels from Johannesburg to Cape Town, ideal for wildlife lovers, nature enthusiasts, and cultural explorers.

Highlights

  • Hiking in Drakensberg Mountains and Robberg Nature Reserve
  • Full-day safari in Kruger National Park and Addo National Park with Big 5 sightings
  • Visit Nelson Mandela House in Soweto, Johannesburg
  • Explore Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, Three Rondavels, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes
  • Boat cruise in St Lucia Estuary to see hippos and crocodiles

Itinerary

Day 1: Visit Nelson Mandela House in Soweto, Johannesburg, then travel to Kruger National Park.

Day 2: Full-day safari in Kruger National Park to see elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, buffalo, and other wildlife including giraffes and zebras.

Day 3: Tour Blyde River Canyon, featuring Three Rondavels, God’s Window, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes.

Day 4: Travel to iSimangaliso Wetlands Park through local Mpumalanga villages, meeting local communities.

Day 5: Hippo and crocodile boat cruise in St Lucia Estuary followed by a Durban city tour including the Golden Mile, beachfront, cultural attractions, and Victoria Market.

Day 6: Travel to Drakensberg Mountains for hiking.

Day 7: Visit Mandela Museum in Mthatha.

Day 8: Relax on the pristine beaches of East London.

Day 9: Proceed to Port Elizabeth for a game safari at Addo National Park.

Day 10: Visit Bloukrans Bridge (world’s highest bungee jump, optional and own cost), hike in Robberg Nature Reserve, relax at Plettenberg Bay, then proceed to Knysna to visit Knysna Heads, Waterfront, and Lagoon.

Day 11: Travel to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa, then to Hermanus, known for seasonal whale watching.

Day 12: Wine tasting at Benguela Cove Wine Estate, tour Betty’s Bay to see African penguins, then arrive in Cape Town to conclude the tour.

Includes

  • 11 nights accommodation with breakfast at hotels and lodges
  • Full-day safari in Kruger National Park
  • Tour of Blyde River Canyon
  • Visits to God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and Three Rondavels
  • Hippo and crocodile boat cruise in St Lucia Estuary
  • Durban city tour
  • Hiking in Drakensberg Mountains
  • Mandela Museum tour
  • Game safari at Addo National Park
  • Hiking in Robberg Nature Reserve
  • Wine tasting at Benguela Cove Wine Estate
  • Betty’s Bay tour to see African penguins

Excludes

  • Bungee jumping at Bloukrans Bridge (optional, own cost)

Easy Cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Book early to secure accommodation and safaris. Bring comfortable hiking shoes, sun protection, and binoculars for wildlife viewing. The best time to visit is during the dry season (May to September) for optimal wildlife sightings.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can see the Big 5 in Kruger National Park and Addo National Park, as well as hippos and crocodiles on the St Lucia Estuary boat cruise.
The tour starts in Johannesburg and ends in Cape Town, traveling through key locations like Durban and the Garden Route.
Yes, the itinerary includes hiking opportunities in the Drakensberg Mountains and Robberg Nature Reserve along the Garden Route.
Yes, the tour visits cultural landmarks such as Nelson Mandela House in Soweto, Johannesburg.
Yes, it covers diverse natural attractions like Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, and the Garden Route’s Robberg Nature Reserve.
The best time varies; check local climate conditions for Kruger National Park and the Garden Route based on your travel dates.
The boat cruise duration is typically several hours, allowing you to see hippos and crocodiles up close; check the tour details for exact timing.
Big 5 sightings are offered in Kruger National Park and Addo National Park, both featured in the safari itinerary.
Yes, it includes hiking in Robberg Nature Reserve, which is part of the Garden Route.
Yes, the tour is fully guided, providing expert insights on wildlife, nature, and cultural sites from Johannesburg to Cape Town.

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