South African Coast and Kruger Safari

This exclusive overland tour takes you through the spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and diverse cultures of South Africa, a country that is well-known for its friendly people and spectacular beauty!

You will travel over 3000 kilometers covering unspoiled coastline, experience climatic differences from searing hot desert to snow capped peaks, and varied cultures, from the primitive Bushmen to the most Western cities.

Highlights of the tour include :Big Five" Game Walks, Open Vehicle Game Drives, Game Reserves/ National Parks, Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Drakensberg Mountains, Swaziland Kingdom, Karoo Desert Farm Stay, African Culture, Pony Trekking, Otter Trail Walk, Knysna Boat Trip, Table Mountain Hike, Beaches and San Rock Art to name a few!

We leave the beaten track to explore the outdoors and learn about the awesome local vegetation whilst being accommodated by welcoming locals and visiting colourful craft markets and bustling villages, witnessing the South African way of life.

Your tour will end in Cape Town, a city of emense beauty with a colourful and interesting history.

Day 1:  Johannesburg - Bushveld Camp  D

This South African Safari departs from Johannesburg early in the morning on day one, travel east into the scenic Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. Our journey takes us via Dullstroom, before traversing Robbers Pass and visiting Pilgrim's Rest, a quaint historic town in the Highveld region.

Driving along the Panorama Route we stop at Bourke's Luck Potholes and the impressive Blyde River Canyon to admire the breath-taking views. Descending the escarpment into the Lowveld bush we make our way to our comfortable overnight Bush Camp. Our tented camp is situated next to the world-renowned Kruger Park, offering spectacular views over the surrounding African bushveld. The safari camp is tastefully designed to blend in with the natural environment around it and features a inviting swimming pool. Accommodation is in en-suite rooms with and comfortable beds. In the evening we enjoy a tasty dinner cooked on an open fire under African skies.

Day 2:  Bushveld Camp  Brunch D

Today begins with a morning coffee and rusks, before we venture off into the bush on an exciting game walk with a guide and tracker. The bush walk lasts for about 3 hours as we search for game and stop to take a closer look at the fascinating details of the bush.

We return from our first bush adventure to have a well-deserved late morning brunch at camp. Then there is time to relax at the camp, enjoying the camp facilities and lounging at the swimming pool, before our afternoon excursion.

In the late afternoon we embark on an open safari-vehicle game drive that lasts into the night. This thrilling night game drive takes us in search of nocturnal wildlife, that would otherwise be missed. After our night drive we are treated to a hearty bush "braai" (barbecue) back at camp. At the end of our first rewarding day of game viewing in South Africa we get to fall asleep to the wild sounds of the bush.

Day 3:  Hazyview  B L D

On day three a relaxed start is followed by a leisurely drive through the rural area of Bushbuck Ridge as we make our way to Hazyview. We spend our next night in a log cabin set on the banks of the Sabie River, a few km's from Kruger Park. The overnight cabin is set on stilts in an indigenous subtropical forest, offering a wild and tranquil setting. In the afternoon there is free time for you to visit the bird hide, swim or take a walk in the forest at the inn.

DAY 4:  Kruger National Park  B L D

We rise early and depart from Hazyview covering the short distance to the BIG 5 Kruger National Park, South Africa's premier game park and top travel destination. Excellent game sightings can be expected on this full-day of game viewing in the vast Kruger Park, teeming with wildlife.  

Our Kruger game drive is conducted in an elevated safari vehicle that gives you better views over the bush and its wild inhabitants, as well as improving photographic opportunities. At lunch time we stop for a picnic in this roughly 20,000 km² game reserve boasting some 147 mammal, 114 reptile and 502 bird species. We stay inside the wilderness area overnight at one of the Kruger Park Camps, fenced in to keep out the predators. 

Day 5 - 6:  Swaziland / Zululand   B L D

After our unforgettable wildlife experience in South Africa's flagship Kruger Park we travel south through the stunning scenery of the mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland. Along the way we pass numerous rural homesteads and traditional curio markets, before arriving in Zululand, South Africa. Zululand, with its numerous game reserves, was once ruled by the warrior-king Shaka Zulu and this region is still a Zulu stronghold today.

For the next two nights we stay at a Zululand Camp in this culturally rich area of scenic landscapes. Our camp is tucked away in a sand forest on a private game reserve adjacent to the St. Lucia Wetlands, a World Heritage Site.

We experience an exciting game walk on the private reserve, as well as exploring the prestigious Hluhluwe National Park on a game drive in an open safari vehicle. Hluhluwe National Park is famous for its successful black and white rhino conservation efforts and is said to be home to the largest population of white rhinos in the world. The Big Five Hluhluwe is a incredibly beautiful wilderness area encompassing a huge diversity of plants and animals. During our time in Zululand we also get to visit a rural Zulu school which benefits from the tourism.

Day 7:  Dolphin Coast   B L D

Today we take a short drive to the deserted beaches and warm waters of the Indian Ocean coastline. This beautiful coastal area is named after the frequently sighted bottlenose dolphins off its shores and is considered to be one of the finest unspoiled coastlines.

We spend the night at a coastal inn, located right on the beach. While on the Dolphin Coast we swim in the warm waters and unwind on the sunny beaches taking in the lovely scenery. In the evening we feast on a traditional fish braai prepared outside on the patio of the inn.

Day 8 - 9:  Drakensberg  B D

On day eight we continue south visiting the lively city of Durban, a popular beach destination on South Africa's east coast. In Durban you have the option of going to Ushaka Marine World or the Golden Mile beachfront and the traditional market. Durban is known for its strong Indian influences including the fine Asian cuisine and today you will have lunch in the city (at your own expense).

Leaving Durban we veer inland again heading to the towering Drakensberg mountain range, also known as uKhahlamba (the "Barrier of Spears"). We transfer to a 4X4 safari vehicle when we reach the Drakensberg foothills before continuing into the majestic mountains on mountain tracks. Our next two nights are spent in log cabins at a cosy Drakensberg inn.  While in the Drakensberg we go hiking in the forests and explore the wonders of this scenic mountain region. You can also visit the San rock art gallery and go pony trekking as an optional extra, during our stay at this striking National Heritage Site.

Day 10:  Ladybrand   B D

This morning we drive back to our overland truck in the 4x4 safari vehicle, crossing over the Oliviershoek Pass to look out over the Sterkfontein Dam and admire its turquoise waters. Next our safari trip takes us through the Golden Gate National Park, to see the dramatic gold-coloured sandstone cliffs the park is named after. Driving through the Golden Gate National Park we keep a look out for the abundance of unique wildlife found here, including rare bird and antelope species.

We stop in the picturesque village of Clarens for lunch (at own expense) and either spend some time exploring the quaint art galleries and attractions here or experience the thrill of white water rafting (optional extra). Tonight we stay on a farm not far from the charming town of Ladybrand, in the Eastern Highlands.

Day 11 - 12:  Karoo  B L D

The next part of our trip takes us even more off the beaten track into remote parts of the solitary Karoo, a semi-desert region further inland. Travelling through isolated farming villages like quirky Nieu Bethesda we arrive at our Karoo inn where we spend two nights. We stay on a traditional farmstead in stone cottages nestled on the lower slopes of the Sneeuberg Mountain Range. In the Karoo we take a long mountain walk, encountering various intriguing animals, plants and bird species found in this arid area.

Day 13 - 15:  Garden Route  B D

We depart for Graaff-Reinet early in the morning, stopping to explore this historic town and visit its interesting museums. In Graaff-Reinet we see plenty of unique Cape Dutch architecture and meet some of the local people, before traversing the Outeniqua Mountain Pass. Crossing over this mountainous barrier we move from the dry interior of South Africa to the fertile coastal strip of the much loved Garden Route.

For the next three nights we stay in log cabins tucked away in the lush forests of Knysna at a private inn. Here we will get to walk in the dense forest perhaps seeing the elusive Knysna Lourie as it flies to reveal the vivid red feathers underneath its wings. Our next stop is the coastal Tsitsikamma National Park where indigenous forests meet imposing cliffs and the wild coastline. From Tsitsikamma we walk a section of the renowned "Otter Trail", a beautiful and rugged trail along the coast.

In this part of the Garden Route those in search of a major adrenaline rush have the option of taking the leap off the Bloukrans Bridge, the world's highest commercial bungi jump. If bungeeing off a 216m high bridge doesn't appeal you may choose an adventurous sea kayaking trip (extra activities at own expense). Relax on sandy beaches and explore the lovely town of Knysna visiting the Knysna Heads rock formations while we discover the secrets of the Garden Route. One lunch and one dinner will be at your own expense.

Day 16 - 18: Cape Town B

Today we depart from sea-side Knysna continuing along the pretty Garden Route and into the "Whale Route" of the Hottentots Holland Mountains. In the late afternoon we arrive at our final destination, Cape Town. The Sea Point Beachfront inn is where we stay during our visit to one of the most scenic cities in the world, known as the "Mother City" of South Africa. We end our South African Coast and Kruger Safari with two days in Cape Town, visiting the Cape Point Nature Reserve, Hout Bay, the Waterfront shopping mall, scenic beaches, and a top wine farm amongst other attractions. You also have the opportunity of hiking up the iconic Table Mountain. (Breakfast only is included in Cape Town).

This affordable South African tour ends on day 18 at 16h00, but clients can extend their stay by booking post-tour nights at the Cape Town inn. If arranging an onward flight from Cape Town on the last day of this tour, please allow time for the airport transfer and for check-in procedures (up to three hours).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

On this South African wildlife and coastal tour you will do a fair amount of walking, so please bring a small daypack. A sleeping bag, towel and pillow are required on this coastal safari. Seasonal Malaria precautions may be necessary in the Kruger area and can be purchased locally. Passports and visas are required for entry into Swaziland.

Looking for departure date info? It's up here…

Looking for other tours to South Africa? View all South Africa Budget Safaris