South African Safari - Northbound

A comprehensive camping tour of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. This tour starts in Cape Town and ends in Johannesburg, South Africa.

You will start off with a visit to the Stellenbosh in the heart of the Cape Winelands region. From here you will visit the Garden Route including the towns of Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg and Knysna as well as the Tsitsikamma National Park.

It's then off for some game viewing in the Addo Elephant National Park and lazing on the beach at Cintsa before we head off to do some pony trekking in Lesotho.

From Lesotho we travel to the Royal Natal National Park and the city of Durban. We then head for the far South Eastern part of South Africa and visit the St. Lucia wetlands area and the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi National Park before we head across the border into Swaziland.

From Swaziland it's off to South Africa's premier game reserve, Kruger National Park, for some final game viewing before heading via the Panoramic Route to Johannesburg where our South African Safari of a lifetime comes to an end.

Day 1: Stellenbosch Wine Route - South Africa

Departing from the beautiful city of Cape Town we travel the short distance to a well-known wine estate near Stellenbosch.

At Spier Wine Estate we visit the Cheetah Breeding Centre to admire these magnificent cats. Later in the day we sample some of the fine wines produced at this respected wine farm in the renowned Western Cape wine region.

We continue our journey on the wine route to our overnight accommodation in the charming town of Stellenbosch. Arriving at the quaint guest house, your guides brief you on what to expect on this South African Explorer trip.

Meals: Lunch

Day 2: Oudtshoorn - Route 62

We drive inland along the famous Route 62 towards the Cango Caves where we take a guided tour. The Cango Caves are some of the most impressive limestone caverns and the different formations are quite astonishing.

While in the area we have the opportunity to visit an Ostrich farm for a quick tour. We camp in Oudtshoorn overnight. Optional Activities: Ostrich Farm visit and Ostrich riding.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Knysna / Plettenberg Bay - Garden Route

We return to the coast via some lovely country roads passing over the scenic Outeniqua Mountains en route to the picturesque seaside village of Knysna.

Passing Mossel Bay we keep a look out for whales and dolphins. In the afternoon there is free time to explore Knysna, one of South Africa’s most popular seaside towns on the much-loved Garden Route.

Optional Activities: Knysna Elephant Park, Lagoon Cruise, Township Tour, Birds of Eden, 4x4 Forest drive with lunch, Predator Rehab, Monkey town. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 / 5: Bloukrans / Tsitsikamma National Park - Garden Route

It is a short drive to the scenic Storms River and Bloukrans Bridge further along the renowned Garden Route. We will spend time exploring this striking coastal region and the Tsitsikamma National Park.

One of South Africa’s best-kept secrets, the Tsitsikamma National Park, boasts exceptional hiking trails and superb coastal scenery.

Tsitsikamma is a destination that attracts many people back for another visit. The first few hours of the famous Otter Trail Hike are included in your Activity Package. For those in search of an adrenaline boost the nearby Bloukraans Bridge is home to the world’s highest bungee jump at 216m!

Optional Activities: Bungee jumping (highest in the world) , treetop canopy tours, hiking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Addo Elephant National Park

The journey continues into the Eastern Cape where we enter the Addo Elephant National Park where we are surrounded by these magnificent creatures. Game driving in our elevated safari truck in Addo this afternoon will allow us to take some wonderful photos of many of Africa’s big game.

Optional activities: Night game drive with SANP

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 / 8: Cintsa

After a final game drive in Addo we depart Addo National Park and drive to Cintsa, a laid-back resort village on the East Coast of South Africa. In coastal Cintsa you will have the chance to participate in the many optional activities on offer.

Optional Activities: boat rental, quad bike, abseiling

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9/10: Lesotho - Malealea

Today we leave South Africa and enter Lesotho, the Kingdom in the Sky.

Lesotho is one of the highest countries in the world, with the entire country lying over 1000m above sea level. The next day we get up early and those who choose to go on the optional Pony Trekking Excursion will ride into the remote hills of Lesotho accompanied by local guides. On your return the group will visit the local village and school. Those staying behind can explore the rural village and visit a local crafts market while the others are pony trekking.

Optional Activities: Pony Trekking Excursion, Hiking.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11/12 South Africa - Drakensberg

We return to South Africa where we drive to the mountainous Royal Natal National Park. We spend the next two days exploring mountain paths and enjoying the beauty the Drakensberg Mountains.

The Drakensberg Mountains are South Africa’s highest and most beautiful mountain range. We explore the mountain paths and admire the breathtaking views in the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg (Royal Natal) National Park. On our second day we will be going on a guided hike to see some of the san rock paintings. 

Optional Activities: Horse Riding, Hiking

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Kwa-Zulu Natal Coast - Durban

Our journey takes us through some amazing scenery on our way down to the Kwa Zulu Natal coast. In the late afternoon we enter the bustling city of Durban, South Africa’s largest port and well know surfing destination. This evening it is possible to go out for a meal at one of the excellent Indian restaurants and enjoy this coastal city’s vibrant nightlife.

Optional Activities: Dinner and night out in the city.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Isimangaliso ( Greater St. Lucia National Park).

We drive up the Kwa Zulu Natal coastline to the well-known Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. Arriving at iSimangaliso Wetland Park we embark on a sunset boat cruise on the lagoon for some excellent bird and hippo viewing!

This UNESCO recognised area is extremely varied and includes habitats of: lakes, beaches, coral reefs, wetlands, woodlands, coastal forests and grasslands together supporting an astounding diversity of animal, bird and marine life. 

Optional Activities: Traditional Zulu Village visit.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Hluhluwe / Imfolozi National Park - Swaziland

Today we start our big-game viewing with a morning game drive in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, famous for its Hippos. Hluhluwe and Imfolozi together make up one of Kwa-Zulu Natals best National Parks and provide a home to the world's largest population of White Rhino.

We take a game drive in open 4x4 vehicles exploring the only state-run park in the province of KwaZulu-Natal where all Big Five occur. In the afternoon we travel on, crossing the border in to Swaziland.

Optional Activities: Mountain Biking, Hiking, Horse Riding.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Swaziland – Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is Swaziland's oldest and covers 4,560 hectares.  As there are no large predators in this area of Swaziland and there are a number of self-guided hikes available. Hiking is an excellent way of interacting with the flora and fauna and comes highly recommended.  In addition to the beautiful scenery we also have traditional Swazi dancing to look forward to after dinner.

Optional Activities: Mountain Biking, Hiking, Guided birding walks, Horse riding and Sunset Game Drive.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17 / 18: South Africa - Kruger National Park

We return to South Africa and drive to Kruger National Park for two unforgettable days of game viewing. Kruger National Park is home to Africa's Big 5 as well as a multitude of other beautiful African animals, both small and large. 

Our truck gives us a height advantage over other vehicles which means better photo opportunities. There will be a number of game drives to give us the best opportunity to see all the wild animals of Kruger Park.

Optional Activities (subject to availability): Night Drive and Dawn Game Walk through SANP, Full day 4x4 game drive.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (day 17), Dinner

Day 19: Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

With our minds full of memories of the most famous nature conservation area in the world, we leave the Kruger Park. En route to tonight's camp we visit a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. 

At the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation centre we encounter some of the animals rescued and rehabilitated for release back in to the wild. 

In the evening at our camp we experience some typical South African cuisine while enjoying a traditional Song and Dance evening

Day 20: Johannesburg - South Africa

Today we travel along one of the most scenic parts of South Africa, the Panorama Route, stopping for breathtaking views at Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. The South African Safari adventure ends on arrival in Johannesburg, although most will enjoy an optional dinner on our last night together.

Optional Activities: Dinner Out.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Please Note:

This northbound South African Safari is also available in the reverse order, starting in Johannesburg and ending in Cape Town, check out the South African Safari Southbound.