A well-priced Tour of Lesotho & South Africa, traveling by luxury overland truck in a small group and staying at high-quality lodges.
This overland Lesotho & South Africa Safari explores the majestic Drakensberg, travels high into the Lesotho Mountains, crosses the Klein Karoo into the Garden Route and Western Cape in a small group of 12 guests at most. Travel from Durban to Cape Town in a custom-built 4x4 overland vehicle with air-conditioning, an onboard toilet, reclining leather seats, extra legroom, and other luxury features.
Accommodation is in en-suite rooms at unique and charming lodges. Enjoy a well-curated selection of included activities, from hiking the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains & Tsitsikamma National Park, game viewing in Addo Elephant National Park, visiting a waterfall high in the Lesotho Mountains, and sundowners at the Valley of Desolation, to exploring Cango Caves and Route 62.
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This Lesotho & South Africa Safari departs from Durban on the tropical east coast of South Africa. In the morning you meet up with your safari guide in Durban. We travel out of town, leaving the stunning golden beaches of the KwaZulu-Natal coast behind, headed overland to the Drakensberg Mountains.
We make a stop along the way to visit the Capture Site of revered former South African President, Nelson Mandela, which was the start of his 27-year-long imprisonment at the hands of the apartheid government. A statue of the great man marks the spot. We continue to the beautiful waterfall, Howick Falls, a thunderous 95-meter (311 ft) drop of water cascading down into a pool below that local legend says is home to a giant serpent-like creature.
We continue on to the Drakensberg Mountains, tallest in South Africa peaking at over 3,000 meters (9,842 ft) and so named because they look like the back of a dragons. For the first 2 nights of our Durban to Cape Town Safari, we stay in twin-share rooms with en-suite bathrooms at a lovely resort in the mountains.
We spend day 2 of our Africa Overland Tour exploring the majestic Drakensberg Mountain scenery. Your safari guide will take you on a morning hike in the stunning uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. There are trails to suit all levels of fitness and inclination, so you are able to set your own pace. Alternatively, you can enjoy many of the other optional outdoor activities on offer at the resort or simply enjoy the scenery.
Day 3 takes us across the border into our next country on the Africa Overland Tour, Lesotho. We wind our way over a spectacular mountain pass before crossing the border and heading to capital city, Maseru. From there we continue through the hills of this mountain kingdom headed to the towering peaks of southern Lesotho. We will stay in the village of Malealea nestled in the Makhomalong Valley surrounded by the breathtaking Maloti Mountains. A river runs past the lodge, and you can watch the comings and goings of the villagers in their distinct Lesotho blankets and riding their beloved Basotho ponies.
Today is set aside for exploring this remote section of the Lesotho highlands. This morning we head into the Maloti Mountains on foot, enjoying the clean mountain air and spectacular scenery. Your guide leads you on a nature trail through the village and surrounds, and on to the Maletsunyane Falls waterfall, plunging 186 meters (610 ft) into a spectacular gorge below
This afternoon you are free to explore on your own, or you may opt to go pony trekking into the mountains. Lesotho is a horse country and is famous for its pony trekking as the Basotho ponies are hardy and surefooted in these mountain conditions.
On day 5 of our Lesotho & South Africa Safari, we descend the lofty Maloti Mountains and cross the border back into South Africa. We then head into the wide expanse of the Great Karoo, a semi-arid region of South Africa with wide open landscapes, big sheep farms and a scattering of remote dusty towns.
At one stage we cross the Orange River, South Africa's longest river that arises in the Lesotho mountains and flows right across South Africa, forming its northern border before flowing into the Atlantic Ocean on South Africa’s west coast.
The next night of our South Africa Safari adventure is spent in the historic town Graaff-Reneit. Once you have settled into the lodge, we set off on a sundowner trip to the Valley of Desolation just out of town. We stop to enjoy a sundowner drink while we watch the light play over the distinct rock stacks of the Valley of Desolation and its breathtaking views of the arid plains of Camdeboo beyond. In winter the Valley of Desolation trip is conducted on the following morning as a sunrise excursion.
This morning we continue south across the empty plains of the Karoo, soaking up the wide skies and open space. Arriving at Addo Elephant National Park, we head will have the opportunity to do some wildlife spotting. As the name implies, Addo Elephant Park, is home to large concentrations of elephants and a variety of other safari animals, the Big 5 and more. Your guide takes you on a game drive through the park keeping watch for any animals that cross your path.
After our exciting game drive in Addo Elephant National Park, we continue to the coast and our overnight stop at a comfortable lodge in the friendly city of Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth).
This morning our Lesotho & South Africa Safari heads back to Addo Elephant National Park for a second game drive. Your comfortable tour vehicle offers excellent elevated views over the African bush as we watch carefully to see if we can spot elephants, buffalos, zebras, and many other African animals commonly sighted on these game drives. With some luck, we may even spot lions or a shy leopard.
After our rewarding wildlife safari in Addo Elephant Park, we head back to the Gqeberha. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the city.
Early this morning we set off west headed along the beautiful Garden Route of South Africa. Along the way, we stop in at the world-famous seaside town of Jeffreys Bay, a popular surfing destination known as J-Bay which attracts surfers from all over the world. The town has beautiful beaches and a selection of quaint local stores.
We continue along the Garden Route, through the vast indigenous forests of the Tsitsikamma. Part of the larger Garden Route National Park, Tsitsikamma National Park is a diverse and scenic protected area between the Tsitsikamma Mountains and the Indian Ocean. The park stretches about 80 kilometers (50 miles) along the coastline and includes ocean stretches, making it one of the world's largest marine protected areas. Tsitsikamma also features South Africa's endemic Fynbos biome, as well as indigenous forests. Between the marine habitats, Fynbos-covered hills, and forested ravines this park provides habitats for a diverse range of birds and animals.
For the next 2 nights of our Lesotho & South Africa Safari, we stay at a historic hotel in Storms River Village. This vibrant village on the doorstep of the magnificent Tsitsikamma National Park and the mouth of the Storms River.
Day 9 of our Southern Africa Overland Tour is ours to explore the forests, mountains, lagoons, rugged cliffs, and sandy beaches of the Tsitsikamma. This morning we set off on a hike following the initial segment of the renowned Otter Trail, considered one of South Africa's top hiking routes. Starting at Storms River in the heart of Tsitsikamma National Park, the trail meanders along the rugged coastline. This demanding yet visually stunning hike will lead us to a waterfall complete with a rock pool before we loop back.
Alternatively, if you prefer a more relaxed morning, you can opt for a swim in the sea, stroll on the beach, explore the native forests, or cross the iconic Storm's River suspension bridge.
Later, you have the option to sign up for the Woodcutters Journey tour. This captivating excursion offers insights into the local history of the Tsitsikamma area and the rich biodiversity of its indigenous flora and fauna. Or the optional treetop canopy tour allows you to zip line among the treetops for a unique perspective of Tsitsikamma's native forests. For adrenaline junkies, the daunting bungee jump from the nearby Bloukrans Bridge is another option. With its 216 meter (709 foot) drop over the Bloukrans River, it is the world's highest commercial bungee-jumping bridge.
After a day filled with outdoor exploration and adventure along the Garden Route, we retreat to our hotel in the quaint Storms River village for a leisurely evening.
Today we leave the Eastern Cape behind and enter the Western Cape Province of South Africa. We continue west along the beautiful coastline of the Garden Route to the seaside town of Knysna this morning, a historic coastal town sitting on the banks of a beautiful lagoon. We take a a short break to explore Knysna on foot, before we continue along the Garden Route, heading inland over the Outeniqua Mountains.
We take a spectacular drive through mountain passes into the Klein Karoo (Little Karoo) region. We make our way toward the town of Oudtshoorn, famous in its glory day as a centre for ostrich feathers. Nearby we visit the famous Cango Caves. We take a tour into these massive limestone caves, admiring the impressive rock formations and scale of this natural wonder.
Tonight, our Lesotho & South Africa Safari stays at a country guesthouse set on a working ostrich and alfalfa farm. Take a dip in the pool and enjoy a spectacular Karoo sunset.
On Day 11 our journey follows the well-known Route 62, a scenic rural drive through the Klein Karoo. We make a stop for an opportunity to watch a community of cheeky Meerkats. These small, burrowing mammals are known for their upright posture, as they gather in their family groups around their burrow hideouts. Their days are filled with social activities like grooming and play-fighting, strengthening the bonds within the family and ensuring the survival of the group in the harsh desert environment they call home.
After being entertained by the antics of the meerkats, we continue along Route 62 stopping to check out the local crafts and produce at the quirky farmstalls that dot the route. We overnight at a comfortable hotel in the quaint rural town of Barrydale.
Today our Durban to Cape Town Small Group Tour takes us through the farmlands and rural villages of Route 62 and then heads towards the south coast of South Africa. We drive to the southernmost point in Africa, Cape Agulhas, stopping to take photos at the southern tip of Africa and looking out to sea where the Indian and Atlantic oceans merge.
Next, our Lesotho & South Africa Overland Tour takes us to the lovely seaside town and famous whale-watching destination, Hermanus. Here we take a walk along the boardwalk watching the crashing ocean and keeping a lookout for whales (during season - July to November) and other marine life. After stretching our legs, we travel further along the Cape Whale Coast. This rugged coastal route stretches east through seaside villages and dramatic landscapes with rocky cliffs, bays, rivers, farms, wilderness areas, and farmlands. At Betty's Bay, we visit the Stony Point Nature Reserve to see the large breeding colony of African Penguins.
We continue to Cape Town and the iconic Table Mountain. With the last leg of our South Africa Overland Tour complete, our memorable journey finishes in the beautiful city of Cape Town.
Travelers are advised to book a night of pre-tour accommodation in Durban (the night before this Lesotho & South Africa Safari departs) and a night of post-tour accommodation in Cape Town after the overland tour ends.
To book affordable pre-tour and post-tour accommodation at recommended lodges/hotels simply ask our friendly travel advisors to add extra nights to your safari booking.
This Small Group Tour is also available as a budget friengly Lodge Overland Tour - 12 Day Lesotho & South Africa Safari: Durban to Cape Town (Lodge Overland Tour) which follows the same itinerary but travels in a larger overland vehicle with group size of 20 people.
For more details contact African Budget Safaris
This small-group South Africa Safari is conducted in a state-of-the-art 4x4 overland vehicle. The custom-built luxury overland tour vehicle comfortably accommodates a maximum of 12 guests. These specially designed overland vehicles provide extra space and amenities, offering a more luxurious safari experience with all the adventure, but in added style and comfort.
Features include an onboard toilet and a water filtration system for purified drinking water throughout the journey. The luxury vehicle has reclining leather seats that rotate 180 degrees and lock into your preferred position (for example, window or front-facing). Each seat has overhead air-conditioning vents that can be independently operated for individual control of airflow and temperature.
Every seat also features a USB port panel for charging your electronic devices and there is a reading light above each seat. Each seat has a safety deposit unit with individual key code access, for storing your passports, phones, and smaller valuables.
All Durban Departures | All Lodge Safari trips
A super budget Lesotho & South Africa Safari (camping overland adventure) from Durban to Cape Town via Drakensberg Mountains, Addo Elephant Park & Garden Route
A scenic Durban to Cape Town Africa Overland Tour. The Lesotho & South Africa Safari visits Drakensberg, Lesotho, Karoo, Addo Elephant Park & Garden Route
Scenic wonders and nature at its best - this South Africa and Lesotho Safari offers diverse outdoor adventures, great wildlife viewing, cultural experiences and historical highlights.
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