Discover South Africa's top destinations on this affordable 7-day Kruger Safari & Cape Town Tour. This epic South African adventure begins in Johannesburg and ends in Cape Town, combining an exhilarating Kruger National Park safari with the finest Cape Town attractions.
Spend the first 3 nights in the secluded Panzi Lodge bordering the Greater Kruger Park. Enjoy a full-day guided safari in Kruger National Park, daily 4x4 game drives and a guided bush walk. Then 3 nights in Cape Town, exploring the vibrant city scene, scenic Cape Peninsula and the world-class wineries of the Cape Winelands.
__large.jpg "Kruger Accommodation")
__large.jpg "Panzi lodge Swimming Pool")
__large.jpg "Cape Peninsula")
__large.jpg "Cape Winelands")
This epic Kruger & Cape Town Tour begins with a flight from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit Airport. On arrival in Hoedspruit, you will be welcomed and a shuttle will take you to the secluded Panzi Lodge, located in a beautiful nature reserve of the Greater Kruger Park area, your base for the next three days.
After you have settled into your comfortable chalet, embark on a 4x4 afternoon game drive in the private nature reserve surrounding the lodge. Exploring the reserve gives you the first opportunity to absorb the sights, sounds, and scents of the South African wild. Pause at a lovely location to enjoy the sunset with a cool sundowner. This is the time when nocturnal animals start to emerge, so keep an eye open for the amazing nocturnal wildlife as you travel back to the safari lodge after dark.
Enjoy a hearty dinner in the lodge's lantern-lit dining area, then unwind in the cosy lounge or bar, or gather around the campfire in the outside Boma area for your first evening beneath the stars.
Today starts early as you fuel up with coffee and rusks at the lodge before boarding an open-sided safari vehicle and heading to Orpen Gate, the Kruger National Park's entry point. Your knowledgeable guide will lead the drive, pointing out the park's rich animal life and over 500 bird species as they cross your path.
Stop at a gorgeous picnic place to eat a delicious packed breakfast from the lodge before venturing deeper into the park's diverse habitats, where your guide will impart intriguing insights about the sights around you. Midday provides an opportunity to unwind as you make your way to one of the Kruger rest camps. Browse the curio stores, buy snacks and drinks, or just relax in the shade and enjoy the landscape. The camp has a restaurant where you can have some lunch. The rest of the day continues the exploration of Kruger's wonderful collection of animals, birds, and reptiles, with frequent stops for observation and photography.
As the afternoon sun sets, return to the lodge for a delicious meal and unwind once more in the serene bushveld setting.
An early start takes you on an exciting 3-hour morning game drive through the private Blue Canyon Conservancy, taking advantage of the dawn hours that are best for wildlife spotting. Expert trackers lead the route, looking for sightings of the Big 5 (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo), as well as other African bush regulars like cheetahs, hippos, the endangered brown hyena, and a diverse range of birds. Blue Canyon Conservancy's restricted access ensures a more personal safari experience. Stop to take a refreshing coffee/tea break along the route.
After a spectacular game drive, return to the lodge for a well-deserved breakfast and some free time. Relax by the pool, unwind in your cabin, or watch animals from the waterhole viewing deck. Later this afternoon, you'll visit Manyeleti Game Reserve, a Big 5 paradise bordering Kruger National Park. Travel around the reserve in your 4x4 safari vehicle, encountering the many free-roaming creatures in this unfenced environment. Photographers and birdwatchers will have numerous opportunities to snap breathtaking wildlife interactions.
After a rewarding Manyeleti game drive, return to the lodge for another sumptuous meal and your final evening in the peace of this wilderness hideaway.
Begin your final day with an early cup of coffee and rusks at the lodge. Then embark on a bush walk through the private natural reserve that surrounds Panzi Lodge. Your guide is an African bushveld specialist who shows you the techniques to look out for wildlife and bird signals and footprints. The reserve is home to a variety of bird species, plains fauna, and predators, including the elusive leopard. More than just a Big 5 hunt, this bush walk allows you to immerse yourself in the African bush's intricate nuances while learning about its many mysteries from your guide.
Return to the lodge after your walk to tuck into a sumptuous breakfast. Then it's time for your transfer back to Hoedspruit Airport for a flight to Cape Town. You are met at Cape Town International Airport and a shuttle will transport you to your Waterfront hotel, the Signature Lux Hotel, which will be your base for three exciting days in the 'Mother City'. After settling into your hotel, you are free to explore your surroundings. The Waterfront is a modern development that includes the oldest operational harbour in the Southern Hemisphere. It has a lively atmosphere and a vibrant mix of retail, restaurants, entertainment, and historic landmarks, with Table Mountain as a backdrop.
After a hearty breakfast, you are picked up for a fascinating half-day Cape Town City Tour that takes you to some of the city's most popular sites. Discover Cape Town's vibrant cultural landscape and interesting history as you travel through its past and present. Enjoy her natural beauty, colourful streets, and compelling architecture. Highlights include the bright Cape Malay Quarter in the Bo-Kaap, Green Market Square with its African arts and crafts market, the old Company Gardens and Parliament buildings in the centre of the city, and a visit to the South African Museum. You will pass by the stunning City Hall building and the historic Castle of Good Hope before driving up Signal Hill for spectacular views over the city, from Table Mountain on one side to Table Bay with Robben Island on the other. Next, visit the trendy Camps Bay and Clifton seaside neighbourhoods.
There is also an option to take a short diamond factory tour and/or ride the cable car (own expense) up Table Mountain for classic vistas of Cape Town and the coastline from the top. If the weather is not conducive to travelling up the mountain, you may take a drive to the Table View district on the far side of Table Bay to see the postcard vista of Table Mountain from across the bay.
After a full day of colourful sights, return to your accommodation and spend the evening further exploring Cape Town's dynamic nightlife and excellent restaurants.
After breakfast, head out on a full-day Cape Peninsula & Winelands Tour. Explore the gorgeous Atlantic Seaboard, beginning at stylish Clifton and continuing along the scenic coastal road to Hout Bay, followed by the dramatic Chapman's Peak cliff drive, which is known for its breathtaking views and 114 thrilling turns!
Continue your journey southward to the dramatic Cape Point Nature Reserve, the tip of Africa. Learn about the Cape's unique fynbos vegetation – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the smallest yet richest floral kingdom on Earth. Encounter a variety of wildlife species and enjoy the cliff views on the very edge of the continent.
The journey continues through the historic naval town of Simonstown, where an optional visit to Boulders Beach penguin colony awaits (entrance fee not included). Continue along the scenic False Bay coastline, past charming seaside villages beckon, from the quaint shops of Kalk Bay to Muizenberg, a haven for surfing enthusiasts. During whale season (July to September), keep your eyes peeled for these majestic creatures breaching or blowing out in the bay.
Next, your journey heads out into the heart of the Cape Winelands! Your adventure begins in Stellenbosch, a historic town nestled among the vineyards. Explore the town's charming streets, steeped in rich heritage, and soak in the captivating atmosphere. Next, delve into the world-renowned winemaking tradition of the region. A visit to a prestigious vineyard awaits, where you'll be treated to a delightful wine-tasting experience. Savour the unique flavours and aromas of the estate's wines, and learn about the intricate winemaking process during a fascinating cellar tour. Heighten your sensory experience with a delectable cheese tasting. You may wish to take home some Cape wines, a memorable keepsake of your Cape Winelands adventure.
After a full day of indulging in the bounty of the Cape Peninsula & Winelands, return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest before heading out to another excellent restaurant for a delicious dinner and a perfect finale to an unforgettable day.
After breakfast, it is time to bid Cape Town farewell. A shuttle will collect you for a transfer to Cape Town International Airport, concluding your unforgettable Kruger & Cape Town Safari adventure.
Panzi Lodge lies within a pristine 400-hectare nature reserve bordering the Greater Kruger Park for an intimate safari experience. This private reserve boasts a rich tapestry of ecosystems, attracting a remarkable array of wildlife, from the resident Big 5 members: elusive leopards and powerful buffaloes to predators like African wild dogs and African wild cats, while honey badgers, genets, and civet add to the fascinating mix. Witness large mammals like giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest graze the plains, alongside antelope like kudu, klipspringers, and graceful impala, and over 200 colourful bird species. For a unique perspective, embark on a guided bush walk, delving deeper into the secrets of the African bushveld.
Panzi Lodge is nestled among indigenous jackalberry, marula, knob-thorn, and leadwood trees, in a peaceful bushveld setting that provides a combination of understated sophistication with classic African charm.
Each stylish chalet features comfortable furnishing, thatch roof, high ceiling, wooden floors and expansive windows that frame breathtaking natural vistas. The chalet boasts a private en-suite bathroom with a shower for your convenience and a private wooden deck that is the perfect spot to sit back and watch the visiting birds and wildlife. Tasteful décor complements the surrounding beauty, featuring calming natural tones with vibrant accents and touches of African art. Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi access, and take advantage of the convenient laundry service for a stress-free experience.
Wooden walkways connect your private sanctuary to the main lodge and outdoor areas, allowing for easy exploration of the entire property. The lodge offers a variety of luxurious amenities to enhance your stay. The inviting lounge, dining area, and bar within the main lodge provide comfortable spaces to unwind, socialise, and savour delicious meals, or you can relax outdoors and take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool.
Unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities await at the nearby watering hole, a constant source of activity for animals and birds. Three strategically placed wooden viewing decks offer a perfect vantage point for observing this captivating display of nature while you enjoy refreshing drinks. As the sun dips below the horizon, the breathtaking panoramic views of the sprawling bushveld from the elevated water tower is the ideal spot for sundowners. In the evenings, gather around the crackling campfire in the outdoor boma area, sharing stories and experiences under the starlit African sky.
Panzi Lodge's location places you within a 30-minute drive of both the Orpen Gate entrance to the Kruger National Park and the town of Hoedspruit.
About the Big 5 Greater Kruger Manyeleti Game Reserve
This Kruger and Cape Town Safari takes you on game drives in Manyeleti Game Reserve which forms part of Greater Kruger Park, consisting of 20+ private game reserves sharing unfenced boundaries with the Kruger National Park and/or each other. This allows wild animals to freely travel between Kruger National Park and adjoining private reserves in the Greater Kruger. The reserves within the area restrict the number of guests in the region in order to ensure a more exclusive safari experience.
Panzi Lodge is unique in having access to the portion of Greater Kruger Park that we tour. As a result, you are unlikely to see any other safari vehicles on your game drives, so you can observe wildlife without having to share the sights with hoards of other game-viewing vehicles. Manyeleti Game Reserve covers 23,000 hectares of pristine bushveld adjoining Kruger National Park, and lies between the renowned Sabi Sands and Timbavati Wildlife Reserves with no barriers between them to hinder the passage of game. Game drives in this area offer frequent sightings of the Big 5 – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino & buffalo – together with a host of other mammals, reptiles and birds.
The Kruger National Park is one of Africa's top safari destinations. This national park spans a vast 19,485 square kilometres (7,523 square miles) of wilderness and is known for its varied habitats and abundant wildlife that make for excellent game viewing opportunities. Established in 1926, the park plays a crucial role in conservation with a developed programme of anti-poaching measures, habitat restoration, community involvement, research, and awareness programs.
Kruger National Park is home to over 147 species of animals. Large mammals include impressive populations of Africa's Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo), while other wildlife sightings may include elephants, many different types of antelope, hyenas, endangered wild dogs, and you will spot many hippo pods, and crocodile in the rivers. Giraffes, zebras, monkeys, warthogs, baboons, and impalas are all frequently observed.
This Cape Town & Kruger Safari is an adventure of discovery that is as much about the small details of the ecosystem as the large animals. Game drives give you insights into the many animals, birds, insects, and plants of Kruger National Park and the Greater Kruger area.
The exclusive Blue Canyon Conservancy is an area of 9,500 hectares that offers a haven for wildlife viewing in unparalleled privacy. Nestled between Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, this prime location showcases some of Africa's richest biodiversity.
Dramatic mountains, deep valleys, sparkling lakes, and sprawling bushveld plains create a diverse landscape teeming with life. There are no fences between the conservancy and surrounding parks, allowing animals to travel freely. Both big game and smaller animals are commonly observed. You may encounter elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Several endangered animals, like the African wild dog and brown hyena, have begun to reproduce, which is excellent news. Approximately 400 bird species can be spotted, including the rare ground hornbill.
Game-viewing drives are in 4x4 safari vehicles, led by trained and experienced safari guides and trackers. The guides maintain radio communication with stations across the area to guarantee that you don't miss any thrilling wildlife sightings. The game drives last 3 hours and includes a break for tea., coffee, and light snacks.
This Cape Town & Kruger Tour includes three nights of B&B accommodation at the trendy Signature Lux Hotel in Cape Town. The Signature Lux Hotel by ONOMO Waterfront offers excellent value for money in a prime location. It is ideally located in the sought-after Waterfront district of Cape Town, only 500 metres from the vibrant V&A Waterfront with its host of shops, restaurants and great sights! Signature Lux Hotel is also a mere 300-metre walk from the CTICC (Cape Town International Convention Centre) and a short 50-metre walk to the closest My Citi Bus Stop & Water Canal Stop. It is 15 minutes from the beach and the city centre is a stone's throw away.
This Tour Package includes accommodation in standard rooms on a bed and breakfast (B&B) basis. Signature Lux Hotel is designed for both comfort and modern convenience. Each room has comfortable furniture and is thoughtfully equipped with air-conditioning, USB plug points, ambient lighting and fully integrated 40-inch SMART TVs, offering access to popular streaming platforms such as Netflix and Showmax. Guests can stay connected with unlimited WiFi, indulge in the minibar and have the security of an in-room electronic safe. Other thoughtful touches include complimentary tea and coffee, automated wake-up call technology, and access to laundry and housekeeping services. The en-suite bathrooms feature a water purification system and are stocked with premium bath products, along with essentials like bath sheets, a hairdryer, an iron, and an ironing board.
Signature Lux Hotel has a stylish restaurant that seamlessly blends South African and European culinary influences, serving a delectable array of tapas, bistro-style meals, and refreshing salads made from locally sourced, fresh ingredients procured from nearby markets. There is also a chic bar and lounge area that features live musical performances by talented local artists every evening. For those who prefer the comfort of their rooms, the restaurant's menu is available for convenient room service. The hotel offers all the conveniences of a cosmopolitan city stay. Smart technology features include contactless hotel check-in and check-out, a smartphone-enabled room key for hassle-free access, and a smartphone app for ordering in-room services online. Reception is open 24 hours.
This tour starts in Johannesburg. Should you wish to take the tour from Cape Town check out the 7-Day Cape Town & Panzi Lodge Kruger Safari
The Kruger & Cape Town Safari package includes 4 airport transfers:
To add a transfer to OR Tambo International Airport at the start of your tour (at a small extra cost) and/or book extra nights of post-tour accommodation in Cape Town, talk to one of our travel experts.
Flight costs are not included in this Kruger & Cape Town tour package and must be booked separately. Our friendly travel advisors are happy to assist with booking your flights through our trusted flight partners.
Our affordable Kruger & Cape Town Safari packages are all customisable upon request. Talk to our Safari experts to have your safari tailored to your needs. You can add pre-tour or post-tour accommodation, spend extra days in Cape Town or Kruger National Park, book day tours, add a Victoria Falls Safari, change where to start and end your trip, and more.
For more details contact African Budget Safaris
This tour does take children.
Children of all ages are welcome on this Kruger Lodge Safari
All Johannesburg Departures | All Lodge Safari trips
1. Johannesburg, South Africa
2. Hoedspruit Airport, Hoedspruit, 1380, South Africa
3. Panzi Lodge, Guernsey Private Nature Reserve, Thornybush Game Reserve, 1380, South Africa
4. Satara Rest Camp, Kruger National Park, Satara Camp Rd, 1350, South Africa
5. Cape Town, South Africa
6. Cape Point, Cape Peninsula, Cape Town, South Africa
7. Stellenbosch, South Africa
An affordable South Africa Safari that combines a Kruger Safari & Panorama Route Tour staying at a semi-luxury safari lodge in a private nature reserve in Greater Kruger area.
More on this 6 Day Budget Lodge Safari
Our Budget 7-Day Kruger and Cape Town Tour from Johannesburg combines a Big 5 Kruger Safari at Rukiya Safari Camp with Cape Peninsula, Winelands, city and hotel
More on this 7 Day Budget Lodge Safari
Budget South Africa Safari to Kruger National Park, Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park, St Lucia & Isimangaliso Wetland Park with basic lodge stays and plenty of wildlife!
More on this 7 Day Budget Lodge Safari
An affordable Kruger & Sabi Sands Safari staying at a semi-luxury Tented Safari Camp in Sabie Sands Game Reserve, South Africa. Enjoy Big 5 game drives in Kruger Park & Sabi Sands Game Reserve, and a guided bush walk.
More on this 6 Day Budget Lodge Safari
Combine superb wildlife on a Big 5 Sabi Sands and Kruger Safari with popular Cape Town and Winelands, staying in Umkumbe Safari Lodge and a V&A Waterfront hotel.
More on this 7 Day Budget Lodge Safari
An excellent-value Sabi Sands & Kruger Safari to a unique Tented Safari Camp in Sabie Sands Game Reserve - a great budget Big 5 safari in Kruger and Sabie Sands
More on this 7 Day Budget Lodge Safari
__small.jpg)
A one-week South Africa, Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls lodge safari to Kruger National Park in South Africa then Matobo Park and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, staying at comfortable lodges.
More on this 7 Day Budget Lodge Safari
Eswatini & South Africa Safari (Lodge Overland Tour) to Kruger National Park, Panorama Route, Hluhluwe Game Reserve, iSimangaliso & Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Travel to the legendary Kruger Park and Victoria Falls on this 8-day exclusive camping safari, enjoying Masebe Nature Reserve, a cultural village visit and Makgadikgadi Salt Pans excursion.
Our team has the destination knowledge to help you plan an unforgettable African adventure. We're based in Cape Town and ready to help.
We can also plan you an affordable private group or tailor-made tour. We built our business on turning luxury travel into affordable travel.
