Experience the amazing diversity and beauty of South Africa on this guided three-week South Africa Safari Tour from Johannesburg to Cape Town. Don't miss a thing as you explore South Africa in the comfort of a luxury tour vehicle.
Top destinations include Kruger National Park, the Drakensberg Mountains, St Lucia, Isimangaliso Wetland Park, the Garden Route, and Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo. Other highlights include the Cape Winelands, the Cape Whale Route, the Cape Peninsula, and more.
This Best of South Africa Safari Tour travels in a small group of up to 10 guests, visiting top wildlife parks and attractions in South Africa and Swaziland. A comfortable, yet affordable guided lodge safari that includes a flight from Johannesburg to George.
Our guests are met at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and transferred to Pretoria. Spend the first night of our South Africa Safari Tour in Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa. Our overnight stay is at a charming guesthouse in a leafy suburb of Pretoria.
There's time for guests to relax and freshen before taking a guided tour of Pretoria. The city tour includes visits to the Union Buildings, designed and built by Sir Herbert Baker in 1910, and the Voortrekker Monument. Both of these buildings will give an insight into South Africa's complex history.
On the first evening, you have the option of eating out at a superb local restaurant with your fellow travelers.
Today is spent traveling through the farmlands of the Free State to the popular village of Clarens, known for its arts and crafts. You have the option of enjoying lunch here and browsing the quaint local shops.
From here we move on to the Golden Gate National Park and your first glimpse of the magnificent mountainous scenery for which this area is well known.
After a day spent traveling, we arrive at our lodge accommodation in the Drakensberg Mountains. The peaceful and tranquil setting is a respite after our journey, so it's time to relax before a crackling fire, and enjoy a pre-dinner drink and a welcome meal. The night is spent in a cozy log cabin in the majestic mountains.
Day three of our Best of South Africa Safari Tour is set aside for activities in the great outdoors.
This beautiful panorama may be viewed from the hiking trails, or taking a horse ride on one of the horse trails - there's something for beginners and the more experienced. Enjoy exceptional birdlife and amazing views. There are cool streams to take a dip in if you are inclined.
At the end of the day, tired but inspired enjoy a relaxed dinner at our lodge and conversation around the cozy fire.
Today we start with a relaxed breakfast and then we hit the road, heading for the East Coast in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The journey continues through scenic rolling hills via Pietermaritzburg and Durban to the top destination in KwaZulu-Natal - St Lucia. We head to the quaint small town of St Lucia, located just outside of Isimangaliso Wetland Park. Formerly called St Lucia Wetland Park, this beautiful protected area was declared South Africa's very first World Heritage Site in 1999. This famous park boasts the largest hippopotamus population in South Africa at around 800 hippos, over 1000 Nile crocodiles, and a wide array of other animals land, and marine animals. Isimangaliso Wetland Park spans 280 km of coastline with amazing natural ecosystems. The wetland is home to an unbelievable number and variety of birds and fish. A nature lovers paradise to explore and enjoy.
Arriving in St Lucia there is time to explore the town this afternoon or take a walk on one of the sandy beaches or cool off with a swim in the sea at one of the swimming beaches. You have the option of eating out at a restaurant in the town on night four of our South Africa Safari Tour. Dining at a restaurant here is a treat as the local food is a delicious melting pot of influences, as can be seen in the specialty dish of salt fish and green figs. Keep an eye out for the hippos frequently spotted grazing around town!
Day five of our South Africa Safari Tour is dedicated to game viewing in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Common sights in the wildlife park are rhinos, waterbucks, nyalas, buffaloes, elephants, hyenas, and large kudu herds and if you are in luck you might be able to see a leopard on the hunt.
From various viewpoints, you will get a glimpse of the Indian Ocean and, when traveling in whale season, even a small chance to watch Southern Right Whales. After an exciting wildlife experience, you will reach Cape Vidal. End your game drive in a rather unusual way by taking a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean!
In the afternoon we take a boat trip to spot birds and animals on the St Lucia Estuary. Hippos, crocodiles, and various species of waterfowl can be observed from your boat, which is an excellent opportunity for wildlife photography.
Once again there is the option of dinner out at a local restaurant in St Lucia.
Today is all about game viewing, with wildlife being one of South Africa's greatest treasures.
This morning we leave early for Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, as early mornings are one of the best times for game viewing. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is considered one of the most beautiful game parks in Southern Africa and with its 96000 hectares of wilderness and rolling hills, it is easy to see why. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park was proclaimed a wildlife reserve in 1895 and is said to be the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa. Renowned for its black and white rhino breeding project this and the reserve's conservation efforts have led to it being home to the largest population of white rhinos in the world.
From here we head north to the Pongola Game Reserve and our accommodation at White Elephant Bush Camp. On day six of our South Africa Safari Tour, we have exclusive use of the overnight camp. Here we enjoy beautiful views over the bushveld, Lake Jozani, and the distant Lebombo mountains.
We celebrate the magnificent, African sunset with a refreshing drink and after dinner, we relax around our campfire.
This morning we take a bush walk with an experienced, armed ranger - an opportunity not to be missed. Encounter the African bush from a different angle and without any disturbing noises, feel connected with nature, and soak up the sights, sounds, and smells. Your ranger is able to decipher the signs of animal activity and explain this as well as share his knowledge of the flora.
We return to camp for a hearty breakfast before setting off on our cross-border journey. Next on our South Africa Safari Tour, we enter the small Kingdom of Swaziland. Here we travel to the Mantenga Cultural Village, a living museum where we get an insight into the traditions, culture, and customs of the Swazi people.
Today is spent exploring Mbabane, the capital of Swaziland, and surrounding areas. You may like to visit the Milwane Game Reserve, on foot, mountain bike, or horseback (optional). Meeting the locals at the colorful markets which display many arts and crafts. We could visit a candle-making factory where the famous, decorative Swazi candles are produced or a glass factory to admire the art of glass blowing.
This small kingdom has many delightful, informative experiences to interest us.
Leaving Swaziland behind we cross the border back into South Africa and continue our journey to the world-famous Kruger National Park.
This vast park was declared a national park in 1926 and teems with wildlife that inhabits the various landscapes. Home to all wildlife species of Southern Africa which includes around 150 species of mammals, more than 500 bird species, and almost 100 different reptiles, this is a smorgasbord of wildlife.
We take a wildlife viewing drive during the afternoon heading back to our accommodation in Kruger Park as the sunsets.
Today we spend the whole day exploring Kruger National Park, one of the top highlights of our South Africa Safari Tour. We leave early for a full day spent exploring the park in our open safari vehicle, ideal for wildlife viewing and great photo opportunities. In this natural world, there is no telling what amazing encounters you may come across.
In the early evening, you have the option of taking a night game drive with one of the park rangers, who, armed with a blazing spotlight, will search for the nocturnal animals.
Early this morning you have the option of taking a bush walk with a professional guide. Walking in the African bushveld is a very special experience which shouldn't be missed. Your knowledgeable safari guide is able to interpret the wildlife signs as well as share his knowledge of the flora and fauna.
Back at camp, we tuck into breakfast and then set out on our final game drive in Kruger National Park.
Leaving Kruger Park at around midday we head to Hazyview and our accommodation at Gecko Lodge (or similar). This afternoon you are free to relax at the inviting lodge, take a swim in the pool, and enjoy the lovely gardens.
Next, our South Africa Safari Tour takes us to the renowned Panorama Route. This scenic route winds along the Blyde River Canyon and provides excellent photo opportunities of the many spectacular viewpoints. The Blyde River Canyon is reputed to be the third-largest canyon in the world but is no doubt the lushest canyon with its sub-tropical foliage.
The view of the Klein Drakensberg escarpment is dramatic, but there are many breathtaking viewpoints that have been named according to their outlook. The names 'God's Window' and 'Wonder View' are a clue to what one may expect.
At the meeting point of the Blyde River (river of joy) and the Treur River (river of sorrow), water erosion has created one of the most phenomenal geological phenomena in South Africa. The ‘Bourke’s Luck Potholes’ have taken thousands of years to form strange cylindrical sculptures carved by swirling water.
After a day of spectacular scenery in beautiful South Africa, we return to our vibrant lodge near Hazyview.
Today brings a new chapter on our South Africa Safari Tour as we head back to Johannesburg for our flight to the Western Cape.
Our flight takes us to the inland town of George but it's a short hop to the coast and the scenic town of Wilderness. Characterized by its long stretch of white beach, this is an ideal spot to take a long beach walk after a long day of travel. Alternatively, you may choose to rest and relax at our comfortable seaside guesthouse, enjoying a sundowner on the deck overlooking the ocean.
This evening there is the option of joining the group for dinner in one of the village's restaurants.
Day 14 of our South Africa Safari Tour is an opportunity to spend your day doing what you enjoy most. Take your pick of a hiking trail through a dense forest with a waterfall at the end of the trail, perfect for a cool dip before heading back. Our guide will be happy to lead the way.
Take a slow meander along the long beach, go canoeing on the lagoon or just sit back and relax on the guesthouse deck - the panoramic view is stunning.
Tonight there is the option of dinner in the village with your fellow travelers.
Leaving Wilderness behind we travel east to the charming, coastal town of Knysna in the heart of the Garden Route. The town is nestled around a lagoon whose entrance is guarded by two soaring cliffs, known as the Knysna Heads. Inside the heads, the lagoon is a tranquil oasis whilst beyond the heads the ocean lashes the cliff face.
After exploring the town we continue to Tsitsikamma National Park via Nature's Valley an area much prized by South Africans. You may like to hike a short portion of the Otter Trail, famed throughout South Africa and regularly booked out. Or cross the suspension bridge over the Storms River Mouth, not for the fainthearted but worth the dramatic views.
This scenic coastal area is characterized by cliff faces and raging seas - never dull.
Today our South Africa Safari Tour takes us inland to the ostrich capital of South Africa, Oudtshoorn. Located in the semi-desert area of the Little Karoo, Oudtshoorn is not only famous for its ostrich breeding and farming but also for the awe-inspiring Cango Caves. This afternoon we get to visit these impressive caves. Inhabited by the San over 10 000 years ago you will be amazed by the dripstone formations.
This morning we pay a visit to an ostrich farm where we learn an incredible amount about these versatile creatures.
It's said that every bit of the ostrich has value from its feathers, its eggs, and healthy meat to the ornaments made from its feet. The town went through a boom period prior to the 1st World War when ostrich feathers were the height of fashion and today some magnificent homes (known as 'Feather Palaces') may be seen in the town. Sadly the 1st World War came along and the industry crashed.
From here we take a scenic drive back to the coast and the town of Hermanus. Famed for whale watching in season and some very good wine production, the former fishing village is well worth a visit at any time of year.
We spend the night at Auberge Burgundy Guesthouse ideally situated on the seafront promenade of Hermanus.
Take a walk along the cliff path this morning. If it's whale season you are in for a treat as so many of these mighty creatures gather in Walker Bay.
If the weather is suitable and it's the right season you may choose to take an optional whale-watching boat trip for an even closer view of these animals, but the cliffs do provide a perfect viewing spot for watching them breach and slap the water with their tails and fins. If you are really lucky you may hear them calling to each other - an eerie sound.
We take the scenic coastal route to Stellenbosch pausing to view a colony of African Penguins busy with their daily routine. Back on the road, we head to Stellenbosch, the second-oldest town in South Africa. In the heart of wine country, Stellenbosch is also a university town so it regularly thrums with students on bicycles.
After exploring the town we visit a wine farm to taste some of the delightful wines that are produced in the Cape Winelands region. This evening you have the option of dining out at one of Stellenbosch's fine restaurants. Tonight our South Africa Safari Tour is based at the oldest running hotel in South Africa, the Oude Werf Hotel in Stellenbosch.
Today we visit a typical Cape farm, located at the foot of the Helderberg Mountains. Take this opportunity to roam around the farm and visit the viewpoint for views across False Bay to Table Mountain. On a clear day, you may even spot Cape Point.
Be prepared for a surprise at lunchtime!
After lunch, we continue along the coast all the way to the southern end of the Cape Peninsula to the lovely village of Noordhoek. Prized by the horse riding community this village is home to a lengthy white beach popular with horse riders and walkers alike.
In the distance, you may spot the remains of a shipwreck that ran aground at the turn of the 20th century and is now partially buried under the sand.
Take a stroll along the beach which curves around to Kommetjie beach - a popular surfing spot.
After breakfast this morning we set off for the Cape of Good Hope in Cape Point.
This is the most westerly point in Africa and is a popular spot for a photograph depicting this information. Take a hike up to the lighthouse, a sight welcomed by seafarers who had traveled from the East as this was their first sign of land. Rounding Cape Point was often a treacherous journey and many a ship has foundered along the coastline. You may be fortunate to spot some wildlife in Cape Point although the animals are often quite elusive.
In the afternoon our guide takes us to the city of Cape Town which brings this Best of South Africa Safari Tour to an end. It's been a journey of constantly changing landscapes and experiences - one that will no doubt prove an unforgettable experience.
At the end of our trip through South Africa, you are dropped off at your post-tour accommodation in the city center of Cape Town or transferred to the Cape Town International Airport.
This small group South Africa Safari Tour is conducted in a Mercedes Sprinter luxury bus. These air-conditioned vehicles have been adapted in a way that they withstand the rough conditions of Africa and at the same time offer our mutual guests the best and most comfortable sightseeing experience.
A maximum of 10 guests travel in the luxury 16-seater vehicle, guaranteeing each a window seat. Traveling through South Africa in the comfort of a well-equipped luxury vehicle makes all the difference!
Should the accommodation listed in the tour itinerary not be available a similar accommodation establishment of the same standard will be used.
Why not extend your stay and explore more of Cape Town? We offer the following short tours of Cape Town city and surrounds:
This tour does not take children.
This itinerary may have some long travelling days, and we would therefore not recommend this group safari for young children.
Families with younger children who are confident and comfortable with travelling long distances, are welcome on a private safari basis only.
Please contact African Budget Safaris for information regarding private tours and quotations.
All Johannesburg Departures | All South Africa Tours | All Lodge Safari trips
1. O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), 1 Jones Rd, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, 1632, South Africa
2. Pretoria, South Africa
3. Clarens, South Africa
4. Drakensberg, Lesotho
5. St Lucia, 3936, South Africa
6. iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa
7. Hluhluwe, 3960, South Africa
8. 52-3 Nongoma Rd, Pongola, 3170, South Africa
9. Mbabane, Swaziland
10. Kruger National Park, South Africa
11. Blyde River Canyon, South Africa
12. Theunissen, South Africa
13. Johannesburg, South Africa
14. George, South Africa
15. Wilderness, South Africa
16. Garden Route National Park, Dumbleton Cres, Wilderness, 6560, South Africa
17. Knysna, South Africa
18. Stormsrivier, South Africa
19. Oudtshoorn, South Africa
20. Hermanus, 7200, South Africa
21. Stellenbosch, South Africa
22. Noordhoek, Cape Town, 7979, South Africa
23. Cape Point, Cape Peninsula, Cape Town, South Africa
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