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Wild coast hike 4

18 Day South Africa Tour - Coast & Kruger Safari

Tour Length18 days
Priced from pps $3018 R57549 £2393 2799 A$4652 C$4104 NZ$5063 Full pricing info
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Summary of this Exclusive Overland Safari

  • Max. Group Size 17 Travellers
  • Departs from Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Ends at Cape Town, South Africa
  • Accommodation Lodge / Safari Lodge
  • Transport Open 4x4 Game Viewing Vehicle / Large Overland Vehicle
  • Wildlife Big 5, Elephant, Leopards, Lions, Rhino & More
  •  See Departure Dates

Quick Itinerary Overview

Embark on an incredible 18-Day Budget South Africa Tour, a mix of thrilling Big 5 Kruger Safari and the extraordinary landscapes of this diverse nation. This exclusive overland tour showcases South Africa's rich wildlife, stunning scenery, and vibrant cultures.

Enjoy comfortable lodging in unique locations, explore offbeat paths, and visit colorful craft markets and quaint villages. Covering over 1864 miles (3000 km) from wildlife-rich bushveld to snow-capped peaks, through Eswatini to untouched beaches and rugged coastlines, this overland journey offers a rich cultural tapestry and unmatched natural beauty on an affordable South African Coast & Kruger Safari.

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Itinerary for this Tour

South Africa Tour - Coast & Kruger Safari Highlights

  • Big 5 African Safari in Kruger Park & a private game reserve of Greater Kruger
  • Scenic mountains in the Kingdom of eSwatini (Swaziland)
  • St Lucia coast and iSimangaliso Wetland Park
  • Breathtaking Drakensberg Mountain scenery & Zululand Battlefields
  • Stunning Wild Coast beaches and an Addo Elephant National Park safari
  • Scenic Garden Route and Whale Route of the Western Cape, ending in Cape Town

Day 1: Johannesburg to Kruger Safari Lodge - South Africa

This South Africa Tour departs from Johannesburg early on the morning of day one. Setting off from the bustling economic capital of the country we travel north into the game-rich Limpopo Province of South Africa. En route, we stop for lunch in the picturesque village of Haenertsburg surrounded by lush plantations and forests. This old gold-mining village is situated on the north-eastern tip of the Drakensberg Mountain Range offering sweeping views over the landscape beyond.

After lunch, we make our way down the Drakensberg Escarpment through the lush, forested mountains of Magoebaskloof. From there the mountain pass drops about 600m over a distance of just 6km into the famous Kruger Lowveld safari region of South Africa. It is beautiful drive on impressive mountain passes and through wild African bushveld dotted with thorn trees.

We spend the first two nights of this affordable South Africa Tour at a comfortable bush lodge in Greater Kruger Park. It is a tented lodge located in a private game reserve (within Greater Kruger) where wild animals roam freely. The safari lodge blends into the natural surroundings, offering stunning views over the African bush and an active watering hole where wildlife can be spotted. There is a splash pool for guests to take a refreshing dip and accommodation is in en-suite tented rooms fitted with comfy twin beds.

This evening we enjoy a traditional South African-style meal prepared over an open fire and relax around the campfire. At the end of our scenic day in South Africa, retire to your cozy tented room and get a good night's rest before your first day on safari in Kruger Park.

  • Meals Included: Dinner
  • Accommodation: Safari Lodge - twin-bedded tented rooms with en-suite bathrooms
  • Travel: 530 km
  • Included Highlights: Scenic drive to Lowveld & private game reserve accommodation in Greater Kruger

Day 2: Greater Kruger Safari - South Africa

Early this morning we ease into the day with coffee and rusks (traditonal SA biscuits), before heading into the African bush on our first wildlife adventure. Our first safari activity sees us venturing into Greater Kruger Park on an exciting game walk with an expert game ranger. The bushwalk lasts for about three hours, giving us time to linger over the fascinating details of the bush, as well as looking out for large animals and birds.

Returning before the heat of the day, we have a well-deserved late morning brunch at camp. Then there is time to rest and relax at the lodge, enjoying the natural surroundings, before our afternoon excursion. A nearby waterhole, popular with the wildlife, is an ideal spot to view animals at the camp.

The perks of staying in a private game reserve of Greater Kruger include being allowed to do bush walks and night game drives. In the late afternoon, we embark on an open-vehicle game drive that lasts into the night. We pause to enjoy sundowners as the sun sets over the African bush. This thrilling night game drive takes us in search of nocturnal wildlife, that would otherwise be missed. After our night game drive, we are treated to a traditional braai (South African barbecue) back at camp. Fall asleep to the sounds of the untamed bush at the end of a rewarding day on safari in South Africa.

  • Meals Included: Brunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Safari Lodge - twin-bedded tented rooms with en-suite bathrooms
  • Travel: Game drive
  • Included Highlights: Guided game walk & game drive in the private game reserve of Greater Kruger

Day 3: Panorama Route to Hazyview - South Africa

Day three of our South Africa Tour starts with an early breakfast before we set off for the scenic Panorama Route.

First, we drive along the dramatic Blyde River Canyon, largest 'green' canyon in the world, stopping to admire the breathtaking views along the way. At one of the viewpoints, we get to see the landmark Three Rondavels hills that resemble traditional huts. We continue to the historic town of Pilgrim’s Rest, founded in the early gold rush of the 1800s. We stop and take a stroll around this quaint village heritage site before heading to a restaurant perched on the edge of the Drakensberg Escarpment for lunch (own expense) with spectacular sweeping views over the Kruger Lowveld region.

In the mid-afternoon, we make our way down the escarpment, descending the scenic Kowyns Pass en route to our next inviting safari lodge in Hazyview. The lodge is a lovely log cabin set on stilts in an indigenous forest on a farm along the Sabie River. We settle in at the lodge and take a tour of the working farm which produces coffee, limes, and macadamia nuts. We spend the next two nights at the leafy lodge, which serves as the base for our Big 5 Kruger Safari.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Safari Lodge in Hazyview, log cabins
  • Travel: 195 km
  • Included Highlights: Panorama Route - Blyde River Canyon, 3 Rondavels, Pilgrim's Rest
  • Optional Activities: Gorge Swing

Day 4: Big 5 Kruger Safari - South Africa

On day four of our South Africa Tour, we make an early start headed for the Kruger National Park before sunrise. It is a short drive to the Park gate, so we will enjoy a full day of game viewing experiences. We explore the southern part of the Park in the comfort of our well-equipped safari vehicle which provides an elevated vantage for spotting wildlife and viewing the varied ecosystems of Kruger.

The Kruger National Park is the size of a small country! Wildlife has been protected here since 1898, but was officially declared a national park in 1926 to preserve the pristine habitats. Kruger is home to the Big 5 and boasts an impressive variety of fauna and flora in several habitats, with nearly 150 species of mammals and over 500 bird species to be spotted. Excellent game sightings can be expected on this full-day Kruger Safari. Southern Kruger hosts a diversity of wildlife, including rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and many more. Your expert safari guide will point out interesting wildlife and birds, explaining the behavior of various wild species.

During our game drive, we take comfort breaks at rest camps and picnic spots in Kruger Park. The breaks enable us to stretch our legs, have lunch (own account), and maybe buy some souvenirs at one of the rest camps.

As the day draws to a close we return to our game lodge for a tasty dinner and a laid-back evening.

  • Meals Included: Packed Breakfast Snacks & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Safari Lodge in Hazyview, log cabins
  • Travel: About 60 km
  • Included Highlights: Full-day Kruger Safari - game drives in southern Kruger Park

Day 5: Kruger to Eswatini - Eswatini

After our unforgettable Kruger Safari, we depart from the lodge after breakfast, travelling south to the mountainous Kingdom of eSwatini.

Our scenic drive takes us via the capital of the Mpumalanga Province, Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit). Then we cross from South Africa into the landlocked country of eSwatini (formerly known as Swaziland). Eswatini is one of the smallest countries in Africa yet its climate and topography are diverse, ranging from the cool and mountainous highveld to a hot and dry lowveld.

Our journey takes us past many traditional rural homesteads and curio markets, giving us an idea of what rural life is like here. Discover some of the natural wonders and cultural riches of eSwatini with your two tour guides. If time allows, we stop to visit one or more craft producers in the area.

Your next stay is at a charming hotel in the lush mountainous countryside near Mbabane, the capital of eSwatini. Upon arrival, there's time to unwind and freshen up before tucking into a tasty local meal.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Country Hotel
  • Travel: 290 km
  • Included Highlights: eSwatini scenic drive

Day 6 & 7: Eswatini to St. Lucia & iSimangaliso Wetland Park - South Africa

On the morning of day six, we journey south along the winding roads of rural Eswatini and cross back into South Africa. Border formalities complete, we enter Zululand, a region of majestic landscapes and numerous game reserves. This region of the KwaZulu-Natal Province is home to the Zulu people, South Africa’s largest ethnic group, once ruled by the revered warrior-king, King Shaka Zulu. It remains a Zulu stronghold to this day.

We enjoy a pretty drive through KwaZulu-Nata to the lively town of St Lucia, located on a large hill overlooking the Indian Ocean. We spend the next two nights in St Lucia, famous for the hippos that can be spotted grazing along the streets at night! This small town lies within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, formerly known as the Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park, South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, declared in 1999. Discover the fascinating local fauna and flora of this sub-tropical coastal park incorporating sandy beaches, tidal pools, coral reefs, and dune forests.

We spend the whole of day seven exploring the iSimangaliso Wetland Your guides drive you through the coastal reserve in search of rhino, buffalo, and many other large animals. Then we take a walk along a deserted beach where you can take a dip in the warm Indian Ocean. We visit coastal and inland areas of this 1266 mi² (3 280 km²) reserve, known for its rich array of bird species and an abundance of crocodiles and hippos.

In the evenings, eat out at one of the local restaurants (own expense) in St Lucia and get a taste of local life.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch (x2)
  • Accommodation: Forest Lodge in St Lucia
  • Travel: 370 km (day 6)
  • Included Highlights: Scenic drive from Eswatini to St Lucia & full-day in iSimangaliso Wetland Park
  • Optional Activities: Night drive in iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Day 8 & 9: St. Lucia to Drakensberg - South Africa

On day eight of this South Africa Tour, we leave St Lucia behind after breakfast at the lodge. We travel south along the coast before turning inland and driving through the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal.

Our drive takes us through the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields region, where many historic battles were waged in times past. Zulus, Dutch settlers (Boers), and British colonials all fought here to preserve their heritage and secure land. As we proceed, undulating hills give way to the towering mountains of the Drakensberg, the highest mountain range in South Africa rising up to 3482m above sea level. Called uKhahlamba in Zulu, which means 'The Barrier of Spears' , it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the late afternoon, we reach the mountain resort where we will spend the next two nights. Accommodation is in cozy cabins with spectacular views of the Drakensberg Mountains near Lesotho.

On day 9 we will conduct a day hike in the Tugela Gorge which is located in the Royal Natal National Park, part of the Drakensberg World Heritage Site. The hike offers spectacular views of the towering cliffs of the Amphitheatre and the Tugela Falls, widely accepted as the second-highest waterfall in the world at 948m tall. Alternatively, you can go pony trekking in the Drakensberg Mountains (own expense) to take in the majestic landscapes on horseback.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
  • Accommodation: Mountain Resort - cabins
  • Travel: 480 km (day 8)
  • Included Highlights: Drakensberg Mountains & Tugela Gorge Hike
  • Optional Activities: Pony trekking

Day 10: Southern Drakensberg Mountains - South Africa

Today we travel further south along the Drakensberg Mountains and into the fertile Natal Midlands. Our next overnight stay is on a working farm in the Natal Midlands, one of the most beautiful regions of South Africa.

We arrive at the ranch this afternoon and get to learn more about farming in this lush area. You'll also find out more about the farm and its fascinating history. If you're feeling adventurous you can even roll up your sleeves and help with some farm work this afternoon or early tomorrow morning.

Sit back at the end of an earthy day and enjoy a traditional dinner prepared with fresh ingredients from the farm gardens.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Local Farmstay
  • Travel: 340 km
  • Included Highlights: Scenic drive through Southern Drakensberg

Day 11 & 12: Wild Coast - South Africa

We get an early start on day 11 of our budget South Africa Tour, making our way further south and back to the coast. The drive takes us through small rural towns on a scenic journey to the remote Wild Coast of South Africa.

The Wild Coast is a rugged, off-the-beaten-track gem, one of the top highlights of this South Africa overland tour. Under the Apartheid Regime, this area was an independent homeland thus development has historically been limited here, leaving many natural areas untouched. On the Wild Coast, we encounter unspoiled beaches, natural lagoons, open grasslands, and traditional Xhosa villages.

We spend the next two nights in the small, rural coastal town of Coffee Bay. Day 12 is set aside for exploring the beautiful Wild Coast area which features some of South Africa's best hiking trails. You can set off on a coastal hike with your guide or head to the beach today. On the coastal hike, you'll encounter dramatic cliffs, deserted beaches, and undulating grasslands. The hike also takes you to the well-known landmark of Hole in the Wall, an offshore island featuring a natural rock formation shaped like an archway. Here you can swim out to the island for a close-up view.

From May to July, you might catch the sardine run in action along these shores. The sardine migration along South Africa's Wild Coast is one of the largest migrations of marine life in the world.

After our coastal hike, you are free to put your feet up and enjoy the home comforts of the seaside hotel and its peaceful setting.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x 2)
  • Accommodation: Seaside Hotel
  • Travel: 400 km (day 11)
  • Included Highlights: Wild Coast scenic drive, private beach & coastal hike

Day 13: Wild Coast to Cradock - South Africa

Today we leave the remote Wild Coast. Taking a road less traveled, we head west through the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.

Our next stop is the historic town of Cradock in the semi-arid Great Karoo. Cradock lies in the upper reaches of the Great Fish River valley. Established in 1816, the town has an interesting history featuring San hunter-gatherers and Khoikhoi pastoralists, Dutch settlers, British colonialists, and Xhosa tribes. A local guide meets up with us when we arrive in Cradock and takes us on a walking tour of the town. This tour provides a colorful journey through the history of Cradock and broader South Africa.

We then head to our accommodation for an evening of warm hospitality and rich history.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse in Cradock
  • Travel: 450 km
  • Included Highlights: Scenic drive in Eastern Cape & Historical Walking Tour of Cradock

Day 14: Cradock to Mountain Zebra Park, Addo Elephant National Park & Nelson Mandela Bay - South Africa

On day 14 of our South Africa Safari, we make an early start to the Mountain Zebra National Park nearby. As the gate opens we enter the national park for our morning game drive. This beautiful park was established in 1937 to save the endangered Cape mountain zebra from extinction. It encompasses 284 km² of semi-arid Karoo wilderness, including three biomes (Nama-Karoo, grassland, and thicket). It is home to lion, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, springbuck, ostrich, and rich birdlife.

After exploring Mountain Zebra National Park for a few hours we return to our guesthouse for a delicious breakfast. Then, we hit the road again and head south to Addo Elephant National Park. We enter Addo Park on its northern boundary and drive south through the game reserve, looking out for wildlife along the way.

The third-largest national park in South Africa, Addo Elephant National Park covers 1 640 km² of wilderness in the Eastern Cape Province. Like Kruger, Addo Park park hosts Africa's Big 5 animals (rhino, leopard, lion, buffalo, and elephant). It is home to over 600 elephants making it one of the best places to see African elephants in the wild, hence the Park's name. Addo Elephant National Park hosts numerous other creatures from endemic flightless dung-beetles to cheetahs and spotted hyenas.

By late afternoon we exit Addo Park in the south, and cover the short distance to the coast. We stay at a seaside hotel in Nelson Mandela Bay, the economic centre of the Eastern Cape province. Spend a leisurely evening taking a stroll along the beachfront and eat out (own expense) at a local restaurant.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
  • Accommodation: Beachfront Hotel in Nelson Mandela Bay
  • Travel: 250 km
  • Included Highlights: Mountain Zebra National Park game drive, Addo Elephant National Park game drive, Nelson Mandela Bay

Day 15: Nelson Mandela Bay along Garden Route to Knysna - South Africa

A leisurely start today allows time for a walk along the beachfront, a dip in the ocean, or just relaxing over a freshly brewed coffee. After breakfast at the hotel, we proceed west along the famous Garden Route.

We travel the length of the Garden Route, taking in the spectacular coastal scenery and stopping regularly to see the sights. As the name suggests, the Garden Route is a lush and beautiful drive between the coastline and the towering mountains which fringe the southern reaches of South Africa. It is a land of lofty mountains, indigenous forests, tranquil lagoons and rugged coastlines.

One of the highlights we visit on the Garden Route is the coastal Tsitsikamma National Park. This is a beautiful marine reserve where indigenous forests meet imposing cliffs and the wild coastline. At Tsitsikamma we walk along the dramatic coastline, crossing the suspension bridge over Storms River.

From Tsitsikamma, we head on to Knysna, where we spend the next night. Later this afternoon we explore the historic, charming town of Knysna with its indigenous forests, scenic lagoon and beautiful shoreline. On arrival there is some time to explore this beautiful town before dinner is served at the hotel.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Travel: 280 km
  • Included Highlights: Tsitsikamma National Park, Coastal walk & suspension bridge
  • Optional Activities: Local dining experience

Day 16: Knysna to Cape Agulhas & Arniston - South Africa

Leaving Knysna on day 16 of our South Africa Coast & Kruger Safari, we follow the photogenic coastline. We continue westwards along the Garden Route passing through several coastal towns en route to the southernmost tip of the African continent, Cape Agulhas.

On arrival, we take a short walk down to the beach to visit the official meeting point of the icy Atlantic and warm Indian oceans. Then we enjoy a picnic-style lunch in the fresh ocean breeze, before leaving this unique landmark. From Cape Agulhas, we drive to our overnight hotel in the peaceful seaside village of Arniston. In the afternoon you are free to explore this picturesque old fishing town or walk down to the big sea cave of Waenhuiskrans.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Seaside Hotel
  • Travel: 380 km
  • Included Highlights: Cape Agulhas & Waenhuiskrans Cave

Day 17 & 18: Arniston along Whale Route to Cape Town - South Africa

On day 17 of our South Africa Tour, we take a slow drive along the Whale Route of the Western Cape. We pass through the world-famous whale-watching hotspot of Hermanus. During the whale watching season (July to November), we may spot Southern Right Whales from the shore. From there we travel past the Hottentots Holland Mountains, and follow the dramatic coastline to Betty's Bay, stopping to see the resident African penguin colony.

In the afternoon we continue to False Bay, driving via a spectacular coastal road to the Mother City of Cape Town. By mid-afternoon, we arrive at our hotel conveniently located near shops and restaurants. This evening you can sample the culinary delights of Cape Town and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

Our budget-friendly South Africa Tour comes to an end after breakfast on day 18, but we highly recommend booking a few extra days at the hotel in Cape Town.

Spend a few days after the tour experiencing the highlights of Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The city is also renowned for its culinary and art scenes. Must-dos include going up Table Mountain in the cablecar, to enjoy the sweeping views from the top of this natural wonder. Cape Point Nature Reserve, the V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay and Clifton beaches, the Constantia Wine Valley, and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are just a few of the other attractions.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast (x 2)
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Cape Town
  • Travel: 280 km (day 17)
  • Included Highlights: Scenic drive to Cape Town via the coast
  • Optional Activities: Table Mountain, wine tours, paragliding, boat cruises, Robben Island, and much more

South Africa Tour Notes:

This affordable South Africa Tour (Coast & Kruger Safari) ends at 09h00 on day 18, but clients can extend their stay by booking post-tour nights at the hotel. If arranging an onward flight from Cape Town on the last day of this Africa overland tour, please allow time for the airport transfer and for check-in procedures (up to three hours).

If you wish to visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated, please make arrangements with your guide earlier in the tour, as advance bookings are essential.

This tour is fully accommodated and all linen and towels are supplied. You will do a fair amount of walking, so please bring a small day pack. Seasonal malaria precautions may be necessary and can be purchased locally. Passports and visas are required for entry into eSwatini (Swaziland).

Optional Extras and Excursions

For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.

  • Panorama Route Gorge Swing
  • Night drive in iSimangaliso Wetland Park
  • Pony Trekking in Drakensberg Mountains
  • Robben Island Tour, Table Mountain & Other Activities in Cape Town

Child Policy

This tour does not take children.

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  • Panorama Route Gorge Swing
  • Night drive in iSimangaliso Wetland Park
  • Pony Trekking in Drakensberg Mountains
  • Robben Island Tour, Table Mountain & Other Activities in Cape Town
+Included in the Tour Price
  • all transport
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  • coffee & tea at lodges
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  • two professional guides
  • activities as per itinerary
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+Departure Dates

In addition to the dates listed below this tour also departs from Johannesburg on some Sundays.

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