20 Day Best of South Africa Safari – Johannesburg to Cape Town

20 Day Best of South Africa Safari – Johannesburg to Cape Town

Itinerary Overview
Embark on a three-week adventure with our Best of South Africa Safari, a comprehensive guided tour from Johannesburg to Cape Town. This safari will take you through South Africa’s diverse and stunning landscapes, including Kruger National Park, the Drakensberg Mountains, St Lucia, and the Garden Route. Explore the Cape Winelands, Cape Whale Route, Cape Peninsula, and more. Visit top wildlife parks and attractions in South Africa and Swaziland, all while enjoying the comfort of a luxury tour vehicle. This small group experience is perfect for travelers seeking a blend of adventure, nature, and culture.

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Johannesburg to Pretoria, South Africa

Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, guests are transferred to Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital. After settling in, explore the city with a guided tour, including the Union Buildings and Voortrekker Monument. Dinner at a local restaurant is optional, offering a taste of South African cuisine.

• Accommodation: Brooks Cottage (or similar)
• Travel: 50km / 1 hour
• Included Activity: Tour of Pretoria
• Optional Activity: Dinner at a local restaurant

Day 2: Pretoria to Drakensberg, South Africa

Travel through the Free State to the village of Clarens, famous for its arts and crafts. Continue to Golden Gate National Park and arrive at your lodge in the Drakensberg Mountains. Relax and enjoy a meal in this peaceful setting.

• Accommodation: Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
• Travel: 500km / 6 to 7 hours
• Optional Activity: Lunch in Clarens

Day 3: Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa

Enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or horse riding, taking in the spectacular scenery and birdlife. Relax with a delicious dinner at your lodge in the evening.

• Accommodation: Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Optional Activity: Horse riding

Day 4: Drakensberg Mountains to St Lucia, South Africa

Travel to St Lucia, near iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the town or relax on its beautiful beaches. Enjoy a local dinner, a great way to experience the diverse flavors of South African cuisine.

• Accommodation: Forest Lodge (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
• Travel: 600km / 8 to 9 hours
• Optional Activity: Dinner in St Lucia

Day 5: iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa

Experience a wildlife viewing drive in iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Spot rhinos, hippos, and crocodiles, and, if lucky, a leopard. After the drive, cool off with a swim in the Indian Ocean and embark on a boat trip to observe the wildlife along the St Lucia Estuary.

• Accommodation: Forest Lodge (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
• Included Activity: Wildlife viewing drive and boat trip
• Optional Activity: Dinner in St Lucia

Day 6: St Lucia, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park & Pongola Game Reserve, South Africa

Visit Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park for an early morning game drive. Continue to the Pongola Game Reserve, where you’ll enjoy an exclusive stay at White Elephant Bush Camp. Watch the sunset over the bushveld and relax by the campfire.

• Accommodation: White Elephant Bush Camp
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
• Travel: 200km / 3 hours
• Included Activity: Wildlife viewing drive
• Optional Activity: Lunch at Hilltop Camp

Day 7: Pongola Game Reserve to Mbabane, Swaziland

Enjoy a bush walk with a ranger before crossing into Swaziland. Visit the Mantenga Cultural Village to learn about the local Swazi culture.

• Accommodation: Foresters Arms Country Hotel (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
• Travel: 250km / 4-5 hours
• Included Activity: Bushwalk & Visit Mantenga Cultural Village

Day 8: Mbabane & Surrounds, Swaziland

Explore Mbabane, the capital of Swaziland. Optional activities include visiting Milwane Game Reserve or the famous Swazi candle-making factory.

• Accommodation: Foresters Arms Country Hotel (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
• Included Activity: Various options
• Optional Activity: Horse Riding

Day 9: Mbabane, Swaziland to Kruger National Park, South Africa

Re-enter South Africa and head to Kruger National Park for an afternoon game drive. Kruger is one of Africa’s most famous parks, home to a wide variety of wildlife.

• Accommodation: Skukuza Rest Camp, Kruger National Park (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
• Travel: 200km / 4 hours
• Included Activity: Kruger Park Game Drive

Day 10: Kruger National Park, South Africa

Spend the day exploring Kruger National Park, known for its impressive biodiversity. An optional night game drive offers the chance to see nocturnal wildlife.

• Accommodation: Skukuza Rest Camp, Kruger National Park (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
• Included Activity: Game Drive
• Optional Activity: Evening Game Drive with Park Ranger

Day 11: Kruger National Park to Hazyview, South Africa

Opt for a bush walk before heading to Hazyview for relaxation at Gecko Lodge.

• Accommodation: Gecko Lodge (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
• Travel: 70km / 1-2 hours
• Included Activity: Game Drive
• Optional Activity: Bush Walk with a professional guide

Day 12: Panorama Route, South Africa

Explore the famous Panorama Route, which includes dramatic viewpoints such as God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes.

• Accommodation: Gecko Lodge (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
• Travel: 250km / 4 hours
• Included Activity: Tour of the Panorama Route

Day 13: Hazyview to Johannesburg & Wilderness, South Africa

Fly to George, then travel to Wilderness, known for its long white beaches.

• Accommodation: Dolphin Dunes Guesthouse (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Travel: 330km / 4-5 hours + 2-hour flight

Day 14: Wilderness, South Africa

Spend your day at leisure, with options for hiking, canoeing, or relaxing on the beach.

• Accommodation: Dolphin Dunes Guesthouse (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 15: Wilderness to Tsitsikamma National Park, South Africa

Explore the town of Knysna before heading to Tsitsikamma National Park, famous for its dramatic coastlines and the Otter Trail.

• Accommodation: At Tsitsikamma Village Inn (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Travel: 150km / 2 hours
• Optional Activity: Tsitsikamma National Park walk

Day 16: Tsitsikamma National Park to Cape Town, South Africa

Drive the scenic Garden Route towards Cape Town, arriving in the afternoon.

• Accommodation: The Peninsula All Suite Hotel (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Travel: 440km / 5-6 hours

Day 17: Cape Town City Tour, South Africa

Explore Cape Town’s top attractions, including the iconic Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the V&A Waterfront.

• Accommodation: The Peninsula All Suite Hotel (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Included Activity: City tour, Robben Island, Table Mountain

Day 18: Cape Town, South Africa

Visit the Cape Peninsula and the Cape of Good Hope, the meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.

• Accommodation: The Peninsula All Suite Hotel (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Included Activity: Cape Peninsula Tour

Day 19: Cape Town, South Africa

Spend a day exploring the stunning winelands of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Enjoy wine tasting and gourmet dining.

• Accommodation: The Peninsula All Suite Hotel (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Included Activity: Wine Tasting Tour

Day 20: Departure

Transfer to the airport for your return flight. Your South African adventure comes to an end with memories to last a lifetime.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Optional Activity: Additional excursions