Durban to Cape Town Overland Camping Safari via Lesotho
Embark on an unforgettable Durban to Cape Town Overland Camping Safari through the heart of Southern Africa. This diverse 12-day adventure begins on the warm Indian Ocean coast of KwaZulu-Natal and takes you through dramatic mountains, historic battlefields, national parks teeming with wildlife, and ends in the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town. Travel through Lesotho’s highlands and South Africa’s Garden Route, experiencing the region’s cultural, scenic, and wildlife highlights along the way.
Quick Itinerary Overview
- Start in Umhlanga near Durban and journey to the Drakensberg Mountains and Sani Pass
- Explore the Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal and hike in Royal Natal National Park
- Travel into the mountainous Kingdom of Lesotho and interact with local communities
- Enjoy game viewing in Mountain Zebra National Park and Addo Elephant National Park
- Discover the natural wonders of the Garden Route including Tsitsikamma and Oudtshoorn
- Visit Cape Agulhas, whale-watch in Hermanus, and end in the scenic city of Cape Town
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Durban to Underberg – South Africa
Your Durban to Cape Town Overland Camping Safari begins in Umhlanga, heading through Pietermaritzburg to the scenic Drakensberg Mountains. Settle into a camp at the base of the iconic Sani Pass, surrounded by breathtaking alpine views.
Day 2: Sani Pass Excursion – Lesotho
Today’s 4×4 adventure takes you up the rugged Sani Pass and into Lesotho. Visit remote villages, see traditional shearing, and enjoy panoramic views from Black Mountain Pass and the Thabana Ntlenyana viewpoint – the highest peak in Southern Africa.
Day 3: Battlefields to Northern Drakensberg – South Africa
Travel through history at the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields, visiting Blood River, Rorke’s Drift, and Talana Hill. Continue to your lodge in the Royal Natal National Park with views of the dramatic Amphitheatre cliff face.
Day 4: Hiking in Royal Natal National Park – South Africa
Spend the day immersed in nature with optional hikes to Tugela Falls or San rock art sites. Horseback riding is also available in the beautiful uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park.
Day 5: Northern Drakensberg to Malealea – Lesotho
Cross into Lesotho via the Maseru Bridge and journey to a tranquil lodge camp in the Mafeteng District. Enjoy cultural activities or scenic walks through the highlands.
Day 6: Explore Malealea – Lesotho
A free day for optional adventures like pony trekking, mountain biking, hiking to Bushman paintings, or visiting traditional Basotho villages. Discover Lesotho’s unspoiled beauty on foot or horseback.
Day 7: Malealea to Mountain Zebra National Park – South Africa
Re-enter South Africa and head to Mountain Zebra National Park. This protected area is home to endangered Cape mountain zebras, cheetahs, and antelope. Overnight inside the park at a scenic rest camp.
Day 8: Mountain Zebra Park to Addo Elephant National Park – South Africa
Continue to Addo Elephant National Park, renowned for its large herds of elephants and the Big Five. Spend the day on thrilling game drives before heading to a beachfront camp near Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).
Day 9: Tsitsikamma National Park to Plettenberg Bay – South Africa
Explore Tsitsikamma National Park on the Garden Route, with options for forest walks, kayaking, and blackwater tubing. Visit Bloukrans Bridge for the highest commercial bungee jump, then relax in Plettenberg Bay.
Day 10: Plettenberg Bay to Oudtshoorn – South Africa
Travel inland to the semi-arid Klein Karoo and the ostrich capital of Oudtshoorn. Tour the magnificent Cango Caves and spend the evening in this quiet, historic town.
Day 11: Oudtshoorn to Hermanus via Cape Agulhas – South Africa
Drive through farmlands to Cape Agulhas – the southernmost tip of Africa. Continue to Hermanus, world-renowned for whale watching. Enjoy your final night near the coast with optional sunset cruises and local seafood dining.
Day 12: Hermanus to Cape Town – South Africa
Spend your last morning enjoying Hermanus before heading to Cape Town along the coastal route. The Durban to Cape Town Overland Camping Safari ends in South Africa’s vibrant Mother City, with Table Mountain as your final backdrop.
Why Choose This Durban to Cape Town Overland Camping Safari?
- Experience cultural immersion in Lesotho and historic insight in the Battlefields
- Encounter African wildlife in two major national parks
- Discover the beauty of South Africa’s coastline and mountains
- Adventure activities like pony trekking, bungee jumping, and cave exploration
- Great value camping safari with expert guides and unforgettable landscapes
Book your Durban to Cape Town Overland Camping Safari today and traverse one of the most scenic and diverse routes in Southern Africa!