tuuur.com - Worldwide Trips

Original

Overland

Wildlife

South Africa's Kruger, Coast & Garden Route

21 days

Start

Start:

Finish

End:

Trip Code

UBSHC

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 16

Physical Rating

Transport

Private Vehicle, Boat, 4WD Safari Vehicle, Plane

Accommodation

Hotel (11 night), Chalets (2 nights) Guesthouse (1 night), Lodge (6 night)

From 0 (21 days)

Trip Informations

South Africa is a wildlife lover’s dream, with gorgeous landscapes to boot. On this 21-day adventure, you’ll visit five wildlife reserves including Addo Elephant National Park, Botlierskop Private Game Reserve and Kruger National Park, plus Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and St Lucia Estuary in Eswatini. Search for lions, leopards, elephants and more, watch penguins waddling on the Cape Peninsula and see meerkats emerging at sunrise near Oudtshoorn. Aside from the abundance of wildlife encounters, you’ll hike through the forests and mountains of Drakensberg, walk a coastal trail to reach waterfall views on the Garden Route, dig into local history at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site and slow it down with two nights in the winelands.

Why you’ll love this trip

Discover Southern Africa’s incredible wildlife on foot, by boat, and on 4WD safaris. Spot giraffes, wildebeest and impala on a guided walk through Eswatini’s Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, search for hippos and crocodiles in St Lucia Estuary, look out for elephants in Addo, and rise early to watch wild meerkats emerge from their burrows in Oudtshoorn.

Spend two nights in Stellenbosch, surrounded by the mountains and vineyard-covered hills of the winelands, with a free day to explore at your own pace.

Discover Cape Town through an African food and storytelling experience where you'll meet local entrepreneurs and creatives, uncover the city’s history and sample a curated selection of dishes around town for a memorable dinner with your group.

Spend a full day exploring Kruger National Park on a 4WD safari, searching for elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalo and more. Then, end the day with a bush braai under the African sky.

Take in sweeping views in Drakensberg, where you’ll hike through indigenous forest to Gudu Falls, following the Mahai River through the valley.

Is this trip right for you?

No two journeys in Africa are identical. Be prepared for travel times to be longer or shorter than advised. Weather and road conditions can change things significantly, so embrace the detours, shortcuts and unforgettable moments along the way.

This is an overland trip. That means you’ll be travelling with a group in a purpose-built vehicle, visiting remote communities and getting the best possible views of Africa's iconic wildlife. While the trucks don’t have air conditioning, they do have sliding windows that let in the breeze and make it even easier to take spectacular snaps of the local wildlife. The drive days can be long, but it’s as much about the journey as the destination, and half the fun is the camaraderie. For more info on this style of travel, see our Africa overland page: https://www.tuuur.com/au/africa/overland . https://www.tuuur.com/au/africa/overland (https://www.tuuur.com/au/africa/overland)

There will be many early starts, either to spot wildlife or to beat the morning traffic on travel days.

The day-to-day itinerary features a selection of optional activities. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and is intended only as a guide. Prices are approximate and may change at the discretion of the local provider, and all activities are subject to availability.

Southern Africa temperatures rise in the hot, dry period of September and October before the rains hit, and temperatures can get as high as 34 to 38°C (93 to 100°F). Not all accommodation will have air conditioning. This is quite common across Africa, particularly in remote locations where lodges or camps operate on solar power or generators.

Itinerary

Safaris, sun-kissed coast, lush winelands and forested peaks in South Africa and Eswatini

DAY 1
Day 1 • Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Your Garden Route adventure begins in Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth) with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, you’ll have time to explore before meeting your leader and fellow travellers. This coastal city – the largest in the Eastern Cape province – is full of beaches where you can stretch back on the sand. Or you could go for a stroll along the Summerstrand promenade to take in views of Algoa Bay, passing public art installations and plenty of spots where you can stop for coffee or gelato along the way.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
DAY 2
Day 2 • Addo Elephant National Park
Leave Port Elizabeth and travel to Addo – a world-class wildlife destination with a remarkably varied landscape. This region is made up of five of South Africa’s nine biomes, ranging from forest in the Woody Cape area to coastal dunes on the Indian Ocean Coastal Belt. In the late afternoon, you’ll embark on a sunset 4WD safari in Addo Elephant National Park. This is the only national park where you can find the southern right whale and great white shark as well as Africa's five iconic animals – lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and buffalo. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready for your first glimpse of these remarkable creatures.
Accommodation
Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Addo Elephant National Park - Sunset 4WD Safari
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.
It can be cool in an open vehicle after sunset, so bring a warm layer for today’s safari.
DAY 3
Day 3 • Tsitsikamma
Travel west towards Tsitsikamma, where forest meets a rugged stretch of Indian Ocean coastline. After arriving, the rest of the day is yours to settle in and enjoy the surroundings. You’ll explore the coast on foot tomorrow.
Accommodation
Lodge (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
DAY 4
Day 4 • Tsitsikamma
Get out and about to discover the Tsitsikamma section of Garden Route National Park. Start by walking the short Storms River Mouth Trail. You’ll traverse coastal forest to reach the river mouth and a suspension bridge, where you can see views of the Tsitsikamma forest and the Storms River Gorge. Then, take on the Waterfall Trail, which makes up the first section of the famous Otter Trail. Follow the rocky shoreline towards a waterfall overlooking the sea, where you can pause to soak up the views.
Accommodation
Lodge (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Garden Route National Park - Waterfall Trail
Garden Route National Park - Storms River Mouth Visit
Special information
Your walking time on the Waterfall Trail will be approximately 6 km (3.7 mi) or 3 hours. It crosses uneven, rocky ground and can be slippery, so wear sturdy walking shoes. Access to the trails depends on weather and park conditions.
DAY 5
Day 5 • Knysna
Continue your drive along the Garden Route, stopping in Plettenberg Bay to visit Old Nick Village. You’ll have time to have lunch and browse the locally run shops – an eclectic range of boutiques selling ceramics, beadwork, textiles and artisanal chocolate. If it’s open during your visit, you can also see textiles being made at the Mungo Weaving Mill. Then, travel to the town of Knysna, set between forested hills beside a protected lagoon. This evening, you can choose to join a sunset cruise on the lagoon. You’re likely to see African black oystercatchers – this bird can be found in the area year-round.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Plettenberg Bay - Old Nick Village Visit
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.
DAY 6
Day 6 • Oudtshoorn
On the way to Mossel Bay, head to the Botlierskop Private Game Reserve for a 4WD safari. This 6000-ha reserve is set against a backdrop of the Outeniqua Mountains and is home to rhinos, lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, mountain zebras and the rare black impala. An impressive array of over 200 bird species can be found here. After, continue to the Point of Human Origins in Mossel Bay for a guided tour. Learn about the archaeological discoveries made in this cave and what they reveal about early human life around 150,000 to 200,000 years ago. Then, travel inland to the town of Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Mossel Bay - Point of Human Origins Guided Cave Tour
Botlierskop Private Game Reserve - 4WD Safari
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
DAY 7
Day 7 • Oudtshoorn
Go on a guided tour through the limestone chambers of the Cango Caves, located in the Swartberg Mountains. Learn how the caves formed over millions of years as you pass each chamber filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Some of these formations have names based on what they resemble – keep your eye out for Cleopatra’s Needle and the Dried Tobacco Leaves of Oudtshoorn. Later, you’ll have some free time to explore Oudtshoorn at your own pace or simply relax at your hotel.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Oudtshoorn - Cango Caves Guided Tour
DAY 8
Day 8 • Stellenbosch
You’ll have an early start today, rising before the sun to observe wild meerkats near Oudtshoorn as day breaks. Settle in quietly and keep watch as the group emerges from its burrows. Continue to the town of Stellenbosch, passing through the Little Karoo. Stellenbosch is a lively hub of culture, history, food and wine. When you arrive, join your leader for an orientation walk through town. This evening, there’s the option to head to the Kayamandi township for a home-cooked dinner and a chance to hear about life in the community.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Oudtshoorn - Wild Meerkat Experience
Stellenbosch - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Optional activities
Stellenbosch - Home Cooked Dinner (Min 2 pax) - ZAR650
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
The meerkat experience starts before sunrise and depends on the weather and the animals’ behaviour. Observation is from a respectful distance, and sightings can’t be guaranteed. This is also a travel day, so expect an early start.
DAY 9
Day 9 • Stellenbosch
Spend a free day exploring Stellenbosch and the surrounding countryside your way. If you’d like to explore beyond Stellenbosch’s town centre, consider joining a guided walk through the nearby vineyards, taking you through mountain scenery. This walk is run by a community tourism initiative that employs local guides and hosts, so you’ll get a personal insight into what life is like in this scenic region. If you’re after something more laidback, you could wander through town at your own pace. For those who didn’t join the home-cooked dinner last night, there’s another opportunity to do so tonight.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
Stellenbosch - Half-day Wine Walk (Min 6 pax) - ZAR1200
Stellenbosch - Half-day Winery e-bike Tour - ZAR1495
Stellenbosch - Home Cooked Dinner (Min 2 pax) - ZAR650
DAY 10
Day 10 • Cape Town
Witness the raw beauty of the Cape Peninsula today. Follow the peninsula towards Cape Point, where you’ll have time to take in the ocean views. After, head to Boulders Beach, home to a colony of African penguins. Watch the penguins waddling around freely in this protected marine area. African penguins are among the smallest and most endangered species of penguin. Hit the road again, bound for Cape Town, where you have a free evening. Ask your leader for recommendations on where to try some local dishes for dinner – boerewors (a spiral-shaped, spiced sausage) and chakalaka and pap (vegetable stew with cornmeal) are classics.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Cape Peninsula - Peninsula Excursion & Boulders Beach Visit
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.
DAY 11
Day 11 • Cape Town
Today is a free day for you to explore Cape Town at your own pace. Speak to your leader if you need some suggestions to help you plan your day. This evening, join your group for an African food and storytelling experience. You’ll explore the city through the eyes of local entrepreneurs and creatives, meeting the locals who run Cape Town’s restaurants, community kitchens, bookshops and tailors. Along the way, hear how migration and history have shaped this city’s diverse food scene, making stops to take part in four curated tastings at various eateries.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Cape Town - African Storytelling & Food Tour
DAY 12
Day 12 • Johannesburg
Say goodbye to Cape Town and take an unescorted flight to Johannesburg. When you arrive, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. You’ll have some free time before your second welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your new trip leader and the travellers joining you for the next leg of your adventure. After your meeting, why not head out for an optional group dinner and get to know your new group. Your leader can point you in the right direction with the best bar and restaurant recommendations.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Special information
As this is a combination trip, your trip leader and group members are likely to change today.
DAY 13
Day 13 • Kruger National Park
Leave Johannesburg early this morning and drive to Bourke’s Luck Potholes. These unusual, cylindrical rock formations have been carved by water erosion over centuries. Then, take in the views over Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world, and the Three Rondavels – a trio of peaks named for their resemblance to the traditional beehive-shaped dwellings found throughout Africa. Continue to Kruger National Park, keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way. There’s the option to go on a 4WD safari at sunset to see more of the local wildlife – sprawling over two million hectares, this is one of the best wildlife destinations in all of Africa.
Accommodation
Chalet (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Panorama Route - Bourke's Luck Potholes
Panorama Route - Three Rondavels
Optional activities
Kruger Park - Sunset 4WD Safari - ZAR1142
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
DAY 14
Day 14 • Kruger National Park
Head out early this morning to embark on a full-day 4WD safari in Kruger National Park. With an expert local guide, you’ll search for elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, elands and a variety of other iconic African wildlife across the park’s diverse landscapes, dotted with baobabs, wild date palms and fever trees with their distinctive yellow-green bark. Don’t forget to keep your eyes on the sky – you might see African hawk-eagles, lappet-faced vultures and martial eagles. This evening, get an introduction to an important part of South African cuisine when you head into the bush for a traditional braai (barbecue) dinner.
Accommodation
Chalet (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Kruger National Park - Full Day 4WD Safari
Kruger National Park - Bush Braai Dinner
DAY 15
Day 15 • Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
After breakfast, travel south, crossing the border into Eswatini. Continue to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, where you’ll settle into your accommodation, set among the sanctuary’s ancient hardwood trees in the lush Ezulwini Valley. This afternoon, you can opt to visit a Chief Village to learn more about traditional Swazi culture and gain insight into the way of life in rural Eswatini. Try your hand at braiding lutindzi grass or grinding maize and learn a few phrases in siSwati.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Optional activities
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary - Umphakatsi Village Visit - ZAR220
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
The border crossing between South Africa and Eswatini is generally very smooth, but occasionally there are delays. Come prepared with a good book just in case.
DAY 16
Day 16 • Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
This morning is free for you to explore Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary at your own pace. You might like to join an optional 4WD safari to see even more wildlife. This afternoon, join an expert ranger to explore the sanctuary on foot. Venture through the grasslands, forest and mountainside in search of rhinos, giraffes, elephants, wildebeest, impala and smaller critters like snakes, spiders, aardvarks and porcupines.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary - Guided Walking Safari
Optional activities
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary - Morning 4WD Safari - ZAR545
DAY 17
Day 17 • St Lucia
Leave Mlilwane early this morning and cross the border back into South Africa, headed to the St Lucia Estuary. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park, St Lucia is home to a vast diversity of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, leopards, monkeys and baboons. More than 500 bird species have been recorded here, including giant kingfishers, whiskered terns and African fish eagles. When you arrive, hop on a boat cruise along the estuary and look out for wildlife in the water and along the banks.
Accommodation
Lodge (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
St Lucia Estuary - Safari Boat Cruise
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
DAY 18
Day 18 • St Lucia
Embark on a 4WD safari through the eastern shores of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, keeping watch for rhinos, elephants, buffalo, antelopes and others. Next, continue to Cape Vidal, where forested dunes meet the Indian Ocean. You’ll have some time to relax on the sand or maybe go for a refreshing swim. This evening, you’ll have dinner with a local family. Get to know each other and learn about daily life in the area as you tuck into a home-cooked meal.
Accommodation
Lodge (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
St Lucia - Cape Vidal Beach Visit
St Lucia - iSimangaliso Wetland Park 4WD Safari
St Lucia - Local Family Dinner
DAY 19
Day 19 • Drakensberg
Say goodbye to St Lucia and make the scenic drive towards Drakensberg, passing rolling green hills, sugarcane fields and traditional Zulu homesteads. Along the way, you’ll make a stop at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site to learn about his arrest here in 1962 – a pivotal moment in South Africa’s history. Continue the drive, watching the landscape shift from lush valleys and farmland to wide-open grasslands and dramatic rocky peaks. Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon. You’ll have some time to relax or stretch your legs on one of the short walking trails nearby.
Accommodation
Lodge (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Nelson Mandela Capture Site - Guided Visit
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours.
DAY 20
Day 20 • Drakensberg
Set off on a full-day hike through the unforgettable landscapes of Drakensberg. Follow the Mahai Forest Loop through indigenous forest and sweeping mountain scenery, then stop at Gudu Falls. Descending into the Mahai Valley, pass through a cool forested area where the Mahai River flows. There will be plenty more spots where you can pause to take in the views of the surrounding peaks and valleys as you hike. Return to your lodge later this afternoon.
Accommodation
Lodge (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Drakensburg - Full Day Hike
Special information
Today's hike follows well established trails through indigenous forest, river valleys and mountain landscapes. The trail includes some steep and uneven sections and requires a reasonable level of fitness. Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes with good grip are recommended.
DAY 21
Day 21 • Johannesburg
After breakfast, make the drive to Johannesburg, where your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
Meals
Breakfast
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
You’ll be dropped off at the finishing point hotel listed in the Essential Trip Information. No accommodation is provided for tonight, but this can be arranged at the time of booking if you wish.
You'll arrive in Johannesburg at approximately 1 pm, and the airport is around a 30‑minute drive from the city. If you're catching an outgoing international flight today, we recommend booking flights departing no earlier than 5 pm to allow for any delays on the journey back to Johannesburg.

Inclusions

Transport

Private Vehicle, Boat, 4WD Safari Vehicle, Plane

Accommodation

Hotel (11 night), Chalets (2 nights) Guesthouse (1 night), Lodge (6 night)

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2. This is a combination trip made up of two shorter trips. This means your leader and the composition of your group may change on Day 12 as some group members leave and new ones join you.

3. The minimum age for this trip is 15 at the time of travel. Any travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, or in lieu of a legal guardian, by an escort over the age of 18, appointed by their legal guardian. The legal guardian or their designee will be responsible for the traveller under the age of 18 day to day care. If a legal guardian elects to designate an escort in their lieu, they will be required to complete and sign a relevant document to delegate their authority.

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