South Africa: From Cape Town to the Kruger Big Five
A complete journey through South Africa's most iconic landscapes, from the majestic Table Mountain in Cape Town to Big Five safaris in Kruger National Park, taking in the spectacular Garden Route and vibrant Johannesburg.
Description
South Africa is the most diverse destination on the African continent, and this 12-day itinerary covers its greatest highlights. It begins in Cape Town, where the imposing Table Mountain dominates the skyline. You will ride the cable car to the summit for panoramic views of the peninsula, the Atlantic beaches and the Indian Ocean. You will explore Cape Point, the southwestern tip of Africa where two oceans meet, and stroll among the endemic flora of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Cape Town you take the legendary Garden Route, one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world. You will travel through the landscapes of Wilderness with its lagoons and native forests, and arrive in Knysna, famous for its oysters, its lagoon and the cliffs of The Heads. You will continue on to Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa's third-largest park, home to more than 600 elephants and one of the few places where you can spot the Big Five in a single day. The journey then takes you to Johannesburg, the city of gold and Africa's economic engine. You will visit the essential Apartheid Museum, a moving journey through the country's recent history. Finally, Kruger National Park, one of the most celebrated wildlife reserves on the planet, where you will spend several days on guided safaris in search of lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalos in their natural habitat.
Health & safety
- No yellow fever certificate required if arriving from Europe or North America
- Malaria prophylaxis recommended for the Kruger area, especially from October to April
- Drink only bottled water in rural areas
- Use DEET mosquito repellent at dusk
- Travel insurance with medical coverage recommended
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Cape Town and Table Mountain
Cape Town
Arrival in Cape Town and Table Mountain
Arrival at Cape Town International Airport. Transfer to the hotel and ride up Table Mountain to enjoy panoramic views of the peninsula.
Table Mountain cable car ascent
Nature3hStroll along the V&A Waterfront
Entertainment2hCape Peninsula and Cape Point
Cape Peninsula
Cape Peninsula and Cape Point
Full-day excursion along the Cape Peninsula to Cape Point, passing beaches, cliffs and penguin colonies.
Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope visit
Nature4hPenguin colony at Boulders Beach
Nature2hKirstenbosch Botanical Garden and historic neighborhoods
Cape Town
Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and historic neighborhoods
Morning at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Afternoon exploring the colorful Bo-Kaap quarter and colonial architecture.
Visit to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Nature3hExploring the Bo-Kaap quarter
Culture2hGarden Route: Wilderness and Knysna
Garden Route
Garden Route: Wilderness and Knysna
Start of the Garden Route. A stop in Wilderness for a canoe trip on its lagoons, then on to the picturesque town of Knysna.
Canoe trip on the Wilderness lagoons
Nature3hSunset at The Heads in Knysna
Nature2hKnysna and on to Addo Elephant
Knysna and Addo Elephant National Park
Knysna and on to Addo Elephant
Morning in Knysna exploring the ancient forest. In the afternoon, transfer to Addo Elephant National Park for the first evening safari.
Hiking in the Knysna forest
Nature3hFirst safari in Addo Elephant NP
Nature3hFull-day safari in Addo Elephant
Addo Elephant National Park
Full-day safari in Addo Elephant
Full day of safari in Addo, one of the few parks where the Big Five can all be spotted. Dawn and dusk game drives.
Dawn safari in Addo
Nature4hAfternoon drive in Addo's southern section
Nature3hFlight to Johannesburg and the Apartheid Museum
Johannesburg
Flight to Johannesburg and the Apartheid Museum
Flight from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg. An afternoon immersed in South African history at the Apartheid Museum.
Flight to Johannesburg
Rest2hApartheid Museum
Culture3hSoweto and flight to Kruger
Soweto and Kruger National Park
Soweto and flight to Kruger
Morning exploring Soweto township. Evening flight to Kruger National Park to begin the ultimate safari experience.
Tour of Soweto
Culture3hFlight to Kruger and first night in the bush
Rest2hFull-day safari in Kruger: the Big Five
Kruger National Park
Full-day safari in Kruger: the Big Five
Full day of game viewing in Kruger National Park, Africa's most iconic wildlife sanctuary. Dawn departures and spotlight drives after dark.
Dawn safari in Kruger
Nature4hSpotlit night safari
Nature3hWalking safari and bush downtime
Kruger National Park
Walking safari and bush downtime
Walking safari with armed rangers to experience the savanna from ground level. Afternoon of relaxation at a lodge overlooking a waterhole.
Walking safari in Kruger
Nature3hAfternoon at a waterhole hide
Rest3hBlyde River Canyon and the Panorama Route
Blyde River Canyon
Blyde River Canyon and the Panorama Route
Excursion along the Panorama Route, one of South Africa's most scenic drives. Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes and God's Window.
God's Window and Bourke's Luck Potholes
Nature3hBlyde River Canyon and Three Rondavels
Nature3hFarewell to South Africa
Kruger National Park
Farewell to South Africa
Final dawn safari in Kruger. Transfer to Nelspruit airport for the flight back to Johannesburg and onward international connection.
Last dawn safari in Kruger
Nature3hAirport transfer
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