10 Days Johannesburg to Cape Town via Kruger and Garden Route

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Depart from Johannesburg at 8.30am and travel through Mpumalanga to Kruger National Park⌄

   Depart from Johannesburg and travel through Mpumalanga to Kruger National Park. The route takes you through the scenic province of Mpumalanga, known for its lush landscapes, waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints. This route not only leads to one of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves, but also offers breathtaking views along the way, including parts of the Panorama Route.

   Overnight: Overnight at Kruger Adventure Lodge in Kruger National Park or similar

2. 2Full day safari at Kruger National Park⌄

   A full day safari at Kruger National Park offers an extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the African wilderness and witness wildlife in their natural habitat. The day typically begins early, around sunrise, when animals are most active—ideal for spotting members of the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. As the day unfolds, your experienced guide navigates through diverse ecosystems, from open savannahs to dense bushveld, maximizing your chances of seeing a wide variety of species including giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and over 500 bird species. The safari includes stops at rest camps for meals and refreshments, providing a break and a chance to stretch before continuing the adventure.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight at Kruger Adventure Lodge or similar

3. 3Depart from Kruger National Park and travel to Isimangaliso Wetlands Park⌄

   Depart from Kruger National Park and travel to Isimangaliso Wetlands Park. Departing from Kruger National Park, your journey to iSimangaliso Wetland Park takes you southward through the diverse landscapes of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal. As you travel, the scenery shifts from the wildlife-rich Lowveld to rolling hills, sugarcane fields, and lush subtropical coastlines. This route offers opportunities to stop at highlights such as Barberton, Piet Retief, and more. Upon arrival at iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you're greeted by a unique ecosystem where savannah, wetlands, and coastal dunes converge, offering rare wildlife, pristine beaches, and aquatic adventures like hippo and crocodile boat cruises.

   Go for a Hippo and Croc Boat Cruise in St Lucia Estuary. Enjoy a Hippo and Croc Boat Cruise on the St Lucia Estuary, part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This guided tour takes you along the serene waters where you can observe large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles basking on the banks, and a variety of birdlife such as fish eagles and kingfishers.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight at St Lucia Palms or similar in St Lucia, Isimangaliso

4. 4Travel to Durban. Visit Victoria Market and Durban Promenade⌄

   Visit Victoria Market and Durban Promenade. Exploring Durban's vibrant culture and scenic coastline offers a delightful experience. Two must-visit attractions are the Victoria Street Market and the Durban Beachfront Promenade, each offering unique insights into the city's rich heritage and natural beauty.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight at the Parade Beachfront Hotel or similar in Durban

5. 5Visit Howick Falls. Visit Mandela Capture Site. Travel to the Drakensberg Mountains⌄

   Visit Howick Falls. Visiting Howick Falls in KwaZulu-Natal offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and local charm. Known in Zulu as KwaNogqaza, meaning "Place of the Tall One," this impressive waterfall plunges approximately 95 meters (311 feet) into a turbulent pool below .

   Visit Mandela Capture Site. Visiting the Nelson Mandela Capture Site in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, offers a profound journey into South Africa's history and the life of one of its most iconic leaders. This site marks the location where Nelson Mandela was arrested on 5 August 1962, an event that led to his 27-year imprisonment and became a pivotal moment in the struggle against apartheid.

   Visit Southern Drakensberg Mountains. Visit the Southern Drakensberg Mountains for a breathtaking encounter with one of South Africa’s most scenic and pristine wilderness areas. This region, part of the UNESCO-listed uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, is known for its dramatic peaks

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight at a hotel or lodge in Kokstad

6. 6Visit Mthatha Museum. Visit Mvezo. Travel to East London and visit beaches here⌄

   Visit Mandela Museum in Mthatha. Visiting the Nelson Mandela Museum in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, offers a profound insight into the life and legacy of South Africa's iconic leader.

   Visit Mvezo, Mandela birthplace. Visiting Mvezo, the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, offers a profound journey into the early life of South Africa's iconic leader.

   Visit East London. See the beaches. East London, situated along South Africa’s Eastern Cape, is renowned for its pristine beaches, vibrant surf culture, and family-friendly coastal charm.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight at the Premier Hotel East London or similar

7. 7Visit Port Alfred. Visit Addo National Park. Travel to Port Elizabeth.⌄

   Visit Port Alfred. Port Alfred, nestled along South Africa's Sunshine Coast, offers a delightful mix of pristine beaches, rich history, and outdoor adventures.

   Visit Addo Elephant National Park. Addo Elephant National Park, located in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, is a premier wildlife destination renowned for its dense elephant population and diverse ecosystems. Established in 1931 to protect the remaining 11 elephants in the area, the park has expanded significantly and now encompasses over 1,640 square kilometers, offering a sanctuary to a wide array of wildlife including the big 5. Today it boasts over 800 herd of elephant.

   Visit Port Elizabeth. Port Elizabeth, officially known as Gqeberha, is a vibrant coastal city in South Africa's Eastern Cape province. Renowned for its rich history, diverse wildlife, and stunning beaches, it offers a plethora of activities for visitors. Spend the night here.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight at Kelway Hotel or similar in Port Elizabeth

8. 8Visit Robberg Nature Reserve. Visit Plettenberg Bay. Visit Knysna Heads. Visit Knysna Lagoon. Explore Garden Route⌄

   Visit Robberg Nature Reserve and do hiking. Robberg Nature Reserve, located just 8 km south of Plettenberg Bay along South Africa’s Garden Route, offers some of the most scenic and diverse coastal hiking experiences in the country. Managed by CapeNature, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, rich biodiversity, and archaeological sites dating back to the Stone Age.

   Visit Plettenberg Bay and see its beaches. Plettenberg Bay, affectionately known as "Plett," is a coastal gem along South Africa’s Garden Route, celebrated for its pristine beaches, diverse marine life, and scenic beauty. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or family-friendly fun, Plett's beaches offer something for everyone.

   Visit Knysna Heads. The Knysna Heads are two majestic sandstone cliffs that mark the entrance to the Knysna Lagoon from the Indian Ocean. These iconic formations are among the most photographed natural landmarks along South Africa’s Garden Route, offering breathtaking views and a variety of activities for visitors.

   Visit Knysna Quays and Knysna Lagoon. Knysna Quays and the Knysna Lagoon are central to the charm of this Garden Route town, offering a blend of leisure, adventure, and natural beauty.

   Explore the Garden Route area. Explore the breathtaking views.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight at Knysna Paradise Guesthouse or similar

9. 9Visit Cape Agulhas - Africa' s southern most tip where the 2 oceans meet. Visit Hermanus⌄

   Visit Cape Agulhas - Africa' s southern most tip where the 2 oceans meet. Cape Agulhas, located in South Africa's Western Cape, is the continent's southernmost point and the official meeting place of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, as recognized by the International Hydrographic Organization. This distinction sets it apart from the Cape of Good Hope, which is often mistakenly believed to hold this title

   Visit Hermanus. Hermanus, nestled along South Africa’s scenic Whale Coast, is a captivating destination renowned for its natural beauty, marine life, and vibrant culture. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or culinary delights, Hermanus offers a diverse array of experiences. Overnight in Hermanus.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight at a hotel or lodge in Hermanus

10. 10Visit Benguela Cove Wine Estate. Visit Betty's Bay to see African Penguins. Travel to Cape Town⌄

    Visit Benguela Cove Wine Estate for Wine tasting. Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate, situated along the scenic R43 between Cape Town and Hermanus, offers a premier wine tasting experience in the Walker Bay region. Renowned for its ocean-facing vineyards and award-winning wines, the estate provides a luxurious setting for both casual visitors and wine enthusiasts.

    Visit Betty's Bay to see the African Penguins. Visiting the African penguin colony at Stony Point Nature Reserve in Betty’s Bay offers a unique opportunity to observe these charismatic birds in their natural habitat. As one of only two mainland breeding colonies of African penguins in South Africa, Stony Point provides an intimate and accessible wildlife experience.

    Travel on the Whale Coast Route to Cape Town. Embarking on the Whale Coast Route from Hermanus to Cape Town offers a scenic and enriching journey through the Western Cape's coastal beauty.

    Meals: Breakfast