South Africa: 12-Day Cape Town to Johannesburg Tour

Overview

This 12-day guided tour travels from Cape Town to Johannesburg, ideal for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts seeking coastal towns, game reserves and hiking experiences.

Highlights

• See African Penguins at Betty's Bay and taste wine at Benguela Cove
• Hike in Robberg Nature Reserve and Drakensberg Mountains
• Visit Knysna Heads and explore Knysna Waterfront
• Game drives in Kruger National Park and Addo National Park to see the Big 5
• Hippo and Crocodile Boat Cruise in St Lucia Estuary within iSimangaliso Wetlands Park

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Depart Cape Town and drive along the coast to Betty’s Bay to see endangered African Penguins. Visit Benguela Cove wine estate for a five-wine tasting experience. Continue to Hermanus, known for whale watching.

Day 2: Travel along the Garden Route to Knysna. Hike in Robberg Nature Reserve, spotting seals and dolphins along coastal trails. Visit beaches in Plettenberg Bay, see the Knysna Heads where the lagoon meets the sea, and explore the Knysna Waterfront and Lagoon.

Day 3: Drive to Port Elizabeth with a stop at Bloukrans Bridge, home to the world’s highest bungy jump (216m) - at your own cost. Visit Addo National Park for a game drive to see the Big 5 and other wildlife including zebras and impalas.

Day 4: Travel to East London through the Eastern Cape and enjoy the region’s beaches.

Day 5: Head to Mthatha, the Eastern Cape’s cultural center, and visit the Nelson Mandela Museum.

Day 6: Travel to the Drakensberg Mountains and hike this renowned mountain range.

Day 7: Arrive in Durban and spend the afternoon exploring the Golden Mile beachfront, cultural attractions and local cuisine.

Day 8: Visit iSimangaliso Wetlands Park and take a Hippo and Crocodile Boat Cruise on the St Lucia Estuary.

Day 9: Journey through Mpumalanga Province toward Kruger National Park, meeting locals along the way.

Day 10: Full-day safari in Kruger National Park to see the Big 5 and diverse wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, kudus and impalas.

Day 11: Tour Blyde River Canyon, including Three Rondavels rock formations, God’s Window viewpoint and Bourke's Luck Potholes.

Day 12: Travel through Mpumalanga Province to Johannesburg, concluding the tour by approximately 5pm.

Includes

• 11 nights bed and breakfast accommodation
• Game drives in Addo National Park and Kruger National Park
• Hiking in Robberg Nature Reserve and Drakensberg Mountains
• Wine tasting at Benguela Cove
• Hippo and Crocodile Boat Cruise in iSimangaliso Wetlands Park
• Durban city tour
• Tours of Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes and Three Rondavels
• Entrance fees for all mentioned parks and nature reserves
• Pick up in Cape Town and drop off in Johannesburg

Excludes

• Meals and drinks not specified
• Personal expenses
• Tips
• World’s highest bungy jump at Bloukrans Bridge

Important Information

• A moderate level of fitness is required for hiking activities
• Weather conditions may change; plan accordingly

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To get the most from this tour, bring comfortable hiking shoes, sun protection, binoculars for wildlife viewing and a camera. The best time to visit is during South Africa’s spring and autumn months for mild weather and active wildlife.