Explore South Africa Cape & Kruger in 11 Days

Tour of South Africa, including wildlife spotting in Kruger and the chance to explore Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Itinerary

Explore South Africa by landing in Johannesburg and admire its mixture of both historic and ultra-modern architecture. Get to know the wild side of South Africa as you embark on game drives in the Kruger National Park. Fall in love with Cape Town, explore Pretoria and discover the beauty of the Cape Peninsula on an unforgettable journey through the most iconic destinations of this diverse nation.

Day 1: Night on Flight to Johannesburg

If your outbound flight leaves at dawn (before 4:00am) you must arrive at the airport the night before the departure day.

Day 2: Johannesburg

Arrive in Johannesburg International Airport and take the shuttle bus to the hotel. The next day, a transfer will pick you up at the hotel to start your journey to Kruger National Park. Depending on the time of your flight arrival, spend the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the city and its diverse and vibrant neighborhoods. Immerse yourself in the lively food scene and pop-up eateries.

The city is a real cultural hub and a great place to catch live music performances, so why not head and indulge in trendy bars and restaurants and soak up the atmosphere. Overnight stay in Johannesburg. Enhance your itinerary by adding a Gastronomic Package that includes two meals in top restaurants in Cape Town, a Bo-Kaap Cooking Tour, and the Cape Winelands excursion, offering a unique opportunity to experience local culture, cuisine, and scenic landscapes.

Optional activities: Gastronomic package of 4 excursions, Early check-in Johannesburg, Pick Up & Private Transfer from the JNB Airport to the hotel.

Day 3: Johannesburg – Pretoria – Kruger National Park

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you will embark on a scenic drive from Johannesburg toward the Kruger region. Your journey begins with a stop in Pretoria, where you will have the opportunity to view the exterior of the Union Buildings—the impressive official headquarters of the South African government.

As you continue your route, the bustling cityscapes gradually give way to the tranquil Highveld. Approaching the Kruger area, you’ll be greeted by the lush, vibrant scenery and unique flora of the Lowveld, marking a distinct transition from the cooler highlands to a warm, subtropical climate that sets the stage for the exciting safari adventure ahead. Overnight stay in the Kruger region.

Important: Please note that the total transfer time is approximately 5 to 6 hours, which includes one refreshment stop along the way. At this stop, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase food to take with you and use the restroom facilities.

Accommodation Options for Days 3-6:

Included activity: Union Buildings Visit in Pretoria. Stop at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, the official headquarters of South African government.

Day 4: Kruger National Park

Get ready for an excitement-filled day, as you enjoy a full-day 4×4 Game Drive at Kruger National Park.

Enjoy breakfast on the go as you begin the day early on a sunrise safari! Head to the southern area of South Africa’s most famous game reserve, the iconic Southern Circle, renowned for observing lions and rhinos. Around midday, stop for lunch (not included) at a designated vehicle rest stop that has a restaurant.

In the afternoon, discover the amazing diversity of animals in one of the world’s largest reserves, on a game drive through Kruger National Park. End your day with a well-deserved dinner and rest. Overnight stay in Kruger region.

Please note: bring comfortable shoes, a warm and rainproof jacket, sunhat, sun cream and a camera to capture the beautiful wildlife.

Included activity: Full-Day 4×4 Game Drive at Kruger National Park

Day 5: Kruger National Park

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy today at leisure as you explore the beautiful natural landscapes of Kruger and White River independently. Why not join a guided bush walk, have a bite at one of the designated picnic spots or grab your binoculars and head out bird-watching.

We recommend an optional Full-Day Safari in Kruger National Park to experience more of its wildlife-rich ecosystems*. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in Kruger region.

*Optional Full-Day Safari in Kruger National Park: Set off on an unforgettable excursion to explore the wilds of Kruger! Look out for the Big 5 as you take a slow drive through the national park. Home to elephants, buffalos, giraffes, impalas, zebras and, of course, lions, you’ve got a great chance to see various species up close. Packed lunch included. (11 hours)

Day 6: Kruger National Park – Johannesburg – Cape Town

Breakfast at the hotel. It’s time to head back to civilization today to continue with your South African experience. You will travel by road* back to Johannesburg, heading directly to the airport to catch your flight to Cape Town. This vibrant and picturesque city, located at the southwestern tip of South Africa, is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse cultures, and rich history.

Arrive and transfer to your hotel for check in. Overnight stay in Cape Town.

*Please note: The journey today takes approximately 7-8 hours by road and includes stops along the way for lunch (at own expense) and sightseeing. There will be no accompanying guide for this journey so take the opportunity to enjoy the passing landscapes as you travel through some of the most spectacular regions in South Africa.

Accommodation Options for Days 6-9:

Day 7: Cape Town

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy the hop on hop off bus ticket in Cape Town. It’s the best way to see the city independently, as you decide when to hop on and when to hop off the bus! With over 30 possible stops, pick your favourite attractions and move about the city at your own pace.

In the afternoon, take the Cableway and go up to Table Mountain to behold one of Africa’s most breathtaking views. Enjoy incredible sights across the city, coastline, and surrounding landscapes. Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in Cape Town.

Included activity: Hop On – Hop Off City Bus & Table Mountain Cable Car

Day 8: Cape Town

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, the day is yours to continue discovering Cape Town independently. For those looking to enhance their experience, we recommend choosing one of our exciting optional excursions. You may opt for the Cape Winelands excursion to the renowned wine-producing region in South Africa, known for its picturesque landscapes, historic vineyards, and world-class wines. Alternatively, for a truly thrilling adventure, you can take part in our Shark Cage Diving experience**, an unforgettable opportunity to step into a floating cage off the coast and come face-to-face with great whites and other marine life near Cape Point. Overnight stay in Cape Town.

*Optional Cape Winelands excursion: Set off into the lush Winelands outside of Cape Town and visit the wine producers in Stellenbosch. Enjoy a mix of wine tastings, stunning scenery, cultural experiences and an exclusive cellar tour.

**Optional Shark Cage Diving: Step into a floating cage off Cape Town’s coast and come face-to-face with Great Whites, rays, and more. It’s the ultimate ocean adventure!
Please note: These optional activities are not combinable. You must choose one of the two experiences.

Day 9: Cape Town

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy another free day today, where you can continue discovering the city at your own pace. If you want to make the most out of your trip, we recommend the optional full-day tour of Cape Peninsula, a paradise of vineyards, coastal seal and penguin colonies!* Overnight stay in Cape Town.

*Optional full-day Cape Peninsula excursion: Enjoy the delights of Cape Peninsula including; Clifton, Camps Bay, Llandudno and the amazing Twelve Apostles. Pass through Noordhoek and observe local ostriches before visiting the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point. Fall in love with the penguin colony, Boulder’s Beach and see Simons Town and Muizenberg Beach.

Day 10: Cape Town – Night on board

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Night on board. *Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

Day 11: Arrive in the US and end your trip.

Included:

• Departures from main US airports.
• International flights: US – Johannesburg, Cape Town – US.
• Flights: Johannesburg – Cape Town.
• 8 nights hotel accommodation in specified category hotels.
• 8 breakfasts and 3 dinners.
• All transfers included with an English speaker-driver, except the self-shuttle hotel transfer from the airport to the hotel on arrival.
• Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
• All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
• This is not a fully guided tour. You will be accompanied by a guide during the Kruger National Park safari only and during any optional excursions if you choose to take them.
• Safari in Kruger National Park with an English-speaking guide.
• Enjoy a full-day safari in South Africa’s most famous game reserve. Take your chance to observe local wildlife in their native habitat.
• Admire the stunning natural beauty, vineyards, and coastal seal and penguin colonies as you explore Cape Peninsula’s top spots, including Clifton, Camps Bay, and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.
• Union Buildings Visit in Pretoria
• Full-Day 4×4 Game Drive at Kruger National Park
• Hop On – Hop Off City Bus & Table Mountain Cable Car

Optional:

• Cancellation coverage: Flex+ $462 per person
• Gastronomic package of 4 excursions: $426 per person
• Early check-in Johannesburg: $79.50 per person
• Pick Up & Private Transfer from the JNB Airport to the hotel – Charm: $21 per person
• Winelands Visit and Wine Tasting Full Day: $106.50 per person
• Shark Cage Diving : $181.50 per person

Not Included:

Drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what’s included. The airport transfer on departure is not included when adding additional nights to the itinerary. If required, a departure airport transfer can be added for an additional cost.