Kruger, Coast & Cape

Intrepid Travel · 22 days
Kruger, Coast & Cape
Kruger, Coast & Cape
Kruger, Coast & Cape
Kruger, Coast & Cape
Kruger, Coast & Cape
Kruger, Coast & Cape
Kruger, Coast & Cape
Kruger, Coast & Cape
Kruger, Coast & Cape
Kruger, Coast & Cape
Kruger, Coast & Cape
Kruger, Coast & Cape
Kruger, Coast & Cape
Kruger, Coast & Cape
Kruger, Coast & Cape
Kruger, Coast & Cape
Kruger, Coast & Cape
Kruger, Coast & Cape
22 Days
From AUD $4680
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


 (10 reviews)

Kruger, Coast & Cape

Kruger, Coast & Cape

Intrepid Travel · 22 days
4.4
10 Reviews
View Map
Duration

22 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Embark on an action-packed adventure through some of the most stunning scenery in southern Africa. In 22 days, head from Johannesburg to Cape Town on the spectacular coastal route, with plenty of epic stops along the way.

Highlights

  • Experience a once-in-a-lifetime chance to camp at the Black Mambas headquaters, the world's first all-female anti-poaching unit. Join them for a bush walk to search for snares and hear their inspiring stories around the campfire in the evening.
  • Enjoy a different perspectives for game viewing with a jeep safari in Kruger National Park, a guided hippo boat cruise on St Lucia Estuary, and a walking safari in Hlane Royal National Park.
  • Visit Cape Town's Boulder's Beach to watch the resident African Penguins waddle across the sandy shore that's framed by ancient granite boulders.
  • Rise early with your small group to watch wild meerkats wake and warm in the morning sun, before continuing south to Cape Town – South Africa’s third-oldest town.
  • Search for gentle giants on a game drive through Addo Elephant National Park.

Trip Details

Duration

22 days

Transportation

Overland vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Johannesburg, Lesotho

Finishes

Cape Town, Lesotho

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

Overland Expedition

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Johannesburg
Sawubona! Welcome Johannesburg, the sprawling South African capital. In Joburg (unlike a lot of city nicknames, this is one people actually use) mansions stand alongside humble tin abodes and there are as many green parks on the outskirts of the city as there is concrete jungle in the centre. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you can’t wait to begin exploring and arrive with time to spare, why not make your way to the Apartheid Museum and start your journey with some crucial history before you meet up with your group.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Greater Kruger National Park - Black Mambas HQ
Rise and shine for a long day’s drive to the outskirts of Kruger National Park where you'll be lucky enough to camp for the evening at the Black Mambas headquarters. The Intrepid Foundation is proudly partnered with Helping Rhinos, who directly support the work of the Black Mambas - the world's first all-female anti-poaching unit. Made up of a team of 36 young African women, the Mambas patrol 20,000 hectares of the Balule Nature Reserve, part of Greater Kruger National Park. Turning a traditionally male-dominated industry on its head, they’re putting their female prowess to work protecting Kruger National Park's wildlife in an unconventional way. You'll join them on a bush walk to learn how they find and destroy snares firsthand. Enjoy a special dinner by lantern light and later, relax by the campfire with the Mambas as they share stories about their path to becoming a Black Mamba and conservation work.

Included Activities:

  • Black Mambas HQ - Dinner
  • Black Mambas HQ - Campfire Story Time
  • Black Mambas HQ - Snare Walk

Accommodation:

  • Camping (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Kruger National Park
Wave goodbye to the Mambas and take a scenic drive along the famous Panorama Route through some of the most stunning scenery South Africa has to offer, such as Bourke’s Luck Potholes. In the evening, choose to relax at your camp, located in Kruger National Park, or perhaps head out on an optional night drive with the park guide. The optional night drives are a chance to spot nocturnal animals and perhaps even a night-time predator or two – maybe catch a lion or hyena out hunting, or perhaps an impala out in search of a late-night feed.

Included Activities:

  • Panorama Route - Blyde River Canyon Viewpoint
  • Panorama Route - Three Rondavels Viewpoint

Accommodation:

  • Camping (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Kruger National Park
Rise early and enjoy a light breakfast before heading out on 4x4 jeeps for a full-day game drive. Most of your day will be spent spotting game, birdwatching, and stopping at various waterholes and viewpoints to rest along the way. Kruger National Park is one of the largest National Parks in Southern Africa. It boasts over 500 bird species, 100 species of reptile and 150 mammal species, including the Big Five and the endangered African wild dog. Drive through some of Kruger’s prime game viewing areas on your way to camp and try to spot some of these amazing creatures straight away! Set up camp and get settled for the evening.

Included Activities:

  • Kruger National Park - 4WD Safari Full Day

Accommodation:

  • Camping (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Hlane Royal National Park
Start the day with a slow game drive through Kruger, covering between 20 and 70 kilometres (depending on what animals you see along the way) in the park then exiting by mid-morning. Hit the road towards Hlane Royal National Park. Travel south-east and cross the border into the kingdom of Eswatini, a country nestled between Mozambique, Northern Zululand and Mpumalanga. Arrive at Hlane Royal National Park, a vast expanse of bushveld with ancient hardwood trees, and begin exploring immediately on a guided game walk. The walking safari, led by a local guide, will give you the best understanding of how large and complex the ecosystem in this park is. With a professional ranger by your side, you’ll look out for animals like rhino, giraffe, and elephant while also searching for tiny creatures like snakes, spiders, and small mammals (don’t worry, there’s no lions in the section of the park where you’ll be walking). You’ll spend tonight at a camp within the national park.

Included Activities:

  • Hlane Royal National Park - Guided Walking Safari

Accommodation:

  • Camping (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Hlane Royal National Park
Today you’ll have the opportunity to further explore Hlane Royal National Park at your leisure. You might like to book an optional 4x4 game drive within the park, where you can expect to see all kinds of animals like antelopes, elephants, zebras, rhinos, and lions. Guided by a local Swazi guide, these drives typically take 2-2.5hrs either in the early morning or late afternoon. Another optional activity for today is to visit the Hlane Umphakatsi (Chief Village) - a tour of the authentic living homestead and opportunity to discover the Swazi way of life. You'll learn more about the traditional culture here, get to know the locals and even get a chance to try your hand at day-to-day activities. You’ll discover how Umphakatsi is a special village since it is one of the few with a female Chief: Inkhosikati.

Optional Activities:

  • Hlane National Park - Guided 4x4 Game Drive (455 ZAR)
  • Hlane National Park - Umphakatsi Village Visit (153 ZAR)

Accommodation:

  • Camping (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: St Lucia Estuary
Depart Hlane this morning and cross the border to Lake St Lucia, part of the St Lucia Estuary, stopping at a shop for supplies along the way. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1999, St Lucia Estuary is home to thousands of varieties of birds, mammals and reptiles, including hundreds of hippos and crocodiles. On arrival at camp, jump onboard a Hippo Boat Safari which offers a different perspective to traditional Game viewing with the chance to spot creatures cruising down the estuary, or basking on the banks.

Included Activities:

  • St Lucia Estuary - Safari Boat Cruise

Accommodation:

  • Camping (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: St Lucia Estuary
We'll take a day trip to Cape Vidal today for some time by the sand in the sun. Cape Vidal lies within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site and sits on the exquisite Zululand coast – home to a rich array of marine life. This area is visited seasonally by humpback whales during their migrations, as well as loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles that come to the beaches north of Cape Vidal from November to February to nest. You can spend the day relaxing on the beach or speak to your leader about booking some of the optional activities in the area. You’ll head back to your camp at Lake St Lucia this afternoon.

Included Activities:

  • Cape Vidal - Beach Day Trip

Accommodation:

  • Camping (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Durban
Today you'll travel to Durban – teeming with golden, sandy beaches and glitzy nightlife. Arriving at about midday, you'll have the rest of the day free to exploreat your own pace. For dinner, perhaps grab your group and head to Florida Road for traditional Bunny Chow or some fresh seafood – your group leader will be able to recommend their favourite spots.

Optional Activities:

  • Durban - Art Gallery - Free
  • Durban - Bay Cruise (240 ZAR)
  • Durban - Juma Masjid Mosque - Free

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Drakensberg
Leave Durban and travel inland towards the majestic Drakensberg mountain range this morning. Stop along the way at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site and learn about the history of this great man. Continue the journey to Drakensberg mountain chain. Your accommodation here is in twin rooms with an ensuite at a unique backpacker lodge in Drakensberg. After you’ve settled in, enjoy a drink with your travel group in the thatched-loft lounge room. You’ll also be able to check out the onsite pool, jacuzzi, barbeque and fire pit.

Included Activities:

  • Howick - Nelson Mandela Capture Site

Accommodation:

  • Backpacker Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
11
Day 11: Drakensberg
Today you'll enjoy a refreshing hike through an amazing array of flora and fauna. Drakensberg is Southern Africa's highest range – sitting at 3482 metres – and forms part of the border between South Africa and Lesotho. The range is often referred to locally as the Barrier of Spears or the Dragon Mountains. Today there are sure to be some amazing views and excellent photo opportunities.

Included Activities:

  • Drakensberg - Day Hike

Accommodation:

  • Backpacker Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
12
Day 12: Lesotho Highlands
Leaving Drakensberg behind, head into the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. Nestled like a small island in the middle of South Africa, Lesotho is commonly known as the 'Kingdom in the Sky' and has beautiful mountain ranges and endless hiking trails. Generally, the border crossing into Lesotho is quite smooth, but you may experience some delays, depending on the time of year. Drive past the Golden Gate Highlands National Park which is famous for its extraordinary sandstone rock formations. The park is also home to elands, zebras, mongooses and hundreds of bird species – keep your eyes peeled along the way.

Accommodation:

  • Basic Huts (shared facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
13
Day 13: Lesotho Highlands
Today you’ll have a variety of hikes to choose from. The Lesotho Highlands offer excellent hiking for all levels of fitness and skill, so depending on your experience, you should be able to choose one that allows you to get the most out of these stunning landscapes.

Optional Activities:

  • Lesotho - Bushman Painting Hike (60 ZAR)
  • Lesotho - Pitseng Canyon Hike - 6 hours (120 ZAR)
  • Lesotho - Village and Museum Walk (50 ZAR)

Accommodation:

  • Basic Huts (shared facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
14
Day 14: Wild Coast/Cintsa
Head to the stunning Wild Coast of South Africa and the charming little coastal town of Cintsa. Cintsa and its surrounding region are home to Xhosa communities, whose lifestyle is deeply rooted in tribal traditions and customs. Arriving in the late afternoon, you'll have time to relax and freshen up before dinner.

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
15
Day 15: Wild Coast/Cintsa
Today you can enjoy some free time to explore the town, relax on the stunning beaches or book one of the many optional activities on offer. You might like to go hiking or mountain biking in the hinterland, hire a canoe to explore the Cintsa River or book in for a surfing lesson! Be sure to check in with your group leader to get their recommendations.

Optional Activities:

  • Cintsa - Village Tour (235 ZAR)
  • Cinsta - Canoe Hire - Free

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
16
Day 16: Addo Elephant National Park
Today you'll travel on to Addo Elephant National Park which was created in 1931 to protect the region's eleven remaining elephants. A true success story in conservation - today there are over 450 elephants in the park, as well as Cape buffalo, black rhinos, all kinds of antelopes and even the unique flightless dung beetle. On arrival, you'll take an afternoon game drive with your group and try to spot some of these resident creatures, among others, from your truck.

Included Activities:

  • Addo Elephant National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive

Optional Activities:

  • Addo Elephant National Park - Night game drive (480 ZAR)

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
17
Day 17: Garden Route / Tsitsikamma National Park
Wake early and enjoy another game drive in Addo Elephant National Park in an overland vehicle. Afterwards, begin your journey along the Garden Route, the first stop being Tsitsikamma National Park. Steep ancient forests meet the breakers of the Indian Ocean at this park, protecting both land and sea. It's a spectacular place for walking and viewing wildlife. Your group leader will take you to a local activity centre where a range of activities will be on offer, some of which you may like to book for your free day tomorrow.

Included Activities:

  • Addo Elephant National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
18
Day 18: Tsitsikamma National Park
With another day in Tsitsikamma, you’ll have more time to explore this magnificent national park. Cape clawless otters, dolphins, tortoises and southern right whales (depending on the season) are all visitors here, along with baboons, monkeys and a heap of birdlife. See how many of them you can spot on a range of hiking trails, including those to the Stormsriver Mouth and waterfalls.

Optional Activities:

  • Tsitsikamma - Stormsriver Mouth Hike - Free
  • Tsitsikamma - Waterfall Trail - Free

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
19
Day 19: Garden Route / Oudtshoorn
Head out across the arid Karoo region bound for Oudtshoorn. You'll stop at Knysna on the way to stretch your legs and explore this hamlet with a gorgeous lagoon. Travel on to the Cango Caves, where you’ll have time to explore the weird and wonderful rock formations – one is ‘Cleopatra's Needle’, standing at 29 feet high and at least 150,000 years old. Your local guide will give you all the ins-and-outs of their formation and history. Continue on to Oudtshoorn, known as the ostrich capital of the world. At the turn of the 20th century, it was full of 'feather barons' that grew rich from the popularity of ostrich feathers.

Included Activities:

  • Oudtshoorn - Cango Caves Guided Tour

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
20
Day 20: Cape Town
Rise and shine very early this morning to spend some time with wild meerkats, part of the so-called 'Shy 5'. Head to their burrow, pull up a chair and sip coffee while the sun comes up and the meerkats climb out into the sunshine. You’ll have time to watch these habituated wild animals, which are never fed or handled by humans, go about their daily routine of foraging and frolicking. Then it's on to Cape Town, the beachside city you'll call home for the next two nights. Maybe head out for some beautiful views of Table Mountain, choose from one of the hip restaurants and bars for dinner or meander around the historical buildings.

Included Activities:

  • Oudtshoorn - Meerkat Experience

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
21
Day 21: Cape Town
Today, you'll visit Boulder's Beach to watch the resident penguins waddle across this beautiful beach framed by ancient granite boulders. The rest of the day is yours to explore Cape Town however you wish. With sweeping views across the city and the ocean below, you might like to make your way to the top of Table Mountain. Whether you choose to chill out and enjoy the city's famous cable car to reach the top or strap on your walking shoes and get hiking - we'll leave it up to you. Otherwise, take your time simply exploring this beachside city, perhaps sipping local wines and dining by the oceanfront.

Included Activities:

  • Cape Town - Boulder Beach Penguins

Optional Activities:

  • Cape Town - Table Mountain Aerial Cable (380 ZAR)
  • Cape Town - Robben Island tour (550 ZAR)
  • Cape Town - Harbour cruise (200 ZAR)
  • Cape Town - Table Mountain Hike (1600 ZAR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
22
Day 22: Cape Town
Your South African adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. There's no accommodation provided for tonight, but this can be arranged – please enquire at the time of booking this trip.

Optional Activities:

  • Cape Town - Table Mountain Hike (1600 ZAR)
  • Cape Town - Best of the Cape Combo Tour - Full Day (2000 ZAR)
  • Cape Town - Cape Peninsula and SUP Tour - Full Day (2100 ZAR)
  • Cape Town - Robben Island Ferry & Table Mountain Tour - Full Day (1800 ZAR)
  • Cape Town - Winelands Tour - Full Day (1800 ZAR)
  • Cape Town - Winelands Tour - Half Day (1350 ZAR)
  • Cape Town - Cape Peninsula & Table Mountain Tour - Full Day (2000 ZAR)
  • Cape Town - Cape Malay Cooking Tour - Half Day (1200 ZAR)
  • Cape Town - Township Experience - Half Day (965 ZAR)
  • Cape Town - City and Waterfront Tour - Half Day (1100 ZAR)
  • Cape Town - Cape Peninsula & Kirstenbosch Tour - Full Day (2000 ZAR)
  • Cape Town - District Six & Bo-Kapp Cultural Tour - Half Day (965 ZAR)
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $4,680
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 22 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Embark on an action-packed adventure through some of the most stunning scenery in southern Africa. In 22 days, head from Johannesburg to Cape Town on the spectacular coastal route, with plenty of epic stops along the way.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 29 Nov 2025

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
Ryan
Traveled, February 2025

03/07/2025

I had an amazing trip and highly recommend it! We were able to visit many places and witness the breathtaking beauty of South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini.

4.5
Angela
Traveled, December 2024

12/30/2024

I would just like to say that I had a fantastic Trip, Kruger & Coast & Garden Route, that I have just got back from. I would like to thank Sandile our Guide, and also a big thank you to Ricardo our Cook, for looking after me with my health & dietary needs, will definitely use Intrepid again, thank you.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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