South Africa holidays, Johannesburg to the Cape
| country: | South Africa |
| location: | Kruger National Park, Western Cape |
| trip type: | A small group adventure |
| departures: | 2010: 16 Sep, 21 Oct, 4 Nov, 9 Dec, 23 Dec 2011: 27 Jan, 10 Feb, 17 Mar, 31 Mar, 14 Apr, 19 May, 9 Jun, 7 Jul, 28 Jul, 25 Aug, 15 Sep, 13 Oct, 3 Nov, 1 Dec, 22 Dec |
| price: | From £1949 - £2449 (21 days) per adult and from £1819 - £2179 per child including flights from the UK. From £1249 - £1299 per adult and from £1249 - £1299 per child excluding flights. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
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| Holiday Details |  6 reviews |
"Amongst all the exciting wildlife to be seen on this trip, another highlight would be the dramatic landscapes of the rugged Drakensberg Mountains and the exhilaration of camping 20ft from the sea! After such a thrill, relaxing in waterfalls at Tsitsikama National Park would also be a very welcome activity."
- Lisa, responsibletravel.com
- Lisa, responsibletravel.com
South Africa holidays, Johannesburg to the Cape
This trip offers you a great introduction to three fascinating countries, with a good balance of wildlife, culture and activity. You enjoy some superb game viewing in South Africa's national parks, visiting Kruger, Mkuzi and Addo Elephant Park. Swaziland's Malolotja reserve, the Drakensberg and Lesotho offer great hiking opportunities and spectacular scenery. The Cape region offers wonderful sightseeing, from visiting a vineyard to climbing Table Mountain and venturing to the Cape of Good Hope.
Big Game & Zulus
In the immense wilderness of South Africa’s national parks you should see elephant, lion, zebra, giraffe and a whole host of other wildlife on a series of game drives. You will also have a glimpse of authentic Zulu culture in a local village. In Malolotja you can walk through Swaziland’s hills and Mkuzi offers excellent rhino viewing.
Mountains, Karoo & Garden Route
Two nights in the stunning Drakensberg range, where you’ll walk in fantastic scenery, are followed by exploration of Lesotho's highlands and the semi-desert of the Karoo. From Addo Elephant NP you join the classic Garden Route at Tsitsikamma NP. Inland you’ll visit the wineries at Stellenbosch before going to Cape Town to enjoy Table Mountain, Cape Point and many other highlights.
Don’t like camping?
Kruger, Mountains & Cape 19 days ref. SH. Following a similar itinerary to our Johannesburg to the Cape trip, instead of camping you’ll stay in an interesting mix of hotel, cabin, chalet and permanent tented lodge accommodation.
Big Game & Zulus
In the immense wilderness of South Africa’s national parks you should see elephant, lion, zebra, giraffe and a whole host of other wildlife on a series of game drives. You will also have a glimpse of authentic Zulu culture in a local village. In Malolotja you can walk through Swaziland’s hills and Mkuzi offers excellent rhino viewing.
Mountains, Karoo & Garden Route
Two nights in the stunning Drakensberg range, where you’ll walk in fantastic scenery, are followed by exploration of Lesotho's highlands and the semi-desert of the Karoo. From Addo Elephant NP you join the classic Garden Route at Tsitsikamma NP. Inland you’ll visit the wineries at Stellenbosch before going to Cape Town to enjoy Table Mountain, Cape Point and many other highlights.
Don’t like camping?
Kruger, Mountains & Cape 19 days ref. SH. Following a similar itinerary to our Johannesburg to the Cape trip, instead of camping you’ll stay in an interesting mix of hotel, cabin, chalet and permanent tented lodge accommodation.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Fly to Johannesburg Direct overnight flight to Johannesburg. |
| Day 2: | Johannesburg; free day After your flight, you transfer (approx. 30 minutes) to your first night’s accommodation. Johannesburg lies at the centre of the Witwatersrand, literally meaning ‘ridge of white waters’. It was on this ridge that the world’s richest gold reef was discovered little more than 100 years ago. Jo’burg or E’Goli ‘the City of Gold’ is the heart of the nation of South Africa. In the afternoon, you could take a guided tour of the famous township of Soweto (own expense). Hotel - 1 night Please make sure that if you explore Johannesburg on your own that you take advice of where it is safe to walk, especially in the evening. There have been isolated attempts of robbery in recent times and although unpredictable the risk of these can be minimised by taking local advice. |
| Day 3: | Mpumalanga; Pilgrim’s Rest Today you rise early and after a briefing with your Group Leader (approx. 6.30 am), you load the vehicle and make your way down from the temperate, rolling plateau of the high veld, over the escarpment to the sub-tropical Mpumalanga. You have a picnic lunch and the afternoon to enjoy the stunning scenery, many beautiful waterfalls and unique flora of this area. There will be time to stretch your legs with short walks to the natural rock pools of Mac Mac Falls and to God’s Window, which offers magnificent views over the Blyde River Canyon. (Approx. 6 ½ hours driving in total today). Tonight you stay at the fascinating old goldrush town of Pilgrim’s Rest where it is easy to imagine the lives of the miners and their families who worked the small alluvial claims at the end of the last century. Camp - 1 night (LD) |
| Day 4-5: | Kruger National Park; game drives This morning after breakfast in camp, your route continues through forestry plantations to Kruger National Park (approx. 3 hours drive), one of the great natural sanctuaries of the world. This is a beautiful area of savannah bushveld broken by rocky outcrops and riverine forest. Cameras and binoculars at the ready, you make your way to the camp where you‘ll spend the next two days. During your stay you’ll hopefully see much of the ‘big game’ of the park: elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard, and many more of the 147 species of mammal the park boasts. Bird lovers will delight in over 500 species including the beautiful lilac-breasted roller and African fish eagle, whose evocative cry is probably the best known of any African bird. After settling into your camp and enjoying lunch, there’s time to relax, take in your surroundings and enjoy the peace of the African bush. Mid-afternoon you take a game drive, perhaps to a water hole, and observe the animals coming down to drink after the heat of the day. You return to camp before dusk and that night enjoy your first ‘braai’ (barbecue) in the bush. Sitting around the campfire you may hear the low roar of lion and the unearthly chatter of hyena. The following day you rise just before dawn to take an early morning game drive, when the animals are most active. Stopping en route at a picnic spot to cook an eagerly awaited breakfast, you may share a few crumbs with the ubiquitous Cape glossy starling. Back at the camp there’s time to laze in the midday heat and, as the day cools, you take another short game drive before dinner, when you’ll have a chance to relive the excitement of the wildlife spotted today. For those not wishing to miss out on the opportunity of catching glimpses of the numerous nocturnal species that exist in the park, there is the option of a night game drive before or after dinner. Camp - 2 nights (Bx2, Lx2, Dx2) |
| Day 6: | Malolotja Reserve, Swaziland; explore on foot Saying goodbye to Kruger, you pass plantations of sugar cane, mango and paw-paw and cross the border into the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland (total driving time about 6 hours, including game drives, plus a border stop and lunch. Time is dependent on where we stay in Kruger). The Swazi nation is one of the most handsome and colourfully dressed of all African people and they are intensely proud of their country. After a pause for lunch, the drive to the western highlands soon leads you to the impressive Malolotja Nature Reserve. The superb mountain scenery, which you’ll explore on foot this afternoon (Approx. 2-3 hours walking), including the protected breeding grounds of the bald ibis and the blue swallow, qualifies Malalotja as one of the leading nature reserves in Southern Africa. Cabins with shared bathrooms - 1 night (BLD) |
| Day 7-8: | Mkuzi Game Reserve- Zululand; game drive This morning you can stop to explore Mbabane’s craft stalls where traditional Swazi grass mats, baskets, prints, cloths, wooden masks and ornaments tempt you to buy! Leaving the Kingdom behind, you cross back over the border to Zululand (total journey time about 8½ hours including game drives, a border stop, shopping stop and lunch). The last 20km or so of today’s drive is on dirt road but you soon reach Mkuzi Game Reserve, one of the last safe havens for the endangered black rhino, set between the Lebombo mountains and riverine forest. On your game drive you’ll visit a hide and view game at one of the waterholes. Camp - 2 nights (Bx2, Lx2, Dx2) |
| Day 9: | Drakensberg Mountains Today you drive (about seven hours driving with an extra hour for lunch) through villages and rolling hills towards the great mountain escarpment the Zulus referred to as the ‘Barrier of Spears’ – the Drakensberg Mountains. Carved by many fast-flowing rivers, this area of waterfalls and silent, fern-filled forests is a paradise for hikers. Camping - 2 nights (BLD) |
| Day 10: | Drakensberg Mountains; hikes Today you spend the whole day walking in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Drakensberg Park. Designated a World Heritage Site, you are allowed ample time for some excellent walks. The many foot and bridle paths lead to magnificent viewpoints; there are proteas and other wild flowers, crystal clear mountain streams in which to swim and a wealth of birds including the bearded vulture, cape vulture and black eagle. There are also opportunities to see some of the 600 San Bushman rock art sites dotted throughout the park – a lasting legacy from the area’s original inhabitants. This will require a strenuous walk. All walking routes are optional, so you can also choose to just relax and enjoy the scenery. (BLD) |
| Day 11-12: | Lesotho; pony-supported hiking Today is a scenic journey as you drive through the towering sandstone cliffs of the Golden Gate on your way to Lesotho. This rugged mountainous country offers many breathtaking views, as you travel to your base for the next 2 nights. Malealea Lodge has a stunning location, nestled high up in the mountains. The next day you set off early on a full day of hiking in these awe-inspiring mountains. You are accompanied by local guides and their trusted Basotho ponies, a very tough and sure-footed breed. Undoubtedly you will pass many Basotho riders along the way, huddled in the traditional blankets as they slowly make their way on ponyback - the best way to get around. Chalets with shared bathrooms - 2 nights (Bx2, Lx2, Dx2) |
| Day 13: | Karoo You will experience a very drastic change in scenery travelling from Lesotho to the Karoo. The temperature rises noticably as you descend from the mountains and enter South Africa's vast semi-desert. Despite its dryness this is predominantly an agricultural region, where sheep and ostrich farming are the main source of income. (BL) Guesthouse - 1 night |
| Day 14: | Addo Elephant National Park; game drive A more leisurely start today, as you travel to Addo Elephant National Park (approx. 3-4 hours). At the beginning of the century the huge elephant herds that roamed the region were regarded as a menace and most were destroyed. The park was established in 1931 when all that remained of these great herds were eleven survivors. Now this finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 200 elephants in an area supporting proportionally three times the number found anywhere else in Africa. You have time for an afternoon game drive and after supper, view game at a floodlit water hole. Camp - 1 night (BLD) |
| Day 15-16: | Tsitsikamma National Park; Storms River gorge Following the scenic route along the coast you reach Storms River (Approx. 3 hours drive) and the ‘place of much water’, the Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park. This narrow plain, bordered by beaches and cliffs, is veined with streams running through deep ravines that are a wonderland of ferns, trees and flowers. You pitch your tent for the next two nights, at a campsite close to the shore and take in the beauty of the rugged coastline. There are several walks to enjoy, both along the coast and up the Storms River gorge. The following day you will walk along the rocky coastline to a waterfall and hopefully glimpse some of the birds that make the forest their home; among them the crimson-winged Knysna lourie, the shy narina trogon and the crowned eagle. You may also see the occasional dainty blue duiker deer darting into the safety of the ferns; bushbuck, caracal, chacma baboon and leopard also frequent the forest. Hopefully this evening you will witness a stunning sunset over the Indian Ocean and later, fall asleep with the sound of waves crashing on the rocks nearby. Camp - 2 nights (Bx2, Lx2, Dx2) |
| Day 17: | Western Cape; Knysna Heads & Garden Route After a leisurely breakfast, an hour’s drive brings you to Knysna, set on a beautiful lagoon system and surrounded by forest. The lagoon is connected to the sea by a narrow rocky channel flanked on both sides by spits of land known as the Knysna Heads. The sides of the heads are dominated by high cliffs protecting the rich natural habitat which is home to some 280 species of birds. You continue your journey (approx. 5-6 hours) along the Garden Route towards the Hottentots Holland Mountains. The stop for the night is in a UNESCO protected biosphere reserve - a remarkably unspoilt bit of land, considering its close proximity to the big towns of the Western Cape. Camp - 1 night (BLD) |
| Day 18: | Cape Town; Stellenbosch wine tour Today you reach the fertile valleys of the famous Stellenbosch Winelands (Approx. 2 1/2 hours drive), the oldest and most beautiful of the wine growing regions in South Africa. Here you’ll tour cellars at some well known estates, many of which were built in the beautiful old Cape Dutch style during the prosperous 18th and 19th centuries. Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa and one of the best preserved. It is a lovely place with many interesting buildings shaded by enormous oak trees. Later in the afternoon you arrive at your hotel in Cape Town. During your two-night stay there is ample time to explore this unique and beautiful city where mountain, sea, history and climate have conspired to make an atmospheric and unforgettable setting. Hotel - 2 nights (B) |
| Day 19: | Cape Town; Cape Point, Boulder's Beach penguin colony Today you head south of the city, taking a route past the vineyard of Groot Constantia - the oldest and grandest Cape-Dutch style homestead in the Cape - the beaches of False Bay and the peninsula of the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. After stopping to see a colony of penguins, you enjoy a walk to the lighthouse at Cape Point, pausing to admire the flora along the way; in particular the many varieties of protea - South Africa’s national flower. The ‘fynbos’ vegetation of the Western Cape is one of the richest floral habitats in the world. The point itself is dramatic, with its sea cliffs pounded by the ocean. Returning along the coast, the 10km Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the most stunning marine routes in the world, cut into the side of sheer mountain walls that drop to the ocean below. You pass through Hout Bay, an important fishing port, known for crayfish and smoked fish, then continue to a succession of beautiful white sand coves and beaches. From Hout Bay there may be the opportunity to take a boat trip to nearby seal colonies. You may have time to swim at one of the bays before returning to your hotel. The evening is left free. (B) |
| Day 20: | Table Mountain; Flight Home Today you take a last look at Cape Town, as you hike up Table Mountain! You can also catch a cable car to the top, although the ride is probably not recommended if you do not have a good head for heights (own expense) There should be time to do last minute shopping at the famous Victoria and Alfred Waterfront complex or take a boat trip to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela spent so many years (optional) before the trip ends for Land Only clients. Clients on group flights transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home. (B) |
| Day 21: | Arrive home |
traveller reviews for South Africa holidays, Johannesburg to the Cape
Kruger National Park was the most exciting - we saw absolutely everything there was to see - Rhino, Hippo, Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Crocodiles, Hyenas, Baboons, Water Buffalo, Impala, Wart Hogs, Kudu, Springbok and Birds too numerous to mention. (more)
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places. how this holiday makes a difference
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On this trip: We visit an authentic Zulu village and foster a better relationship between community and NP using local guides etc. We support a project to take disadvantaged local children to game parks so that they can experience a safari for themselves. Our local agent works in conjunction with the SOS children’s home in Ennerdale Johannesburg. The children spend a weekend in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve giving them a chance to see some of the wildlife indigenous to South Africa. It also introduces the children to conservation issues and hopefully will encourage some of them to go on and study conservation and the natural world in the future. Our small-group style of travel ensures we have little impact upon the environment. The national park fees that you pay contribute to conservation and preservation of these areas.
Our Responsible Travel Code: Clients who travel with us will automatically receive a copy of our Responsible Travel leaflet. This contains details and advice on how you can make a positive difference when you travel. If you would like a copy in advance of travel please contact us. Charity Partnerships: We work in partnership with Plan International. Plan works with some of the world’s poorest communities where three out of four children die before the age of five. We also support Friends of Conservation – an international charity committed to working with local people to develop a balance between their needs and the wildlife with which they share the natural habitat and ecosystems. Carbon Balancing: Global warming is a real issue and is a direct result of your travel. We have teamed up with Climate Care to give you the opportunity to offset the carbon emissions from your flight. You’ll be asked upon booking if you want to donate – with set amounts from £5. As a company we offset the carbon emissions from all staff travel in full. Our Foundation: We’ve highlighted a few of the ways in which we offer our support, financially or otherwise, and now you can, too. We have set up our own foundation, which will administer funds donated by you. A small donation of £1 per person will be taken when booking a holiday and that money will be put to good use by one of our carefully selected projects. If you don’t want to make the donation, just tell us when you book. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |
 Reviewed 10 Oct 2009 by Joan Fogarty | |
Kruger National Park was the most exciting - we saw absolutely everything there was to see - Rhino, Hippo, Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Crocodiles, Hyenas, Baboons, Water Buffalo, Impala, Wart Hogs, Kudu, Springbok and Birds too numerous to mention. (read full review)
| Reviewed 22 Dec 2009 by Graham Hood | |
The animals in Kruger, the mountain scenery in the Drakensberg, the dramatic landscape and people of Lesotho spring to mind but there was so much more! (read full review)
| Reviewed 20 Apr 2009 by Veronica Ayre | |
The whole holiday was an amazing assault on your senses, especially sight; there was so much to look at that not once were we bored and all our magazines and crossword books came home untouched! (read full review)
| Reviewed 07 Jul 2006 by Ashley Pepper | |
The most memorable part for me was Tsitsikama Storm River Gorge, this is where a lot of the activities took place and there were some brilliant walks. The best part though was camping 20ft from the sea it was stunning and very memorable. (read full review)
| Reviewed 28 Aug 2009 by Jacque Chapman |  |
Most memorable part? There are too many... from a leopard walking out in front of our minibus in Kruger, the sands of St Lucia and the wonderful views of the Drakensberg Mountains. (read full review)
| Reviewed 24 Mar 2006 by Estelle Levacher | |
I think every single day was exciting as we travelled to so many places: it was several holidays into one! But if we need one highlight it would be the night game drive in the Kruger Park when we saw all big 5 that evening! (read full review)
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