Depart from Cape Town at 8am and journey along the R62, the world’s longest wine route, to Oudtshoorn.

R 62 in the Klein Karoo - Embarking on the R62 Wine Route from Cape Town to Oudtshoorn offers a picturesque drive through South Africa’s countryside, celebrated for its rugged charm, quaint towns, and award-winning wines. Leaving Cape Town, the route meanders through the lush vineyards of the Breede River Valley and into the arid beauty of the Klein Karoo. Towns such as Robertson, Montagu, Calitzdorp, and Barrydale each present their own unique allure, featuring boutique wineries, art galleries, farm stalls, and warm hospitality.

The Cango Caves - Exploring the Cango Caves, located 30 km north of Oudtshoorn in the lush foothills of the Swartberg, is like stepping into a 20-million-year-old limestone wonder—Africa’s largest show cave and one of Southern Africa’s Seven Wonders.

Game safari in Botlierskop Game Reserve. Tour of Knysna Heads and Knysna Lagoon

Botlierskop Private Game Reserve - A safari at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve combines wilderness adventure with luxury along the Garden Route. Spanning 4,200-6,000 ha of malaria-free land, this family-run reserve hosts over 26 species—including four of the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino), cheetah, giraffe, hippo, and the rare black impala and mountain zebra.

Knysna Heads - Visiting Knysna Heads is an unforgettable experience on the Garden Route, where dramatic sandstone cliffs stand as guardians of the Knysna Lagoon’s entrance from the Indian Ocean.

The Waterfront Knysna Quays - Relax at the Knysna Quays Waterfront.

Hiking in Robberg Nature Reserve. Visit beaches in Plettenberg Bay. Travel to Port Elizabeth.

Robberg Nature Reserve - Hiking at Robberg Nature Reserve, just south of Plettenberg Bay along the Garden Route, offers a stunning coastal adventure with panoramic ocean views, abundant wildlife, and dramatic landscapes. Managed by CapeNature, this UNESCO-recognized reserve features three circular hiking trails of varying difficulty and length.

Plettenberg Bay - Plettenberg Bay’s Main Beach—also known as Central Beach—is the heart of beach life along the Garden Route. With its wide stretch of golden sand, calm, clear waters, and Blue-Flag status, it’s ideal for families, sunbathing, and swimming. Lifeguards are on duty year-round, ensuring safety, and nearby amenities include public toilets, shops, ice-cream stalls, restaurants, and beachfront bars. Relax at the Main Beach.

Port Elizabeth - Travel along the Garden Route. Overnight in Port Elizabeth.

Travel to East London. Stop in Port Alfred.

Port Alfred - Port Alfred, known locally as the “heart of the Sunshine Coast,” is a charming Eastern Cape town situated at the mouth of the Kowie River where it meets the warm Indian Ocean. Its golden, Blue-Flag beaches—Kelly’s, East, and West—are perfect for swimming, surfing, family outings, and long coastal walks.

East London - Visiting East London is a delightful way to unwind by the beach on South Africa’s Sunshine Coast. Just east of the Buffalo River mouth lies Orient Beach, a family-friendly Blue-Flag spot complete with tidal pools, children’s splash facilities, shaded lawns, cafés, and lifeguards during peak times—ideal for a relaxed seaside morning. Overnight in East London.

Travel to Mthatha. Stop in Mvezo. Visit Mthatha Museum.

Travel to Drakensberg Mountains. Hiking in Drakensberg.

Drakensberg Mountains - Visiting the Drakensberg Mountains—also known by their Zulu name uKhahlamba or “Barrier of Spears”—is a soul-stirring exploration of some of southern Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes. Towering basalt cliffs rise over 3,000 m, plunging into emerald valleys carved over millennia. Trails like the Amphitheatre Slackpacking, Cathedral Peak, and Giant’s Castle offer unforgettable hikes, showcasing rugged ridges, waterfalls (such as the world’s second-highest Tugela Falls at ~948 m), and ancient San rock art nestled in caves.

Drakensberg Region - Enjoy hiking in the Drakensberg area, an exciting, nature-connected experience showcasing some of South Africa’s best. Overnight in Drakensberg.

Visit Mandela Capture Site and Howick Falls. Travel to Durban.

Nelson Mandela Capture Site - Visiting the Nelson Mandela Capture Site near Howick is a deeply moving experience—a chance to stand where Mandela was arrested on 5 August 1962 after evading the apartheid regime. This pivotal moment in South Africa’s history is commemorated by a striking and world-renowned sculpture titled Release, made up of 50 steel columns that, when viewed from the right angle, form a hauntingly lifelike image of Mandela’s face. As visitors walk the symbolic pathway leading to the sculpture—representing the Long Walk to Freedom—they are drawn into the story of struggle.

Howick Falls - Visiting Howick Falls—known in Zulu as KwaNogqaza (“Place of the Tall One”)—is a dramatic and culturally rich experience in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Tucked near the town of Howick on the Umgeni River, this single-drop waterfall plunges approximately 95 m (some sources list as high as 111 m), creating a powerful cascade into a lush, forested gorge.

Durban - Travel to Durban and enjoy the warmth of the sunshine city. Overnight in Durban.

Travel to iSimangaliso Wetlands Park. Hippo and Croc Boat Cruise in St Lucia Estuary.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park - Traveling from Durban to iSimangaliso Wetland Park is an enchanting drive of about 280 km (roughly 2.5–3 hours) along the well-maintained N2 highway—ideal for soaking in coastal scenery.

Saint Lucia Estuary - A hippo-and-crocodile boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary in iSimangaliso is a must-do wildlife encounter. Departing from Siyabonga or Sunset Jetty in small, shallow-draft boats (typically 15 passengers), the two-hour cruise takes you deep into Africa’s largest estuarine system—home to around 800 hippos and 1,200 Nile crocodiles. As you glide past mangrove-lined banks, your knowledgeable skipper provides live commentary on the animals’ habits and the rich birdlife, including species like African fish eagles and giant kingfishers.

Travel through Mpumalanga to Kruger National Park

Mpumalanga - Traveling through Mpumalanga to reach Kruger National Park is a journey that unveils some of South Africa’s most captivating natural beauty. As you wind your way along scenic routes like the Panorama Route, you pass through misty mountains, lush forests, and vast highveld grasslands, all rich in color and life. Along the way, highlights such as God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the Three Rondavels offer breathtaking views over deep valleys and ancient rock formations. The region’s rolling hills give way to warmer, low-lying bushveld as you approach Kruger, one of Africa’s premier safari destinations. This transition marks not only a shift in landscape but also in the rhythm of your journey—from scenic wonder to thrilling wildlife adventure. Whether you’re self-driving or part of a guided tour, traveling through Mpumalanga to Kruger is an immersive experience that blends spectacular scenery with the anticipation of encountering Africa’s Big Five.

Full day game safari in Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park - A full-day safari in Kruger National Park is an unforgettable adventure that immerses you in the heart of the African wilderness from sunrise to sunset. Setting out in an open game drive vehicle with an experienced ranger, you’ll explore vast stretches of savannah, riverbeds, woodlands, and watering holes—each teeming with wildlife. As the day unfolds, you may encounter the famed Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino—along with giraffes gracefully browsing treetops, herds of zebras and impalas grazing, and crocodiles sunning along riverbanks. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the park’s rich avian diversity, from colorful lilac-breasted rollers to soaring eagles. Throughout the day, your guide shares fascinating insights into animal behavior, plant life, and the park’s conservation efforts. A full-day safari in Kruger is more than a sightseeing trip—it’s a deeply rewarding journey through one of the world’s most iconic wildlife sanctuaries.

Visit God’s Window, Bourkes Luck Potholes, The Three Rondavels and Lisbon Falls

God’s Window - A visit to God’s Window is a breathtaking highlight along Mpumalanga’s famed Panorama Route, offering one of the most awe-inspiring views in South Africa. Perched on the edge of the Drakensberg Escarpment, God’s Window earns its name from the seemingly endless vista it provides—lush, forested cliffs drop dramatically into the Lowveld below, stretching all the way to the Kruger National Park and even Mozambique on a clear day. A short walk through a misty rainforest takes you to several viewing platforms where you can marvel at waterfalls, deep ravines, and the sweeping landscape bathed in golden sunlight. The air is cool and crisp, often laced with clouds that drift over the edge like a curtain parting to reveal nature’s grandeur. Whether visited in the early morning light or at sunset, God’s Window is a place of serenity and awe that captures the sheer beauty of South Africa’s natural scenery.

Bourkes’ Luck Potholes - Visiting Bourke’s Luck Potholes along Mpumalanga’s Panorama Route is stepping into a spectacular showcase of geological artistry. At the dramatic convergence of the Treur and Blyde Rivers, swirling water currents have carved deep, cylindrical potholes into the sandstone over thousands of years—creating an otherworldly landscape of spirals and pools in vivid reds and ochres.

Three Rondavels - A visit to the Three Rondavels offers one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring views along the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga. These three massive, rounded mountain peaks resemble traditional African huts—or “rondavels”—and rise dramatically above the vast Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest green canyons in the world. The scenic viewpoint provides a sweeping vista of the canyon’s cliffs, the winding Blyde River below, and the expansive Lowveld stretching into the distance. Carved over millions of years by water and wind, the Three Rondavels are a geological marvel steeped in both natural history and cultural significance. On clear days, the view is breathtaking, with the changing light casting shadows and highlights across the rugged rock faces. This stop is not just a photographic gem, but also a moment to pause and take in the immense beauty and scale of South Africa’s landscape.

Lisbon Falls - Visiting Lisbon Falls is a must on Mpumalanga’s legendary Panorama Route. Cascading an impressive 94 m down a lush gorge, it proudly stands as the province’s highest waterfall. Located just north of Graskop along the R532, the falls are easily accessible via a sturdy parking area guarded during opening hours (08:00–17:00), with clean facilities and a safe viewing deck overlooking the cascade and valley.

Travel through Mpumalanga from Kruger National Park to Johannesburg

Mpumalanga - Traveling from Kruger National Park to Johannesburg takes you on a scenic and enriching journey through the diverse landscapes of Mpumalanga. As you leave the bushveld behind, the road ascends into the Drakensberg escarpment, unveiling a dramatic panorama of mountains, deep valleys, winding rivers, and lush forested hills. This route offers sweeping views and occasional stops to admire natural wonders like Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest green canyons in the world. You may also pass charming highland towns, waterfalls, and stretches of farmland that give a glimpse into rural South African life. The contrast between the untamed wild of Kruger and the cultivated beauty of Mpumalanga creates a memorable travel experience. As you descend onto the Highveld and continue westward, the scenery flattens out, leading you into the urban heart of Johannesburg by afternoon—bringing an end to a journey rich in both natural splendor and cultural insight.

• Hippo and Croc Boat Cruise in Isimangaliso Wetlands Park
• Tour guide
• Hotel accommodation, bed and breakfast
• Hiking in Robberg Nature Reserve and Drakensberg Mountains
• Visit Cango Caves
• Visit beaches in Plettenberg Bay and East London
• Breakfast
• Visit Knysna Heads and Knysna Quays Waterfront
• Game safari in Botlierskop Game Reserve and Kruger National Park

• Tips

Embark on a 12-day overland journey from Cape Town to Johannesburg, exploring South Africa’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. Travel along the picturesque R62 Wine Route, discover the marvels of the Cango Caves, and enjoy an exhilarating safari at Botlierskop Game Reserve. Relax in Knysna, trek through Robberg Nature Reserve, and engage with Xhosa culture in Mthatha. Take in the beauty of the Drakensberg Mountains, visit the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, and delight in a boat cruise at iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Conclude your adventure with an open-vehicle safari in Kruger National Park, renowned for its remarkable wildlife.

• 12-day journey through South Africa’s iconic landscapes
• Enjoy wildlife safaris at Botlierskop Game Reserve and Kruger National Park
• Discover coastal towns and cultural heritage
• Trek in Robberg Nature Reserve and explore the Cango Caves
• Includes visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and national parks
• no health restrictions

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.