13 Day South Africa Safari – Joburg to Cape Town

13-Day South Africa Safari: From Johannesburg to Cape Town

Embark on an unforgettable 13-day South Africa Safari that begins in Johannesburg and ends in Cape Town, featuring a journey through Eswatini, Kruger National Park, the KwaZulu-Natal coast, the Garden Route, and the iconic Cape Peninsula. This value-packed safari adventure showcases the remarkable diversity of South Africa—from Big 5 game drives to lush forests, coastal wetlands, and vibrant cities.

Quick Overview

This guided South Africa Safari combines thrilling wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and stunning landscapes. Track wildlife in Kruger National Park and a private Big 5 reserve, explore Eswatini, discover iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and cruise through Knysna before ending in the world-famous city of Cape Town. Stay in quality accommodations, including a private safari lodge, comfortable hotels, and boutique guesthouses along the route.

Day 1: Arrival in Johannesburg – South Africa

Welcome to South Africa! Your 13-day South Africa Safari kicks off with your arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in the upscale suburb of Sandton.

Known as the “City of Gold,” Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest and most dynamic metropolis, rich in history and cultural diversity. In Sandton, enjoy time to relax or explore the famed Sandton City complex and Nelson Mandela Square, a hub for high-end shopping and dining.

Overnight at a well-appointed hotel in Sandton, where you’ll rest and prepare for your exciting safari journey ahead.

Accommodation: Hotel in Sandton
Travel Distance: Approx. 30 km

Day 2: Johannesburg to Makalali Private Game Reserve via Dullstroom

After breakfast, your South Africa Safari continues as you head northeast to the beautiful Makalali Private Game Reserve. En route, stop in the charming town of Dullstroom, known for trout fishing, boutique shopping, and relaxing cafés.

By afternoon, arrive at Makalali Private Game Reserve, a 25,000-hectare wilderness near Hoedspruit in Limpopo Province. Embark on your first open-vehicle safari game drive led by an expert ranger. This private reserve is home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—as well as cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, and a wide variety of birdlife.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at the safari lodge beneath the African stars—a perfect introduction to your immersive safari experience.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Safari Lodge in Makalali Private Game Reserve
Included Activity: Afternoon Game Drive
Travel Distance: Approx. 456 km

Day 3: Panorama Route to Hazyview

Start the day with a guided bush walk or a sunrise game drive through Makalali’s scenic bushveld. After breakfast, the journey continues along the legendary Panorama Route, one of South Africa’s most beautiful scenic drives.

Stop at iconic viewpoints such as God’s Window, the Blyde River Canyon, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes before arriving in Hazyview, a gateway to Kruger National Park. This leg of your South Africa Safari offers sweeping landscapes, waterfalls, and towering cliffs—a photographer’s dream.

Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge in Hazyview
Included Activity: Panorama Route sightseeing

Day 3: Panorama Route – Scenic Highlights of Your South Africa Safari

On day 3 of your South Africa Safari, the journey continues along the iconic Panorama Route in Mpumalanga Province. This spectacular scenic drive winds through breathtaking landscapes, including the lush Blyde River Canyon—recognized as the world’s largest green canyon.

Marvel at dramatic waterfalls such as Berlin Falls and explore geological wonders like Bourke’s Luck Potholes. Gaze over the lowveld from God’s Window, a viewpoint offering panoramic vistas stretching as far as the Kruger National Park on clear days. The Three Rondavels—towering rock formations resembling traditional African huts—are another must-see along this unforgettable route.

After exploring these highlights, we’ll stop in a historic mining town for a late lunch (own expense). Once the heart of South Africa’s gold rush, these towns now offer charming curio shops and insight into a bygone era.

We then continue our South Africa Safari through rolling hills and forests, arriving in Hazyview. Check into your comfortable hotel with time to relax before dinner and a restful night. Get ready for your Kruger National Park safari experience the following day.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Hazyview
Activities: Morning bush walk or game drive in Makalali, Panorama Route tour
Travel Distance: 180 km

Day 4: Kruger National Park to Ezulwini Valley – Big 5 Safari in South Africa & Journey into Eswatini

After an early breakfast, we head to the world-famous Kruger National Park—the crown jewel of any South Africa Safari. Entering through Phabeni Gate, we embark on a game drive in search of Africa’s Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo.

Kruger National Park spans over 20,000 km² and is home to 147 mammal species, more than 500 bird species, and countless reptiles and flora. From giraffes gracefully walking among the acacias to crocodiles lurking in waterholes, the park delivers exceptional wildlife encounters.

After a bush picnic lunch (own expense), we exit the park through Malelane Gate and travel into the Kingdom of Eswatini via the Jeppes Reef border. This culturally rich, landlocked nation is famed for its natural beauty, warm hospitality, and traditional heritage.

We arrive in the scenic Ezulwini Valley, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing evening and dinner at a tranquil lodge—an excellent place to recharge during your South Africa Safari adventure.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge in Ezulwini Valley, Eswatini
Activity: Game Drive in Kruger National Park
Travel Distance: 285 km

Note: Ensure you carry a valid passport and applicable visa for Eswatini. Multiple-entry visa required for re-entry into South Africa.

Day 5: From Eswatini to St Lucia – Cultural Encounters and Coastal Wildlife

We begin the day with a hearty breakfast before visiting the Swazi Candle Factory, a vibrant workshop where artisans create beautiful candles using the millefiori technique. This popular stop on your South Africa Safari offers a chance to purchase handcrafted souvenirs.

Explore the nearby craft market filled with traditional beadwork, carvings, and textiles. Visit the Yebo Art Gallery to view contemporary Swazi artworks and sample Buganu (marula fruit drink) or the spicy Black Mamba chilli sauce. Optional tea and cake at Sambane Tea Garden adds a sweet local touch.

After immersing ourselves in Swazi culture, we cross back into South Africa via the Lavumisa Border and travel to St Lucia in KwaZulu-Natal. This coastal town is part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity and spectacular landscapes.

Arriving at our lodge near the Indian Ocean, you’ll enjoy a relaxing evening with optional dinner (own expense), preparing for the next exciting day on your South Africa Safari.

Meal included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Lodge in St Lucia
Activity: Swazi Candle Factory & Craft Market visit
Travel Distance: 335 km

Note: A multiple-entry visa is required to return to South Africa from Eswatini.

Day 6: iSimangaliso Wetland Park to Umhlanga – Wildlife & Estuary Cruise

Day 6 of your South Africa Safari kicks off with a morning game drive through iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This coastal reserve is home to both black and white rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, and even elusive leopards. Stop along the beach to enjoy coffee and rusks as you absorb the serene coastal scenery.

After breakfast, set off on a tranquil boat cruise along the St Lucia Estuary, one of Africa’s largest. This watery haven supports over 800 hippos, 1,000 crocodiles, 2,000 plant species, and more than 400 bird species. It’s a birdwatcher’s dream and a relaxing way to experience the park’s incredible biodiversity.

Following this immersive nature experience, we journey down the coast to Umhlanga, a seaside resort town near Durban. Check in at your beachfront hotel and unwind by the Indian Ocean as your South Africa Safari continues to delight.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Umhlanga
Activities: iSimangaliso Game Drive & St Lucia Estuary Cruise

Day 6: St Lucia to Umhlanga – South Africa Safari

Enjoy a relaxed lunch (at your own expense) on the tranquil banks of the St Lucia Estuary, where the calls of orioles and the chatter of the St Lucia Parrot create a peaceful soundtrack to your midday break. Although the natural beauty of St Lucia is unforgettable, your South Africa Safari continues as we travel to Umhlanga.

Umhlanga, a vibrant coastal town just north of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, is known for its stunning beaches, lively atmosphere, and luxurious amenities. Upon arrival in the late afternoon, we bid farewell to our guide who accompanied us through the northern leg of our South Africa Safari.

Check into your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant or the hotel (at your own expense).

Meal included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Umhlanga
Activities: Morning Game Drive in iSimangaliso Wetlands Park & Boat Cruise on St Lucia Estuary
Travel distance: 225 km

Day 7: Umhlanga to Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) – South Africa Safari

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning in Umhlanga. Take a scenic walk along the 3km promenade, visit the iconic Umhlanga Lighthouse, or enjoy sunrise views over the Indian Ocean. Later, transfer to King Shaka International Airport for your flight (at your own expense) to Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth.

Located in the Eastern Cape, Gqeberha is a gateway to many attractions including Addo Elephant National Park. Upon arrival, transfer to your beachside hotel and take a sunset stroll along King’s Beach, or watch surfers ride the waves. Enjoy a relaxed dinner (at your own expense) before preparing for the next leg of your South Africa Safari.

Meal included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Beachside Hotel in Gqeberha
Travel: Own arrangement and own account

Day 8: Gqeberha to Tsitsikamma & Knysna – South Africa Safari

Today marks the beginning of your scenic Garden Route leg of the South Africa Safari. After breakfast, meet your new tour guide and travel to Tsitsikamma National Park, part of the spectacular Garden Route National Park. Marvel at ancient yellowwood trees, lush rainforests, and abundant birdlife.

Cross the iconic Storms River Suspension Bridge for incredible views of the gorge and ocean. After lunch in the forest (at your own expense), continue to Knysna, a coastal gem known for its lagoon, forests, and the sandstone Knysna Heads. Cap off the day with a peaceful sunset cruise on Knysna Lagoon with fresh oysters and possible sightings of dolphins and kingfishers.

Meal included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Knysna
Activities: Walk in Tsitsikamma National Park & Knysna Sunset Oyster Cruise
Travel distance: 285 km

Day 9: Knysna & Plettenberg Bay – South Africa Safari

Start the day with breakfast, then travel to Plettenberg Bay – a premier coastal town famous for its marine life and outdoor adventures. Embark on an ocean safari to witness whales (seasonal), dolphins, seals, and marine birds.

Next, visit the Qolweni Township to connect with the local Xhosa community and learn about impactful development projects. The visit includes heartwarming moments at a local crèche and insights into traditional African culture. Return to Knysna for dinner at the Waterfront (at your own expense).

Meal included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Knysna
Activities: Boat Trip in Plettenberg Bay & Qolweni Township Visit
Travel distance: 60 km

Day 10: Knysna to Wilderness & Oudtshoorn – South Africa Safari

Today, your South Africa Safari journey continues with a scenic drive to Wilderness, known for its pristine beaches, forests, and lakes. Visit the Map of Africa viewpoint for panoramic views of a river-carved landscape resembling the African continent.

Then cross the Outeniqua Pass into the Little Karoo and arrive in Oudtshoorn, famous for ostrich farming and the magnificent Cango Caves. Enjoy a guided tour of the caves followed by an olive and wine (or juice) tasting experience with views of the Swartberg Mountains. Relax at your lodge after dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge in Oudtshoorn
Activities: Cango Caves Heritage Tour & Olive Tasting
Travel distance: 125 km

Day 11: Oudtshoorn to Cape Town – South Africa Safari

After breakfast, visit a local ostrich farm for an educational and interactive tour where you’ll learn about these fascinating birds and their economic importance. Then drive along Route 62, the longest wine route in the world, toward Cape Town.

Enjoy optional wine tasting and lunch (at your own expense) en route through scenic vineyards and charming towns. Pass through the Stellenbosch Winelands before arriving in Cape Town, known for its iconic Table Mountain and ocean vistas. Spend the evening exploring the V&A Waterfront and dining at your leisure.

Meal included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Cape Town
Activity included: Ostrich Farm Tractor Tour & Route 62 Scenic Drive
Travel distance: 144 km

Day 12: Cape Point Tour – South Africa Safari

Begin the day with breakfast, then set off on a full-day Cape Point tour. Drive along the Atlantic Seaboard via Chapman’s Peak to Cape Point Nature Reserve, where rugged coastlines and unique flora provide spectacular views. Encounter wildlife such as bontebok, zebras, and baboons.

Optionally, enjoy a boat trip to Duiker Island to see Cape Fur Seals or stop at Boulders Beach to visit the famous African Penguin colony (entry at your own expense). Travel back to Cape Town via False Bay, stopping at Simon’s Town, Kalk Bay, and the Rhodes Memorial before returning to your hotel for your final night on safari in South Africa.

Meal included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Cape Town
Activity included: Full-Day Cape Point Tour

Day 13: Departure – South Africa Safari Ends

After breakfast at your Cape Town hotel, your incredible 13-day South Africa Safari adventure comes to an end. Transfer to Cape Town International Airport for your departure flight. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories and the desire to return to South Africa again soon.