14 Day South Africa Safari – Kruger to Cape Town

14-Day South Africa Safari: Kruger to Cape Town Adventure

Embark on an unforgettable 14-day South Africa Safari that begins in Johannesburg and ends in Cape Town, taking you through the wild heart of Kruger National Park, the mountain kingdom of Eswatini, the dramatic Drakensberg, the scenic Garden Route, and the Cape Winelands. This guided journey showcases South Africa’s most iconic destinations, combining Big 5 game viewing, cultural experiences, and dramatic natural beauty.

Quick Itinerary Overview

This affordable South Africa safari includes comfortable stays in handpicked hotels and safari lodges, offering you a rich mix of wildlife encounters and cultural discovery across Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, Karoo, and the Western Cape. See the Big 5 in Kruger, drive the Panorama Route, explore Drakensberg, discover the Garden Route, and end in Cape Town’s spectacular surrounds.

Day 1: Arrival in Johannesburg, South Africa

Your South Africa safari begins with your arrival at OR Tambo International Airport. Transfer to your hotel (at your own expense) and spend the day exploring Sandton City’s luxury shopping and the iconic Nelson Mandela Square. Optional guided afternoon tours of Johannesburg and Soweto are available, offering insight into the city’s rich history and vibrant township life. In the evening, meet your safari guide for a tour briefing.

Meals: None
Accommodation: Hotel in Johannesburg
Optional Activity: Guided Johannesburg & Soweto Tour

Day 2: Johannesburg to Hazyview via the Panorama Route

Today your South Africa safari tour travels through the spectacular Panorama Route in Mpumalanga. Highlights include God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Berlin Falls, the Three Rondavels, and Blyde River Canyon—the world’s largest green canyon. Stop for lunch in Graskop and explore its quaint curio shops before continuing to Hazyview, near Kruger National Park.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hazyview
Included Activity: Panorama Route Tour
Travel Distance: 500 km

Day 3: Full-Day Safari in Kruger National Park

Experience the wildlife wonders of Kruger National Park on a full-day game drive in a tour vehicle. Spot the Big 5 and over 500 bird species in South Africa’s premier national park. An optional upgrade to an open safari vehicle with a professional ranger is available. Enjoy a bush picnic (own cost) before returning to Hazyview for a relaxing evening.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hazyview
Included Activity: Kruger Safari in enclosed vehicle
Optional Activity: Open vehicle Kruger Safari
Travel Distance: 250 km

Day 4: Kruger National Park to Malelane

Begin the day with another exciting game drive in Kruger, entering at Phabeni Gate and exiting at Malelane Gate. Keep an eye out for the Little 5 as you journey through the park. After exiting, settle into your lodge overlooking the Crocodile River—perfect for sunset wildlife viewing. Dinner is included this evening.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Safari lodge near Kruger National Park
Included Activity: Game viewing in tour vehicle
Optional Activity: Full-day Kruger Safari in open vehicle
Travel Distance: 200 km

Day 5: Kruger to Hluhluwe via Eswatini

Travel through the scenic Kingdom of Eswatini en route to Hluhluwe in KwaZulu-Natal. Enjoy lush landscapes, mountainous vistas, and cultural insight into this unique monarchy. Arrive near Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park—one of South Africa’s top game reserves known for rhino conservation and abundant wildlife.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Lodge near Hluhluwe
Travel Distance: Approx. 400 km

Why Choose This South Africa Safari?

This 14-day South Africa safari is ideal for those who want a comprehensive tour covering the country’s most iconic destinations—Kruger National Park, the Panorama Route, Eswatini, Drakensberg Mountains, Garden Route, Cape Winelands, and Cape Town. Experience diverse wildlife, cultures, and landscapes all in one trip with comfortable accommodations and expert local guides.

Day 5: Scenic Drive Through Eswatini – Cultural Delights & Wildlife

Our South Africa Safari adventure continues as we enter the Kingdom of Eswatini via the Jeppes Reef Border Post. We journey through the stunning Ezulwini Valley, aptly named the “place of heaven,” known for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness. This picturesque region is home to several wildlife sanctuaries and offers panoramic views of rolling hills and lush valleys.

Eswatini is a cultural gem with deep-rooted traditions, celebrated through music, dance, and art. Explore bustling craft markets filled with handmade carvings, beadwork, and vibrant textiles — perfect for unique souvenirs. Don’t miss tasting local culinary favourites like Buganu (a marula fruit drink) or Sishwala, a maize porridge often served with meat stew or vegetables.

After an enriching experience in Eswatini, we re-enter South Africa via the Lavumisa Border Post in KwaZulu-Natal. Travelling through three diverse regions in a single day, we stop for lunch en route and arrive in Hluhluwe by late afternoon. There, we enjoy an immersive Zulu Cultural Experience before relaxing at our hotel after another exciting day on our South Africa Safari.

Meal included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hluhluwe
Included activity: Zulu Cultural Experience
Travel distance: 420 km

Eswatini Travel Tip: A valid passport is required to enter Eswatini. Some nationalities may need a multiple-entry visa for South Africa.

Day 6: Hluhluwe to St Lucia and Hilton – Wetlands, Wildlife & Coastal Charm

On Day 6 of your South Africa Safari, early risers can opt for a thrilling game drive in the renowned Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve (at an additional cost), known for its conservation of endangered species such as rhinos. After breakfast, we depart Hluhluwe and head to the coastal town of St Lucia.

St Lucia lies near South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This ecological wonderland features diverse ecosystems including wetlands, coastal forests, and grasslands. Take an optional boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary, home to hippos, Nile crocodiles, monitor lizards, and more than 400 bird species—offering a unique and unforgettable safari-on-water experience.

Later, we stop for lunch (own expense) and continue to Salt Rock, where you can enjoy a short stroll on the quiet beach before heading inland. The journey continues through sugarcane fields and the historic town of Wartburg before we reach Hilton, a charming village in the Midlands. Enjoy a peaceful evening and a relaxing dinner (own expense) in this quaint and scenic part of KwaZulu-Natal.

Meal included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hilton
Travel distance: 400 km

Day 7: Hilton to Howick and the Drakensberg Mountains – Scenic Highlands & History

The next leg of your South Africa Safari takes you from Hilton to the awe-inspiring Drakensberg Mountains. After breakfast, we make a stop at the Mandela Capture Site near Howick — a historical landmark commemorating Nelson Mandela’s arrest in 1962, which led to his 27-year imprisonment. This site includes a thought-provoking visitor centre and sculpture memorial.

We also visit Howick Falls, one of South Africa’s tallest waterfalls, plunging 95 metres into a stunning gorge. From here, our scenic drive continues through the countryside towns of Underberg and Himeville as we ascend toward the Drakensberg — a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its soaring peaks, ancient San rock art, and diverse flora and fauna.

Arriving at our Drakensberg hotel around midday, enjoy lunch (own expense) and take in the breathtaking mountain vistas. Spend the afternoon hiking or participating in optional resort activities. For those seeking adventure, opt for a guided 4×4 Sani Pass excursion (additional cost). This rugged mountain pass climbs into Lesotho and offers dramatic alpine views — a bucket-list experience on any South Africa Safari.

Meal included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in the Drakensberg Mountains
Optional activity: Sani Pass excursion (multi-entry visa may be required for Lesotho)

Day 8: Drakensberg to Mthatha – South Africa Safari Adventure Continues

After a refreshing night in the Drakensberg Mountains, our South Africa Safari departs KwaZulu-Natal and journeys into the Eastern Cape. Begin your morning with a hearty breakfast while taking in the crisp mountain air and sweeping views. You may choose to relax at the hotel or go for a walk to spot black eagles, Cape Vultures, and blooming proteas along the fynbos-covered slopes.

We then descend the scenic mountain roads, crossing valleys and rivers en route to Mthatha—an important historical town and cultural hub. Mthatha is part of the picturesque Wild Coast region and is famously linked to Nelson Mandela, who was born in the nearby village of Qunu. If time allows, we’ll stop at the Nelson Mandela Museum before arriving at our hotel for a restful evening.

Meal included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Mthatha
Travel Distance: 315 km

Day 9: Explore Qunu and Journey to Port Alfred – Coastal South Africa Safari

Today’s journey leads us from Mthatha through the heartland of Nelson Mandela’s homeland to the coastal town of Port Alfred. After breakfast, we pass through the villages of Qunu and Mvezo, where Mandela was born and laid to rest. This rural region is full of charm and cultural significance, offering insight into traditional South African life.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Port Alfred on the Indian Ocean coastline. Nestled along the Kowie River, this laid-back beach destination invites relaxation. End your day with a scenic sunset river cruise, a perfect highlight on this South Africa Safari.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Port Alfred
Activities included: Nelson Mandela Museum visit, Qunu village view, Kowie River Sunset Cruise
Travel Distance: 365 km

Day 10: Port Alfred to Knysna – Garden Route South Africa Safari

Our South Africa Safari continues westward along the famous Garden Route. After breakfast, we drive through Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and into the lush Tsitsikamma region. Stop for lunch (own expense) before walking the iconic Storms River Suspension Bridge for unforgettable ocean and gorge views.

Later, we pass Plettenberg Bay and arrive in Knysna, a charming town known for the Knysna Heads and beautiful estuary. Explore Thesen Island’s shops, gin distillery, and galleries before retiring for the evening.

Meal included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Knysna
Activity included: Tsitsikamma Suspension Bridge Walk
Travel Distance: 410 km

Day 11: Knysna to Oudtshoorn – Karoo Highlights of the South Africa Safari

After breakfast, we visit a lookout over the Knysna Heads before heading inland over the scenic Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn. Located in the Little Karoo, this town is famed for ostrich farming and the nearby Cango Caves.

Optional activities include an ostrich farm tour and the Cango Caves Heritage Tour. The caves offer a spectacular journey through vast dripstone chambers formed over millions of years. Enjoy dinner at your leisure before a peaceful night in the Karoo.

Meal included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Oudtshoorn
Optional Activities: Ostrich Farm Tour, Cango Caves Heritage Tour
Travel Distance: 180 km

Day 12: Oudtshoorn to Cape Town – A Scenic South Africa Safari Drive

Today we travel the renowned Route 62 towards Cape Town. This is the world’s longest wine route, boasting postcard-perfect scenery and quaint towns. Enjoy lunch and an optional wine and cheese pairing at one of the region’s celebrated vineyards.

We arrive in Cape Town—known as the Mother City—by afternoon. This vibrant coastal city is one of the world’s most beautiful, framed by Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. Explore or dine out before retiring at the hotel.

Meal included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Cape Town
Optional Activity: Wine & Cheese Pairing
Travel Distance: 450 km

Day 13: Cape Peninsula – Discovering the Coastline on Your South Africa Safari

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast or opt for a full-day Cape Peninsula Tour. Explore Cape Town’s scenic coast via Chapman’s Peak Drive, visit the Cape Point Nature Reserve, and see African Penguins at Boulders Beach (entrance fee not included).

Return to the city via historic seaside villages, ending the day at the V&A Waterfront. It’s a highlight of your South Africa Safari in this extraordinary coastal city.

Meal included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Cape Town
Optional Activity: Cape Peninsula Tour

Day 14: Cape Town – Final Day of the South Africa Safari

After breakfast, enjoy your last moments in Cape Town with free time or an optional City & Table Mountain Tour. Discover the Bo-Kaap, Company Gardens, and historic landmarks before ascending Table Mountain via cable car (weather permitting, own expense).

As your unforgettable 14-day South Africa Safari comes to an end, depart with unforgettable memories of this diverse and vibrant country.

Meal included: Breakfast
Optional Activity: Cape Town City Tour

Important Notes on This South Africa Safari

This scheduled 14-day South Africa Safari can also be arranged as a private safari departing on any day. Shorter versions of this itinerary are available: