Best Ways to Combine Kruger and Cape Town in South Africa

May 3, 2025
ABS, Africa travel

Plan the perfect South Africa itinerary by combining Kruger safaris with Cape Town’s culture and scenery. Travel routes, tour ideas, and expert planning tips.

How to Combine Kruger Safari & Cape Town in One Trip

Combining a thrilling Kruger National Park safari with a cultural and scenic escape to Cape Town is the ultimate way to experience South Africa’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, and urban charm. From Big 5 game drives to coastal wine tastings, this travel duo offers everything: adventure, relaxation, history, and luxury.

But how exactly do you plan the perfect Kruger and Cape Town itinerary? What’s the best way to get between these two vastly different destinations? Should you start in the bush or the city? This guide answers all those questions—plus gives insider travel tips, route options, and expert suggestions to help you get the most from your time in South Africa.

Why Combine Kruger and Cape Town?

There’s no other two-stop combination in South Africa that offers such distinct and complementary experiences:

Kruger National Park immerses you in the wild—home to lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo, with game drives, bush walks, and luxury lodges in pristine savannah landscapes.
Cape Town delivers world-class cuisine, coastal scenery, historical richness, and iconic sights like Table Mountain and Robben Island—all within easy reach of vineyards and beaches.

Together, these destinations reflect the full spirit of South Africa: one raw and untamed, the other cosmopolitan and culturally rich. The contrast is what makes them such a powerful combination.

Best Travel Routes Between Kruger and Cape Town

Because Kruger lies in the northeast corner of South Africa, and Cape Town on the far southwest coast, there are over 1,500 km between them. Fortunately, there are several efficient travel options depending on your budget, time, and preference:

1. Direct Flights (Most Popular & Fastest)

The easiest way to combine the two is by flying. Multiple airlines operate daily flights between Cape Town and key airports near Kruger:

Skukuza Airport (SZK): Located inside Kruger, ideal for high-end lodges and southern Kruger safaris.
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP): Near Nelspruit, great for central Kruger and Sabi Sands access.
Hoedspruit Airport (HDS): Serves northern Kruger and private reserves like Timbavati and Klaserie.

Flight time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours (non-stop or with one stop via Johannesburg)

Recommended for: Luxury safaris, tight schedules, and travelers looking for convenience.

2. Cape Town – Johannesburg – Kruger (Via JNB)

If your safari lodge or tour doesn’t include a Skukuza or Hoedspruit connection, you can fly from Cape Town to O.R. Tambo International (JNB) in Johannesburg and take a connecting flight or road transfer to Kruger.

While this adds a few hours, Johannesburg is also a great place to overnight or explore if you have time.

Flight time to JNB: 2 hours
Transfer time to Kruger: 1–5 hours (by flight or shuttle depending on destination)

Recommended for: Budget travelers, flexible itineraries, or tours starting in Johannesburg.

3. Self-Drive Adventure (For Explorers)

If you enjoy road trips, it’s possible to drive between Kruger and Cape Town. The most direct route is about 1,800 km and takes 2–3 days, but can include amazing stops along the way like:

This option is best for extended vacations or adventurous travelers seeking a deeper experience of South Africa’s diverse geography and small towns.

Recommended for: Overlanders, self-drivers, and travelers combining multiple regions.

Which Should You Visit First—Kruger or Cape Town?

There’s no wrong answer, but your choice should depend on your travel goals and international arrival airport:

Start with Kruger First If:

You want to detox from jet lag with nature and early nights before hitting the city.
You’re flying into Johannesburg or planning a short safari stop before leisure in Cape Town.
You want to finish your trip with wine, food, and beach vibes.

Start with Cape Town First If:

You want to ease into South Africa with a city experience before heading to the bush.
You’re flying internationally into Cape Town International Airport (CPT).
You prefer to do the safari last as your trip highlight or honeymoon finale.

Many travelers opt to begin in Cape Town, explore the city and winelands, then fly into Kruger for a few days of safari bliss before heading home via Johannesburg.

Top Itinerary Ideas to Combine Kruger and Cape Town

Here are sample itineraries to help you visualize the ideal Kruger–Cape Town combination:

1. 7-Day Classic Cape Town & Kruger Safari

Days 1–3: Explore Cape Town (Table Mountain, Robben Island, Cape Point)
Day 4: Fly to Kruger via Skukuza or Hoedspruit
Days 5–6: Game drives, bush dinners, and Big 5 sightings
Day 7: Return to Johannesburg or Cape Town for departure

2. 10-Day Luxury Safari & Winelands Getaway

Days 1–2: Cape Town luxury hotel & city tours
Days 3–4: Franschhoek or Stellenbosch wine tasting escape
Days 5–9: Fly to Sabi Sands for all-inclusive safari lodge
Day 10: Depart from Johannesburg

3. 12-Day South Africa Adventure Tour

Days 1–4: Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope, and boat trips
Days 5–7: Garden Route add-on (Knysna, Tsitsikamma)
Days 8–12: Kruger safari lodge, bush walks, optional spa treatments

Whether you’re a honeymooner, family, solo traveler, or luxury guest, there’s a perfect way to link the bush and the beach.

Where to Stay in Kruger and Cape Town

Your experience will vary significantly depending on where you stay. Here are top recommendations for both destinations:

Top Safari Lodges in Kruger & Private Reserves

Lion Sands River Lodge – Sabi Sands
Kapama Karula – Kapama Private Reserve
Jock Safari Lodge – Southern Kruger
Ngala Tented Camp – Timbavati

Recommended Hotels in Cape Town

One&Only Cape Town – V&A Waterfront
Kloof Street Hotel – Gardens
Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel – Tamboerskloof
The Winchester Hotel – Sea Point promenade

Explore Related Blogs:

Adding the Cape Winelands to Your Trip

If time allows, adding a stop in the Cape Winelands elevates your trip to a true luxury escape. Just 45 minutes from Cape Town, the wine regions of Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, and Paarl offer rolling vineyards, gourmet restaurants, and 17th-century Cape Dutch estates.

Wine tasting in these regions is not just about the wine—it’s about food pairings, cellar tours, spa treatments, mountain views, and boutique stays. Many travelers spend 1–3 nights here between Cape Town and their flight to Kruger. Highlights include:

Wine and chocolate pairings in Stellenbosch
Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on, hop-off experience
Michelin-quality dining in vineyard restaurants
Historical walks and art galleries in Paarl

Stay at luxury wine estates like Babylonstoren, La Petite Ferme, or Delaire Graff Estate for an unforgettable addition to your Cape Town leg.

Top Activities in Kruger National Park

A Kruger safari isn’t just about game drives—although they are the highlight. Here’s what else you can do during your time in and around the park:

Morning & evening game drives with expert guides
Guided bush walks to track animals on foot
Photographic safaris with professional wildlife photographers
Spa treatments and luxury dining at top lodges
Community visits and cultural experiences near the park

For those on tighter budgets, SANParks rest camps like Lower Sabie, Satara, and Skukuza offer great value with basic accommodation, shops, and guided tours at a fraction of luxury lodge prices.

Top Things to Do in Cape Town

Once in Cape Town, your safari dust will settle as you explore a city that feels like a vibrant mix of Europe, Africa, and the ocean all in one. Popular experiences include:

Table Mountain Cableway or hiking up via Platteklip Gorge
Robben Island Tour from the V&A Waterfront
Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Beach penguins
Bo-Kaap walking tour with food tasting
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

For the best photo ops, head to Signal Hill for sunset, Chapman’s Peak Drive for ocean views, and Muizenberg Beach for colorful surf shacks.

Ideal Time of Year for Kruger and Cape Town

South Africa’s two main attractions operate on different weather patterns, so planning around the best months is key:

Kruger Safari Season

May to October (Dry season): Best for wildlife, less vegetation, cooler temperatures.
November to April (Wet season): Lush greenery, baby animals, higher temperatures, fewer crowds.

Cape Town Travel Season

November to March (Summer): Ideal for beaches, wine tasting, and sightseeing.
April to October (Winter): Cooler, wetter, but great for off-peak deals and whale watching.

Best overlap months: April and October offer the sweet spot for combining both destinations.

Travel Tips for a Seamless Safari & City Combo

Book internal flights early: Especially Skukuza and Hoedspruit routes, as they fill fast.
Pack for two climates: Lightweight, neutral safari clothing and comfortable urban wear.
Allow buffer time: Include at least one rest day between long flights or drives.
Use tour operators: Consider a safari specialist to handle transfers, lodges, and city stays.
Don’t skip travel insurance: Especially important for safari and domestic flights.

If you’re booking with a tour company like Adventure in the Wild Safaris, they can package a complete Kruger and Cape Town combo tailored to your travel dates, preferences, and budget.

Recommended Tour Packages That Combine Both

For a stress-free and professionally curated experience, consider the following popular tours:

Most tour packages include airport transfers, domestic flights, park fees, game drives, accommodation, and even local guides in Cape Town.

Conclusion: Why This Combo Is South Africa’s Best

When it comes to building a memorable, diverse, and exciting South African adventure, few combinations rival Kruger and Cape Town. You get the pulse-raising thrill of safari paired with the laid-back elegance of coastal living. And whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, or solo adventurer, this itinerary satisfies every craving: from wildlife to wine, mountains to museums.

As you sip wine in Stellenbosch or photograph a leopard in the bush, you’ll realize just how much South Africa has to offer in one journey. So why choose between wild and refined, when you can have both?