Kruger to Cape Camping Safari via Eswatini & Lesotho

Kruger to Cape Town Camping Safari via Eswatini & Lesotho

Experience the ultimate Kruger to Cape Town Camping Safari, an epic 20-day overland journey that explores South Africa, Eswatini, and Lesotho. From Big Five game drives in Kruger National Park to scenic hikes in the Drakensberg Mountains and whale-watching in Hermanus, this African adventure showcases the best of Southern Africa’s landscapes and wildlife.

Quick Safari Overview

Begin your Kruger to Cape Town Camping Safari with thrilling wildlife viewing in South Africa’s premier reserve—Kruger National Park. Continue to the tranquil Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary in Eswatini, then travel through the lush KwaZulu-Natal region to St Lucia’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Explore the Drakensberg Mountains, the historic Battlefields, and the remote kingdom of Lesotho. Visit the Mountain Zebra and Addo Elephant National Parks before heading to the Garden Route, the Cango Caves of Oudtshoorn, the beaches of Hermanus, and finally, the iconic city of Cape Town.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Pretoria to Greater Kruger Park, South Africa

Depart from Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital, heading through the breathtaking Mpumalanga Province. Visit the Panorama Route with stops at Blyde River Canyon, Three Rondavels, and God’s Window. Camp near Kruger National Park in the Greater Kruger region for your first night under African skies.

Accommodation: Twin shared tents with shared facilities
Meal: Dinner
Travel Distance: 380 km (7–8 hours)

Day 2: Kruger National Park, South Africa

Enjoy a full-day safari in Kruger National Park, home to the Big Five and over 500 bird species. Your expert guide helps you spot wildlife and provides fascinating insights into the ecosystem. Option to join a night game drive for an additional fee.

Accommodation: Twin shared tents with shared facilities
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Included Activity: Full-day game drive
Optional: Night game drive

Day 3: Kruger National Park, South Africa

Continue wildlife exploration with a full day of game drives in open 4×4 vehicles. Learn about Kruger’s renowned conservation programs and track animals across its diverse habitats. Optional activities available for those not taking the Adventure Pass.

Accommodation: Twin shared tents with shared facilities
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Optional: Night game drive, adventure activities

Day 4: Kruger to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Eswatini

Drive south through Mpumalanga into Eswatini. Journey through mountain passes and scenic farmlands, stopping at local craft markets before reaching the Ezulwini Valley and Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Eswatini’s oldest protected area.

Accommodation: Twin shared tents with shared facilities
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Optional: Sunset game drive
Travel Distance: 300 km (6–7 hours)

Day 5: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Eswatini

Discover Eswatini’s culture and biodiversity. Visit the Royal Enclosure, walk through a traditional Swazi village, and enjoy optional outdoor adventures like horseback riding, mountain biking, or guided nature walks in Mlilwane.

Accommodation: Twin shared tents with shared facilities
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Optional: Mountain biking, guided walk, birding tour

Day 6: Mlilwane to St Lucia, South Africa

Re-enter South Africa and travel into KwaZulu-Natal’s coastal region. Arrive in St Lucia, a gateway to iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Cruise the estuary to see hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds in their natural habitat.

Accommodation: Twin shared tents with shared facilities
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Optional: Night game drive, cultural tour
Travel Distance: 330 km (7–8 hours)

Day 7: St Lucia to Umhlanga & Durban, South Africa

Spend the morning exploring St Lucia’s markets or relaxing at camp. Then head to Umhlanga and the vibrant city of Durban, known for its beaches, diverse cuisine, and Indian Ocean vibes. Enjoy your time in this coastal hotspot before continuing the adventure.

Stay tuned for the rest of the Kruger to Cape Town Camping Safari itinerary, including the Drakensberg Mountains, Lesotho highlands, Addo Elephant Park, the Garden Route, and Table Mountain in Cape Town.

Day 7–8: Umhlanga & Durban – South Africa

After a scenic drive through pine and sugarcane plantations, we arrive in Umhlanga—just north of the vibrant city of Durban. Known as one of the busiest ports in Africa and a favorite South African beach destination, Durban is famous for its warm Indian Ocean waters, golden sandy beaches, and laid-back coastal vibe.

We spend two nights at a comfortable lodge in Umhlanga, offering easy access to both the city and the coast. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or exploring Durban’s markets and city center. The evening is yours to enjoy the thriving nightlife and taste the region’s diverse cuisine.

Accommodation: Lodge or similar (twin rooms, en-suite)
Meal included: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Durban City Tour
Travel: Approx. 210 km (4–5 hours)

Day 9–10: Underberg & Sani Pass – Drakensberg Mountains

Leaving the coast, we journey through Pietermaritzburg to the foothills of the Drakensberg—the tallest mountain range in South Africa. Our base lies near Sani Pass, a spectacular alpine road that leads into the Kingdom of Lesotho. We camp in a peaceful setting surrounded by dramatic mountains and fresh alpine air.

On Day 10, we take a thrilling 4×4 trip up Sani Pass to 2874m above sea level, crossing into Lesotho. We visit a traditional village and a shearing shed (seasonal), then ascend Black Mountain Pass (3240m) for a picnic lunch and hike to view Thabana Ntlenyana—the highest point in Southern Africa at 3482m. After an incredible day in the mountains, we return to camp at the base of Sani Pass.

Accommodation: Camping (twin tents, shared facilities)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Optional Activities: Walking and hiking trails
Travel: Approx. 250 km (5–6 hours) + 30 km 4×4 tour

Day 11–12: Battlefields & Royal Natal National Park – South Africa

Our journey through KwaZulu-Natal continues with a visit to historic Battlefields sites, including Blood River, Rorke’s Drift, and Talana Hill—where fierce battles were fought between Zulu, Boer, and British forces. From there, we head to the northern Drakensberg and settle into our lodge with breathtaking views of the famous Amphitheatre cliff.

On Day 12, we explore Royal Natal National Park, part of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg World Heritage Site. With daypacks in hand, choose from a range of hiking trails, including guided hikes to Tugela Falls or horseback riding routes. The area is rich with San rock art and natural beauty.

Accommodation: Camping (twin tents, shared facilities)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Optional Activities: Guided hikes, horseback trails
Travel: Approx. 300 km (6–7 hours)

Day 13–14: Malealea – Lesotho

We cross into Lesotho via the Maseru Bridge and journey through winding mountain passes to our rustic lodge in the secluded Mafeteng District. Optional activities include cultural experiences, hiking, and scenic walks in this peaceful and untouched area.

Day 14 is a free day to explore. Choose from pony trekking, mountain biking, or hiking to waterfalls and San rock paintings. Pony trekking with a local guide is a highlight of this region and a unique way to discover Lesotho’s landscapes and village life.

Accommodation: Twin rooms or huts (shared facilities)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Optional Activities: Pony treks, hiking trails, cultural village tours
Travel: Approx. 370 km (7–8 hours incl. border)

Day 15: Mountain Zebra National Park – South Africa

Returning to South Africa, we make our way to Mountain Zebra National Park—a scenic wilderness in the semi-arid Karoo. Established to save the endangered Cape mountain zebra, the park is now home to over 350 zebras along with black rhino, cheetah, lion, and a variety of antelope.

Enjoy game viewing as we enter the park and settle into our camp. Keep your eyes open for wildlife as we explore this lesser-known gem.

Accommodation: Camping (twin tents, shared facilities)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel: Approx. 440 km (9–10 hours)

Day 16: Addo Elephant National Park to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) – South Africa

We continue our Garden Route Safari with a visit to Addo Elephant National Park—home to the famous Big Five and the rare Big Seven, which includes the southern right whale and great white shark. Spot herds of elephants, lions, hyenas, zebras, and endemic dung beetles during our game drives.

After an exciting day of wildlife viewing, we travel to beachfront accommodation near Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth).

Accommodation: Camping (twin tents, shared facilities)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel: Approx. 300 km (6–7 hours)

Day 17: Tsitsikamma National Park & Plettenberg Bay – South Africa

We journey along the scenic Garden Route to Tsitsikamma National Park, a haven for nature lovers. With forested cliffs and a dramatic coastline, Tsitsikamma offers thrilling activities such as black water tubing, forest canopy tours, kayaking, and coastal hikes.

We then visit Bloukrans Bridge for the chance to bungee jump from one of the world’s highest platforms. In the afternoon, we continue to Plettenberg Bay for an overnight stay near the Indian Ocean.