21-Day South Africa and Lesotho Adventure with Kruger and Garden Route
About This Tour
Embark on an adventurous 21-day journey through South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini, from Cape Town's Garden Route and whale-watching in Hermanus to Oudtshoorn'...
Duration: 21 Days · Tour type: Shared · Activity level: Moderate · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Kruger National Park, Hermanus, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Tsitsikamma National Park, Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve · Languages: English
Know before you go: Temperatures vary from one place to another.; Do not expose your limbs to animals.; Do not feed any wild animal.; Always tip your waitron.
About Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park
Kruger is perhaps the most iconic of all Africa’s safari parks. Home to the fabled Big Five, Everest Global Hub’s guides here can reveal rolling savannahs dotted with elephant and lion, buffalo and leopard.
What's Included
- Entrance fees
- Accommodation
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Personalised guiding
- Transport
- Road taxes
Not Included
- Adventure gear
- Insect repellent
- Souvenirs
- Tipping
- Visa
- Adrenaline activities
Itinerary
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1Day 01
Cape Town to Swellendam via Hermanus
The tour commences in Cape Town and heads northeast to the small historic town of Swellendam. En route, we drive along the Garden Route with splendid views of the southeastern topography. This also includes a visit to Hermanus for whale watching. Lunch can be enjoyed after the shark cage experience for the brave at heart. We then proceed to Swellendam for our first night's stay.
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2Day 02
Oudtshoorn, Cango Caves, and Ostrich Farm
We drive to our next accommodation in Oudtshoorn, where we visit the Cango Caves, the ostrich farm, and enjoy various other activities. History is shared over lunch at an ostrich farm. Later, enjoy a Braai dinner to commemorate this iconic South African meal.
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3Day 03
Plettenberg Bay and Tsitsikamma Adventures
Drive to Plettenberg Bay on this day, passing through the Wilderness to witness nature's untamed beauty. We also visit other places of interest in the Tsitsikamma area, including adrenaline-filled activities such as bungee jumping, blackwater tubing, ziplining, and more. In between activities, we will have lunch at one of the restaurants along the route.
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4Day 04
Monkeyland, Otter Trail, and Black River Mouth
On this day, we continue with more activities and sightseeing, as there are several to enjoy, including the famous Monkeyland, the Otter Trail, and the Black River mouth. Before heading back to the accommodation, we have lunch in town, where history and culture will be brought to life through our guide's demonstrations and storytelling.
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5Day 05
Drive to Cintsa and the aMatola Area
Today, we have a half-day drive to the famous aMatola area in Cintsa, East London, to experience its fauna and flora. As this day's road travel takes longer, we will have lunch and then settle into our accommodation.
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6Day 06
Adventure Activities in Eastern South Africa
Today, we choose from several activities to spend the day enjoying while experiencing the eastern part of South Africa. Some activities include boat cruises, quad biking, nature walks, animal interaction, beach walks, and more. In October, we can also be part of the famous beer fest to taste some of South Africa's home-grown beers. Self-catering for lunch is available at the accommodation for those who would like a different taste.
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7Day 07
Into Lesotho and Malealea Culture
On this day, we drive to Lesotho, to an area called Malealea. We will do a half-day drive into the Mountain Kingdom to experience more of Lesotho's culture, traditions, and landscape. On the first day, we enjoy dinner followed by the famous Basotho welcome songs and dances.
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8Day 08
Authentic Cultural Activities in Lesotho
On this day, we experience one of the closest things to authentic African culture, with a variety of activities including: Pony trekkingVillage walkNature walk Pony trekking Village walk Nature walk
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9Day 09
Malealea to KwaZulu-Natal via Scenic Mountain Routes
Today, we drive from Malealea to KwaZulu-Natal, a place full of activities and ancient living markings. Check into your accommodation and convene for dinner and a briefing about the following day. En route, we enjoy a fun-filled drive through the Maluti Route, the Clarens mountains, and Golden Gate National Park.
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10Day 10
Bushman Paintings and Royal Natal National Park
We get a tour from site guides and indulge in the following activities: Bushman paintingsNature walkHiking to the CascadesEnjoyment in Royal Natal National ParkAmphitheatre Bushman paintings Nature walk Hiking to the Cascades Enjoyment in Royal Natal National Park Amphitheatre
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11Day 11
Durban and Urban Zululand Flavours
On this day, we drive to Durban to experience more of urban Zululand, where we will have lunch and dinner in different indigenous restaurants to enjoy a blend of Zulu and Indian cuisine. Since Durban offers a wide variety of activities and sites to visit, this first afternoon will be free for beach walks, stretching, or jogging on the sand. On the way to Durban, we visit the Mandela Capture Site.
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12Day 12
Durban Sightseeing and Ocean Activities
On this day, we have a variety of activities to enjoy, such as: Ocean safariuShaka Marine WorldMoses Mabhida StadiumShaka's KraaluShaka Wet 'n Wild activities Ocean safari uShaka Marine World Moses Mabhida Stadium Shaka's Kraal uShaka Wet 'n Wild activities
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13Day 13
St. Lucia and iSimangaliso Wetlands
We proceed to St. Lucia in the iSimangaliso wetlands to witness the beauty of nature on the eastern side of South Africa. Upon arrival, we check into our accommodation and proceed to lunch. We then have the option of an afternoon boat cruise provided by an individual service provider. This is where we experience the untamed beauty of fauna and flora and, most importantly, see hippos in great numbers. This area is also home to the famous kingfisher bird. We then have dinner at one of St. Lucia's restaurants, with a variety of seafood dishes to choose from.
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14Day 14
Early Game Drive in iSimangaliso
On this day, we wake up to a nature-filled day and have an early morning game drive to the iSimangaliso game reserve to witness the animal kingdom in the wetlands. We then have lunch, relaxation time, and the chance to explore St. Lucia and enjoy other activities.
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15Day 15
Crossing into Eswatini
Drive to Eswatini (previously known as Swaziland). On this day, we cross the border into Eswatini to enjoy the culture, dances, cuisine, and interaction with the authentic indigenes of this history-filled kingdom. In September, we get to experience the Royal Dance, where young girls gather with reeds and perform traditional dances for the royal household. Upon arrival, we have lunch and relax before seeing Big Bend and the candle factory, and later enjoy food prepared by our guide or at a restaurant in town.
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16Day 16
Village Walks and Cultural Encounters in Eswatini
On this day, we enjoy village walks and cultural tours, where we visit huts and get a first-hand experience of how Eswatini indigenes live. We also get to see how the kingship is handled and how villagers live. All meals will be prepared and served by our cook guide. Afternoon activities include: Traditional dancesTraditional songsTraditional cuisine Traditional dances Traditional songs Traditional cuisine
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17Day 17
Arrival in Kruger National Park
On this day, we drive to Kruger National Park to see various wild animals in the comfort of their natural environment. In good weather, we may get to see the Big 5 (Leopard, Buffalo, Lion, Elephant, and Rhino). We may also see packs of hyenas, wild dogs, cheetahs, and other scavengers. On arrival, check into your accommodation and prepare for the afternoon game drive in our vehicle. This will include a sunset drive inside the park. Please note that park rules and regulations are strict and must be adhered to.
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18Day 18
Full Day of Wildlife Viewing in Kruger
Today's activity continues the animal kingdom adventure with game drives in the park. With good luck, we may witness a kill, mating, territorial fights and takeovers, scavengers stealing, and more. This day is dedicated entirely to game drives and animal viewing. The game drive service provider will handle lunch, and dinner will be held at one of the park's restaurants unless clients unanimously decide to have it prepared by our cook guide.
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19Day 19
More Game Drives Across Kruger Camps
On this day, we will enjoy more game drives in other camps in the park to see more species of animals residing in those environments. Please note that all game drives should be conducted according to park rules and regulations regarding conduct, attire (ask your guide), animal exposure, and more. Bird-watchers and content creators especially enjoy the photography opportunities.
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20Day 20
Graskop and the Panorama Highlights
On this day, we drive out of the park and back into civilization. We continue to our accommodation in Graskop, a small town in the northeast of South Africa where the indigenes are mostly Pedi and Vhenda. We see the famous Gorge Swing, God's Window, and the flea market. Check into your accommodation to freshen up, relax, and enjoy all meals at a restaurant in Graskop.
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21Day 21
Panorama Route to Johannesburg
On this day, we drive to Johannesburg. En route, we visit the famous Bourke's Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels on the Panorama Route. We then check into our accommodation and prepare for our last dinner together. Please note that this is a long drive, and the duration of the experience will be monitored to allow safe travel and timely arrival.
Meeting Point
Meeting point: Rockefeller Hotel & Residence Cape Town, Christiaan Barnard Street, Foreshore, Cape Town, South Africa · Tour start: Cape Town, South Africa — Tour ends at the same location as the start point.