Lesotho, Eswatini, South Africa · Land Adventure

21-Day South Africa and Lesotho Adventure with Kruger and Garden Route

21 Days Round trip from Cape Town Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore the Garden Route with a stop in Hermanus for whale watching
  • 02 Visit Cango Caves and an ostrich farm, then enjoy a traditional Braai dinner in Oudtshoorn
  • 03 Experience Plettenberg Bay and Tsitsikamma with adrenaline-filled activities like bungee jumping, blackwater tubing, and ziplining
  • 04 Discover Basotho culture in Malealea through welcome songs and dances, pony trekking, and village walks
  • 05 See Bushman paintings, hike to the Cascades, and enjoy Royal Natal National Park and the Amphitheatre
  • 06 Enjoy Durban's blend of Zulu and Indian cuisine, beach time, and attractions like uShaka Marine World
  • 07 Cruise through St. Lucia's wetlands to spot hippos and birdlife in iSimangaliso
  • 08 Look for the Big 5 and other wildlife on multiple game drives in Kruger National Park

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's Cango Caves and ostrich farms. Discover Plettenberg Bay's adrenaline-filled landscapes, experience Basotho culture in Malealea, and explore KwaZulu-Natal's Bushman paintings, Royal Natal National Park, and Durban's vibrant coastal scene. Continue to St. Lucia and the iSimangaliso wetlands, cross into Eswatini for cultural encounters, and end with unforgettable wildlife viewing in Kruger National Park and scenic stops along the Panorama Route to Johannesburg.

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's Cango Caves and ostrich farms.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

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

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 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.
2
Day 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.
3
Day 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.
4
Day 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.
5
Day 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.
6
Day 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.
7
Day 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.
8
Day 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 trekking
    • Village walk
    • Nature walk
9
Day 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.
10
Day 10

Bushman Paintings and Royal Natal National Park

  • We get a tour from site guides and indulge in the following activities:
    • Bushman paintings
    • Nature walk
    • Hiking to the Cascades
    • Enjoyment in Royal Natal National Park
    • Amphitheatre
11
Day 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.
12
Day 12

Durban Sightseeing and Ocean Activities

  • On this day, we have a variety of activities to enjoy, such as:
    • Ocean safari
    • uShaka Marine World
    • Moses Mabhida Stadium
    • Shaka's Kraal
    • uShaka Wet 'n Wild activities
13
Day 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.
14
Day 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.
15
Day 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.
16
Day 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 dances
    • Traditional songs
    • Traditional cuisine
17
Day 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.
18
Day 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.
19
Day 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.

20
Day 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.
21
Day 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.

Garden Route, Hermanus whale watching, Cango Caves, Kruger National Park game drives

Where this trip takes you

Garden Route, Hermanus whale watching, Cango Caves, Kruger National Park game drives

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Cape Town 9 cities · 21 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Entrance fees
  • Accommodation
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Personalised guiding
  • Transport
  • Road taxes

What's Not Included

  • Adventure gear
  • Insect repellent
  • Souvenirs
  • Tipping
  • Visa
  • Adrenaline activities

What to bring

  • Passport in the case of foreign nationals.
  • Identity document for SA citizens.
  • Adventure gear.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Nature-blending attire.

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.

Logistics

Meeting & route

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.
End of the journey

Your 21 days finish where they began, in Cape Town.

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