Discover South Africa with us
South African Explorer
South African Explorer
Overview
A 20 day Adventure from Kruger National Park to Cape Town
The South African Explorer tour is a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and scenery, showcasing South Africa’s breathtaking diversity, from the iconic Kruger National Park and Eswatini’s wildlife to the Drakensberg Mountains, Garden Route, and Cape Whale Coast. Enjoy scenic drives, cultural encounters, game viewing, and coastal charm on this expertly guided adventure across southern Africa’s most spectacular landscapes.
Highlights
Trip highlights
- Kruger National Park & The Panorama Route
- Eswatini, Parks & Cultural Experiences
- St Lucia, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi, Drakensberg
- The Garden Route & Whale Coast
Inclusions
What's included
- 19 nights of 3/4 star accommodation
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Tours, experiences and hiking activities
- Price per person sharing
African Travel Crew Adventures
Travel is not just about visiting new destinations; it’s about immersing yourself in new cultures, connecting with people and creating memories that last a lifetime.
Community & Culture
Properties and experiences that uplift and empower local communities.
Conservation
Supports wildlife projects, protected areas and ecosystem regeneration.
Footprint
Lodges and camps chosen for their sustainability credentials and initiatives.
Days 1 - 6
Johannesburg to St Lucia Kwazulu-Natal
Day 1 | Johannesburg to Kruger National Park Driving distance approx. 406 km; driving time approx. +- 6 hours
Leaving the city of Johannesburg behind us we make our way east through the coalfields of Mpumalanga. Our journey today follows in the footsteps of the old trade-routes to the Lowveld and the Kruger National Park. This afternoon is left to you to settle in and relax.
Hippo Hollow Country Estate Lunch | Dinner
Day 2 | Kruger National Park – Full Day
Rising early this morning we enter the Kruger National Park to enjoy a full day of game viewing. The abundance of wildlife presents us with opportunities for excellent sightings, and the Kruger is also home to the famed members of Africa’s Big-5. Truly the flagship of the South African national parks, Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. Our Game drive through the park is in an open-sided 4×4 vehicle.
Hippo Hollow Country Estate Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 3 | Panorama Route Driving distance approx. 94 km; driving time approx. +- 2 hours
We set out a little later today and travel the short distance to the Panorama Route. Strung along the escarpment that divides the central plateau and low-lying bushveld of the Kruger, the sights of the Panorama route offer us a day of scenic delights. We will visit the highlights of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and God’s Window before returning to camp in the afternoon for an experience we hope your will always remember.
Hippo Hollow Country Estate Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 4 | Kruger National Park to Eswatini Driving distance approx. 271 km; driving time approx. +- 4 hours
We start the day early before setting off through Kruger on our way to Eswatini. Our truck offers an excellent platform for game viewing as we make our way south. We exit the southern end of the park and travel the short distance to Eswatini border, our route this afternoon winds through the mountains and forests of this landlocked kingdom. Our destination for today is the Ezulwini Valley just south of the capital Mbabane.
Hlane Royal National Park Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 5 | Hlane Royal National Park
Roads and trails offer views of diverse wildlife such as lions, elephants, hippos, white rhinos, leopards and giraffes. White-backed vultures and other raptors nest in the ancient hardwood trees. The park also hosts a colony of marabou storks.
Hlane Royal National Park Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 6 | Eswatini to St Lucia Driving distance approx. 315 km; driving time approx. +- 5 hours
We bid farewell to Eswatini and re-enter South Africa, continuing south into the reaches of Zululand, once the realm of the mighty King Shaka who united the Zulu clans.
Elephant Lake Hotel Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 8 | St Lucia to UKhahlamba Drakensberg Park Driving distance approx. 449 km; driving time approx. +- 6 hours
Running the length of the Kwazulu-Natal province, the Ukuhlamba Drakensberg Park is a UNESCO recognised world heritage site. Whether you go by the Zulu name uKhahlamba, meaning ‘barrier of spears’, or the Afrikaans name Drakensberge, meaning ‘dragon mountains’, these towering mountains will be our backdrop for the next two nights. On our way we make a short stop in Durban to stretch our legs before continuing to view the scenic Howick Falls and a visit to the nearby site that marked the capture of South Africa’s most famous man, Nelson Mandela.
Sungubala Eco Camp Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Days 7 - 14
Hluhluwe – Umfolozi Game Reserve to Addo Elephant NP
Day 7 | Hluhluwe – Umfolozi Game Reserve Driving distance approx. 54 km; driving time approx. +- 1 hour
We set out early this morning for a game drive in the nearby Hluhluwe- Umfolozi Game Reserve, one of the last strongholds of the endangered rhinoceros. While rhinoceros are the most famous of the parks inhabitants, the park also provides a home to many other species, including the Big-5 that we all hope to see. Returning to our lodging for a siesta, we freshen up for an afternoon boat cruise on St Lucia estuary.
Elephant Lake Hotel Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 10 | UKhahlamba Drakensberg Park to Oude Kraal Driving distance approx. 433 km; driving time approx. +- 5 hours
Our journey today begins with a mountain pass and an opportunity to visit a Vulture restaurant where we hope to view these fascinating birds. Our route winds its way through the magnificent cliffs off the Golden Gate National Park where we visit the newly opened Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre before we reach a traditional South African Farm in the afternoon. Depending on the weather we have the opportunity to do some star gazing and experience the wilderness area at night.
De Oude Kraal Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 9 | UKhahlamba Drakensberg Park
We set out this morning for a day of hiking to explore the mountains of the Drakensberg. While we encourage everyone to make the most of the day in mountains, we may offer separate options depending on the activity level of the group. With a number of trails available we can ensure that we cater to every need, the most important aim is to ensure everyone enjoys this mountain paradise at their own pace.
Sungubala Eco Camp Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 12 | Oude Kraal to Graaff Reinet Driving distance approx. 396 km; driving time approx. +- 4 hours
Returning to South Africa, we descend the mountains and take aim across the Great Karoo. The semi-arid Karoo represents the heartland of rural South Africa and presents a stark contrast to the mountains we leave behind. Our overnight stop is set in the historic town of Graaff-Reinet, the fourth oldest town in the country. We cross the mighty Orange (Gariep) River today as we journey through the vast countryside of the Karoo. In the afternoon we take a tour of this historic town and in the morning following, you will have the opportunity to join a sunrise excursion to the Valley of Desolation. This unique valley offers a panoramic view over the town and the wide-open plains stretching out below.
Profcon Resort Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 11 | Oude Kraal
Today we explore the De Oude Kraal’s 3000 hectare farm and its diverse farming portfolio, which focuses mainly on Merino sheep for their wool production as well as utilizing the meat for their restaurant. They have have some cattle, horses, pigs, chickens, a few different plains antelopes like Springbuck, Blesbuck, Sable, Njala and Gemsbuck. The Free State veldt is quite diverse, featuring around 27 different grass varieties, and has a wide range of small nocturnal mammals that inhabit the landscape.
De Oude Kraal Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 14 | Greater Addo Elephant National Park area Driving distance approx. 38 km; driving time approx. +- 45 minutes
This morning you will spend a full day in Addo, exploring the park in our truck . Recent expansion has seen Addo grow to become the third largest of South Africa’s National Parks. The unique vegetation of Addo supports a wide variety of wildlife and we will spend the day in search of the animals.
Avoca River Cabins Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 13 | Graaff Reinet to Greater Addo Elephant National Park area Driving distance approx. 230 km; driving time approx. +- 3 hours
Setting course for the coast once again, we pass through the open plains of the Karoo and the wildlife charms of the Addo National Park. Upon arrival in the greater Addo region, we settle into the Lodge and enjoy an afternoon of leisure on the banks of the Sundays River
Avoca River Cabins Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Days 15 - 20
Tsitsikamma NP to Cape Town
Day 15 | Addo to Tsitsikamma National Park Driving distance approx. 208 km; driving time approx. +- 3 hours
Setting out early this morning we make a brief visit to Port Elizabeth and then on to the surfing mecca of Jeffreys Bay. Most famous for its waves this little town is also home to a small Surfing Museum. We then turn west to the Tsitiskamma region where we set up for the next two nights and where the wonders of the Garden Route await.
Tsitsikamma Lodge & Spa Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 16 | Tsitsikamma National Park
Tsitsikamma National Park is one of South Africa’s premier marine reserves and this morning we set out to explore the rugged coastline on foot. Our hike along the Waterfall Trail sees us cover the first section of the world-renowned Otter Trail. This is not an easy hike and those who prefer a more leisurely option can make use of the boardwalks to the Storms River Mouth. We return after our hike, and you will have the opportunity to book the Woodcutters Journey in the afternoon – experiencing the uniqueness of the Tsitsikamma biome and learning about the history of the area and its indigenous fauna & flora.
Tsitsikamma Lodge & Spa Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 17 | Tsitsikamma National Park to Knysna Driving distance approx. 92 km; driving time approx. +- 1.5 hours
The Garden Route is a treasure trove of beautiful beaches, forest walks and an exciting menu of optional adventures. While our morning is set aside for an exploration of Nature’s Valley, this beautiful village offers us a chance to enjoy a hike or simply relax on the pristine beach in this paradise. From here we move to Knysna, for an afternoon of exploring the village or the option of a cruise on the famous John Benn boat to the Knysna Heads
Aha Rex Hotel Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 18 | Knysna to Arniston Driving distance approx. 379 km; driving time approx. +- 4 hours
Leaving Knysna we pass through Mossel Bay and the old Post Office Tree on our way to our destination for the night, the delightful seaside town of Arniston Bay. Here you will have time to explore the beach and (tide depending) the caves along the beach.
Arniston Spa Hotel Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 19 | Arniston to Hermanus Driving distance approx. 111 km; driving time approx. +- 1.5 hours
Leaving the lovely Arniston we will head towards Hermanus, the foremost land-based whale watching location in the world. En-route, we will we travel to the southernmost point of Africa, Cape Agulhas. With its wildly beautiful seascapes, Agulhas is the meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. You will have an opportunity to take your picture at the plaque that marks the spot.
We will then visit the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, an iconic landmark that was built at a time when shipwrecks were frighteningly common along this treacherous stretch of coastline, whose waves can reach up to 30 metres! Although it has been out of commission for 50 years, the lighthouse was restored in 1988 and the view from the top is well worth the climb – although be warned, some of the steps are little more than ladders! Should you wish to forgo the climb, the lighthouse museum is also worth a visit.
Although it has grown remarkably, Hermanus still retains a sense of the quaint charm of the fishing village it once was. A walk along the Old Harbour gives a glimpse into the village’s past, while a stroll along the cliff path may well yield a Southern Right Whale sighting. Whale season runs from June to December, and the Hermanus whale crier – the only whale crier in the world – does his rounds daily at 10am and 4pm during these months.
We will stop en route at Walker Bay Nature Reserve to walk to the Klipgat Caves. The stairs have washed away, and some rock hopping is involved so the route can be a bit technical. Those who wish to relax a bit can just enjoy the surrounds of the reserve.
Windsor Hotel Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 20 | Hermanus to Cape Town Driving distance approx. 123 km; driving time approx. +- 2 hours
Made up of a collection of villages, farms, rivers, bays, coves and valleys, the Cape Whale Coast is a pristine stretch of the South African coastline which runs from the town of Rooiels for roughly 150km, to the east. Beginning early, we will have a short time to stroll along the boardwalk in Hermanus in search of the southern right whales that frequent the shores in the months of July to November. Next we stop at the largest breeding colony of the African Penguin, Stony Point Nature Reserve before travelling along the coast to a wine farm in the Stellenbosch region to sample some chocolates & wine. Your tour comes to an end upon arrival in the city centre of Cape Town.
Breakfast | Lunch
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