Experience Overview
Embark on an action-packed adventure through some of the most stunning scenery in southern Africa. In 22 days, head from Johannesburg to Cape Town on the spectacular coastal route, with plenty of epic stops along the way. Track down elusive wildlife on game drives in Kruger National Park, relax on golden beaches, meeting local Xhosa communities in Cintsa and mix it up with two fun-filled nights in Cape Town. From the savanna of Kruger and the lush wetlands of the St Lucia Estuary to the dramatic ocean vistas and fertile vineyards along the Wild Coast, see the best of southern Africa's blessed natural beauty, joined by a local leader with all the best advice and a group of likeminded adventurers keen to explore.
Highlights
- Experience a once-in-a-lifetime chance to camp at the Black Mambas headquaters, the world's first all-female anti-poaching unit. Join them for a bush walk to search for snares and hear their inspiring stories around the campfire in the evening.
- Enjoy a different perspectives for game viewing with a jeep safari in Kruger National Park, a guided hippo boat cruise on St Lucia Estuary, and a walking safari in Hlane Royal National Park.
- Visit Cape Town's Boulder's Beach to watch the resident African Penguins waddle across the sandy shore that's framed by ancient granite boulders.
- Rise early with your small group to watch wild meerkats wake and warm in the morning sun, before continuing south to Cape Town – South Africa’s third-oldest town.
- Search for gentle giants on a game drive through Addo Elephant National Park.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2935
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Overland vehicle
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: Overland Expedition
Tour Operator: Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: UBOSC
Starts: Johannesburg, Lesotho
Finishes: Cape Town, Lesotho
Duration: 22 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating: Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (21), Lunch (6), Dinner (15)Accommodation: Camping with facilities (10 nights),Camping with basic facilities (3 nights),Backpackers (2 nights),Basic Huts (shared facilities) (2 nights),Hotel (4 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3540 ($161 /day)
Itinerary
Sawubona! Welcome Johannesburg, the sprawling South African capital. In Joburg (unlike a lot of city nicknames, this is one people actually use) mansions stand alongside humble tin abodes and there are as many green parks on the outskirts of the city as there is concrete jungle in the centre. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you can’t wait to begin exploring and arrive with time to spare, why not make your way to the Apartheid Museum and start your journey with some crucial history before you meet up with your group.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise and shine for a long day’s drive to the outskirts of Kruger National Park where you'll be lucky enough to camp for the evening at the Black Mambas headquarters. The Intrepid Foundation is proudly partnered with Helping Rhinos, who directly support the work of the Black Mambas - the world's first all-female anti-poaching unit. Made up of a team of 36 young African women, the Mambas patrol 20,000 hectares of the Balule Nature Reserve, part of Greater Kruger National Park. Turning a traditionally male-dominated industry on its head, they’re putting their female prowess to work protecting Kruger National Park's wildlife in an unconventional way. You'll join them on a bush walk to learn how they find and destroy snares firsthand. Enjoy a special dinner by lantern light and later, relax by the campfire with the Mambas as they share stories about their path to becoming a Black Mamba and conservation work.
Included Activities:
- Black Mambas HQ - Dinner
- Black Mambas HQ - Campfire Story Time
- Black Mambas HQ - Snare Walk
Accommodation:
- Camping (Number of Nights: 1)
Wave goodbye to the Mambas and take a scenic drive along the famous Panorama Route through some of the most stunning scenery South Africa has to offer, such as Bourke’s Luck Potholes. In the evening, choose to relax at your camp, located in Kruger National Park, or perhaps head out on an optional night drive with the park guide. The optional night drives are a chance to spot nocturnal animals and perhaps even a night-time predator or two – maybe catch a lion or hyena out hunting, or perhaps an impala out in search of a late-night feed.
Included Activities:
- Panorama Route - Blyde River Canyon Viewpoint
- Panorama Route - Three Rondavels Viewpoint
Accommodation:
- Camping (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise early and enjoy a light breakfast before heading out on 4x4 jeeps for a full-day game drive. Most of your day will be spent spotting game, birdwatching, and stopping at various waterholes and viewpoints to rest along the way. Kruger National Park is one of the largest National Parks in Southern Africa. It boasts over 500 bird species, 100 species of reptile and 150 mammal species, including the Big Five and the endangered African wild dog. Drive through some of Kruger’s prime game viewing areas on your way to camp and try to spot some of these amazing creatures straight away! Set up camp and get settled for the evening.
Included Activities:
- Kruger National Park - 4WD Safari Full Day
Accommodation:
- Camping (Number of Nights: 1)
Start the day with a slow game drive through Kruger, covering between 20 and 70 kilometres (depending on what animals you see along the way) in the park then exiting by mid-morning. Hit the road towards Hlane Royal National Park. Travel south-east and cross the border into the kingdom of Eswatini, a country nestled between Mozambique, Northern Zululand and Mpumalanga. Arrive at Hlane Royal National Park, a vast expanse of bushveld with ancient hardwood trees, and begin exploring immediately on a guided game walk. The walking safari, led by a local guide, will give you the best understanding of how large and complex the ecosystem in this park is. With a professional ranger by your side, you’ll look out for animals like rhino, giraffe, and elephant while also searching for tiny creatures like snakes, spiders, and small mammals (don’t worry, there’s no lions in the section of the park where you’ll be walking). You’ll spend tonight at a camp within the national park.
Included Activities:
- Hlane Royal National Park - Guided Walking Safari
Accommodation:
- Camping (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll have the opportunity to further explore Hlane Royal National Park at your leisure. You might like to book an optional 4x4 game drive within the park, where you can expect to see all kinds of animals like antelopes, elephants, zebras, rhinos, and lions. Guided by a local Swazi guide, these drives typically take 2-2.5hrs either in the early morning or late afternoon.
Another optional activity for today is to visit the Hlane Umphakatsi (Chief Village) - a tour of the authentic living homestead and opportunity to discover the Swazi way of life. You'll learn more about the traditional culture here, get to know the locals and even get a chance to try your hand at day-to-day activities. You’ll discover how Umphakatsi is a special village since it is one of the few with a female Chief: Inkhosikati.
Optional Activities:
- Hlane National Park - Guided 4x4 Game Drive (455 ZAR)
- Hlane National Park - Umphakatsi Village Visit (153 ZAR)
Accommodation:
- Camping (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart Hlane this morning and cross the border to Lake St Lucia, part of the St Lucia Estuary, stopping at a shop for supplies along the way. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1999, St Lucia Estuary is home to thousands of varieties of birds, mammals and reptiles, including hundreds of hippos and crocodiles. On arrival at camp, jump onboard a Hippo Boat Safari which offers a different perspective to traditional Game viewing with the chance to spot creatures cruising down the estuary, or basking on the banks.
Included Activities:
- St Lucia Estuary - Safari Boat Cruise
Accommodation:
- Camping (Number of Nights: 1)
We'll take a day trip to Cape Vidal today for some time by the sand in the sun. Cape Vidal lies within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site and sits on the exquisite Zululand coast – home to a rich array of marine life. This area is visited seasonally by humpback whales during their migrations, as well as loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles that come to the beaches north of Cape Vidal from November to February to nest. You can spend the day relaxing on the beach or speak to your leader about booking some of the optional activities in the area. You’ll head back to your camp at Lake St Lucia this afternoon.
Included Activities:
- Cape Vidal - Beach Day Trip
Accommodation:
- Camping (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you'll travel to Durban – teeming with golden, sandy beaches and glitzy nightlife. Arriving at about midday, you'll have the afternoon free to explore at your own pace. There will be another Welcome Meeting at 6pm to meet the new group members joining today. For dinner, perhaps head to Florida Road for traditional Bunny Chow or some fresh seafood – your group leader will be able to recommend their favourite spots.
Optional Activities:
- Durban - Art Gallery - Free
- Durban - Bay Cruise (240 ZAR)
- Durban - Juma Masjid Mosque - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave Durban this morning and travel inland towards the Drakensberg Mountain Range. Along the way, stop at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site and learn about the history of this great man. Then, continue the journey to Drakensberg. When you arrive, maybe enjoy a drink with your group in the thatched loft lounge room or relax at the onsite pool.
Included Activities:
- Howick - Nelson Mandela Capture Site
Accommodation:
- Backpacker Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
Drakensberg is Southern Africa's highest range, sitting at 3482 m, and forms part of the border between South Africa and Lesotho. This morning, lace up your hiking boots and set off through an amazing array of flora and fauna. The Drakensberg range is often referred to as the Barrier of Spears or the Dragon Mountains. Today there are sure to be some beautiful views, so be sure to have your camera in hand.
Included Activities:
- Drakensberg - Day Hike
Accommodation:
- Backpacker Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, head into the mountain kingdom of Lesotho – also known as the Kingdom in the Sky. Cross the border into Lesotho, then drive past the Golden Gate Highlands National Park which is famous for its sandstone rock formations. The park is also home to elands, zebras, mongooses and hundreds of bird species – keep your eyes peeled along the way.
Accommodation:
- Basic Huts (shared facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll have a variety of hikes to choose from. The Lesotho Highlands offer excellent hiking for all levels of fitness and skill, so depending on your experience, you should be able to choose one that allows you to get the most out of these epic landscapes. Maybe join a village and museum walk or hike along the Pitseng Canyon – a scenic gorge known for its rock pools and views of the surrounding green mountains and red rock. After, maybe explore the numerous Bushman rock art sites in the mountains on the Bushman Painting Hike.
Optional Activities:
- Lesotho - Bushman Painting Hike (60 ZAR)
- Lesotho - Pitseng Canyon Hike - 6 hours (120 ZAR)
- Lesotho - Village and Museum Walk (50 ZAR)
Accommodation:
- Basic Huts (shared facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel along the beautiful Wild Coast of South Africa to the little coastal town of Cintsa this morning. Cintsa and its surrounding region are home to Xhosa communities, whose lifestyle is deeply rooted in tribal traditions and customs. Arriving in the late afternoon, you'll have time to relax and freshen up before dinner.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a free day to explore at your own pace. Maybe soak up the sun on the beach with a book or take a mountain bike through the hinterland. This afternoon, maybe explore the Cintsa River by canoe or book in for a surfing lesson. Be sure to check in with your group leader to get their recommendations.
Optional Activities:
- Cintsa - Village Tour (235 ZAR)
- Cinsta - Canoe Hire - Free
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning you'll travel to Addo Elephant National Park, which was created in 1931 to protect the region's eleven remaining elephants. A true success story in conservation – today there are over 450 elephants in the park, as well as cape buffalo, black rhinos, antelopes and the flightless dung beetle. When you arrive, you'll take an afternoon game drive with your group. As you drive, try to spot some of these resident creatures, among others, from your truck.
Included Activities:
- Addo Elephant National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive
Optional Activities:
- Addo Elephant National Park - Night game drive (480 ZAR)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake early and set off on another game drive in Addo Elephant National Park. After, begin your journey along the Garden Route – your first stop being Tsitsikamma National Park. Here you’ll see the steep ancient forests which meet the breakers of the Indian Ocean, protecting both land and sea. When you arrive, your leader will take you to a local activity centre, where a range of activities will be on offer – some of which you may like to book for your free day tomorrow.
Included Activities:
- Addo Elephant National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
With another day in Tsitsikamma, you’ll have more time to explore this magnificent national park. Cape clawless otters, dolphins, tortoises and southern right whales (depending on the season) are all locals here, along with baboons, monkeys and a heap of birdlife. See how many of them you can spot on a range of hiking trails, including those to the Stormsriver Mouth and waterfalls.
Optional Activities:
- Tsitsikamma - Stormsriver Mouth Hike - Free
- Tsitsikamma - Waterfall Trail - Free
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, head out across the arid Karoo region bound for Oudtshoorn. Along the way you'll stop at Knysna to stretch your legs and explore this hamlet with a gorgeous lagoon. Then, travel to the Cango Caves, where you’ll have time to explore the weird and wonderful rock formations, including the Cleopatra's Needle, which is at least 150,000 years old. Your local guide will give you all the ins-and-outs of their formation and history. Later, continue to Oudtshoorn – known as the ostrich capital of the world. At the turn of the 20th century, it was full of feather barons that grew rich from the popularity of ostrich feathers. Tonight, maybe head out with your group and find a local restaurant for dinner.
Included Activities:
- Oudtshoorn - Cango Caves Guided Tour
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise early this morning to spend some time with wild meerkats. Head to their burrow, pull up a chair and sip coffee while the sun comes up and the meerkats climb out into the sunshine. Watch these cute, wild animals, who are never fed or handled by humans, as they go about their daily routine of foraging and frolicking. Then it's on to Cape Town, the seaside city you'll call home for the next two nights. Along the way, stop in Stellenbosch – one of the world’s great wine regions, set in the heart of the Cape Winelands and framed by the Cape Fold Mountains. Visit a local winery to taste and learn about some of the region’s signature vintages. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner to one of Cape Town’s hip restaurants and bars for dinner.
Included Activities:
- Oudtshoorn - Meerkat Experience
- Stellenbosch - Winery Visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you'll visit Boulder's Beach to see the resident penguins waddle across this beautiful beach framed by ancient granite boulders. Then, the rest of the day is yours to explore Cape Town however you like. With sweeping views across the city and the ocean below, you might like to make your way to the top of Table Mountain. Whether you choose to relax and ride the city's famous cable car to reach the top or strap on your walking shoes and get hiking - we'll leave it up to you! Tonight, maybe join your group for dinner with coastal views – a great way to spend your last night!
Included Activities:
- Cape Town - Boulder Beach Penguins
Optional Activities:
- Cape Town - Table Mountain Aerial Cable (380 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Robben Island tour (550 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Harbour cruise (200 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Table Mountain Hike (1600 ZAR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
As there are no further activities planned today, your South African adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to stay longer (and it’s recommended you do) just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Optional Activities:
- Cape Town - Table Mountain Hike (1600 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Best of the Cape Combo Tour - Full Day (2000 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Cape Peninsula and SUP Tour - Full Day (2100 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Robben Island Ferry & Table Mountain Tour - Full Day (1800 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Winelands Tour - Full Day (1800 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Winelands Tour - Half Day (1350 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Cape Peninsula & Table Mountain Tour - Full Day (2000 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Cape Malay Cooking Tour - Half Day (1200 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Township Experience - Half Day (965 ZAR)
- Cape Town - City and Waterfront Tour - Half Day (1100 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Cape Peninsula & Kirstenbosch Tour - Full Day (2000 ZAR)
- Cape Town - District Six & Bo-Kapp Cultural Tour - Half Day (965 ZAR)
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Ryan - Traveled, February 2025
I had an amazing trip and highly recommend it! We were able to visit many places and witness the breathtaking beauty of South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/07/2025
Angela - Traveled, December 2024
I would just like to say that I had a fantastic Trip, Kruger & Coast & Garden Route, that I have just got back from. I would like to thank Sandile our Guide, and also a big thank you to Ricardo our Cook, for looking after me with my health & dietary needs, will definitely use Intrepid again, thank you.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/30/2024
Renika - Traveled, November 2024
This was my first Basix overland/camping Intrepid trip - and I absolutely LOVED it! The camping aspect was easier than I imagined, and the campsites were extraordinarily located in beautiful national parks. The landscape and wildlife experiences were just awesome, and I would do another overland/camping trip in a heartbeat.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/18/2024
Andrew - Traveled, November 2024
I loved this camping-based trip. The camaraderie in the truck; the process of setting up campsites; the conversations around campfires; breakfasts in the early morning sunlight; drinks and laughter at dusk; nightly meals in the red glow of headlamps. I also loved the nature-based experiences, which were beyond amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/18/2024
Ruth - Traveled, October 2024
Great itinerary with many animal sightings and other highlights. Guide and crew was very knowledgeable. Camping and other accomodations were nice, food was ok. People were from different age groups and we all connected very well (were lucky to have a small group of 8/9 people). Long drives but didn't bother me at all with the nice landscape to look at. For all fitness levels (not very active trip but there are some days with especially optional activities). Overall can recommend if you like to camp, see the wildlife and some other nature highlights of South Africa, Eswatini and Lesotho.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/28/2024
Judith - Traveled, September 2024
The crew on this trip went above and beyond can not recommend them enough. The were so helpful in a very distressing situation.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2024
Stephen - Traveled, September 2024
The trip itinerary, and game watching was excellent. All the stops were well planned and interesting. A well-balanced trip between camping in the national parks, backpacker stays and visiting the major cities. The crew was the best.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/03/2024
Guy - Traveled, August 2024
Excellent itinerary, very well organised and plenty of opportunity for local cultural and historical engagement as well as stunning scenery and wonderful wildlife!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/08/2024
Chad - Traveled, March 2024
This trip was an amazing way to see South Africa. We say the Big 5 plus many many more animals in the wild. We had good food, good guides and it was lovely adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/13/2024
Laura - Traveled, February 2024
These past 22 days were awesome! We saw so many animals and learned so much about the culture of South Africa, Eswatini and Lesotho. We had safari days, beach days and cultural days! This trip does have a lot of driving, but it is worth it to get to see so much of these beautiful countries. The campsites were awesome and one even backs onto a waterhole where we got to see so many different animals essentially in our backyard. We had the most amazing crew! If you’re lucky enough to get Spha, Dumi and Dineo as your team, you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful trip filled with fun and laughter!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/10/2024
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