Our Kruger, Cape Town & Victoria Falls package is a small-group lodge safari showcasing the best of South Africa, Eswatini (Swaziland), and Zimbabwe. Spot the Big Five in Kruger National Park, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Drakensberg Mountains and the Garden Route, and experience the diverse cultures and history of Cape Town. The journey continues north with a tour of Victoria Falls, a serene Zambezi River cruise, and ends with a safari in Hwange National Park. This tour has it all!
Highlights of the Tour
Johannesburg
Johannesburg is one of Africa’s biggest and most vibrant cities. It is the economic capital of Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. Although not as famous as other South African destinations, there is plenty to do in Johannesburg and nearby Pretoria. The old city offers a mixture of modern skyscrapers, traditional medicine shops, multi-cultural restaurants, excellent museums, art galleries and organized tours of historical and political interest. The shopping is Southern Africa’s best and the nearby township of Soweto is Johannesburg’s most popular tourist attraction.
Graskop
Perched on the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment, the little forestry town of Graskop, meaning ‘Grassy Hill’ is set in the heart of Mpumalanga Panorama Tourist Route in northern South Africa. Once a gold mining camp, today it serves as a thriving tourist stopover and base from which to explore the countless natural wonders in the surrounding area. Highlights include the famous Kruger National Park, the world-renowned Blyde River Canyon, Pilgrims Rest, the unique formations of Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels. Some spectacular waterfalls to view are Mac Mac Falls, Motitsi Waterfall, Lisbon Falls and the Berlyn Falls. Other popular activities include descending into the Graskop Gorge on the Graskop Gorge Lift and enjoying a delicious pancake at the ‘Pancake capital of South Africa’.
Kruger National Park
The southern area of South Africa’s most famous game reserve, the Kruger National Park, is separated from lush farmlands by the Crocodile River, a popular area to spot crocodiles, playful hippos and many other thirsty species of wildlife. The game viewing area is known as the ‘Southern Circle’ and is renowned for its rhinos and lions, with different prides boasting an array of different hunting techniques and behaviors to observe. Near the Hippo Pool, visitors can view ancient San rock paintings. The Southern Kruger offers incredible game-viewing opportunities and magnificent landscapes covered in African bushveld and savannah.
Kingdom of Eswatini (Swaziland)
Set in what is arguably Swaziland’s most spectacularly beautiful region – the aptly named ‘Valley of Heaven’ – Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is a natural wonderland of grassy plains, granitic mountains, cascading waterfalls and abundant wildlife. The southern section can be explored on foot, mountain bike, horseback or in vehicles, while access to the more remote northern half is restricted to guided hiking groups. Located relatively close to the reserve are the towns of Malkerns and Ezulwini, famous for their many craft shops and other attractions.
Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park
Named after the many thorny climbers that were once found along the Hluhluwe River, on whose banks the town rests, Hluhluwe is nestled between the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve. The affect of the wetlands ensures that visitors of this world-famous reserve are treated to incredibly scenic surroundings. Those who enjoy fresh, juicy South African pineapples can indulge themselves to the fullest, with most of the country’s pineapples produced in this region.
Drakensberg Mountains
The Southern Drakensberg is a wonderland of woodlands, forests, lakes and rivers, all set against the dramatic backdrop of this spectacular mountain range. Several nature reserves fall into the area and protect a wide variety of flora and fauna, including some rare antelope species and, at Kamberg, a network of beautiful hiking trails lead to caves decorated with ancient Khoisan art. Trout thrive in the region’s reservoirs and waterways, making it a magnet for fly-fishermen, while horse riding and mountain biking are also popular pursuits in this scenic part of the world. The ultimate highlight of the Southern Drakenberg, however, is the Sani Pass, which – at almost 3,000 meters above sea level – is South Africa’s highest pass, leading all the way to the Lesotho border and offering magnificent vistas along the way.
Addo National Elephant Park
As South Africa’s third largest national park, the Addo National Elephant Park offers a truly unforgettable safari experience. This finely-tuned ecosystem provides a sanctuary to large numbers of elephant, lion, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, antelope, zebra and over 400 bird species – to name but a few. The park is unique as it is the only park in the world to boast the “Big 7” – the Big 5 as well as the southern right whale and great white shark off the coast of Algoa Bay. Spend your days marveling at the extensive knowledge of the park’s experienced guides who offer exhilarating 4×4 safari adventures, terrific horse riding excursions, and wonderful night drives where you are likely to spot some fascinating nocturnal wildlife. Famed for its large herds of elephants, Addo provides an ideal, tranquil retreat for those looking to escape the stresses of big city living.
St Lucia
St Lucia lies on the St Lucia estuary, and is a haven of tranquility that only unspoilt nature can provide. Entirely surrounded by the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, the residents of the little village are protective of their beautiful environment. Mountain biking, hiking, bird watching and deep-sea fishing present opportunities to enjoy the surroundings. From the town, you can catch the Santa Lucia ferry and take a trip around the lower reaches of the lake where you can view water birds, crocodiles and hippos wallowing in the shallows.
Chintsa
Situated close to the city of East London in the beautiful Eastern Cape Province, Chintsa is a hidden treasure along the Wild Coast of South Africa. It is made up of two small villages: Chintsa East and Chintsa West, which are separated by the Chintsa River Mouth. It features a pristine, unspoilt long stretch of white-sand beach fringed by dense lush vegetation scattered with a variety of wonderful places to stay ranging from luxury to budget accommodation. Chintsa offers visitors the opportunity to surf the waves, kayak along the river, enjoy a fishing excursion and soak up the African sun on the spectacular beach.
Oudtshoorn
Oudtshoorn is famous for its ostriches and the magnificent Cango Caves. Located along the renowned Route 62, which takes motorists past one awe-inspiring sight after another, Oudtshoorn is known as the Ostrich Capital of the World; these huge birds are almost as common as people in this charming town. Other than ostriches and the wonderful feathers and meat they provide, the Oudtshoorn area also boasts the spectacular Cango Caves; the largest cave system in Africa, permeated with sparkling stalactites and stalagmites and captivating rock formations.
Cape Town
Resting at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean, sandwiched between the slopes of Table Mountain and the glistening waters of Table Bay, the scenic city of Cape Town is in a class of its own. Boasting a mix of rich culture, vibrant nightlife, a cosmopolitan atmosphere, amazing architecture, world-class beaches, top-notch vineyards, diverse flora and fauna, and expansive mountainous beauty, Cape Town consistently captivates the hearts of all who visit.
Victoria Falls
Resting on the southern banks of the Zambezi river at the western end of the eponymous falls, this popular tourist town is compact enough to walk around and makes an ideal base for travelers exploring the seventh wonder of the world, the unfathomably vast Victoria Falls. About two thirds of the falls can be viewed from the Zimbabwean side and, while the falls are undoubtedly the star attraction, the area provides both adventure seekers and sightseers with plenty of opportunities to warrant a longer stay. Popular activities include scenic flights over the falls in helicopters or micro lights, bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge, white-water rafting (seasonal), and day trips to Chobe National Park. The town itself offers some excellent accommodation and restaurant options as well as an eclectic variety of African curios and authentic art sold by friendly Zimbabwean locals who are wonderfully welcoming and eager to help you enjoy your stay.
Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park is the largest reserve in Zimbabwe and is home to a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, lions, zebras and about 40 000 elephants. It is also a protected region for endangered species. The area stretches from sandy dunes and savannahs through to rocky terrain and forests.
