Kruger, Canyons & Cape

After landing in Johannesburg and hopping on a short internal flight to Hoedspruit, you’ll be met and whisked off to your safari lodge in Kruger National Park. Check in for the next three nights, and spend a little time settling in before heading out on your first afternoon game drive. Kruger is iconic for a reason, so your chance of your first unforgettable wildlife encounter is strong this afternoon.

Your days on safari start early, heading out on twice-daily game drives with expert rangers. The early alarm calls will be well worth it, though, with the dawn light giving you the best chance at spotting predators on the move. Kruger is home to impressive numbers of the Big Five and an incredible variety of other wildlife, from cheetahs sprinting across the plains to giraffes elegantly grazing on treetops. Between drives, enjoy time at your lodge, soaking up the sounds of the bush, the top service, delicious food and the beauty of your surroundings.

After a final morning safari, you’ll be transferred back to Hoedspruit Airport, where you’ll collect your hire car and drive to the Escarpment region for a three-night stay. The change in scenery is dramatic – lush forests, towering cliffs, and winding mountain roads replace the open safari plains of Kruger.

Today, you’ll head off on one of South Africa’s most scenic drives, the Panorama Route. Highlights include the Blyde River Canyon, one of the world’s largest green canyons, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes, a fascinating rock formation carved by centuries of swirling water. Stop at God’s Window, one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the region, where the views stretch as far as Mozambique on a clear day.

After days of safari drives, today is perfect for stretching your legs. The Escarpment region is home to incredible hiking trails, with forests, waterfalls, and plenty of panoramic viewpoints to stop at along the way. There are great options for all fitness levels, so whether you fancy a gentle walk or a more challenging trek, we can recommend the best routes to experience the landscape up close.

Today you’ll drive back to Kruger Airport for your flight to Cape Town, trading in the green mountains for ocean views and vibrant city life. When you touch down, you’ll be met by our friendly team on the ground and transferred to your guesthouse for a three-night stay. Take the evening to relax or explore the lively V&A Waterfront, where restaurants and bars line the harbour. There are so many top restaurants to sample in Cape Town, chat to us about our favourites! 

Your day starts with a journey to the top of the iconic Table Mountain today, taking the cable car (or hiking, if you’ve packed your walking boots!) to the top for incredible views over the city and ocean. Later, visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. The guided tours are incredibly insightful here, as you’ll be led around the prison grounds by a former inmate, bringing the island’s history to life with firsthand stories and insights into what life was like here. 

During your time in Cape Town, a full day exploring the Cape Peninsula is a must. Follow Chapman’s Peak Drive, stopping at Cape Point and climbing the lighthouse for sweeping views over the ocean, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Make a stop off at Boulders Beach, home to a colony of African penguins, before heading back to Cape Town.

Today, you’ll drive south to Hermanus, famous for its whale watching opportunities. If time allows, take a detour through the Winelands, stopping at a vineyard for a wine tasting and a long, lazy lunch before continuing to the coast.

Spend the morning on a boat trip in Walker Bay this morning, where from June to December, southern right whales can often be seen breaching the waves, tail-slapping, or nursing their calves. This afternoon, head off on a scenic coastal walk, stopping off for refreshments along the way, where you might just spot whales right from the shore.

Today, you might opt to explore the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, one of South Africa’s best wine regions, known for its cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. If you’re feeling adventurous, though, head to Gansbaai for a truly bucket-list worthy experience – Shark cage diving. Not for the faint-hearted, zip up your wetsuit, hold your nerve and prepare to come face-to-face with great white sharks in their natural habitat.

After a leisurely breakfast overlooking the ocean, you’ll drive back to Cape Town Airport, returning your hire car before your overnight flight home via Johannesburg. With memories of incredible wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences, we hope this summer holiday will be a hard one to beat.