Johannesburg to Cape Town

20 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
This epic journey explores the different facets of three very diverse countries. We go on game drives in Kruger National Park, walk in the spectacular Drakensberg mountains, travel along the Garden Route, enjoy wine tasting in renowned vineyards and visit exciting Cape Town, while also visiting the mountain kingdoms of Eswatini (Swaziland) and Lesotho. This t...
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$7,695
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Immerse in southern Africa’s best bits: mountain kingdoms, safari adventures and amazing scenery
    • Spot safari icons on multiple game drives and nature walks in Kruger National Park and Hlane Game Reserve in Eswatini
    • Cruise Lake St Lucia where hippos and crocodiles populate the waters
    • Experience the unique culture of Lesotho
    • Visit vineyards in Stellenbosch with the chance to go wine tasting
    • End in Cape Town with the option of visiting Robben Island, Table Mountain and more

What's this trip about?

    This epic journey explores the different facets of three very diverse countries. We go on game drives in Kruger National Park, walk in the spectacular Drakensberg mountains, travel along the Garden Route, enjoy wine tasting in renowned vineyards and visit exciting Cape Town, while also visiting the mountain kingdoms of Eswatini (Swaziland) and Lesotho. This three-week trip has something for everyone: prolific wildlife, incredible scenery, beautiful beaches, awe-inspiring mountains and, of course, the rich culture that makes these countries what they are today.Enjoy mountain kingdoms, world-class wine, safari lands and dramatic coastlines

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityJohannesburg
End CityCape Town

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Africa
  • South Africa
  • Lesotho
  • South Africa

Attractions

  • Cape of Good Hope
  • Cape Town
  • Kruger National Park

Activities

  • Culture
  • History
  • Nature
  • Wildlife viewing

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, 16 lunches, 13 dinners
    • All accommodation (see below)
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start Johannesburg; drive to Graskop (Mpumalamga)

We gather at Johannesburg Airport and head to our first hotel in Graskop (Mpumalamga), with views over the Graskop Gorge. En route, we travel through Belfast, the highest town in South Africa at 6,465ft (1,970m), and the scenic Robbers Pass. Our driving time today is approximately five to six hours (250mi/400km) with limited sightseeing. Accommodation: Mogodi Lodge (or similar)

Day 2 Explore Panorama Route; afternoon game drive

Today we explore the aptly named Panorama Route. We drive through spectacular countryside and stop at scenic places such as the Bourke’s Luck Potholes and Blyde River Canyon, the third largest of its type in the southern hemisphere. From here, we continue to this even...

Day 3 Morning game walk; to Kruger National Park

This morning, we look for wildlife on foot as we enjoy a game walk through the concession. From here, we continue to Kruger National Park, justifiably one of the most famous wildlife parks in the world. It is also one of the oldest, established by the president Paul K...

Day 4 Game drives in Kruger National Park

We spend all of today inside Kruger National Park and go on game drives in both the morning and the afternoon to maximise our wildlife-viewing chances. Accommodation: National park huts or permanent tented camp

Day 5 To Hlane Game Reserve in Eswatini (Swaziland), optional nature walk

We enter Eswatini (Swaziland) and overnight in the old royal hunting grounds, now the beautiful Hlane Royal National Park. In the afternoon, we can leave the vehicle and enjoy an optional nature walk. Seeing animals and tracks outside the confine of a vehicle is a thr...

Day 6 To St Lucia on the Elephant Coast

This morning, we drive south towards the town of Big Bend on our way to the border and back into South Africa. We continue towards the small town of St Lucia between the Indian Ocean and Lake St Lucia. It is not uncommon to come across stray hippos in the town centre ...

Day 7 Boat trip and game walk; afternoon at Cape Vidal

This morning, we spend two hours exploring Lake St Lucia by boat, with an excellent chance of seeing some of the many resident hippos, crocodiles and fish eagles. From here, it’s a short drive to Cape Vidal, a long stretch of beach along the Indian Ocean. We spend the...

Day 8 To Dundee via Rorke's Drift

We leave St Lucia today and drive through the Natal midlands and onto Dundee. En route, we stop at Rorke’s Drift and have a chance to learn about the famous battle at the local museum. Immortalised by Hollywood in the film Zulu (1964), the events that took place here ...

Day 9 To Royal Natal National Park; optional afternoon walk

We continue to the Northern Drakensberg, our base for the next two nights. The Drakensberg is a basalt escarpment forming the border between KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho and continuing into the Free State. It means Dragon Mountains, but the Zulu people named it Ukhahlamb...

Day 10 Daywalk in the Drakensberg

We spend a full day in the mountains where our route has us walking into a natural amphitheatre, following the Tugela River past protea trees. The protea is the national flower of South Africa and the name of their cricket team. Our driving time today is approximately one hour (31mi/50km). Accommodation: Alpine Heath Resort (or similar)

Day 11 To the Kingdom of Lesotho

We have a long day’s drive as we travel through Golden Gate National Park and the eastern farmlands of the Free State and enter Lesotho at the Maseru border post. This mountainous kingdom has been shielded from outside influence over the generations and the Basotho pe...

Day 12 Free day to enjoy the culture and mountain scenery of Lesotho

The day is free to relax and experience the unique culture of Lesotho. Mountain ridges protrude into the town and there’s the option a day’s pony trekking to a local village. Alternatively, the craft shops and markets can be an enjoyable way to pick up some African souvenirs. Accommodation: Malealea Lodge (or similar)

Day 13 To Graaff-Reinet in the Karoo

We’re on the road today as we drive south to Graaff-Reinet, the oldest town on the Eastern Cape, founded in 1786. Our driving time is approximately eight hours passing through the desert landscape of the Great Karoo. Accommodation: Obesa Lodge (or similar)

Day 14 To Tsitsikamma National Park on the Garden Route

We drive down to the coast and over the Baviaanskloof and Kouga mountains before arriving at Tsitsikamma National Park at the mouth of the Storms River. This national park protects the indigenous forests as well as the marine life 31mi (50km) out to sea. We stay at a ...

Day 15 Free day to go on walks, relax or explore the region

Our second day in Tsitsikamma National Park is free to enjoy the beautiful setting. There are a range of optional activities including walks to the Storms River gorge and along the rocky coast, snorkelling, sea and river cruises, and a tree canopy tour through the for...

Day 16 To Hermanus; whale watching in season

We drive along the beautiful Garden Route coastline via George and the rolling cultivated fields of the Boland to Hermanus. The route is stunning and follows the ragged coast passing through small fishing villages and seaside resorts. Hermanus is an interesting little...

Day 17 Visit the South African wine region en route to Cape Town

In the morning, we leave Hermanus and, hugging the coastline (there is always a good chance to see whales in season), we drive along this scenic route to Gordon’s Bay and then onto Stellenbosch. The afternoon is spent visiting a few of the vineyards that make this are...

Day 18 Cape Peninsula tour, Cape Point and Simon’s Town penguins

After an early morning breakfast, we drive via the coastal suburbs of Clifton, Camps Bay and Hout Bay, then over Chapman’s Peak Drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Here, elands, bontebok, grysbok, springbok, wildebeest, baboons and ostriches, live on a lan...

Day 19 Free day in Cape Town

The day is free. An optional trip to Robben Island, site of Nelson Mandela’s incarceration, is highly recommended, as is a cable-car ride to the Table Mountain summit if the weather is good. Alternatively, relax and unwind on the Cape Town beaches. Accommodation:Neighbourgood Castle Hotel (or similar)

Day 20 End Cape Town

The adventure ends in Cape Town after breakfast. If you’d like more time to explore South Africa, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,700
Price per day$285
Last Updated: 5/22/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
12 Jan 2025
31 Jan 2025
$5,775
$6,848

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,310
Great
3,258
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
187
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

A comprehensive and very enjoyable trip in this incredible country!

A thoroughly enjoyable trip! This trip is pretty full on and many hours are spent on the bus, travelling from place to place. However, as the scenery is constantly...

A

Anonymous

Feb 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

An awesome experience!

I was so excited about this trip and was not disappointed as I thought it was outstanding. The pace was good, the scenery very varied, there were a lot of new expe...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Fabulous sightseeing adventure

What an amazing experience! 3 weeks, a lot of time spent on the bus traveling, but never boring, always stunning landscapes, often wonderful wildlife, and with th...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Johannesburg to Cape Town Reverse

Accommodation was good. Scenery excellent. Wild life excellent. Close encounter with the Cheetah Group leader started very well. Would recommend this trip The ...

A

Anonymous

Jul 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

Cape Town to Johannesburg

Quite possibly the best holiday of my life (and I've had a few). There were many. The majesty of the Drakensberg mountains, seeing a leopard drink from a river, the...

Write a Review

Other Exodus Travels Reviews

A

Annie O'Reilly Hughes

Nov 2024

Written on

Patient and knowledgeable operative

Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident t...

T

Trevor Butler

Nov 2024

Written on

Very professional organisation

Very professional organisation, trip leaders and guides. Good cultural ethics and a genuine interest in sustainable tourism, hence Exodus values are aligned to my o...

S

Sarah R

Nov 2024

Written on

India, the Tropical South

An excellent trip, we really enjoyed it and would highly recommend. Our guide Biju deserves a special thank you for being brilliant, he really adds to the experience...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

18 nights log cabins/chalets/hotel, 1 night pernmanent tented camp Travel is by minibus or overland truck Mainly good roads with some long drives
For this 20-day adventure through South Africa, Eswatini (Swaziland) and Lesotho, we have picked a selection of accommodations, each well located for our activities. We stay in a range of log cabins, chalets, hotels and permanent tented camps – the latter is a quintessential African experience that allows you to experience nature while enjoying the comforts of a regular room. We mostly stay in three-star properties throughout this itinerary. In Cape Town, we have an ideal location between the city centre and the V&A Waterfront, a star attraction in the city packed with restaurants, shops and buzzy bars. Conversely, we spend many nights in the middle of nowhere, such as our time within Kruger National Park where the calls of lions and hippos provide a very different experience to our time in the populated areas of South Africa. While our normal hotels used are listed in the day-to-day itinerary, below are some of the notable stays on this trip. Northern Drakensberg: Alpine Heath Resort (nights 9-10) This stylish four-star resort has an idyllic setting in the heart of the Drakensberg. Beautiful alpine views can be enjoyed from every part of the property regardless of whether you are relaxing with a drink at your chalet’s patio or going for a paddle in one of the outdoor swimming pools. There are also five eateries including La Gruyere’s Restaurant or the Pool Bar to choose from while you enjoy downtime between walks. Hermanus: Windsor Hotel (night 16) The 120-year-old Windsor Hotel sits opposite Walker Bay, one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world when southern right whales migrate to the bay to breed (July to November). Whale-watching is even possible from the comfort of the hotel restaurant. However, the location of the property is also ideal out of season with a central setting within town and quick access to the 7.5mi (12km) Hermanus Cliff Path. Worth knowing Wifi is available in several properties but not everywhere and it can be unreliable. Private bathrooms are available throughout the majority of the tour; however, in Kruger National Park there are shared facilities and in the Drakensberg we stay in chalets where two rooms share one bathroom and a lounge area. The single supplement applies to the bedrooms only and you may have to share a bathroom on certain nights.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts, 16 lunches and 13 dinners are included. Your guide and driver/assistant generally prepare the meals included in this trip. Below is a rough idea of what you can expect: Breakfast: Cereals, coffee, tea and toast, plus the occasional cooked breakfast. Lunch: Cheese, cold meats, salads, bread or rolls, and fresh fruit. Dinner: Potjies (stew), braais (barbecue), stir fries, pasta with fresh vegetables. We need at least two weeks’ notice to deal with special dietary requirements (eg vegetarian or allergies). For this reason, if you did not indicate these on your booking form, please advise us as soon as possible. The tour leaders do all the shopping, meal planning and cooking for each group. They always try to obtain fresh produce wherever possible. We also supply fruit squash, tea and coffee with breakfast, and tea or coffee with dinner. All other beverages are at your own expense. The water provided on this trip is safe, clean drinking water, normally from boreholes. If you would rather have bottled water then this is at your expense, though we would encourage you to make use of the safe drinking water provided as this helps reduce plastic consumption.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • Accommodation: 19 Classic nights (log cabins, chalets, hotels and permanent tented camp)
  • Travel is by minibus or overland truck
  • Mainly good roads with some long drives
Trip ID
exodus-AZJ

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