13 Day Safari – Cape Town to Johannesburg

South Africa rewards the long road. I like the way this private tour links the Garden Route and Wild Coast with major inland sights, and I like that breakfast and 12 nights of accommodation are arranged in advance. You also get real variety: wine tasting, coastal walks, mountain hiking, cultural museums, and open-vehicle safari drives.

The trade-off is the pace. You cover a huge distance in 13 days, and several days include long transfers followed by sightseeing. I would choose this trip for broad national coverage, not for a slow, restful holiday centered on one game reserve.

The route in a nutshell

• R62 wine country and Oudtshoorn: Taste wine among the vineyards and visit a wildlife ranch in the Klein Karoo.
• Knysna and Robberg: See the Knysna Heads, explore the quays, and choose a one, two, or four-hour hike on the Plettenberg Bay peninsula.
• Addo and the Wild Coast: Take a game drive in Addo Elephant National Park, then continue through Port Alfred and East London.
• Mandela country: Visit Mvezo, the Nelson Mandela Museum in Mthatha, and the Capture Site near Howick.
• Drakensberg and Durban: Hike in South Africa’s highest mountains, then see Durban’s promenade, market, gardens, and City Hall.
• Wetlands and Kruger: Cruise the St Lucia Estuary for hippos and crocodiles before a full-day safari in Kruger National Park.

Why this 13-day safari is different

Many South Africa trips force you to choose between Cape Town, the Garden Route, Durban, or Kruger. This one attempts to connect all of them, then adds historic sites and a second game reserve. That is its main appeal.

You begin in Cape Town and finish in Johannesburg, so the route works well if you want to arrive in one major city and fly home from another. The direction also makes geographic sense: you move east along the southern coast, turn north through KwaZulu-Natal, and finish near Kruger and Johannesburg.

This is a private tour, meaning only your group participates. That matters on a long trip. You can ask questions, adjust some hiking choices, and avoid the fixed social rhythm of a large coach group. A guide and driver also remove much of the work involved in planning accommodation, transfers, park visits, and daily timing.

The published price is $3,463.07 per person. That is not a bargain for a simple sightseeing transfer, but it covers 12 nights of bed-and-breakfast accommodation, daily breakfast, several admission fees, multiple park experiences, and private touring. The value depends on how much you value having one organized route through the country. Ask for the accommodation details before paying, since the names and standards of the hotels are not specified.

Day 1: vineyards on the R62 and Oudtshoorn

The first day heads inland along Route 62, through Worcester, Robertson, and Montagu. The route is known for vineyards, and the tour includes wine tasting at one winery. This gives you a change of pace from Cape Town’s urban sights and introduces the dry interior of the Western Cape.

The drive takes about five hours before the Oudtshoorn portion, so expect a full first day. The value here is the contrast: cultivated wine country gives way to the Klein Karoo, a drier region with its own character and scenery.

In Oudtshoorn, you tour the town and visit a wildlife ranch with a guided tour. The information provided does not specify which animals or activities are included at the ranch, so I would ask before departure if you have a particular interest. This stop is useful as a gentle introduction to South Africa’s wildlife before the larger national parks later in the trip.

Day 2: Knysna Heads and the Garden Route

Knysna receives a generous six-hour visit. You see the Knysna Heads, the dramatic coastal entrance where the lagoon meets the ocean, and tour the Knysna Quays.

I like this day because it is not only a quick roadside photo stop. You have time to explore sandy beaches, forest trails, and the town’s cultural character. The quays offer a more developed waterfront setting, while the Heads provide the stronger natural view.

The itinerary calls this area one of the Garden Route’s essential stops, and that is fair. You should expect a mix of scenery rather than a single major attraction. Wear comfortable shoes and keep your camera ready, since the day includes both town walking and outdoor viewing.

Day 3: Robberg hiking and Plettenberg Bay

Robberg Nature Reserve is one of the best active portions of the trip. You can choose a one, two, or four-hour hike, which gives your group some control over the day’s effort.

The peninsula includes fynbos, ocean views, prehistoric rock, and Stone Age artefacts. It is also a place to watch for coastal wildlife and sea life. The shorter trails should suit anyone who wants scenery without committing to a demanding walk, while the four-hour option is better for people who enjoy a longer outing.

After Robberg, you spend about three hours around Plettenberg Bay and its sandy beaches. This balances the hiking with time to relax. The key practical point is footwear: even if you select the shortest trail, this is not a day for dress shoes. Conditions can change with weather, and the supplied information notes that rain and mist can occur in mountain areas later in the route.

Day 4: Bloukrans Bridge and Addo Elephant National Park

Bloukrans Bridge is home to the world’s highest bungee jump, but the jump is optional and costs an additional $50. If you do not want to jump, the stop still adds a memorable engineering and scenery break to the drive.

The main event is Addo Elephant National Park, reached after Bloukrans. You spend about five hours on a game drive in a major reserve known for elephants, buffalo, kudus, impalas, nyalas, and other wildlife. The park is described as a Big Five reserve and the third-largest game reserve in South Africa.

Addo is a useful early safari stop because it gives you a chance to see animals before Kruger. Still, wildlife is never guaranteed, and the presence of a Big Five label does not mean you will see every species. Treat Addo as one part of the safari story, not a promise of a full checklist.

Days 5 and 6: Port Alfred, East London, and Mandela country

Day 5 follows the Wild Coast route, with time in Port Alfred and East London. Port Alfred sits along the Kowie River and is known for long white beaches. The stop lasts about two hours, followed by roughly three hours continuing toward East London.

This is a scenic transfer day rather than an attraction-heavy one. I would see it as a chance to experience smaller coastal towns and get a sense of the eastern shoreline. If you want maximum time in each town, the schedule may feel brief.

Day 6 moves inland to Mvezo, Nelson Mandela’s birthplace. You visit monuments there, then continue to Mthatha for a guided tour of the Nelson Mandela Museum. The museum covers Mandela’s life from birth to death and his work toward a non-racial South Africa.

This section gives the trip needed historical weight. You are not only moving between parks and beaches. You are visiting places tied directly to South Africa’s political story. The stops are especially valuable if you want context for the country beyond scenery and wildlife.

Day 7: Howick Falls, the Capture Site, and the Drakensberg

Howick Falls is a 100-meter waterfall, with about an hour set aside for the visit. The tour then continues to the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, where you see the well-known sculpture and museum.

The Capture Site focuses on South Africa before independence and the events surrounding Mandela’s arrest. It pairs well with the museum in Mthatha, since the earlier stop covers his life while this one adds a specific place and wider national context.

You then continue to the Drakensberg Mountains for the night. The mountains reach 3,482 meters, or 11,422 feet, and are South Africa’s highest. This is one of the most dramatic changes in scenery on the route, but it also introduces weather concerns. Snow can fall in winter, while rain and mist are possible at any time of year.

Day 8: hiking in the Drakensberg, then Durban

The morning includes about four hours of hiking in the Drakensberg. This is a strong choice for anyone who wants active time rather than another vehicle-based sightseeing day.

You should prepare for mountain conditions, not simply warm coastal weather. The trip information does not specify a particular trail or difficulty level, so ask your operator what hike is planned and what equipment is needed. The mountain portion may be less comfortable for anyone with limited mobility or little interest in walking.

After lunch, the group drives about three hours to Durban for the night. That makes Day 8 another long day, but the contrast is worthwhile. You move from high mountain country to a major Indian Ocean city in a single afternoon.

Day 9: Durban city sights and iSimangaliso

The Durban city tour includes the promenade, Victoria Market, Durban Botanic Gardens, and City Hall. These stops offer a quick look at the city’s public spaces, shopping, plants, and civic center.

Three hours is enough for an overview, though not enough for a deep look at each place. I would keep your expectations practical. This is a compact city tour designed to connect with the next leg, not a full urban stay.

After lunch, you drive toward iSimangaliso Wetland Park and spend the night near St Lucia. The park is South Africa’s first World Heritage Site, and it shifts the focus back to wetlands, estuaries, and wildlife.

Day 10: hippos and crocodiles on the St Lucia Estuary

The two-hour Hippo and Croc Boat Cruise is one of the trip’s most distinctive activities. The boat travels about eight kilometers north on the St Lucia Estuary, where you look for hippos and crocodiles from the water.

This is different from a conventional game drive. You are observing animals in an aquatic setting, and the boat gives you a useful view of the estuary itself. Hippos may yawn and grunt close to the boat, while crocodiles can be seen along the edges.

The afternoon is set aside for relaxing and exploring St Lucia. That slower period is welcome after several days of road travel. The package also includes an iSimangaliso Wetlands Park game drive, though the day-by-day schedule does not give its exact timing. Confirm when it takes place so you know how much free time you will have.

Days 11 and 12: the road to Kruger and a full safari day

Day 11 is mostly travel through Mpumalanga toward Kruger National Park. The stated travel time is about eight hours, with views of the countryside, traditional homesteads, villages, and local communities along the way.

This is a demanding transfer. You should be prepared for a long day in the vehicle, but it also helps connect two very different parts of South Africa. The trip does not pretend every day is packed with major attractions, and this day is mainly about reaching Kruger.

Day 12 gives you the reward: a full nine-hour safari in an open 4×4 game-viewing vehicle with a qualified guide. Kruger is a Big Five reserve, and possible sightings include lions, rhinos, buffalo, elephants, giraffes, zebras, kudus, and impalas.

An open vehicle is a major advantage for viewing and photography, though you should bring sun protection and clothing suited to changing conditions. The safari is long, which improves your chances of seeing active animals at different points in the day. Still, sightings depend on nature, not the schedule. You may see a great range of animals, but no responsible safari can guarantee every species.

Day 13: Mpumalanga to Johannesburg

The final day includes about five hours of travel through Mpumalanga, with views of rural areas, villages, and local life. You reach Johannesburg in the afternoon, concluding the 13-day route.

This ending is practical if you are flying onward from Johannesburg or continuing your South Africa trip there. Do not plan a tightly timed evening activity unless you have confirmed the arrival time, since road conditions and the day’s schedule can affect when you arrive.

What the price includes, and what it does not

At $3,463.07 per person, the tour includes:

• 12 nights of bed-and-breakfast accommodation
• 12 breakfasts
• Private touring and arranged transportation
• Kruger safari in an open 4×4
• Addo Elephant National Park game drive
• St Lucia Hippo and Croc Boat Cruise
• iSimangaliso Wetlands Park game drive
• Drakensberg hiking
• Robberg Nature Reserve hiking
• R62 wine tasting
• Durban sightseeing
• Admission to the Nelson Mandela Museum and Capture Site

The Bloukrans bungee jump is not included and costs $50. Other meals, personal spending, and any unspecified optional activities should be confirmed before booking.

The strongest value comes from the number of major experiences packed into one route. You do not need to arrange separate park permits, coastal transfers, or accommodation each night. The weaker side is that the price does not tell you the hotel names or room standards. Get those details in writing, along with the pickup location and daily driving expectations.

Who should book this tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want a single organized journey across South Africa and prefer variety over long stays. It suits active people who enjoy hiking, long scenic drives, cultural museums, coastal towns, and wildlife viewing in equal measure.

It is also a good fit for a private group that wants a guide’s local judgment. One especially positive detail is the mention of Tim, a driver who had worked with African Sun Safaris for more than five years and was praised for knowing the route well and offering different options. If he is available, you can request him, but the operator does not guarantee that in the information provided.

I would hesitate if you want several quiet days, luxury lodges, or a safari-only holiday. The route is ambitious, and some days involve eight hours of travel. Communication before departure may also require persistence, so ask early about your pickup point, start time, hotels, and the exact plan for optional activities.

The tour starts at 7:30 a.m., offers pickup, and allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Most people can participate, but the hiking and long drives make it sensible to discuss physical needs with the provider first.

FAQ

How long is the Cape Town to Johannesburg safari?

The tour lasts approximately 13 days and includes 12 nights of accommodation before concluding in Johannesburg on Day 13.

What accommodation is included?

Accommodation for 12 nights is included on a bed-and-breakfast basis. The specific hotel names and room standards are not provided, so ask African Sun Safaris for those details before booking.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates in this private tour or activity.

Is the Bloukrans Bridge bungee jump included?

No. The bungee jump is optional and costs $50.

What safari parks are included?

The itinerary includes game drives at Addo Elephant National Park, iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, and Kruger National Park. The Kruger safari uses an open 4×4 vehicle and lasts about nine hours.

Are breakfasts included every day?

Yes. The package includes 12 breakfasts during the 12-night stay.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want South Africa’s major contrasts in one carefully arranged route: vineyards, beaches, mountains, museums, wetlands, and two major safari areas. Its strongest features are the private format, the full Kruger day, the Drakensberg hike, and the chance to see places that many shorter itineraries skip.

Skip it if you dislike long drives or want a relaxed safari lodge holiday. Before you commit, confirm the accommodation, pickup arrangements, guide availability, and how the hiking options are handled. If those details suit you, this is a strong way to see a broad slice of South Africa without managing every transfer yourself.