South Africa Cape & Kruger Explorer: 11-Day Safari & City Break

Other dates and airports available. Contact us for more information.

Experience the incredible contrast of South Africa’s wild landscapes and vibrant urban centres on this 11-day Cape & Kruger Explorer itinerary. From the historic streets of Pretoria to the vast wilderness of Kruger National Park and the coastal majesty of Cape Town, this journey balances untamed adventure with captivating city breaks.

Your adventure begins in Johannesburg before traveling past Pretoria’s historic Union Buildings toward the vast expanses of the Lowveld. At Kruger National Park, one of the world’s premier game reserves, you will set off on a full-day 4×4 game drive through the renowned Southern Circle, giving you the ultimate opportunity to spot rhinos, lions, and the rest of the famous Big Five.

From the bushveld, you’ll fly south to Cape Town, a picturesque city set between dramatic mountain ranges and the Atlantic Ocean. With an included hop-on hop-off city sightseeing bus pass and tickets for the Table Mountain Cableway, you can explore the Mother City at your own pace. Whether you choose to sip world-class wines in Stellenbosch, brave a shark cage dive off the coast, or observe penguin colonies along the Cape Peninsula, this holiday delivers a collection of memorable African experiences.

Designed for travellers seeking a well-rounded combination of guided wildlife viewing and independent exploration, this trip offers exceptional value by incorporating international flights, internal connections, key excursions, and handpicked hotel accommodation.

Holiday Highlights

• International flights from London Gatwick plus internal flight to Cape Town

• Full-day 4×4 open-vehicle game drive in Kruger National Park with an expert guide

• Panoramic drive through the Highveld and Lowveld with a visit to Pretoria’s Union Buildings

• Hop-on hop-off city bus tour and Table Mountain Cableway tickets in Cape Town

• Carefully selected Charm category hotel stays with daily breakfast and select dinners

• Freedom to customise your stay with optional Winelands, Cape Peninsula, or Shark Cage Diving excursions

• Full ATOL financial protection for complete peace of mind

Day 1 – Overnight Flight from the UK

Board your scheduled flight from London Gatwick to Johannesburg. Relax on board as you travel overnight to South Africa.

Day 2 – Arrival in Johannesburg

Land at Johannesburg International Airport and make your way to your hotel using the complimentary airport shuttle service. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing or step out to explore the city’s lively food scene, cultural hubs, and vibrant nightlife.

Day 3 – Pretoria to Kruger National Park Region

After breakfast, set off on a scenic road journey toward the Kruger region. Pause in Pretoria to view the grand exterior of the Union Buildings, the official seat of the South African government. Continue through the Highveld plateau down into the subtropical Lowveld, arriving at your hotel near Kruger in the late afternoon for dinner.

Day 4 – Full-Day Kruger National Park 4×4 Safari

Rise early for a sunrise 4×4 game drive into the southern sector of Kruger National Park. Travel through wildlife-dense areas renowned for lion and rhino sightings, enjoying a breakfast on the go. Stop midday at a park rest area for lunch (at own expense) before continuing your afternoon search for the Big Five. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner.

Day 5 – Kruger Region at Leisure

Enjoy a day at leisure to relax at your resort or explore the surroundings of White River. Alternatively, choose an optional full-day 4×4 open-vehicle safari deeper into Kruger National Park, complete with a packed lunch. Return to your accommodation for dinner.

Day 6 – Kruger to Cape Town

Depart the Kruger region by road back to Johannesburg Airport to catch your domestic flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival in this coastal metropolis, transfer to your hotel and settle in for an evening at leisure.

Day 7 – Cape Town & Table Mountain

Use your included hop-on hop-off bus pass to discover Cape Town’s highlights at your own rhythm. In the afternoon, ride the Table Mountain Cableway to the summit for panoramic views across the city, coast, and surrounding mountains.

Day 8 – Cape Town Independent Exploration

Spend today enjoying Cape Town at your own pace. Enhance your itinerary with an optional full-day excursion to the Stellenbosch Winelands for wine tastings and a cellar tour, or brave an optional Shark Cage Diving experience off the coast.

Day 9 – Cape Peninsula Exploration

Take advantage of another free day in the city. Highly recommended is the optional full-day Cape Peninsula tour, featuring scenic coastal drives along Camps Bay, the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, and the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach.

Day 10 – Departure from Cape Town

Enjoy your final morning in Cape Town before transferring to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Day 11 – Arrival in the UK

Arrive back in London Gatwick, bringing your South African adventure to a close.

Accommodation

Your stay includes 8 nights in well-appointed Charm Category hotels, selected for comfort, quality facilities, and convenient locations:

• Johannesburg (1 Night): City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport (or similar, such as Protea Hotel by Marriott O.R. Tambo or Garden Court O.R. Tambo). Features convenient airport access, modern rooms, and dining facilities.

• Kruger Region (3 Nights): StayEasy Mbombela (or similar, such as ANEW Resort Hazyview, Hazyview Sun, or Pestana Kruger Lodge). Offers comfortable accommodations with outdoor swimming pools and peaceful garden settings close to game reserve gates.

• Cape Town (4 Nights): Cresta Grande Cape Town (or similar, such as ONOMO Hotel Cape Town or Protea Hotel Sea Point). Central locations offering comfortable rooms, city views, and easy access to top urban attractions.

• Return international economy flights from London Gatwick

• Domestic flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town

• Hand luggage, 10kg cabin baggage, and 1 checked hold bag per passenger

• 8 nights hotel accommodation in Charm category hotels

• 8 breakfasts and 3 dinners

• Full-day 4×4 game drive in Kruger National Park with park entry fees included

• Pretoria stop and Union Buildings view

• Cape Town Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing bus ticket

• Table Mountain Cableway afternoon tickets

• Scheduled road transfers as outlined in the itinerary (excluding initial arrival hotel shuttle)

• All air taxes and fuel surcharges

• Full ATOL financial protection