Current as of: July 26, 2024 - 18:55
Current as of: July 26, 2024 - 18:55
3 out of 7 - Moderate
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.
Highlights
This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
It is designed for people in good health who enjoy the outdoors. It is a varied trip, with sightseeing, city tours, game viewing, beach activities and walking. The moderate grading is given as some of the walks, especially in the Drakensberg, require a reasonable level of fitness.
There are some long driving days as we cover a lot of ground but there is lots to do and see along the way, plus we stop regularly for bathroom breaks, refreshments, photographs and leg stretches. Drive times on a lot of the days are four to five hours but a couple may be in excess of seven hours (not including time for stops). Drive times in the day-to-day itinerary are approximations and do not include stops.
There is a local leader plus one driver/assistant and local guides where needed.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Depart London.
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)
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 evening’s camp for our first game drive of the trip in a private concession of Kruger National Park . Our driving time today is approximately three to four hours (155mi/250km).
Accommodation: Nkambeni Tented Camp (or similar)
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 Kruger in 1898. It has, arguably, the greatest variety of animals of any park in Africa, with lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, black and white rhinos, plus cheetahs, giraffes, hippos and many species of antelope and smaller plains game. The total census includes 147 mammals, 507 birds and 114 reptiles plus 336 different trees. The camps are also excellent and the general infrastructure good. We game drive through the park to the camp, where there is a chance for a swim and hot showers. Our driving time today is approximately three to four hours (155mi/250km).
Accommodation: National park huts or permanent tented camp
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
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 thrilling experience and gives us the chance to see and hear the variety of smaller animals and birds that are often passed by on game drives. Our driving time today is approximately four to five hours (155mi/250km).
Accommodation: Hlane Lodge (or similar)
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 and the nearby lagoon is a haven for crocs, hippos, birds and even sharks! Our driving time today is approximately four to five hours (220mi/350km).
Accommodation: Shonalanga Lodge (or similar)
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 afternoon relaxing on the beach or walking to Mission Rocks (the walk to Mission Rocks can only be done at low tide and takes around four hours there and back). Alternatively, there are several optional activities available, including whale watching (June-November) or sunset and night game drives on the western shores of the lake. Our driving time today is approximately two to three hours (45mi/75km).
Accommodation: Shonalanga Lodge (or similar)
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 are well known and the small cluster of buildings isolated in the enormity of the African Bush are a moving reminder of this troubled time. Our driving time today is approximately five to six hours (220mi/350km).
Accommodation: Battlefields Country Lodge (or similar)
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 Ukhahlamba (barrier of spears). This is a more accurate description of the sheer, forbidding, jagged escarpment. A walk takes us through the lowland areas with magnificent views. Our driving time today is approximately two to three hours (125mi/200km).
Accommodation: Alpine Heath Resort (or similar)
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)
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 people historically used this strategic location as a defence against events on the plains below. The lodge in this rugged mountainous region provides us with an ideal opportunity to experience the Lesotho culture. Our driving time today is approximately five to six hours (250mi/400km).
Accommodation: Malealea Lodge (or similar)
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)
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)
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 beautifully positioned camp with the waves breaking a stone’s throw away. Our driving time today is approximately five to six hours (250mi/400km).
Accommodation: Tsitsikamma Storms River Huts (or similar)
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 forests. In season, approximately August to October, the marine park is home to migratory whales.
Accommodation: Tsitsikamma Storms River Huts (or similar)
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 town, known for delicious seafood. A visit to one of the great restaurants in the evening is highly recommended. It is also widely regarded as the best place in the world for land-based whale watching from August to November. Our driving time today is approximately six to seven hours (310mi/500km).
Accommodation: Windsor Hotel (or similar)
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 area world famous (optional wine tasting available). We then take a short drive to Cape Town. Our driving time today is approximately three to four hours (125mi/200km).
Accommodation: InnsCape on Castle Hotel (or similar)
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 landscape of rugged cliffs, unspoiled beaches, shipwrecks and beautiful flora. We also visit the Cape Point lighthouse. In the afternoon, we take a one-hour walk almost entirely downhill. Our destination is the Cape of Good Hope with a detour to Diaz Beach.We then return to Cape Town passing through the former Royal Navy base of Simon’s Town and a visit to the resident penguin colony. Our driving time today is approximately three to four hours (125mi/200km).
Accommodation: InnsCape on Castle Hotel (or similar)
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: InnsCape on Castle Hotel (or similar)
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.
Arrive London.
For this 20-day adventure through South Africa, Eswatini (Swaziland) and Lesotho, we have picked a selection of comfortable 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
Single supplement from £ 675
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:
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.
The vehicle used depends on the group size, but it is a minibus in style and fitted with individual forward-facing seats and tows a trailer for equipment and luggage. There are some long driving days, but the scenery is breath-taking so this should not prove too much of a hardship.
Although the greater part of South Africa lies north of the Tropic of Capricorn, the altitude moderates the temperature.
Summer is October to April with an average daytime temperature of 25C-30C (77F-86F) and an average nighttime temperature of 10C-20C (50F-68F).
Winter is May to September. Average temperatures are colder at this time of year. In and around Cape Town, most of the rainfall is in winter but it’s frontal rain, which comes off the Atlantic. Therefore, it can rain solidly for two days and, in between, there are warm sunny days!
There is likely to be very little rain inland between April and October. During July and August, the nights can be very cold, especially in the Drakensberg where temperatures can drop below freezing. However, the days are warm and crisp with generally cloud-free skies.
During November to February, rain sometimes falls and the temperature is higher. However, as anyone who has travelled to these parts will say, rain is often a blessing; it manifests the local colours, drops the sometimes-sweltering temperatures and never generally lasts too long. It also means the nights are incredibly clear. Due to the ocean’s proximity to the mountains and the winds, it is fairly common to experience tabletop clouds on the higher mountains in and around Cape Town.
Meet point: Either Johannesburg Airport or The Safari Club Hotel, Pomona, Kempton Park
Recommended arrival time: In time for the group transfer to the start hotel
Airport: Johannesburg Airport (JNB)
The first night’s accommodation for this trip is about 280mi (450km) from the airport and unreachable by public transport. Therefore, we strongly advise that you meet the group at Johannesburg Airport (JNB). If you would like to arrange this, please contact us as soon as possible.
Alternatively, you can meet the guide at The Safari Club Hotel, Pomona, Kempton Park, and join the transfer to the airport, where you meet the rest of the group. If you have a pre-tour night booked at The Safari Club Hotel through Exodus, once landed, make your way outside to the bus terminal for a free hotel shuttle.
Please note, you must let us know when and where you are going to meet with the tour leader so we can make sure you do not miss the group transfer.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
There’s a group departure transfer to Cape Town Airport (CPT) for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Johannesburg
Location end: Cape Town
At all times, a good waterproof windbreaker in your backpack is recommended should the cooler winds pick up during the course of a walk. Neutral-coloured clothing should be used on game drives and walking safaris.
There are numerous opportunities to do laundry along the way, normally every three or four days.
Travellers from the UK, US and most (though not all) EU states normally do not need a visa to enter South Africa. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/south-africa
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/south-africa
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/SouthAfrica.html
Please note, all travellers to South Africa who require a visa need at least two consecutive blank pages in their passport (ie a left- and right-hand page) to enable an entry visa to be issued.
Additionally, any child under 18 travelling to South Africa needs to be in possession of an unabridged birth certificate with the names of both parents. If a child under 18 is only travelling with one parent, they will also have to have an affidavit, no less than three months old, from the absent parent confirming the child can travel with the other parent; a court order granting full legal guardianship of the child; or a death certificate of the deceased parent.
Travellers from the UK, US and most EU states normally do not need a visa to enter Eswatini. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
British nationals can obtain entry visas on arrival.
Visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, rabies and tuberculosis. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Malaria prophylaxis is essential if travelling in the greater Kruger area; seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic about which tablets to take. The rest of South Africa, including the Garden Route, has a low risk of malaria.
Dengue fever, a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, is also a known risk in places visited. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we recommend taking the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, rabies and tuberculosis. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you have travelled from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic. There is also a risk of malaria in Eswatini, please confirm the recommended course of action with your doctor or travel clinic.
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, rabies and tuberculosis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Malaria prophylaxis is essential on this trip, and we suggest that you seek advice from your GP or travel health clinic about which malaria tablets to take.
Bilharzia is known to occur in some of the lakes or rivers visited on this itinerary, we therefore advise all to take advice from your guide or leader locally before venturing for a swim.
Dengue fever and/or Chikungunya are known risks in places visited on this trip. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
South Africa's time zone: Africa/Johannesburg (UTC +02:00)
South Africa's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins), D (three round pins), M (three round pins) and N (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Eswatini (Swaziland)'s electricity: Plug type M (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Lesotho's electricity: Plug type M (three round pins) – 220V, 50Hz
South Africa's currency: South African rand (ZAR)
Eswatini (Swaziland)'s currency: Swazi lilangeni (SZL)
Lesotho's currency: Lesotho loti (LSL)
There are ATMs in Johannesburg, Graskop, Kruger National Park, Dundee and Cape Town plus other places along the way.
Credit cards can be used in major shops and restaurants but are not accepted at curio stalls and small shops. You can pay for optional excursions by credit card although there may be an extra charge.
Allow about 285 rand (US$15) per day for incidentals. Own-expense meals cost on average 285-565 rand (US$15-US$30) depending on personal preferences and drinks.
Optional excursions
All prices listed are subject to change:
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work. Tipping is entirely optional but we recommend budgeting approximately 100-120 rand (US$5.25-US$6.30) per day for the tour leader and 80-100 rand (US$4.20-US$5.25) per day for the driver.
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Optional activities and excursions
If you would like to join an optional activity or excursion outside those listed in the itinerary, your leader may be able to assist with selecting a provider. However, Exodus has not assessed the safety standards of activities or excursions that are not listed in the Trip Notes. All optional activities or excursions are undertaken at your own risk.
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.