Yomps, Adventure Travel Experiences

Johannesburg to Cape Town 18 day Overland Tour
Full Itinerary

Explore South Africa overland between Johannesburg and Cape Town in vehicles especially designed to access the off-the-beaten track highlights this rich country has to offer: brave ‘Big Five’ game reserves on foot, experience Kruger National Park, explore the Drakensberg Mountains, visit the Swaziland Kingdom, cruise through Knysna on a boat journey, stroll along unspoiled sun-kissed beaches, hike Table Mountain and visit unique locations on this impressive overland tour!

South Africa and Swaziland

Week 1 - Explore Blyde River Canyon, go on afternoon game drives and game walks through the bush that extend well into the night, camp and ‘braai’ South African style under the stars, sleep in log cabins on stilts in indigenous sub-tropical forest on the banks of the Sabie River, cruise down through Kruger National Park, travel through the Kingdom of Swazi and soak up the sun on deserted Indian Ocean beaches

Our adventure begins overlanding through the gorgeous province Mpumalanga, visiting a variety of sites including Robbers Pass, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon, and the quaint historic towns Pilgrim’s Rest and Dullstroom. Winding our way down the escarpment to the Lowveld bushveld, we will overnight in the well appointed Drifters bush camp that sits adjacent to the Kruger National Park. The tented camp is tastefully designed, blends in with the environment, has comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, a refreshing swimming pool and stunning views over the surrounding bush. Dinner will be cooked on an open fire.

The following day begins at dawn with some customary coffee and rusks before we set off on a game walk. We will walk for approximately three hours in search of game, stopping regularly to learn about the ways of the bush from the qualified and registered safari guides and trackers who will impart their wisdom and guarantee our safety. After returning to camp for a late morning brunch and relaxing around the pool and camp, we will spend the afternoon conducting an open-vehicle game drive. This will develop into an extensive night-drive to provide us with the opportunity of viewing nocturnal animals otherwise not normally seen. In the evening we will enjoy a hearty bush ‘braai’ before falling to sleep to the sounds of the wild.

Travelling through the rural Bushbuck ridge area to the sleepy settlement of Hazyview, we head to the Drifters Hazyview Inn for the night: a log cabin spectacularly situated on stilts in an indigenous subtropical forest on the banks of the Sabie River. That afternoon we will have time to explore the area, relax at the bird hide, enjoy a swim or go on a forest walk. Leaving Hazyview early the next day, we travel the short distance to the world-renowned Kruger National Park to spend the day viewing animals that include the Big Five (lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards) from the high vantage point of our well-equipped vehicle. We will enjoy a picnic and spend the night in one of the park’s rest camps.

The next couple of days will be spent overlanding south through the Kingdom of the Swazi, an area of spectacular scenery that is filled with traditional homesteads and curio markets. Heading to Zululand, we will explore the area that was once ruled by the famed Shaka Zulu, which now contains gorgeous game reserves and impressive scenery. We will spend two nights at the rustic and beautiful Drifters Zululand Camp situated in the sand forest of a private game reserve that adjoins the World Heritage Site of St Lucia. During our stay we will embark on a game walk on the reserve, conduct an open vehicle game drive in Hluhluwe National Park and visit a rural Zulu school that is sponsored by us through the benefits of tourism.

On the final day of the first week a short drive will take us to one of the world’s finest coastlines, where the waves of the Indian Ocean continuously lap deserted beaches. Here our time will be spent soaking up the sun, relaxing on the beach and swimming in the warm ocean. We stay the night in the Drifters Dolphin Coast Inn, situated literally on the beach, where in the evening we will enjoy a traditional fish ‘braai’ out on the Inn’s patio, watching the sun go down.

South Africa

Week 2 - Explore the Drakensberg mountain range, visit rock art galleries and unique attractions, head into the Karoo interior, hike in the Sneeuberg mountain range, mix with the locals of the historic town Graaff-Reinet, live in log cabins deep in the heart of the Garden Route forest and walk part of the acclaimed ‘Otter Trail’

Our second week begins with a trip to the holiday city Durban where we can explore, visit the Ushaka Marine World, explore the Golden Mile and pick up some trinkets at the traditional markets. Travelling inland, we head to the majestic Drakensburg (‘Dragon Mountain’) mountain range. Also referred to as ‘Ukhahlamba’ meaning ‘Barrier of Spears’, the Drankensburg Mountains are the highest in South Africa and are a registered National Heritage site. Upon reaching their foothills we transfer to a 4x4 vehicle and enjoy an exciting drive up mountain tracks to the cosy log cabins of the Drifters Drakenburg Inn. Here we will have time to hike and explore the stunning mountain range, visit a San rock art gallery and can even pony trek to see more of the area’s wonders.

The following day our overlanding vehicle will take us across the Oliviershoek Pass to view the stunning turquoise waters of Sterkfontein Dam. We will then travel through the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, famed for its towering golden and orange sandstone cliffs, and wealth of unique wildlife that includes zebra and black wildebeest. Taking lunch in the creative little village of Clarens, known as the ‘Jewel of the Free State’, will give you a chance to inspect the art galleries and other unique attractions of the town that contains a remarkably artistic community. Anyone wishing to enjoy the thrills of white water rafting has the option to do so here. The night will then be spent on a farm near the town of Ladybrand.

The subsequent two days are spent overlanding on lesser travelled gravel roads as we head into the semi-desert Karoo region of South Africa. We will travel via quaint and remote farming villages, including the home of the spectacular Owl House monument, Nieu-Bethesda. Our final destination is the Drifters Karoo Inn stone cottages, located on a traditional farmstead nestled against the stunning Sneeuberg Mountains. We will stay here for two nights and enjoy an extensive walk in the mountainous terrain that is home to a variety of interesting plants, animals, and bird life.

After an early start, we head for the historic town Graaff-Reinet to spend time strolling around enjoying the town’s old-world charm, visiting various museums, admiring the unique architecture and meeting the locals. We then cross the mighty Outeniqua Mountains that sit as a barrier between the dry interior and the lush coastal Garden Route area. After witnessing the breathtaking scenery we will spend the next three nights at a secluded Drifters Knysna Inn, in log cabins hidden deep in the heart of the forest. Our days here will be spent exploring this renowned region and its many attractions. We will walk in the forest in search of the elusive ‘Knysna Lourie’ and will travel to the Tsitsikamma coastal National Park to walk part of the acclaimed ‘Otter Trail’.

South Africa

Final few days - Try the jumping the world’s highest bungee or go on a sea kayak trip, take a boat trip around the Knysna Lagoon in search of whales and dolphins, explore nature reserves, stroll along beautiful sand beaches, discover Cape Town visiting the many attractions that include Cape Point, Hout Bay and the Waterfront, taste wine at local vineyards and hike up Table Mountain

On our return overlanding journey anyone wanting the thrills of a lifetime may try soaring the 216 metres of the world’s highest bungee jump or going on a sea kayak trip (at your own expense). Travelling to the sun-kissed beaches of the old woodcutter town Knysna, we will then take a ski boat trip in the Knysna Lagoon and around the Knysa Heads in search of dolphins and whales (weather permitting).

Departing Knysna early in the morning, we will then travel to the renowned De Hoop Nature Reserve, famed for its towering white sands dunes and unique animal species. After exploring the fascinating reserve we return to the coast to follow the spectacular ‘Whale Route’ around the Hottentots Holland Mountains. Arriving in Cape Town in the late afternoon, we will check into Drifters Cape Town Inn for the night. As well as being one of the most culturally diverse and outstanding cosmopolitan hubs on the African continent, due to its stunning geography, Cape Town is often regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Here we will spend two days exploring a variety of highlights, including Cape Point, Hout Bay, the Waterfront, a wine farm, and pristine secluded beaches. We will also hike up the stunning Table Mountain that forms a dramatic backdrop to the vibrant city to marvel at the spectacular views.

Meals included - The following meals are included during the tour

• Day 1 Dinner
• Day 2 Brunch, Dinner
• Days 3 - 9 Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Days 10 Breakfast and Dinner
• Days 11 and 12 Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Days 13 – 15 Breakfast and Dinner
• Days 16 – 18 Breakfast

Optional Activities (at own expense) -

• Sea Kayaking
• Bungi Jump
• Quad Biking
• Ushaka Marine World
• Robben Island
• White Water Rafting
• Kruger Night Drive

Important Information -

• This tour involves a fair amount of walking, so a small daypack is advisable.
• A sleeping bag is required for this tour.
• Seasonal Malaria precautions may be necessary and can be purchased locally. Passports/Visas are required for entry into Swaziland.
• The price includes all transport, accommodation, food, coffee, tea, fruit juice at breakfast etc, group equipment, permits and entry fees, Knysna boat trip, optional pony ride and professional guides.
• The price does not include alcohol and soft drinks, meals where stipulated, curios, tips and optional excursions.

- Malaria Awareness

Travelling to long-haul destinations can be a wonderful and exciting experience. Before you go, make sure you take the right travel advice about visiting Malaria risk countries. At Yomps we are committed to stopping traveller deaths from malaria which is why we support the campaign being run by Malariahotspots.com. Click here to download our free guide about Malaria Awareness (opens in a new window).