13 Days Budget South Africa wildlife and Cape Winelands
13 Days Budget South Africa wildlife and Cape Winelands
South Africa is a reknown safari destination for both wildlife and adventurers travellers, Kruger and Madikwe one of the country’s top wildlife viewing destinations with phenomenal amount of African wildlife ranging from the famous big five to incredible birdlife and moving on to Cape town which is a home to Table mountain a unique land mark and then hitting the winelands is one of the top experiences travellers dream of while planning a safari to Africa.
Safari highlights
- Madikwe game reserve
- Kruger national park
- Cape Town
- Cape winelands
- Garden route
Detailed safari itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Johannesburg to Madikwe Game reserve
Depart Johannesburg with your driver and head northwest towards the Platinum highway, stopping en-route for refreshments. Early in the afternoon, arrive at the southern entrance to Madikwe Game Reserve, the reserve hosts the Big Five, and its elephant population is second only to Kruger National Park. Guests can expect a beautiful African sunset followed by game viewing with spotlights to see nocturnal species. Return to the lodge for dinner, often served in the boma with a campfire, which is a memorable experience.
Day 2: Full day game viewing in Madikwe Game reserve
Awaken at dawn and meet for a cup of tea or coffee before departing on the early morning game drive. While it’s cool, it is the best time to see predators such as lion, leopard or cheetah as well as general game. The 4×4 vehicle provides excellent photographic opportunities and your ranger will describe the habits of different animals & birds as you travel along. Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast then spend some time in the animal “hide” next to the Bush House waterhole. This is a unique experience and affords remarkable pictures of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and other species drinking. Later in the afternoon after a delicious tea, join your ranger for more excitement on the evening game drive. Discuss the day’s highlights over dinner with typical bush cuisine and perhaps a bottle of Cape wine.
Day 3: Short Morning drive and return to Johannesburg
Enjoy refreshments on the veranda then depart in the open safari vehicle for a sunrise game drive looking for elusive species such as leopard or a pack of wild dogs which are a great bonus in Madikwe. Stop en-route for coffee and enjoy the early morning sounds of the bush, after you will depart for Johannesburg for overnight.
Day 4: Domestic flight from Johannesburg to Kruger national park
After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the Airport to check in for your scheduled flight to Skukuza Airport in the heart of the famous Kruger National Park.
From the airport you will be received by our guide and transferred to your lodge for relaxation, later in the day you will join on an evening game drive in search of wildlife in the park, Kruger is still one of the top destinations for wildlife viewing in Africa holding large population of African big Five of Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo and also wild dogs and later you will return to the lodge for dinner.
Day 5: Full day game drives in Kruger national park
Receive a packed breakfast as this exciting day starts early with a 05h00 departure on a full day Kruger National.
You will have the whole day to explore one of the largest wildlife conservation areas in Africa (Kruger National Park) and try to spot Africa’s Big 5, this classic safari will give you chance to see elephant, black and white Rhino, Lions, Leopard, Wilddogs, hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, warthog and many antelope species after break for lunch and later continue your Kruger Park Adventure in the afternoon and later return to your accommodation late afternoon, where you can relax until dinnertime.
Day 6: Flight from Kruger Park to Cape Town
Receive a packed breakfast and transfer to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport from where you will fly to Cape Town. Arrive in Cape Town. Settle in and relax at your comfortable accommodation or enjoy your afternoon at own leisure with a lot of choices of things to do like a visit to the V&A Waterfront, a visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium, The Castle Museum, many restaurants, coffee shops if time allows.
Day 7: Cape Town to Karoo via Route 62
You will depart Cape Town and travel along the famously scenic Route 62 through the popular resort of Montagu, known for its natural hot springs and exceptional mountain views. You will then stop off in the beautiful village of Barrydale, where you will have the opportunity to visit a local farm school. The journey then continues to your first overnight stop in Oudtshoorn, a delightful Klein Karoo town, which serves as the area’s main tourist hub as well as the ostrich capital of the world. Take a guided tour of a working ostrich farm, before settling in for the evening at the luxurious.
Day 8: Karoo to Knysna via Outeniqua Pass
The second day of the tour begins with a hearty Karoo breakfast followed by a guided tour of the world-famous Cango Caves, an elaborate underground labyrinth of vast limestone caverns. You will then return to Oudtshoorn for a light lunch at an ostrich farm before continuing on your journey over the magnificent Outeniqua Pass towards the busy little town of Knysna set on the banks of a glistening lagoon guarded by two iconic rock formations known as the Knysna Heads. It is here that you will spend the next two nights in the comfort of the contemporary Rex Hotel.
Day 9: Explore Knysna
After delicious breakfast you will set off on a lagoon boat cruise to the Featherbed Nature Reserve, where you can catch a trailer ride to the top of the Western Head to enjoy sweeping views of the town and the lagoon below. After a relaxing lunch under the milkwood trees, the rest of the afternoon can be spent exploring Knysna’s various markets, which provide artisan food products and an array of locally produced clothing and crafts.
Day 10: Depart Knysna to Via Garden Route Game Lodge George, Mossel Bay and Albertinia
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before continuing via George and Mossel Bay to the peaceful little town of Albertinia, resting at the foot of the majestic Langeberg Mountain range. Just beyond the town lies the impressive Garden Route Game Lodge, a wonderful family-owned lodge set on a private ‘Big Five’ game reserve teeming with an abundance of African wildlife. It is here that you will spend the night after an exciting afternoon of exploring the reserve in an open-air safari vehicle and a relaxing evening dining at the lodge’s exceptional African-style restaurant.
Day 11: Morning game drives and transfer to Hermanus
Your African safari adventure continues with a morning game drive accompanied by one of the lodge’s expert guides. After a morning spent spotting ‘Big Five’ game as well as a wide variety of other animals and birdlife, you will leave the bush behind and travel through the appealing Cape Dutch town of Swellendam to the coastal resort of Hermanus. You will be treated to an overnight stay at the Misty Waves Boutique Hotel, ideally located at the water’s edge just meters away from the town’s famous cliff paths, renowned for offering the world’s best land-based whale watching, especially during the peak whale watching season from August to November.
Day 12: Depart Hermanus for Cape Town
Enjoy a delicious breakfast in Hermanus before continuing your journey to Gordon’s Bay along an exceptionally scenic coastal road known for its dramatic cliffs, beautiful secluded coves, and panoramic views over False Bay. From here you will travel to the Stellenbosch area of the picturesque Cape Winelands, which is known for its historic Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian architecture. Sample some of South Africa’s finest wines while taking in the magnificent scenery before making your way back to Cape Town for overnight.
Day 13: Depart Cape Town for your onward journey
Depending on your flight schedule you will be transferred to Cape Town airport for your flight to Johannesburg, upon arrival you will transfer for your onward Flight.
Trip Includes
Tour includes are provided upon Enquiring this trip.
Trip Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- South African Tourist Visa
- Tips for guides and Hotels
- lcoholic drinks
When to book this safari package
We recommend booking this trip 1 year in advance to allow us book the best places for your stay most especially in the wildlife parks as the lodges get booked quickly.
Best time to Visit South Africa for a safari holiday
The best time to visit South Africa for a wildlife safari is from May to September. During these winter months, the east of the country (where the main parks are located) experiences its Dry season.
