From Cape Town: The great 12-Day Tour to Johannesburg

The Heads, Eastern Cape



Embark on a 12-day tour from Cape Town to Johannesburg. Visit the southernmost tip of Africa, see the Big 5 on game safari, explore the Garden Route, hiking, boat cruises, wine tasting and much more.

This 12-day guided tour covers South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Garden Route, and Mpumalanga, ideal for wildlife, nature, and cultural enthusiasts.

Highlights

  • Visit Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa, and capture photos
  • Enjoy wine tasting at Benguela Cove in Hermanus
  • Safari experiences at Botlierskop Game Reserve and Kruger National Park to see the Big 5
  • Explore the Garden Route and visit the Knysna Heads
  • Discover Nelson Mandela’s birthplace in Mvezo and the Mthatha Museum

Description

Begin in Cape Town and travel to Betty’s Bay to observe African penguins. Continue to Hermanus for whale watching and a wine-tasting session at Benguela Cove, then visit Cape Agulhas.

On day two, explore Swellendam, embark on a safari at Botlierskop Game Reserve, and stay overnight in Mossel Bay. The journey continues along the Garden Route with stops at Wilderness and Knysna Heads, including a sunset cruise on Knysna Lagoon.

Day four features hiking in Robberg Nature Reserve and time on Plettenberg Bay’s beaches. On day five, thrill-seekers can bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge (own expense) followed by a tour of Port Elizabeth.

The tour proceeds to coastal towns Port Alfred and East London, ending the day in East London. In the Wild Coast region, visit Nelson Mandela’s birthplace in Mvezo and the Mthatha Museum with an overnight stay in Mthatha.

Day eight includes visits to the Mandela Capture Site, Howick Falls, and arrival in Durban for an overnight stay. Day nine offers a Durban city tour and a boat cruise on St Lucia Estuary in iSimangaliso Wetland Park to see hippos and crocodiles.

Days ten and eleven focus on Mpumalanga, featuring a full-day safari in Kruger National Park to view the Big 5, followed by excursions to Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and Berlin Falls.

The tour ends on day twelve with travel through Mpumalanga to Johannesburg. Accommodation includes 11 nights with bed and breakfast.

Includes

  • 12 days and 11 nights accommodation at hotels and lodges with breakfast
  • Expert guide throughout the trip
  • Safari experiences at Kruger National Park and Botlierskop Game Reserve
  • Wine tasting session
  • Cultural visits and nature hikes at Robberg Nature Reserve
  • Wildlife viewing and hippo & crocodile boat cruise at St Lucia Estuary in iSimangaliso Wetlands Park
  • Durban city tour
  • Pick up in Cape Town and drop off in Johannesburg

Excludes

  • Lunch and dinner
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips
  • Bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge (optional activity)
  • Sunset boat cruise at Knysna Lagoon

Important Information

  • Check local weather conditions and dress accordingly
  • Wear appropriate hiking shoes
  • Prepare for early starts on several days
  • Respect local customs and wildlife during the trip

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Book early to secure your place. Bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera for wildlife and scenic views.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour starts in Cape Town, located in the Western Cape province of South Africa.
Yes, the tour includes safari visits to Botlierskop Game Reserve and Kruger National Park, where you can see the Big 5.
Whale watching is featured in Hermanus, a coastal town near the Eastern Cape border, known for southern right whales.
Yes, the tour is designed for wildlife, culture, and nature enthusiasts exploring South Africa’s Eastern Cape and beyond.
The tour visits the birthplace of Nelson Mandela in Mvezo and includes a stop at the Mthatha Museum in the Eastern Cape.
The best time varies depending on wildlife viewing and weather, so check local conditions and the tour website for recommendations.
You can enjoy a wine-tasting experience at Benguela Cove in Hermanus, located near the Eastern Cape region.
No special permits are required for the safari, but it's best to confirm any regulations with the tour provider.
The tour includes moderate walking, especially during wildlife viewing, cultural site visits, and nature exploration.
Accommodation details are provided by the tour operator; check the official tour website for specific arrangements.

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 26.4M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Add to your trip

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again