- Kruger and the Drakensberg
- Eswatini (Swaziland) and Lesotho
- Cape Town and the Garden Route
Cape Town to Johannesburg
20 Days from
22 Days from
incl. Taxes
Culture
People - How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- The use of a local guide means our customers will be well informed about local traditions, and cultural and social sensitivities.
- This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally-owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food and support of other local enterprise.
- We use fairly small, family run and locally staffed establishments which ensures that we are benefiting local communities.
- Our activity also benefits the rural village of Copey, which is nestled in the highlands of the Central Mountain Range. By passing through this area, seeing how the locals live and work and having lunch in a typical home, we are encouraging cultural exchange and providing valuable avenues of income here.
- There is an option for clients to directly support local schools by packing a gift of educational supplies when we visit Copey area on this tour.
- This is a small group tour, meaning that we have a low impact on the environments and communities we visit and are able to ensure that we do not disrupt or lead to the displacement of local people.
- Our local operator is very involved in supporting community projects. On International Tourism Day in 2019 they took part in cleaning a beach at Guacalillo. They collected a total 150 Kg of waste and all the plastic lids collected were donated to the Fundación Proparques, for a project developing walkways to improve accessibility for people with mobility problems in the country's protected wild areas.
- In 2017 Exodus Travels introduced the Inspiration Project, where we’ve worked with our partners to take more than 6,000 children in 30 countries on a day of adventure and exploration. Each inspirational day out is designed to introduce young minds to the wonders of our world and their place in it. From visiting cultural heritage sites to natural wonders, each trip has been packed with firsts – their first time leaving their own village, their first time seeing the sea, their first time visiting a busy city. We continue to operate these days out to inspire children to protect and preserve the world as they grow up.
Places - How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels.
- By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- Being a wildlife-based tour, we are very conscious of our effects on the environment and how we can reduce negative impact and aid conservation. We visit national and private parks, including the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the first community-managed reserves in the country. Our entrance fees also directly support conservation efforts in the areas we visit.
- Our local operator has a policy of Animal Welfare that requests suppliers to comply with the minimum conditions of animal welfare.
- Our local operator has been awarded by the Costa Rican Tourism Board for their sustainable tourism practice & dedication to improving sustainability standards. This means that efforts are made to rationally use water and electricity, provide adequate waste management, and positively impact communities, among many other actions.
- Most of the accommodation and restaurants we visit on this trip use locally sourced food such as fruit which is always sourced locally and abundant. Esquinas lodge have their own policy whereby they produce their own organic vegetables and fruit, marmalade, juices, mayonnaise, bread, chocolate and seasoning.
- Vegetarian options are available if notice is given which include a variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, and rice.
- To reduce our carbon emissions, we use a shared coach at the beginning of the tour to transport clients from San José to Tortuguero rather than an internal flight. During the trip, we travel responsibly using appropriate methods of transport; therefore, depending on group size, a minibus/coach will be used.
- Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regard to working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead providing refills for re-usable bottles.
Planet - How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
- An example of eco-friendly accommodation on this trip is the Esquinas Rainforest Lodge, a model project combining conservation, environmental research and community development in a rural area. The plot is surrounded by approximately 3,000 hectares of untouched rainforest which acts as a carbon sink and the lodge itself is 100 % carbon neutral, meaning it will take action to remove as much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they produce.
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Essential Info
Weather
Although the greater part of South Africa lies north of the tropic of Capricorn, the altitude moderates the temperature. Summer months are from October to April and the average daytime temperature is 25ºC to 30ºC. The average night time temperature is 10ºC to 20ºC. The winter months are from May to September and average temperatures are about 10ºC colder at this time of year. In and around Cape Town, most of the rainfall is in the winter but it is frontal rain, which comes off the Atlantic. Therefore it can rain solidly for 2 days, and in between there will be warm sunny days! There is likely to be very little rain inland between the months of April through October and in July, 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 the months of November through February rain can sometimes be expected and the temperature will be 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 night times 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.
Weather Charts
Cape Town
Chalets, Hotels, Permenent Tented Camps
Accommodation is in a mixture of chalets, cabins, hotels, apartments and permanent tented camps. Most of the accommodation is en suite, however in Kruger there are shared ablutions blocs, whilst in the Drakensberg we stay in cottages where 2 rooms share 1 bathroom and a lounge area. Please note that the single supplement applies to the bedroom. If staying somewhere where 2 rooms share a bathroom you may have to share a bathroom even if you have paid for a single supplement.
Wifi is available about half the time but is not always very reliable.
Reviews
Add your own reviewPotential to have been way better
As per the title it seems Exodus sub contracts this trip out to an African travel company and has little to no involvement with the actual trip planning. Because of some failures with a previous trip I reached out to the person in charge of this trip from Exodus end. Sadly it seems Kate gave me a wonderful level of lip service of what to expect and answers to my questions etc. However in reality, she clearly never passed any of her observations onto the African company organising the trip. However 2 other couples who booked through Trailfinders UK (also part of our group) did have their requests passed on. The levels of difference in hotel accommodation were clearly noticeable, although we all paid the same amount.
Most Inspirational Moment
The animals which thankfully weren't budget orientated. Of the big 5 we missed out on cheetahs and lions. But that was more to do with organisational issues. As well as having 3 separate vehicles for our trip. Not including the safari jeep also an extra expense.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Both leader & driver were very good.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Yes this is the second trip whereby the trip notes are badly (years) out of date. No excuses..... since covid Exodus has really gone done hill as far as its people knowledge of the trips and its trip notes were always wrong when it came to things like currency values and even simple things like having to buy your own water...... to a stop being a permanent camp no light bulbs.... in fact no other guests for months but supported by EU funding (10 years ago perhaps) that was not worth a 8 hour drive to arrive at night and leave in the morning.....??
Suggestions
Unfortunately I have 2 further trips deposits with yourselves.... but you really need to get your staffs knowledge up to date as trips like this (especially the cost) are meant to be once in a lifetime.
What does this mean?
Varied itinerary, unusual overnights.
Food quality very mixed.
Most Inspirational Moment
The game drives
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very good. Pleasant, helpful, everything went to plan
Advice for Potential Travellers
You definitely need a torch: no electricity in some places. Be prepared for very infrequent Wi-fi Some laundry opportunities are in fact self service launderettes.
Johannesburg to Cape Town Reverse
Accommodation was good.
Scenery excellent.
Wild life excellent.
Most Inspirational Moment
Close encounter with the Cheetah
Thoughts on Group Leader
Group leader started very well.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Would recommend this trip
Suggestions
The 16 seater vehicle was adequate for our group of 8. Would be too cramped for group any larger. To be able to have the option to travel in open vehicles for safaris was a blessing. The schedule was to stay in Tsitsikamma National Park but our accommodation was 40k away which meant our time in the park was limited and we were not able to take full advantage of the activities. We were due to depart for an early morning safari meeting at 04.15 a.m. for drinks and snacks for departure at 04.30 a.m. The guide did not appear until about 05.00 a.m., we were unable to contact him because his phone was off and the driver did not know where he was. He loaded up the vehicle and we departed at 05.15 a.m. there was no drink or snacks and no apology/explanation. The guide did not talk to us all morning and we were not able to get a drink until after 08.00 a.m. It is none of my business what the guide does in his own time but affects others when he fails to deliver.
Reply from Exodus
We would like to thank Gwen for her feedback, although we are sorry that she was disappointed with the start of the game drive in Kruger National Park on New Year’s Day. While we would like to explain that this group’s game drive took place earlier than normal, due to the public holidays and a much higher volume of visitors to the park than usual, we appreciate it would have been disappointing that the excursion was delayed. Following client feedback from this trip, we have spoken with the tour leader, and moving forward we do not anticipate future clients encountering similar issues. We were pleased to read that Gwen overall enjoyed her time in South Africa and has awarded it a five-star rating, and we hope to welcome her on another Exodus holiday in the not too distant future. John Penge – Product Manager.
Fabulous sightseeing adventure
What an amazing experience! 3 weeks, a lot of time spent on the bus traveling, but never boring, always stunning landscapes, often wonderful wildlife, and with the help of our excellent guides, who spotted and identified animals and birds and pointed them out to us, followed up by showing us them in their wildlife books. The nights were spent in a large selection of hotels and cabins. Some were rustic, no electricity, but always comfy and clean. I was so impressed with the delicious food our guides cooked for us for dinners, accompodaring those who did not eat meat. With limited facilities they produced plentiful and tasty meals. I enjoyed the places we visited especially the organised hikes. The only slight glitch, the safari that is included was in the van which would have been unacceptable so we had to pay for an additional trip in an appropriate vehicle. I would have liked a few moe healthy options for lunch, but the r st of the trip was truly a great experience. I would recommend starting in Capetown and ending in JoBerg, otherwise you will have the best animal sightings in the first week, making the limited sightings in the end less dramatic. I would also suggest going to Capetown a few days before the tour, as there is so much to see and a limited time. I will have to return!!!!!
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the animals in the wild so close was fabulous. I also hiked up Table mountain alone and that was so worth while.
Thoughts on Group Leader
They were both truly wonderful. I felt like they truly cared and wanted us to enjoy everything. They were genuininly friendly and fun.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go to Capetown a day or ao earlier and def start there, no JoBerg. You will be so excited to see a few animals in the first week as it is your first sighting. If you do it tbe other way round, it will be an anti climax. Def bring a rain jacket and torch. Temps range dramatically...so layers.
Cape Town to Johannesburg
Quite possibly the best holiday of my life (and I’ve had a few).
Most Inspirational Moment
There were many. The majesty of the Drakensberg mountains, seeing a leopard drink from a river, the beautiful and so very different landscapes, and learning about the animals from the extremely knowledgeable guides.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The tour leader Petro was amazing, and she was supported by two others, David and Andrew. All three were friendly, approachable, open and fun, as well as knowledgeable, enthusiastic and clearly proud of their country. This was possibly the most important thing for me as a lone traveller, as I could rely on them for company, though I didn't need to as we had a close, cohesive group anyway. I was on a trip last year where I didn't have the same feeling about the guide, and while it hasn't tainted my experience the trip, it made me reluctant to ask questions or have fun. This was the complete opposite where in fact the guides were one of the best things about the trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go. Doing the trip in this direction rather than the Jo'Burg to Cape Town direction is probably a bit more exciting. As the trip progresses, the ante is upped and the end of the trip is much busier than the start. If you want to relax, I'd consider doing it from Jo'Burg to Cape Town as it is more chilled at that end. I'm glad I did it the way I did though, as for me, the best was saved for last, i.e. game drives. Read the trip notes, and in addition with a couple of days without electricity, I was glad to have packed my portable batter charger for my phone/camera, etc.
Suggestions
If you're interested in seeing a massively diverse area, full of beautiful flora and fauna, and don't mind a sore bum from a few long bus days, go. I have so may fantastic memories to take away with me, of the people, the history, the guides and I have made firm friends who I hope to see again.
Cape Town to Johannesburg
I really enjoyed this tour and would highly recommend it- the tour offered the opportunity to see a lot of Southern Africa – I started the reverse itinerary in Cape Town, a beautiful city with plenty to do. There are many highlights on this trip – the landscapes and wildlife were spectacular- we saw the big 5 several times including leopard on 3 consecutive days. Many of the other highlights are outlined in the trip notes and I won’t repeat them here. Our guides Justin and Fiona were excellent. This was the first fully accommodated tour offered by Exodus for this journey and all our accommodation was clean and of a good standard. The transport was spacious with regular stops on the long driving days. On one of our walks in Lesotho, the rain and hail came down and a grandma from the village invited us to take shelter in her home – the people here are very accommodating. During our trip, there were some water restrictions due to the worst drought in Southern Africa since the eighties but there was always the opportunity to get a shower every day. Similarly, a couple of places either had no electricity or restrictions on when it was available. The general standard of the local guides was good with some such as Thulani, a Zulu guide, at Rourke’s drift outstanding and others still gaining experience. With the depreciation of the rand, South Africa is very cheap compared to the UK.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were several - the stunning beauty of the Drakensberg; the opportunity to see abundant wildlife including the Big 5, but much more; the friendliness of the people we encountered.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Justin was our tour leader and driver - he was fantastic at spotting and identifying wildlife, as well as having great knowledge of all aspects of the country. Fiona was our cook and provided a variety of tasty meals including local dishes such as potjies and Braai, often going beyond the call of duty to cater for guest's wishes. Their easygoing yet professional attitude enhanced the whole trip experience.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Our stay in Lesotho provided us with the opportunity to engage with the local community, visiting people's homes, schools and villages - there is the opportunity to give the community old clothes and stationery for the schools - nothing gets wasted here. This is not included in the Exodus trip notes. Remember this is Africa, so chill and don't worry about first world problems. South African power sockets require their own unique 3 pin plugs not available in most multi-adaptor plugs
Suggestions
This is a great tour to see one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
Caz T
The trip was a fantastic introduction to South Africa. The scenery and wildlife was excellent. The trip was very well organised and ticked all the boxes for me.
Most Inspirational Moment
The variety of wildlife and the opportunity to view it up close. The varied scenery.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Justin, the tour leader was excellent. He was friendly and accomodating. He was knowledgeable and had a very good knowledge of wildlife. Fiona consistently magicked up lovely food, wherever we were.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Prepare for variable weather.
Sylvia Herd
This was a great trip, showing off the main sights of South Africa, with the added bonus of Lesotho & Swaziland. Although there were some long driving days, we were a small group of 6 who gelled really well & had a very competent staff of 3. Personally I felt the Garden Route was overrated, so I was pleased that I’d done the reverse itinerary as this saved the best until last. But I certainly wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
I really enjoyed St Lucia (which I'd never even heard of before!). Also Lesotho, the Drakensburg Mountains &, of course, the various safaris.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Both our group leader & our cook were really knowledgeable, friendly & helpful & great fun to travel with.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for some long days on the bus. The camping was fun, fully supported so you're not allowed to do anything to help, & the S African camp facilities are very good.
Suggestions
A fun, if sometimes tiring, trip.
Johannesburg to CapeTown Trip - Reverse
Much better than would or could ever have thought. An all round brilliant experience that ticked every box and more. The highlights just kept getting better and better on a schedule that had us all on a high from one day to the next. The size and makeup in relation to characteristics and personalities worked so well and that included guides who went out of their way to ensure everyone was ‘catered’ for. .
Most Inspirational Moment
Very difficult to select though I think 'The Big Five' and to how close we were was sometimes driving the adrenalin to limits with the group. I never thought this would happen, BUT IT DID. Emotionally draining as unbelievable.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Leaders were brilliant. Not enough adjectives to describe. Became part of the group yet professional and supportive. Many thanks JP and Bevan and our great drivers, Sofiso and Chris.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Get it booked before you loose out. Will not fail to impress and will leave you with a pounding heart and smile on your face forever.
Suggestions
What a great way to experience life, meet people outside your normal circle and develop a sense of wellbeing in your heart for the experience.
South African dream
This was a fantastic trip from Cape Town to Johannesburg, showing off the scenery and wildlife of South Africa at its best. Blessed with fantastic weather throughout the 3 weeks, and as it was in the dry season the grasses were low, we had amazing views of the country and all it had to offer. We had 2 wine tasting sessions at Stellenbosch, saw the penguins at Boulder, had lunch in a garden restaurant while watching whales in the bay, saw beer making in Lesotho and visited Rourke’s Drift. We spent time in Kruger Park, as well as visitin g Cape Vidal and Edeni Game reserves and had a river cruise at St Lucia to see the hippo and birds. It was everything I hoped for and so much more.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were so many special moments it is difficult to select just one, but driving into Kruger and seeing a leopard sitting at the roadside, watching a mother rhino and her baby at Cape Vidal, seeing the Drakensberg mountains bathed in sunlight and viewing hippos in the river at St Lucia must be among my favourites.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had 2 group guides and a driver. Jean-Paul was very knowledgeable about his country and willing to share that knowledge with us. Bevan was very knowledgeable about the wine industry and helped us to make our selections - our water cool box rapidly turned into a wine cellar! Sophiso was our first driver and we felt very safe with him at the wheel, but unfortunately due to sad family events, he had to leave us halfway through the trip. His replacement Chris was also good, coping with some difficult roads - he was also an excellent animal spotter. All of the guides were very sociable and willing to oblige with special requests, photo opportunities and additional 'comfort' stops. There was good provision for phone and camera charging on our truck when on the road as the constant snapping of scenery and wildlife soon drained the batteries. Our guides were excellent cooks and we ate very well when camping and out during the various day trips - roadside picnics were a regular occurrence and the evening meals were yummy - Bev's curried fruit treat was a delicious surprise.
Advice for Potential Travellers
It was quite a difficult trip to pack for because of the very different cliamtes across the country; Capetown was warm, while Lesotho was cold at night - but using summer tee-shirts as vests and having some long sleeved jumpers it can be managed. Take plenty of memory card storage on the phones and cameras. The plug adaptor required for South Africa is a 3 round pin - not easily available in Europe, but Bev took us straightaway to the shop to purchase one when he collected us at Cape Town airport - he knew we would need it to charge electricals etc.
Suggestions
My main hope on this trip was to see the wildlife and the guides were excellent at spotting them, taking us to where the animals were most likely to be found and knowing their habits and needs. It was amazing to just watch the animals in their own environment. For that reason, I was glad this trip was Cape Town to Johannesburg as the wildlife viewing was in the second half of the holiday so we finished on a real high. The country has vast expanses that really have to be seen - photos cannot do the scenery justice. The moutain ranges are magnificent, especially with the sunlight on them and African sunsets are truly beautiful - that red hot sun dropping behind the Drakensberg made some fantastic photographs
Start
Finish
Availability
Adult Price From
Optional Single Supplement
Sunday Saturday
11 Jun 2023 10 Jun 2023
Friday Saturday
30 Jun 2023 01 Jul 2023
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From USD 5,149
Optional Single Supplement +USD 912
Johannesburg to Cape Town
Johannesburg to Cape Town
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
02 Jul 2023 01 Jul 2023
Friday Saturday
21 Jul 2023 22 Jul 2023
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From USD 5,149
Optional Single Supplement +USD 912
Cape Town to Johannesburg
Cape Town to Johannesburg
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
27 Aug 2023 26 Aug 2023
Friday Saturday
15 Sep 2023 16 Sep 2023
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From USD 5,149
Optional Single Supplement +USD 912
Johannesburg to Cape Town
Johannesburg to Cape Town
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
17 Sep 2023 16 Sep 2023
Friday Saturday
06 Oct 2023 07 Oct 2023
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From USD 5,199
Optional Single Supplement +USD 912
Cape Town to Johannesburg
Cape Town to Johannesburg
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
08 Oct 2023 07 Oct 2023
Friday Saturday
27 Oct 2023 28 Oct 2023
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From USD 5,199
Optional Single Supplement +USD 912
Johannesburg to Cape Town
Johannesburg to Cape Town
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
29 Oct 2023 28 Oct 2023
Friday Saturday
17 Nov 2023 18 Nov 2023
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From USD 5,199
Optional Single Supplement +USD 912
Cape Town to Johannesburg
Cape Town to Johannesburg
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
19 Nov 2023 18 Nov 2023
Friday Saturday
08 Dec 2023 09 Dec 2023
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From USD 4,979
Optional Single Supplement +USD 912
Johannesburg to Cape Town
Johannesburg to Cape Town
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
10 Dec 2023 09 Dec 2023
Friday Saturday
29 Dec 2023 30 Dec 2023
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From USD 4,979
Optional Single Supplement +USD 912
Cape Town to Johannesburg
Cape Town to Johannesburg
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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