Backpacking South Africa: Kruger & Garden Route is an 11-day small-group trip from $2,219 per person with a $350 deposit. Kruger safaris, surfing in Jeffreys Bay, ancient Cango Caves, a scenic Garden Route drive and Cape Town's iconic sights. For travellers aged 20-45, in groups of 6-20, with 10 activities and 12 meals. Departures run from 31 January 2027.
South Africa
7 stops
Welcome to South Africa. Your first day in Johannesburg is yours to settle in and explore the city at your own pace. You might consider visiting the Apartheid Museum to learn about the country's past. In the evening, meet your fellow travellers for a group dinner and prepare for the adventure ahead.
After breakfast, we travel east towards the Greater Kruger region. Upon arrival in Hazyview, we check into our lodge before heading out on our first safari drive. Keep your eyes open for the Big Five and other incredible wildlife. Later, we enjoy dinner at the lodge, sharing stories and photos from the afternoon's sightings.
Today is dedicated to exploring the vast Kruger National Park. We rise early for breakfast, then embark on a full-day safari drive. Our guide will share insights into the park's diverse wildlife and ongoing conservation efforts. We hope to spot the Big Five throughout the day. In the evening, we enjoy a traditional South African braai dinner.
We say goodbye to the bush this morning. After breakfast at the lodge, we transfer to OR Tambo Airport for an internal flight south to Gqeberha, formerly Port Elizabeth. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the area before we head out for dinner.
This trip includes 10 breakfasts and 2 dinners. You will enjoy breakfast each morning from day two onwards. The included dinners are on day two in Hazyview, near Kruger, and on day three during your full-day safari in Kruger National Park.
Your accommodation on this trip will be a mix of hostels and hotels, providing a comfortable stay in each location. While exploring the Greater Kruger area on days two and three, you will stay in safari lodges, offering a unique experience close to nature.
International flights are not included in the price and will need to be booked separately. You are free to book your own flights or book here. You will want to fly into Johannesburg and home out of Cape Town.
The internal flight from Kruger to Gqeberha on day four is included in the tour price.
Fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg for the start of the tour, and home from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) at the end. The internal flight between Kruger and Gqeberha on day four is arranged for you.
On this adventure, you will travel by an internal flight from Kruger National Park to Gqeberha on day four. All other internal land transport throughout your 11-day journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town is also included, ensuring comfortable travel between destinations.
We have a minimum age requirement of 18 years old to join the tour. Group members aged 16-17 years old are welcome to join the tour but only with a family member that will act as their guardian whilst on tour. Aside from that, no age requirements at all! While our target age is 20-45, what matters most is mindset. If you’re looking for a backpacking-style experience, with hostel-style stays, local transport, and optional evening activities - you’re welcome to join us.
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