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Backpacking South Africa

From Big Five safaris and Zulu village visits to Cape Town sunsets and mountain hikes, this 12-day trip is packed with unforgettable moments. Dive into local culture, explore epic landscapes, and make memories with your travel crew on the ultimate South African adventure.

  • 15 Meals (Vegetarian Options)
  • All Trips and Excursions
  • All Accommodation
  • Airport Pick Up
  • No Hidden Charges
  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance

The trip to South Africa was amazing. Perfect organization and guides Dan and Diggie. An unforgettable experience. Thanks a lot!

Melanie, 9 Oct 2024
Rated 5/5 by 570 Travellers on Facebook

Backpacking South Africa

£1835 from
Pay £250 deposit
  • Length12 Days
  • Avg. Age20-45
  • No. Of Activities12
  • No. Of Meals15
  • Avg. Group Size6-20
  • Starting PointJohannesburg
  • Ending PointCape Town

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Map

Tour Itinerary

Vibrant sunset illuminates the Johannesburg city skyline, highlighting buildings and a tall tower.
A comfortable hotel room with two beds, a desk, and a television in Johannesburg.
DAY 1

Arrive in Johannesburg

Welcome to South Africa! After touching down in Johannesburg, we’ll transfer you to our comfortable hotel where you can settle in and recover from the journey. Spend the afternoon at your own pace, then meet your group and guide in the evening for introductions, a welcome briefing, and your first dinner together.

  • Room TypeHotel
A person views a vibrant black and yellow mural on a tower in Soweto, Johannesburg.
A comfortable hotel room with two beds, a desk, and a television in Johannesburg.
DAY 2

Explore Johannesburg & Soweto

Today we dive into South Africa’s vibrant culture and complex past. Visit Soweto township—home to political history, powerful art, and local flavour. We’ll explore landmarks such as the Apartheid Museum or Mandela’s House (depending on availability). In the evening, experience Soweto nightlife with drinks at some of the best local spots.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedWalking & Bus Tour of Soweto, Apartheid Museum / Mandela’s House
A group of happy backpackers posing on a rocky cliff overlooking the vast Blyde River Canyon.
A group of friends admiring the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon and its iconic Three Rondavels.
Two hikers admire the vast panoramic view of Blyde River Canyon and its winding river.
Inviting lodge rooms with blue balconies and a vibrant green lawn under a sunny sky in Graskop.
DAY 3

Panorama Route to Graskop

After breakfast, we leave the city and head east toward the wild heart of Africa. We’ll journey along the breathtaking Panorama Route, stopping at dramatic viewpoints, waterfalls, and canyons. Expect stunning scenery at places like God’s Window and Blyde River Canyon before arriving in the mountain town of Graskop, where we’ll check in to our cozy lodge.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedDrive the Panorama Route
Tourists in a safari vehicle record a giraffe walking across the dry savanna in Kruger National Park.
Three zebras stand and walk in the dry savanna of Kruger National Park.
A couple walks past thatched-roof safari huts in Kruger National Park.
Cozy safari tent interior with two single beds, white linen, and a fan at Kruger National Park.
DAY 4

Into the Wild: Kruger National Park

Today we head deep into the bush as we make our way to Kruger National Park, one of the best wildlife reserves in the world. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more on the drive in. Tonight we stay in pre-erected safari tents and enjoy a traditional Potjie—a South African stew cooked over an open fire—under the stars.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast, Dinner
  • Room TypeTent
A young woman gazes out from an open safari vehicle during a game drive in Kruger.
A majestic African elephant with large tusks stands calmly in the dry bushveld of Kruger National Park.
Three giraffes and several zebras cross a paved road in South Africa's Kruger National Park.
Cozy safari tent interior with two single beds, white linen, and a fan at Kruger National Park.
DAY 5

Kruger Safari Game Drive

It’s safari time! Hop into an open-air game vehicle for a full-day wildlife experience in Kruger. With help from expert guides, we’ll search for Africa’s famous Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. This is one of those unforgettable days. Back at camp, we’ll gather around the fire for a braai (South African BBQ) and stargazing.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast, Dinner
  • Room TypeTent
  • Activities IncludedOpen Vehicle Drive of Kruger National Park
Travelers on a safari game drive, one using binoculars, following another vehicle through Hlane National Park.
A herd of elephants and rhinos peacefully drink water at a pond in Hlane National Park.
Tourists in a safari vehicle observe a large elephant with tusks in Hlane National Park.
Two women relax on the porch of a traditional thatched-roof hut at Hlane National Park.
Two smiling women relax on a comfortable bed in their safari lodge room at Hlane National Park.
DAY 6

Cross into Eswatini

We leave South Africa and head into the Kingdom of Eswatini, where traditional ways of life still thrive. Arriving at Hlane Royal National Park, we’ll head out for a sunset game drive through the grasslands. Tonight, enjoy local food and, if we’re lucky, a performance of traditional Swazi singing by local rangers.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHut
  • Activities IncludedSunset Game Drive
Young children in Zululand smiling and posing for a photo in a vibrant community classroom.
Happy adults and children in Zululand collaboratively planting a small sapling in the ground.
Smiling and serious young Zulu children in traditional garlands, gathered outdoors in Zululand.
A comfortable lodge room in Zululand with two beds, patterned pillows, and a vibrant cultural painting.
DAY 7

Zulu Culture & Campfire Vibes

Re-entering South Africa, we travel south into Zululand, passing through stunning scenery. We’ll visit a local crèche and community to observe daily life and school routines, gaining a meaningful insight into traditional Zulu culture. Later, we unwind at our lodge before enjoying a delicious braai dinner, followed by an evening Zulu dance performance around the campfire.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast, Dinner
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedLocal Village Cultural Experience
A group of people walk along the sunny Blythedale beach with a red and white lighthouse.
A comfortable outdoor deck with lounge seating and tables overlooking the Indian Ocean coastline in Blythedale.
DAY 8

Head to the Coast

This morning, we visit a Zulu village to learn how people live traditionally in rural areas before heading to the Indian Ocean coastline. After checking in to our relaxed beach lodge in Blythedale, the afternoon is free to enjoy the sand, pool, or a bit of rest. In the evening, we tuck into Bunny Chow - Durban’s famous spicy curry served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast, Dinner
  • Room TypeHotel
Three travelers admire the breathtaking panorama of Cape Town's coastline and mountains from Table Mountain.
A backpacker stands on Table Mountain, admiring panoramic views of Cape Town city and bay.
A bright, modern hotel room in Cape Town with a white bed, yellow pillows, and a tiled sink.
DAY 9

Fly to Cape Town & Table Mountain

Today we hop on a short flight to Cape Town—South Africa’s most iconic city. With mountains, beaches, and world-class food, it’s a traveller’s dream. In the afternoon, we’ll head up Table Mountain (weather permitting) for panoramic views over the city. Later, stroll the V&A Waterfront for food, shopping, and ocean views.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedTable Mountain (weather permitting & seasonal)
People walk past vibrant pink and green houses with a turquoise car in Cape Town's Bo-Kaap.
A bright, modern hotel room in Cape Town with a white bed, yellow pillows, and a tiled sink.
DAY 10

Cape Town City & Culture

Today is all about discovering the heart of Cape Town. On a guided walking tour, we’ll explore the city’s colourful streets, markets, and history. Learn about the stories that shaped this multicultural hub. Spend the afternoon checking out local galleries, grabbing lunch in a trendy cafe, or hitting the beach.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedHistoric Walk of Cape Town, Harbourside Cocktails
Two people observe a large colony of African penguins on a sandy beach at Boulders Beach, Cape Town.
Four friends relax on a sunny beach with palm trees and distant mountains in Cape Town.
A bright, modern hotel room in Cape Town with a white bed, yellow pillows, and a tiled sink.
DAY 11

Cape Peninsula Road Trip

Time for an epic road trip along the Cape Peninsula. We’ll stop at the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, take a boat ride to Seal Island, and visit Boulders Beach to meet the famous African penguins. With sweeping coastal views and unforgettable wildlife, this day is a highlight of the trip.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast, Dinner
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedCape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Boat Cruise with Wild Seals, Boulders Beach Penguins
Six friends hold hands, celebrating a panoramic view of Cape Town from Table Mountain.
DAY 12

Farewell or Onward Travel

Your South African adventure wraps up today. Say goodbye to your travel crew or continue exploring—Cape Town is full of options. Whether you're heading home or travelling onward, we’re here to help you plan the next leg of your journey.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast

Tour Dates

Optional Extras

£75

Extra Night in South Africa

Extra nights in South Africa before the tour/after the tour.

Add to your tour
£400

Private Room in South Africa

You have the option to book a private room for yourself throughout the tour.

Add to your tour

All this is included + More!

  • Walking & Bus Tour of Soweto
  • Apartheid Museum
  • Drive the Panorama Route
  • Open Vehicle Drive of Kruger National Park
  • Sunset Game Drive
  • Local Village Cultural Experience
  • Historic Walk of Cape Town
  • Harbourside Cocktails
  • Table Mountain (weather permitting & seasonal)
  • Full Day Peninsula Tour
  • Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
  • Boat Cruise with Wild Seals
  • Boulders Beach Penguins
  • Mandela’s House

Learn More About The Tour

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