In One Country
From Johannesburg to Cape Town, South Africa
Where worlds collide
This immersive 19-day adventure offers a richly rewarding journey through the diverse landscapes and cultures of South Africa, Eswatini, and Lesotho. Ideal for those wanting to combine wildlife, culture, and coastal beauty, the itinerary blends comfort with meaningful experiences, visiting some of the region’s most iconic locations as well as lesser-known gems.
Begin in Johannesburg and head east into Mpumalanga’s dramatic escarpment, where you’ll wind your way along the famous Panorama Route and explore the world-renowned Kruger National Park on an open-vehicle safari. From there, cross into the Kingdom of Eswatini to discover its warm-hearted people and mountainous beauty, before continuing south to the shimmering estuaries and game-rich reserves of Zululand. Travel into the soaring Drakensberg Mountains for a dramatic four-wheel drive ascent of Sani Pass into Lesotho, meeting local Basotho communities and enjoying a drink at Africa’s highest pub.
Follow the coastline down to the Wild Coast and its quiet, unspoiled beaches, then delve into Addo Elephant National Park for more game-viewing. Meander along the Garden Route, soaking up the beauty of Tsitsikamma’s ancient forests and the dramatic Storms River gorge. Stop in Oudtshoorn to explore its quirky Karoo charm, learn about ostrich farming, and wander the eerie chambers of the Cango Caves. Finally, cap off the journey in cosmopolitan Cape Town, with time to explore the Cape Peninsula, meet African penguins, sip fine wine, and, if the weather allows, ascend Table Mountain for one last look at the continent below.
With knowledgeable local guides, comfortable accommodation and a carefully curated mix of natural wonders, cultural encounters, and wildlife highlights, this is a spectacular introduction to Southern Africa.
You will love
- Small group set departure
- Diverse landscapes, coast to mountains
- Incredible wildlife in iconic parks
- Authentic cultural village visits
- Scenic drives through remote regions
- Cape Town finale with flexibility
Let us design your perfect itinerary.
19 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS
DAY 1 | JOHANNESBURG
On arrival in Johannesburg, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. You have the remainder of the day at leisure. This evening you will meet your guide and the rest of the group for your pre-departure meeting at 6 p.m.
DAY 2 | JOHANNESBURG TO MPUMALANGA
This morning, head east towards Mpumalanga, a region known for its mountains, scenic passes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, and forests. You’ll spend the night in the small forestry town of Graskop, perched on the Drakensberg Escarpment at the start of the Panorama Route and the gateway to Kruger National Park.
DAY 3 | BOURKE’S LUCK POTHOLES & BLYDE RIVER CANYON
Start the day with a scenic drive along the Panorama Route, one of South Africa’s most spectacular regions. The highlight is the Blyde River Canyon, the third largest in the world, filled with lush vegetation and diverse wildlife. You’ll stop to see the remarkable rock formations of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, carved over centuries by water erosion, before taking in the sweeping vistas of the canyon’s cliffs and green valleys.
DAY 4 | KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Today you’ll enjoy a full-day game drive in an open four-wheel drive vehicle in Kruger National Park, giving you the chance to encounter Africa’s iconic wildlife up close in one of its most famous reserves.
DAY 6 | KINGDOM OF ESWATINI
You’re invited to visit the Umphakatsi Chief’s homestead today for an immersive cultural experience. Have a go at grinding maize, weaving grass, or taking part in traditional Swazi songs and dancing. You’ll also get to sample local dishes—enjoyed the Swazi way, eaten with your hands!
DAY 7 | ST LUCIA, SOUTH AFRICA
After a stop at a local craft market, you will re-enter South Africa through northern KwaZulu-Natal. In the afternoon, you’ll visit iSimangaliso Wetland Park—South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site—home to incredible ecosystems and biodiversity, including elephant, wild dogs, brown and spotted hyena, leopard, amd rare sightings of genet, porcupine and black and white rhino.
DAY 8 | ST LUCIA – ZULULAND
This morning, set off on a game drive through Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, Africa’s oldest wildlife sanctuary and a stronghold for endangered rhino.
In the afternoon, return to iSimangaliso Wetland Park for a boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary, where you’ll get close to hippos and crocodiles lounging in the water.
DAY 9 | ZULULAND – DRAKENSBERG – LESOTHO
Travel to the breathtaking Southern Drakensberg Park, where dramatic peaks and valleys await. Check in to your picturesque hotel on the banks of the Mkhomazana River, then spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
DAY 10 | ZULULAND – DRAKENSBERG – LESOTHO
Jump into a four-wheel drive vehicle for a guided excursion up the legendary Sani Pass into the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. At the top, enjoy a drink at the highest pub in Africa before visiting a local Basotho village. You’ll meet the warm and resilient locals, see their traditional homes, and perhaps pick up a handmade woven basket or photograph the famous Basotho hat.
Your experienced mountain guide will share fascinating stories about Lesotho and its resilient people—the hardy Basotho of the highlands. You’ll spot the sure-footed Basotho Ponies, a vital part of local life, whose lineage can be traced back to the Cape Horse. Traditional beer and homemade bread may be offered on request.
After this cultural experience, you’ll descend the Sani Pass and return to Underberg in the late afternoon, typically around 4 p.m, depending on wildlife sightings along the way.
DAY 11 | CINSTA, SOUTH AFRICA
Travel south to Cintsa, the crown jewel of South Africa’s Wild Coast. Here, endless untouched beaches invite you to slow down and unwind. Feel the soft sand beneath your feet as you wander along the pristine shoreline, soaking in the natural beauty.
Whether you’re relaxing by the sea or exploring hidden coves, Cintsa promises a peaceful coastal escape.
DAY 12 | CINSTA, SOUTH AFRICA
Allow yourself to sink into coastal life and enjoy a day at leisure at your beautiful beach lodge. A number of optional activities are avaiable (at additional cost) including stand up paddle boarding, cycling, local brewery tours and boat excursions – please enquire.
DAY 13 | ADDO, SOUTH AFRICA
Today, journey through the historic Zuurberg Mountain Pass. With expert guidance, navigate the rugged terrain as the late afternoon light casts a golden glow on ancient rock formations. Along the way, hear stories of early explorers and settlers, and enjoy a guided walk across the Zuurberg mountains with panoramic views and vibrant wildflowers.
DAY 14 | TSITSIKAMMA
The day will begin early with an open vehicle game drive in Addo Elephant National Park, home to one of Africa’s densest elephant populations. Then, continue to the coastal town of St Francis Bay and enjoy a sunset boat cruise on the great canal system of the Kromme River.
DAY 15 | TSITSIKAMMA
Take a scenic drive to the Tsitsikamma Forest and experience a guided walk to the suspension bridge at Storms River Mouth. For thrill-seekers, there’s also the chance to leap from the world’s highest bungee jump at Bloukrans River (optional and at your own expense).
DAY 16 | TSITSIKAMMA TO OUDTSHOORN
Continue inland over the scenic Outeniqua Mountains into the arid Little Karoo and arrive in Oudtshoorn, South Africa’s ostrich capital. Visit a working ostrich farm to learn more about these fascinating birds, then head underground to explore the ancient and awe-inspiring Cango Caves, with their dramatic stalagmites and stalactites.
DAY 17 | CAPE TOWN
Set off early towards Cape Town, stopping en route in the winelands town of Robertson for a cellar tour and wine tasting. Once in Cape Town, the afternoon is yours to relax—perhaps enjoy sundowners at a beach bar or squeeze in some shopping at the V&A Waterfront.
DAY 18 | CAPE TOWN
Today you will experience the best of the ‘Mother City’ on a full-day Cape Peninsula tour. Travel along the Atlantic Seaboard past Sea Point, Clifton and Camps Bay, with a photo stop at Maiden’s Cove. Continue on to Hout Bay, where you can choose to take a boat trip to Seal Island (optional and seasonal).
Drive the breathtaking Chapman’s Peak route to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. In the afternoon, visit Simon’s Town with its Victorian charm, naval base, and the famous penguin colony at Boulders Beach (note: entrance fee not included).
DAY 19 | CAPE TOWN
Enjoy your final day at leisure. If time and weather allow, consider taking the cable car up Table Mountain (own expense) for a last panoramic view over Cape Town. Your ‘World in One Country’ safari comes to an end today and you will be transferred to the airport or waved off to continue with your onward arrangements.
We highly recommended extending your time in Cape Town beyond this set departure itinerary – please enquire.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
2025 - From USD 3,749 per person twin share 2026 - From USD 4,125 per person twin share
Start: Johannesburg, South Africa
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Finish: Cape Town, South Africa
Small group lodge-based safari
Group size: min. 4 / max. 14
Operates on a set departure basis.
Departure Dates – 2026*
-
May 17th – June 5th
-
June 28th – July 17th
- August 10th – August 29th
- September 1st – September 20th
- October 20th – November 8th
- November 17th – December 6th
- December 15th – January 3rd 2027
* PLEASE NOTE: All dates are subject to availability & departure may not be guaranteed pending booking numbers. Please contact us for current availability on all itineraries.
Inclusions
- Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary or of similar standard
- All transport in fully kitted vehicle
- Game drives & activities as mentioned
- Meals as per itinerary
- Experienced local guide
- Park entrance fees
- Airport transfers on day of arrival & departure of tour
Exclusions
- Flights
- Pre and post tour accommodation
- Optional activities
- All drinks
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses such as telephone calls, curios etc.
- Travel insurance
An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.
Judith & Roger Williams
Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!
The McGowan Tribe
It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.
Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud
The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.
Annette Whiley
Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10
Di & Kingsley Yates
Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.
Ron & Alison Guthrie
If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.
Miriam & Joseph Harrison
Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.
Andrew & Pip Stevens
Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!
Ros Wheeler
Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.
Simon & Jackie Adams
The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.
Emma Jeffcoat
You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!
Buckingham Family
Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.
Tim Bradley
Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!
Jane & Robert Happell
Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.
Paul Cozzi
An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!
Sheryl & Robert Taylor
We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!
Laurence & Remi Cunningham
Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.
Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones
The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.
Rowntree family
We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.
Kim & Brad Balance
Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.
Milford family
We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!
Mark Taylor
Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.
Elizabeth Mackintosh
Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip.
Jenny Kidd
