Cape Town To Johannesburg (17 Days) South Africa & Lesotho
Cape Town To Johannesburg (17 Days) South Africa & Lesotho
17 Days Starting in Cape Town, South Africa and ending in Johannesburg, South Africa
Visiting: South Africa, Lesotho
Tour operator:
Tour code:
431
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Age range:
18-80
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Adventure Tours, Camping, Safari Tours, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 17-day adventure from Cape Town to Johannesburg, exploring the diverse landscapes and rich cultures of South Africa and Lesotho. Begin your journey at the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Agulhas, where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. Discover the fascinating Cango Caves and learn about ostriches in the Little Karoo. Travel along the scenic Garden Route, visit vibrant coastal towns, and experience thrilling game drives in Addo Elephant National Park. In Lesotho, enjoy hiking, pony trekking, and exploring waterfalls in the mountain kingdom. Conclude your trip with a visit to the historic Soweto township in Johannesburg. This tour offers a mix of camping and simple hostel accommodations, with meals and transport provided on the Oasis Expedition Truck.
Highlights
Itinerary
We depart from Cape Town taking a leisurely drive along the coastal roads to the Cape of Good Hope, a rocky headland at the southern end of the Cape peninsula. Here you have a chance to walk up to the upper lighthouse or take a ride on the Flying Dutchman Funicular for some spectacular views. After visiting the Cape, we follow the coastline on to our next stop.
We overnight in Hermanus/Gansbaai and the next day there are several marine options - Whale watching, Shark Cave Diving and Dyer Island Nature Reserve. From here we will head for the most southern tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas - which is the dividing line between the warm Indian Ocean and the cooler Atlantic Ocean. The seas around Cape Agulhas are very treacherous and have caused numerous shipwrecks, to help reduce fatalities the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse was built in 1848 and is the 2nd oldest working lighthouse in South Africa. From August to December Southern Right and Humpback Whales may be spotted along the coast - as they feed in the nutrient rich waters off the southern coast.
From Cape Agulhas we pass through the Outeniqua Mountains to the Little Karoo - we will visit an Ostrich farm to learn more about the world’s largest bird. The Ostrich has been around for 8 million years, and a feather was discovered in King Tutankhamun's tomb in Egypt. 97% of the world's population of Ostriches lives in the Karoo.
We will also explore Cango Calcite Caves recognised as one of the world's finest networks of Calcite caves. The bizarre formations of Stalagmites and Stalactites represent over a million years of slow formation.
DAY 4-7: LITTLE KAROO TO ADDO NATIONAL PARK
We spend two days winding our way along South Africa's famous Garden Route where there is a wealth of things to see and do. We travel through the popular resort of Knysna, located on a tranquil lagoon that is protected from the sea by two enormous cliffs known as 'the heads'. We visit the Tsitsikamma Forest, where you will be able to hike along the coast and view the crashing waves at the mouth of the scenic Storms River, and maybe spot dolphins and whales in the ocean. Optional excursions in this region include mountain biking, black water tubing, and the mother of all bungee jumps at Bloakrans Bridge - the highest jump in the world at 216 metres.
From the Garden Route we continue along the coast and in the summer months (October to March) there will be an opportunity to stop at one of the beaches we pass before we head inland to Addo Elephant National Park which has recently been extended to include part of the coast and is now home to the BIG 7 - lion, rhino, elephant, leopard, buffalo, whale, and shark! On our game drive we hope to spot some of the many elephants that the park is famous for, which are the most southerly population in Africa.
DAY 8-10: ADDO NATIONAL PARK TO FREE STATE
We then drive to the beautiful, rugged, and remote Wild Coast to the quaint little seaside village of Cintsa. Situated on the banks of the Cintsa River and estuary - Cintsa offers a haven in a tranquil setting, surrounded by lush indigenous forest and thicket, and an amazing bird life. You will have a fee day to enjoy the unspoiled stretches of white sandy beaches, take a canoe ride up the river, many hikes in the area, horse riding and so much more.
We will then make our way towards the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho overnighting on route.
DAY 11-13: FREE STATE TO ROYAL NATIONAL PARK
Lesotho, often referred to as 'the kingdom in the sky'. This little country is surrounded by South Africa and is covered by mountains from 1000m to 3000m high. The scenery here is tremendous and the mountain air crisp and fresh. Here we will see Lesotho's horsemen dressed in their blankets and gumboots trotting around the hillsides. We spend a couple of nights at Malealea Lodge, Lesotho's most famous countryside retreat tucked up high in the mountains. Here there are isolated waterfalls, cool rock pools ideal for swimming, and peaceful hikes in the surrounding hills. This is also a great place to try pony trekking - one of the best ways to enjoy the scenery is atop a sure-footed Lesotho pony.
We drive through the lowlands of Lesotho and visit Thabo Bosiu or Mt. Moorosi with a local guide (time & weather permitting). This mountain stronghold was the home of Chief Moshoeshoe, the founder of the Basotho nation. We continue through Lesotho's tiny capital Maseru, and re-enter South Africa.
DAY 14-17: ROYAL NATAL NATIONAL PARK TO JOHANNESBURG
The Royal Natal National Park on the edge of the Drakensburg Mountains has an impressive natural Amphitheatre of massive rock walls. The Tugela River plunges spectacularly over the edge of the Amphitheatre wall, dropping around 800m through a series of five falls. There are over 130km of walking trails around the park-many of which are easy, half day strolls, through beautiful countryside of grassland dotted with patches of yellowwood forest and proteas set against the stunning backdrop of the Amphitheatre.
Heading north we pass through small towns and villages, through Afrikaaner heartland, making our way to South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg. Built because of the gold rush, the city has grown into one of the wealthiest cities in the world. We will be staying at a laid-back backpacker in a suburb of Johannesburg, where you can relax by the pool.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation includes approximately 50% camping and 50% simple hostels/hotels.
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Cape of Good Hope
Visit the Cape of Good Hope, a rocky headland at the southern end of the Cape peninsula.
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Cango Calcite Caves
Take a tour through the vast halls and towering limestone formations of Cango Caves.
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Ostrich Farm
Learn about the world’s largest bird, the ostrich, at an ostrich farm.
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Addo Elephant National Park
Enjoy a game drive in Addo Elephant National Park, home to the Big 7.
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Royal Natal National Park
Explore the Royal Natal National Park, known for its impressive natural Amphitheatre of massive rock walls.
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Meals
Meals are included for approximately 50% of the trip.
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Transport
All transport on the Oasis Expedition Truck is included.
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Camping and Cooking Equipment
Camping and cooking equipment are provided.
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Services of Oasis Crew
The services of the Oasis Crew are included.
What's Not Included
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Visas
Visas are not included and must be arranged separately.
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Local Payment
A local payment of USD 630 (2023-24) is payable at the start of the trip.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information are not included.
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Flights
Flights to and from the destination are not included.
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Airport Taxes & Transfers
Airport taxes and transfers are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Meals
Meals are included for approximately 50% of the trip; the rest are not included.
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Drinks
Drinks are not included.
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Tips
Tips are not included and are at your discretion.
Mode of Transport
The Oasis truck will be your new home giving you a comfortable, secure base with which to experience your trip. As part of the adventure you will be expected to have an active involvement in the day to day running of the trip, be part of the group and get stuck in and help with various tasks, whether it's cooking meals over open fires, pitching your tent or keeping the truck clean and tidy. All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seatbelts. For your own safety and security we recommend that travellers wear these at all times whilst the vehicle is moving. Our overland trucks in Africa also have a 'beach area' which is a chill out zone to be used when the truck is not moving.
Accommodation
Camping - Oasis uses roomy three-person tents but only for two people. They are specially made for us to meet the tougher conditions of an overland trip and have mosquito netting sewn into the door and windows. Tents are shared (between two people of the same sex from your group unless you are a couple). We spend some nights bush or desert camping and the rest of the time in campsites. Facilities and standards at campsites vary, some are well equipped and managed and some are very basic. At bush camps you will be living off the truck, so there will be no showers or en-suite facilities! At certain campsites there is the opportunity to upgrade to a private room at your own expense if you are missing your bed. Lodges / Hostels - At some locations we will stay in lodges and hostels that are small, locally run establishments. The accommodation will vary depending on the rooming available, from dormitory style rooms, to twins/doubles or triple rooms. Upgrades may be available on arrival, but cannot be reliably pre-booked. Please refer to the individual trip inclusions for the percentage break up of your accommodation.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of involvement is expected from participants during the trip?
Participants are expected to have an active involvement in the day-to-day running of the trip. This includes tasks such as cooking meals over open fires, pitching tents, and keeping the truck clean and tidy.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation includes approximately 50% camping and 50% simple hostels/hotels. Camping involves roomy three-person tents shared between two people, with mosquito netting sewn into the door and windows. Some nights will be spent bush or desert camping, while others will be at campsites with varying facilities. Lodges and hostels are small, locally run establishments, and room types can vary from dormitory style to twin/double or triple rooms.
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Are there opportunities to upgrade accommodation during the tour?
Yes, at certain campsites there is the opportunity to upgrade to a private room at your own expense if you are missing your bed. Upgrades may also be available at lodges and hostels on arrival, but they cannot be reliably pre-booked.
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What kind of transport is used during the tour?
All transport is provided on the Oasis Expedition Truck, which will be your new home and a comfortable, secure base for the trip. The truck is fitted with seatbelts, and it is recommended that travelers wear them at all times while the vehicle is moving. The truck also has a 'beach area' which is a chill-out zone to be used when the truck is not moving.
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What activities are available in Lesotho during the tour?
In Lesotho, you can explore isolated waterfalls, cool rock pools ideal for swimming, and peaceful hikes in the surrounding hills. Pony trekking is also a popular activity, allowing you to enjoy the scenery atop a sure-footed Lesotho pony. Additionally, you may visit Thabo Bosiu or Mt. Moorosi with a local guide, time and weather permitting.
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What wildlife can be expected during the game drive in Addo Elephant National Park?
During the game drive in Addo Elephant National Park, you can expect to see the Big 7, which includes lion, rhino, elephant, leopard, buffalo, whale, and shark. The park is particularly famous for its large population of elephants.
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What are some optional excursions available during the tour?
Optional excursions include whale watching, shark cage diving, and visiting Dyer Island Nature Reserve in Hermanus/Gansbaai. In the Tsitsikamma Forest, you can go mountain biking, black water tubing, and bungee jumping at Bloukrans Bridge, the highest jump in the world at 216 meters.
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What meals are included in the tour?
Meals are included for approximately 50% of the trip. The rest of the meals are not included and will need to be arranged separately.
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What should I know about the camping facilities during the tour?
Camping involves using roomy three-person tents shared between two people. Some nights will be spent bush or desert camping, where you will be living off the truck with no showers or en-suite facilities. Campsites vary in facilities and standards, with some being well-equipped and others very basic.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, if you are travelling solo. On our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions, we will pair you up with a tent buddy of the same sex when we camp and the same goes for twin & shared rooms in hostels, so there is no need to go it alone! If you specifically would like to request your own single room whilst on the trip, this may be requested subject to availability and additional fee.
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How many people do you take on your Trips?
On most of our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions our vehicles can carry a maximum of 24 travellers, the average however is around 16-20 on any one trip. Our Small Group Adventures have a maximum of 18 people per Tour Leader, although again the average is around 10-14 people.
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Low Deposit
Oasis Overland requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of oasis overland charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 33% of booking price.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.