Cape Town to Kruger NP Road Trip Itinerary
Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Cape Town to Kruger National Park. This 2786km journey is best done in 10 days, allowing you to fully appreciate the incredible landscapes, beaches, and nature you will encounter. You will also be able to visit UNESCO Heritage Monuments along the way, such as the Robben Island Museum in Cape Town. The road conditions are generally good, although you may need to cross a border along the route.
The best time to take this road trip is during the South African summer months of December to February, when the temperatures are warm and the days are long. With a moderate budget, you can experience this journey and create unforgettable memories. From Struisbaai to Port Elizabeth, Durban, and Mbabane, this road trip is suitable for every driver.
10
number of days
2,793 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the left
traffic direction
fair
accident level
START
Cape Town
Distance 2,793 km
Driving time 39.0 h
Pace: fast
837.9 kWh
Airports
CPT
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Cape Town, located in the Western Cape province of South Africa, is one of the most popular cities in the world, and is the perfect starting point for any journey along the ‘Cape Town to Kruger NP Road Trip’.
This vibrant city offers an array of attractions and activities, from world-class beaches, such as Clifton, Camps Bay and Boulders Beach, to the iconic Table Mountain, which provides incomparable views of the city. The bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is one of the city’s main attractions and is an excellent place to shop, eat and explore.
For those arriving by air, Cape Town International Airport (IATA: CPT) is the closest international airport and provides a wide range of car rental services. Once you have your rental car, you can take the drive along the ‘Cape Town to Kruger NP Road Trip’, stopping off to explore the many attractions along the way.
Cape Town is a city full of life and culture, and there is something to suit everyone's taste. From art galleries and museums, to nature reserves and wildlife parks, this is the perfect starting point for your road trip.
1
Cape Town
- Struisbaai
Distance 251 km
Driving time 4.1 h
Pace: fast
75.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Start your road trip adventure in Cape Town, Republic of South Africa and take a scenic drive to the coastal town of Struisbaai! This 250 km journey will take you less than 4 hours and will be full of surprises. You will pass by UNESCO Heritage sites and picturesque landscapes, so make sure you keep your eyes open to take in all the beauty you will encounter. Along the way, you can stop in historical sites, such as the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, and take in the stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Don’t forget to take a break and enjoy the beach at Struisbaai. To make the most of your journey, check out the Itinerary for this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites. Enjoy your road trip!
Struisbaai - Road Trip - Pixabay
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2
Struisbaai
- Plettenberg Bay
Distance 399 km
Driving time 5.0 h
Pace: fast
119.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome road-trippers to the amazing journey from Struisbaai to Plettenberg Bay! With a distance of 399km and a driving time of fewer than 5 hours, this stage of your journey will be filled with picturesque landscapes and scenic roads. Along the way, be sure to take in the sights of the majestic Agulhas Lighthouse, the Southernmost Tip of Africa, and the beautiful Struisbaai Harbour. As you make your way to Plettenberg Bay, you’ll be able to explore the Robberg Nature Reserve and the Robberg Beach. If you’re looking for a unique experience, be sure to check out the Tsitsikamma National Park and the Storms River Mouth. As you make your way to the end of your journey, be sure to take in the stunning views of the Keurbooms River Estuary and the Nature’s Valley Beach. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Plettenberg Bay - Road Trip - Milkwood Manor on Sea
Plettenberg Bay - Road Trip - SA-Venues.com
Plettenberg Bay - Road Trip - Nightjar Travel
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3
Plettenberg Bay
- Port Elizabeth
Distance 243 km
Driving time 2.8 h
Pace: fast
72.8 kWh
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip? Then start your journey in Plettenberg Bay, Republic of South Africa. From here, you can drive to Port Elizabeth in just under three hours, along a 242 km stretch of road. Along the way, you can visit some of the most interesting places in the region.
Start your journey in Plettenberg Bay, where you can explore the pristine beaches, picturesque lagoons, and lush forests. Take a stroll along the Robberg Nature Reserve, where you can spot a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, seals, and whales. You can also visit the popular lookout point, where you can admire the stunning views of the bay.
Continue your journey to Port Elizabeth, where you can explore the vibrant city and its many attractions. Visit the Donkin Reserve to admire the stunning views of the city and the ocean. You can also take a stroll along the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment Complex, where you can enjoy a variety of activities, including shopping, dining, and entertainment.
For a more leisurely experience, take a drive to the Addo Elephant National Park, where you can spot a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and rhinos. The park also offers a variety of activities, such as bird watching, game drives, and guided safaris.
Make sure to take your time and enjoy the journey, as you'll be passing through some of the most beautiful scenery in the region. Keep an eye out for historical sites, scenic roads, and other interesting attractions along the way.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Port Elizabeth - Road Trip - RoomsForAfrica
Port Elizabeth - Road Trip - Wikipedia
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4
Port Elizabeth
- East London
Distance 291 km
Driving time 3.9 h
Pace: fast
87.4 kWh
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip experience? Start your journey in Port Elizabeth and make your way to East London. Along the way, you will be treated to some of the most breathtaking landscapes South Africa has to offer. The 290 km journey will take you less than 4 hours, so you can take your time and enjoy the scenery.
The first stop is the Addo Elephant National Park, home to the densest population of elephants in the world. Stop and take a few photos of these majestic creatures as they roam freely in their natural habitat. Afterwards, make your way to the Valley of Desolation, where you can take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Next, you’ll be heading to the Jeffrey’s Bay, known for its beautiful beaches and surfing spots. Take a break and relax at the beach, or take a walk around the town and explore the local shops and restaurants.
Finally, you’ll arrive in East London, a vibrant city with plenty of things to see and do. Take a stroll along the beachfront and admire the stunning views of the Indian Ocean, or visit the East London Museum to learn more about the city’s history and culture.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary for this stage of your road trip. Enjoy your journey!
East London - Road Trip - RoomsForAfrica
East London - Road Trip - Wikipedia
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5
East London
- Durban
Distance 660 km
Driving time 9.2 h
Pace: fast
198.1 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for a road trip that starts in East London, Republic of South Africa and ends in Durban? This 661km drive will take you fewer than 9 hours, so you can take your time to explore the most interesting places along the way.
Start your journey in East London, where you can visit the East London Museum and take a stroll along the Nahoon River. Then, make your way to Coffee Bay, where you can explore the Hole in the Wall, a spectacular rock formation that is a must-see. After that, you can travel to Wild Coast Sun, a resort with plenty of activities to enjoy.
As you continue your journey, you will pass through Port Edward, a coastal town with a rich history and plenty of attractions to explore. Then, make your way to Port Shepstone, where you can visit the Port Shepstone Lighthouse.
Finally, you will arrive in Durban, where you can explore the Durban Botanic Gardens and take a stroll along the beach. There are plenty of other attractions to explore in Durban, so take your time to explore the city.
Remember to take your time on this road trip and pay attention to the historical sites along the way. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Durban - Road Trip - CNN.com
Durban - Road Trip - TripAdvisor
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6
Durban
- Richards Bay
Distance 177 km
Driving time 2.2 h
Pace: fast
53.2 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for a road trip adventure? Start in Durban, Republic of South Africa and drive to Richards Bay, a journey of 179 km that can be completed in less than 2 hours. Along the way, you will be mesmerized by the beauty of the scenic road. Make sure to stop at interesting places such as the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, the Nelson Mandela Capture Monument, and the Thukela Nature Reserve. The Nelson Mandela Capture Site is a memorial to the former president of South Africa and is a great place to learn more about his life. The Nelson Mandela Capture Monument is a sculpture that commemorates his capture in 1962. The Thukela Nature Reserve is a great spot to take in some of the breathtaking views of the area. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Start your journey today and explore all the wonders of Durban and Richards Bay!
Richards Bay - Road Trip - en.wikipedia.org
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7
Richards Bay
- Mbabane
Distance 369 km
Driving time 5.1 h
Pace: fast
110.6 kWh
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Embark on a thrilling road trip from Richards Bay, Republic of South Africa to Mbabane, Swaziland. This 368 km journey will take you less than 5 hours to complete. As you drive through the picturesque landscapes, you will be crossing the South African-Swaziland border. Along the way, you will be mesmerized by the scenic roads and stunning views. Make sure to take a few stops to admire the beauty of the countryside.
Once you reach Mbabane, you will find plenty of attractions to explore. From the beautiful hills of Malagwane to the stunning Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, you will find plenty of activities to enjoy. If you are looking for a unique experience, you can visit the Mantenga Cultural Village and learn about the culture and history of Swaziland.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey!
Mbabane - Road Trip - Forum International
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8
Mbabane
- Kruger N.P.
Distance 402 km
Driving time 6.7 h
Pace: fast
120.7 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip starting in Mbabane, Eswatini and ending in Kruger National Park. Along the way, you will traverse 397km of picturesque landscapes and scenic roads, crossing the South African state border. This is only one of the stages of your adventure, so make sure to take plenty of pictures and soak up the beauty of the area.
On your way, you can explore the area around Mbabane, where you can find the amazing Mbabane Market, the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Sibebe Rock. You can also visit the Mantenga Nature Reserve, a beautiful spot to take in the sights of the area.
As you travel further, you can make a stop in Barberton, where you can visit the Barberton Museum Complex, the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains, and the Sheba Mine. You can also explore the town of Hazyview, which is home to the Kruger National Park, the Elephant Whispers Sanctuary, and the Sabie Falls.
Finally, you'll arrive at the majestic Kruger National Park, home to some of the most incredible wildlife in the world. Here, you can take a safari tour, explore the park's walking trails, and get up close and personal with the Big Five.
For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Kruger N.P. - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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Kruger N.P.
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The end of the incredible Cape Town to Kruger NP Road Trip is the world-renowned Kruger National Park. Located in the Republic of South Africa, Kruger NP is one of the most popular and most visited wildlife reserves in the world.
At Kruger NP, visitors have the opportunity to witness the incredible wildlife of this area. There are numerous animal species that can be spotted, from elephants and lions, to cheetahs and hippos. The reserve also offers a wide range of bird-watching opportunities, and many avid birders come to the area to explore the various bird species.
For those interested in exploring the area further, Kruger NP has a number of great attractions. There are game drives, guided safaris, and even hot air balloon rides over the reserve. The Panorama Route, which takes visitors through the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, is also a popular destination.
Kruger NP is also home to several historical sites, including the Kruger National Park Museum and the Kruger House Museum. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes in the area that offer delicious local cuisine.
The closest international airport to Kruger NP is Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (IATA: MQP). From there, visitors can rent a car and drive to the reserve, or take a shuttle or taxi. Once at the park, visitors can explore the area in their own car or join a guided tour.
At the end of the Cape Town to Kruger NP Road Trip, visitors will have had the chance to experience some of the most incredible wildlife and nature that South Africa has to offer. Kruger NP is truly a must-see destination!
Cape Town to Kruger NP Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Cape Town
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End:
Kruger N.P.
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Distance:
2,793 km
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Stay:
10 days
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Getting there:
Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
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When to drive:
January, February, March, August, September, October, November, December
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embarking on a Road Trip from Cape Town to Kruger National Park is a mesmerizing 2786km journey through the heart of South Africa. Spanning about 10 days, this adventure allows you to witness the rich tapestry of South African landscapes, including rugged coastlines, majestic mountains, and vast savannas. Along the route, you'll get the chance to experience South Africa's cultural diversity and visit numerous significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Cape Town: Begin your journey in this iconic city, where you can visit the historic Robben Island Museum and take in the panoramic views from Table Mountain.
- Struisbaai: Stop by this coastal gem to stroll along some of the longest uninterrupted white sand beaches in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Port Elizabeth: Explore the 'Friendly City' with its diverse cultural heritage and the nearby Addo Elephant National Park, home to the densest population of wild elephants on the planet.
- Durban: Immerse yourself in this bustling metropolis, renowned for its Golden Mile beachfront, Indian-influenced cuisine, and the uShaka Marine World, one of the largest aquariums worldwide.
- Mbabane: Cross into Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and visit this laid-back capital for a taste of Swazi culture and handicrafts.
- Kruger National Park: Conclude your Road Trip at one of Africa's largest game reserves, where you can spot the Big Five and learn about conservation efforts.
Best Time to Go:
The best time for this Road Trip is during the dry winter months from May to September. This season offers comfortable temperatures and the best wildlife viewing opportunities, as animals congregate around water sources.
Potential Risks:
- While most Roads are in good condition, some remote stretches may be poorly maintained.
- Crossing the border into Eswatini may require additional documentation and can lead to delays, so it's important to check visa requirements and plan accordingly.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The journey can be enjoyed on a moderate budget, with a range of accommodation options available.
- Suitable for both novice and experienced drivers, but some driving experience is advisable due to long distances and varied Road conditions.
- Pre-booking accommodation and planning stops is recommended to optimize your travel experience and ensure you visit all the highlights comfortably.
A good choice for:
By taking the Road Trip from Cape Town to Kruger National Park, travelers will embark on an epic exploration of South Africa's historical landmarks, cultural diversity, and stunning natural wonders, culminating in an unforgettable wildlife experience.
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