From Big Five to Big Blue: Why Kruger & Cape Town is the Safari Combo That Works

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Some journeys just make sense, and this is one of them. Kruger and Cape Town are a pairing we at BHS can’t stop talking about. Around the office, summer planning always sparks a debate over our favourite Cape Town spots - that little wine bar tucked away off Kloof Street, the seafood place only locals know, or which secret beach is best for a sundowner stroll. These are the kinds of tips we love passing on to our travellers.

And right now is the moment to start booking. With summer around the corner, the bush is coming alive with new green growth and newborns, while Cape Town gears up for its best season of buzzing restaurants and golden evenings. Add to that some excellent flight routes and specials currently on offer, and it’s never been easier (or better value) to combine Big Five mornings with ocean-view nights.

Why BHS Loves This Journey

Because it mirrors what we believe travel should be: balance.

• The excitement  of a Kruger game drive, where the air is thick with anticipation and your guide’s radio crackles with a whispered lion sighting.
• Balanced  with the ease of Cape Town, where a day can start with penguins on the  beach, move into a wine tasting in Stellenbosch, and end with sundowners on Table Mountain
• And here’s another reason we love it: the journey couldn’t be simpler. Daily flights connect Kruger to Cape Town in just a couple of hours >> and pro tip: FlySafair have just introduced a new, cheaper route that makes this combo even more accessible.

“What I love about helping people plan trips is being able to share the little things you only know if you spend enough time in these places. In Cape Town, that might be the restaurant I always take friends to when they’re in town, or knowing which Kirstenbosch summer concerts are worth lining up early for. I’ll tell you where the quieter hiking trails are, the ones with the best views, and which wine farms are still family-run and a bit under the radar.

Out in the bush, it’s about rhythm. You can’t fight the heat, so we work with it - early morning drives, slow afternoons by a pool that overlooks a waterhole, and often the elephants will wander down while you’re sitting there with a cold drink in hand. And when the migratory birds arrive back for summer, it changes the whole atmosphere... the bush just feels more alive.

That’s the difference, really. Anyone can book you a flight or a lodge, but what we love at BHS is giving you those insider touches that make the trip feel like it’s yours!” - Jo Cooper

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Why International Travellers Love This Itinerary

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Easy Access

Traveling between Kruger and Cape Town is simple. Direct flights from Johannesburg (and now even FlySafair’s new direct routes) make it effortless to combine a Kruger safari with a Cape Town beach holiday.

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The Best of Both Worlds

This trip is all about contrasts. Imagine mornings on Big Five game drives, afternoons on bush walks, and nights around a glowing campfire. A short flight later, you’re sipping wine in Stellenbosch, dining at Cape Town’s best restaurants, or exploring the city’s museums, markets, and vibrant neighborhoods.

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Time Well Spent

You don’t need weeks on end. In just 10–12 days, you can experience the thrill of Africa’s wildest landscapes and the charm of one of the world’s most iconic cities, without ever feeling rushed.

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Great for Families and Couples

This pairing works for everyone.

• Families love the private lodges with tailored game drives, plus Cape Town’s kid-friendly highlights like the Two Oceans Aquarium and long sandy beaches.
• Couples can escape into romance with sunset yacht cruises, wine estate picnics, and ocean-view evenings.

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Year-Round Appeal

A Kruger safari delivers spectacular wildlife sightings all year round - from lion prides and leopard encounters to summer’s newborn animals in the green bush. Cape Town’s Mediterranean climate brings warm summers, mild winters, and endless opportunities to pair bush with sea.

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What to Expect on a Kruger Safari

Wildlife Density

Kruger is classic Big Five country - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. But it doesn’t stop there. You’ll also find cheetah, African wild dog, giraffe, hippo, and more than 500 bird species.

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Private Reserves

Neighbouring reserves like Sabi Sand and Timbavati offer even more exclusivity. Here, expert guides take you on game drives where sightings are uncrowded, and lodges are designed so wildlife can literally wander past your deck.

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Immersive Experiences

From sunrise game drives and bush breakfasts to evenings around a fire-lit boma under the stars, every moment in Kruger feels like a new story unfolding.

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What to Expect in Cape Town

Table Mountain

Hike it, take the cable car, or simply watch it glow pink at sunset with a drink in hand. Table Mountain is Cape Town’s most iconic backdrop.

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Wine Country

Just an hour from the city, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek invite you to taste award-winning wines, indulge in world-class cuisine, and soak up mountain views from centuries-old estates.

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Oceans & Wildlife

Cape Town’s coastline is alive with marine magic. Visit the penguins at Boulders Beach, spot whales in Hermanus, or try shark cage diving if you’re feeling adventurous.

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Culture & History

Cape Town’s story runs deep. Explore Robben Island, walk through District Six, or discover the city’s buzzing art galleries and markets for a cultural layer to your trip.

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Some of our Favourite Insta-Worthy Moments

• Leopard’s amber eyes caught in a spotlight on a Kruger night drive.
• A glass of Chardonnay against a backdrop of Stellenbosch vineyards.
• Penguins waddling across white sand beaches.
• Sundowners on safari - gin in hand, elephants on the horizon.
• Cape Town’s city lights from the top of Table Mountain. 

FAQs About Kruger & Cape Town Safaris

1. How long should I spend on this safari?
We recommend 10–12 days: 3–4 nights in Kruger’s private reserves, 4–5nights in Cape Town, plus a night in Johannesburg if needed.

2. Do I need malaria medication for Kruger?
Yes, Kruger is in a malaria area. We recommend speaking to your doctor about prophylaxis before travel.

3. What’s the best time of year to go?
Kruger is superb year-round, but peak game viewing is May–October (dry season). Cape Town shines in November–March with long, sunny days - making September–November and March–May ideal overlap months.

4. Can I do this safari with kids?
Absolutely. Many lodges in Kruger are family-friendly, with kids’ programs and private vehicles. Cape Town adds beaches, aquariums, and easy adventures that work brilliantly for children.

5. How do I get between Kruger and Cape Town?
Daily flights connect Kruger’s regional airports (Skukuza, Nelspruit, Hoedspruit) directly with Cape Town. It’s a seamless two-three hour hop from bush to sea.

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We know every traveller is different which is why we don’t do cookie-cutter trips. Whether you want more time tracking wildlife in Kruger, lazy afternoons on Cape Town’s beaches, or a few extra days in the winelands, we can create the ultimate itinerary that combines both worlds seamlessly. All you need to do is tell us your style of travel, and we’ll tailor the perfect bush-and-sea journey just for you.