Review: Tracking the Kruger Big 5 on a Wendy Wu South Africa Tour
If South Africa has ever been on your travel bucket list, Wendy Wu’s iconic Kruger to the Cape Explored tour is one you won’t want to miss. In our latest episode of the Talk Travel podcast, Fiona Lunardelli, Product Manager for Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia, and Latin America at Wendy Wu Tours, reveals the magic behind this unforgettable journey.
From the vibrant cities and dramatic coastlines of the Cape to the sweeping savannahs of Kruger National Park, this tour offers a kaleidoscope of experiences unlike anywhere else on earth. One of the highlights Fiona shares is the chance to embark on a safari adventure in search of the legendary Kruger Big 5 – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo – an encounter that stays with you long after the trip ends. But the adventure doesn’t stop there. Guests can look forward to sipping world-class wines in the Cape Winelands, marvelling at breathtaking scenery along the Garden Route, and immersing themselves in the country’s rich cultural heritage. Whether it’s wildlife, landscapes, or authentic South African flavours, the Kruger to the Cape Explored tour is designed to bring every moment to life.
Watch the full podcast episode on our YouTube channel by clicking the link below, or listen on Spotify, Amazon Music & Apple Podcasts. Alternatively, continue reading the review below!
A Journey in Travel
I’m Fiona Lunardelli, and I’ve spent many years working in the travel industry. My career began as a reservations’ consultant, later moving into product management where I built expertise across destinations such as the Far East and Australia. From there, I took on a global procurement role that included South Africa and Zanzibar. Seven years ago, my family and I relocated to the UK, and I’ve since continued my work as a product manager, expanding portfolios to cover the Indian Subcontinent, Central Asia, Latin America, and Africa. It has been an incredible journey of discovery, both professionally and personally.
Wendy Wu South Africa: The Rainbow Nation
South Africa is often called the Rainbow Nation, a title that reflects its cultural diversity and eleven official languages. The country’s landscapes are just as varied, stretching from the open savannas of the Kruger National Park to the lush Garden Route, from vineyard-covered valleys in the Cape Winelands to dramatic coastal cliffs and golden beaches framed by both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa
Cape Winelands, South Africa
It is a destination that offers so much more than the Kruger Big 5. Alongside lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards, travellers can see penguins, seals, and whales, as well as a wealth of marine life. South Africa is also celebrated for its cuisine, from Biltong and Boers to Cape Malay curries and the famous bunny chow, not to mention its world-class wines. Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope, and the Blade River Canyon are just a few of the iconic landmarks waiting to be explored.
Bourke’s Luck Potholes, South Africa
The Kruger Big 5 and Beyond
The Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest protected game reserves, stretching across thousands of kilometres and unfenced, allowing animals to roam freely across the plains. Beyond the park itself lies the Greater Kruger, an interconnected region of private reserves and concessions. This area is particularly special because it offers fewer crowds, more flexible game drives, and opportunities to venture off-road when following wildlife. The Kruger is also a year-round destination, meaning visitors can enjoy spectacular game viewing at any time. Spotting animals – especially the Kruger Big 5 – can be as easy as watching them cross the road in front of you, but the real magic lies in guided safaris that reveal the intricacies of the ecosystem.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Wendy Wu’s Kruger to Cape Explored Tour
Our Kruger to Cape Explored tour spans fifteen days and is designed for travellers seeking comfort, variety, and expert guidance. It begins in Johannesburg, a city that offers insights into South Africa’s history, before continuing along the scenic Panorama Route with its dramatic landscapes and vibrant local markets.
Kruger to the Cape Explored Itinerary Map
Johannesburg, South Africa
From there, the journey focuses on safari. Guests spend three nights in the Greater Kruger, with five safari opportunities included. Morning and evening game drives, led by skilled rangers and trackers, give travellers the chance to witness animals at their most active. Each open-air jeep carries just nine passengers, ensuring intimate experiences. Because these safaris take place in private concessions, sightings are less crowded, more flexible, and often more rewarding.
The Garden Route and Coastal Adventures
After the safari, the tour transitions to the coast. A short flight takes travellers to Gqeberha, previously known as Port Elizabeth, where the famous Garden Route begins. This stretch of South Africa is renowned for its golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and enchanting forests. Highlights include Tsitsikamma National Park, where guests can enjoy a forest walk and cross the Storms River suspension bridge, and the town of Knysna, framed by the striking Knysna Heads.
Mpumalanga, South Africa
Graskop Gorge Lift, South Africa
One of the most memorable experiences here is the visit to the Featherbed Eco Estate. Accessible only by boat, this protected reserve offers panoramic views, guided forest walks, and a picnic lunch in an unspoiled natural setting. The journey continues inland to Oudtshoorn, known for its ostrich farms, before reaching Cape Town, often hailed as one of the world’s best cities.
Immersive Experiences in Cape Town with Wendy Wu South Africa Tours
The tour concludes in Cape Town, a city that blends natural beauty with rich culture. Travellers ascend Table Mountain for sweeping views, explore the Cape Winelands, and cruise around the bay in search of dolphins. Cultural immersion is a key part of the experience, with highlights including a Cape Malay cooking demonstration in the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood and a lively evening at the Gold Restaurant, where multiple courses of African cuisine are accompanied by music and storytelling.
Bo-Kaap Malay, South Africa
Cape Peninsula, South Africa
Some evenings are deliberately left free, so guests can discover Cape Town’s culinary scene for themselves, particularly around the lively V&A Waterfront. This balance between guided experiences and independent exploration ensures a rich and memorable ending to the journey.
The Unexpected Along the Way
One of the joys of travelling through South Africa is the unexpected. Along the coast, travellers may stumble upon secluded beaches, bustling local markets, or even a traditional braai — South Africa’s version of a barbecue. Street performers at Cape Town’s waterfront or impromptu interactions with locals add a layer of authenticity that makes each tour unique.
Greater Kruger National Park
Practical Details on Wendy Wu South Africa Tours
The Kruger to Cape Explorer includes flights into Johannesburg and out of Cape Town, transfers, transportation, and most meals. Three dinners in Cape Town are excluded to allow travellers the freedom to choose from the city’s diverse restaurants. Throughout the journey, expert guides accompany the group, ensuring seamless logistics and enriching commentary. Tipping is also included, so guests can relax without concern, though additional tips are always welcome.
Cape Town, South Africa
Solo travellers are warmly welcomed, with options for private rooms or a “happy to share” arrangement. Guides make sure everyone feels part of the group, creating a family-like atmosphere, and groups often include travellers from the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Packing is simple: comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, and a light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings are ideal.
Looking Ahead: New Destinations in Africa with Wendy Wu
Beyond South Africa, we are excited to be launching two new tours. The Treasures of Kenya and Tanzania is a fourteen-day wildlife-focused adventure that takes in iconic locations such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Maasai Mara, with travel by 4×4 vehicles and unforgettable picnic lunches in the bush. The second is a twenty-day journey through Madagascar, a destination rich in unique wildlife, lemurs, cultural encounters, and conservation experiences. Both tours are now featured in our latest brochure.
Interested in booking a Wendy Wu’s iconic Kruger to the Cape Explored tour? If so, call one of our travel experts free on 0800 707 6229 to book the journey of a lifetime with exclusive extra savings from us on top! Alternatively, send an enquiry to info@travelclubelite.com.
Be sure to also discover our wide range of Wendy Wu Africa tours & beyond.