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Last Updated: 16 December 2024

WATCH: South Africa’s Garden Route vs Kruger National Park

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Written by  Tiffany Bowers

 • Travel Writer

Verified by  Chrizaan Troch

 •  Africa Safari Expert

Part of the South Africa Safari Collection

South Africa is more than just a country, it’s a world on its own. From the semi-desert landscapes of the Karoo, to the big game country of its world-class national parks and reserves, South Africa has a plethora of safari options that suit almost any traveller.

The 200 km stretch of coast connecting Mossel Bay to the Storms River Mouth is commonly referred to as the Garden Route in reference to its beguiling diversity of wide sandy beaches, lovely lakes and lagoons, shady evergreen forests and protea-studded slopes.

The Kruger National Park on the other hand, extends over a mind-boggling 19,485 km² and is one of Africa’s largest and most iconic safari destinations, comparable in area to Wales or the state of New Jersey, and sharing open borders with several smaller private reserves as well as two transfrontier national parks in the form of Gonarezhou (Zimbabwe) and Limpopo (Mozambique). It vies with with Cape Town as South Africa’s top destination, attracting more than one million visitors annually.

Which premium destination would you choose? Take a look:

WATCH: South Africa’s Garden Route vs Kruger National Park

Both of these South African destinations offer their own unique experiences. The Garden Route’s proximity to fabulous Cape Town means that self-drive adventures are more popular. Enjoy the charm of old towns as well as meet amazing people with their own unique cultural identity and plenty of stories to tell. Spending days on the pristine beaches along the coast is another highlight of the region.

The Kruger National Park is obviously geared more towards wildlife experiences. These are matched by exceptional lodges and a reconnection with nature.

Take your pick:

WATCH: South Africa’s Garden Route vs Kruger National Park

 

OR

 

WATCH: South Africa’s Garden Route vs Kruger National Park

Having trouble deciding? Contact us for travel advice about how to create an itinerary that will take you to both destinations.

Written by  Tiffany Bowers

 • Travel Writer

Team Member Headshot

Verified by  Chrizaan Troch

 •  Africa Safari Expert

Chrizaan combines her passion for wildlife with extensive experience to create perfectly tailored itineraries for her clients.

Discover the African Journey that’s Right for You

Discover Africa Through Travellers' Stories

These stories capture the real magic of Africa – where every journey becomes a chapter worth sharing.

The true magic, though, is with the people. They’re not just staff; they’re my friends, my family.

JJ Towler

United States

Matthys Van Aswegen

JJ Towler's journey was crafted with the expertise of Matthys Van Aswegen

I went to Africa to help my parents check a box, but I returned with a new perspective on my own life. Africa is no longer a "someday" destination for me; it’s a "must-return".

Steven

United States

Vihann Van Wyk

Steven's journey was crafted with the expertise of Vihann Van Wyk

We trusted our guide implicitly as we sat mere metres from elephants, lions, and hippos.

Cathy & Debb

Canada

Vihann Van Wyk

Cathy & Debb's journey was crafted with the expertise of Vihann Van Wyk

The Serengeti offered us sights we had never witnessed before, such as the surreal image of lions lounging high in the trees

Cathy & Nat

Canada

What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us

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Trustpilot review

"The trip that was put together by Chrizaan Troch at Discover Africa was amazing. The accommodation was perfect as was the driving experience. This was our third self drive tour in Namibia and it was one of the best. Maps, accommodation, car, support all sea..."

Frank Morgan, Canada19 May 2026

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Safari Bookings review

"Our entire experience was magnificent. Everything was in place and perfectly reliable. We wanted for nothing and were taken care of every step of the way. To use the word "life changing" seems so cliché, but my husband and I both found the whole trip an ama..."

Julie Ferguson, United States03 May 2026

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Trustpilot review

"This was my 6th trip to South Africa and Botswana and, as always, Matthys van Aswegen made it a happy, safe, and exciting experience! My roommate, Glenna, and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip to South Africa's Boulders Beach to visit the African Penguin Reserv..."

JJ Towler, United States02 Apr 2026

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"We truly cherished every moment of our trip—there are countless experiences and memories that words can hardly capture. Cape Town was a vibrant and thrilling city, full of upscale shopping and exceptional dining. Jock Lodge stood out with its charming, rust..."

Christine Zastrow, United States14 Oct 2025

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"I started planning my Africa safari/vacation about two years ago with the help of Diane, and was transitioned to Chrizaan about halfway through my timeline. There was zero issues with changing my guide, and both ladies were SUPER lovely to work with. I was ..."

Kaleigh Gray, United States02 Oct 2025

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"I chose a travel agency for four reasons. Years in business, quantity and quality of reviews, customisability, and local expertise. Discover Africa and my agent, Adelle, met or exceeded all expectations. I gave Adelle my budget and modified one of their sug..."

Thomas, Costa Rica12 Sep 2025

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Our safari traveller reviews are independently verified and sourced from trusted third-party review platforms.