South Africa Tours & Trips 2020
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DEPARTURE DATES
Style
Style
Small Group Tour Small groups are usually defined as between 10 and 24 travelers, often less. If you're the kind of person who enjoys more intimate experiences and personal service this is a good choice. All else being equal you will pay a premium for this style vs a larger group tour.
Private Guided Private tours give you the undivided attention of a guide, and often involve special access to sites and unique experiences not available to larger groups. This is a great option for families, couples, and small friend groups. Expect to pay a bit more for the extra service.
Self Guided Tour A travel company plans your itinerary and arranges all the logistics including lodging, local activities, and transportantion. You have the flexibility of a solo trip while still getting the convience and time savings of expert planning. Get 90% of the benefits of a tour, without a guide.
Group Tour Groups are between 25-60 people, typically ~30-40. Usually there will be many opportunities to split off and enjoy meals and excursions in smaller groups. This is the most economical way to travel, saving up to 40% versus booking the same itinerary yourself.
River Cruise These vessels are smaller than most ocean cruisers, limiting which amenties are available. Passenger counts can vary. One of the biggest advantages of a river cruise is the ability to dock at smaller ports and local villages.
Small Ship Cruise Small ship cruises usually have a max passenger count of 500. The primary purpose of these trips is to spend time off the vessel in local ports (e.g. Mediterranean) or experiencing nature (e.g Galapagos or Antarctica). Cabins can vary from budget to luxury.
Large Ship Cruise This is the "floating city" experience, with multiple ways to enjoy your vacation aboard the ship as much as on land. Ships are multiple floors, provide several activities, culinary, and shopping options. They often make fewer stops and have less time available for shore excursions.
Retreats Similar to a self guided tour but staying in one location only with activities and day outings included as a part of the stay.
Price
Duration Dropdown
Travelers Age
Lodging Level
Lodging Level
Camping Typically involves most nights sleeping in tents (sometimes permanent tented sites) or in rustic cabins and lodges.
Basic - 2 star You'll stay in no-frills, but clean and comfortable, hotels or guesthouses. A 'Basic' trip might also involve a few nights of camping.
Value - 3 star Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Premium - 4 star 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards.
Luxury - 5 star The highest level of comfort and service. All accomodations are in four or five star hotels, boutique lodges or high-end homestays.
Physical Level
Physical Level
Very Easy Minimal walking - motor vehicles available for all major parts of trip.
Easy Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments.
Moderate Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment.
Strenuous All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included.
Extreme Very challenging all day hiking and backpacking carrying significant equipment.
Theme
Attractions & Cities Visited
Activities & Interests
Travel Style
Travel Style
Flexible schedule A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Full schedule For those looking to maximize their sight seeing time. You thrive on a packed day’s schedule from 8 am to 6pm, with some (but limited) free time. Most activities and meals included.
Balanced schedule You will have solid amounts of both free time and structured time with some activities and meals included.
Flight & Transport Inclusions
Solo Friendly
Solo Friendly
Good for Singles Trips that specifically cater to travelers looking to meet other singles.
No Single Supplement Trips where single supplement is usually not required for solo travelers.
Supplier (Company)
Countries Visited
Continents Visited
Rivers & Seas Visitied
Stride Gives Back Stride Gives Back This trip visits a destination impacted by climate change. When you opt in to the Travelstride Gives Back program, we will donate 10% of our net revenue to organizations that help mitigate climate change in these destinations and across the globe. Learn more
Africa Encompassed Northbound

- Gorilla permits included! Seek out the rare mountain gorilla on a trek through Uganda’s steamy forests and spend an unforgettable hour in their presence.
- Go on safaris in iconic spots like Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti savanna, the Okavango Delta and the Masai Mara.
- A local leader and crew, plus plenty of time in villages and small towns, means you’ll have the opportunity to meet heaps of locals from all walks of life.
- Chill out on the northern beaches of Zanzibar, enjoying white sand and the sparkling blue waters of the Indian Ocean.
- Travel for good! Visit community-based projects that empower women, promote economic freedom and protect wildlife.
Premium Southern Africa

- Seek out the Big Five of Africa – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino with two full days in South Africa’s biggest reserve, Kruger National Park, in 4x4s with an expert local guide.
- Visit the thundering Victoria Falls, one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders. Admire their power then return to your comfortable lodge boasting magnificent views of uninterrupted wilderness.
- Spot Chobe National Park's abundance of wildlife and the world’s highest concentration of elephants from multiple vantage points with an early morning 4x4 Game Drive, and an afternoon boat cruise along the picturesque Chobe River.
- Spend three spectacular nights in touch with nature at your lodge Feature Stay in a private reserve within the Greater Kruger Region. Sleep in comfortable chalets with outdoor showers, and private terraces connected by wooden pathways through the bush.
- Enjoy a small and intimate sunset river cruise on the Zambezi River, a Premium Exclusive Experience. A private chef will prepare canapes and drinks as your boat navigates the islands above the thundering Victoria Falls.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Helping Rhinos. Donations support their all-female ranger program in South Africa, which specialises in fighting wildlife crimes and protecting rhinos, and other critically endangered animals, from poachers.
Premium Kenya & Southern Africa Highlights

- Visit a local Maasai community known for championing Maasai women’s health and education. During this Exclusive Experience, you’ll be welcomed by traditional Maasai warrior song and dance and learn about this remarkable and ancient culture.
- Get in touch with nature during three nights at your lodge Feature Stay in a private reserve within the Greater Kruger Region. Sleep in comfortable chalets with outdoor showers, and private terraces connected by wooden pathways through the bush.
- Enjoy a small and intimate sunset river cruise on the Zambezi River, a Premium Exclusive Experience. A private chef will prepare canapes and drinks as your boat navigates the islands above the thundering Victoria Falls.
- Spot Chobe National Park's abundance of wildlife and the world’s highest concentration of elephants from multiple vantage points with an early morning 4x4 game drive and an afternoon boat cruise along the picturesque Chobe River.
- Enjoy three unforgettable nights at your Feature Stay camp, located with easy access to the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Search for lions and cheetahs prowling the park on several 4x4 game drives, and enjoy sunset drinks within the park.
Real Southern Africa

- There's nothing more relaxing than feeling the African sun on your face as you lie back in a mokoro, eyes closed while your expert poler propels you through the Okavango Delta
- Victoria Falls is made for thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. Peer over the edge of this crazy cascade, then stay on for adventures on land and in the sky
- What is the sound of a roaring lion if not a sweet soothing lullaby? You'll be camping right in the grounds of Kruger National Park, so you be the judge
- Elephants might never forget, but you’ll get the unforgettable experience of cruising down the river in Chobe National Park, home of the world's highest concentration of African elephants
- Forget the Grand Canyon – Blyde River Canyon's is gigantic, lush and green - pure photo-op gold
- Pay the famous elephants and lions of Hwange National Park a visit from an open-air 4x4 vehicle
Namibia Discovery

- Your dining experience in Lambert's Bay will be one to remember. This open-air restaurant, Muisbosskerm, was rated by National Geographic as having one of the 'Top Ten Sea Views to Dine For'
- Take a canoe adventure down South Africa's longest stream, the picturesque Orange River
- The scale of Fish River Canyon is staggering, but stunning African birdlife and a colour-changing sunset makes it so much more than one of the world's largest gorges
- As eerie as they are fascinating, the sand dunes of the Sossusvlei can be seen in all their blazing glory from the top of Dune 45
- Enjoy plenty of time for seaside leisure in Swakopmund, amid the dramatic breakers of the Atlantic Ocean
- Etosha National Park is one of the best places in the world for wildlife-spotting, and you'll enjoy a full day of game drives here
Premium Southern Africa in Depth

- Enjoy two magnificent Feature Stays – a perfectly positioned camp on the Namibian banks of the Chobe River, and a scenic lodge in a private reserve within the Greater Kruger Region.
- Let Exclusive Experiences take you closer to nature, including a 4x4 drive through the striking Makgadikgadi Pans, privately catered cruise down the Zambezi River and wildlife excursions at the Boteti River.
- Spot Chobe National Park's abundance of wildlife and the world’s highest concentration of elephants from multiple vantage points with an early morning 4x4 game drive, and an afternoon boat cruise along the picturesque Chobe River.
- Seek out the Big Five of Africa – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino with two full days in South Africa’s biggest reserve, Kruger National Park, in 4x4s with an expert local guide.
- Visit the thundering Victoria Falls, one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders. Admire their power then return to your comfortable lodge boasting magnificent views of uninterrupted wilderness.
Wonders of the Western Cape
- City orientation tour including Bo-Kaap and the Castle of Good Hope. Visit Table Mountain via Aerial Cableway.
- Visit the whale watching capital of South Africa
- Visit the southernmost tip of Africa where the Indian Ocean and Atlantic Oceans meet
- Explore the Knysna Quays area
- Three included safari vehicle game drives, in a reserve home to the 'Big 5'
Garden Route and Addo (2024-2025)
- St. Lucia: You could drive the entire route in a day – but where’s the fun in that? Seeing the sights and taking part in the myriad of activities could take up to 2 weeks (depending on how long you want to sizzle on those glorious beaches.) Our Garden Route & Addo trip is 8 days long, and includes all of the route’s main attractions, like Addo Elephant Park, Cango Caves and Stellenbosch.
- Tsitsikamma National Park: It’s common to start in Mossel Bay in the west and finish at Storms River in the east – but there’s no reason you couldn’t do this in reverse or start in the middle (like the rebel you are.) Our Garden Route & Addo trip starts off in Cape Town. From there, we’ll board the Contiki coach and drive east to the Addo Elephant Park via Oudtshoorn. We then head south to Gqeberha before making our way back west to Hermanus via Knysna. Check the itinerary above for more info.
- Tsitsikamma National Park: This depends on your country of origin. In some cases, your visa is free and you can collect it when you arrive in South Africa. In others, if you’re travelling from New Zealand for example, you’ll need to arrange your visa ahead of time. Click here to find out visa requirements based on your home country.
- Tsitsikamma National Park: It’ll change slightly depending on what time of year you’re visiting, but some essentials will include: Your camera Comfortable shoes/clothes for walking Your swimming costume Sun cream, a hat, sunglasses Insect repellent A portable phone charger Read our full guide to visiting Africa.
- Tsitsikamma National Park: The Garden Route summer occurs between November and March, with the best beach weather coming in February/March. July to December is Whale Season, so this is the best time to visit if you’re keen to admire the Garden Route’s awesome marine life. June - September usually sees the coolest weather, so these months are ideal for hiking and other outdoor activities.
- Tsitsikamma National Park: We visit two wildlife reserves, so you’ll have a decent chance of catching the elusive Big 5 – plus giraffes, warthogs and other famed species. You’ll also have a great chance of seeing elephants in Addo, plus the myriad marine life on our marine safari – including whales and dolphins.
- Cango Caves: Tour Africa's largest limestone caves system. At over 20 million years old, it makes our nan look like a spring chicken.
- Addo Elephant National Park: See these gentle giants in their natural habitat as you cruise through this scenic conservation park.
- Jeffreys Bay: Known for its waves, its calamari and its natural beauty, there’s no beach quite like Jeffreys Bay Beach. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
- Knysna: If you’re looking for dramatic scenery, a trek through Tsitsikamma National Park will give you plenty of ops to fill up your memories and Insta feed.
- Knysna: Stretch out on the golden sands and enjoy some sea air at one of South Africa’s best beaches.
- Hermanus: Learn more about these majestic sea creatures and see the work being done to protect them.
- Stellenbosch: Get to know the photogenic wine town of Stellenbosch. Rich in vineyards, but even richer in history.
- Gqeberha: The good folks at the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Centre work around the clock to rescue injured seabirds and help them make their way back into the wild. On this visit, we’ll see first hand how they work – and meet plenty of adorable penguins too.
Kruger Safari with Eswatini
- Johannesburg: Harrowing and hopeful at the same time, you’ll delve deeper into the troubled history of South Africa – with the chance to visit the Nelson Mandela museum too, where you’ll learn about his life and work, as well as how apartheid was brought to an end.
- Durban: You’ll have the chance to check out one of South Africa’s best beaches – in all its craft stall-, fishing spot- and pavement-cafe-lined glory!
- Miliwane Wildlife Sanctuary: Traverse through Miliwane on your own two feet, keeping your eyes peeled for antelope, wildebeest and more as you go. With a local guide on hand to make sure everyone is going the right way.
- Kruger National Park: We'll go on an adventure in the world famous Kruger National Park, keep your eyes peeled for animal sightings!
- Kruger National Park: We'll go on an adventure in the world famous Kruger National Park, keep your eyes peeled for animal sightings!
- Mbabane: We’ll cross the border to Eswatini and travel to a local village where we’ll meet some locals, spend time with them and find out all about their culture and everyday life.
Garden Route and Addo (2023)
- St. Lucia: You could drive the entire route in a day – but where’s the fun in that? Seeing the sights and taking part in the myriad of activities could take up to 2 weeks (depending on how long you want to sizzle on those glorious beaches.) Our Garden Route & Addo trip is 8 days long, and includes all of the route’s main attractions, like Addo Elephant Park, Cango Caves and Stellenbosch.
- Tsitsikamma National Park: It’s common to start in Mossel Bay in the west and finish at Storms River in the east – but there’s no reason you couldn’t do this in reverse or start in the middle (like the rebel you are.) Our Garden Route & Addo trip starts off in Cape Town. From there, we’ll board the Contiki coach and drive east to the Addo Elephant Park via Oudtshoorn. We then head south to Gqeberha before making our way back west to Hermanus via Knysna. Check the itinerary above for more info.
- Tsitsikamma National Park: This depends on your country of origin. In some cases, your visa is free and you can collect it when you arrive in South Africa. In others, if you’re travelling from New Zealand for example, you’ll need to arrange your visa ahead of time. Click here to find out visa requirements based on your home country.
- Tsitsikamma National Park: It’ll change slightly depending on what time of year you’re visiting, but some essentials will include: Your camera Comfortable shoes/clothes for walking Your swimming costume Sun cream, a hat, sunglasses Insect repellent A portable phone charger Read our full guide to visiting Africa.
- Tsitsikamma National Park: The Garden Route summer occurs between November and March, with the best beach weather coming in February/March. July to December is Whale Season, so this is the best time to visit if you’re keen to admire the Garden Route’s awesome marine life. June - September usually sees the coolest weather, so these months are ideal for hiking and other outdoor activities.
- Tsitsikamma National Park: We visit two wildlife reserves, so you’ll have a decent chance of catching the elusive Big 5 – plus giraffes, warthogs and other famed species. You’ll also have a great chance of seeing elephants in Addo, plus the myriad marine life on our marine safari – including whales and dolphins.
- Cango Caves: Tour Africa's largest limestone caves system. At over 20 million years old, it makes our nan look like a spring chicken.
- Addo Elephant National Park: See these gentle giants in their natural habitat as you cruise through this scenic conservation park.
- Knysna: Stretch out on the golden sands and enjoy some sea air at one of South Africa’s best beaches.
- Knysna: If you’re looking for dramatic scenery, a trek through Tsitsikamma National Park will give you plenty of ops to fill up your memories and Insta feed.
- Hermanus: Learn more about these majestic sea creatures and see the work being done to protect them.
- Stellenbosch: Get to know the photogenic wine town of Stellenbosch. Rich in vineyards, but even richer in history.
Cape to Delta Safari
- Cape Town: Stroll around the scenic harbour and enjoy some Insta-worthy views, at South Africa's most-visited attraction.
- Cape Town: Cable the Table! Take a scenic ride to the top of one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of Nature’ for 360° views of Cape Town.
- Cape Town: Bo-Kaap. The City Centre. V&A Waterfront. This tour takes in all the historical sites & attractions of the Mother City.
- Victoria Falls: See the epic waterfall of your Insta dreams. Take a stroll along the edge and see this ‘the smoke that thunders’ in all its glory.
- Kruger National Park: We'll go on an adventure in the world famous Kruger National Park, keep your eyes peeled for animal sightings!
- Kruger National Park: Meet some of the locals who work tirelessly to keep wildlife safe from poachers. We’ll listen to their stories, find out how they work and much more.
- Kruger National Park: Jump on a morning drive for a second chance to spot this Park’s incredible animals.
- Chobe: Coast along the banks of the Chobe River in search of thirsty wildlife coming down to drink.
- Chobe: Be on the lookout for any wildlife we may have heard the night before!
- Okavango Delta: Our first taste of the Okavango Delta, as we head to our Contiki Safari Camp. Hopefully spotting some of the ‘Big Five’ on our way.
- Okavango Delta: Get up with the sun in search of the amazing wildlife in this garden of Eden.
- Okavango Delta: Our first taste of the Okavango Delta, as we head to our Contiki Safari Camp. Hopefully spotting some of the ‘Big Five’ on our way.
- Okavango Delta: Enjoy a sunset trip along the waterways of the Khwai River, looking out for the incredible animals that live here.
- Okavango Delta: It’s our last drive in the Delta! And our last chance to see any wildlife that eluded us on previous jaunts.
Learn to be a Safari Guide in Kruger National Park
- Head to Kruger National Park and discover what it takes to do this dream job!
- Kruger National Park: Take 10 guided ‘Game Drives’ or walks throughout Kruger National Park on a quest to spot the ‘Big Five’ and more. #bucketlist
- Kruger National Park: Learn all about their experiences and daily activities in this tour, which is designed to mirror actual Safari Guides training.
- Kruger National Park: Keep watch for 'The Big Five' on a full day game drive in the Kruger National Park (Kruger National Park, South Africa)
Sea, Safari, South Africa
- Cango Caves: Tour Africa's largest limestone caves system. At over 20 million years old, it makes our nan look like a spring chicken.
- Addo Elephant National Park: See these gentle giants in their natural habitat as you cruise through this scenic conservation park.
- Jeffreys Bay: Known for its waves, its calamari and its natural beauty, there’s no beach quite like Jeffreys Bay Beach. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
- Knysna: If you’re looking for dramatic scenery, a trek through Tsitsikamma National Park will give you plenty of ops to fill up your memories and Insta feed.
- Knysna: Stretch out on the golden sands and enjoy some sea air at one of South Africa’s best beaches.
- Hermanus: Learn more about these majestic sea creatures and see the work being done to protect them.
- Stellenbosch: Get to know the photogenic wine town of Stellenbosch. Rich in vineyards, but even richer in history.
- Johannesburg: Harrowing and hopeful at the same time, you’ll delve deeper into the troubled history of South Africa – with the chance to visit the Nelson Mandela museum too, where you’ll learn about his life and work, as well as how apartheid was brought to an end.
- Durban: You’ll have the chance to check out one of South Africa’s best beaches – in all its craft stall-, fishing spot- and pavement-cafe-lined glory!
- Miliwane Wildlife Sanctuary: Traverse through Miliwane on your own two feet, keeping your eyes peeled for antelope, wildebeest and more as you go. With a local guide on hand to make sure everyone is going the right way.
- Kruger National Park: We'll go on an adventure in the world famous Kruger National Park, keep your eyes peeled for animal sightings!
- Kruger National Park: We'll go on an adventure in the world famous Kruger National Park, keep your eyes peeled for animal sightings!
- Gqeberha: The good folks at the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Centre work around the clock to rescue injured seabirds and help them make their way back into the wild. On this visit, we’ll see first hand how they work – and meet plenty of adorable penguins too.
- Mbabane: We’ll cross the border to Eswatini and travel to a local village where we’ll meet some locals, spend time with them and find out all about their culture and everyday life.
South Africa Safari In Luxury
- Day 1 – Johannesburg / Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve
- Morning departure from Johannesburg. Scheduled Federal Air flight direct from Johannesburg to Sabi Sabi Airstrip. From here it’s a short drive to Sabi Sabi Ear
Victoria Falls (ilala Lodge, Deluxe Room)
- Day 1 – Arrive Victoria Falls – Sundowner Cruise
- Arrive Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe where you are met and escorted to your hotel. This afternoon enjoy a sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River.
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Top South Africa Attractions & Experiences
Top South Africa Experiences
Taking a safari tour at Kruger National Park and spotting the Big Five – lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and Cape buffalo
Exploring the exciting coastal city of Cape Town
Getting a real taste of local life touring one of the townships in the Cape Flats area of Cape Town.
Enjoying an afternoon of winetasting in the South African Winelands
Marveling at mountains, forests and waterfalls along the Panorama Route, one of South Africa’s most famous scenic drives.
Experiencing the unique city of Soweto
Touring the prison and jail cells where the late president Nelson Mandela was held on Robben Island during the apartheid era
Going on a culinary tour and tasting South Africa’s unique cuisine
Top South Africa Attractions
1,659 South Africa Tour Reviews - Summary 96% Recommend
All South Africa safaris, tours, and adventure trips. Find the best guided trips and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Average rating of 4.7 for all South Africa trips.
189 trips from 269 tour companies with 1,659 reviews
More South Africa Guided Tours
Now you can find, compare, and share trips from 1,000+ operators and expert trip planners. Unlike most travel agencies and websites that only show options from large companies that pay big commissions, we show you all the options we can gather, and we’re adding more all the time. We want you to have all the available information to find your perfect trip, no matter who it’s with. Whether you’re looking for a short weekend getaway or a multi-country expedition, you can find it on Travelstride. About us.




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