Essence of South Africa

10 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
96%
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USTOA

Group Tour
Bush, beach and two vibrant cities – capture the essence of South Africa on this culmination of a Cape Town to Kruger experience, including Johannesburg, the 'City of Gold'.
-14%
$4,942
From$5,625
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • 4 Dinner (D)
    • 9 Breakfast (B)
    • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
    • 4 Lunch (L)
    • 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
    • Hermanus: Join a local Hermanus business owner for a traditional braai (barbecue) and some of his homemade wine against a clifftop backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.
    • Johannesburg: Learn about South Africa's turbulent past on an interactive Johannesburg and Soweto Freedom tour.
    • Cape Town: Spend the day discovering the wonderful views of Table Mountain.
    • Cape Town: Take in the landmarks of Cape Town during a city tour with your Travel Director. See the Company Gardens, Bo-Kaap and the Castle of Good Hope.
    • Cape Peninsula: Discover the incredible views of the Twelve Apostles.

What's this trip about?

    Bush, beach and two vibrant cities – capture the essence of South Africa on this culmination of a Cape Town to Kruger experience, including Johannesburg, the 'City of Gold'.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeGroup - max of 40 people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityCape Town
End CityJohannesburg

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning

Destinations

  • Africa
  • South Africa

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 40

Trip includes

    • All transport and transfers shown
    • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
    • Cherry-picked hotels and safari lodges, all tried and trusted
    • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
    • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
    • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
    • Air-conditioned coach or Quantum bus
    • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
    • Optional Experiences and free time
    • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Welcome to Cape Town

South Africa’s ‘Mother City’ and her iconic Table Mountain extend a warm welcome as you embark on a small group journey that will reveal the highlights of South Africa. Spend the day delving into Cape Town’s cosmopolitan surrounds before joining your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner.

Southern Sun The Cullinan

Dinner

Day 2: Table Mountain and Tour Cape Town

This morning, we encounter Table Mountain first-hand, ascending via aerial cableway to its vast flat top – a rocky wonderland of rich Cape fynbos and curious dassies (hyraxes). Peer over the bustling City Bowl and Atlantic Seaboard keeping a keen eye out for the landm...

Day 3: Circumnavigate the Cape Peninsula

Circumnavigate the Cape Peninsula, from trendy Camps Bay to Cape Point and back. The crashing waves of the Atlantic to your right, the rocky 12 Apostles to your left, wind your way along one of the world’s most magnificent coastal roads towards the outcrop that is Afr...

Day 4: Cape Winelands and Hermanus Excursion Connect with Locals

Venture to the town of Franschhoek and see during your orientation why it is proclaimed as one of the most beautiful wine valleys in the world. Take the scenic Franschhoek Pass to the coastal town of Hermanus for your Be My Guest experience. Connect With Locals when y...

Day 5: From City to Safari

This morning you’ll bid farewell to the 'Mother City' and fly to Hoedspruit where a private game reserve near South Africa's great Kruger National Park beckons. Start your time in the South African bushveld with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visit to a local Shanga...

Day 6: Safari in Karongwe Private Game Reserve

The action begins as we embark on an early morning game drive through Karongwe Private Reserve with a Local Specialist game ranger and Shangaan tracker-guide. The rising sun awakens the birds and insects that share your journey into the bush, as you scour the dense br...

Day 7: Seek out the 'Big 5' Safari Animals in Karongwe

Today enjoy another full day of game drives through Karongwe Private Reserve. Continue to scour the dense brush with your Local Specialist for incredible encounters with Africa’s iconic wildlife. End the day with a traditional sundowner drink overlooking the Game Rese...

Day 8: Journey to Johannesburg

This morning have your camera's ready for the last of your game drives before your flight to Johannesburg. Check into your hotel in the heart of Sandton that's well located for exploring the nearby restaurants and shopping during your free evening.

The Maslow

Breakfast

Day 9: Discover Historical Soweto Dive Into Culture

Unlock the secrets of the 'city of gold' on a full-day tour. Dive Into Culture during a visit to the Constitutional Hill, Mandela House Museum and the Regina Mundi Church, which chronicles South Africa's tumultuous Apartheid years.

The Maslow

Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Day 10: Farewell Johannesburg

Our epic encounter with South Africa’s iconic sites comes to an end today. Transfer to Johannesburg International Airport for your onward flight. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.

Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,625
Price per day$563
Last Updated: 11/13/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
19 Jan 2025
28 Jan 2025
$4,348
$5,188
available
16 Feb 2025
25 Feb 2025
$4,348
$5,188
available
02 Mar 2025
11 Mar 2025
$4,348
$5,188
available
16 Mar 2025
25 Mar 2025
$4,348
$5,188
available
06 Apr 2025
15 Apr 2025
$4,124
$4,824
available
20 Apr 2025
29 Apr 2025
$4,124
$4,824
available
04 May 2025
13 May 2025
$4,124
$4,824
available
18 May 2025
27 May 2025
$4,425
$5,075
available
08 Jun 2025
17 Jun 2025
$4,124
$4,824
available
22 Jun 2025
01 Jul 2025
$4,124
$4,824
available

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Trafalgar Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
34,361
Great
9,165
Average
2,741
Disappointing
838
Terrible
541
T

Trusted Customer

Oct 2024

Written on

Essence of South Africa

The itinerary for this trip was a great. We experienced the bulk of the must see South African sites in a reasonable amount of time without being rushed. The entire ...

H

Hazel Regan

Oct 2024

Written on

Essence of South Africa

Beck's Safari Lodge is spectacular and it was the best part of the whole itinerary. Getting up at 5 AM every morning was well worth it as we saw the BIG FIVE. Capet...

T

Trusted Customer

Oct 2024

Written on

Essence of South Africa

The safari and hotels were 1st class. However this trip is contracted out to different companies with no communication among them, The trip to Robins Island was no...

T

Trusted Customer

Sep 2024

Written on

Essence of South Africa

The general tour - "The Essence of South Africa" generally matched the details of the brochure. However, a Trafalgar tour director was in absentia causing multiple ...

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Anonymous

They make you feel comfortable and important from the time you arrive to the time you depart.

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Tour Operator

Trafalgar

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At Trafalgar, we passionately believe in the power of travel to broaden the mind and build bridges between people. By sharing with you the hidden places not mentioned in guidebooks, the local people you wouldn’t otherwise meet, and the traditions you may not have experienced by yourself, we ensure that you get the ‘insider’ view, an authentic and enhanced experience you simply could not have had on your own.

It is this dedication to taking our guests beyond the obvious sights that has helped us grow over the past 65 years into one of the most trusted and successful international guided vacation/holiday companies in the world. From Europe to the United States, South America to South Africa, and with the recent addition of Asia, we pride ourselves on uncovering the hidden gems, cultural highlights and not-to-be-missed attractions of the places you visit. We’ll help you delve deep into the heart of each city and capture the true essence of each new destination.

We are committed to establishing lasting relationships with our guests by exceeding their expectations the first time and every time, through consistently outstanding quality of service, experience and value.

We're proud to be the most globally awarded guided travel company. Every year, we win some of the most prestigious travel accolades around the world – from the Travel Globes to the Agents' Choice Awards. We've collected 46 major travel awards over the last five years alone, as well as the Gold Trusted Merchant Award from independent reviews provider Feefo.

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About the company:

As the world’s most awarded and loved travel company, Trafalgar unlocks the best of the world for every traveller. From the iconic sites to breaking bread with locals at private Be My Guest experiences, guests can be assured of a dream holiday without the stress of 'what ifs'. Committed to Make Travel Matter, Trafalgar aims to make a positive impact on locals, communities and wildlife visited, and the planet we call home. With tried and tested tours, created by local travel experts in destination and enjoyed by more than 5million happy guests, Trafalgar’s proud to be recognised by its Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award.

Trafalgar is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.

 

Why we love this operator
Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.
What they’re known for
Tours and experiences that include everything from the iconic sites to breaking bread with locals, guided by expert travel directors.

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Logistics

Accommodation

  • Southern Sun The Cullinan
  • Becks Safari Lodge
  • The Maslow
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • 4 Dinner (D)
  • 9 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
  • 3 Lunch (L)
  • 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
trafalgar-AFESZN19

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