South Africa: From the Cape to Kruger

Cosmos
By Cosmos
4.0 . Great
67%
Travel Style: Array Full on
Physical Level: Very Hard
Lodging Level: Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
13 days
From: $ 3,109 $ 239 / day
Checking price

Overview

Highlights (Bullets)

Short Description

Enthralling game drives, stunning scenery, and fun experiences…this South Africa tour has it all!

Have your camera ready as you ride in open-air, safari vehicles during game drives in Kruger National Park, one of the world's largest game reserves and home to impala, zebra, cheetah, spotted hyena, and more, and in Mkuze Game Reserve, where you’ll watch for lion, leopard, rhino, Cape buffalo, and giraffe. Enjoy a cruise on Lake Jozini home to hippo, Nile crocodile, and, if you’re lucky, elephant along the shore. At Stony Point Nature Reserve, observe the endangered African penguins engage in their daily activities.

In addition to wildlife, you’ll also experience unique culture and spectacular scenery on this tour through South Africa. Learn about Zulu customs and life today during a fascinating village walk and interact with local artisans in eSwatini. Visit Tsitsikamma National Park for a walk through its unique coastal forest. Drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the world’s most scenic drives skirting the rocky coastline, and the scenic Panorama Route, with its dramatic landscapes tracing the course of the mighty Blyde River. Marvel at the stalagmites and stalactites at the Cango Caves. Witness rugged rocks, sheer cliffs, crashing waves, and panoramic ocean views at Cape Point, Africa’s southwesternmost point.

All of this and more—including opportunities to learn about local cultures—await you on this South Africa tour for savvy, value-minded travelers.

Style Small group tour
See all the highlights and popular spots on a classic tour.
Itinerary Focus Classic Highlights
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Lodging Level Value (3*)
Flight & Transport Inclusions N/A
Start City CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
End City GREATER KRUGER AREA–JOHANNESBURG

Itinerary

Day 1: CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Welcome to South Africa! Check in to your hotel and prepare for a fascinating journey.

Day 2: CAPE TOWN

This morning, visit Table Mountain for an aerial cable-car ride to the top for stunning views of the city, Robben Island, and the Cape winelands. Then, take a scenic drive south via Chapman’s Peak Drive, which skirts the rocky coastline and is one of the most scenic drives in the world. Continue to Cape Point Nature Reserve for stops at the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point, the southwesternmost point on the African continent. Here, take a funicular ride to the steps of the old lighthouse for spectacular panoramic views. Return to Cape Town and enjoy the evening at your leisure. (Breakfast)

Day 3: CAPE TOWN

Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Perhaps explore the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, take an excursion to the stunning Cape winelands for wine tasting, or go whale watching in nearby Hermanus (Jun.-Oct.) Your Tour Director has suggestions to help you make the most of your day. (Breakfast)

Day 4: CAPE TOWN–STONY POINT NATURE RESERVE–HERMANUS–MOSSEL BAY

This morning, depart Cape Town and drive to Stony Point Nature Reserve to see a colony of endangered African Penguins. Known for the unique sound they make, these penguins grow to an average height of two feet and live in burrows and rock crevices along the beach. Stop in Hermanus for independent exploration before reaching Mossel Bay for the evening. (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 5: MOSSEL BAY–OUDTSHOORN–KNYSNA

Drive north to Oudtshoorn and stop for a guided tour of the Cango Caves with its stunning limestone rock formations. You will also visit a local ostrich farm. Continue to Knysna. (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 6: KNYSNA–TSITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK RESERVE EXCURSION

Today, explore the spectacular Tsitsikamma National Park for a walk through the indigenous coastal forest to the mouth of the Storms River. Cross the famous suspension bridge for views of the coastline and to see the Storms River Mouth Cave. Afterwards, return to Knysna for time to explore the waterfront or consider an optional cruise to see local marine life. (Breakfast)

Day 7: KNYSNA–GQEBERHA–DURBAN–UMHLANGA

This morning, drive to Gqeberha for your flight to Durban. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in the bustling Umhlanga Rocks area for the evening. (Breakfast)

Day 8: UMHLANGA–MKUZE

Today, drive to Mkuze in the heart of Zululand. After lunch, travel to the Lebombo mountains for a memorable walk to interact with local Zulu people and learn about their customs and life today in this rural community. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 9: MKUZE

This morning, take a game drive in Mkuze Game Reserve, the oldest proclaimed wildlife reserve in all of Africa. The park is home to the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. You also have the chance to see giraffe, zebra, black and white rhino, and much more! After time to rest, embark on an afternoon boat ride on Lake Jozini. During the cruise, you are likely to spot hippo, Nile crocodile, elephant, and a variety of bird life. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 10: MKUZE–MHLAMBANYATSI, ESWATINI

Today, drive to eSwatini. Enroute, stop at a local market and visit a unique glass factory where talented glass blowers use recycled glass to create stemware, animals, and more. (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 11: ESWATINI–GREATER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA

Depart eSwatini and head north for the Greater Kruger area. South African hospitality reigns today with leisure time at the lodge. Gaze from your balcony at the wildlife-rich gardens, relax at the pool and day spa, and select from delightful dining choices. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 12: GREATER KRUGER AREA

Rise early for coffee and tea before your early morning game drive with an experienced guide. If the timing is right, you might spot some of the big cats after a night of hunting. Spend time at leisure in the middle of the day watching wildlife from your balcony or on a guided nature or birding walk . Perhaps book a spa treatment or simply relax at the pool. Watch for kudu, impala, giraffe, cheetah, spotted hyena, the elusive wild dog, and more on your afternoon game drive. Return to your lodge for dinner. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 13: GREATER KRUGER AREA–JOHANNESBURG

A leisurely morning before a flight to Johannesburg. Your vacation ends at the airport. Schedule departing flights after 6 pm. (Breakfast)

Availability

Checking price
Price From $ 3,109
Price Per Day: $ 239 per day
Checking price
Start DateFinish DateBase PriceDeparture GuaranteedAvailability 
Jan-19-2024Jan-31-2024$ 3,459NoSold Out Reserve
Feb-16-2024Feb-28-2024$ 3,219YesAvailable Reserve
Mar-22-2024Apr-03-2024$ 3,109YesAvailable Reserve
Apr-19-2024May-01-2024$ 3,339NoSold Out Reserve
May-17-2024May-29-2024$ 3,109YesAvailable Reserve
Jun-14-2024Jun-26-2024$ 3,109NoAvailable Reserve
Jul-12-2024Jul-24-2024$ 3,109YesAvailable Reserve
Aug-02-2024Aug-14-2024$ 3,109NoAvailable Reserve
Aug-23-2024Sep-04-2024$ 3,309NoSold Out Reserve
Sep-06-2024Sep-18-2024$ 3,169YesAvailable Reserve
Sep-20-2024Oct-02-2024$ 3,169NoSold Out Reserve
Oct-04-2024Oct-16-2024$ 3,249NoSold Out Reserve
Jan-17-2025Jan-29-2025$ 3,479NoAvailable Reserve
Feb-14-2025Feb-26-2025$ 3,479NoAvailable Reserve
Mar-21-2025Apr-02-2025$ 3,359NoAvailable Reserve
May-16-2025May-28-2025$ 3,359NoAvailable Reserve
Jun-13-2025Jun-25-2025$ 3,359NoAvailable Reserve
Jul-11-2025Jul-23-2025$ 3,359NoAvailable Reserve
Aug-01-2025Aug-13-2025$ 3,359NoAvailable Reserve
Sep-05-2025Sep-17-2025$ 3,429NoAvailable Reserve
Sep-19-2025Oct-01-2025$ 3,429NoAvailable Reserve
Oct-03-2025Oct-15-2025$ 3,519NoAvailable Reserve
See more

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Cosmos.

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.

3 Cosmos Travel Reviews & Ratings

67%
4.0 out of 5 (100+ reviews)
Excellent 1
Great 1
Average 1
Disappointing 0
Terrible 0
Value
4.3
Guide
4.7
Activities
4.3
Lodging
4.3
Transportation
5.0
Meals
4.0

South Africa: From the Cape to Kruger

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Company Reviews

Cosmos? No

3.0
Details
Value3.0
Guide4.0
Activities3.0
Lodging3.0
Transportation5.0
Meals3.0
We've taken over 10 group tours using Cosmos and Gate1. This trip last month, 9000 was not very good.
-During booking, incorrect information was given about airport-hotel transfers
-The whispers (listening devices) didn't work from the get-go, so no whispers were used during the 13 day trip.
- Porters are no longer hired to bring your luggage to and from your room. (Very elderly had to handle their own luggage. Our friends had to help many of them.)
-A few days into the trip one couple left. At the end of the trip we found out they had covid. Cosmos did not let us know; a few people weren't feeling well and two of our friends then tested positive.
-One hotel was awful and not even up to "budget" standards
-Many of the stops had castles, churches... but were not included, so be sure to count that in when pricing.
 don't plan to use Cosmos ever again. Gate1 is the best in my opinion. When my husband's passport was stolen, they assigned someone to go with him to the embassy, translate, etc...It was above and beyond what we expected 
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Excellent Experience and Excellent Guide

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
I would highly recommend this company and some trips to Scandinavia and Baltic. The countries are amazing, the service and our guide Ausra Paukste was really the best ever. If you wish to visit this region consider Cosmos company.
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Great COSMOS value

4.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals4.0
I am a budget solo female traveler. I have traveled with COSMOS for about 20 years in the past, all over Europe, Switzerland, Turkey, etc. The best thing is that I never have to pay extra for single supplement when I room with someone. If Cosmos can not find a room mate for you, you end up having the whole room. Because of this feature, I was able to travel everywhere by my self with reasonable price. Cosmos always provides great value for the bucks. I would do it again. I highly recommend to you all.
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Details

Local Flights

Participation in this tour requires a purchase of additional local flights.

Group Size

Standard Group - 25 + people

Accommodations

SunSquare Cape Town Gardens

Protea Hotel by Marriott Mossel Bay

aha The Rex Hotel

Garden Court Umhlanga

Ghost Mountain Inn

Foresters Arm

Sabi River Sun Resort

Trip ID#:

COSMOS-3800

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