Please note the tour price reflected on the brochure is subject to change. Due to seasonality, and taxes prices of the tour are subject to change without due notice. Please consult with the operator directly for the recent price.
South Africa: From the Cape to Kruger
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.
Attractions & Cities Visited
Cape Town Durban Johannesburg Knysna Kruger National Park Oudtshoorn Tsitsikamma National ParkActivities & Interests
CultureItinerary
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
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3 Cosmos Travel Reviews & Ratings
South Africa: From the Cape to Kruger
Company Reviews
Cosmos? No
-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

Excellent Experience and Excellent Guide
Great COSMOS value
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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