Best of South Africa

15 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
95%
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USTOA

Group Tour
Connect with the culture of two countries as you travel from the north to south to encounter South Africa's legacy of Mandela and the cosmopolitan spirit of Cape Town.

Overview

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

Highlights

    • SEE South Africa's wildlife and birds on safari
    • VIEW Blyde River Canyon, God's Window, the Drakensberg mountains and Storms River Mouth
    • VISIT Bourke's Luck Potholes, Kruger National Park, eSwatini (formerly Swaziland), Port Elizabeth, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna and Table Mountain by Cable Car
    • Connect with Locals
    • Dive into Culture
    • Local Specialist
    • Stays with Stories

What's this trip about?

    Connect with the culture of two countries as you travel from the north to south to encounter South Africa's legacy of Mandela and the cosmopolitan spirit of Cape Town.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportRound trip airfare and all internal transport included
Start CityJohannesburg
End CityCape Town

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Africa
  • South Africa

Attractions

  • Kruger National Park

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Johannesburg

Your seamless South African journey begins with an airport transfer from O.R Tambo International Airport to your hotel. Settle in to the pace of Africa's most energetic city before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.

Day 2: Johannesburg – Kruger National Park Area (2 Nights)

The golden Highveld gives way to rolling green hills as we travel to South Africa's Lowveld. We admire the iconic sights along Mpumalanga's Panorama Route - the Blyde River Canyon, the heavenly landscapes of God's Window and Bourke's Luck Potholes. Before evening falls, we venture to our hotel near the famous Kruger National Park, our home for two nights.

Day 3: Kruger National Park Safari Game Drive

Connect with nature and explore South Africa's oldest and most iconic national park in the company of a 'Local Specialist'. Uncover the secrets of the bushveld and keep a look out for the magnificent 'Big 5', the Little 5 and everything in between. See the glistening ...

Day 4: Kruger National Park Area – Mbabane (eSwatini) (formerly Swaziland)

Travel to landlocked eSwatini. 'Dive Into Culture' during a visit to a Swazi Chief's village and gain insights into the community's way of life, sampling some of the local pap and stew, and admiring their striking crimson traditional dress.

Day 5: Mbabane (eSwatini) – Hluhluwe

We venture to 'garden of province' of KwaZulu Natal and its northern wilderness. Traversing rolling sugarcane fields and lush valleys, we arrive at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park where there is an opportunity to embark on an optional 4x4 game drive. This evening enjoy a delicious South African braai - a perfect way to end the day.

Day 6: Hluhluwe – Durban (Umhlanga Rocks)

Board an optional morning cruise on Lake St. Lucia and get up close to the hippos, crocodiles and birdlife residing in the estuary. Alternatively explore the town of St Lucia. We continue south to Durban for an effortless encounter with this tropical east coast hub, w...

Day 7: Durban (Umhlanga Rocks) – Southern Drakensberg Mountains (2 Nights)

Venture through the scenic Valley of 1000 Hills bound for the spectacular escarpment that winds north from the Eastern Cape to Mpumalanga. The Underberg's vibrant arts and crafts scene and stunning setting provide a beautiful backdrop for a morning drive. You'll continue to the foothills of the iconic Sani Pass where you'll have the rest of the afternoon at leisure and stay overnight .

Day 8: Drakensberg Mountains Free Day or Sani Pass Excursion to Lesotho

Indulge in the freedom of a day spent exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site on your terms. Consider joining an optional 4x4 Sani Pass drive, ascending to a heavenly height of 2,876 metres for lunch at Africa's highest pub in Lesotho, or alternatively relax down here on earth amidst the Drakensberg's lofty peaks.

Day 9: Southern Drakensberg Mountains – Eastern Cape Beaches

From enigmatic mountain landscapes to South Africa's untamed coastline, we venture through the Eastern Cape and the green hills of the Transkei, dotted with Xhosa kraals and homesteads. Discover the legacy of Nelson Mandela, at his birthplace in Xunu, then enjoy the unspoiled Wild Coast beaches of Chintsa, where the only footprints in the sand will be yours.

Day 10: Eastern Cape Beaches – Port Elizabeth

Wake to the sound of the ocean and spend time admiring pristine natural surrounds before we begin our journey to Port Elizabeth. Once a British settlement, this port city holds the distinction of being South Africa's friendliest city, which you'll encounter first-hand as you explore it on your own terms this evening.

Day 11: Port Elizabeth – Tsitsikamma National Park – Knysna (2 Nights)

Walk beneath the tranquil canopy of Tsitsikamma's giant and ancient Yellowwoods, arriving at Storms River Mouth to peer into the depths of the gorge. 'Connect With Locals' during a 'Be My Guest' experience in Knysna, where you'll learn a few key Xhosa phrases and gain...

Day 12: Knysna Free Day

You'll have a free day to explore the jewel of the Garden Route. Start your day with a leisurely coffee in the Knysna Quays overlooking the lagoon, then consider an Optional Experience to Featherbed Nature Reserve including a drive through the reserve to the top of th...

Day 13: Knysna – Cape Town (2 Nights)

Leave the Garden Route behind bound for the Mother City. You'll wind your way through vibrant coastal towns and the Cape Winelands before arriving in Cape Town later this afternoon. Head straight to the most iconic site in the city and visit Table Mountain by cable car (weather permitting).

Day 14: Cape Town Free Day

Capture the cosmopolitan energy of South Africa's Mother City. Spend the day exploring its streets and squares in search of a tucked-away restaurants, boutiques and galleries. Or consider joining one of our Optional Experiences to tour around the scenic Cape Peninsula...

Day 15: Depart Cape Town

We bid a fond farewell to Cape Town after breakfast. Explore the city on your terms before your transfer to Cape Town International Airport.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,395
Price per day$360
Last Updated: 4/18/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Trafalgar.

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
21,779
Great
6,645
Average
1,911
Disappointing
588
Terrible
380
L

Laura Smith

Dec 2022

Written on

Best of South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA IS BEAUTIFUL. Siboni, travel director, and Ricky, Driver, were great. BUT THIS IS NOT UP TO TRAFALGAR STANDARDS THAT MANY OF US WHO HAD TRAVELED MANY TI...

M

Monica Edmonds

Oct 2022

Written on

Best of South Africa

The second week we spent too much time on the bus. We spent 3 days, of the second week, traveling 6 or more hours per day which is too much time sitting. The time sp...

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Other Trafalgar Reviews

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

Swiss Delight

This was a great trip. The bus driver and Tour director were excellent...

L

Lori Wienke

Apr 2024

Written on

A trip of Scandinavian highlights!

Our travel director, *Personal details removed by Feefo and driver, *Personal details removed by Feefo* went above and beyond during our trip and I'd happily travel ...

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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,
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
  • 14 breakfasts
  • 2 lunches
  • 10 dinners
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Daily breakfast and up to half your evening meals Air conditioned coach, mini coach or safari vehicle transportation Cherry-picked hotels and lodges all tried and trusted Optional Experiences and free time All porterage and restaurant gratuities Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras An expert Travel Director and professional Driver, or Driver Guide All hotel tips, charges and local taxes Handcrafted Highlights
Trip ID
trafalgar-AFSAN17

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