Essence of South Africa

10 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
96%
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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'.
$5,272
From$4,475
See departure dates

Overview

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

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 transport
Start CityCape Town
End CityJohannesburg

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning

Destinations

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
    • 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 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 Kruger National Park awaits. Begin your time in the South African bushveld with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at a Shangaan village, learning about their t...

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, 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.

Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,475
Price per day$448
Last Updated: 7/7/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Availability
17 Aug 2025
26 Aug 2025
$4,475
On Request
31 Aug 2025
09 Sep 2025
$4,850
On Request
14 Sep 2025
23 Sep 2025
$4,850
Available
28 Sep 2025
07 Oct 2025
$4,850
On Request
02 Nov 2025
11 Nov 2025
$4,850
Available
16 Nov 2025
25 Nov 2025
$4,850
Available
07 Dec 2025
16 Dec 2025
$4,850
Available
19 Dec 2025
28 Dec 2025
$4,895
On Request

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
60,231
Great
15,829
Average
4,543
Disappointing
1,474
Terrible
860
T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2025

Written on

Essence of South Africa

Trafalgar is moving into being a budget travel agent

S

Susan Vasquez

Apr 2025

Written on

Essence of South Africa

It was an amazing trip!

K

Kathleen Havers

Apr 2025

Written on

Essence of South Africa

Overall this was an excellent tour. The Cape Town section was great with a wide variety of sites to visit. The lunch at Penguino in Hermanus was delicious and hilari...

Write a Review

Other Trafalgar Reviews

T

Trusted Customer

Jul 2025

Written on

Imperial Europe

the travel director and driver did their job and make a trip that started ...

T

Trusted Customer

Jul 2025

Written on
Trafalgar Company Reviewsoperated by  Trafalgar

Anonymous

Not at the moment.

J

Jennifer Whitman

Jul 2025

Written on

Rome and Tuscan Highlights

It was wonderful. Wish we had one more down day.

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Tour Operator

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Logistics

Accommodation

  • Southern Sun The Cullinan
  • Shiduli Private Game 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
  • 5 Dinner (D)
  • 9 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
  • 3 Lunch (L)
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
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Trip ID
trafalgar-AFESN20

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