20+ Encounters Travel South Africa Tours and Trips
Discover 20+ tour packages in South Africa by Encounters Travel, ranging from 4 to 14 days. These trips are backed by many customer reviews and offer savings of up to 20% on select departures.
Showing 1 - 14 of 22 results
Page 2 of 22 Trips offered by Encounters Travel in South Africa
Embark on The Grand Tour of Tunisia: History, Desert & Culture, an enriching 9-day journey that perfectly encapsulates the diversity of this North African jewel. Starting in Tunis, you will dive into history by exploring the UNESCO-listed Medina and the ancient ruins of Carthage, balanced with hands-on experiences like a Tunisian Cooking Class and a visit to the picturesque village of Sidi Bou Said. The tour then heads south, pausing for cultural immersion with a Harissa-making workshop and visits to the historic coastal medinas of Hammamet and Sousse, including its museum housing magnificent Roman mosaics, before reaching the colossal Amphitheatre of El Jem.
The adventure deepens as you journey into the desert towards Matmata to explore its fascinating troglodyte underground homes and iconic Star Wars filming locations. You will experience genuine local life through a cultural exchange with the inspiring Women of GDA El Ferch cooperative and visit the ancient Berber villages of Douirette and Guermassa before arriving at Douz, the 'Gateway to the Sahara'. The route shifts to the stunning natural beauty of the Atlas Mountain oases, crossing the shimmering Chott el Djerid (Salt Lake) to explore the canyons and springs of Chebika and Tamerza.
The historical narrative continues with a visit to the beautifully preserved Roman site of Sbeitla, followed by the spiritual significance of Kairouan, the fourth-holiest city in Islam, before concluding with a day of relaxation in the elegant coastal resort of Gammarth near Tunis. This comprehensive tour blends guided archaeological exploration with authentic cultural experiences and the breathtaking scenery of the Tunisian desert and coast.
The route operates during the summer months from June until the end of September. If you are plan on travelling at other times of the year, please see our Tunisian Encounters tour
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Join us, on our Mykonos cruise for a week filled with onboard music, drinks & dancing, an onshore pub crawl and even a toga party (you are in Greece afterall!).
After boarding in Laurium, close to Athens you'll be welcomed onboard by the crew and meet your fellow travellers. In the evening you'll have the choice of staying onboard or exploring Lauriums famous bar strip. Leaving the mainland behind we make stops in Kea and Siros, enjoying music whilst sailing, a cove party on Kea and a DJ party whilst on Siros. Our next stop is the star of the show, you guessed it, Mykonos! You'll have plenty of time to explore Mykonos, visit the world famous clubs and party onboard whilst sailing around the island. As we change course and head back to Athens, we'll make a final stop at Kolona beach on Kythnos for a day of relaxation
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey through the captivating landscapes and rich histories of Jordan and Lebanon. Your adventure begins in Amman, Jordan's vibrant capital, where you'll be transferred to your hotel upon arrival, with time to settle in before the explorations commence. The following day delves deep into antiquity, starting with a visit to Jerash, renowned for possessing some of the most extensive and well-preserved Roman ruins outside Italy. Returning to Amman, known as the 'white city', you'll explore millennia of history at the Citadel, encompassing the Temple of Hercules and Umayyad Palace, followed by the impressive Roman Theatre. The day is enriched with a lively street food tasting experience in Downtown Amman and concludes with an insightful evening visit to the Wild Jordan Centre, supporting local conservation efforts.
The journey south unfolds along the scenic King's Highway, a route offering picturesque views of deep wadis and rural villages. Stops include Madaba, famous for the ancient Byzantine mosaic map in St. George's Church, and Mount Nebo, offering panoramic vistas towards the Holy Land. After traversing the dramatic Wadi al-Mujib gorge, you'll visit the imposing Crusader fortress of Shobak Castle before arriving in Petra. Here, optional evening activities provide a magical introduction to the city, choosing between the atmospheric Petra by Candlelight experience or a hands-on Jordanian cooking class at the Petra Kitchen (pre-booking recommended). The next day is dedicated entirely to the awe-inspiring Nabataean city of Petra. Following a guided tour through the narrow Siq canyon, revealing the breathtaking Treasury facade carved into the rock, you'll have ample free time to explore this vast site independently. Discover countless tombs, the Roman amphitheatre, and consider challenging climbs to the Monastery or the High Place of Sacrifice for incredible views and a deeper appreciation of this world wonder.
Leaving Petra's rock-hewn marvels, you'll drive into the spectacular desert landscape of Wadi Rum. Experience the magic of the desert with an overnight stay in a comfortable Bedouin camp nestled amongst towering sandstone cliffs. An included jeep safari reveals the dramatic 'jebels' and unique rock formations famed by T.E. Lawrence. Enhance your desert experience with optional activities like camel riding, quad biking, a serene hot air balloon flight at dawn, or stargazing under the clear desert skies after enjoying a traditional Bedouin dinner. The following morning, after further exploration via jeep, the journey continues north to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Check into your resort on its shores and enjoy ample time to experience the unique buoyancy of the salt-rich waters, indulge in therapeutic mud treatments, or simply relax. For the adventurous (typically April-October), an optional trek through the water-filled canyons of nearby Wadi Mujib is available.
Day six marks the transition to Lebanon, with a transfer to Amman airport for your flight to Beirut (please note this flight cost is not included). Upon arrival in Beirut, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. The Lebanese leg of your adventure begins by heading north to the stunning Jeita Grotto, a vast system of limestone caves filled with incredible stalactites and stalagmites. Continue to Harissa, taking a cable car up to the mountain-top shrine for breathtaking coastal views. The day also includes a visit to the unique Baatara Gorge sinkhole and waterfall (seasonal), exploration of Douma Village with an included traditional lunch, before reaching the serene Qadisha Valley for an overnight stay in a monastery or local guesthouse.
Explore the UNESCO-listed Qadisha Valley (Holy Valley) the next morning, perhaps joining the monks for prayers, before visiting Becharre, birthplace of Kahlil Gibran, and the iconic Cedars of God reserve. The day concludes in the ancient Phoenician port city of Byblos, another UNESCO site, brimming with millennia of history. Enjoy a free morning exploring Byblos' charming markets and harbour before travelling inland. A highlight is the visit to Ksara Winery, Lebanon's oldest, for a tour of its historic caves and a wine tasting session, before continuing to Zahle.
The penultimate day offers a spectacular immersion in history with a visit to the colossal Roman temple complex at Baalbek (Heliopolis), one of the most impressive Roman sites globally. Afterwards, explore the well-preserved 8th-century Umayyad city of Anjar in the Bekaa Valley, showcasing remarkable early Islamic urban planning, before driving back to Beirut for the final night. Your comprehensive tour concludes on day eleven with free time for last-minute exploration or souvenir shopping in Beirut before your included transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Throughout the tour, breakfasts are included daily, along with specific lunches and dinners as detailed in the itinerary.
Explorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel, Resort
Age Range
8-95 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cape Town, Amman, Baalbek, Beiru
Cape Town, Amman, Baalbek, Beirut, Petra, Dead Sea, Qadisha Valley, Byblos
This 13-day Tunisian journey offers a rich, immersive exploration that begins and concludes in Tunis. The itinerary immediately heads to the country's northwest, focusing on deep cultural immersion with a hands-on workshop dedicated to the UNESCO-listed Sejnane pottery tradition and exploration of the coastal town of Tabarka. Time is spent relaxing and hiking in the forested Ain Draham Highlands, punctuated by an authentic traditional lunch shared with a local family.
The tour shifts to a profound historical track, taking guests through the Roman era with visits to the subterranean villas of Bulla Regia and the magnificent city of Dougga, North Africa’s best-preserved Roman site, complemented by an olive oil tasting and farm-to-table lunch. Returning to the capital region, the focus is on culture and gastronomy, featuring a guided exploration of the historic Tunis Medina, a hands-on Tunisian cooking class and market visit, and an afternoon among the ruins of Carthage and the picturesque blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Said.
The second half of the trip ventures south, connecting important coastal Medinas like Sousse with the colossal Roman Amphitheatre of El Jem. The landscape transitions dramatically in the Dahar mountains, where guests explore the ingenious troglodyte houses of Matmata and engage with the inspiring Women of GDA El Ferch cooperative. The ultimate adventure is a 4x4 expedition deep into the Sahara’s Grand Erg Oriental from Douz, culminating in an unforgettable night at a Berber desert camp after a traditional desert bread-making demonstration. The return journey includes traversing the striking Chott el Jerid salt lake, visiting the cinematic Star Wars filming locations and the natural wonders of the mountain oases (Chebika, Tamerza, Mides), before the final historical stops at the Roman ruins of Sbeitla and the holy city of Kairouan, before returning to Tunis for departure.
If you'd prefer a shorter tour of Tunisia, you could also consider our 9-day Tunisian Encounters tour
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Embark on a nine-day immersive journey that masterfully unifies Tunisia's magnificent history, vibrant modern culture, and breathtaking natural diversity. Your adventure begins in Tunis, where you will immediately plunge into the capital's heritage with a guided exploration of the UNESCO-listed Medina and a hands-on Tunisian Cooking Class, followed by a deep dive into antiquity at the ruins of Carthage and the picturesque, whitewashed streets of Sidi Bou Said.
As the tour moves south, you will explore the country's fascinating regional contrasts. Experience the culinary tradition firsthand with a Harissa-making workshop in Nabeul, then trace centuries of history through the fortified Medinas of Hammamet and Sousse, before witnessing the sheer imperial grandeur of the Roman Amphitheatre of El Jem. The itinerary takes a dramatic turn as you venture into the Dahar mountains, famed for their striking troglodyte architecture. Discover the unique underground homes of Matmata, visit iconic Star Wars filming locations, and enjoy an unforgettable cultural exchange with the empowering Women of GDA El Ferch cooperative.
The core of the experience is an exhilarating Sahara Desert immersion. Leaving the traditional Berber villages behind, you will embark on an exhilarating 4x4 off-road adventure deep into the sweeping dunes of the Grand Erg Oriental. After witnessing a traditional Sahara Bread-Making Demonstration, you will enjoy a delicious dinner and spend a serene night under the stars at a luxury desert camp. Emerging from the sands via the vibrant Douz souk and the shimmering salt flats of Chott el Jerid, the journey concludes in the oasis city of Tozeur. Here, the final days are dedicated to exploring more Star Wars cinematic landscapes and trekking through the surprising beauty of the mountain oases—Chebika, Tamerza, and Mides—before a final day of exploration at the pristine Roman ruins of Sbeitla and the holy, spiritual heart of Tunisia, the Great Mosque of Kairouan, before your return to Tunis. This tour is a comprehensive, authentic, and unforgettable exploration of North Africa's jewel
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
An 8-day tour of Morocco, specifically designed with the needs and interests of teenagers in mind. You'll indulge your time in Morocco with traditional cuisine, comfortable accommodation and an interesting mix of activities.
Our journey will begin in Marrakech where we'll have time settle in before our adventure towards the desert begins. Our first stop outside of Marrakech will be the city of Ouarzazate, often referred to as the 'door of the desert' and also known for being home to the famous movie studios, responsible for productions such as Gladiator, The last temptation of Christ and even Game of Thrones. We offer an optional tour of the movie studios.
Moving on from Ouarzazate, our real desert adventure begins as we enter the dunes of Erg Chebbi, gateway to the Sahara, where we'll head to our berber camp by camel and have a chance to climb the sand dunes in the evening to watch the sunset.
After a night under the desert stars, we reverse our direction, heading to the Todra Gorge where our hotel will be set amongst a Palmerie, surrounded by 300m high cliffs. You'll have plenty of time to explore the gorge, visit local villages or even try your hand at rock-climbing. We continue our journey along the famous road of a 1000 kasbahs until we reach perhaps the most famous kasbah of all, the UNESCO world heritage site of Ait Benhaddou. After lunch at Ait Benhaddou, we'll have a guided tour and spend the night at a nearby hotel.
The final leg of our trip takes us through the High Atlas Mountains and back to Marrakech, where you have the option of enjoying some well earned free time, or join one of our optional guided tours of the city.
This tour has been arranged specifically for those travelling with teenagers aged 12 (minimum age 12) - child discounts are available.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
12-85 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cape Town, Marrakech, Ouarzazate
Cape Town, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Todra Gorges, Ait Benhaddou
From the High Atlas Mountains to the deep Todra Gorge, the Sahara Desert, the Blue City of Chefchaouen, and the coastal town of Essaouira, this 14-day tour will take you to all corners of Morocco and show you the very best of what this kingdom has to offer.
After meeting the group in Casablanca, we begin our journey, making our first stop in the capital city of Rabat where we'll explore the Oudaia Kasbah, Royal Palace, and the Hassan Tower before moving on to Tetouan. Next is the Blue City of Chefchaouen in the North of Morocco, where we'll have the opportunity to explore the main square and Kasbah with its white-painted doors and blue walls.
Turning our direction south, our next stop is Fes, often considered to be one of the oldest and largest medieval cities in the world. With a 2-night stay here, you'll have plenty of time to explore this city and its maze-like Medina.
As our journey continues, we pass over the Moyen Atlas and spend a night in the mountainous town of Midelt, where we'll have time for a short hike in the surrounding hills and a visit to a local Berber family, where we'll experience a few hours in their way of life.
Be prepared for a change of scenery as our adventure takes us into the Sahara Desert. We'll take a camel trek through the sand dunes of the Erg Chebbi to our base for the night, a traditional Berber camp. You can choose to sleep within the tents or choose to sleep outside, beneath the star-speckled desert sky.
Next, you'll have time in the deep Todra Gorge, with the opportunity for a short hike through the canyon and Palmerie area, or even try some rock climbing. You'll then follow the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to Ouarzazate and the Ksar of Ait Benhaddou, which you may find familiar as it has appeared in several movies, some of which were also partially filmed in the nearby Atlas Studios, which you'll also have the opportunity to visit.
The final leg of our journey firstly takes us to the coast, where we'll spend 2 nights in the laid-back town of Essaouira. While here, you can enjoy seafood, try your hand at kite surfing, or explore the UNESCO-listed Medina and former Portuguese fortifications. This comprehensive tour of Morocco ends in Marrakech, where an optional tour is available to explore this Imperial City, the fourth of which you will have visited on this tour.
For those passengers who find it easier to fly in and out of Marrakech, we also offer a 15-day version of this tour, starting 1 day earlier in Marrakech. Please see the optional extras for further details
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Embark on an unforgettable Egyptian journey combining ancient wonders with a rare celestial event. This unique tour immerses you in Giza, Cairo, and the Nile Valley, timed perfectly to witness a total solar eclipse near Luxor, offering over six minutes of totality – an exceptionally long duration.
Your adventure starts in Cairo with arrival transfer. You will then explore the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis (with Ramses II's statue), and Saqqara's Step Pyramid. Your exploration continues with the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), showcasing Tutankhamun's complete collection, before flying to Luxor. Here, board the Beau Rivage Nile Cruise for six nights.
In Luxor, explore the West Bank's Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's Temple, Colossi of Memnon, and Medinet Habu, followed by the East Bank's vast Karnak Temple complex and Luxor Temple. A highlight is the Great Luxor Solar Eclipse: travel to a prime viewing site in Luxor to experience over six minutes of totality (eclipse glasses provided). Witness the Sun's corona in the darkened sky – a truly profound experience.
Following the eclipse, enjoy free time in Luxor or optional tours before your Nile cruise sails south via the Esna lock. During the cruise and visit the well-preserved Temple of Edfu.
In Aswan, consider the optional Abu Simbel excursion. Experience a traditional Felucca sail, visit the beautiful Philae Temple and the Aswan High Dam. Afterwards, we sail back to Luxor, making a stop at Kom Ombo's unique double temple, dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris. From Luxor we fly back to Cairo for a final visit to the bustling Khan el-Khalili bazaar.
Your journey concludes following breakfast with a transfer to Cairo Airport for departure, filled with memories of ancient splendours and the solar eclipse. (Optional extensions available).
If you are looking to combine your time in Egypt with a visit to Jordan, our Nabatean Nights tour has departures before and after the Egypt Eclipse Adventure, specifically arranged to coincide with the Perseid Meteor Shower.
