20 Encounters Travel Southern Africa Tours and Trips
Discover 20 tour packages in Southern Africa by Encounters Travel, ranging from 4 to 14 days. These trips offer savings of up to 10% on select departures.
Duration
4 days14 days
Departures
Tour Types
Countries
Activities
Physical Rating
Accommodations
Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
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
Welcome to Vietnam, a country that pulses with life, from the timeless traditions of the northern highlands to the bustling energy of the southern cities. This unique tour invites you to step beyond the well-trodden paths and immerse yourself in the authentic heart of the nation. From the moment you arrive in Hanoi, you'll be greeted with a blend of historical grandeur and vibrant street life, setting the stage for the captivating experiences that lie ahead.
Your adventure truly begins as you leave the urban landscape behind and journey into the serene beauty of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Here, you'll find a different rhythm of life, defined by peaceful, terraced rice paddies and the gentle pace of the local Thai ethnic community. This is more than a scenic stay; it's an opportunity for genuine cultural immersion. You will sleep in a traditional stilt house, sharing a communal space with fellow travellers, and wake up to the stunning views of the 'hidden village' of Kho Muong. The days are filled with invigorating treks through the verdant landscape, and the evenings are spent sharing stories over a delicious, home-cooked meal.
As the tour progresses, you'll be treated to a stunning contrast of experiences. The tranquil landscapes of Pu Luong give way to the legendary beauty of Ha Long Bay, where you'll cruise among thousands of limestone karsts, and even ascend a mountain for a panoramic sunset view. Next, you will travel south by overnight train, waking to the sight of lush green fields and water buffalo before arriving in the imperial city of Hue. Here, history comes alive in the magnificent Citadel and a peaceful cruise along the Perfume River. The journey continues to the charming, lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can lose yourself in its rich, multicultural history and even learn to make your own souvenir. Finally, you will explore the vibrant and bustling Ho Chi Minh City, with a memorable journey into the rich agricultural heart of the Mekong Delta, where you'll participate in hands-on activities, from making rice paper to fishing, connecting you directly with local life.
This tour is crafted for those who seek more than just sightseeing. It's for the traveller who wants to engage, to learn, and to connect. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the quiet corners of the Mekong Delta, you will discover the rich tapestry of Vietnamese life, culture, and cuisine, creating memories that will last a lifetime. The itinerary's varied accommodation reflects its diverse experiences. Throughout your journey, you will enjoy the comfort and amenities of 4-star hotels in the major cities of Hanoi, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City. In contrast, your overnight stays in Pu Luong and the Mekong Delta will be in more traditional, rural settings, providing an authentic taste of local life. The tour also includes the unique and unforgettable experience of spending a night aboard a traditional junk boat as you cruise through the spectacular waters of Ha Long Bay
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Eco Lodge, Home-stay, Hotel, Lodge, Sleeper Train
Age Range
8-95 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cape Town, Hanoi, Saigon, Mekong
Cape Town, Hanoi, Saigon, Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City, Mai Chau, Khò Muồng, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An
Spend ten thrilling days exploring the beautiful and diverse Cape region of South Africa. This part of the country offers memorable experiences for lovers of adventure, culture, history and nature.
The tour begins with free time to explore the Mother City of Cape Town independently, taking your pick of all the famous landmarks and sites. You then travel along the stunning Garden Route, stopping to see and experience the best it has to offer. Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Cape Agulhas, the Bloukrans Bridge, Hermanus, Tsitsikamma - all before a Big 5 safari in Addo Elephant National Park. We then return to Cape Town again.
Exhilarating adventure activities are also available for those brave enough. Bungee jumping, skydiving, sandboarding, shark cage diving... this tour will provide memories for a lifetime!
Accommodation is based in either single, twin or double rooms in deluxe guesthouses or good quality Backpackers where you can stay in shared dorm rooms or private single, twin or doubles. Solo travellers will need to pay a single supplement unless they stay in a shared dorm room. Please confirm with us which level of accommodation you would like.
City sightseeingWalking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hostel, Hotel
Age Range
14-95 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cape Town, Eastern Cape, Western
Cape Town, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Hermanus, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Addo Elephant National Park
From Namibia’s windswept dunes to the thunderous roar of Victoria Falls, 'Namibia & Botswana Uncovered' is a 12-day guided wildlife adventure designed for those eager to experience Southern Africa’s most captivating sights and cultures. This group trip starts in Swakopmund, Namibia’s adventure capital, and ends at Africa’s iconic waterfall in Zimbabwe.
Kick off your journey with optional adrenaline sports before heading inland to meet the Himba people and explore Etosha National Park’s abundant wildlife. After a city tour of Windhoek, cross into Botswana for a San community cultural evening in Ghanzi, followed by an immersive three-day safari in the Okavango Delta—navigating lagoons, lakes, and hidden channels by traditional mokoro boat and 4x4.
Continue to Chobe National Park for more incredible wildlife encounters before concluding at Victoria Falls, where endless adventure and nightlife await. The tour is flexible, offering both camping and upgraded lodge/hotel options, and includes accommodation, transport, and meals.
The unique selling point is its blend of diverse cultures, abundant wildlife, and active adventure—making it a perfect introduction for travelers keen to experience the wild heart of Southern Africa. (Note: Cape Cross Seal Colony visit no longer included from 2025.)
WildlifeNational parks
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Tent, Guest House, Resort
Age Range
8-85 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Matabeleland, Erongo Region, Eto
Matabeleland, Erongo Region, Etosha National Park, Victoria Falls, Divundu, Kavango, Maun, Khwai, Moremi, Nata, Chobe National Park, Swakopmund
From Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, the Okavango & Chobe tour is a wildlife lover’s dream, taking you through the best of Botswana and Zimbabwe in just 8 days. Begin in bustling Johannesburg, then journey through the Kalahari Desert—home to the San hunter-gatherers—before reaching the Okavango Delta, famous for mokoro rides and game safaris in Moremi National Park.
Upgrade options allow for deluxe lodge stays, while the standard package offers classic camping under the African stars. Explore Chobe National Park, renowned for its vast elephant herds and big game, and cap off your trip at the iconic Victoria Falls. The tour’s unique feature is its flexibility: choose between camping for a closer-to-nature experience or comfortable lodge accommodations. This trip delivers a rich blend of adventure, wildlife encounters, and spectacular scenery, perfect for those seeking the quintessential African safari.
Wildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House, Tent
Age Range
8-85 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Johannesburg, Matabeleland, Kala
Johannesburg, Matabeleland, Kalahari, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls, Ghanzi, Mahangu, Okavango Delta, Tsodilo Hills, Moremi, Nata
This short Cairo city break tour gives you a taste of Egypt's bustling capital city, home to the iconic Pyramids, Sphinx and Egyptian Museum, and is ideal for those short of time or who may have visited other parts of Egypt already.
Accommodation is the the award winning Le Riad Hotel de Charme, a small luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of Old Cairo facing the famous Beit el Sehemy with its exceptional old Ottoman houses.
The design of the hotel celebrates and reflects Old Cairo's style and history, with all 17 suites being individually furnished with warm colours, Fatimid fabrics, antique wooden furniture and paintings from local artists. Suites are all large and comfortable with spacious marble bathrooms, separate lounge and study areas and a variety of different arts and crafts displayed.
The tour begins with a guided sightseeing tour to Egypt's most well-known landmark - the Great Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx where your Egyptologist guide will explain the history and evolution of pyramid building.
Your remaining time in Cairo is then free to explore independently, relax in your hotel or take an additional tour. These include a city tour to the Citadel, Coptic Cairo and the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a walking tour through the old streets around the hotel and the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar, a day trip to the colonial Mediterranean city of Alexandria, or a tour to see more pyramids at Dashour, Saqqara and Memphis. Dinner cruise and felucca trips on the Nile are also available.
An overnight trip to see the ancient Egyptian sites on both banks of the River Nile at Luxor is also available, and the tour can be extended with extra nights in Cairo if you wish
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
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
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
Discover the soul of Tunisia on this immersive journey through the country's rich, yet lesser-travelled Northwest. Your adventure begins in Tunis, the vibrant capital, before immediately plunging into the captivating cultural heartland. The exploration starts with a deeply enriching, hands-on pottery workshop in Sejnane, a UNESCO-listed experience where you will learn the ancient, wheel-less crafting techniques preserved solely by local women. Following this immersion into craft, the tour sweeps you away to the picturesque coast of Tabarka, where the striking red-rock shoreline and a historic Roman fort offer spectacular views where the forest meets the sea. The day culminates with an ascent into the tranquil highlands of Ain Draham, a refreshing mountain retreat known for its cool air and dense cork oak forests.
The journey continues amidst the serene beauty of the Kroumirie Mountains. In Ain Draham, a guided forest hike, led by a local expert, will reveal the region's rich ecological diversity, weaving through shaded paths and offering insights into the unique flora and fauna. A truly memorable highlight is a traditional, intimate lunch shared with a local family within the forest area, providing a genuine taste of regional cuisine and warm Tunisian hospitality. Moving on, the focus shifts to history as you explore the remarkable Roman city of Bulla Regia, famed for its extraordinary subterranean villas. This historical deep dive is balanced with a visit to the atmospheric Medina of El Kef and a unique bread-making experience at the 'House of Bread', connecting you with the essence of Tunisian daily life.
The historical grand finale is the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site of Dougga, North Africa’s best-preserved Roman town. You will spend the morning wandering amongst the majestic ruins, including the Capitol and the ancient Theatre, gaining a direct perspective on the site's profound historical importance. The cultural exploration is perfectly complemented by a practical, sensory interlude: an organic olive oil tasting and a simple, traditional 'farm to table' lunch at a local estate, allowing you to sample local varieties and learn about the pressing process. The trip concludes with a return drive to Tunis for a final evening before your departure, leaving you with lasting memories of Tunisia’s stunning landscapes, ancient history, and authentic, warm-hearted culture.
We also offer a 13-day version of this tour, combining the North and South of the country: Tunisian Encompassed tour
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers