20+ Encounters Travel Southern Africa Tours and Trips
Tour packages to Southern Africa offered by Encounters Travel. Backed by many reviews and Great Prices, explore Southern Africa on great multiday tour packages
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20 Trips offered by Encounters Travel in Southern Africa
This nine-day tour of Tunisia offers a comprehensive journey from the historic heart of the country to the vastness of the Sahara Desert and back, featuring deluxe 5-star accommodations throughout. Starting in the capital, Tunis, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The trip's first full day is a deep dive into culture and history, featuring a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Medina of Tunis, a hands-on Tunisian cooking class, and visits to the ancient ruins of Carthage and the picturesque village of Sidi Bou Said.
The adventure then moves south, with a day dedicated to the sacred city of Kairouan, where you will explore the Great Mosque and the old medina before continuing to the desert oasis of Tozeur for an overnight stay. In Tozeur, you will embark on a thrilling 4x4 expedition to the mountain oases of Chebika, Tamerza, and Midès, and discover the unique architecture of the city's old quarter. The tour continues to the 'Gateway to the Sahara', Douz, after a breathtaking photo stop at the Chott el-Jerid salt lake, with time to explore the vibrant local souk.
The final days of the tour take you to the unique Berber village of Matmata to see the troglodyte houses and the famous Star Wars film site. From there, you will travel to the coastal city of Sfax, where you will explore its well-preserved medina. The highlight of the trip is a special excursion to Chaffar Beach, near Sfax, to witness the total solar eclipse of 2027. After the eclipse, you will have free time before returning to Sfax for the night. The tour concludes with a return journey north to Tunis, with a final stop at the magnificent Roman Amphitheatre of El Jem before you spend your last night in the capital
Join Encounters Travel on an extraordinary journey through Egypt, timed to coincide with a rare total solar eclipse which we will view from Luxor, right in the heart of the path of totality. With over six minutes of totality, this is one of the longest solar eclipses of the century - and you'll witness it from one of the most awe-inspiring historic landscapes on Earth.
Enhancing this special trip will be Dr. Sarah Rugheimer, an internationally recognized astrophysicist from the University of Edinburgh. Who will conduct a lecture on the evening of day 2 whilst in Cairo. Her research focuses on detecting life on exoplanets through atmospheric biosignatures, and she is co-PI of the LIFE mission - designed to follow JWST as the next-generation space telescope.
Sarah earned her Ph.D. at Harvard and has held prestigious fellowships at Oxford and St. Andrews. She's also a passionate science communicator, with a TED Talk, "Searching for Microscopic Aliens" viewed over 1.7 million times and an Audible course on astrobiology – "Searching for Extraterrestrial Life".
The tour begins in Cairo, where you'll stay in the 5-star Hilton Pyramids Golf Hotel and explore the nearby Great Pyramids and Sphinx, before learning more about the history of pyramid building at Dashour and Saqqara. We'll also tour the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum and enjoy a lecture about the science behind solar eclipses and what to expect and look out for on the day. A short flight then takes you to Luxor where you'll board the elegant Royal Signature 5-star Nile Cruise boat which will be home for the next seven nights.
While in Luxor, you'll explore the Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut's Temple, Karnak and Luxor Temples and other sites with one of our resident Egyptologist guides. Then experience the solar eclipse at a specially chosen viewing site, with eclipse glasses included.
Then, sail south to Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan, visiting the Philae Temple and Aswan High Dam, with an optional trip to Abu Simbel. Enjoy a felucca sail before returning to Luxor and flying back to Cairo.
The tour concludes with a walking tour through Cairo's lively Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Optional Jordan extensions are also available to visit Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and to experience the Perseid Meteor Shower
On this 15-day family adventure through Namibia, Botswana and finishing in Zimbabwe, you'll get to explore some of the most varied and exciting landscapes in Africa. Starting in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, we start by heading to the Skeleton Coast, before heading east all the way to Victoria Falls on the border of Zimbabwe.
Your starting point on the Namibia leg of this trip is the capital city of Windhoek and from here we'll head to Sessrium National Park and to Sossusvlei to where we'll climb up the famous Dune 45. Our next highlight is Swakopmund, known as the adventure capital of Namibia where thrilling activities, such as skydiving, sandboarding and scenic flights above the stark landscape of the mountainous dunes are available. After passing shipwrecks sitting on the desert sands of the Skeleton Coast we'll visit the Cape Cross Seal Colony and Ozohere Himba Village before heading inland, to one of the best places in the world to see wildlife, Etosha National Park. After meeting local tribes, exploring Namibia's capital, Windhoek, and getting to see wild elephants, zebras, and hippos, our final stop before the Okavango will be Rundu, perched on the Angolan border.
The Okavango is teaming with plant, bird and animal life and is the largest inland delta on the entire planet. Its unique positioning makes it ideal for supporting hundreds of species of wild birds and impressive land mammals such as lions, cheetahs, and giraffes. The Delta splits into thousands of smaller waterways, forming swamps, lagoons and small islands that we give you a chance to explore on and off the water. There are several optional safaris from our camp into the Delta both in traditional mokoro dugout canoes, and with open 4x4 safari vehicles.
Coming to the end of our trip, we cross the border into Botswana and take you to Chobe National Park, famous for its thriving elephant population, before finishing at the stunning Victoria Falls.
This overland family adventure safari holiday allows you to experience the diversity and uniqueness of the different regional cultures, discover the abundance of wildlife, and get your adrenaline flowing with exciting optional activities. Accommodation is a mix of hotels/lodges, permanent camps, and in simple tents next to our truck. Travel is on a specialist expedition vehicle with an experienced tour leader and driver on board.
This family tour has a minimum age requirement of 5 years, with discounted prices available for children aged from 5 to 15. Our trucks have 24 seats on the back, and the group will be a minimum of 8 people and maximum of 18 (plus crew).
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel, Lodge, Resort, Tent
Age Range
1-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Windhoek, Rundu, Okavango River
Windhoek, Rundu, Okavango River, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls, Namib Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Etosha National Park
The sights, sounds and smells make Morocco a fantastic family destination. Explore the ancient labyrinthine medina of Marrakech, astonishing landscape of the Atlas Mountain, extraordinary Sahara Desert and the beaches on the Atlantic Coast. The twelve day trip also allows for time by the beach in Essaouira. This tour has been planned to be suitable for the younger members of your family. It includes shorter drive times, and opportunities to both explore or relax by the pool!
After arriving into Marrakech you'll have a little free time to settle in, before our Moroccan family adventure begins. As we leave behind Marrakech, we begin our journey, heading to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ain Benhaddou. Our route to Ait Behaddou will take us through the Valley of the Roses and through the beautiful Atlas Mountains. Once we reach Ait Benhaddou we'll have a guided tour of one of the oldest fortified towns in the south of Morocco, which has also been featured in numerous movies and TV series including Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia and even Game of Thrones.
Our route towards the Sahara continues through the N'Kob Berber Oasis where we'll have a chance to learn about the Ait Atta Nomads and their way of life. During the day we'll have a walking tour of the palmerie and have the option of partaking in a cooking class. Our journey from N'Kob continues, passing through the Anti-Atlas and Draa Valley, making a stop to try some local dates. Our destination today will be the Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes where we'll take a camel ride through the desert and spend the night at a traditional berber camp.
As we begin our journey back towards Marrakech, we'll make a stop to visit the Todra Gorge, the Grand Canyon of Morocco, and the movie studios of Ouarzazate. Once we reach Marrakech you'll have time to explore the Medina and have the option of joining our Marrakech city tour.
This extended tour ends with some time in the coastal town of Essaouira, famous for its surfing and architecture. For those passengers looking to for a shorter adventure, we also offer a version of this tour which excludes the days in Essaouira - Souks & Sand Dunes Tour.
This tour has been arranged specifically for those travelling with children aged from 5 to 16 years (minimum age 5) - child discounts are available.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This 14-day small group tour begins in Johannesburg, South Africa, and immediately heads east to the Greater Kruger National Park area for two nights. Guests will experience a full day 4x4 game drive within Kruger National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife including the "Big-5". The itinerary also includes a scenic drive along the Panorama Route, featuring highlights such as Bourke's Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, and God's Window.
The journey continues into Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) for two nights, a landlocked kingdom surrounded by South Africa. Here, guests can explore the local culture and natural beauty, with optional activities like game drives, hiking, or mountain biking available. Following Eswatini, the tour re-enters South Africa, venturing into Zululand and spending two nights in St Lucia. Here, highlights include a game drive in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, a critical rhinoceros stronghold, and an afternoon boat cruise on the scenic St Lucia estuary.
The tour then proceeds to the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO recognised World Heritage site, for two nights. This section includes visits to the Howick Falls and the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, along with a guided hike in the Drakensberg mountains. Next, the group heads to Lesotho, often referred to as the 'Kingdom in the Sky', for two nights. Here, guests will explore its unique mountain landscape on foot and experience a Waterfall and Bushman Paintings activity. The return to South Africa involves a stop in the historic town of Graaff-Reinet in the Great Karoo. The penultimate day features an optional sunrise excursion to the Valley of Desolation and an afternoon game drive in Addo Elephant National Park. The tour concludes in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) after breakfast on Day 14
Explorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
8-85 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Eastern Cape, Johannesburg, Krug
Eastern Cape, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Lesotho, Graaf Reinet, Addo, Gqeberha, Eswatini, Saint Lucia, Hluhluwe, UKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
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
This extraordinary eleven-day journey through Southern Africa offers a captivating blend of wildlife encounters, ancient history, and dramatic landscapes. Designed for an intimate experience, this small-group tour, with a maximum of 12 participants, ensures a personalised adventure from start to finish. Beginning at the majestic Victoria Falls, the itinerary quickly delves into the heart of Zimbabwe's premier wildlife reserves. Days are filled with thrilling game drives in Hwange National Park, home to vast elephant herds and diverse species, complemented by an insightful visit to the Painted Dog Conservation Centre, highlighting vital conservation efforts. The tour then shifts to the mystical Matobo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique granite formations, ancient San rock art, and the chance to track rhinos on foot, offering a truly unique perspective on the wild.
The historical thread continues with a visit to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, an ancient capital showcasing remarkable dry-stone architecture and a rich past. As the journey progresses south, the landscape transforms, leading to the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area. Here, travellers explore the Kaoxa Rock Art Shelter, witnessing millennia-old human expression, before embarking on a guided tracking experience in Mapesu Private Game Reserve, learning to read the subtle signs of the wild. The small group size enhances these experiences, allowing for more in-depth interaction with guides and a greater sense of immersion.
The final leg of the trip plunges into the renowned South African wilderness, with multiple safari experiences in and around Kruger National Park, including full-day drives and sunset excursions aimed at spotting the iconic Big Five. The intimate nature of a small group means more flexibility and better viewing opportunities on these drives. Interspersed with the wildlife adventures is a breathtaking drive along the Panorama Route, revealing stunning vistas, deep canyons, and cascading waterfalls. The tour concludes in Johannesburg, ensuring guests leave with a profound collection of memories, from close encounters with Africa's magnificent wildlife to a deep appreciation for the region's rich history and diverse natural beauty, all shared within the camaraderie of a small group
Wildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House, Eco Lodge, Resort
Age Range
8-85 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kalahari, Hwange N
Johannesburg, Kalahari, Hwange National Park, Ghanzi, Maun, Okavango Delta, Moremi, Nata, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls, Cape Town
Venture along South Africa’s iconic Garden Route on this unforgettable 8-day tour, designed for travelers who crave nature, history, and adventure. Explore Cape Town’s vibrant streets before setting off toward Port Elizabeth, with stops in Knysna, the Cango Caves, and charming coastal towns. Highlights include wine tasting in renowned vineyards, seeking the Big 5 on safari, hiking forested trails, and even the option to bungee jump or cage-dive with sharks. The tour’s unique flexibility—offering both deluxe guesthouses and quality backpacker lodges—ensures comfort for every style of traveler, making it a standout route for those eager to experience South Africa’s best.
Natural landmarks sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House
Age Range
14-95 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cape Town, Eastern Cape, Western
Cape Town, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Cape Agulhas, Cango Caves, Knysna, Addo, Port Elizabeth, Tsitsikamma National Park
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
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
