Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.
Starts
Cape Town, South Africa
Ends
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
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Essence of South Africa
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Highlights
Hermanus: Join a local Hermanus business owner for a traditional braai (barbecue) and some of his homemade wine against a clifftop backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.
Cape Town: Spend the day discovering the wonderful views of Table Mountain.
Cape Town: Take in the landmarks of Cape Town during a city tour with your Travel Director. See the Company Gardens, Bo-Kaap and the Castle of Good Hope.
Cape Peninsula: Discover the incredible views of the Twelve Apostles.
Cape Town: Spend the day surrounded by penguins on Boulders Beach.
Franschhoek: Visit Rickety Bridge Winery in Franschhoek for a tasting of the Foundation Stone range, inspired by the forebears of the Shona tribe. Sampling a rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinotage, you’ll learn how these wines are produced as you compare styles from crisp and aromatic to a fuller red.
Hoedspruit: Have your camera ready to capture the beautiful scenery and fascinating wildlife on your Reserve Tour with a Shangaan tracker-guide.
Learn to track animals on an African bush walk with a Local Specialist. You’ll uncover the secrets of medicinal plants, identify animals from just their tracks and spot birds, insects and small animals in their natural habitat. This is your chance to connect with nature like never before and leave with stories – and skills –that will stay with you forever.
Karongwe Portfolio: Spend the day marvelling at Africa's iconic wildlife on your Karongwe Private Reserve Visit.
Johannesburg: Learn about South Africa's turbulent past on an interactive Johannesburg and Soweto Freedom tour.
Johannesburg: Spend the day seeing the iconic sight of Mandela's house on your Johannesburg City Tour.
Hoedspruit: Meet the Shangaan people and learn about their way of life through music, dance and daily traditions. Watch a performance celebrating the heritage of the San, Shona, Venda, Tswana, Zulu and Shangaan communities. Try your hand at grinding maize or building huts, and learn how architecture, agriculture and family customs shape daily life, before sharing a traditional meal with the community. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Explore Cape Town and Johannesburg
Visit Table Mountain by cable car (weather permitting) and Bo-Kaap in Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope, Franschhoek, Hermanus, the Karongwe Private Game Reserve, the Constitutional Hill, Mandela House Museum and the Regina Mundi Church in Johannesburg
View Boulders Beach Penguin Colony and Soweto's Mandela House
Hoedspruit: Your stay in Karongwe Private Game Reserve contributes to the area's environmental sustainability and community development.
Franschhoek: Visit Rickety Bridge Winery in Franschhoek for a tasting of the Foundation Stone range, inspired by the forebears of the Shona tribe. Sampling a rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinotage, you’ll learn how these wines are produced as you compare styles from crisp and aromatic to a fuller red.
Hoedspruit: Have your camera ready to capture the beautiful scenery and fascinating wildlife on your Reserve Tour with a Shangaan tracker-guide.
Learn to track animals on an African bush walk with a Local Specialist. You’ll uncover the secrets of medicinal plants, identify animals from just their tracks and spot birds, insects and small animals in their natural habitat. This is your chance to connect with nature like never before and leave with stories – and skills –that will stay with you forever.
Karongwe Portfolio: Spend the day marvelling at Africa's iconic wildlife on your Karongwe Private Reserve Visit.
Johannesburg: Learn about South Africa's turbulent past on an interactive Johannesburg and Soweto Freedom tour.
Johannesburg: Spend the day seeing the iconic sight of Mandela's house on your Johannesburg City Tour.
Hoedspruit: Meet the Shangaan people and learn about their way of life through music, dance and daily traditions. Watch a performance celebrating the heritage of the San, Shona, Venda, Tswana, Zulu and Shangaan communities. Try your hand at grinding maize or building huts, and learn how architecture, agriculture and family customs shape daily life, before sharing a traditional meal with the community. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Explore Cape Town and Johannesburg
Visit Table Mountain by cable car (weather permitting) and Bo-Kaap in Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope, Franschhoek, Hermanus, the Karongwe Private Game Reserve, the Constitutional Hill, Mandela House Museum and the Regina Mundi Church in Johannesburg
View Boulders Beach Penguin Colony and Soweto's Mandela House
Hoedspruit: Your stay in Karongwe Private Game Reserve contributes to the area's environmental sustainability and community development.
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The legendary Garden Route comes alive on "Cape Town & the Garden Route," a 12-day food-focused journey perfect for senior travelers seeking iconic South African experiences. Beginning in Port Elizabeth and winding toward cosmopolitan Cape Town, this relaxed tour features a safari in Addo Elephant National Park, enchanting cellar tours in Stellenbosch, and a close-up look at Simon’s Town’s playful penguins. Ample free time in Cape Town lets you soak in its rich atmosphere. Travel between June and November for a chance to spot migratory southern right whales—a rare natural spectacle. With all logistics handled, this trip’s unique selling point is its blend of culinary delights, wildlife encounters, and scenic wonders, making for a truly memorable South African tour package.
Experience the dramatic contrasts of South Africa on the "Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park" tour, a 10-day odyssey from the vibrant streets of Cape Town to the wildlife-rich plains of Kruger. Begin with the city’s stunning scenery and rich cultural tapestry, then trace history in Johannesburg, once home to Nelson Mandela.
The highlight for many is the safari in Kruger National Park—guided by conservationists from National Geographic’s Big Cat Initiative—where you’ll scan the savanna for lions, elephants, and rhinos. Each evening, soak in unforgettable sunsets over the African landscape.
With accommodations, transport, and meals included, this trip stands out for its blend of urban culture, historical depth, and iconic wildlife experiences—making it a comprehensive tour package for anyone seeking South Africa’s best.
Craving the perfect blend of wildlife, culture, and breathtaking scenery? The "South Africa Adventure" tour delivers a 12-day deep dive into the country’s most thrilling experiences. Designed with young adults in mind, this trip takes you from Johannesburg to Cape Town, through Hlane Royal National Park, Durban, Hazyview, and more. Go on safari to spot the Big Five, summit Table Mountain, immerse in Zulu culture, and cruise the Cape Peninsula. With a lively group, expert leader, and all travel details handled, this easy-paced tour’s unique edge is its combination of adventure, local interaction, and seamless group camaraderie—an unbeatable way to experience South Africa.
This eight-day adventure does one thing very, very well: Kruger National Park. Starting in Johannesburg, get a taste of the region with a mouth-watering welcome braai before setting out for the Greater Kruger Area. Got your camera ready? Good. Because your next few days will (hopefully) feature a healthy dose of elephants, lions, and giraffes on the savanna, as well as chimpanzees at the Jane Goodall Institute’s Chimp Eden. This tour is Kruger National Park done to perfection.
Kruger National Park and the Dolphin Coast are just the beginning of your adventure on the “Southern Africa Safari: Kruger & Coast.” Over eleven days, this guided wildlife trip offers seniors and nature enthusiasts a moderate yet accessible way to discover South Africa’s rich biodiversity. Spot the Big Five—lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalos—on multiple game drives in both Kruger and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi parks, guided by experts with a keen eye for elusive species.
The journey continues with a scenic cruise on Lake St Lucia, where hippos and crocodiles abound, and then ventures to Mozambique’s Indian Ocean for an unforgettable swim with dolphins—a true bucket-list moment. With comfortable accommodation, meals, and transport included, you can focus on wildlife viewing and soaking up the natural beauty.
This tour package’s standout feature is its rare combination of classic safari experiences with extraordinary marine encounters, offering animal lovers the best of both land and sea in one seamless getaway.
South Africa’s most iconic sights and wildlife await on the Best of South Africa tour, an eight-day journey designed for experienced travelers eager to witness the Rainbow Nation’s diversity in comfort. Start in Cape Town, where Table Mountain towers above a city of stunning beaches and vibrant culture. Visit the famous Boulders Beach before heading to the Entabeni Safari Conservancy, renowned for its abundant wildlife and scenic bush lodges.
Embark on multiple safari drives in search of the Big Five, enjoying the thrill of close encounters with elephants, lions, and more. The tour then takes you to Johannesburg, where the Apartheid Museum and Mandela’s House reveal the nation’s complex history and resilient spirit. With all accommodation, transport, and meals included, this tour package is perfect for those seeking a harmonious blend of urban exploration and wild adventure.
What sets this trip apart is its expertly crafted itinerary—offering travelers the chance to experience both the natural beauty and vibrant cities that define South Africa in just one unforgettable tour.
Tick the Garden Route off your bucket list on South Africa's most famous road trip. Get a view of Table Mountain from vibrant Cape Town, taste world-renowned wines in the Stellenbosch region and spot herds of elephants (as well as penguin colonies), as we travel via cities, beaches, deserts, and forests.
Stellenbosch - Taste world-famous wines as we explore the rolling vineyards of the Cape Winelands.
National Parks - Stay overnight at the coastal Tsitsikamma National Park and spot herds of Elephants on a safari in Addo Elephant National Park.
Hermanus - Visit the whale-watching capital of the world to catch a glimpse of the migrating mammals during the season.
12 days
What's Included
Accommodation
Cherrypicked hotels and safari lodges, all tried and trustedAll hotel tips, charges and local taxesOn occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
Meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Transport
All transport and transfers shownAirconditioned coach or Quantum bus
Guide
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Others
All porterage and restaurant gratuitiesMustsee sightseeingOptional Experiences and free time
From the wilds of Kruger to the vibrancy of Cape Town, the Essence of South Africa tour offers a dynamic blend of nature, culture, and city life. Over 10 days, explore the Karongwe Private Game Reserve, the iconic Johannesburg, and the scenic beaches and urban flair of Cape Town. Designed for those ready for moderate adventure, this wildlife-focused tour includes hotels, transport, meals, and expertly guided safaris and city sightseeing. The unique selling point? Its well-rounded itinerary, combining bush, beach, and urban excitement for a comprehensive taste of South Africa’s many facets.
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 travellers and Travel Director for a dinner.
Meals:Dinner
Location Visited:Cape Town
Accommodation:Southern Sun The Cullinan
day 2 - Table Mountain and Tour Cape Town
This morning, you'll 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 landmarks your Travel Director will show you during this morning's city tour, including the Company Gardens, Bo-Kaap and District Six Museum. The rest of the day is yours to explore Cape Town at leisure. Ramble up Bree Street to sample the city's vibrant coffee culture or take a stroll along the Sea Point promenade with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Consider joining our Optional Experience to explore the infamous Robben Island, with your guide revealing its turbulent past and the cell where Nelson Mandela spent the majority of his prison term.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Cape Town
Accommodation:Southern Sun The Cullinan
day 3 - Circumnavigate the Cape Peninsula
Circumnavigate the Cape Peninsula, from trendy Camps Bay to Cape Point and back. With 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 Africa's most extreme south-western tip. Say a quiet hello to the shy penguins of Boulders Beach, admire the Cape of Good Hope and travel through charming coastal towns along the way.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Cape Town, Cape Peninsula, Cape Town
Accommodation:Southern Sun The Cullinan
day 4 - Cape Winelands and Hermanus Excursion Connect with Locals
Venture to the town of Franschhoek and discover during your orientation why it is proclaimed as one of the most beautiful wine valleys in the world. Enjoy a wine tasting at Rickety Bridge Winery, sampling a selection of local wines from the estate. Then, travel on to the coastal town of Hermanus for your Be My Guest experience. Meet local business owner Stefan, who will treat you to a delicious traditional braai (barbecue) featuring delicacies such as boerewors, pap and melktert. Over a glass of his homemade wine, he'll share stories of his life in South Africa's whale watching capital. Return to Cape Town via a scenic driving route, arriving in the late afternoon. Enjoy your evening at leisure.
Meals:Breakfast, Be My Guest
Location Visited:Cape Town, Cape Winelands, Hermanus, Cape Town
Accommodation:Southern Sun The Cullinan
day 5 - From City to Safari
This morning, bid farewell to your Cape Town Travel Director and the Mother City before flying to Hoedspruit. Here, a private game reserve near Kruger National Park and your Safari Local Specialist for this next adventure await. Begin your time in the South African bushveld with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience at a Shangaan village, learning about their traditions, customs and way of life. Later, settle into Shiduli Private Game Lodge, a Stays with Stories accommodation and your home in the bush for the next three nights.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Location Visited:Cape Town, Hoedspruit
Accommodation:Shiduli Private Game Lodge
day 6 - Safari in Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Your adventure begins with an early morning game drive through Karongwe Private Reserve with a Local Specialist game ranger and a Shangaan tracker-guide. As the sun rises, the bush come alive with the sights and sounds of awakening birds and insects. This creates the perfect backdrop for your search for the Big Five. After lunch, join a local ranger for a hands-on bush walk, where you'll learn how to track animals and uncover the hidden stories of the African bush, followed by an afternoon game drive.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Location Visited:Hoedspruit
Accommodation:Shiduli Private Game Lodge
day 7 - Seek out the 'Big Five' Safari Animals in Karongwe
Today, enjoy another full day of game drives through Karongwe Private Reserve. Continue exploring 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 Reserve, keeping an eye out for wildlife emerging from their cover of darkness.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Location Visited:Hoedspruit
Accommodation:Shiduli Private Game Lodge
day 8 - Journey to Johannesburg
This morning, have your camera ready for the last of your game drives. Bid farewell to your Safari Local Specialist before your flight to Johannesburg. Meet your Johannesburg Travel Director and check into your hotel in the heart of Sandton, ideally located for exploring the nearby restaurants and shopping during your free evening.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Hoedspruit, Johannesburg
Accommodation:The Maslow
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, the Mandela House Museum and Regina Mundi Church, which chronicles South Africa's tumultuous Apartheid years.
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Johannesburg
Accommodation:The Maslow
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.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Johannesburg
G
Gary D.Verified Traveler
5.0 out of 5
The whole trip from start to finish was excellent. The quality of accommodations in were outstanding, we had a piano player at breakfast in Cape Town and a dedicated barista in Johannesburg! The luxury tent at Chisomo was huge with everything you could need also.
The Trafalgar trip managers in both Cape Town and Johannesburg were fantastic, very considerate and made sure we all were having a great time. We were a small group of 6. In Kruger our guide and tracker were great fun, and ensured we got to see the big 5 by the second day.
The way the itineraries were laid out were very good, just the right balance between getting to see all the sights and having downtime. We were supposed to do a cultural experience at Chisomo on the first day but this had to be changed, so we did it when we arrived in Johannesburg. We were taken to Lesedi cultural village which was fantastic, and definitely should be a regular part of the trip, you get completely immersed in the tribal cultures, the show they did for us and the food afterwards was brilliant!
There is a great contrast between the 3 different venues, the natural beauty of Cape Town with Table Mountain and the cape and winery, the incredible experience of getting up close to the animals in Kruger, even around the camp with monkeys, impala, warthogs, and my favourite dung beetles! Fascinating creatures, and the political history of Johannesburg. The internal flights were all done for us too, all we needed to do was present our passports.
We always felt completely safe on the trip, we had a very convenient shuttle bus to the waterfront from the hotel on the hour there and back, but we walked sometimes, as it’s only 20 minutes. The hotel in Johannesburg was right beside a huge shopping mall we could also walk to without a problem, we even went to the cinema there on the last day before our flight.
This is definitely a bucket list trip and Trafalgar made sure it was perfect for us, they even met us at the airport to check us in for our flight home. I can’t recommend this trip enough!
