Essence of South Africa

4.5Based on
10 daysDuration
Group TourJoin a group of travelers
48 peopleMaximum group size
5 - 99 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Moderate
Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

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.

Johannesburg: Learn about South Africa's turbulent past on an interactive Johannesburg and Soweto Freedom tour.

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: Take in the spectacular wine valleys of Franschhoek.

Hoedspruit: Have your camera ready to capture the beautiful scenery and fascinating wildlife on your Reserve Tour with a Shangaan tracker-guide.

Karongwe Portfolio: Spend the day marvelling at Africa's iconic wildlife on your Karongwe Private Reserve Visit.

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.

Itinerary

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 the Castle of Good Hope. 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. Take the scenic Franschhoek Pass 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

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 brush for signs of the Big 5. After lunch, and time for a siesta and a swim, return to the bush for an afternoon safari 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
Essence of South Africa

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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

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Essence of South Africa

4.5

based on 16 reviews
10
5
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1
0
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5

Thank you.

T
Thomas B.Verified Traveler
5.0 out of 5

Exceptional tour guides, hotels, food, and excursion diversity. Every guest was treated with respect and care. Saw all aspects of Capetown and Johannesburg; the good, bad, and ugly. The wild life reserve was clean, well managed, and full of various animals, to include the Big 5. Intra-country transportation services were flawlessly executed.

A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
4.0 out of 5

Safari in Karongwe Private Game Reserve disappointing. Guides very opinionated regarding conditions for black population.

J
Janice T.Verified Traveler
4.0 out of 5

Clearer advising of options. Options offered then removed then offered again.

A
Alan L.Verified Traveler
5.0 out of 5

Good mixture of things in the tour, less of the tourist african tribe stuff and more of the safari. A lot of the history was repeated between the two local guides.

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Smooth, Scenic, and Superbly Organized I joined a 6-Day Marangu Route hike with Kilisa Tours, and the whole experience was seamless. The accommodations in the mountain huts were cozy, and the support staff made sure we were always comfortable. Our guide shared fascinating stories about the mountain s history and wildlife. Everything ran perfectly on schedule, and the company s attention to detail was impressive. I ve done many treks before, but Kilisa Tours stands out for their genuine care and world-class service. Couldn t have asked for more!
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