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25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 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!
Gary D. | Traveled in February
5 - Excellent
Carbon neutral
CO2 emissions resulting from all trips on Bookmundi will be offset via investments in carbon reduction projects.
Essence of South Africa
BM-20971Share this tour link.
5.0Based on
10 days
What are customers saying about Bookmundi
4.67/5
Excellent based on 836 customer reviews from
Dudley
The process from finding the tour we wanted to take to getting set up for the tour was an easy process. The other reviews we saw gave us the security of using their website to book our trip. The only item we missed which would have given a 5* was the trip did not include see the Alps up close or a train trip. Well maybe next time there may be one and we would definitely take that trip.
2 days ago
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.
Starts
Ends
Cape Town, South Africa
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Highlights
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
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.
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.
Hoedspruit: Your stay in Karongwe Private Game Reserve contributes to the area's environmental sustainability and community development.
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.
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.
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.
Hoedspruit: Your stay in Karongwe Private Game Reserve contributes to the area's environmental sustainability and community development.
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.
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
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!
Good to Know
Cancellation
Payment
Travel Insurance
Visa
Other Practical Information
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 1Welcome 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 2Table Mountain and Tour Cape Town
day 3Circumnavigate the Cape Peninsula
day 4Cape Winelands and Hermanus Excursion
day 5From City to Safari
day 6Safari in Karongwe Private Game Reserve
day 7Seek out the 'Big Five' Safari Animals in Karongwe
