South Africa Escape Tour with 78 Reviews by Expat Explore

14 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

51 peopleMaximum group size

10 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Cape Town, South Africa

Ends

Johannesburg, South Africa

Highlights

Marvel at the Mother City, Cape Town, and explore the Cape Winelands

Explore the scenic Garden Route and Route 62

Discover the coastal treasures of Hermanus, Mossel Bay and Knysna

Go on safari in the Kruger National Park Region and track down the famous 'Big 5'

Itinerary

From the windswept coast of Cape Town to the untamed wilds of Kruger, "South Africa Escape" is a 14-day wildlife trip designed for experienced travelers and seniors eager to experience the Rainbow Nation’s diversity. Journey along the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, explore charming towns, and marvel at the Garden Route’s spectacular scenery. Traverse the legendary Route 62, experience semi-desert landscapes of the Great Karoo, and seek out iconic wildlife in the Kruger region. With all logistics taken care of, this moderate-activity tour’s unique selling point is its comprehensive coverage of South Africa’s natural and cultural highlights, ensuring a vivid introduction to the country’s vibrant spirit.

day 1 - Start of tour in Cape Town

Welkom in Kaapstad! Welcome to Cape Town! The 'Mother City' is considered one of the most spectacular cities worldwide, thanks to many top attractions and the famous Table Mountain. It is also one of South Africa's three official capitals and the country's oldest city. After meeting your tour leader at the hotel, get right into a fun and informative orientation tour of the city. Drive and walk through the heartbeat of the city and see unmissable sights like Signal Hill, District Six and the Company’s Garden. Meet back at the hotel after freshening up for a delicious dinner featuring a buffet braai (BBQ) at a local winery. Enjoy a spectacular Drumstuck (African drumming) performance while you eat!

Meals:Dinner

Others:Take a driving and walking tour of the city of Cape Town, Enjoy a traditional braai & African drumming

day 2 - Cape Town

Make the most of the free day in Cape Town by exploring at leisure. Discover some of the city's top attractions, such as Robben Island, Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and the Two Oceans Aquarium. Alternatively, choose to join the Cape Peninsula Day Trip along a scenic route to Cape Point. Take a peek at the penguins at Boulders Beach before stopping for lunch in Kalk Bay. Spend the rest of the day however you please or take advantage of the peninsula tour's stop at the V&A Waterfront after the tour. This is a fantastic spot to shop and grab a bite while local performers provide entertainment.

Meals:Breakfast

day 3 - Cape Winelands - Stellenbosch - Hermanus Region

The Cape Winelands are calling! Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then head out for a scenic exploration of the Cape Winelands region. Enter Stellenbosch, where Cape Dutch architecture, art galleries, bistros and boutiques wait to be explored. Enjoy lunch at a breathtaking local vineyard accompanied by a wine tasting, featuring South Africa's signature Pinotage varietal. Marvel at the magnificent coastal views en route to tonight’s accommodation in Hermanus. Enjoy some free time this evening to experience this idyllic coastal spot at leisure

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Others:Visit Stellenbosch; a picturesque university town, Taste local wine in the Cape Winelands, Explore Hermanus; a stunning seaside town

day 4 - Hermanus Region - Swellendam - Mossel Bay

Adventure through the breathtaking Garden Route today! But first, explore Hermanus with some free time this morning. Join the Spirit of Hermanus excursion to visit a local Abalone farm and renowned brewery. This afternoon, embark on a scenic drive through Gansbaai before an orientation walk of Swellendam, a charming Cape Dutch town. Visit a Cape Aloe Vera farm next before concluding the day's drive in Mossel Bay. This popular holiday destination is home to tonight's accommodation. End the day with an included dinner at the hotel.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Others:Discover Swellendam; South Africa’s third-oldest town

day 5 - Garden Route

There's more of the Garden Route to discover today! Botlierskop Private Game Reserve is the morning's first stop for an African safari unlike any other. Make incredible memories and take stunning photos while encountering impala, wildebeest, rhinos, lions, giraffes and more! Knysna is up next with free time to roam the local shops and pick a spot for lunch – get a seat as close to the water as possible at the lively waterfront. After lunch, more incredible animal encounters await! Choose to wander around with the monkeys at Monkeyland or visit the biggest free-flight aviary and bird sanctuary in the world – Birds of Eden. After this evening's included dinner, kick back and relax for the night.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Others:Go on a Garden Route Game Drive, Discover Knysna; a stunning seaside town

day 6 - Tsitsikamma National Park & Storms River - Eastern Cape

Today is the day to venture into the outdoors! Explore the wonders of the Tsitsikamma forest, part of the Garden Route National Park. With rivers, ravines, mountains and woodlands, there's no better destination for adventure! Use the morning to explore at leisure or, alternatively, choose to join one of the adrenaline-filled optional excursions. Opt for a tree-top canopy tour, a Kayak and Lilo Adventure or the Woodcutters Trail Drive. Thereafter, head to the Storms River Mouth in the Tsitsikamma National Park for a breathtaking coastal hike. Dare to traverse the 77-metre-long Storms River suspension bridge and pick a spot next to the ocean to enjoy lunch.

Meals:Breakfast

Others:Explore Storms River Mouth in Tsitsikamma National Park

day 7 - Route 62 - Oudtshoorn Ostrich Farm - Cango Caves Experience

Today, another South African region awaits! Say goodbye to the Garden Route in exchange for the scenic Route 62. The journey to the semi-desert Karoo passes through Langkloof Valley, an area between the Kouga and Tsitsikamma Mountains known for its stunning scenery. South Africa's ostrich capital Oudtshoorn is next. Upon arrival, explore a functioning ostrich farm on a guided tour and discover what makes these creatures so special before a three-course lunch. Venture into the Cango Caves on a guided walk and discover the dripstone caves and caverns that took over 20 million years to form! Enjoy a traditional buffet dinner to end the day.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Others:Visit a Klein Karoo ostrich farm, Explore the Cango Caves

day 8 - Oudtshoorn - Route 62 - Cape Winelands - Cape Town

This morning, the scenic journey back to Cape Town begins. Route 62 leads the tour to a comfort stop at a restaurant en route – one of many endearing spots on the way. Then, Robertson awaits. This excellent winemaking region is the perfect place for an included lunch before journeying to Paarl in the Cape Winelands, home to many acclaimed wineries, for a cheese and wine tasting. After arriving at the hotel back in Cape Town, enjoy a free evening to explore the city. Camps Bay is always bustling, and Cape Town is home to a host of incredible restaurants and bars.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Others:Visit a winery in Robertson, Enjoy a cheese and wine tasting in Paarl

day 9 - Cape Town - Johannesburg - Kruger National Park Region

The next adventure is calling, so today starts early. Journey to Cape Town's airport bright and early and take an included flight to Johannesburg, the "City of Gold", in Gauteng province. Later, travel to the Mpumalanga province in eastern South Africa. After arriving at the evening's accommodation on the boundary of the Kruger National Park, enjoy an included dinner with the group.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

day 10 - Kruger National Park Region

Explore the Kruger National Park on a full-day game drive today! Travellers should be able to see the animals with ease and maybe even spot the famous Big 5! The park is the perfect place to see these animals in their natural habitat. From cheetahs, wild dogs and leopards to elephants and the white and black rhino, there is plenty to see in the park! Visit rest camps like Skukuza, Tshokwane and Satara on the journey west to the safari lodge for a multi-night stay. Cool off and relax in the pool and enjoy a refreshment or two with tonight's included dinner.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Others:Embark on a full-day Kruger National Park game drive

day 11 - Kruger National Park Region

Today offers even more opportunities to explore the Kruger National Park! Go on a full-day safari with local wildlife specialists and visit prime game viewing areas like waterholes and rest camps. Enjoy spotting as many of the antelope, birds and wildlife as possible. Hopefully, there aren't many more animals to tick off your bucket list! With the Kruger National Park being home to 114 different reptile species, 507 kinds of birds and 147 species of mammals, this is an incredible opportunity to discover African wildlife in their habitat. After an exciting day, cool off in the pool before an African-style, included dinner.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

day 12 - Kruger National Park Region

The safari options are aplenty today! Opt for a full-day, half-day or sunrise safari game drive. Follow the animals with your expert guide as they start looking around for food. Tuck into your final African dinner in the bush tonight and enjoy the campfire celebrations. Share some of your favourite South African stories as you sip Amarula, a local liqueur made from Marula fruit.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

day 13 - Three Rondavels - Blyde River Canyon Viewpoint - Bourke’s Luck Potholes - Johannesburg

Say goodbye to the Kruger National Park as we journey on to the Mpumalanga province via the Panorama Route. The Three Rondavels viewpoint is our first stop with the most incredible views of the Blyde River Canyon. As part of the Drakensberg Ridge, Blyde River Canyon offers fairytale views! Discover a wild water feature comprised of potholes and plunge pools at Bourke’s Luck, the start of the Blyde River Canyon. The Kruger National Park and even Mozambique are visible from here on clear days. The last leg of the tour leads us back to Johannesburg for a parting meal with your new travel companions!

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Others:Visit the Three Rondavels for Blyde River Canyon views, Admire the scenery of the Blyde Canyon Viewpoint, Enjoy a farewell dinner in Johannesburg

day 14 - End of tour in Johannesburg

Today, the South Africa Escape tour wraps up right after breakfast. Enjoy one last meal with the tour group before going your separate ways. Choose to stay on for one last optional excursion to discover Soweto, a vibrant and fascinating township. Alternatively, explore Johannesburg, or as the locals call it, Jozi at your own pace.

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

13 nights hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms. The majority of our accommodations are of a 3- and 4-star standard, offering excellent value, comfort and convenienceSingle travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)

Meals

Enjoy a farewell dinner in Johannesburg13 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 9 Dinners *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

Transport

Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboardInternal flight from the Garden Route to Johannesburg

Guide

Fully guided tour with experienced tour leaderTour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

Others

Take a driving and walking tour of the city of Cape TownEnjoy a traditional braai & African drummingVisit Stellenbosch; a picturesque university townTaste local wine in the Cape WinelandsExplore Hermanus; a stunning seaside townDiscover Swellendam; South Africa’s third-oldest townGo on a Garden Route Game DriveDiscover Knysna; a stunning seaside townExplore Storms River Mouth in Tsitsikamma National ParkVisit a Klein Karoo ostrich farmExplore the Cango CavesVisit a winery in RobertsonEnjoy a cheese and wine tasting in PaarlEmbark on a full-day Kruger National Park game driveVisit the Three Rondavels for Blyde River Canyon viewsAdmire the scenery of the Blyde Canyon Viewpoint

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about South Africa Escape

4.7

based on 78 reviews

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