South Africa In Depth

5.0Based on

Carbon neutral

15 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

35 peopleMaximum group size

8 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Relaxed

Minimal physical effort, perfect for travelers seeking an easy-going experience.

Starts

Johannesburg, South Africa

Ends

Cape Town, South Africa

Highlights

Enjoy a game drive in the internationally renowned Kruger National Park

Visit the World Heritage site of St. Lucia on the southern tip of Isimangaliso Wetland Park

Indulge in some leisure activities in the awe-inspiring Southern Drakensburg Mountains

See the towering rock formations in the incredible Cango Caves

Relax and soak up the vibrant atmosphere in the beautiful city of Cape Town

Itinerary

Uncover the heart and soul of South Africa with the South Africa In Depth tour, an immersive 15-day group trip meticulously designed for seasoned travelers eager to delve beneath the surface of this diverse nation. Your adventure kicks off in Johannesburg, a city rich in heritage, before sweeping you across the scenic Lowveld and into the wildlife haven of Kruger National Park for unforgettable game viewing experiences.

The journey doesn’t stop at South Africa’s borders—you’ll briefly venture into Swaziland, discovering its distinctive culture en route to St. Lucia, a coastal gem famed for its abundant and varied wildlife. Follow the dramatic coastline towards Durban, where the Indian Ocean breeze invigorates the senses, then ascend into the awe-inspiring Drakensberg Mountains, a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike.

From here, your route traces the southern coast to Port Elizabeth, unveiling a tapestry of landscapes and hidden gems. Stand in awe beneath the ancient trees of Tsitsikamma Forest and explore the subterranean wonders of the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn. Finally, your exploration culminates with a stay in captivating Cape Town, where Table Mountain and vibrant city life await.

With all accommodation, transport, and meals thoughtfully arranged, this tour package ensures comfort and convenience throughout. The unique selling point? A masterfully curated itinerary that balances must-see icons with lesser-known treasures, providing an authentic, comprehensive look at South Africa’s wild beauty and cultural richness. For those who crave depth and nuance in their travels, this trip promises a rewarding blend of adventure, discovery, and relaxation.

day 1 - Johannesburg (arrival)

Upon arrival, you will be met and assisted to your shuttle transfer service to the hotel. You have the rest of the day at leisure until 19h00 when we all meet at the hotel reception for a briefing on the tour and a chance to meet up with your fellow travellers.

Overnight in Johannesburg

day 2 - Johannesburg – Mpumalanga

This morning, you set out on a scenic drive to Mpumalanga, descending several hundred feet into the lush subtropical Lowveld. As you travel along the circular Panorama Route, you will stop at some of the region’s most breathtaking viewpoints, including the magnificent Blyde River Canyon—home to the iconic Three Rondavels and regarded as one of Africa’s great natural wonders. You will also take in the sweeping vistas from God’s Window, where mountains stretch toward fertile plains, and explore the fascinating geological formations of Bourke’s Luck Potholes.

Overnight in Hazyview

day 3 - Mpumalanga – Kruger National Park

We have a bright and early start to the day to experience the wonders of exploring the Kruger National Park in our closed vehicle. The Kruger National Park is an internationally renowned game reserve of nearly 2 million hectares that supports the largest variety of wildlife species on the African continent. Keep a lookout for the wonderful flora and bird life that abounds. We return to our hotel around lunch time and your afternoon is at leisure to relax.

Overnight in Kruger National Park

Optional: Full day Open Vehicle Safari in Kruger National Park
Upgrade to an open-vehicle game drive in Kruger National Park with your knowledgeable guide who will interpret the bush and give you a detailed explanation of the animal’s behavior. Perhaps you will search for the Big 5 along with a diverse array of other wildlife. There can surely be no more dramatic way to view the African wildlife than from a vantage point a mere few meters away, with an unhindered 360-degree view of the sky and wide horizons.

day 4 - Hazyview - Swaziland

This morning after breakfast, you will check out and depart on a journey to Swaziland. You proceed south to Malalane and then onto Swaziland where this afternoon you will visit a real Chief’s village and have the fantastic opportunity to gain an authentic knowledge of traditional Swazi culture before arriving at the hotel for overnight stay.

Overnight in Swaziland

day 5 - Swaziland - St Lucia

This morning, the journey will take you through Swaziland into Zuzuland. Then you continue into the Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal where ancient traditions and modern cultures of both Zulu and Settler have combined into a vibrant society living in peace and harmony. Arrive this afternoon in the Umfolozi area.

Overnight in Hluhluwe

day 6 - St Lucia - Durban

After breakfast, guests may choose to join an optional early morning open-vehicle game drive in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve (at their own expense) before departing for Durban. On arrival, an orientation tour showcases the city’s highlights, including the Golden Mile, the beachfront promenade, The Point Waterfront, and the harbour, offering a glimpse into this vibrant and multicultural seaside city. The tour concludes with a visit to the Durban Botanic Gardens before checking in at the hotel in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Durban

Optional: 3-hour Open Vehicle Safari in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park
Enjoy an afternoon open vehicle safari in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, Africa’s oldest game reserve which is also known worldwide for its highly successful white rhino conservation program.

day 7 - Durban - Drakensberg

This morning you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast or perhaps take an early morning cab ride for a stroll along the Umhlanga Beach Promenade which buzzes with energy as surfers, joggers and cyclists take to this seaside playground. Then you head into the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains which range forms the border between Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Kingdom of Lesotho. Its towering basalt peaks and buttresses offer dramatic vistas, the highest peak reaching a spectacular 3,482 meters, which is the highest in southern Africa. We proceed on a visit to the 300-foot-high Howick Falls, continuing through the Southern Midlands Meander Route, arriving at our hotel mid-afternoon. Your afternoon can be spent at leisure to soak up the surroundings, or go fishing, hiking and even horse riding in clean mountain air (own account). Tonight, dinner is included at the hotel.

Overnight in Southern Drakensberg

day 8 - Drakensberg

Today you can enjoy a full day at leisure to soak up the surroundings of the magnificent Southern Drakensberg Mountains. The resort is also an option to explore as there are many activities to be enjoyed. Tonight, dinner is included at the hotel.

Overnight in Drakensberg

Optional: Sani Pass 4x4 Adventure
Join a 4x4 tour up Sani Pass and into the tiny mountain Kingdom of Lesotho (passport required) which includes lunch at the highest pub in Africa.

day 9 - Drakensberg - Eastern Cape Coast

This morning, continue south to the Eastern Cape entering the fourth of the provinces and the birth place of Nelson Mandela (fondly known as Madiba). En route you will see the old traditional way of life in the homeland area known as the Transkei and stop for lunch (not included) outside the capital of Umtata. We continue via Nelson Mandela’s birthplace and home, arriving late afternoon at our accommodation in Chinsta East, on the beautiful, unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast. Tonight, dinner is included at the hotel.

Overnight in Eastern Cape Coast

day 10 - Eastern Cape Coast – Tsitsikamma

You wake to the soothing sound of crashing waves, with the beach stretching endlessly for kilometres. The dense indigenous coastal forest nearby provides a sanctuary for an incredible variety of birdlife. Today, you embark on a long drive towards the enchanting Tsitsikamma Forest.

Overnight in Port Elizabeth

day 11 - Tsitsikamma – Knysna

Today your journey continues towards the Cape. Visit the Tsitsikamma Forest, which provides scenic walking opportunities. A short walk to the Storms River Mouth offers some magnificent views of the gorge and river below. Arrive in Knysna late afternoon for check in at our hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Tonight, dinner is included at the hotel.

Overnight in Knysna

day 12 - Knysna - Oudtshoorn - Knysna

After breakfast, you travel inland over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the ‘feather capital of the world’ because of its ostrich industry, visit a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn, known as ‘the feather capital of the world’. Walk or crawl around the famous Cango Caves with their magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Travelling back to the Eastern seaboard, you arrive in Mossel Bay by the afternoon.

Overnight in Knysna

day 13 - Knysna - Cape Town

Today’s journey will eventually end in Cape Town. On the way you stop off in Albertinia to visit a well-known aloe factory. In this area, the Cape Aloe grows wild on many farms, and is still harvested in the traditional, labor-intensive way, providing a livelihood for unskilled, independent tappers. You will drive via Swellendam, Worcester and through the Huguenot Tunnel before arriving in Cape Town in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Cape Town

day 14 - Cape Town

Enjoy a day at leisure in the 'Mother City' where a visit to the V&A Waterfront is recommended. Enjoy quality time exploring this iconic beautiful city with its many world acclaimed attractions.

Overnight in Cape Town

Optional: African Dinner and Drumming Experience
Join a fun-filled evening of interactive entertainment and delicious food at Gold restaurant. Sample a set Cape Malay / African style menu which will be served at the table in sharing and individual portions. This evening will start with an interactive djembe drumming session followed by a traditional soothing hand washing ceremony. A professional djembe drum instructor will teach you how to play the basic rhythms of the djembe drum. Live entertainment during dinner includes a Mali puppet show with storytelling featuring singers, dancers, puppets, and musicians. The final performance will be by the waiters and kitchen staff who will entertain you with some local songs and dances.

Tour Departs: Dail, 6:00pm, subject to availability

Tour Ends: 11:00pm

Tour Includes Return transfers from Cape Town city centre / Interactive djembe drumming session and set menu dinner

Optional: Morning Table Mountain & Kirstenbosch Gardens (Ticket not included)
Travel by cable car to the summit of the iconic Table Mountain (weather permitting), where you will be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views over the city of Cape Town, the rugged coastline, and the endless Atlantic Ocean. After taking in the breathtaking scenery from this natural wonder, descend to explore the magnificent Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Nestled on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, this world-renowned garden is celebrated for its extraordinary collection of indigenous South African flora, beautifully landscaped pathways, and tranquil settings that showcase the country’s rich biodiversity in a spectacular natural environment.

Optional: Full Day Table Mountain, Cape Peninsula & Constantia Winelands
Your local guide will take you on an unforgettable journey through Cape Town’s most iconic sights, starting with a visit to the world-famous Table Mountain, where you may ascend by cable car (ticket for own account) to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city, coastline, and surrounding peaks. From here, travel onward to the dramatic Cape Point Nature Reserve, where the rugged cliffs and sweeping ocean views provide the perfect setting to capture a photo of the historic lighthouse, built in 1859. Continue to Boulders Beach (entrance fee for own account) to see the charming colony of African Penguins in their natural habitat before heading to the lively shores of Muizenberg Beach, with its colourful wooden beach huts and reputation as Cape Town’s “surfers’ paradise.” Your day concludes with a visit to Groot Constantia Wine Estate, the oldest wine estate in South Africa, where you will savour a guided wine tasting, receive a souvenir crystal glass, and stroll through the scenic vineyards steeped in centuries of winemaking heritage.

Optional: Full Day Robben Island & Cape Town’s Anti- Apartheid Struggle
Embark on a memorable ferry ride across Table Bay to Robben Island (weather permitting and subject to seat availability and ferry schedules), where you will explore one of South Africa’s most iconic heritage sites. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, once a maximum-security prison, held many political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, and today stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, hope, and freedom. After this moving experience, continue your journey with an expert local guide to Athlone, located in the Cape Flats. Known as a vibrant cultural hub, Athlone has deep-rooted historical and social significance, particularly for its role in the anti-apartheid struggle. Here, you will gain fascinating insights into the area’s rich cultural fabric, learn about the community’s ongoing contributions to South African society, and discover how its history has shaped the present-day spirit of unity and diversity.

day 15 - Cape Town - (departure)

This morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel and the remainder of the day will be at leisure until your transfer to Cape Town International Airport.

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What's Included

Accommodation

14 Nights accommodation on a twin sharing basis at listed superior hotels or similar

Meals

Daily breakfast04 special dinners

Transport

All Transportation in deluxe air-conditioned vehicles

Guide

Services of a professional English-speaking tour guide

Others

All Sightseeing as per the itineraryKruger National Park Conservation Levy (Subject to increase at the discretion of the game park)All local and applicable taxes

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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