South Africa Tours in July 2026

This was my dream trip!! I loved the mixture of lodging and camping. The group was fantastic and bonded very quickly. Our trip manager was absolutely phenomenal. Went out of his way to make sure we all had the best trip possible. My highlights were definitely Safari, the Simunye theatre show, and BOMA dinner. The Safari guides were absolutely amazing as well. If I could go back and do it all again, I 1000% would.

If you're debating this trip like I was, do yourself a favour and book. So much is covered in just one week, it's very go go go. You can go to mountain tops, beaches, wineries, safaris, sanctuaries, and local townships. So there really is something for everyone, and you get to see so many different sides of South Africa. Even the pit stops along the way were some of my favourite moments - some eateries were stunning and you get the chance to spend your money supporting small family businesses and organizations, like home animal sanctuaries. However, I will note that most activities are not covered in the price for this trip so plan ahead, so expect to spend a lot more than what you are quoted. Plan ahead and see what you want to do. If you opt out of most of these, you will likely tag along with the group to the location but do nothing, or you might stay in the accommodation. Do both safari drives if you can, the game reserves themselves are gorgeous and the experience is once in a lifetime. The cooking class was fun and delicious stuff too. The biking on day one is harder than you might think, the route is very bumpy and steep... it's pretty, but be prepared! Also, the township visit was a good opportunity to respectfully learn of the community and contribute meaningfully. The elephant park was cool but driving around inside the contiki bus kind of took away. Bus drives weren't too bad, most of the time you get some pretty amazing views along the garden route. All the accommodation were pretty, nice and comfortable. My trip manager and bus driver were also beautiful people who made sure we felt safe, comfortable, and accommodated throughout our time there. was so knowledgeable and such a good time, I definitely felt lucky to have him.

My trip to Africa was absolutely unforgettable—every moment felt like something out of a dream. The safaris were breathtaking, with elephants, lions, and giraffes just steps away in the wild. Standing at the edge of Victoria Falls, hearing the roar and feeling the mist, was pure magic.

I’ve been to over 70 countries and had done an African safari before, so I wasn’t sure how much this trip would surprise me—but it completely exceeded my expectations. It was also my first Contiki, and I was genuinely impressed. The itinerary had the perfect balance of city exploration in Cape Town, the natural wonder of Victoria Falls, and unforgettable safari experiences. Our trip manager, was truly exceptional. He was incredibly organized—from logistics to border crossings—and was super positive and easygoing throughout the trip (even during the early mornings). He was approachable, supportive, and genuinely in tune with the group’s needs, which made everyone feel comfortable and cared for. He had great local insight, strong connections with local guides and drivers, and created an environment where everyone felt welcome. As someone who isn’t always super social, I found myself bonding with the group in a really natural way. We shared incredible experiences and built connections I didn’t anticipate—but I’m truly grateful for. One suggestion: adding the Devil’s Pool or Angel’s Pool experience in Victoria Falls as an optional FTA would be a great enhancement. A few of us did it independently, and it was really amazing to get to swim at the top of the falls. This trip was truly special—well-organized, meaningful, and full of memories I’ll always cherish.

Jackie P. - CharlieTheTraveler made me a believer in touring companies! I never had a great experience with other companies, as I always felt I was either too bored or too active or too unsafe. When I read the positive reviews and figured I would give it a chance by booking a trip to South Africa, this company made sure I was never bored, as they had recommendations for the nightlife when we had the evenings to ourselves. I was not too active either, as I was able to rest and relax when we had a long day of exploring. I also felt safe from the moment I booked, as they thoroughly prepared me for everything and made sure we had a tour guide with us each day that was an expert in the area. It was a wonderful experience that makes me want to book more trips!

A life changing trip. Some unforgettable experiences that will stay with me forever. Very well organised and I felt happy and safe throughout! I highly recommend it if you love being in nature and camping.