Explore South Africa Tour – Comfort & Inclusive – 18 days

Comfort
Small Group
Top Pick

Tour Details

Tour Style Comfort Small Group Top Pick
Length 18 days
Countries Visited South Africa, Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland
Starts Johannesburg
Ends Cape Town
Group Size Max 16
Age Range 18 - 55 Years and older
Tour SKU ACS0308
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What You'll Experience

Why You'll Love this Tour

When it comes to adventure, South Africa's ever-changing scenery is the perfect canvas on which to paint an activity-packed trip. In 18 days you’ll hike rugged mountains, sip on world-famous wines in picturesque valleys, join khaki-clad rangers on wild safari game drives, bungee jump from the Garden Route's Bloukrans Bridge, and so much more! Top it off with learning about the region’s tumultuous history through insightful museum tours and you’ll gain a much deeper understanding of the fabric of South Africa.

  • The explore South Africa tour requires participation from all group members. This entails assisting with the food preparation, washing of dishes, keeping the truck clean. Please keep in mind that flexibility and an open mind is needed on the trip. The guide is registered with the Field Guide Association of Southern Africa (FGASA).
 

Tour Price

Currency conversion estimated. Base currency is South African Rand (ZAR)


FROM

R58,635

+ Single Supplement EUR 400 (Optional)

Price Disclaimer: Tour is Priced at EUR 2799. Currency fluctuations may occur

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Tour Reviews

Review by Selen Tabanli who traveled on the Explore South Africa Tour:

I have completed my journey in South Africa. Everything ran perfect, and I had fun. Thank you for all your suggestions. Tour was great. I will come back when I save enough money for the next trip. Thank you for your assistance.

Dates Tour Length: 18 days


Currency estimated. Base currency is South African Rand (ZAR)


Tour start → end dates Price Enquire
19 Mar 2024 → 05 Apr 2024

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29 Oct 2024 → 15 Nov 2024

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05 Nov 2024 → 22 Nov 2024

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12 Nov 2024 → 29 Nov 2024

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19 Nov 2024 → 06 Dec 2024

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26 Nov 2024 → 13 Dec 2024

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03 Dec 2024 → 20 Dec 2024

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10 Dec 2024 → 27 Dec 2024

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17 Dec 2024 → 03 Jan 2025

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24 Dec 2024 → 10 Jan 2025

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31 Dec 2024 → 17 Jan 2025

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Included

  • Meals - 17 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 12 Dinners
  • Accommodation - Hotel/Lodge (15 nights), Twin - bedded tented units (2 nights)
  • Registered guides
  • Transport per itinerary
  • Permits
  • Park Entry Fees
  • Private Game Reserve Morning Guided Walk
  • Private Game Reserve Afternoon and Night Drives
  • Panorama Route
  • God's Window
  • Bourke's Luck Potholes
  • 3 Rondawels
  • Full Day Game Drive in Southern Section of Kruger National Park
  • Siebe Rock
  • Zululand Bush Walk
  • Drakensberg World Heritage Site
  • Drakensberg Hike
  • Nelson Mandela Capture Site
  • East Coast Beaches
  • Waterfall Walk
  • Hike along the coast
  • Tsitsikamma National Park Hike
  • Tsitsikamma National Park Suspension Bridge Walk
  • Cape Agulhas
  • Waenhuiskrans
  • Cape Town

Excluded

  • International Airfares
  • Travel insurance (Get Adventure Travel Insurance) and medical insurance
  • Personal spending money
  • Visa costs
  • Passports
  • Vaccinations
  • Personal taxes (including departure and border taxes)
  • All optional activities
  • Unscheduled or optional national / game parks and other activities
  • Gratuities
  • Sleeping bag and pillow if camping
  • Restaurant meals (other than those listed)
  • All drinks
  • Tips
  • Laundry
  • Other items of a personal nature

Activities

Some of the activities you can take part in on this tour.

Included in the Tour Price

  • Scenic drive down to the Lowveld region
  • Kruger Private Game Reserve
  • Morning and afternoon guided experience in Big 5 area
  • Panorama Route
  • 3 Rondavels
  • Pilgrim’s Rest
  • Southern section of Kruger National Park
  • Full day game drive
  • Scenic drive through Swaziland/eSwatini
  • iSimangaliso Wetland Park
  • Drakensberg Mountains
  • Tugela Gorge hike
  • Scenic drive through Southern Drakensberg
  • Local farm stay
  • Scenic drive to the Wild Coast
  • Hike along the coast
  • Scenic drive in Eastern Cape
  • Historic town of Cradock
  • History tour
  • Mountain Zebra National Park
  • Addo Elephant National Park
  • Nelson Mandela Bay
  • Tsitsikamma National Park
  • Coastal Hike
  • Cape Agulhas (southernmost tip of Africa)
  • Waenhuiskrans / Arniston Fishing Village
  • Scenic drive to Cape Town


Other Activities

Johannesburg (Pre and Post Tour)

  • Soweto Tour - From ZAR590 per person for 3 hours
  • Johannesburg City Tour - From ZAR590 per person for 3 hours
  • Soweto & Johannesburg Combo - From ZAR850 for 5 hours
  • Apartheid Museum - Duration: 3 hours ZAR550
  • Cradle of Humankind- Duration: 4 hours ZAR990
Pretoria City Tour 
  • Duration: 4 ½ hours ZAR850
  • Duration: 8 hours for the extended tour, incl. lunch ZAR1500
Cape Town
  • Cape Town Half day Township tour: 3 ½ hours ZAR 515
  • Robben Island: 3 ½ hours ZAR 320 excludes taxi to ferry
  • Hop on – Hop off bus: Red route through the V&A Waterfront; City; District 6; cable way; Camps Bay; Sea Point; 2 hours non stop; R 200 for the whole day
  • Hop on – Hop off bus: Blue Route to V&A Waterfront; Kirstenbosch; Hout Bay; World of birds; Camps Bay; Sea Point; ZAR200 for the whole day
  • Full day Peninsula tour: R 850, Half day without Kirstenbosch ZAR 585
  • Full day Wine route: R 850, Half day ZAR 585
  • Full day whale watching trip to Hermanus ZAR 810 (seasonal) Excludes transport to Hermanus
  • Abseiling off Table Mtn: ZAR 700, excluding cable car tickets
  • White shark diving: ZAR 1350 includes drive to Gansbaai; boat trip; snorkel or dive in cage; picnic lunch
  • Tandem Paraglide from Lions Head: ZAR 1100
  • Helicopter flips: Various options from ZAR 2000 to ZAR 3000
  • Horse riding in Hout Bay: 2 hour ride ZAR 350
  • Historic walking tour through the city: Every day from the tourist information in Burg street. ZAR230
Optional Activities available on this tour at your own expense 

Itinerary

Day 1: Johannesburg – Bush Lodge, South Africa

Leaving at 06h30 from Johannesburg, we journey through the picturesque route that leads us to Mpumalanga. On the way, we travel past Pretoria, pay a visit to Dullstroom where we will enjoy brunch before making our way to the Drakensberg escarpment before reaching the untamed lowveld. We spend the next 2 nights in a comfortable Bush Tented Lodge in a private reserve within the greater Kruger National Park, an area where animals roam naturally and unrestricted. Being neighbours to the Kruger National Park, our tents are beautifully designed in order to blend in with our surrounds. The camp boasts soft beds, en-suite bathrooms, a revitalizing splash pool and incredible views over the vegetation that encircles us. In the evening, dinner is prepared on a crackling open fire.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Andy’s camp – Balule Nature Reserve
Included Highlights: Scenic Drive down to the Lowveld Region, Private Game Reserve Accommodation
Distance: 530 km

Day 2: Bush Lodge, South Africa

We begin today by dipping local rusks into a good cup of coffee before embarking on a lovely game walk. We trek for around three hours, seeking out game and making frequent stops in order to be educated about the ways of the bush. A guide and tracker will lead you through all the walks in the Park. We make our way back to camp for an early afternoon brunch, after which we spend some time unwinding by the pool. In the afternoon we climb aboard an open vehicle in order to conduct a game drive that transforms into a lengthy, but thrilling, evening game drive.

Residing in the bush in the evening grants us the chance to observe plenty of nocturnal creatures which would usually be difficult to spot. Dinner is a delicious bush ‘braai’, before we are lulled to sleep by the distant calls of the wild.

Meals: Brunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Andy’s camp – Balule Nature Reserve
Included Highlights: Exclusive Private Reserve, Morning guided walk in Big 5 area, Afternoon game drive / Night drive
Distance: 20 km (Game Drive)

Day 3: Panorama Route – Hazyview, South Africa

Up early, after breakfast we set off for the beautiful Panorama Route. First up, Blyde River Canyon, then on to Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Gods Window, and the cosy little town of Graskop where we will enjoy lunch (own expense). After lunch we head down the Kowyn Pass on our way to a log cabin in Hazyview that is built on stilts in the indigenous forest alongside the Sabie River.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Greenfire Hazyview Lodge – Log Cabins
Included Highlights: Panorama Route, 3 Rondavles, Pilgrim’s Rest
Optional Activities: Gorge Swing
Distance: 195 km

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Day 4: Kruger National Park, South Africa

We depart from our bush camp early today in order to journey to the famous Kruger National Park, where we spend the rest of the day observing game from the fantastic height of our safari vehicle. We will spend time game viewing and making brief stops along the way to stretch our legs and enjoy a brunch. Late in the afternoon we will return to the Greenfire Lodge Hazyview to rest.

Meals: Packed Breakfast Snacks, Dinner
Accommodation: Greenfire Hazyview Lodge – Log Cabins
Included Highlights: Southern Section of Kruger National Park, Full day game drive
Distance : +/- 30 km to and from the Park gate

Day 5: Swaziland, South Africa

Following breakfast, we depart for Mbombela (Nelspruit), the provincial capital of the province, before crossing the border to the Kingdom of eSwatini (formerly known as Swaziland), a small landlocked country rich in cultural and natural riches. We will enter into an area of incredible scenery and past countless traditional homesteads and fields of sugarcane. We will have some time to interact with the locals and see how they make a living.  After exploring this small country for a while, we will arrive at our accommodation for the night and enjoy a meal prepared locally.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Foresters Arms Hotel
Included Highlights: Eswatini,Scenic Drive
Distance : 290 km

Day 6 – 7: St Lucia, South Africa

Before crossing back into South Africa, we travel through the Swazi countryside on winding roads. Following the completion of the border formalities, we arrive in Zululand, one of the most populous ethnic groups in South Africa – the Zulu. Founded in the early 1800’s, the Zulus dominated a large portion of southern Africa, becoming the most powerful regional empire under King Shaka Zulu. Following our return to South Africa, we continue on to the bustling coastal town of St Lucia for the next two nights. In addition to hippopotamus and crocodiles, St Lucia is home to many bird species as well.

Additionally, we will visit the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in St Lucia, an area that is characterised by white beaches, tidal pools, offshore reefs, and coastal dune forests. As a result of this combination of coastal reserve and wetland park, we are able to view rhinos, buffalos, and many other large animals before making our way to a deserted beach where you can dip into the warm Indian Ocean at any time. We will spend the day exploring the beach, rock pools, pristine dune forest, and other natural habitats of this remarkable park.

We enjoy dinner at one of the many local restaurants on our own expense during the evenings. You should also be on the lookout for wandering hippos who visit town at night in search of food.

Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x2
Accommodation: Forest Lodge St Lucia
Included Highlights: Scenic Dive through Swaziland, iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Optional Activities: Night Drive in Wetland Park

Days 8 – 9: Drakensberg, South Africa

We head up into the hills of Kwazulu Natal which are packed with history around the wars raged during the Boer and Zulu wars.  Our lunch stop will be at one of the famous battlefields in the area where we will have time to learn a bit more. This afternoon we reach the majestic Drakensberg mountain range, “Barrier of Spears”.  In the evening, we arrive at our accommodation, where we spend two nights in cozy cabins that provide breathtaking views.

We will conduct a day hike in Tugela Gorge on day 9, which is located in the Royal Natal National Park, a part of the Drakensberg World Heritage Site. Here, we will be able to observe the towering cliffs of the Amphitheatre and the Tugela Falls, the second highest waterfall in the world at 948 meters.

Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x2, Dinner x2
Accommodation: Alpine Heath Resort
Included Highlights: Drakensberg Mountains, Tugela Gorge hike
Optional Activities: Horse Riding
Distance: 480km on day 8

Day 10: Southern Drakensberg, South Africa

Our journey today takes us further south whilst hugging the Drakensberg Mountains to the Natal midlands, a lush farming area that is considered to be one of South Africa’s most beautiful.

As part of our overnight stop tonight, we will stay at a working ranch. Arriving in the afternoon, we will have the opportunity to learn more about farming in this area and the fascinating history of the property’s farm and buildings. It will also be possible for those with an adventurous spirit to assist with some of the farm work in the afternoon or early in the morning.

We will be enjoying a traditional dinner prepared from fresh ingredients from the farm gardens tonight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,  Dinner
Accommodation: Flitwick Ranch, Swartberg
Included Highlights: Scenic drive through Southern Drakensberg, Local farm stay
Distance: 340km

Days 11 – 12: Wild Coast, South Africa

Today we make our way to one of the most exciting, off-the-beaten-track highlights of the tour – The Wild Coast – we pass through several small towns and travel along beautiful roads. This area used to be an independent homeland from South Africa and as a result had very little development resulting in endless unspoiled beaches, natural estuaries, fields of rolling grassland, and a the colourful traditional Xhosa villages. We will spend two nights at a remote lodge and will spend a full day exploring this rugged but beautiful area. We will experience one of the most impressive landmarks along the South African coastline during our stay – Hole in the Wall – as we take a walk along the high cliffs, deserted beaches, and rolling grasslands. There is a natural arch carved by centuries of wave action on Hole in the Wall, located just offshore. Those who are adventurous may wish to swim out to take a closer look.

There will be time this afternoon to simply relax and take in the surroundings reminiscent of “Robinson Crusoe” as well as the comforts of our accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast X2, Lunch X2, Dinner X2
Accommodation: Ocean View Hotel Coffee bay
Included Highlights: Scenic drive to the Wild Coast, Private beach, Hike along the coast
Distance: 400km on day 11

Day 13: Wild Coast – Cradock, South Africa

Following lesser known roads through the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, we make our way into the Great Karoo, to Cradock, a town with a rich history dating back to the mid-1800s that is located near the Great Fish River. As soon as we arrive in Cradock, a local guide will take us on a walking history tour before we check into our accommodations. Our evening is characterized by old-fashioned hospitality and a sense of history.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tuishuis and Victoria Manor
Included Highlight:  Scenic drive in Eastern Cape, Historic town of Cradock, History tour
Distance: 450km

Day 14: Mountain Zebra Park, Addo Elephant Park– Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa

As we begin our morning early, we aim to enter the Mountain Zebra Park as soon as the gate opens. Located in the semi-desert of the Great Karoo, this Park is home to not only the endangered mountain zebra but also springbok, ostrich, cheetah, buffalo, black rhino, and a variety of birds. Before returning to the hotel for a sumptuous breakfast, we spend several hours in search of animals and taking in the spectacular views.

Upon packing, we transfer to the renowned Addo Elephant Park, where elephants, buffalo, and other animals can be observed up close in an environment similar to the rhenosterveld, which is known for its succulant shrubs. Our journey will take us from the north to the south of this fascinating National Park. Upon returning to the coast and to our hotel on the beachfront of Nelson Mandela Bay in the late afternoon, we travel the short distance back to our hotel on the beachfront of the stunning bay. Our hotel’s location provides us with the opportunity to stroll along the beachfront and enjoy a dinner on our own.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: The Beach Hotel, PE
Included Highlight: Mountain Zebra National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, Nelson Mandela Bay
Distance: 250km

Day 15: Garden Route – Knysna, South Africa

During this morning’s leisure time, we will be able to walk along the beach, swim in the Indian Ocean, or simply enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee. Our journey continues after breakfast into the heart of the Garden Route region. As we travel along this magnificent natural kingdom sandwiched between the ocean and the towering mountains, we will experience the verdant and ecologically diverse vegetation present here, along with the numerous estuaries, lakes, and ancient forests. The tour will include frequent stops to explore the highlights of the region, including a walk along the rugged coast and a crossing over the suspension bridge spanning the Storms River mouth in the Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park.

Knysna is a vibrant town that we will visit this afternoIn a natural garden of Eden, this little town is surrounded by indigenous forests, fynbos, and lagoons. It will be our pleasure to spend time exploring the city upon our arrival and to enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants at our own expense.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Rex Hotel
Included Highlight: Tsitsikamma National Park, Hike in Tsitsikamma
Distance: 280 km

Days 16: Cape Agulhas – Southern Tip of Africa, South Africa

After departing from Knysna, we travel along the coast through several small towns towards Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point on the African continent. On this beach, we will take a short walk to experience first-hand the theoretical meeting point between the cold Atlantic and warm Indian oceans.

Before leaving this wonderful treasure and returning to our accommodation in Arniston, we enjoy a picnic style lunch with a crisp, clean ocean breeze. A stroll down to the enormous sea cave, Waenhuiskrans, is highly recommended in the afternoon

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Arniston Hotel/Cabins
Included Highlight: Cape Agulhas, Waenhuiskrans
Distance: 380 km

Days 17 -18: Cape Town, South Africa

Mid-afternoon we will arrive at the AHA’s Harbour Bridge Hotel located at the Cape Town Harbour Waterfront and our accommodation for the night. The hotel is conveniently located close to award winning restaurants, galleries, vibrant nightlife and the ocean promenade. We have a relaxing start to the day, departing from Knysna and journeying through the Lake District on to the ‘Whale Route’ that winds around the Hottentots Holland Mountains, toward our final destination. Upon our arrival in the Mother City of Cape Town in the early evening,

In addition to Cape Town’s renowned beauty, it is also home to award-winning wines, world-class restaurants, fashion and people from all walks of life. We encourage our guests to spend some extra time exploring the ‘Mother City’, and are happy to assist with arrangements. Our thrilling tour comes to an end after breakfast on Day 18, but you are welcome to book another night in Cape Town through us. If you decide to fly back home on this day, please ensure you have time for an airport transfer and check in times (up to 3 hours).

Meals Included: Breakfast X2
Accommodation: AHA’s Harbour Bridge Hotel
Included Highlight: Scenic drive to Cape Town, Coastal Roads
Distance: 280 km on day 17

The day by day descriptions published are intended as a rough guideline only.

The tour concludes at 09h00 on Day 18. Upon completion of the tour, clients may extend their stay by booking post-tour accommodation. On this day, if you plan to travel onward, please allow time for an airport transfer and for check-in procedures (up to three hours).

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.

FROM

R58,635

+ Single Supplement EUR 400 (Optional)

Price Disclaimer: Tour is Priced EUR 2799. Currency fluctuations may occur

Currency estimated. Base currency is South African Rand (ZAR)

Check Availability