Bush, beach and two vibrant cities - capture the essence of South Africa on this culmination of a Cape Town to Kruger experience, including Johannesburg, the 'City of Gold'.
South Africa's 'Mother City' and her iconic Table Mountain extend a warm welcome as you embark on a 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 Welcome Reception.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Southern Sun Waterfront
This morning, we encounter Table Mountain first-hand, ascending via aerial cableway to its vast flat top - a rocky wonderland of rich Cape fynbos and curious dassies (hyraxes). Peer over the bustling City Bowl and Atlantic Seaboard keeping a keen eye out for the landmarks your Travel Director will show you during this morning's city tour, including Company Gardens, Bo-Kaap and the Castle of Good Hope. The rest of the day is yours to explore Cape Town at leisure. Ramble up Bree Street to sample the city's vibrant coffee culture or take a stroll along the Sea Point promenade with the fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Consider joining our Optional Experience to explore infamous Robben Island, with your guide revealing its turbulent past and the cell where Nelson Mandela spent the majority of his prison term.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Table Mountain Guided Hike
An extraordinary nature experience right in the heart of Cape Town awaits! You’ll head off with your local expert guide on a hike up the iconic Table Mountain, with your guide sharing insights and ensuring your safety every step of the way. Marvel at the incredible flora and fauna on the mountain, gaze out over the spectacular views of the Atlantic, and soak up all the wonders of nature on this special guided hiking experience.
Adult Price: R1,510.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Robben Island Tour
Journey to the famous Victoria and Alfred Waterfront to board a ferry to Robben Island (weather permitting), a home of our icon Nelson Mandela for more than a quarter of a century. It’s a highly charged and emotional moment when you visit the site of this suffering, and realise how far South Africa has come from those days. During the apartheid years Robben Island was used to isolate opponents of apartheid and to crush their morale. Freedom fighters, like Nelson Mandela, spent many years in this prison for their beliefs. Take the ferry to this historic site, pass buildings and a high wall built by prisoners during the 1960s before meeting your guide, a former political prisoner from the Island, fully conversant and knowledgeable about the Island's multi-layered 500 year old history. Your route, aboard a bus, includes the graveyard of people who died from leprosy, the Lime Quarry, Robert Sobukwe's house, the Bluestone quarry, the army and navy bunkers and the Maximum Security Prison where thousands of South Africa's freedom fighters were incarcerated for years culminating with a viewing of Nelson Mandela's cell. The round trip is approximately 3.5 hours long, including the two half-hour ferry rides, and is subject to weather conditions.
Adult Price: R1,300.00
Day 3
Cape Peninsula Tour
Circumnavigate the Cape Peninsula, from trendy Camps Bay to Cape Point and back. The crashing waves of the Atlantic to your right, the rocky 12 Apostles to your left, wind your way along one of the world's most magnificent coastal roads towards the outcrop that is Africa's most extreme south-western tip. Say a quiet hello to the shy penguins of Boulders Beach, see the Cape of Good Hope and travel through charming coastal towns along the way.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Franschhoek Motor Museum and Vineyard Visit
Car enthusiasts and foodies alike will get a kick out of this experience. First up, you’ll get to explore the fascinating Franschhoek Motor Museum, filled with a unique and exciting collection of vehicles, motorcycles and memorabilia, all set in a beautiful spot between the vineyards. Your museum tour will be followed by a wine tasting and picnic lunch at the award-winning Boschendal Wine Estate (September to May), or a restaurant lunch during the winter season (June to August).
Adult Price: R1,600.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 4
Cape Winelands and Hermanus Excursion
Venture to the town of Franschhoek and see during your orientation why it is proclaimed as one of the most beautiful wine valleys in the world. You’ll then journey via the scenic Franschhoek Pass to the coastal town of Hermanus for your ‘Be My Guest’ experience. ‘Connect With Locals’ when you meet local business owner Stefan, who will treat you to a delicious traditional braai (barbecue) featuring delicacies such as boerewors, pap and melktert. Over a glass of his homemade wine he’ll share stories of his life in South Africa’s whale watching capital. Return to Cape Town via a scenic driving route, arriving in the late afternoon. Enjoy your evening at leisure.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 5
Cape Town – Greater Kruger National Park Area (3 Nights)
This morning you'll bid farewell to the 'Mother City' and fly to Hoedspruit (flight purchased separately) where a private game reserve near South Africa's great Kruger National Park beckons. Then kick back, relax and settle in to one of Trafalgar's 'Stays With Stories', Becks Safari Lodge, your home in the bush for the next three nights.
The action begins as we embark on an early morning game drive through Karongwe Private Reserve with a Local Specialist game ranger and Shangaan tracker-guide. The rising sun awakens the birds and insects that share your journey into the bush, as you scour the dense brush for signs of the Big 5. After lunch, and time for a siesta and a swim, return to the bush for an afternoon safari drive.
Today enjoy another full day of game drives through Karongwe Private Reserve. Continue to scour the dense brush with your Local Specialist for incredible encounters with Africa's iconic wildlife. End the day with a traditional sundowner drink overlooking the Game Reserve, keeping your eyes peeled for signs of wildlife that emerge from their cover of darkness.
Greater Kruger National Park Area – Johannesburg (2 Nights)
Our time in the South African bushveld comes to a close with a 'Dive Into Culture' visit to a local Shangaan village. Learn about the traditions and customs of the Shangaan people and how the Eco Academy there provides eco and wildlife education. The visit includes a simple meal of grilled chicken, pap, Shangaan style cabbage, and for the brave, the opportunity to try mopani worms! Fly to Johannesburg (flight purchased separately) and check into your hotel, which is located in the restaurant and entertainment hub of Melrose Arch.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Protea Fire and Ice
Unlock the secrets of the 'city of gold' on a full-day tour to view several iconic sites including the Regina Mundi Church and Mandela's house in Soweto. 'Dive Into Culture' during a visit to the Hector Pieterson Museum and the Apartheid Museum, which chronicles South Africa's tumultuous Apartheid years.
Our epic encounter with South Africa's iconic sites comes to an end today. Transfer to Johannesburg International Airport for your onward flight.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 2
Table Mountain Guided Hike
An extraordinary nature experience right in the heart of Cape Town awaits! You’ll head off with your local expert guide on a hike up the iconic Table Mountain, with your guide sharing insights and ensuring your safety every step of the way. Marvel at the incredible flora and fauna on the mountain, gaze out over the spectacular views of the Atlantic, and soak up all the wonders of nature on this special guided hiking experience.
Adult Price: R1,510.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 2
Robben Island Tour
Journey to the famous Victoria and Alfred Waterfront to board a ferry to Robben Island (weather permitting), a home of our icon Nelson Mandela for more than a quarter of a century. It’s a highly charged and emotional moment when you visit the site of this suffering, and realise how far South Africa has come from those days. During the apartheid years Robben Island was used to isolate opponents of apartheid and to crush their morale. Freedom fighters, like Nelson Mandela, spent many years in this prison for their beliefs. Take the ferry to this historic site, pass buildings and a high wall built by prisoners during the 1960s before meeting your guide, a former political prisoner from the Island, fully conversant and knowledgeable about the Island's multi-layered 500 year old history. Your route, aboard a bus, includes the graveyard of people who died from leprosy, the Lime Quarry, Robert Sobukwe's house, the Bluestone quarry, the army and navy bunkers and the Maximum Security Prison where thousands of South Africa's freedom fighters were incarcerated for years culminating with a viewing of Nelson Mandela's cell. The round trip is approximately 3.5 hours long, including the two half-hour ferry rides, and is subject to weather conditions.
Adult Price: R1,300.00
Available on day 3
Franschhoek Motor Museum and Vineyard Visit
Car enthusiasts and foodies alike will get a kick out of this experience. First up, you’ll get to explore the fascinating Franschhoek Motor Museum, filled with a unique and exciting collection of vehicles, motorcycles and memorabilia, all set in a beautiful spot between the vineyards. Your museum tour will be followed by a wine tasting and picnic lunch at the award-winning Boschendal Wine Estate (September to May), or a restaurant lunch during the winter season (June to August).
Adult Price: R1,600.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
9 breakfasts, 5 lunches (including Be My Guest), 5 dinners
Trip Summary Transport Icon
On-trip Transport
All transport shown
Included Highlights that will delight you
Connect with Locals
in Hermanus, joining a local business owner for a traditional braai (barbecue) and some of his homemade wine against a clifftop backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. (Day 4)
Stays with Stories
Your stay at Becks Safari Lodge in Karongwe Private Game Reserve contributes to the area's environmental sustainability and community development. (Day 5)Tap into the verve of Johannesburg at its Protea Hotel Fire and Ice, located in the buzzing entertainment and restaurant hub of Melrose Arch. (Day 8)
Dive into Culture
Hear first hand about the traditions and cultures of the Shangaan people and how their village promotes eco and wildlife education. (Day 8) Learn about South Africa's turbulent past on an interactive Johannesburg and Soweto Freedom tour. (Day 9)
Local Specialist
Join an experienced tracker-guide on 4x4 safari game drives
Sightseeing highlights
Experience Ti Filled Icon
CITY TOUR in Cape Town
Experience Ti Filled Icon
VISIT Table Mountain, Bo-Kaap, Cape of Good Hope, Franschhoek, Hermanus, the Karongwe Private Game Reserve, Hector Pieterson Museum in Soweto, the Apartheid Museum
Experience Ti Filled Icon
VIEW the Castle of Good Hope, Boulder's Beach penguin colony, Mandela House in Soweto
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Hand-picked hotels, lodges and luxury safari camps
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Hand-picked Trip Highlights
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Optional Experiences and free time
Experience Tick Thin Icon
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Experience Tick Thin Icon
An expert Travel Director, Driver Guide or Trafalgar Representative
Experience Tick Thin Icon
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Feefo T T Icon
LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELERS REVIEWS
Essence of South Africa Trip Reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
Overall Rating
4.1
Out of 5
Based on 26 independent reviews
Trip Rating
Customer experience
Trip rating is the overall quality of the itinerary and trip
4.0
Out of 5
5
Review Star Icon
9
4
Review Star Icon
13
3
Review Star Icon
1
2
Review Star Icon
2
1
Review Star Icon
1
Customer experience is the standard of service you receive
4.1
Out of 5
5
Review Star Icon
11
4
Review Star Icon
10
3
Review Star Icon
3
2
Review Star Icon
0
1
Review Star Icon
2
Navigation Chevron Left Icon
James Michalek My Account Icon
Clock Icon
Quote Icon
Once in a lifetime, that I want to do again. Great Trip.
Trip Rating
Review Star Icon
5
The hotels were all 5 star diamond quality with excellent locations. the travel guides were knowledgeable and friendly. They seemed to truly go out of their way to make sure the whole group had an outstanding experience.
I definitely recommend Trafalgar Tours. Their choice of hotels, guides, and activities were outstanding and had something for everybody. I was a little nervous about some of the thing in the itinerary, but it was overall great. There were two reasons why I gave this a 4 star instead of 5. The first. We had to book our flights extremely early. The tour itinerary was not final until a week or so before the trip. The Welcome reception on day one was not announced that it was a dinner. We did not want to miss anything, so we flew in the night before the trip. Although Trafalgar says they cover the transfers, because we came in a day early, we were on our own. I felt that was misleading, and we had to pay out of pocket to get from the airport to the hotel. The hotel did not have a free shuttle. The second issue was the Manager at Beck's Safari lodge was unpleasant. He never smiled, and although he never said or acted grabby, he seemed off put when we asked about extra excursions that took us away from Beck's during the day on down time from the safari. However, besides those two inconveniences, the tour was outstanding!! I would do it again. I never felt unsafe or out of place.
Real moments from real travelers, creating the greatest travel stories they’ll ever tell
Or search for something else
Need Help?
866 513 1995
Dates & Prices
BackNavigation Close Icon
Navigation Close Icon
Trip Notes
Navigation Close Icon
Air: Airfares are not included in the prices. Land Only price requires the following intra-trip flights to be purchased separately in order to fulfil the trip itinerary: Day 5 from Cape Town to Hoedspruit - SA8657; Day 8 Hoedspruit to Johannesburg - SA1228. Trafalgar guarantees to quote you the lowest possible airfare available to us on the day that you book.
Small Group: Maximum 20 guests per departure. In accordance with the capacity of the exclusive luxury safari lodge we have chosen for this trip.
Children: We are unable to accept children under the age of 12 on this itinerary.
Table Mountain: The Aerial Cableway closes for annual maintenance usually during late July to early August time. Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden will be the alternative inclusion on departures where it is not possible to visit Table Mountain.
Shared Rooming: Guaranteed Room Share and Triple Rooms are not available on this trip.
Festive Departures: During the safari portion of the trip, the 20 December 2020 departure will celebrate Christmas and the 27 December 2020 departure will celebrate New Years Eve.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Double-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless traveling as part of a family group.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange your flights to arrive on or before day 1.
Your selected dates have an enhanced itinerary.
Navigation Close Icon
You’ll be traveling in Autumn, Winter or Spring, and this itinerary has been enhanced for you to enjoy the unique experiences these seasons offer.
