Connect with the culture of two countries as you travel from the north to south to encounter South Africa's legacy of Mandela and the cosmopolitan spirit of Cape Town.
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Travel Style - Regional Explorer
Gain the insights into the diversity of two or more countries.
Your seamless South African journey begins with a private airport transfer from O.R Tambo International Airport to your hotel. Settle in to the pace of Africa's most energetic city before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.
Johannesburg – Kruger National Park Area (2 Nights)
The golden Highveld gives way to rolling green hills as we travel to South Africa's Lowveld. We admire the iconic sights along Mpumalanga's Panorama Route - the Blyde River Canyon, the heavenly landscapes of God's Window and Bourke's Luck Potholes. Before evening falls, we venture to our hotel near the famous Kruger National Park, our home for two nights.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Sabi River SunProtea Kruger Gate
Connect with nature and explore South Africa's oldest national park in the company of a Local Specialist. Uncover the secrets of the bushveld - the magnificent and iconic Big 5, the Little 5 and everything in between. See the glistening yellow Golden-orb spider waiting on her web, smell the damp scent of acacia trees in the early morning and keep your head down in search of animal spoor. Spend your afternoon at leisure or consider returning to the bush for an optional afternoon drive.
Enjoy one last chance to spot some wildlife before we travel to landlocked Swaziland. 'Dive into Culture' during a visit to Swazi Chief's village and gain insights into the community's way of life, sampling some of the local pap and stew, and admiring their striking crimson traditional dress.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Royal Swazi Spa
We venture to 'garden of province' of KwaZulu Natal and its northern wilderness. Traversing rolling sugarcane fields and lush valleys, we arrive at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park where there is an opportunity to embark on an optional 4x4 game drive. This evening enjoy a delicious South African braai - a perfect way to end the day.
If you visit Kwazulu-Natal, you can't leave without visiting Big Five country in the oldest park in South Africa: Hluhluwe-Imfolozi. This is the legendary park where a dedicated team made worldwide conservation history with their successful efforts to bring the white rhino back from the brink of extinction. Our specialist tours are all conducted in specially modified open safari vehicles to enhance your game viewing, lead by qualified, experienced guides. You'll learn more than you could have imagined possible about everything from trees, to animal spoor, to the rich bird life.
Adult Price: R940.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Hluhluwe – Durban (Umhlanga Rocks)
Board an optional morning cruise on Lake St. Lucia and get up close to the hippos, crocodiles and birdlife residing in the estuary. Alternatively explore the town of St Lucia. We continue south to Durban for an effortless encounter with this tropical east coast hub, which begins with a delicious Curry Buffet at the Oyster Box Hotel, one of Trafalgar's 'Stays with Stories' - a seaside hotel that captures the nostalgia of a bygone era.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - The Oyster Box
Travel along the brand new Golden Mile beach promenade of Durban and move through the City, viewing everything thing from the majestic City Hall, and enjoying its humorous history, to the bustling African/Indian Markets at Warwick Triangle home to nine distinct markets. Visit the fascinating Phansi Museum - home to the largest publicly accessible collection of Southern African artefacts and treasures (Closed on weekends and entrance fee for own account). Then move from culture to nature and visit the peaceful Durban Botanic Gardens founded in 1849. Conclude with a visit to an icon of Kwazulu Natal, the Moses Mabhida Stadium, where you will have the option of experiencing the cable car ride (own account) to the top of the Stadium for that phenomenal view of Durban and its surroundings.
Adult Price: R570.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Ushaka Marine World Tour
Home to Africa's largest dolphinarium, the globally respected Ushaka Marine World entices you to explore the wonders of Africa's vast ocean life. It's a fascinating journey around 30 in- and outdoor themed exhibits, and you won't want to miss the spectacular dolphin, seal and penguin shows. In the aquarium, tank after tank offers a glorious insight into the wealth of South Africa's Indian and Atlantic Ocean marine life, an experience not to be missed.
Adult Price: R766.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
St. Lucia Boat Cruise
All aboard the comfortable Santa Lucia, a spacious double-decker boat on St Lucia Estuary, with ample room for everybody to have the best view possible. We're off on a two-hour relaxed interpretative cruise from the smartest vantage point - the water. We'll get up close to the sight and sounds of hippo, crocodiles and other game species, and if we're lucky, we'll be serenaded by the haunting cry of the fish eagle...perhaps even watch one catch a fish. The boat has a coffee, snack and full bar on board, so relaxation is the order of the day.
Adult Price: R240.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Enjoy free time this morning before venturing to the Southern Drakensberg mountains that frame South Africa's east coast like the tail of a sleeping dragon. Dive into Culture at Phezulu Safari Park where you'll embark on a village tour followed by traditional Zulu dancing, then spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Premier Resort Sani Pass
Drakensberg Mountains Free Day or Sani Pass Excursion to Lesotho
Indulge in the freedom of a day spent exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site on your terms. Consider joining an optional 4x4 Sani Pass drive, ascending to a heavenly height of 2,876 metres for lunch at Africa's highest pub in Lesotho, or alternatively relax down here on earth amidst the Drakensberg's lofty peaks.
The Tour departs at 09h30 and takes approx. 2.5 hours to reach the summit, climbing a grand 2874 meters above sea level, stopping at breath taking view sites along the Sani Pass and the two border posts i.e. The South African Border Control and Lesotho Border Control. Once at the Top of the Sani Pass, we enjoy lunch at the highest Pub in Africa - The Sani Mountain Lodge. After lunch the Tour continues into a living Basotho village, where our experienced mountain guide will interest you on Lesotho and its people - the hardy mountainous Basotho folk. Traditional beer and homemade bread offered on request .We wind down the Sani Pass after this cultural experience and arrive back in Underberg between 16h00- 16h30 depending on the wildlife spotted along the way.
Adult Price: R1,153.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
From enigmatic mountain landscapes to South Africa's untamed coastline, we venture through the Eastern Cape and the green hills of the Transkei, dotted with Xhosa kraals and homesteads. Discover the legacy of Nelson Mandela, at his birthplace in Xunu, then enjoy the unspoiled Wild Coast beaches of Chintsa, where the only footprints in the sand will be yours.
Wake to the sound of the ocean and spend time admiring pristine natural surrounds before we begin our journey to Port Elizabeth. Once a British settlement, this port city holds the distinction of being South Africa's friendliest city, which you'll encounter first-hand as you explore it on your own terms this evening.
Port Elizabeth – Tsitsikamma National Park – Knysna (2 Nights)
Walk beneath the tranquil canopy of Tsitsikamma's giant and ancient Yellowwoods, arriving at Storms River Mouth to peer into the depths of the gorge. We'll indulge in local cuisine with an opportunity to 'Connect with Locals' over a unique Be My Guest lunch before arriving in Knysna, known as South Africa's own Garden of Eden. Famed for its indigenous forests, fresh oysters and the two landmark Knysna Heads that stand as sentinels at the edge of the lagoon which shield the town from the Indian Ocean.
Travel to Oudtshoorn, which holds the distinction of being the world's ostrich capital. We join a Local Specialist for a tour of an ostrich farm to learn about our feathered friends and even feed them, before descending into the ancient Cango Caves to admire its dripstone caverns and dimly lit vast halls.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Diaz Hotel Resort
See the highlights of Mossel Bay, including its Old Post Office Tree, Africa's oldest post box, and the Bartolomeu Dias Museum, telling the story of the first European navigators who braved the rugged waters of the tip of Africa. We continue our journey through Swellendam, Worcester and the Huguenot Tunnel before arriving in Cape Town. Visit the iconic Table Mountain by cable car this evening - the perfect introduction to this spectacular city (weather permitting).
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - The PortsWood
Capture the cosmopolitan energy of South Africa's Mother City. Spend the day exploring its streets and squares in search of a tucked-away restaurants, boutiques and galleries. Consider an Optional Experience tour around the Cape Peninsula to visit Cape Point and see the penguins of Boulder's Beach, or sample the Cape's finest wines in the Cape Winelands.
Head for Cape Point, the southwestern tip of the beautiful Cape Peninsula. You’ll explore the dramatic coastline and get a glimpse of all the most spectacular views over the deep blue ocean. then meet the adorable penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Watch the fascinating antics of this endangered African penguin species, then go exploring in the Cape Point Nature Reserve, home to incredible wildlife and stunning natural scenery.
Adult Price: R1,300.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Cape Town E Bike Ride with Beach BBQ
Get on two wheels and get out there to see the gorgeous scenery around Cape Town. You’ll hop on an e-bike (electric bicycle) and cruise through the beautiful sandy hills and bushy slopes with your guide, all while spotting the abundant birdlife. Marvel at the stunning views of the coastline, and get a glimpse of Robben Island and iconic Table Mountain, before stopping at sunset for a beach braai (barbecue). Dig your toes into the sand, soak up the glorious sunset, and tuck into South African favourites like 'Braai broodjie' (toasted cheese, tomato & onion sandwich prepared on the braai), mielie (corn on the cob) and boerewors (sausage) with tomato 'smoor' (tomato relish). (This optional is offered weather permitting)
Adult Price: R2,670.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 15
Depart Cape Town
We bid a fond farewell to Cape Town after breakfast. Explore the city on your terms before your transfer to Cape Town International Airport.
If you visit Kwazulu-Natal, you can't leave without visiting Big Five country in the oldest park in South Africa: Hluhluwe-Imfolozi. This is the legendary park where a dedicated team made worldwide conservation history with their successful efforts to bring the white rhino back from the brink of extinction. Our specialist tours are all conducted in specially modified open safari vehicles to enhance your game viewing, lead by qualified, experienced guides. You'll learn more than you could have imagined possible about everything from trees, to animal spoor, to the rich bird life.
Adult Price: R940.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Durban City Tour - Half Day
Travel along the brand new Golden Mile beach promenade of Durban and move through the City, viewing everything thing from the majestic City Hall, and enjoying its humorous history, to the bustling African/Indian Markets at Warwick Triangle home to nine distinct markets. Visit the fascinating Phansi Museum - home to the largest publicly accessible collection of Southern African artefacts and treasures (Closed on weekends and entrance fee for own account). Then move from culture to nature and visit the peaceful Durban Botanic Gardens founded in 1849. Conclude with a visit to an icon of Kwazulu Natal, the Moses Mabhida Stadium, where you will have the option of experiencing the cable car ride (own account) to the top of the Stadium for that phenomenal view of Durban and its surroundings.
Adult Price: R570.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Ushaka Marine World Tour
Home to Africa's largest dolphinarium, the globally respected Ushaka Marine World entices you to explore the wonders of Africa's vast ocean life. It's a fascinating journey around 30 in- and outdoor themed exhibits, and you won't want to miss the spectacular dolphin, seal and penguin shows. In the aquarium, tank after tank offers a glorious insight into the wealth of South Africa's Indian and Atlantic Ocean marine life, an experience not to be missed.
Adult Price: R766.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
St. Lucia Boat Cruise
All aboard the comfortable Santa Lucia, a spacious double-decker boat on St Lucia Estuary, with ample room for everybody to have the best view possible. We're off on a two-hour relaxed interpretative cruise from the smartest vantage point - the water. We'll get up close to the sight and sounds of hippo, crocodiles and other game species, and if we're lucky, we'll be serenaded by the haunting cry of the fish eagle...perhaps even watch one catch a fish. The boat has a coffee, snack and full bar on board, so relaxation is the order of the day.
Adult Price: R240.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Sani Pass Tour
The Tour departs at 09h30 and takes approx. 2.5 hours to reach the summit, climbing a grand 2874 meters above sea level, stopping at breath taking view sites along the Sani Pass and the two border posts i.e. The South African Border Control and Lesotho Border Control. Once at the Top of the Sani Pass, we enjoy lunch at the highest Pub in Africa - The Sani Mountain Lodge. After lunch the Tour continues into a living Basotho village, where our experienced mountain guide will interest you on Lesotho and its people - the hardy mountainous Basotho folk. Traditional beer and homemade bread offered on request .We wind down the Sani Pass after this cultural experience and arrive back in Underberg between 16h00- 16h30 depending on the wildlife spotted along the way.
Adult Price: R1,153.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 14
Cape Peninsula Tour
Head for Cape Point, the southwestern tip of the beautiful Cape Peninsula. You’ll explore the dramatic coastline and get a glimpse of all the most spectacular views over the deep blue ocean. then meet the adorable penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Watch the fascinating antics of this endangered African penguin species, then go exploring in the Cape Point Nature Reserve, home to incredible wildlife and stunning natural scenery.
Adult Price: R1,300.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 14
Cape Town E Bike Ride with Beach BBQ
Get on two wheels and get out there to see the gorgeous scenery around Cape Town. You’ll hop on an e-bike (electric bicycle) and cruise through the beautiful sandy hills and bushy slopes with your guide, all while spotting the abundant birdlife. Marvel at the stunning views of the coastline, and get a glimpse of Robben Island and iconic Table Mountain, before stopping at sunset for a beach braai (barbecue). Dig your toes into the sand, soak up the glorious sunset, and tuck into South African favourites like 'Braai broodjie' (toasted cheese, tomato & onion sandwich prepared on the braai), mielie (corn on the cob) and boerewors (sausage) with tomato 'smoor' (tomato relish). (This optional is offered weather permitting)
Adult Price: R2,670.00*
* 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.
14 hot buffet breakfasts, 2 lunches (including Be My Guest), 11 dinners
Trip Summary Transport Icon
On-trip Transport
All transport shown
Included Highlights that will delight you
Stays with Stories
Durban's five-star Oyster Box Hotel overlooks Umhlanga's iconic lighthouse and is owned and run by Trafalgar's Tollman family. (Day 6)
Connect with Locals
Immerse yourself in Khoisan and Xhosa culture, tasting their authentic cuisine and learning about their traditions. (Day 11)
Dive into Culture
Connect with Swazi culture during a visit to a local Chief's village. (Day 4) Tour the village of Phezulu and witness a traditional Zulu dance performance (Day 7)
Local Specialist
Private safari game drive in the Kruger National Park
Sightseeing highlights
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See South Africa's wildlife and birds on Safari
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View Blyde River Canyon, God's Window, the Drakensberg mountains and Storms River Mouth
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Visit the Kruger National Park, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Swaziland, Port Elizabeth, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, an Ostrich Farm and the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn, the Bartolomeu Dias Museum in Mossel Bay and Table Mountain by Cable Car
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
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Hand-picked hotels, lodges and luxury safari camps
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Hand-picked Trafalgar Highlights
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Optional Experiences and free time
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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An expert Travel Director, Driver Guide or Trafalgar Representative
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS REVIEWS
Best 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.
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Thora Lynn Weir in MontrealMy Account Icon
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Trip Rating
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5
The tour was very well paced. Not too slow; not too hectic. The optional excursions are a must in my opinion and I would recommend they be added to the itinerary. If I had not taken them, I would have missed out on alot of highlights of this trip. Thanks to both Trafalgar and Thompson’s for this amazing experience.
I have travelling with Trafalgar since 2006 and I would highly recommend this as the best tour I have been on. Our tour director, Craig Olivier was amazing! The love he has for his country really shone through.We all leaned so much about this beautiful country from him. The tour was extremely well organized. The places visited were awesome! It was definitely a trip of a lifetime!
The travel director and the driver made the trip interesting and informative for the small group of 8. The Director gave us knowledge and in depth details on the trivia and history for the different areas we travelled through and what we should expect to see and do each day. His profound knowledge of the 4200 km trip was appreciated by all. This trip was truely THE BEST OF SOUTH AFRICA, as claimed. The driver steered a safe reliable course and also added to the overall experience. The driver went the extra mile to ensure that all of the luggage was loaded and the bus that we travelled in was clean, tidy and well maintained so that that all we had to do was enjoy the sights and sounds that Africa had to offer. Both men were pleasant to be with in spite of their different jobs and worked as a team to make the experience very pleasant and memorable. This was our first Trafalgar experience but not the last. We would rate this trip 10 out of ten.
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Trip Notes
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Complimentary transfers will be available for guests who have provided Trafalgar with their flight details.
Please Note: Guaranteed Room Share and Triple Rooms are not available on this trip.
Christmas Departure: The 14 December 2019 departure will celebrate Christmas in Knysna with a festive meal.
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.
Twin-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 travelling as part of a family group.
Your selected dates have an enhanced itinerary.
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You’ll be travelling in Autumn, Winter or Spring, and this itinerary has been enhanced for you to enjoy the unique experiences these seasons offer.
