Best of South Africa

Overview
Highlights
- SEE South Africa's wildlife and birds on safari
- VIEW Blyde River Canyon, God's Window, the Drakensberg mountains and Storms River Mouth
- VISIT Bourke's Luck Potholes, Kruger National Park, eSwatini (formerly Swaziland), Port Elizabeth, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna and Table Mountain by Cable Car
- Connect with Locals
- Dive into Culture
- Local Specialist
- Stays with Stories
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
Itinerary
Your seamless South African journey begins with an 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.
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.
Connect with nature and explore South Africa's oldest and most iconic national park in the company of a 'Local Specialist'. Uncover the secrets of the bushveld and keep a look out for the magnificent 'Big 5', the Little 5 and everything in between. See the glistening ...
Travel to landlocked eSwatini. 'Dive Into Culture' during a visit to a 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.
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.
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, w...
Venture through the scenic Valley of 1000 Hills bound for the spectacular escarpment that winds north from the Eastern Cape to Mpumalanga. The Underberg's vibrant arts and crafts scene and stunning setting provide a beautiful backdrop for a morning drive. You'll continue to the foothills of the iconic Sani Pass where you'll have the rest of the afternoon at leisure and stay overnight .
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.
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.
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. 'Connect With Locals' during a 'Be My Guest' experience in Knysna, where you'll learn a few key Xhosa phrases and gain...
You'll have a free day to explore the jewel of the Garden Route. Start your day with a leisurely coffee in the Knysna Quays overlooking the lagoon, then consider an Optional Experience to Featherbed Nature Reserve including a drive through the reserve to the top of th...
Leave the Garden Route behind bound for the Mother City. You'll wind your way through vibrant coastal towns and the Cape Winelands before arriving in Cape Town later this afternoon. Head straight to the most iconic site in the city and visit Table Mountain by cable car (weather permitting).
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. Or consider joining one of our Optional Experiences to tour around the scenic Cape Peninsula...
We bid a fond farewell to Cape Town after breakfast. Explore the city on your terms before your transfer to Cape Town International Airport.
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Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Trafalgar Reviews & Ratings
Laura Smith
Dec 2022
Best of South Africa
SOUTH AFRICA IS BEAUTIFUL. Siboni, travel director, and Ricky, Driver, were great. BUT THIS IS NOT UP TO TRAFALGAR STANDARDS THAT MANY OF US WHO HAD TRAVELED MANY TI...
Monica Edmonds
Oct 2022
Best of South Africa
The second week we spent too much time on the bus. We spent 3 days, of the second week, traveling 6 or more hours per day which is too much time sitting. The time sp...
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