Best of South Africa Summer 2019

15 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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USTOA

Group Tour
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.

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

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 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

What's this trip about?

    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.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityJohannesburg
End CityCape Town

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Africa
  • South Africa
  • South Africa

Attractions

  • Kruger National Park

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Johannesburg

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.

Day 2: 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.

Day 3: Kruger National Park Safari Game Drive

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 waitin...

Day 4: Kruger National Park Area – Mbabane (Swaziland)

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.

Day 5: Mbabane (Swaziland) – Hluhluwe

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.

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, w...

Day 7: Durban (Umhlanga Rocks) – Southern Drakensberg Mountains (2 Nights)

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.

Day 8: 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.

Day 9: Southern Drakensberg Mountains – Eastern Cape Beaches

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.

Day 10: Eastern Cape Beaches – Port Elizabeth

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.

Day 11: 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 arr...

Day 12: Oudtshoorn Excursion

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.

Day 13: Knysna – Mossel Bay – Cape Town (2 Nights)

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 Swelle...

Day 14: Cape Town Free Day

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.

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.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,195
Price per day$346
Last Updated: 9/6/2019

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Trafalgar.

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.

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Trafalgar Reviews & Ratings

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Trafalgar

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At Trafalgar, we passionately believe in the power of travel to broaden the mind and build bridges between people. By sharing with you the hidden places not mentioned in guidebooks, the local people you wouldn’t otherwise meet, and the traditions you may not have experienced by yourself, we ensure that you get the ‘insider’ view, an authentic and enhanced experience you simply could not have had on your own.

It is this dedication to taking our guests beyond the obvious sights that has helped us grow over the past 65 years into one of the most trusted and successful international guided vacation/holiday companies in the world. From Europe to the United States, South America to South Africa, and with the recent addition of Asia, we pride ourselves on uncovering the hidden gems, cultural highlights and not-to-be-missed attractions of the places you visit. We’ll help you delve deep into the heart of each city and capture the true essence of each new destination.

We are committed to establishing lasting relationships with our guests by exceeding their expectations the first time and every time, through consistently outstanding quality of service, experience and value.

We're proud to be the most globally awarded guided travel company. Every year, we win some of the most prestigious travel accolades around the world – from the Travel Globes to the Agents' Choice Awards. We've collected 46 major travel awards over the last five years alone, as well as the Gold Trusted Merchant Award from independent reviews provider Feefo.

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About the company:

As the world’s most awarded and loved travel company, Trafalgar unlocks the best of the world for every traveller. From the iconic sites to breaking bread with locals at private Be My Guest experiences, guests can be assured of a dream holiday without the stress of 'what ifs'. Committed to Make Travel Matter, Trafalgar aims to make a positive impact on locals, communities and wildlife visited, and the planet we call home. With tried and tested tours, created by local travel experts in destination and enjoyed by more than 5million happy guests, Trafalgar’s proud to be recognised by its Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award.

Trafalgar is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.

 

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Tours and experiences that include everything from the iconic sites to breaking bread with locals, guided by expert travel directors.

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Logistics

Accommodation

The PortsWood,
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
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Meals Included
  • 14 hot buffet breakfasts
  • 2 lunches
  • 11 dinners
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
  • Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
  • Hand-picked hotels, lodges and luxury safari camps
  • Hand-picked Trafalgar Highlights
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • An expert Travel Director, Driver Guide or Trafalgar Representative
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Trip ID
trafalgar-AFSAN14

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