Best of South Africa
Best of South Africa
Best of South Africa
15 Days Starting in Johannesburg, South Africa and ending in Cape Town, South Africa
Visiting: Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Mbabane, Hluhluwe, Durban, Drakensberg Mountains, Drakensberg, Chintsa, Gqeberha, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, Cape Town
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AFSAZN19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Southern Africa with the "Best of South Africa" tour. This immersive experience takes you from the vibrant city of Johannesburg to the iconic Table Mountain in Cape Town, exploring the diverse landscapes and cultures of South Africa, Eswatini, and Lesotho. Discover the breathtaking beauty of Kruger National Park, the Drakensberg Mountains, and the stunning coastline of the Eastern Cape. Engage with local cultures, from the Xhosa traditions in Knysna to the Swazi customs in Eswatini. Enjoy a mix of guided tours and leisure time, with opportunities for optional experiences like a 4x4 Sani Pass drive or a sunset cruise in Knysna. With a blend of traditional meals, including a Be My Guest experience, and the freedom to explore local cuisines, this tour offers a rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and flavors, culminating in a farewell dinner in Cape Town.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Johannesburg
Location: Johannesburg
Accommodation: The Maslow
Accommodation Name: The Maslow
Meals Included: Dinner
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 travelers for a Welcome Dinner.
Day 2: Journey To The Kruger National Park Area
Location: Kruger National Park
Accommodation: Sabi River Sun Resort
Accommodation Name: Sabi River Sun Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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: Safari In Kruger National Park
Location: Kruger National Park
Accommodation: Sabi River Sun Resort
Accommodation Name: Sabi River Sun Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 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.
Day 4: Onwards To Eswatini Dive Into Culture
Location: Mbabane
Accommodation: Royal Swazi Spa
Accommodation Name: Royal Swazi Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 5: Head To Hluhluwe
Location: Hluhluwe
Accommodation: Anew
Accommodation Name: Anew
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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: Venture To Durban (Umhlanga Rocks) Stays With Stories
Location: Durban
Accommodation: The Oyster Box
Accommodation Name: The Oyster Box
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 7: Make Tracks For The Drakensberg Mountains
Location: Drakensberg Mountains
Accommodation: Premier Resort Sani Pass
Accommodation Name: Premier Resort Sani Pass
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 .
Day 8: A Day In The Drakensberg
Location: Drakensberg
Accommodation: Premier Resort Sani Pass
Accommodation Name: Premier Resort Sani Pass
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 meters for lunch at Africa’s highest pub in Lesotho, or alternatively relax down here on earth amidst the Drakensberg’s lofty peaks.
Day 9: On The Road To The Eastern Cape Beaches
Location: Chintsa
Accommodation: Crawfords Beach Lodge
Accommodation Name: Crawfords Beach Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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: Travel To Gqeberha
Location: Gqeberha
Accommodation: Boardwalk
Accommodation Name: Boardwalk
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake to the sound of the ocean and spend time admiring pristine natural surrounds before we begin our journey to Gqeberha. Once a British settlement known as Port Elizabeth, 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: On To Tsitsikamma National Park And Knysna Connect With Locals
Location: Tsitsikamma National Park
Accommodation: Knysna Hollow Country Estate
Accommodation Name: Knysna Hollow Country Estate
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 insights into Xhosa culture. Host Ella will share her life story and reveal the meaning behind some of the local songs that will accompany your traditional Xhosa meal. The visit also contributes towards supporting Ella's work in the local community and is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Our final stop today is the picturesque lagoon setting of 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.
Day 12: Knysna Your Way
Location: Knysna
Accommodation: Knysna Hollow Country Estate
Accommodation Name: Knysna Hollow Country Estate
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 the lagoon’s Western Head. This evening, why not join an Optional Experience sunset cruise to the Knysna Heads and see where the Indian Ocean crashes against their towering sandstone cliffs?
Day 13: Continue To Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation: Southern Sun The Cullinan
Accommodation Name: Southern Sun The Cullinan
Meals Included: Breakfast
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).
Day 14: Cape Town Your Way
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation: Southern Sun The Cullinan
Accommodation Name: Southern Sun The Cullinan
Meals Included: Breakfast
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, sample the Cape’s finest wines in the Cape Winelands or visit infamous Robben Island. Spend your final evening at a Farewell Dinner with your traveling companions indulging in delicious Cape Malay specialty dishes.
Day 15: Farewell Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Meals Included: Breakfast
We bid a fond farewell to Cape Town after breakfast. Explore the city on your terms before your transfer to Cape Town International Airport. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes 14 breakfasts, 9 dinners, 1 lunch, 1 Be My Guest experience, and 1 farewell dinner.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various hotels and lodges throughout the tour, including The Maslow, Sabi River Sun Resort, Royal Swazi Spa, Anew, The Oyster Box, Premier Resort Sani Pass, Crawfords Beach Lodge, Boardwalk, Knysna Hollow Country Estate, and Southern Sun The Cullinan.
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Transportation
Transportation is provided for all included activities and transfers during the tour.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours and experiences are included, such as a safari in Kruger National Park and a visit to a Swazi Chief's village.
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Cultural Experiences
Cultural experiences include a Be My Guest experience in Knysna and a visit to a Swazi Chief's village.
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Scenic Drives
Scenic drives are included along routes such as Mpumalanga's Panorama Route and the Valley of 1000 Hills.
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Sightseeing
Sightseeing includes visits to Bourke's Luck Potholes, Tsitsikamma National Park, and Table Mountain by cable car.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from the start and end points of the tour are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Some Meals
Not all meals are covered, providing you the opportunity to explore local cuisines on your own.
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Optional Experiences
Costs for optional experiences and excursions are not included, allowing you to customize your journey.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, mini-bar, and room service are not included.
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Visa Fees
Any applicable visa fees are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel through South Africa and Eswatini with seamless transfers, including airport pickups and scenic drives. Enjoy the comfort of guided transportation as you explore iconic destinations like Kruger National Park, the Drakensberg Mountains, and the Garden Route, with optional 4x4 game drives and cruises available.
Accommodation
Experience a variety of accommodations throughout your journey, including The Maslow in Johannesburg, Sabi River Sun Resort near Kruger National Park, Royal Swazi Spa in Eswatini, and the luxurious Oyster Box in Durban. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Premier Resort Sani Pass, Crawfords Beach Lodge, and Knysna Hollow Country Estate, culminating at Southern Sun The Cullinan in Cape Town.
Check out our Q&As
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to a Swazi Chief's village in Eswatini where you can learn about the community's way of life and sample local dishes. In Knysna, you will have a 'Be My Guest' experience where you can learn about Xhosa culture, including language and songs, and enjoy a traditional meal.
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Are there any opportunities to see wildlife during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a safari in Kruger National Park where you can look out for the 'Big 5' and other wildlife. There is also an optional 4x4 game drive in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park.
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What are some of the scenic highlights of the tour?
The tour features scenic drives through Mpumalanga's Panorama Route, including views of Blyde River Canyon and God's Window. You will also travel through the Valley of 1000 Hills and visit the Drakensberg Mountains.
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What unique dining experiences are offered on the tour?
The tour includes a traditional South African braai in Hluhluwe and a Curry Buffet at the Oyster Box Hotel in Durban. In Knysna, you will enjoy a traditional Xhosa meal during the 'Be My Guest' experience.
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What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities include a 4x4 Sani Pass drive in the Drakensberg Mountains, a morning cruise on Lake St. Lucia, and a sunset cruise to the Knysna Heads. You can also explore the Featherbed Nature Reserve or take a tour around the Cape Peninsula.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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