South Africa Explorer - 14 Days

From £2,165

Trip Snapshot

Age range

10 - 100

Start / End

  • Cape Town
  • Johannesburg

Physical rating

2/5

Group size

1 - 50

Meals included

25

Highlights

  • Cape Town - Explore South Africa’s stunning coastal city and enjoy a traditional braai at a local winery
  • Cape Winelands - Sample renowned local wines while travelling through one of the country’s premier wine regions
  • Stellenbosch - Stroll through a historic university town famed for its Cape Dutch architecture and vineyards
  • Hermanus - Experience the charm of this picturesque seaside town renowned for marine wildlife and coastal scenery
  • Swellendam - Discover one of South Africa’s oldest towns, rich in Cape Dutch heritage and character
  • Botlierskop Private Game Reserve - Encounter rhinos, lions, giraffes and other wildlife on an exciting safari drive
  • Knysna - Enjoy the vibrant waterfront and natural beauty of this Garden Route favourite
  • Tsitsikamma National Park - Explore lush forests, dramatic coastlines and suspension bridges in this natural wonderland
  • Storms River Mouth - Walk scenic coastal trails and cross the iconic suspension bridge above the river gorge
  • Route 62 - Journey through breathtaking mountain landscapes along one of South Africa’s most scenic drives
  • Kruger National Park - Search for the Big Five and other iconic wildlife on unforgettable safari game drives
  • Blyde River Canyon - Marvel at one of the world’s largest green canyons from spectacular viewpoints
  • Bourke’s Luck Potholes - Witness remarkable rock formations carved by centuries of swirling water
  • Three Rondavels - Admire sweeping views across the dramatic Blyde River Canyon landscape
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What's inside the PDF

  • Day-by-day itinerary
    Every day mapped out, covering activities, travel times, meals and where you'll stay.
  • Packing & kit list
    Exactly what to bring, from clothing and essentials to luggage guidelines and what's available to hire locally.
  • What's included
    Accommodation, transport, guides and meals, so you can see exactly what your price covers.
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Summary

Embark on a captivating journey through South Africa, starting in the vibrant city of Cape Town, where you will explore iconic landmarks and savour a traditional braai amidst the enchanting melodies of African drumming. Delight in a scenic drive through the renowned Cape Winelands and the picturesque towns of Stellenbosch and Hermanus, followed by thrilling wildlife encounters at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve and the lush landscapes of the Garden Route. Venture into the breathtaking Tsitsikamma Forest and cross the thrilling Storms River suspension bridge, before continuing to Oudtshoorn for a unique ostrich farm encounter and a fascinating underground tour of the Cango Caves. Conclude your adventure with thrilling safaris in Kruger National Park, and awe-inspiring views along the Panorama Route, culminating in a visit to the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon in the Drakensberg Mountains.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Cape Town City Tour & Traditional Winery Braai

    Welcome to Cape Town, known as the 'Mother City' for its stunning landscapes and rich history. As one of South Africa's three official capitals and its oldest city, Cape Town offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Once you’ve met your tour leader at the hotel, we’ll dive into an engaging orientation tour.

    Explore the vibrant cityscape with visits to key sites such as Signal Hill, District Six, and the Company's Garden, providing a glimpse into Cape Town's past and present. After some time to relax, regroup at the hotel for a delectable dinner at a local winery. Savour a buffet braai, a traditional South African barbecue, accompanied by an exhilarating Drumstuck performance, showcasing the rhythmic art of African drumming.

  • Day 2

    Free Day in Cape Town & Optional Cape Peninsula Discovery

    Enjoy a free day in Cape Town, with countless opportunities to explore at your own pace. Consider visiting iconic sites like Robben Island, Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, or the Two Oceans Aquarium. Alternatively, you can opt for our Cape Peninsula Day Trip.

    Travel along the picturesque route to Cape Point, and visit the charming penguins at Boulders Beach. Lunch is arranged in the quaint setting of Kalk Bay. Afterwards, continue your day as you wish, or join us for a stop at the V&A Waterfront, renowned for its shopping, dining, and lively local performances.

  • Day 3

    Stellenbosch Wine Tasting & Scenic Drive to Hermanus

    Discover the allure of the Cape Winelands! Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, then embark on a scenic journey through this renowned wine region. Our first stop is Stellenbosch, a charming university town known for its well-preserved Cape Dutch architecture. Here, you have time to explore the quaint art galleries, eclectic bistros, and unique boutiques.

    For lunch, we head to a local vineyard set amidst breathtaking scenery, where you'll savour a selection of wines, including the distinctive South African Pinotage. As we continue our route, take in the awe-inspiring coastal views on our way to Hermanus, where we will spend the night.

    This evening, enjoy free time to explore Hermanus, a picturesque seaside town famous for whale watching and stunning walks along its rugged coastline.

  • Day 4

    Hermanus Wildlife Experiences & Mossel Bay via Swellendam

    Embark on a scenic journey along the stunning Garden Route today. Start your morning in Hermanus, where you'll have free time to explore or you may opt for one of two excursions: the Marine Eco Big 5 Trip, offering the chance to spot whales, sharks, seals, penguins, and dolphins, or a Craft Beer and Seafood Pairing Experience at a popular waterfront eatery.

    We then travel to Swellendam, renowned as South Africa’s third-oldest town, brimming with Cape Dutch architecture. Our next stop is the picturesque harbour town of Mossel Bay. We conclude the day with an included dinner at the hotel.

  • Day 5

    Botlierskop Safari, Knysna Waterfront & Tsitsikamma

    Today, we delve deeper into the wonders of the Garden Route. Our morning begins at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, where we embark on an unforgettable African safari. Capture memories as we encounter impalas, wildebeests, rhinos, lions, giraffes, and more.

    Next, we head to the charming seaside town of Knysna. You'll have free time to explore local shops and choose a spot for lunch, ideally near the vibrant waterfront for a scenic dining experience.

    In the afternoon, enjoy close encounters with the region's wildlife by opting to wander among monkeys at Monkeyland or visit Birds of Eden, the world's largest free-flight aviary and bird sanctuary.

    We conclude the day with an included dinner, after which you can unwind and enjoy a relaxing evening.

  • Day 6

    Tsitsikamma National Park & Storms River Exploration

    Today we delve into the great outdoors with a visit to the Tsitsikamma Forest, a section of the renowned Garden Route National Park. This area, characterised by its rivers, ravines, mountains, and woodlands, is perfect for adventure.

    This morning, enjoy exploring at your own pace or opt for thrilling optional activities. You can try a tree-top canopy tour, embark on a Kayak and Lilo Adventure, or take the scenic Woodcutters Trail Drive.

    Later, we'll head to the Storms River Mouth in Tsitsikamma National Park. Here, experience a stunning coastal hike and, if you're feeling brave, cross the 77-metre Storms River suspension bridge. Choose a spot by the ocean for a relaxing lunch break.

  • Day 7

    Route 62 Scenic Drive, Ostrich Farm Visit & Cango Caves

    Today we leave the Garden Route and set off on the picturesque Route 62. Our journey through the Langkloof Valley, nestled between the Kouga and Tsitsikamma Mountains, promises breathtaking views. Our destination is Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of South Africa.

    Upon arrival, we’ll embark on a guided tour of a working ostrich farm, where you’ll learn what makes these remarkable birds unique. Following the tour, we’ll enjoy a three-course lunch showcasing local cuisine.

    In the afternoon, we delve into the Cango Caves on a guided walk. Experience the awe-inspiring dripstone formations, formed over 20 million years. To end the day, savour a traditional buffet dinner.

  • Day 8

    Cape Winelands Cheese & Wine Tasting Return to Cape Town

    This morning, we embark on a scenic drive back to Cape Town via Route 62, known for its charming stops. Our first halt is a rest break at a delightful restaurant along the way. We then continue to Robertson, a renowned winemaking region, where we will enjoy a complimentary lunch.

    Next, we journey to Paarl in the Cape Winelands, celebrated for its esteemed wineries. Here, we will indulge in a cheese and wine tasting session, exploring the region's rich viticulture. Upon arrival at the hotel in Cape Town, you’ll have a free evening to discover the city at your leisure. Whether you choose to wander the lively Camps Bay or savour the diverse culinary scene at the city's many fantastic restaurants and bars is entirely up to you.

  • Day 9

    Flight to Johannesburg & Transfer to Kruger Region

    Our adventure begins with an early start as we head to Cape Town's airport for an included flight to Johannesburg, known as the "City of Gold" in Gauteng province. Later, we’ll make our way to Mpumalanga province in eastern South Africa. Upon arrival, we'll settle into our accommodation located on the border of Kruger National Park. In the evening, enjoy a group dinner, included in your itinerary.

  • Day 10

    Full-Day Kruger National Park Safari

    Join us for an exhilarating full-day game drive through Kruger National Park, renowned for its stunning wildlife and home to the legendary Big Five: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos. As we traverse the park, keep your eyes peeled for cheetahs, wild dogs, and a variety of other remarkable animals that inhabit this vast landscape.

    We'll stop at notable rest camps such as Skukuza, Tshokwane, and Satara as we make our way westward toward our safari lodge. Here, you'll settle in for a multi-night stay. In the evening, unwind by the lodge pool, perhaps with a refreshing drink in hand, before enjoying an included dinner.

  • Day 11

    Free Day with Optional Kruger Safari Adventures

    Today, we immerse ourselves further into the wonders of Kruger National Park. Join us for a full-day safari led by expert local guides, as we explore prime spots like waterholes and rest camps known for excellent game viewing. Keep an eye out for the diverse array of antelope, birds, and other wildlife.

    With Kruger hosting 114 reptile species, 507 bird varieties, and 147 types of mammals, there's abundant opportunity to witness African wildlife in its natural setting. After a thrilling day in the park, you can unwind with a refreshing dip in the pool, followed by a delightful African-style dinner.

  • Day 12

    Flexible Safari Experiences & Bush Dinner Under the Stars

    Today offers a wealth of safari options. Choose from a full-day, half-day, or sunrise game drive, each guided by an expert who will help us track wildlife as they begin their search for food. In the evening, savour your last African dinner amidst the bush, complete with campfire festivities. As you enjoy the warmth of the fire, sip on Amarula, a liqueur made from the indigenous Marula fruit, and share your favourite South African stories.

  • Day 13

    Panorama Route, Blyde River Canyon & Return to Johannesburg

    We bid farewell to Kruger National Park as we set off to explore the Mpumalanga province via the scenic Panorama Route. Our first stop is the Three Rondavels viewpoint, where we’ll take in the stunning vistas of the Blyde River Canyon, one of the world's largest green canyons, nestled in the Drakensberg Mountains.

    Next, we’ll visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes, a fascinating geological site at the start of the Blyde River Canyon, where you can see the unique formations of potholes and plunge pools carved out by water erosion. On clear days, enjoy views that stretch as far as Kruger National Park and Mozambique.

    Our journey concludes as we head back to Johannesburg for a memorable farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.

  • Day 14

    Departure from Johannesburg

    After breakfast, the South Africa Escape tour comes to a close. Enjoy this final meal with your fellow travellers before heading off on your separate journeys. You may opt for an additional excursion to visit Soweto, a lively township renowned for its rich history and cultural significance. Alternatively, explore the dynamic city of Johannesburg, affectionately known as Jozi, at your own leisure.

What's Included

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 13, Lunches: 3, Dinners: 9

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • Aug 2026

    from £2,176
  • Sep 2026

    from £2,430
  • Oct 2026

    from £2,176
  • Nov 2026

    from £2,268
  • Jan 2027

    from £2,165
  • Mar 2027

    from £2,165
  • Apr 2027

    from £2,165
  • May 2027

    from £2,165
  • Jun 2027

    from £2,165
  • Jul 2027

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  • Aug 2027

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  • Sep 2027

    from £2,317
  • Oct 2027

    from £2,165
  • Nov 2027

    from £2,165
  • Dec 2027

    from £2,165
  • Sunday 17 Jan 2027to Saturday 30 Jan 2027
    6+ spaces of 50 left
    £2,165
    Pay MonthlyBest offer
    Book for£350 today, pay the rest later

Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

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