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Ultimate South Africa - 18 Days

From £3,662You save £37(1%)

Trip Snapshot

Genders

  • Female58%
  • Male42%

Average age

45
12 Min100 Max

Start / End

  • Cape Town
  • Cape Town

Physical rating

3/5

Group size

1 - 18

Meals included

28

Highlights

  • Begin your epic South African journey in vibrant Cape Town, where you'll ascend the iconic Table Mountain via cable car for unparalleled panoramic views, with plenty of time to explore the city's unique charm.
  • Immerse yourself in the wild heart of South Africa with an extensive exploration of the Greater Kruger Area and Kruger National Park. Enjoy thrilling bush walks, full-day and intimate 4x4 safari drives in pursuit of the magnificent Big Five, complete with unforgettable bush braais and a meaningful visit to the Jane Goodall Institute Chimpanzee Eden.
  • Embark on the famed Garden Route, a breathtaking stretch of diverse landscapes. Experience an exhilarating safari drive through Addo Elephant National Park, home to a vast array of wildlife including its namesake elephants, lions, and rhinos.
  • Discover the natural wonders of Tsitsikamma National Park, a jewel of the Garden Route. Trek through ancient indigenous forests, marvel at the towering 800-year-old Big Tree, and enjoy captivating hikes along its dramatic, beautiful coastline.
  • Unwind in the picturesque town of Knysna, renowned for its stunning estuary. Explore the breathtaking coastal scenery and geological marvels of Robberg Nature Reserve, and discover Knysna's charming waterfront, Thesen Island, and the iconic Knysna Heads.
  • Savour the exquisite beauty of Franschhoek, South Africa's renowned wine country. Enjoy scenic drives through lush vineyards, indulge in delightful wine tastings at local estates, and soak in the relaxed, elegant atmosphere of this gourmet capital before your return to Cape Town.
Recommended before you book

Everything you need to picture the adventure and pack with confidence — in one free PDF.

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.
Free, instant PDF - no obligation

Summary

You can see the best of South Africa in just under three weeks on this epic 18-day adventure from Cape Town and back. Spend a week in Greater Kruger and Kruger National Park with thrilling safari drives and unforgettable bush braais. Then, head south to hit the iconic Garden Route, trekking through national parks and spotting wildlife at every turn. Treat yourself to delicious South African cuisine and raise a glass (or two!) in the vineyards of Franschhoek. Finish your journey right where it began — back in Cape Town — guided every step of the way by your awesome local CEO. It’s the full South African experience, and it’s calling your name.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Cape Town

    Arrive at any time. Attend an evening welcome meeting at the joining hotel before an optional group dinner.

  • Day 2

    Cape Town

    Enjoy breakfast and then depart for Table Mountain. Ride to the top on the cable car and explore the area on hiking trails leading to scenic views before riding back down. Spend the afternoon on your own partaking in one of the many optional activities in the area. Tonight, choose to attend another group dinner to celebrate your beautiful day in this vibrant city.

  • Day 3

    Cape Town/Johannesburg

    Transfer to the airport in the morning and fly from Cape Town to Johannesburg. Enjoy an included Braai dinner to get a taste of South African fare for the next leg of your adventure.

  • Day 4

    Johannesburg/Greater Kruger Area

    Depart Johannesburg early to get a jump start on today's long drive. An included lunch along the way will break up the drive and give you a chance to stretch your legs. Arrive to your lodge accommodations in the late afternoon, just in time to freshen up for dinner with the group.

  • Day 5

    Greater Kruger Area

    Wake up bright and early today for an included safari drive. Take this opportunity to get up close and personal with the incredible nature that surrounds you. Enjoy a picnic lunch after and then a few hours of well earned rest back at the lodge. In the later afternoon set off on another safari drive to view the wildlife in Kruger National Park. When you return, enjoy an included Braai dinner to get a true taste of South African fare.

  • Day 6

    Kruger National Park Area

    Enjoy an early start this morning to enter the park and enjoy the full-day safari drive through Kruger in search of the Big Five. After an exciting day out in the wild, arrive late afternoon to your lodge and enjoy some local fare during dinner this evening.

  • Day 7

    Kruger National Park Area

    Another full day in Kruger awaits. Hop into a 4x4 to enjoy a more intimate wildlife safari drive, one offering a fresh perspective of the scenery and animals around you. Finish the day with a delicious dinner with your fellow travelers.

  • Day 8

    Kruger National Park Area

    Spend a free day in the area and choose which optional activities are best for you. Possible options include a morning or afternoon safari drive in Kruger National Park, or a full-day tour along the Panorama Route to set those photography skills to the test. The route offers unbelievable views at every turn and traverses the Great Escarpment via thrilling mountain passes.

  • Day 9

    Kruger/Johannesburg

    After breakfast at the lodge, witness first-hand the large role conservation plays in Kruger and the surrounding areas on an educational visit to The Jane Goodall Institute Chimpanzee Eden, commonly referred to as Chimp Eden. This animal sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees is located in the Umhloti Nature Reserve and a tour here is the perfect way to celebrate a visit to South Africa. Arrive to the lively city of Johannesburg in the early evening and enjoy a group dinner at the hotel.

  • Day 10

    Johannesburg/Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

    Depart Johannesburg in the morning and board a flight to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Transfer the hotel before a free afternoon in town. Join an optional group dinner in the evening.

  • Day 11

    Day Trip to Addo National Park

    Experience the wildlife and landscapes of Addo Elephant National Park during a morning safari drive with knowledgeable guides in search of rhinos, lions, buffalo, leopards, and of course, elephants. Have a picnic breakfast out in the bush and finish the drive in the afternoon. There will be free time to have lunch in the area before returning to Gqeberha to spend a leisurely evening on your own.

  • Day 12

    Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)/Tsitsikamma

    After breakfast depart for Tsitsikamma National Park, part of the famed Garden Route on the South Coast of South Africa. The area is valued for its diverse natural and cultural heritage. Enjoy a CEO-led hike along the Mouth Trail and wander along a winding boardwalk through the forest. In the afternoon partake in the Big Tree walk with your CEO, which will take you through indigenous forest to an eight hundred-year-old Yellowwood towering over the rest of the canopy. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure.

  • Day 13

    Tsitsikamma

    Enjoy an entire free day in the Tsitsikamma area. Choose between optional activities like, the Woodcutters’ Journey, a tree canopy tour, a seasonal whale watching excursion, or whitewater tubing. Your opportunity to remain active awaits. Have dinner with the group back at the hotel in the evening.

  • Day 14

    Tsitsikamma/Knysna

    In the morning the group will visit the Robberg Nature Reserve featuring stunning coastal scenery and some of the best hiking in the country. Walk along the Gap Circuit and see evidence of the prehistoric break-up of the supercontinent of Gondwanaland some 120 million years ago.

    Travel onwards to Knysna for an orientation drive along the waterfront, through the town centre, to the hip eateries and shops on Thesen Island, and through the lush landscapes of the Knysna Forest full of indigenous trees. Arrive back in town for a free afternoon to enjoy optional activities or to simply relax in the beauty of your surroundings.

  • Day 15

    Knysna

    Breakfast will be had at the hotel before an included visit to The Knysna Heads, which enclose and form the Knysna River Estuary. Visit some of the main attractions on the Eastern Head, walk along a pathway at the foot of the cliffs and learn about the importance of the land to the local population. Spend the remainder of the day as you wish and try some of the optional activities, like an oyster tour which the area is known for.

  • Day 16

    Knysna/Franschhoek

    Rise early for a long, but jam-packed day of epic scenery and unforgettable sights as you drive the more scenic way from Knysna to Franschhoek. First stop is the harbour town of Mossel Bay to visit the lighthouse and walk in the area. Drive along Tradouw Pass next, through the lesser-known gem of Gatplaats Nature Reserve for a short walk and enjoy hilly views to reach the town of Barrydale. Have an included outdoor lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy a wine tasting. Arrive to Franschhoek in the evening and have dinner on your own.

  • Day 17

    Franschhoek

    Start the morning off with a CEO-led orientation walk along Franschhoek’s main street. The remainder of the day is free for optional activities like a guided bike tour Stellenbosch, a history and art tour, or perhaps a winery visit in a region celebrated for its delicious grape varieties. Dinner this evening will be on your own.

  • Day 18

    Franschhoek/Cape Town

    Leave the picturesque winelands of Franschhoek behind this morning and depart for Cape Town. Stop along the way to walk up the city’s iconic Signal Hill and site of the Noon Gun, one of Cape Town’s oldest living traditions. Enjoy the fantastic views from the top and catch a full glimpse of Cape Town's many landmarks. The tour ends upon arrival in Cape Town around 1:30pm.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Hotels (14 nts), Lodges (3 nts)

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 17, Lunches: 4, Dinners: 7

    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

  • Dec 2026

    from £3,662
  • Save 1%
    Thursday 31 Dec 2026to Sunday 17 Jan 2027
    🔥2 spaces of 18 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £3,699£3,662
    Pay MonthlyBest offer
    Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
private departures available

Make this tour private

Every departure on this trip can be booked just for your own group — your dates, your people, the same expert local guides.

What changes when you go private

  • Travel with just your own group
    No other travellers on the trip — just the people you choose to bring
  • Travel on your schedule
    Pick your exact start date—no fixed group departures or rigid timetables.
  • Exclusively for your party
    Enjoy this handcrafted itinerary with a dedicated private guide just for you.
No obligation — we'll come back to you with a quote

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.

Frequently asked questions

  • What are the main highlights of this trip?

    The main highlights include riding the cable car up Table Mountain, enjoying traditional South African braais, embarking on wildlife safari drives in Kruger National Park and Addo National Park, visiting the Jane Goodall Institute’s Chimp Eden, exploring Tsitsikamma National Park, walking in Robberg Nature Reserve, scenic drives along the Garden Route, and experiencing lunch and wine tasting at a vineyard in Barrydale.
  • What types of accommodation are provided on this tour?

    You will stay in Hotels for 14 nights and Lodges for 3 nights. Accommodations are comfortable with en-suite bathrooms and standard facilities, though standards may differ from home countries. Some campsites within national parks may have basic facilities, and some may be open to the natural environment.
  • What meals are included in this trip?

    The tour includes 17 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 7 dinners.
  • How will we travel between destinations?

    Transportation between destinations will primarily be via private local bus, offering comfort with air conditioning and sliding windows. Safari drives will be conducted in safari vehicles, and there will be opportunities for walking. Road conditions in South Africa are generally good.
  • Are international and local flights included in the tour cost?

    International flights are generally not included. However, any local flights noted on the tour operator itinerary for this tour are included in the tour services provided.
  • What is the maximum group size for this tour?

    The maximum group size for this tour is 18 travelers.
  • Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

    Solo travelers joining group trips are paired in shared accommodation with someone of the same sex and typically do not involve a single supplement. If you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.
  • What is the physical rating for this tour?

    This tour has a physical rating of 3.
  • What health considerations should I be aware of before traveling?

    It is recommended to contact your physician or local travel clinic at least a month before departure for up-to-date health information and recommended inoculations. A valid Yellow Fever Certificate is compulsory if traveling to South Africa from a Yellow Fever endemic country, and malaria prevention medication is recommended for regions where malaria is present.
  • What are the general safety guidelines for this trip?

    Always look after your personal items, avoid displaying valuables, keep important documents locked in your room/safe, carry bottled water, and always view animals from the safety of your vehicle. When in cities at night, it's recommended to stay in small groups and use taxis. Participating in water-based activities should only be done when accompanied by a guide(s).
  • What optional activities are available on this trip?

    Optional activities include Sandboarding Half Day Tour and Hout Bay Kayaking Half Day Tour in Cape Town, Kruger National Park Full Day Wildlife Safari Drive, a full-day tour along the Panorama Route, the Woodcutters’ Journey, a tree canopy tour, seasonal whale watching, or whitewater tubing in Tsitsikamma, and oyster tours or guided bike tours/history & art tours/winery visits in Franschhoek/Stellenbosch.
  • What are the tipping guidelines for this trip?

    Tipping is expected, though not compulsory, as an expression of appreciation. Suggested guidelines per person: $5-8 USD per day for the CEO, $2-3 USD per day for local guides/safari guide/driver, and 10-15% of the bill for restaurant staff.
  • What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

    The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). US Dollars (notes newer than 2006), British Pounds, and Euros are easily exchangeable. ATMs are available in major centers but can be unreliable elsewhere. Visa/Plus system cards are most widely accepted, while Mastercard/Cirrus cards are harder to find machines for. Credit cards are accepted in major cities but often incur a 5-10% fee. A combination of foreign currency cash and debit/credit cards for cash advances is best. Travelers' cheques are not recommended.
  • Is travel insurance mandatory for this trip?

    Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. It must cover medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation with a minimum coverage of USD200,000. Coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage is also strongly recommended. Evidence of insurance must be sighted by your leader.
  • Who will be leading the group on this tour?

    A CEO (Chief Experience Officer) will lead the group throughout the tour, supported by local guides for specific activities.
  • Where can I do my laundry during the trip?

    Please ask your guide/CEO to arrange laundry services where available. They will advise guests accordingly, in advance if guests want to do laundry.
  • What is Planeterra?

    Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism, protecting the environment, and integrating their projects into itineraries globally.
  • Who should I contact for arrival issues or in case of an emergency?

    For immediate assistance, contact the tour operator's Local Representative in South Africa at +27 713823286. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, leave a detailed message. Global emergency contact numbers are also available for specific regions.
  • What is the minimum age requirement for this tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 12 years old.
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