Best of South Africa
From CAD $12,211
Guarantee
Group Tour
Easy
Rating
(10 reviews)
Experience Overview
Connect with the culture of South Africa as you travel from the north to south to encounter the legacy of Mandela and the cosmopolitan spirit of Cape Town. Then, the power and beauty of Africa’s wilderness is revealed as you take in the thrill of Victoria Falls and visit Chobe National Park, Botswana’s home of the elephants.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 12 Dinner (D)
- 17 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Lunch (L)
- 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
Be My Guest
- Knysna: Join host Ella and friends for a traditional meal and insights into the local Xhosa culture, including traditional dress, language and songs.
Dive into Culture
- Eswatini: Step into the heart of Eswatini’s vibrant culture on a guided tour of a Swazi Chief’s village. You’ll feel the energy of this community as you watch an energetic dance performance, taste local pap and stew, and roll up your sleeves for a hands-on drumming class with the villagers.
Iconic Experience
- Victoria Falls: Admire the cascading waters at Victoria Falls.
- Chobe National Park: Have the experience of a lifetime as you explore Botswana's Chobe National Park.
- Hazyview: Take in the magnificent sights of Kruger National Park Area on your scenic drive.
- Kruger National Park: Travel to the most iconic national park in South Africa and marvel at its wildlife.
- Durban: Enjoy the views of the tropical east coast hub in Durban.
- Mpumalanga: Bask in the beautiful views of the Valley of 1000 Hills on your scenic drive.
- Chintsa: Venture along the beautiful coast of Xunu and discover its rich historic roots.
- Gqeberha: Spend the day exploring Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth, and all of its wonders.
- Cape Town: Discover the iconic sights in Cape Town.
- Victoria Falls: Experience the beauty of Africa's islands on your Zambezi River Cruise.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Knysna: Emzini is a not-for-profit organization supporting the local community providing education, food, clothing and a safe place to live. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 1 & 4: No Poverty & Quality Education.
Must-see Highlights
- Visit Bourke's Luck Potholes, Kruger National Park, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna and Table Mountain by cable car (weather permitting) in Cape Town
- View Blyde River Canyon, God's Window, the Drakensberg mountains and Storms River Mouth, South Africa's wildlife and birds on safari
- See South Africa's wildlife and birds on safari
- Explore Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park with a Local Specialist
Trafalgar Difference
- Durban: Durban’s award-winning, five-star Oyster Box Hotel is one of South Africa’s finest. Enjoy unmatched service, elegant charm, a garden terrace, and stunning ocean views over Umhlanga Beach and Lighthouse.
Trip Details
Product Code: 34612
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 375.2167B
Starts: Johannesburg, South Africa
Finishes: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), Zimbabwe
Duration: 18 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Whats Included
- Flight from Cape Town to Victoria Falls
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $12,211 ($678 /day)
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 travelers for a Welcome Dinner.
Accommodation: The Maslow
Meals: 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.
Accommodation: Sabi River Sun Resort
Meals: 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.
Accommodation: Sabi River Sun Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to landlocked Eswatini and get a real feel for the local culture. You’ll visit a Swazi Chief’s village, meet the community and learn about their way of life, before sampling some of the local pap and stew. Admire their striking crimson traditional dress up close and feel the beat of this vibrant culture with a spirited drumming class. You’ll come away with a deeper connection to the villagers and their traditions.
Accommodation: Royal Swazi Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, 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 (weather dependent) – a perfect way to end the day.
Accommodation: Anew
Meals: 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.
Accommodation: The Oyster Box
Meals: 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 .
Accommodation: Premier Resort Sani Pass
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy the freedom to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site your way. You might choose to join an Optional Experience and head off-road on a 4x4 Sani Pass adventure, climbing to 2,874 m (9,429 ft) and crossing into Lesotho. Stop to take in the incredible mountain views from Africa’s highest pub, before enjoying lunch at another local spot en route. Prefer to keep things low-key? Stay grounded and soak up the Drakensberg’s dramatic beauty at your own pace.
Accommodation: Premier Resort Sani Pass
Meals: 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.
Accommodation: Crawfords Beach Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Boardwalk
Meals: 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.
Accommodation: Knysna Hollow Country Estate
Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest
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.
Accommodation: Knysna Hollow Country Estate
Meals: 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).
Accommodation: Southern Sun The Cullinan
Meals: 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.
Accommodation: Southern Sun The Cullinan
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Welcome to Zimbabwe! Meet your Trafalgar representative on arrival at Victoria Falls Airport and transfer to your accommodation. Buckle up for an exhilarating small group encounter with Victoria Falls, an untamed natural wonder that has captured the imagination of explorers and adventurers since David Livingstone declared it the most wonderful sight he had seen in Africa. Board a cruise and navigate one of Africa’s mightiest rivers, cruising past islands of basking crocodile and hippo pods lazing in the waning African sun, before returning to your lodge for dinner.
Accommodation: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Join a Local Specialist on a guided tour of the world's largest waterfall. Admire the powerful curtain of water from various vantage points in Zimbabwe – feel the fine spray and hear the thunderous roar as water crashes over a hundred meters into a swirling mass in the gorge below. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure with the sound of the 'Smoke that Thunders' never far from your ears. Tonight you may choose to join an Optional Experience Boma dinner and interactive drum show.
Accommodation: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cross the Botswana border for a day-trip into Chobe National Park, where large herds of African elephant roam. Board your Chobe River cruise, watching herds of elephant and buffalo come to the edge of the river to drink. See the flash of a kingfisher hovering over the water to catch its next meal, then enjoy an included lunch at Chobe Safari Lodge on the banks of the mighty Chobe River. Later return to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge for your last night in Zimbabwe.
Accommodation: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We bid farewell to the 'Smoke that Thunders' and return to Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls Airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Trafalgar (CA)
Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Kevin K. - Traveled, September 2024
An experience of a lifetime. I have been on 14 tours with Trafalgar. I have never had a bad experience. Trafalgar is my # 1 choice when it comes to seeing the world. Best of South Africa exceeded all my expectations. Craig, the tour director was very knowledgeable and well organized. The bus was comfortable and our driver, Ricky, did a great job. The hotels were all good, with a couple of them outstanding. The day spent at Kruger National Park was an experience of a lifetime. I also enjoyed the river cruise observing the hippo’s. I would highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting to visit South Africa.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/18/2024
Carrol Helander - Traveled, June 2024
South Africa and Kenya best adventure for the first timers to Africa. The airport meets and airport deliveries are great. I had a problem with my flight leaving South Africa to travel to Kenya. Trafalgar staff stayed with me and assisted to sort things out. All staff very helpful. Love the service. Trafalgar offers a great wrap around service from pick up to drop off airport to airport. There could have been more descriptive information about the places we stopped at. The hotels for the most part were fantastic, comfortable and roomy. Food was for the most part great. downside was the choice of guide. I understand he came on board at the last minute but his attitude and enthusiasm for the tour was second rate despite saying he had done that itinerary many times.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/16/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, May 2024
No Lodges but at least 4 star hotels to stay. We need better hotels then this very important specially for seniors except for 2 hotels most of the hotels were Not hotels but unsafe uncomfortable lodges- not even 3 star much less. The steps were outside and the inn was dark and was slippery in rain. Some didn't have even a phone and was leaking all night. Inside was wet. The Crawford Beach Lodge my main complaint. After a long tiring day, I want to rest well in comfort, the Crawford Beach lodge was very very bad and leaked all night and wet in side. Outside dark and many slippery stairs. Unsafe specially for seniors.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/17/2024
Julie Campos - Traveled, April 2024
Awesome Trip - just go!! Highly Recommended! ! Tour Director *Personal information removed by Feefo* was top notch - providing us with wonderful information along the way, as well as being caring and attending to each person on our tour. His knowledge and love of his home country is evident, and having him at the helm only enhanced the experience. His patience, steady demeanor and laid-back personality made this trip very enjoyable for everyone. Our driver, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, also did a fantastic job - dodging animals crossing the highway, climbing narrow streets, and parking in tight places masterfully. The hotels we stayed at were some of the best I’ve ever stayed at in my life, especially The Oyster Box in Port Elizabeth. Well-done, Trafalgar! This is a wonderful, comprehensive, and extensive itinerary that covers some main highlights of South Africa, from Johannesburg to Cape Town. It covered two game drives to see animals in their natural habitats (unbelievably surreal!), beautiful mountain scenery, incredible beaches (and beach sunrises!), a river cruise to see hippos, a tour to a South township in Knysna, a glass-blowing factory, a hand-carved candle factory, several national parks or nature preserves (and opportunities for lovely hikes), a penguin colony, plus forays into the small countries of Eswatini and Lesotho. I thoroughly enjoyed this unique, diverse experience, and I can’t say enough wonderful things about it. Every day was different from the one before, which provided such a rich, variety-filled tour. Though we had a couple of long driving days, I’m not sure that this itinerary could be done any other way in order to cover so much. It’s thoughtfully laid out, and we did, saw, and learned more than I could ever have imagined. The hotels on this trip were also some of the best I’ve ever exoerienced on my five trips with Trafalgar.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/15/2024
Peggy Kelm - Traveled, April 2024
Great Memorable Trip. It was a fantastic unique experience in South Africa. Went to 2 independent countries within South Africa. Went to Boulders Beach to see the Penguins. Went on 2 safari’s. One in Krueger National Park. Both tours offered great animals in their Natural habitat and living in the wild. So many memorable experiences. Our Tour Director, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, was so helpful. Accommodating, friendly. As a South African native gave us great information as we traveled in the coach. We stayed in one 7 star hotel owned by Trafalgar. Most overlooked the Indian Ocean. Of all the countries I have traveled to South Africa was the most unique. It was a fantastic South Africa Trafalgar Tour. Unique and special in every aspect. I never dreamed it would be so great. We went to 2 independent countries within South Africa, Losoto and Ewastini), saw the Swazi dancers in Swaziland (Ewastini), went to Soweto to the Nelson Mandela House where he lived for 10 years in Soweto. Did do many things so African. Went to Boulders Beach to see the Penguins. Stayed at fabulous hotels on the Indian Ocean one on the Atlantic Ocean. Our Tour Director , *Personal information removed by Feefo* was so helpful, accommodating, attentive. He being a South African resident knew so much to tell us as we traveled in the coach. *Personal information removed by Feefo* was patient and sat and ate with us many times. It was a memorable time in South Africa. Loved it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/16/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
The itinerary was excellent and the travel director-Craig Oliver and driver Ricky were professional, friendly and knowledgeable. I would recommend this tour to anyone and if possible recommend they ask for Craig and Ricky. The chance to see all the animals in their natural habitat was awesome.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2024
Peter Singh - Traveled, September 2024
Wonderful and enjoyable tour. The entire experience from start to finish was excellent. The Tour guide, Craig was most knowledgeable and courteous during the entire Trip. The driver was safe and courteous during the entire trip. The sights and cultures of South Africa was moving, enlightening and wonderful to experience. The accommodations were all beautiful, clean and comfortable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/17/2024
Juanita Hewitt - Traveled, April 2024
My Unforgettable Holiday. The service was excellent. I was particularly impressed with our Tour Director Craig who was very helpful and knowledgeable and our driver Amos who was on top of his game and made sure we were safe at all times. It was a well thought out plan, I certainly would not have gone to all the places if I were on my own I was particularly impressed with the inclusion of a local family providing dinner.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/16/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2024
Too exciting and vast a country to condense into a short title! Took great care of us - first time I have been escorted from the airport transfer home to the check-in desks and then to the security lines! Well chosen optional tours, well explained in advance of selection. Hotels were excellent - 1 of them a 7 star! Many "Wows" on this trip. Wonderful game drives - Big Five seen in Kruger! Beautiful country, friendly people. Safe as houses, as they say - everyone took great care of us. 2 longish days driving, but we saw so much it was worth it. Other days were comfortable distances and we were several times 2 nights in the same hotel. Made it to the top of Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope - long-time bucket list items! Well worth the long journey there and back (from west coast of BC) Recommend upgrading flight - worth it over distance flown. Canadian dollar goes really far against the Rand - unfortunate for them but means we can indulge ourselves with meals, souvenirs, etc Local wines were excellent, and local crafts were amazing - Candle factory was a highlight, as was the glass blowing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/18/2024
Katherine Ungar - Traveled, April 2024
Best of South Africa Trafalgar representatives were there from the time you stepped through customs/baggage at the airport to start your journey, to the time you had to leave your tour and go through security. The tour director was very knowledgeable, aware of all the needs of each passenger, and that we were safe. Hotels were more than satisfactory. The bus was very comfortable and the driver was exceptional. This tour was more than I expected. It was a part of South Africa one needs to see other than Safaris and the Big 5. It was a very packed tour. Long days on the bus but well worth the places, people and scenery that we experienced. The people of South Africa always had a smile.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/17/2024
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