Best of South Africa
Connect with the culture of two countries as you travel from north to south to encounter South Africa’s legacy of Mandela and the cosmopolitan spirit of Cape Town.
- 09 May 2026 – 23 May 2026
from $9,375 pp twin share * - 23 May 2026 – 06 Jun 2026
from $9,550 pp twin share * - 06 Jun 2026 – 20 Jun 2026
from $8,437.50 pp twin share * - 18 Jul 2026 – 01 Aug 2026
from $8,437.50 pp twin share * - 08 Aug 2026 – 22 Aug 2026
from $8,235 pp twin share * - 22 Aug 2026 – 05 Sep 2026
from $8,437.50 pp twin share * - 05 Sep 2026 – 19 Sep 2026
from $9,775 pp twin share * - 19 Sep 2026 – 03 Oct 2026
from $8,797.50 pp twin share * - 10 Oct 2026 – 24 Oct 2026
from $8,797.50 pp twin share * - 24 Oct 2026 – 07 Nov 2026
from $8,797.50 pp twin share * - 07 Nov 2026 – 21 Nov 2026
from $8,797.50 pp twin share * - 21 Nov 2026 – 05 Dec 2026
from $8,797.50 pp twin share * - 08 Dec 2026 – 22 Dec 2026
from $8,797.50 pp twin share * - 19 Dec 2026 – 02 Jan 2027
from $9,202.50 pp twin share * - 02 Jan 2027 – 16 Jan 2027
from $8,122.50 pp twin share * - 16 Jan 2027 – 30 Jan 2027
from $8,122.50 pp twin share * - 30 Jan 2027 – 13 Feb 2027
from $8,122.50 pp twin share * - 13 Feb 2027 – 27 Feb 2027
from $8,122.50 pp twin share * - 27 Feb 2027 – 13 Mar 2027
from $8,122.50 pp twin share * - 13 Mar 2027 – 27 Mar 2027
from $8,122.50 pp twin share * - 03 Apr 2027 – 17 Apr 2027
from $8,725 pp twin share * - 17 Apr 2027 – 01 May 2027
from $8,725 pp twin share * - 08 May 2027 – 22 May 2027
from $8,725 pp twin share * - 22 May 2027 – 05 Jun 2027
from $8,495 pp twin share * - 05 Jun 2027 – 19 Jun 2027
from $8,725 pp twin share * - 19 Jun 2027 – 03 Jul 2027
from $8,725 pp twin share * - 03 Jul 2027 – 17 Jul 2027
from $8,725 pp twin share * - 17 Jul 2027 – 31 Jul 2027
from $8,725 pp twin share * - 07 Aug 2027 – 21 Aug 2027
from $8,495 pp twin share * - 21 Aug 2027 – 04 Sep 2027
from $8,725 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
- Day 1 – Welcome to Johannesburg:
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 travellers for dinner. - Day 2 – Journey to the Kruger National Park Area:
The golden Highveld gives way to rolling green hills as we travel to South Africa’s Lowveld. 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, you’ll venture to our hotel near the famous Kruger National Park, your home for two nights. - Day 3 – Safari in Kruger National Park:
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 lookout for the magnificent Big Five, the Little Five 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:
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 during a spirited drumming class. You’ll come away with a deeper connection to the villagers and their traditions. - Day 5 – Head to Hluhluwe:
Venture to the ‘garden of province’ of KwaZulu-Natal and its northern wilderness. Traversing rolling sugarcane fields and lush valleys, you’ll arrive at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, where there is an opportunity to embark on an optional 4×4 game drive. This evening, enjoy a delicious South African braai (weather dependent) – a perfect way to end the day. - Day 6 – Venture to Durban (Umhlanga Rocks) Stays With Stories:
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. Continue south to Durban for an effortless encounter with this tropical east coast hub, beginning 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:
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:
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 4×4 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. - Day 9 – On the Road to the Eastern Cape Beaches:
From enigmatic mountain landscapes to South Africa’s untamed coastline, venture through the Eastern Cape and the green hills of the Transkei, dotted with Xhosa kraals and homesteads. Discover the legacy of Nelson Mandel 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:
Wake to the sound of the ocean and spend time admiring pristine natural surroundings before your journey to Gqeberha. Once a British settlement known as Port Elizabeth, this port city holds the distinction of being South Africa’s friendliest city, a quality you’ll experience first-hand as you explore it on your own terms this evening. - Day 11 – On to Tsitsikamma National Park and Knysna Connect with Locals:
Walk beneath the tranquil canopy of Tsitsikamma’s giant and ancient Yellowwoods, then arrive 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 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. It is famed for its indigenous forests, fresh oysters and the two landmark Knysna Heads, which stand as sentinels at the edge of the lagoon, shielding the town from the Indian Ocean. - Day 12 – Knysna Your Way:
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. - Day 13 – Continue to Cape Town:
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:
Capture the cosmopolitan energy of South Africa’s Mother City. Spend the day exploring its streets and squares in search of tucked-away restaurants, boutiques and galleries. Or consider joining one of our Optional Experiences to tour the scenic Cape Peninsula, sample the Cape’s finest wines in the Cape Winelands or visit the infamous Robben Island. Spend your final evening at dinner with your travelling companions, indulging in delicious Cape Malay speciality dishes. - Day 15 – Farewell Cape Town:
Bid a fond farewell to Cape Town after breakfast. Explore the city on your terms before your transfer to Cape Town International Airport.
Highlights
- Explore the legacy of Nelson Mandela and the cosmopolitan spirit of Cape Town.
- Enjoy included sightseeing and premium experiences throughout your tour.
- Travel in comfort with an expert Travel Director and small group.
Connect with the culture of two countries as you travel from north to south to encounter South Africa’s legacy of Mandela and the cosmopolitan spirit of Cape Town.
Inclusions
- 1 Be My Guest.
- 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.
- 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.
- Durban: Enjoy the views of the tropical east coast hub in Durban.
FAQs
- Anew
- Boardwalk
- Crawfords Beach Lodge
- Knysna Hollow Country Estate
- Premier Resort Sani Pass
- Royal Swazi Spa
- Sabi River Sun Resort
- Southern Sun The Cullinan
- The Maslow
- The Oyster Box
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 15 days and 14 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 09 May 2026 and 01 Jan 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Are discounts available?
Seasonal or loyalty discounts may be available on selected departures at the time of enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
Fine Print
Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.