Best of South Africa

Johannesburg & Cape Town, 3 game drives in Kruger and a private conservancy, plus a bush walk; stay in upscale hotels throughout.

Overview

from$4499Tour + Flights from$3499Tour Only 12days

price per person, double occupancy,* based on Sep 4, 2025 departure from EWR

$500 Instant Savings. Expires Jan 2, 2025.* All prices reflect savings.

$199 deposit. Lock in your spot for less.^††

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Also see Best of South Africa with Victoria Falls

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Style	Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packages, may accommodate up to 30.) More of these packages Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout
Departures	February – December 2025	Group Size	16 travelers max
Themes	Active, History & Culture, Grand Tours, Nature & Wildlife
Activity Level	Recreational
What to Expect	This moderately-paced, escorted South Africa tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. This tour also includes long scenic drives between destinations and may have limited rest stops.
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Explore deeper into South Africa on our comprehensive Best of South Africa small group escorted tour. Begin your tour in cosmopolitan Johannesburg, South Africa's largest metropolis, also know as "Egoli" or City of Gold. Then head north to begin your safari in Karongwe Private Game Reserve, where you'll embark on a late morning bush walk with an experienced ranger. Continue your game viewing in Kruger National Park, one of the world's oldest and most famous game reserves. Rest assured, you'll have ample opportunities to spot the Big 5! Finally, end your tour in scenic Cape Town, exploring the city's vibrant neighborhoods, storied past and incredible cuisine; then look down on it all from the top of Table Mountain. Your ticket is pre-purchased, so you won't spend hours waiting in line to buy one.

Package includes

Flights
Coach
Transfers
Hotel
Meals
Guides

Round-trip flights from New York via wide-bodied jet service, including taxes & fees
Flights, ground transportation and transfers within South Africa
10 nights in superior first class and deluxe hotels
19 meals: 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, & 5 dinners, including welcome and farewell dinners with wine
Professional English-speaking tour directors
Comprehensive touring program and safaris, including entrance fees

Optional add-ons

Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
Optional Half-day Stellenbosch Winelands

Why you'll love it

Visit South Africa's largest and most populous city, Johannesburg, and learn about the country’s poignant past at the Apartheid Museum.
Experience a close-up look at daily life in the bustling neighborhood of Soweto.
Come face-to-face with lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffalo and more during 2 game drives and a bush walk in Karongwe Private Game Reserve and a full-day game drive in Kruger National Park.
Enjoy the jaw-dropping view of the Blyde River Canyon, one of the world's largest canyons, during your drive along the astonishing Panorama Route.
Bask in the scenic and historic highlights of beautiful Cape Town, including a trip to Table Mountain by cable car.
Explore Cape Point including Hout Bay, Boulders Beach and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Itinerary at a Glance

1 Depart USA
2 Arrive Johannesburg
3 Johannesburg
4 Johannesburg & Karongwe Private Game Reserve
5 Karongwe Private Game Reserve
6 Karongwe Private Game Reserve & Kruger National Park
7 Kruger National Park
8 Kruger National Park & Cape Town
9 Cape Town
10 Cape Point & Cape Town
11 Cape Town
Optional Excursion: Half-day Stellenbosch Winelands
12 South Africa/USA

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Dates & Prices

Instant Savings: Get $500 off if you book by Jan. 2, 2025!

Dates & Prices, with flights per person, double occupancy*, including Instant Savings discounts
2024 DEPARTURES
Dates	Regular Price	Instant Savings	Your Price
Departs U.S.: Thu, Nov 7, 2024 Finishes: Mon, Nov 18, 2024 Nov 7 – Nov 18	$4999	–	–	Departed
Departs U.S.: Thu, Dec 12, 2024 Finishes: Mon, Dec 23, 2024 Dec 12 – Dec 23	$5599	–	–	Closed
2025 DEPARTURES
Dates	Regular Price	Instant Savings	Your Price
Departs U.S.: Thu, Jan 16, 2025 Finishes: Mon, Jan 27, 2025 Jan 16 – Jan 27	$5099	–	–	Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Thu, Feb 20, 2025 Finishes: Mon, Mar 3, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Feb 20 – Mar 3	$5099	–$500	$4599	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Mar 6, 2025 Finishes: Mon, Mar 17, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Mar 6 – Mar 17	$5099	–$500	$4599	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Apr 3, 2025 Finishes: Mon, Apr 14, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Apr 3 – Apr 14	$5199	–$500	$4699	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Jul 24, 2025 Finishes: Mon, Aug 4, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jul 24 – Aug 4	$5499	–$500	$4999	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Aug 21, 2025 Finishes: Mon, Sep 1, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Aug 21 – Sep 1	$5099	–$500	$4599	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Sep 4, 2025 Finishes: Mon, Sep 15, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Sep 4 – Sep 15	$4999	–$500	$4499	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Sep 25, 2025 Finishes: Mon, Oct 6, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Sep 25 – Oct 6	$5099	–$500	$4599	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Oct 23, 2025 Finishes: Mon, Nov 3, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Oct 23 – Nov 3	$5099	–$500	$4599	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Nov 6, 2025 Finishes: Mon, Nov 17, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Nov 6 – Nov 17	$5099	–$500	$4599	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Dec 4, 2025 Finishes: Mon, Dec 15, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Dec 4 – Dec 15	$5399	–$500	$4899	Select

Dates & Prices, tour only per person, double occupancy*, including Instant Savings discounts
2024 DEPARTURES
Dates	Regular Price	Instant Savings	Your Price
Starts: Thu, Nov 7, 2024 Finishes: Mon, Nov 18, 2024 Nov 7 – Nov 18	$3999	–	–	Departed
Starts: Fri, Dec 13, 2024 Finishes: Mon, Dec 23, 2024 Dec 13 – Dec 23	$4599	–	–	Closed
2025 DEPARTURES
Dates	Regular Price	Instant Savings	Your Price
Starts: Fri, Jan 17, 2025 Finishes: Mon, Jan 27, 2025 Jan 17 – Jan 27	$4099	–	–	Sold Out
Starts: Fri, Feb 21, 2025 Finishes: Mon, Mar 3, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Feb 21 – Mar 3	$4099	–$500	$3599	Select
Starts: Fri, Mar 7, 2025 Finishes: Mon, Mar 17, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Mar 7 – Mar 17	$4099	–$500	$3599	Select
Starts: Thu, Apr 3, 2025 Finishes: Mon, Apr 14, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Apr 3 – Apr 14	$4199	–$500	$3699	Select
Starts: Fri, Jul 25, 2025 Finishes: Mon, Aug 4, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jul 25 – Aug 4	$4499	–$500	$3999	Select
Starts: Fri, Aug 22, 2025 Finishes: Mon, Sep 1, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Aug 22 – Sep 1	$4099	–$500	$3599	Select
Starts: Fri, Sep 5, 2025 Finishes: Mon, Sep 15, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Sep 5 – Sep 15	$3999	–$500	$3499	Select
Starts: Fri, Sep 26, 2025 Finishes: Mon, Oct 6, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Sep 26 – Oct 6	$4099	–$500	$3599	Select
Starts: Fri, Oct 24, 2025 Finishes: Mon, Nov 3, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Oct 24 – Nov 3	$4099	–$500	$3599	Select
Starts: Fri, Nov 7, 2025 Finishes: Mon, Nov 17, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Nov 7 – Nov 17	$4099	–$500	$3599	Select
Starts: Thu, Dec 4, 2025 Finishes: Mon, Dec 15, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Dec 4 – Dec 15	$4399	–$500	$3899	Select

If you want a few extra days to explore on your own, we may be able to arrange for you to stay later than the scheduled dates, including extra hotel nights and separate airport transfers, for an additional charge. Ask us about prices and availability when (or after) you book. More information Want to extend your trip?

Options & Fees

Best of South Africa
Rooming selection
Double Occupancy	included
Single Occupancy
Nov 7, 2024; Dec 12, 2024	$709
Sep 4, 2025	$799
Sep 25, 2025; Oct 23, 2025; Nov 6, 2025; Dec 4, 2025	$929
Jan 16, 2025; Feb 20, 2025; Mar 6, 2025; Apr 3, 2025	$949
All other dates	$699

OPTIONAL AIRPORT TRANSFERS FOR TOUR ONLY PASSENGERS
OPTIONAL AIRPORT TRANSFERS¹
Arrival Transfer: Johannesburg airport to hotel	$50
Departure transfer: Cape Town hotel to airport	$45

1. Price based on a minimum of two passengers

So that we can offer you the best deals, our packages are, like most hotels and cruises, priced based on double occupancy rooms or cabins. We charge solo travelers an extra fee to cover the extra costs of single occupancy rooms or cabins. (Consider: if you booked a $200/night hotel room solo, you would pay the $200 yourself; but if a couple booked the same room, each one would pay only $100.) But you only pay extra for the rooms or cabins, nothing else, including meals, sightseeing, tips, etc. Why are single rooms more?

Flights & Departure Cities

Departure Airports
Newark (EWR)	included

This package includes round-trip flights from the city listed above.

Want to fly from another city? We can arrange flights from most major cities. Ask us for a quote for flights from your preferred city when (or after) you book, and we'll get back to you with the price and availability within 3 business days. Of course, you can also book your own flights. More information

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA

Depart New York on your overnight flight to Johannesburg, South Africa

Day 2 Arrive Johannesburg

Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa, meet your guide, and transfer to your hotel
This evening, meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner

Sandton Sun or similar Dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Arrive today in Johannesburg, South Africa's largest and most populous city. Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, your guide will meet and transfer you to your hotel. En route, enjoy a panoramic orientation tour of this cosmopolitan city, affectionately referred to as "Jo'Burg" or "Jozi" by the locals. Check in at your hotel and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure.

This evening, get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner with wine.

Day 3 Johannesburg

Experience daily life in the Soweto neighborhood
Learn about the rise and fall of apartheid at the Apartheid Museum
Visit the urban Maboneng Precinct

Sandton Sun or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, embark on a fascinating tour to Soweto (short for Southwestern Township), a sprawling metropolis on the outskirts of Johannesburg. Get a close-up look at daily life in this bustling neighborhood, the most prominent black urban settlement in Africa and the center of political campaigns aimed at the overthrow of the apartheid state. On the way, drive past the Hector Pieterson Memorial. Then, visit the Apartheid Museum for an in-depth historical look at the system of extreme racial segregation that plagued South Africa from 1948 until 1994, when it was finally dismantled. Later, visit the Maboneng Precinct, an innovative urban neighborhood filled with urban art galleries, chic restaurants, and unique office spaces for creative, like-minded people.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Day 4 Johannesburg & Karongwe Private Game Reserve

Depart for Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Karongwe Private Game Reserve

Shiduli Private Game Lodge or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, depart for a scenic drive to your Karongwe Private Game Reserve lodge. The Reserve teems with abundant wildlife and diverse vegetation. After check-in, you'll have time to freshen up before an afternoon game drive. Return to the lodge in time for dinner.

Day 5 Karongwe Private Game Reserve

Enjoy an early morning game drive in open safari vehicles
Join a bush walk with an experienced local ranger

Shiduli Private Game Lodge or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After an early morning wake-up call and a fresh cup of coffee or tea served with rusks, a traditional South African biscuit, head out in open safari vehicles for your African bush game drive. Search for the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo - and some of the smaller fascinating creatures such as chameleons, scrub hare, and more. Return to the lodge for a full breakfast.

Later, set off on foot for a bush walk with your experienced ranger, who will teach you some bush skills such as animal tracking as well as bird and plant identification. Return to your lodge to relax and enjoy the facilities.

Day 6 Karongwe Private Game Reserve & Kruger National Park

Drive along the awe-inspiring Panorama Route
Stop at Graskop Gorge and take the lift to the forest below
View the spectacular Blyde River Canyon

Angels View Hotel or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, relax on a scenic journey through the Limpopo province. Stop for breathtaking views of rolling mountains, verdant valleys, the Three Rondavels, Bourke's Luck Potholes, and God's Window. Next, stop at Graskop Gorge and descend 51 meters along the face of the gorge into the forest below. Wooden walkways and suspension bridges meander along a 600-meter trail through the indigenous forest with interactive exhibits. Later, view the Blyde River Canyon, one of the world's largest canyons. En route, enjoy lunch at the ever-popular Harries Pancakes.

Continue to your hotel. On arrival, check-in and take some time to relax in the beautiful surroundings.

Day 7 Kruger National Park

Enjoy a full-day game drive in open 4x4 safari vehicles in Kruger National Park

Angels View Hotel or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After an early morning wake-up call, depart for an exciting full-day safari in open 4x4 safari vehicles into the Kruger National Park, one of the world's most famous game reserves. You'll see the ever-present impala, and be on the lookout for wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, and many other types of antelopes.

Day 8 Kruger National Park & Cape Town

Transfer to the airport in Johannesburg for your afternoon flight to Cape Town
Spend the balance of the evening at leisure

The Capital 15 on Orange or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, leave the bush behind as you transfer to the airport for your flight to Cape Town, a beautiful jewel nestled between stunning Table Mountain and a dramatic coastline. Cape Town is a modern, bustling, and vibrant city boasting gorgeous scenery, fabulous restaurants, hotels, and beaches, bursting with history and culture. Upon arrival at Cape Town's airport, transfer to your centrally-located hotel.

Enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Day 9 Cape Town

Witness the scenic and historical highlights of Cape Town on a half-day panoramic city tour
Weather permitting, ascend by cable car to the top of Table Mountain
Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure

The Capital 15 on Orange or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, enjoy a panoramic tour of Cape Town showcasing this vibrant city's scenic and historical highlights. Weather permitting, travel by cable car to the top of Table Mountain, Cape Town's most striking landmark and recently announced as one of the world's New Seven Wonders of Nature.

Continue through the Malay Quarter (Bo-Kaap). Lined with brightly colored houses and decorative mosques, this historic neighborhood was founded by formerly enslaved people from Malaysia, whose Islamic culture gives the area a distinct character and contributes to Cape Town's rich cultural diversity. The final stop on your tour is the lively Cape Town Waterfront, where numerous restaurants and entertainment options abound.

Spend the rest of the afternoon leisurely to become better acquainted with Cape Town.

Note: Table Mountain Cableway will shut down for annual maintenance from July, 15 – September 1, 2024. It will re-open, weather permitting, on September 2, 2024. If Table Mountain Cableway is closed, we will visit Signal Hill instead.

Day 10 Cape Point & Cape Town

Enjoy a full-day excursion to Cape Point National Park, including a cruise along Hout Bay
Visit Boulders Beach and see the African jackass penguins
Tour the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Enjoy dinner paired with a drum performance

The Capital 15 on Orange or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Begin your full-day excursion to Cape Point National Park this morning with a cruise along Hout Bay, where you'll see the seals of Duiker Island. Enter the nature reserve covering the peninsula's southern part and drive through the unique scenery toward Cape Point. Travel by funicular railway to Cape Point, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Cape of Good Hope.

After lunch, make a brief stop to visit the African jackass penguins at Boulders Beach, and then continue to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, where you'll have a magnificent display of indigenous South African flora. Return to your hotel late this afternoon.

Enjoy dinner and drum performance with your fellow travelers.

Day 11 Cape Town

Explore Cape Town at leisure, or join an optional excursion to Stellenbosch Winelands

The Capital 15 on Orange or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Today is your last day to leisurely explore Cape Town or join an optional excursion to Stellenbosch Winelands.

Optional Excursion: Half-day Stellenbosch Winelands

This afternoon, depart to glorious Stellenbosch in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Take a leisurely drive through this beautiful, world-renowned region before venturing into the wine-making process in a fascinating cellar tour with wine tasting. Then, explore the region's fine art galleries, architecture, history, and quaint shops.

Note: This optional excursion can be purchased locally.

Day 12 South Africa/USA

This morning, enjoy free time for some last minute shopping

Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight home. Your memorable South African adventure ends as you touch down tomorrow morning in New York.

Hotels

Sandton Sun

Deluxe

The Sandton Sun is comfortable, distinguished, stylish, and conveniently located in the heart of Sandton, an affluent suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa. The Sandton Sun seamlessly integrates into the Sandton City Shopping Centre Diamond Walk, where you can shop for global brands such as Gucci, Bulgari, and Louis Vuitton. In addition, the nearby Nelson Mandela Square is close to the hotel.

More information

Shiduli Private Game Lodge

First Class

Shiduli Private Game Lodge is located in a magnificent game reserve, home to a wide spectrum of wildlife, including over 350 species of birds, the “Big Five," cheetahs and hippos. During downtime, dream away the hot midday hours around the natural swimming pool or enjoy a cocktail at the authentic African Bar. We recommend sipping sundowners at a waterhole while watching the spectacular African sunset—an experience not to be missed!

More information

Angels View Hotel

First Class

Angels View is an elegantly designed hotel atop the Drakensberg escarpment at the entrance of the route to Graskop, Mpumalanga, in South Africa. The estate boasts one-hundred-hectare and blends natural high-altitude fauna and spectacular lush greenery. Capturing the essence of the Khoza family's legacy, this unique destination offers an eclectic combination of accommodation styles, sweeping lounges, and terraces that allow you to gaze across the breathtaking panoramic views and enjoy the crisp mountain air.

More information

The Capital 15 on Orange

Deluxe

The luxurious Capital 15 on Orange, Autograph Collection, is situated at the foot of Table Mountain and Signal Hill in the upmarket Gardens suburb. The stylish hotel is a few miles away from Cape Town Waterfront. The hotel is nearby many of Cape Town’s top attractions, food destinations, historical hot spots, galleries, and boutiques.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

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Trip Details

What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Please review the visa & entry requirements.
Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about South Africa? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.