South African Explorer
See the Best of South Africa Without the Stress—a safe, hassle-free adventure that captures it all. This 12-day guided journey takes you to South Africa’s must-see destinations. Experience it all with ease, knowing your safety and comfort are our top priorities.
Tour Details
Duration
12 days
Price Guide
From $3,000
Activity Level
Medium
Tour Type
Private
Group Size
Max No. Guests
Family Friendly
All Ages
At a Glance
Embark on the South African Explorer tour, where you’ll discover the very best of South Africa’s diverse landscapes and vibrant culture. Start your journey in Cape Town, taking in stunning vistas and exploring the renowned Garden Route, with its charming towns and warm hospitality. In Johannesburg, delve into the poignant history of the country’s apartheid era and the inspiring struggle for freedom.
No trip to South Africa is complete without experiencing the wonders of Kruger National Park, where thrilling wildlife encounters will immerse you in the spirit of Africa. This tour offers an unforgettable blend of nature, culture, and history.
Convenient Payment Plans
We offer customized payment schedules are easier on your wallet —making your dream African adventure more accessible than ever.
Lowest Price Guarantee
Book with confidence. We make sure you get the best value for your journey
Book Now, Pay Later
Secure your spot today with a low deposit and pay the rest later. Lock in your dream trip without the upfront stress
Flexible Cancellation Policy
Travel with peace of mind. Unlike many travel companies with strict no-refund policies, we offer a flexible cancellation options—partial refunds are available depending on cancellation date
Grab your spot before its too late!
Act Now – Africa’s Peak Season is approaching!
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Tour Highlights:
- Explore South Africa's Rich Culture and History Visit Soweto, the heart of South Africa’s liberation movement, and immerse yourself in the country's poignant past at the Apartheid Museum and Hector Pieterson Memorial.
- Wildlife Encounters and Scenic Views Experience thrilling game drives in Kruger National Park, with an open vehicle safari that brings you up close to Africa’s iconic wildlife. Then, journey along the breathtaking Panorama Route, stopping at God’s Window, Three Rondavels, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes for awe-inspiring views.
- Cultural and Culinary Delights Savor local flavors at Dassiesfontein, a charming farmstall in the Overberg region, and indulge in Port-style wines in Calitzdorp, known for its fortified wines. Enjoy authentic meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients, supporting sustainable food production.
- Unique Wildlife Sanctuaries and Natural Wonders Explore Monkeyland and Birds of Eden in Plettenberg Bay, where you'll encounter rescued primates and exotic birds. Discover the mystical Knysna Forests, full of legendary tales, and experience the natural beauty of Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River Mouth.
- Immersive Experiences in Oudtshoorn and Beyond Enjoy a guided tour of the Cango Caves, taste wines in the Schoemanshoek Valley, and visit an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn. Take a scenic drive through the Tradouw Pass, and let the landscape of this stunning region captivate you.
INCLUDES:
- 16 Meals: 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners including gratuities
- 11 Nights’ accommodation including porterage
- Transportation including toll fees in air-conditioned vehicles
- Services of a professional English-speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees as specified in the itinerary
- Bottled water in eco-friendly packaging
EXCLUDES:
Flight between Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and Johannesburg on Day 6.
INCLUDES:
Local Expertise
Our deep ties with African partners give you access to authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Tailored Itineraries
We customize every trip based on your preferences, ensuring a unique and personal journey.
Worry-Free Travel
From logistics to accommodations, we handle everything so you can relax and enjoy the adventure.
Exclusive Pricing
Our partnerships with top suppliers allow us to offer competitive rates without compromising quality.
SA Explorer Tour Itinerary
This morning you will be met by your local tour guide and depart for the scenic Garden Route. Travel along Sir Lowry’s Pass, with its magnificent views, to Grabouw and Elgin, a lush landscape surrounded by majestic mountains. Stop en route at a farmstall packed with locally produced products from the area. Our journey continues to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. The area has largely been untouched and unexplored with its rugged coastline being the graveyard for many a ship. The historic Cape Agulhas Lighthouse is considered the icon that signifies the tip of Africa. After this thrilling experience, we continue via historic Swellendam and the Tradouw Pass to Barrydale and the famous Route 62. Sample top quality port style wines in Calitzdorp, before continuing to Oudtshoorn, the ‘ostrich feather capital’ and centre of the world’s Ostrich farming industry. Overnight in Oudtshoorn. Enjoy dinner at an Ostrich Farm, dining on local specialities such as Ostrich Steak. [Dinner]
OUDTSHOORN
After a leisurely breakfast take a tour of the spectacular limestone caverns of the Cango Caves, one of the world’s great natural wonders, sculpted by nature through the ages. Afterwards enjoy a wine tasting at a local wine estate in the scenic Schoemanshoek Valley. Return to Oudtshoorn for a fun filled interactive guided tour at a working Ostrich Farm.Overnight in Oudtshoorn. [Breakfast]
After breakfast, travel over the Outeniqua Pass to George, the sixth oldest town in South Africa, with many historical landmarks like the Slave Tree and King Edward VII Library building; said to be the best example of Edwardian architecture in the town. The tour travels via Wilderness, an attractive holiday resort, to Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, nestling on the banks of a beautiful lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route. Journey into the magical Knysna Forests (weather & road conditions dependent), the stamping ground of the elusive Knysna elephants. Discover the stories of the woodcutters who worked the forests, the elephants that were hunted to extinction and the discovery of gold. Visit the Dalene Matthee Big Tree Memorial. The enormous Yellowwood tree of over 880 years was named after Matthee, best known author of four books on the Knysna Forest. Enjoy a delicious lunch en route of traditional cuisine and local treats. Overnight in Knysna. [Breakfast & Lunch]
Today you’ll have the opportunity to further explore the natural beauty of the Garden Route. Visit Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, where you will be able to see a variety of primates, roaming free in the forest. This award-winning sanctuary is well known for its efforts to rehabilitate and free previously caged primates.. The tour continues to the famous Eastern Head, where you will enjoy spectacular views of the Knysna Heads (weather permitting). Afterwards you’ll travel to Brenton on Sea, a breath-taking holiday location and a nature lover’s paradise with its unspoilt beaches and peaceful surroundings. The remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure. Overnight in Knysna. [Breakfast]
Travel to Plettenberg Bay, considered the jewel of the Garden Route, for a visit to the Birds of Eden sanctuary, the biggest single free flight aviary in the world. The sanctuary was developed to create a safe environment in which to release a large collection of free-flight African birds.. Our journey continues to Bloukrans Bridge, the highest single span arch bridge in the world, currently offering the highest commercially operated Bungy Jump in the world. Visit the Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River Mouth (weather permitting). The Tsitsikamma National Park incorporates 80 km of rocky coastline with spectacular sea and landscapes, a remote mountainous region with secluded valleys covered in mountain Fynbos and temperate high forests with deep river gorges leading down to the sea. Overnight in the Tsitsikamma area. [Breakfast]
Head eastwards along the Tsitsikamma Forest to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), affectionately known as the “friendly city”. Travel to Chief Dawid Stuurman Airport for an onward flight to Johannesburg, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax (unescorted). Overnight in Johannesburg. [Breakfast]
Spend a full day exploring Soweto and surrounds, where some of the watershed events in the struggle against apartheid occurred. The tour starts with a drive past the FNB Stadium, also known as Soccer City and the venue for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final. It was the site of Nelson Mandela’s first speech in Johannesburg after his release from prison in 1990. The drive continues through Diepkloof, home to Soweto’s richest and then to Kliptown, where the Freedom Charter was officially adopted in 1955. Drive past the Regina Mundi Church that played a pivotal role in the township’s history of resistance against apartheid. Then onto Vilakazi Street, the most famous street in Soweto, where two Nobel Prize winners once lived, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. The afternoon will conclude with visits to the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum that commemorate the role of the country’s students in the struggle against apartheid and the prestigious Apartheid Museum, that covers the full history of the Apartheid era in South Africa. Return to your hotel for overnight in Johannesburg. [Breakfast]
Enjoy a full day at leisure and unescorted. Perhaps join a tour to Maropeng, the Cradle of Mankind (optional and for own account) or enjoy some shopping at Nelson Mandela Square, home to a variety of shops and boutiques catering for all tastes and budgets. Overnight in Johannesburg. [Breakfast
This morning you will be collected from your hotel, heading east to the Mpumalanga region. After freshening up at your lodge enter the world-famous Kruger National Park and spend the afternoon game viewing in your closed touring vehicle. The Park offers some of the best game viewing and wildlife opportunities in the world – and you’ll soon appreciate the challenges of managing this unique reserve. After an action-packed afternoon in the Kruger Park, enjoy authentic cuisine from the region at your hotel. [Breakfast & Dinner]
The day begins with early morning coffee or tea, followed by a thrilling open vehicle game drive (with English speaking game ranger) through the Kruger National Park with pre-packed breakfast. Your guide will endeavour to spoil you with sightings of the “Big Five”, general game and prolific bird life. There is an option (for own account and subject to availability) to learn more about the Kruger Park Anti-Poaching Dog Unit. This specialist unit trains dogs to track poachers in the field, detect firearms, ammunition and wildlife products that enter and exit through the Kruger National Park gates.. Return to the lodge for lunch (own account) and a short siesta. In the afternoon we will journey once again through the magnificent expanses of the Kruger National Park, unrivalled in its diversity of flora and fauna. Enjoy an afternoon of game viewing in your closed touring vehicle pursuing the Big Five and other rare and endangered species. Optional (own account) open vehicle game drives are available. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight. [Breakfast & Dinner]
Enjoy breakfast before setting out to explore the magnificent Panorama Route, one of the most scenic routes in the region, offering glorious views, spectacular landscapes, and exquisite waterfalls. Visit majestic sights including God’s Window, the Three Rondavels and Blyde River Canyon – the third largest canyon of its kind in the world, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the charming village of Graskop, one of the first gold mining camps in the country. Optional (own account) open vehicle game drives are available, should you prefer not to join the Panorama Route tour. Return for a delectable dinner at your hotel. [Breakfast & Dinner]
Enjoy breakfast before starting the return journey to Johannesburg. Arrive in Johannesburg, at OR Tambo International Airport, at approximately 14h30, where the tour ends on arrival. [Breakfast]
DEPARTURE DATES - 2025
2, 9, 16, 23 Nov | 7 Dec
FAQ:
Payments & Booking:
To secure your booking, a deposit of $1,000 is required. If you cancel, $500 of the deposit is non-refundable. This fee covers direct costs related to booking, administration, and trip preparation. Specific cancellation deadlines and refund policies will be outlined in your booking agreement.
The final payment for your trip is due 90 days before your departure date. To ensure a smooth travel experience, we recommend making payments on time to avoid any disruptions to your booking
Yes, we offer flexible payment plans! The earlier you book, the more time you have to spread out your payments, making it easier to manage your travel expenses. Our goal is to help you budget comfortably while securing your spot on an unforgettable journey.
We accept credit card payments for all travelers. If you’re booking from Canada, we also accept e-transfers for added convenience.
Yes, solo travelers are required to pay a single supplement fee, as pricing is typically based on double occupancy. The fee varies depending on the trip and accommodations, and we will provide specific details at the time of booking
Cancellations & Refunds
All cancellations must be submitted in writing. Cancellation fees apply as follows:
More than 120 days before departure: You will receive a full refund, minus the $500 non-refundable deposit
120 days or less before departure: 75% of your total payment will be refunded, minus the $500 non-refundable deposit. If international airfare has been booked, its cost will also be deducted from the refund. 90 days or less before departure: No refunds will be provided, as final payments are due and commitments have been made to suppliers.
We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking, including coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and baggage protection. If you need to cancel due to an emergency, your insurance policy may cover some or all of your expenses. Please note that if a traveler falls ill during the tour, all medical and hospital expenses are the traveler’s responsibility. Unfortunately, we cannot provide refunds (full or partial) for missed portions of the tour due to illness or unforeseen circumstances.
Yes, if we need to cancel a tour for any reason, you will receive a full refund. We will also work with you to explore alternative travel options if you prefer to reschedule.
Yes, you may transfer your booking to someone else if you find a replacement traveler. However, please be aware that if an airline ticket has been purchased, it is often non-transferable or subject to airline fees and restrictions. While we can transfer the tour portion of your booking, flights will be subject to the airline’s policies. Please contact us as soon as possible to facilitate the transfer process.
Travel Preparation
You must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity from your arrival date. Additionally, South Africa requires at least two blank pages in your passport for entry and exit stamps. Travelers with connecting flights should also check visa and entry requirements for transit countries.
South Africa is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your interests.
For wildlife safaris: The dry winter months (May to September) offer the best game viewing, as animals gather around water sources.
For Cape Town and the Garden Route: The warm summer months (November to March) are ideal for beaches, vineyards, and outdoor exploration.
For fewer crowds and pleasant weather: The shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) provide a balance of good wildlife viewing and cultural experiences with comfortable temperatures
Bring a sweater or light jacket for cool evenings.
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are essential.
- South Africans dress casually, but bringing a couple of dressier outfits for special dinners or events is recommended.
- Safari wear: Neutral colors like khaki, beige, brown, and grey are best for game drives. Mornings can be cool, so pack a lightweight sweater or jacket for early safaris.
Due to bus regulations and internal flight restrictions, each traveler is allowed: One (1) standard-size suitcase One (1) carry-on bag Some international airlines may allow two checked bags, depending on your ticket. If you plan to shop while in South Africa, consider bringing a soft, collapsible bag or purchasing an additional bag locally to accommodate extra souvenirs.
Most hotels provide free WiFi for guests, though the speed and reliability may vary depending on the location. If you need consistent internet access, we recommend purchasing a local SIM card from South African telecommunications providers like Vodacom, MTN, or Telkom.
You can buy a prepaid data and talk-time package upon arrival at the airport or at retail stores. For a more convenient option, eSIM cards are now available and can be activated before you arrive. Providers like Airalo, Holafly, and MTX Connect offer eSIM plans specifically for South Africa, allowing you to stay connected without needing a physical SIM card. These options are ideal for travelers who want seamless connectivity without the hassle of swapping SIM cards. Alternatively, apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and Google Voice allow you to stay connected using WiFi without needing a local number.
Accommodation & Transport:
We carefully curate our hotels to ensure they meet our high standards of comfort, quality, and authenticity. Each property is hand-selected for its exceptional service, prime location, and ability to enhance your overall travel experience.
Whether you are staying in a boutique hotel, a luxury resort, or a charming lodge, you can expect a blend of modern amenities, cultural ambiance, and warm hospitality.
Absolutely!
For Group Tours: You may upgrade your room category within the designated hotel (e.g., from a standard room to a luxury suite). However, all guests on a group tour must stay at the same hotel.
For Private Tours: You have the flexibility to upgrade within the selected hotel or choose an entirely different, higher-category property to suit your preferences.
Group Tours: We use modern, air-conditioned buses, with the size of the vehicle depending on the group size. These buses are spacious, comfortable, and reliable, ensuring a smooth journey.
Private Tours: We typically use 7-seater vehicles for a more personalized and flexible travel experience. Regardless of the type of tour, all our vehicles are carefully selected to meet the highest standards of safety, comfort, and efficiency.
Yes! We provide seamless airport transfers both upon arrival and departure. Our professional drivers will be waiting for you at the airport with your arrival details in hand. In case of flight delays or changes, our team will adjust accordingly to ensure a stress-free experience.
Health:
Yes! We ask all clients about dietary restrictions and allergies prior to departure to ensure we are fully prepared. We can accommodate most dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specific requests.
This depends on your itinerary. If you plan to visit a malaria-risk area, such as certain safari destinations, you may need to take appropriate precautions. We strongly recommend visiting a travel clinic before departure to discuss vaccinations and health requirements based on your travel plans.
Experiences & Activities:
We offer both private and group tours:
Private Tours: These tours are exclusively for your party (two or more travelers), giving you a dedicated driver and guide. This allows for greater flexibility-you can visit sites that interest you, spend more or less time at different locations, and enjoy a personalized experience.
Group Tours: Traveling with a group comes with great benefits:
- Hassle-Free Planning: We handle all the details, so you can relax and enjoy.
- Shared Experiences: Connect with like-minded travelers and create lasting memories.
- Great Value: Enjoy high-quality experiences at a competitive price.
- Peace of Mind: Travel with a structured and secure group, guided by experts.
Our group tours typically range from 10 to 25 travelers
Please refer to the detailed itinerary on the tour page for a full list of included activities. If you'd like to add an activity, let us know—we’d be happy to accommodate your request. We also have a list of optional tours which can be added to your itinerary if you wish.
Yes! All private tours can be tailored to your preferences. We frequently customize itineraries to align with our clients' interests, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable experience.
Yes! Most of our tours are family-friendly and can be tailored for multi-generational families or groups of friends. We ensure that activities align with your group’s physical abilities and comfort levels. If needed, we can also arrange different activities for varying fitness levels at the same time, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Absolutely!
We can extend any itinerary up to six weeks prior to departure. If you decide to extend your stay while in South Africa, we can assist you with accommodations and logistics, provided there is enough time to make the necessary arrangements. Please note that travelers can stay in South Africa for up to three months before requiring a visa.
Community:
We kindly ask that you do not give money directly to children in the townships. However, small souvenirs from Canada or the USA—such as stickers, mini flags, or postcards—are always appreciated. Additionally, school supplies like notebooks, reading books, and coloring materials can be meaningful gifts.
For those looking to make a lasting impact, we collaborate with a non-profit organization that connects visitors with community programs. If a particular initiative resonates with you, we encourage you to donate directly online to support sustainable, community-driven efforts.
In South Africa, a township refers to an urban residential area that was historically designated for non-white populations during apartheid. Today, townships are vibrant and culturally rich communities that showcase the resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of their residents.
Our educational excursions offer an authentic, respectful, and immersive experience, focusing on history, culture, and community-driven initiatives. We prioritize ethical tourism by highlighting local businesses, artists, and changemakers, ensuring that visits contribute positively to the communities we engage with.
We offer a unique approach to travel focusing on purposeful exploration through our expertly curated tours. Each journey is designed to provide our travelers with meaningful experiences that go beyond sightseeing, fostering deeper connections with local cultures, environments and communities. Whether you are seeking eco-conscious adventures or immersive cultural engagements.
