Spectacular South Africa
14 Days Starting in Sandton, South Africa and ending in Cape Town, South Africa
Visiting: Sandton, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Knysna, Stellenbosch, Cape Town
Tour operator:
Tour code:
15377
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Spectacular South Africa" tour, a journey through the diverse landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of South Africa. Begin in the vibrant city of Sandton, exploring the historical significance of Soweto and the poignant Apartheid Museum. Experience the awe-inspiring Drakensberg Mountains en route to Kruger National Park, where you'll embark on thrilling safari game drives in search of the "Big 5." Discover the scenic beauty of the Garden Route, with a stop in the charming town of Knysna. Savor the renowned wines of Stellenbosch and enjoy a traditional Cape Malay lunch in Cape Town. Marvel at the panoramic views from Table Mountain and explore the stunning Cape Peninsula. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation, providing an unforgettable South African experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Overnight Flight
Location: Sandton
Accommodation Name: Sandton Sun Hotel
One country with a world of treasures, South Africa awaits your arrival. Breathtaking mountain scenery, winding coastlines, remarkable cultural diversity and abundant wildlife in its natural habitat comprise this incredible experience.
Day 2 : Sandton, South Africa - Tour Begins
Location: Sandton
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Your journey begins in Sandton, a city established in 1969. Famous for its rich veins of gold and other valuable minerals, it is now the bustling cosmopolitan center of greater Johannesburg.
Day 3 : Sandton - Soweto - Sandton
Location: Johannesburg
Accommodation Name: Kruger Gate Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Today, have some time to ponder history at Constitution Hill, the former fort and prison - now museum - that held Nelson Mandela and other famous freedom fighters in the nation's path to democracy. Following this, a guided tour of Soweto – South West Township – showcases luxurious mansions and informal settlements as you learn about the historical significance of the area. Experience the regional lifestyle when joining locals for lunch at a nearby Shebeen, or house tavern. This afternoon, visit the Apartheid Museum commemorating the rise and fall of apartheid in South Africa. Gather this evening with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.
Day 4 : Sandton - Panoramic Route - Kruger National Park
Location: Kruger National Park
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Travel through the spectacular Northern Drakensberg Mountain Range en route to Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in South Africa. Scenic wonders surround you as you pass through the Blyde River Canyon, made mostly of red sandstone, and known as one of Africa's greatest natural wonders. Along this magnificent route, stop at God's Window and stand at what seems like the edge of creation. On clear days, you can see as far as Mozambique. This evening, enjoy a traditional Boma dinner where you may sample some local game meat!
Day 5 : Kruger National Park - Safari Game Drive
Location: Kruger National Park
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
Have your camera ready for an unforgettable day of adventure and excitement! Enjoy a full day open-air-vehicle safari game drive. A local expert leads you in search of the "Big 5" – elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino – and provides insight into these fascinating animals along the way. Watch carefully – you may also see a graceful impala, dazzling zebra or gorgeous giraffe. Relax with a South African braai lunch in the natural beauty of Kruger National Park.
Day 6 : Kruger National Park - Safari Game Drive
Location: Kruger National Park
Accommodation Name: The Rex Hotel
Embrace the rare opportunity to head back into the wild on another full day safari game drive in Kruger National Park. Enjoy this second attempt to see any elusive animals you may have missed yesterday or get another look at your favorites.
Day 7 : Kruger National Park - Johannesburg - George - Knysna
Location: Knysna
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Travel back to Johannesburg to board your flight to George. Upon arrival, travel to the resort town of Knysna in the heart of the Garden Route. Located on the coast, Knysna is your gateway to the natural beauty of South Africa.
Day 8 : Knysna
Location: Knysna
Accommodation Name: De Zalze Lodge
Meals Included: Lunch
Today visit the nearby Featherbed Nature Reserve, looking out over the Indian Ocean. Begin with a lagoon cruise out to the famous Knysna Heads, which mark the entrance to the lagoon. Next, board a 4x4 vehicle and travel deep into the forest. Discover the local flora and fauna during a leisurely-paced nature walk. Enjoy lunch amongst the ancient milkwood trees – so called because of their white latex sap – before your return cruise. This afternoon, it's your choice! Visit Plettenberg Bay, a tranquil and charming town originally known as "Bahia Formosa" (Beautiful Bay) and witness views of beaches, dramatic rock formations and lagoons -OR- enjoy your afternoon at leisure in Knysna with time to independently explore the charming waterfront.
Day 9 : Knysna - Stellenbosch
Location: Stellenbosch
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Say goodbye to Knysna as you begin your journey to Stellenbosch. Get a taste of the culture when you join your fellow travelers for dinner and a wine tasting.
Day 10 : Stellenbosch - Franschhoek - Stellenbosch
Location: Stellenbosch
Accommodation Name: Southern Sun Waterfront Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
Start your day with a walking tour of Stellenbosch, a university town known for its vineyards and mountainous nature reserves. Get a chance to taste some wine before continuing on to nearby Franschhoek. Experience the town’s renowned wine culture with a cellar tour and tasting followed by lunch before returning to Stellenbosch. With the remainder of your day at leisure, discover the town on your own. Maybe you’ll taste some more of the legendary wine, wander along the oak-lined avenues, or explore the surrounding nature.
Day 11 : Stellenbosch - Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
Travel to the beautiful harbor side city of Cape Town, the oldest city in South Africa. Enjoy a traditional Cape Malay lunch in the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood. Settle in for your 3-night stay in the “Mother City,” nestled in the valley between towering mountains and the glistening sea.
Day 12 : Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation Name: Hotel
See the highlights of the city on a panoramic tour. Take in the celebrated architecture that fuses the traditions of the French, German and Dutch. Enjoy a thrilling ride on a cable car that whisks you to an altitude of more than 3,000 feet, landing atop the aptly named – and flat-topped – Table Mountain.* The views of Cape Town, Robben Island and Lion’s Head will leave you breathless. Return to the city via Table Bay, passing through the Malay Quarter with its mosques and minarets. Enjoy the rest of the day on your own to explore Cape Town from your strategically located hotel.
Day 13 : Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Explore the coastal scenery and charming towns that populate the Cape Peninsula. Travel out to Cape Point, stopping for a visit with the penguins at Boulders Beach. This evening, experience a unique farewell to Africa as you enjoy a lesson on the djembe drums before a communal African dining experience with dishes from all over the continent!
Day 14 : Cape Town - Tour Ends
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Your tour ends today in Cape Town. For travelers with late flight departures, enjoy the use of a day room prior to your departure to the airport.
What's Included
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Safari Game Drives
Search for the 'Big 5' on two open-air safari game drives in Kruger National Park.
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Drakensberg Mountains
Marvel at the breathtaking Drakensberg Mountains during your journey.
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Soweto Tour
Tour the historically relevant Soweto area — South West Township.
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Cable Car Ride
Experience a thrilling cable car ride rising more than 3,000 feet to the top of Table Mountain.
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Stellenbosch Wine Tasting
Taste the incredible wines that Stellenbosch is acclaimed for.
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Djembe Drum Lesson
Learn the local beat with a lesson on the djembe drums.
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Lunch at a Shebeen
Join locals for lunch at a nearby Shebeen, or house tavern.
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African Boma Dinner
Experience an African Boma dinner in Kruger National Park.
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Lunch in Knysna
Enjoy lunch amongst the ancient milkwood trees in Knysna.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as dining with a local family in Cape Town are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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International Flights
International flights to and from South Africa are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into South Africa are not included.
Experiences
Experience a thrilling cable car ride rising more than 3,000 feet.Taste the incredible wines that Stellenbosch is acclaimed for.Learn the local beat with a lesson on the djembe drums.
Options
Cape Town: Dine with a Local Family Cape Town’s culture and traditions come to light during dinner with a local family. You are in for a special treat during this rare opportunity to join a family in their home for a home-cooked meal and friendly conversation. Make new friends in a comfortable setting as you savor the local flavors and sip a glass of wine. Share a laugh and stories of life from your home country as you learn about your hosts’ experiences growing up in South Africa and life in Cape Town today. Take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to truly get to know the people of Cape Town and experience their welcoming hospitality first hand. Duration approximately 3 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 2 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Cape Town: Dine with a Local Family Cape Town’s culture and traditions come to light during dinner with a local family. You are in for a special treat during this rare opportunity to join a family in their home for a home-cooked meal and friendly conversation. Make new friends in a comfortable setting as you savor the local flavors and sip a glass of wine. Share a laugh and stories of life from your home country as you learn about your hosts’ experiences growing up in South Africa and life in Cape Town today. Take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to truly get to know the people of Cape Town and experience their welcoming hospitality first hand. Duration approximately 3 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 2 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Culinaries
Join locals for lunch at a nearby Shebeen, or house tavern.Experience an African Boma dinner in Kruger.Enjoy lunch amongst the ancient milkwood trees in Knysna.
Must See
Search for the “Big 5” on two open-air safari game drives.Marvel at the breathtaking Drakensberg Mountains.Tour the historically relevant Soweto area — South West Township.
Choice Highlights
Johannesburg Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa. It is the capital of the Gauteng Province, which is the wealthiest province in South Africa. Johannesburg has an estimated population of about 4.5 million people.
Soweto Soweto is an urban area that is a part of the city of Johannesburg. Its name is an English syllabic abbreviation for South Western Township. Soweto has a primarily black population of over 1 million people.
Panoramic Route The Panoramic Route is a scenic route along the Mpumalanga Escarpment in Eastern South Africa. This route is famous for its breathtaking views of mountains, waterfalls, forests and Blyde River Canyon, one of the world’s largest canyons.
Kruger National Park Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves on the continent of Africa where nearly five million acres (two million hectares) of protected game reserve spread over the plains of South Africa. The Big 5 – elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino – roam freely.
Safari Game Drive A safari game drive is a popular component of an African safari. A game drive refers to viewing the animals from a vehicle and driving across the African landscape to view the animals. This occurs during the times where you’re most likely to see the animals, usually twice a day: early morning and late afternoon.
Garden Route The Garden Route is a stretch of the south-eastern coast in South Africa. This route extends from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape. It is filled with beautiful scenery as well as small towns and communities, secluded bays and mountain hideaways.
Knysna Knysna is a town of about 50,000 people in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. It is located on, and a part of, the Garden Route. This town is a popular destination for tourists, and has recently become a popular destination for golfers.
Featherbed Nature Reserve The Feathered Nature Reserve is a private reserve located on the Western Head of Knysna, a town in South Africa, along the Garden Route. This reserve is a popular place for adventure activities such as tree canopy gliding, kloofing and abseiling.
Choice on Tour Visit Plettenberg Bay to enjoy views of beaches, dramatic rock formations and lagoons -OR- enjoy your afternoon at leisure in Knysna, enjoying some time to independently explore the charming waterfront.
Stellenbosch Stellenbosch is a town in the Western Cape Province located about 30 miles east of Cape Town and is one of the main wine growing regions in South Africa. The Stellenbosch Wine route is now a world renowned and popular tourist destination as well as being known as the food and wine capital of South Africa.
Wine Tasting and Dinner Enjoy a wine tasting and dinner in Stellenbosch, home to more than 200 different wine producers. Stellenbosch contains rich, fertile soil that is ideal for grape vineyards. Get a taste of the local cuisine, all perfectly paired with a variety of different wines.
Cape Town Cape Town is the second most populous city in South Africa and is one of the capital cities of the country (of which there are three). Cape Town is located in the Western Cape Province, on the coast, situated on the shores of Table Bay. It is known for its natural beauty; the city has beautiful beaches, blue oceans, and lush, green mountains. In 2014, Cape Town was named the best place in the world to visit by The New York Times and The Telegraph.
Table Mountain Table Mountain is a well-known landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town. It is a mountain with a flat top, resembling a table top, hence its name. Table Mountain is a popular tourist attraction with many visitors taking a cable car ride or hiking to the top. The mountain forms part of Table Mountain National Park.
Mode of Transport
Travel through South Africa in comfort with included flights, scenic drives through the Drakensberg Mountains, and open-air safari game drives in Kruger National Park, ensuring a seamless and memorable journey.
Accommodation
Stay at the luxurious Sandton Sun Hotel in Johannesburg, the Kruger Gate Hotel near Kruger National Park, The Rex Hotel in Knysna, and De Zalze Lodge in Stellenbosch, offering comfort and elegance throughout your South African adventure.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique dining experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several unique dining experiences such as joining locals for lunch at a Shebeen in Soweto, enjoying a traditional African Boma dinner in Kruger National Park, and having lunch amongst ancient milkwood trees in Knysna. Additionally, there is a traditional Cape Malay lunch in Cape Town's Bo-Kaap neighborhood.
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What wildlife can I expect to see during the safari game drives in Kruger National Park?
During the safari game drives in Kruger National Park, you can expect to see the 'Big 5' which includes elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, and rhinos. You may also spot other animals such as impalas, zebras, and giraffes.
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What activities are available in Knysna during the tour?
In Knysna, the tour includes a visit to the Featherbed Nature Reserve with a lagoon cruise to the Knysna Heads, a 4x4 vehicle ride into the forest, and a nature walk. You also have the option to visit Plettenberg Bay or spend the afternoon at leisure exploring Knysna's charming waterfront.
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour offers several cultural experiences including a guided tour of Soweto, a visit to the Apartheid Museum, a lesson on the djembe drums, and a traditional Cape Malay lunch in Cape Town's Bo-Kaap neighborhood.
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What scenic routes and natural wonders are part of the tour itinerary?
The tour includes traveling through the Northern Drakensberg Mountain Range and the Panoramic Route, which features the Blyde River Canyon and a stop at God's Window. In Cape Town, you will also experience a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain.
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Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?
Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.
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Can my children travel on tour?
Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.
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What is the difference between a twin room and double room?
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
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Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?
Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.
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Do I need a passport?
Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.
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Is there a lot of walking on tour?
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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