South Africa Escape
South Africa Escape
South Africa Escape
14 Days Starting in 54 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000 and ending in Garden Court OR Tambo International Airport Hotel
Visiting: Cape Town, Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch, Hermanus, Swellendam, Mossel Bay, Garden Route, Knysna, Tsitsikamma, Eastern Cape, Cango Caves, Oudtshoorn, Cape Winelands District Municipality, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park Region, Three Rondawels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon Viewpoint
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SAE
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Welkom in Suid-Afrika!Wamkelekile eMzantsi Afrika! Welcome to South Africa! Designed by South Africans, this jam-packed tour is the ultimate introduction to this colourful country affectionately called the Rainbow Nation. Explore the breathtaking coastlines of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, travel to Cape Point, the southwestern tip of Africa, and discover the charming towns that tell the story of South Africa's rich history on the way. Wander at the world-renowned Garden Route, explore the breathtaking Route 62 and discover the semi-desert Great Karoo. Traverse the Kruger National Park Region up north for unforgettable wildlife sightings and marvel at the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga before ending in Johannesburg, the City of Gold!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Of Tour In Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Meals Included: Dinner
Welkom in Kaapstad! Welcome to Cape Town! The 'Mother City' is considered one of the most spectacular cities worldwide, thanks to many top attractions and the famous Table Mountain. It is also one of South Africa's three official capitals and the country's oldest city. After meeting your tour leader at the hotel, get right into a fun and informative orientation tour of the city. Drive and walk through the heartbeat of the city and see unmissable sights like Signal Hill, District Six and the colourful Bo Kaap. Meet back at the hotel after freshening up for an included dinner with the tour group. What a way to celebrate the first night on tour with your new travel companions!
Take a driving and walking tour of the city of Cape Town
Enjoy a welcome dinner in Cape Town
Day 2: Cape Town - Peninsula Tour: Free Day
Location: Cape Town
Meals Included: Breakfast
Make the most of the free day in Cape Town by exploring at leisure. Discover some of the city's top attractions, such as Robben Island, Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and the Two Oceans Aquarium. Alternatively, choose to join the Cape Peninsula Day Trip along a scenic route to Cape Point. Take a peek at the penguins at Boulders Beach before stopping for lunch in Kalk Bay. Spend the rest of the day however you please or take advantage of the peninsula tour's stop at the V&A Waterfront after the tour. This is a fantastic spot to shop and grab a bite while local performers provide entertainment.
Day 3: Cape Winelands - Stellenbosch - Hermanus Region
Location: Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch, Hermanus
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
The Cape Winelands are calling! Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then head out for a scenic exploration of the Cape Winelands region. Enter Stellenbosch, where Cape Dutch architecture, art galleries, bistros and boutiques wait to be explored. Enjoy lunch at a breathtaking local vineyard accompanied by a wine tasting, featuring South Africa's signature Pinotage varietal. Gain an understanding of Cape district wines with a local expert before heading off to the next tasting. Marvel at the magnificent coastal views en route to tonight’s accommodation in Hermanus. Enjoy some free time this evening to experience this idyllic coastal spot at leisure.
Visit Stellenbosch; a picturesque university town
Taste local wine in the Cape Winelands
Explore Hermanus; a stunning seaside town
Day 4: Hermanus Region - Swellendam - Mossel Bay
Location: Hermanus, Swellendam, Mossel Bay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Adventure through the breathtaking Garden Route today! Why not opt for today's first optional excursion? After a short drive to Gansbaai, see great white sharks up close on a Shark Cage Diving expedition! Alternatively, join the optional Marine Eco tour to see marine life up close. Later, head to Riviersonderend to grab lunch before an orientation walk of Swellendam. Visit a Cape Aloe Vera farm next before concluding the day's drive in Mossel Bay. This popular holiday destination is home to tonight's accommodation. Visit the Pinnacle Point Caves after arriving and discover an archaeological site with fossils as old as 170,000 years! End the day with an included dinner at the hotel.
Discover Swellendam; South Africa’s third-oldest town
Explore an Aloe Vera farm in the Hessequa region
Visit Pinnacle Point Caves in Mossel Bay
Day 5: Garden Route: Game Drive - Knysna - Garden Route
Location: Garden Route, Knysna, Tsitsikamma
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
There's more of the Garden Route to discover today! Botlierskop Private Game Reserve is the morning's first stop for an African safari unlike any other. Make incredible memories and take stunning photos while encountering impala, wildebeest, rhinos, lions, giraffes and more! Knysna is up next with free time to roam the local shops and pick a spot for lunch – get a seat as close to the water as possible at the lively waterfront. After lunch, more incredible animal encounters await! Choose to wander around with the monkeys at Monkeyland or visit the biggest free-flight aviary and bird sanctuary in the world – Birds of Eden. After this evening's included dinner, kick back and relax for the night.
Go on a Garden Route Game Drive
Discover Knysna; a stunning seaside town
Day 6: Tsitsikamma National Park & Storms River - Eastern Cape
Location: Tsitsikamma, Eastern Cape
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is the day to venture into the outdoors! Explore the wonders of the Tsitsikamma forest, part of the Garden Route National Park. With rivers, ravines, mountains and woodlands, there's no better destination for adventure! Use the morning to explore at leisure or, alternatively, choose to join one of the adrenaline-filled optional excursions. Opt for bungee jumping off Bloukrans Bridge (the world's highest), a tree-top canopy tour, a Kayak and Lilo Adventure or the Woodcutters Trail Drive. Thereafter, head to the Storms River Mouth in the Tsitsikamma National Park for a breathtaking coastal hike. Dare to traverse the 77-metre-long Storms River suspension bridge and pick a spot next to the ocean to enjoy lunch.
Explore Tsitsikamma National Park and visit Storms River Mouth
Day 7: Fruit Route: Route 62 - Oudtshoorn Ostrich Farm - Cango Caves Experience
Location: Cango Caves, Oudtshoorn, Cango Caves
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, another South African region awaits! Say goodbye to the Garden Route in exchange for the scenic Route 62. The journey to the semi-desert Karoo passes through Langkloof Valley, an area between the Kouga and Tsitsikamma Mountains known for its stunning scenery. South Africa's ostrich capital Oudtshoorn is next. Upon arrival, explore a functioning ostrich farm on a guided tour and discover what makes these creatures so special before an included lunch. Venture into the Cango Caves on a guided walk and discover the dripstone caves and caverns that took over 20 million years to form! Enjoy a traditional Karoo dinner to end the day.
Visit a Klein Karoo ostrich farm
Explore the Cango Caves
Sit down for a traditional Great Karoo dinner
Day 8: Oudtshoorn - Route 62 - Cape Winelands - Cape Town
Location: Oudtshoorn, Cape Winelands District Municipality, Cape Winelands District Municipality, Cape Town
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, the scenic journey back to Cape Town begins. Route 62 leads the tour to a comfort stop at a restaurant en route – one of many endearing spots on the way. Then, Robertson awaits. This excellent winemaking region is the perfect place for an included lunch before journeying to Paarl in the Cape Winelands, home to many acclaimed wineries, for a cheese and wine tasting. After arriving at the hotel back in Cape Town, enjoy a free evening to explore the city. Camps Bay is always bustling, and Cape Town is home to a host of incredible restaurants and bars.
Explore Robertson; a beautiful wine-producing destination
Enjoy a cheese and wine tasting in Paarl
Day 9: Cape Town - Johannesburg - Kruger National Park Region
Location: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park Region
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The next adventure is calling, so today starts early. Journey to Cape Town's airport bright and early and take an included flight to Johannesburg, the "City of Gold", in Gauteng province. Later, travel to the Mpumalanga province in eastern South Africa. After arriving at the evening's accommodation on the boundary of the Kruger National Park, enjoy an included dinner illuminated by the stars in the African sky.
Day 10: Kruger National Park Region
Location: Kruger National Park Region
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Explore the Kruger National Park on a full-day game drive today! With the safari vehicle boosted off the ground, travellers should be able to identify the animals with ease and maybe even spot the famous Big 5! The park is the perfect place to see these animals in their natural habitat. From cheetahs, wild dogs and leopards to elephants and the white and black rhino, there is plenty to see in the park! Visit rest camps like Skukuza, Tshokwane and Satara on the journey west to the safari lodge for a multi-night stay. Cool off and relax in the pool and enjoy a refreshment or two with tonight's included dinner.
Embark on a full-day Kruger National Park game drive
Day 11: Kruger National Park Region: Free Day
Location: Kruger National Park Region
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today offers even more opportunities to explore the Kruger National Park! Go on a full-day safari with local wildlife specialists and visit prime game viewing areas like waterholes and rest camps. Enjoy picnic-style snacks and lunch along the way while spotting as many of the antelope, birds and wildlife as possible. Hopefully, there aren't many more animals to tick off your bucket list! With the Kruger National Park being home to 114 different reptile species, 507 kinds of birds and 147 species of mammals, this is an incredible opportunity to discover African wildlife in their habitat. After an exciting day, cool off in the pool before an African-style, included dinner.
Day 12: Kruger National Park Region: Free Day
Location: Kruger National Park Region
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The safari options are aplenty today! Opt for a full-day, half-day or sunrise safari game drive. Take advantage of the most captivating time of day to explore the African bush on the sunrise game drive. As the morning sun greets the savanna, marvel at the symphony of wild animals ending their slumber. Follow the animals with your expert guide as they start looking around for food. Tuck into your final African dinner in the bush tonight and enjoy the campfire celebrations. Share some of your favourite South African stories as you sip Amarula, a local liqueur made from Marula fruit.
Day 13: Three Rondavels - Bourke’S Luck Potholes - Blyde River Canyon Viewpoint - Johannesburg
Location: Three Rondawels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon Viewpoint, Johannesburg
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Say goodbye to the Kruger National Park as we journey on to the Mpumalanga province via the Panorama Route. The Three Rondavels viewpoint is our first stop with the most incredible views of the Blyde River Canyon. As part of the Drakensberg Ridge, Blyde River Canyon offers fairytale views! Discover a wild water feature comprised of potholes and plunge pools at Bourke’s Luck, the start of the Blyde River Canyon. The Kruger National Park and even Mozambique are visible from here on clear days. The last leg of the tour leads us back to Johannesburg for a parting meal with your new travel companions!
Visit the Three Rondavels viewpoint
Explore Bourke’s Luck Potholes
Admire the scenery of the Blyde Canyon Viewpoint
Enjoy a farewell dinner in Johannesburg
Day 14: End Of Tour In Johannesburg
Location: Johannesburg
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, the South Africa Escape tour wraps up right after breakfast. Enjoy one last meal with the tour group before going your separate ways. Choose to stay on for one last optional excursion and explore Johannesburg, or as the locals call it, Jozi.
What's Included
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Accommodation
13 nights hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms. The majority of our accommodations are of a 3- and 4-star standard, offering excellent value, comfort and convenience
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability) -
Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
Internal flight from the Garden Route to Johannesburg -
Meals
13 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 9 Dinners*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
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Tour Leader
Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
What's Not Included
International flightsTravel to the start point and from the end point is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.Travel insuranceFor a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.
All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance.
Mode of Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
Internal flight from the Garden Route to Johannesburg
Accommodation
13 nights hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms. The majority of our accommodations are of a 3- and 4-star standard, offering excellent value, comfort and convenience
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
Traveller Comfort - *COACH* tours
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.
Health and Fitness
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
Experiences
Take a driving and walking tour of the city of Cape Town
Enjoy a welcome dinner in Cape Town
Visit Stellenbosch; a picturesque university town
Taste local wine in the Cape Winelands
Explore Hermanus; a stunning seaside town
Discover Swellendam; South Africa’s third-oldest town
Explore an Aloe Vera farm in the Hessequa region
Visit Pinnacle Point Caves in Mossel Bay
Go on a Garden Route Game Drive
Discover Knysna; a stunning seaside town
Explore Tsitsikamma National Park and visit Storms River Mouth
Visit a Klein Karoo ostrich farm
Explore the Cango Caves
Sit down for a traditional Great Karoo dinner
Explore Robertson; a beautiful wine-producing destination
Enjoy a cheese and wine tasting in Paarl
Embark on a full-day Kruger National Park game drive
Visit the Three Rondavels viewpoint
Explore Bourke’s Luck Potholes
Admire the scenery of the Blyde Canyon Viewpoint
Enjoy a farewell dinner in Johannesburg
Check out our Q&As
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.
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Children on tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc
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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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Terms and Conditions