Essence of South Africa
Essence of South Africa
$4475
Essence of South Africa
10 Days Starting in Cape Town, South Africa and ending in Johannesburg, South Africa
Visiting: Cape Town, Cape Peninsula, Cape Winelands, Hoedspruit, Karongwe Private Game Reserve, Karongwe Private Reserve, Johannesburg
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AFESN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Volunteering Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Essence of South Africa" tour, a captivating journey through the vibrant landscapes and rich cultures of South Africa. Begin in Cape Town, where you'll explore iconic sites like Table Mountain and the colorful Bo-Kaap district. Traverse the stunning Cape Peninsula, visit the charming town of Franschhoek, and enjoy a traditional braai in Hermanus. Experience the thrill of a safari in the Karongwe Private Game Reserve, seeking out the Big 5 with expert guides. In Johannesburg, delve into the country's history with visits to the Apartheid Museum and Mandela House. This tour not only offers breathtaking sights but also supports local communities and sustainable practices, ensuring a meaningful travel experience. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, expert guidance, and a blend of included meals and free time to explore at your own pace.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation: Southern Sun The Cullinan
Accommodation Name: Southern Sun The Cullinan
Meals Included: Dinner
South Africa’s ‘Mother City’ and her iconic Table Mountain extend a warm welcome as you embark on a small group journey that will reveal the highlights of South Africa. Spend the day delving into Cape Town’s cosmopolitan surrounds before joining your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner.
Day 2: Table Mountain And Tour Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation: Southern Sun The Cullinan
Accommodation Name: Southern Sun The Cullinan
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we encounter Table Mountain first-hand, ascending via aerial cableway to its vast flat top – a rocky wonderland of rich Cape fynbos and curious dassies (hyraxes). Peer over the bustling City Bowl and Atlantic Seaboard keeping a keen eye out for the landmarks your Travel Director will show you during this morning's city tour, including Company Gardens, Bo-Kaap and the Castle of Good Hope. The rest of the day is yours to explore Cape Town at leisure. Ramble up Bree Street to sample the city’s vibrant coffee culture or take a stroll along the Sea Point promenade with the fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Consider joining our Optional Experience to explore infamous Robben Island, with your guide revealing its turbulent past and the cell where Nelson Mandela spent the majority of his prison term.
Day 3: Circumnavigate The Cape Peninsula
Location: Cape Peninsula
Accommodation: Southern Sun The Cullinan
Accommodation Name: Southern Sun The Cullinan
Meals Included: Breakfast
Circumnavigate the Cape Peninsula, from trendy Camps Bay to Cape Point and back. The crashing waves of the Atlantic to your right, the rocky 12 Apostles to your left, wind your way along one of the world’s most magnificent coastal roads towards the outcrop that is Africa’s most extreme south-western tip. Say a quiet hello to the shy penguins of Boulders Beach, see the Cape of Good Hope and travel through charming coastal towns along the way.
Day 4: Cape Winelands And Hermanus Excursion Connect With Locals
Location: Cape Winelands
Accommodation: Southern Sun The Cullinan
Accommodation Name: Southern Sun The Cullinan
Meals Included: Breakfast
Venture to the town of Franschhoek and see during your orientation why it is proclaimed as one of the most beautiful wine valleys in the world. Take the scenic Franschhoek Pass to the coastal town of Hermanus for your Be My Guest experience. Connect With Locals when you meet local business owner Stefan, who will treat you to a delicious traditional braai (barbecue) featuring deliciacies such as boerewors, pap and melktert. Over a glass of his homemade wine he’ll share stories of his life in South Africa’s whale watching capital. Return to Cape Town via a scenic driving route, arriving in the late afternoon. Enjoy your evening at leisure.
Day 5: From City To Safari
Location: Hoedspruit
Accommodation: Shiduli Private Game Lodge
Accommodation Name: Shiduli Private Game Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning you’ll bid farewell to the 'Mother City' and fly to Hoedspruit where a private game reserve near South Africa's great Kruger National Park beckons. Start your time in the South African bushveld with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visit to a local Shangaan village. Learn about the traditions and customs of the Shangaan people and how the Eco Academy there provides eco and wildlife education. The visit includes a simple meal of grilled chicken, pap, Shangaan style cabbage, and for the brave, the opportunity to try mopani worms! Settle in to one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories, Becks Safari Lodge, your home in the bush for the next three nights.
Day 6: Safari In Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Location: Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Accommodation: Shiduli Private Game Lodge
Accommodation Name: Shiduli Private Game Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The action begins as we embark on an early morning game drive through Karongwe Private Reserve with a Local Specialist game ranger and Shangaan tracker-guide. The rising sun awakens the birds and insects that share your journey into the bush, as you scour the dense brush for signs of the Big 5. After lunch, and time for a siesta and a swim, return to the bush for an afternoon safari drive.
Day 7: Seek Out The 'Big 5' Safari Animals In Karongwe
Location: Karongwe Private Reserve
Accommodation: Shiduli Private Game Lodge
Accommodation Name: Shiduli Private Game Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today enjoy another full day of game drives through Karongwe Private Reserve. Continue to scour the dense brush with your Local Specialist for incredible encounters with Africa’s iconic wildlife. End the day with a traditional sundowner drink overlooking the Game Reserve, keeping your eyes peeled for signs of wildlife that emerge from their cover of darkness.
Day 8: Journey To Johannesburg
Location: Johannesburg
Accommodation: The Maslow
Accommodation Name: The Maslow
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning have your camera's ready for the last of your game drives before your flight to Johannesburg. Check into your hotel in the heart of Sandton that's well located for exploring the nearby restaurants and shopping during your free evening.
Day 9: Discover Historical Soweto Dive Into Culture
Location: Johannesburg
Accommodation: The Maslow
Accommodation Name: The Maslow
Meals Included: Breakfast
Unlock the secrets of the 'city of gold' on a full-day tour. Dive Into Culture during a visit to the Constitutional Hill, Mandela House Museum and the Regina Mundi Church, which chronicles South Africa's tumultuous Apartheid years.
Day 10: Farewell Johannesburg
Location: Johannesburg
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our epic encounter with South Africa’s iconic sites comes to an end today. Transfer to Johannesburg International Airport for your onward flight. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
What's Included
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All transport and transfers shown
All transport and transfers as shown in the itinerary are included.
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver will accompany you throughout the tour.
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Cherry-picked hotels and safari lodges
Stay in cherry-picked hotels and safari lodges that are tried and trusted.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Enjoy breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals included.
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Air-conditioned coach or Quantum bus
Travel in comfort with an air-conditioned coach or Quantum bus.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Experience must-see sightseeing and surprise extras during the tour.
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Optional Experiences and free time
Optional experiences and free time are part of the itinerary.
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On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
What's Not Included
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Flights to and from South Africa
Flights to and from South Africa are not included in the tour package.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Optional excursions
Optional excursions not listed in the itinerary are not included.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
- 3 Lunch (L)
- 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
Dive Into Culture
- Johannesburg: Learn about South Africa's turbulent past on an interactive Johannesburg and Soweto Freedom tour.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with all transport and transfers included, featuring air-conditioned coaches or Quantum buses, ensuring a comfortable journey between destinations, including flights from Cape Town to Hoedspruit and back to Johannesburg.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and luxury at Southern Sun The Cullinan in Cape Town and The Maslow in Johannesburg, with a unique stay at Shiduli Private Game Lodge in the Karongwe Private Game Reserve, offering a blend of modern amenities and authentic safari experiences.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a 'Be My Guest' experience in Hermanus where you will join a local business owner for a traditional braai and homemade wine. Additionally, there is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Hoedspruit, where you will visit a local Shangaan village and learn about their traditions and the Eco Academy.
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the safari?
During the safari in Karongwe Private Game Reserve, you will have the opportunity to see Africa's iconic wildlife, including the Big 5, which consists of lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and Cape buffalo.
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Are there any cultural activities included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a cultural experience in Johannesburg where you will visit the Constitutional Hill, Mandela House Museum, and Regina Mundi Church to learn about South Africa's history during the Apartheid years.
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What meals are provided during the tour?
The tour provides breakfast daily, up to half of your evening meals, and includes a Be My Guest experience with a traditional braai. There are also 3 lunches and a farewell dinner included.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes stays at cherry-picked hotels and safari lodges, such as Southern Sun The Cullinan in Cape Town and Shiduli Private Game Lodge in Hoedspruit, all of which are tried and trusted.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions