Small Group Tour from Cape Town

12 Day South African Explorer Tour

Our South African Explorer Tour is ideal for a guided journey in South Africa covering all the essential sights. Why wait? Book your journey with Getaway Africa today!

Start your journey on our South African Explorer Tour in Cape Town winding your way along the Garden Route and the country's most scenic coastline up to Port Elizabeth. Along the way you will find many hidden treasures from the massive caves of Oudtshoorn (Cango Caves), the stunning views from Knysna Heads and its Lagoon to the natural wonders at the Tsitsikama Forest Reserve, and fun activities at Stormsriver. 

Upon reaching Port Elizabeth you will board the flight to Johannesburg where you will have free time to join some of the optional activities on offer before we head to the Kruger National Park for some thrilling game viewing in South Africa's most iconic nature reserve.

This tour offers a wide range of optional excursions excluded from the tour price that can be added as per your preference. Getaway Africa also offers extended stays in Johannesburg and Cape Town should you like to explore more of these cities.

Highlights of the South African Explorer Tour:

  • Visit to Cape Agulhas (the southernmost tip of Africa)
  • Visit to Cape St Blaize Cave in Mossel Bay, site of one of South Africa’s oldest archaeological excavations, and known as the Cradle of Human Culture
  • Visit the Tsitsikamma National Park & Storms River Mouth known for its wide range of outdoor activities.
  • Cruise on the Knysna lagoon to the Featherbed Nature Reserve
  • Guided tour of the Cango Caves, wine tasting in the scenic Schoemanshoek Valley, guided tour of an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn
  • Guided Safaris in the Kruger National Park
  • Bloukrans Bridge (highest single span arch bridge in the world)
  • Amazing scenic vistas on the Panoramic Route with sights like God's Window, Blyde River Canyon & Bourke's Potholes
  • Option to extend your stay in Cape Town to allow time to explore the city and the Cape Winelands region
  • Optional tours to join in Johannesburg including Soweto & City tour, Cradle of Humankind or Pretoria Tour.
  • Enjoy carefully chosen optional MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences that positively impact our travellers and the communities we visit.

See Also: 7 Day Kruger & Zulu Kingdoms & 15 Day South African Surprise Tour

Summary

11 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners

12 Days
Small Group Tour

South Africa

Day 1: (Mon) Cape Town to Oudtshoorn
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.
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: (Tue) 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.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: (Wed) Oudtshoorn to Knysna
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, the 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. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 4: (Thu) Knysna
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. A portion of the trip price of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, goes towards ensuring that these already endangered species can survive and reproduce for a future reintroduction into the wild. The experience directly advances UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land.
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.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: (Fri) Knysna to Tsitsikama
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. A portion of the trip price of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience goes towards protecting genetically pure species of various Taxa in a semi-wild state and to hold the seeds of these Taxa for future reintroduction into the wild. The experience directly advances UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land.
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.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: (Sat) Tsitsikamma to Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg
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.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: (Sun) Johannesburg
Spend a full day exploring Soweto and its surroundings, 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 which commemorates the role of the country’s students in the struggle against apartheid and the prestigious Apartheid Museum, which covers the full history of the Apartheid era in South Africa. Return to your hotel for overnight in Johannesburg.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: (Mon) Johannesburg
Enjoy a full day at leisure and unescorted. Perhaps join a tour to Maropeng, the Cradle of Mankind (optional and for your 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.
Meals: Breakfast 

Day 9: (Tue) Johannesburg to Kruger National Park
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 world's best game viewing and wildlife opportunities – and you’ll soon appreciate the challenges of managing this unique reserve. After an action-packed afternoon in Kruger Park, enjoy authentic cuisine from the region at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 10: (Wed) Kruger National Park
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 your 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, and detect firearms, ammunition and wildlife products that enter and exit through the Kruger National Park gates. A portion of the trip price of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience goes towards ensuring that these dogs receive the best possible care in support of the vital work they do. The experience directly advances UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land.
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.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 11: (Thu) Mpumalanga
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.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 12: (Fri) Mpumalanga to Johannesburg
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. Meals: Breakfast

South African Explorer

  South African Rand US$ (Subject to ROE) EURO (Subject to ROE)
2023 Rates
01 Jan 2023 -30 Apr 2023 R 44,620 pp sharing US$ 2,350 pp sharing € 2,230 pp sharing
  R 52,040 pp single US$ 2,745 pp single € 2,600 pp single
01 May 2023 - 30 Jul 2023 R 43,740 pp sharing US$ 2,305 pp sharing € 2,185 pp sharing
  R 51,210 pp single US$ 2,700 pp single € 2,560 pp single
01 Aug 2023 - 31 Dec 2023 R 45,350 pp sharing US$ 2,400 pp sharing € 2,265 pp sharing
  R 52,880 pp single US$ 2,790 pp single € 2,645 pp single
2024 Rates
01 Jan 2024 - 30 Apr 2024 R48,190 pp sharing US$ 2,540 pp sharing € 2,410 pp sharing
  R 56,620 pp single US$ 2,985 pp single € 2,680 pp single
01 May 2024 - 30 Sep 2024 R 47,240 pp sharing US$ 2,490 pp sharing € 2,360 pp sharing
  R 55,645 pp single US$ 2,935 pp single € 2,780 pp single
01 Oct 2024 - 31 Dec 2024 R 48,980 pp sharing US$ 2,585 pp sharing € 2,450 pp sharing
  R 57,500 pp single US$ 3,030 pp single € 2,875 pp single

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Rates in South African Rand are fixed. Rates in US$ and Euro are subject to exchange rates. Private Tours available on request Rates include a fuel levy that is subject to change, should there be further increases in the fuel price Minimum 2 guests / Maximum 18 guests  

Tour Includes:

  • Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Arrival and departure airport shuttle transfers
  • Professionally escorted by our professional tour guides
  • Accommodation in rooms with private facilities, on a twin share basis
  • Open Vehicle Safaris
  • 11 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners & 1 Lunch
  • Hotel porterage included
  • Kruger National Park Conservation Levy
  • Bottled water in eco-friendly packaging.

Rates Exclude:

  • Flight from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) to Johannesburg (Recommended schedule FA376 at 15h50)
  • Optional Tours
  • Lunches & Beverages
  • Services not mentioned in the program.
  • Travel insurance and medical repatriation

Transport

  • 2-8 guests will travel in a 13-seater vehicle.
  • 9-11 guests will travel in a 15-seater vehicle.
  • 12-18 guests will travel in a coach.
Prices are subject to change due to airfare increases, currency exchange, fluctuations, and any unforeseen circumstances, without prior notice.
  Departure Dates
  2023 2024
January 2, 16, 30 1, 15, 29
February 6, 13, 20, 27 5, 12, 19, 26
March 6, 13, 20, 27 4, 11, 18, 25
April 3, 10 1, 8
May 1, 22 6, 20
June 12 10
July 3, 17 1, 15
August 7, 21, 28 5, 19, 26
September 11, 18, 25 2, 16, 23
October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 7, 14, 21, 28
November 6, 13, 20, 27 4, 11, 18, 25
December 4 2

OPTIONAL JOHANNESBURG EXCURSIONS:

Enhance the journey with optional excursions on the tour, available for pre-booking, subject to minimum 2 adults travelling:

** MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences seek to encourage the greatest community benefit from travel and tourism, while also educating guests about The UN Global Sustainable Development Goals and the local community actions being taken to advance them.

DAY 8 – MONDAY – JOHANNESBURG

MORNING MAROPENG, CRADLE OF HUMANKIND & STERKFONTEIN CAVES TOUR – R 2 625.00 pp Experience the birthplace of human life at the Cradle of Humankind, visit the Maropeng Museum and explore the Sterkfontein Caves, discovery site of Mrs Ples, the first complete Australopithecus skull.

AFTERNOON PRETORIA TOUR – R 2 680.00 pp Explore the highlights of Pretoria, including Paul Kruger House, Church Square, the Voortrekker Monument, Union Buildings and City Hall.

** DAY 10 – WEDNESDAY - KRUGER NATIONAL PARK MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience – INTRODUCTION TO THE ANTI-POACHING DOG UNIT– R 250.00 pp After the early morning open vehicle game safari, an introduction to the Kruger Park Anti-Poaching Dog Unit (Project Watchdog), that was established because of the increase in rhino poaching worldwide. Learn about the dogs that are trained to track poachers in the field, detect firearms, ammunition and wildlife products that enter and exit through the Kruger National Park gates. A portion of the trip price of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience goes towards ensuring that these dogs receive the best possible care in support of the vital work they do. The experience directly advances UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land.

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