- Overview
- Itinerary
- Rates
- Optional
The South Africa Surprise Tour takes you on a fully escorted tour and African safari through one of the world's most exciting countries including all the must-see highlights from Johannesburg to Cape Town passing through 5 provinces as well as the kingdoms of Swaziland and Lesotho.
Experience all the beauty and diversity on the South Africa Surprise Tour, a luxury coach tour, offering experiences from true Africa safaris in the world renown Kruger National Park to the Kingdom of Zululand and the majestic Drakensberg Mountain ranges. We will also stop at various well known tourist destinations such as the Blyde River Canyon, God's Window, St Lucia, Durban, the Garden Route and Cape Town. This magnificent luxury coach tour takes you on a journey to all the corners of South Africa and covers all the highlights that you would not want to miss!
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 Surprise Tour:
- Enjoy an interpretative boat cruise in Blyde River Canyon on the South Africa Tour
- View the spectacular God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes
- Seek out the ‘Big Five’ in the Kruger National Park.
- Enjoy a Swazi cultural experience.
- Visit a traditional African craft market in the Kingdom of Swaziland.
- Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake St Lucia – a World Heritage Site.
- Experience the bustling city of Durban and it's renown beaches.
- See the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains & Howick Falls
- Tour through the Garden Route, visiting well known attractions such as the Cango Caves, Ostrich Farm and Knysna Heads
- Free time in Cape Town to take in the sights of South Africa
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Summary


Day 1 Johannesburg
On arrival in Johannesburg at OR Tambo International Airport, you’ll be met by your representative and assisted to your shuttle transfer service (unescorted, driver only) that will transfer you to your hotel. You have the remainder of the day at leisure until 19h00 when we all meet at the hotel reception for a welcome briefing on the tour and a chance to meet your fellow travellers.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel OR Tambo or similar
Arrival in Johannesburg
Accommodation check-in is from 14h00. Shuttle service on Day 1 starts at 05h15 and ends at 23h00. If you are arriving on a very early morning or late evening flight, please inform your Travel Agent, to make alternative transfer arrangements.
Day 2 Johannesburg to Mpumalanga
This morning we leave for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. Travel along the circular Panorama Route, visiting the view sites of the Blyde River Canyon, home to the Three Rondavels and one of the natural wonders of Africa; gasp at the glory of God’s Window, with a boundless view of mountains and fertile plains and visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes.
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Excursion - Sabie River Bridge Sunset Dinner
Accommodation: Hippo Hollow Country Estate
Day 3 Mpumalanga
We have a bright and early start to the day to experience the wonders of exploring the Kruger National Park in our closed vehicle. Why not join a thrilling open-vehicle game safari through the Kruger National Park (optional and for own account)? The Kruger National Park is an internationally renowned game reserve of nearly 2 million hectares that supports the largest variety of wildlife species on the African continent. Keep a lookout for the wonderful flora and bird life that abounds. We return to our hotel around lunch time and your afternoon is at leisure to relax.
Meals: Packed Breakfast
Optional Excursion - Full Day Kruger Open Vehicle Safari / Shangaan Cultural Dinner Experience
Accommodation: Hippo Hollow Country Estate
Day 4 Mpumalanga to eSwatini (Swaziland)
This morning we travel to eSwatini (Swaziland), an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa, known for its lovely scenery, crafts and colourful indigenous culture. An interactive cultural experience introduces us to the charming people of eSwatini and their traditions. We travel south to our hotel, nestled in the mountainous peaks of eSwatini (Swaziland) for overnight.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Piggs Peak Hotel
Day 5 eSwatini (Swaziland) to St Lucia
After breakfast we journey through eSwatini (Swaziland), visiting Ngwenya Glass, where a small group of eSwati craftsmen and women create beautifully handmade items from recycled glass. Our next stop is The Swazi Candles Centre where you will experience local artisans creating colourful, handmade candles. Our journey continues into the Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal where ancient traditions and modern cultures of both Zulu and Settler have combined into a vibrant society living in peace and harmony. Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon for overnight.
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Excursion - Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park Afternoon Safari
Accommodation: Anew Hotel Hluhluwe
Day 6 St Lucia to Durban
Guests have the option to take a morning optional open vehicle game drive in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve (optional and for own account), before heading off to Durban. An orientation tour of Durban, that travels along the Golden Mile, the beachfront promenade, The Point Waterfront, and harbour introduces us to this multicultural, vibrant seaside city. The orientation tour concludes with a visit to the Durban Botanic Gardens before arriving at our hotel late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Excursion - St Lucia Game Viewing Boat Cruise
Accommodation: Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge
Day 7 Durban to the Drakensberg
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast or perhaps explore the bustling Umhlanga Beach with a stroll along the Promenade mile that buzzes with energy as surfers, joggers and cyclists take to this seaside playground. Then we head into the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains. We visit the impressive 300-foot-high Howick Falls, located in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands town of Howick. Our journey continues through the Southern Midlands Meander Route, arriving at our hotel, situated on a scenic World Heritage site, mid-afternoon. Your afternoon is at leisure to soak up the surroundings, or enjoy fishing, hiking and even horse riding in clean mountain air (all activities are optional and for own account). Sit down to a sumptuous dinner at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Drakensberg Gardens Hotel
Day 8 Drakensberg
Enjoy a full day at leisure to soak up the surroundings of the magnificent Southern Drakensberg Mountains. There are also many leisure activities to be enjoyed at the Resort. Consider joining a thrilling 4x4 tour up the spectacular Sani Pass into the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho (optional and for own account). Enjoy an evening dinner at your hotel with a wide variety of local specialities to choose from.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Optional Excursion - Sani Pass 4x4 Adventure Tour
Accommodation: Drakensberg Gardens Hotel
Day 9 Drakensberg to Eastern Cape
This morning we continue south to the Eastern Cape entering the fourth of the provinces and the birthplace of Nelson Mandela (fondly known as Madiba). En route we see the old traditional way of life in the former homeland area known as the Transkei and stop for lunch (own account) outside the capital of Mthata. We travel past Nelson Mandela’s birthplace and house, arriving late afternoon at our accommodation in Chinsta East, on the beautiful, unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast. A delicious dinner with local seafood delicacies awaits you at your lodge.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Crawford’s Beach Lodge
Day 10 Eastern Cape to Tsitsikamma
We awake to the sounds of the crashing waves and have the morning at leisure to unwind with beach sand between our toes. The beach stretches on uninterrupted for many kilometres and the thick indigenous beach forest is a haven for an amazing variety of birdlife. We set off heading south to the Tsitsikamma Forest.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tsitsikamma Village Inn
Day 11 Tsitsikama to Knysna
After a leisurely breakfast, visit the spectacularly beautiful Tsitsikamma Forest, which provides scenic walking opportunities. A short walk to the Storms River Mouth offers some magnificent views of the gorge and river below. Arrive in Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, for check in at your hotel. Enjoy a dinner filled with culinary delights at the hotel’s trendy restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Premier Hotel the Moorings
Day 12 Knysna to Oudtshoorn to Mossel Bay
After breakfast, we travel inland over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the ‘feather capital of the world’ because of its ostrich industry. We visit a working ostrich farm and then explore the famous Cango Caves. Walk around the famous Cango Caves with their magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Overnight in Mossel Bay.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Diaz Hotel & Resort
Day 13 Mossel Bay to Cape Town
Today’s journey ends in Cape Town. On the way we stop off in Albertinia to visit a well-known aloe factory. In this area, the Cape Aloe grows wild on many farms, and is still harvested in the traditional, labour-intensive way, providing a livelihood for unskilled, independent tappers. We drive via Swellendam, Worcester and through the Huguenot Tunnel before arriving in Cape Town in the late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sunsquare Cape Town Gardens
Day 14 Cape Town (Unescorted)
Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join a sightseeing tour of Cape Town and Table Mountain (optional and for own account) or spend the day exploring the magnificent Cape Winelands on a full day winelands tour (optional and for own account) or join a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula, with its dramatic coastline and spectacular scenic beauty (optional and for own account). Although a small city, Cape Town is packed with sightseeing attractions, excellent bars, cafes, and restaurants as well as colourful craft markets. Alternatively relax on one of Cape Town’s many pristine beaches. Overnight in Cape Town.
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Excursions:
- African Dinner & Drumming
- Morning City Tour & Table Mountain
- Full-Day Peninsula Tour
- Full-Day Winelands Tour
Accommodation: Sunsquare Cape Town Gardens
Day 15 Cape Town
This morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel by 11h00. The remainder of the day will be at leisure until your transfer to Cape Town International airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Tour Ends
South Africa Surprise Tour |
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South African Rand |
US$ (Subject to ROE) |
Euro (Subject to ROE) |
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01 Jan 2023 - 30 Apr 2023 |
R 34,405 pp sharing R 43,305 pp single |
US$ 2,023 pp sharing US$ 2,547 pp single |
€ 1,860 pp sharing € 2,341 pp sharing |
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01 May 2023 - 30 Jul 2023 |
R 31,775 pp sharing R 40,605 pp single |
US$ 1,870 pp sharing US$ 2,389 pp single |
€ 1,718 pp sharing € 2,195 pp sharing |
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01 Aug 2023 - 31 Dec 2023 |
R 35,625 pp sharing R 45,115 pp single |
US$ 2,096 pp sharing US$ 2,654 pp single |
€ 1,926 pp sharing € 2,439 pp sharing |
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BOOK NOWRates in South African Rand are fixed. Rates in US$ and Euro are subject to exchange rates. |
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Tour Includes:
Tour Excludes:
Visa Requirements: This tour travels through eSwatini (Swaziland) and Lesotho. Please check visa requirements, as certain nationalities may require visas to travel through eSwatini (Swaziland) and Lesotho. Transportation:
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Prices are subject to change due to airfare increases, currency exchange, fluctuations, and any unforeseen circumstances, without prior notice. |
Departure Dates | |
2023 | |
January | 8 |
February | 5 |
March | 5 |
April | 9 |
May | 7 |
June | 4 |
July | 2, 16 |
August | 6, 20 |
September | 3 |
October | 1, 15 |
November | 5, 19 |
December | 3 |
Enhance the journey with optional excursions on the tour, available for pre-booking, subject to minimum of 2 adults travelling:
DAY 3 – KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – FULL DAY OPEN VEHICLE GAME SAFARI – R 1,225 pp
Join a full day open vehicle safari with a highly qualified field guide who is eager to share their knowledge and passion for this unique wilderness area.
** DAY 3 – KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – FULL DAY OPEN VEHICLE GAME SAFARI including an introduction to the KNP Anti-Poaching Dog Unit– R 1,450 pp
Join a full day open vehicle safari with a highly qualified field guide who is eager to share their knowledge and passion for this unique wilderness area. The game safari includes an introduction to the KNP 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.
DAY 6 - HLUHLUWE-IMFOLOZI PARK – MORNING OPEN VEHICLE GAME SAFARI – R 990 pp
Enjoy a morning, 3-hour open vehicle safari into the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, Africa’s oldest game reserve and world renowned for its highly successful white rhino conservation programme.
DAY 8 – SANI PASS 4X4 ADVENTURE TOUR – R 1,540 pp
Join a 4x4 tour up Sani Pass and into the tiny mountain Kingdom of Lesotho (passport required) which includes lunch at the highest pub in Africa.
DAY 14 – CAPE TOWN – AFRICAN DINNER & DRUMMING – R 870 pp
Join a full filled evening of interactive entertainment and delectable food at Gold Restaurant.
DAY 14 – CAPE TOWN – MORNING TABLE MOUNTAIN & CAPE TOWN CITY TOUR - R 690 pp excluding the cost of the Table Mountain cable way ticket.
Travel by cable car to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting), then descend to further explore the city.
DAY 14 – CAPE TOWN - FULL DAY CAPE PENINSULA TOUR – R 1,460 pp
Join this full day tour that explores the dramatic coastline of the Cape Peninsula including a visit to Boulders Beach penguin colony (entrance fee for own account) and Cape Point Nature Reserve.
DAY 14 – CAPE TOWN – FULL DAY CAPE WINELANDS TOUR – R 1,310 pp
While South Africa's fertile valleys are world famous for their crisp white and classic French-style red wines, the area is also a treasury of rustic beauty and sprawling estates shaded by giant oak trees. Visit the country's principal wine routes of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
** DAY 14 – CAPE TOWN – MARINE BIG FIVE SAFARI EXPERIENCE –R 2,990 pp
Join us for a marine safari where you may see great white sharks, whales, Cape fur seals and a variety of seabirds. On a 2-hour cruise from Gansbaai, Marine Biologists will be on hand to explain more about the amazing animals that visit our shores.
A portion of the monies paid by guests for this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience go towards the Dyer Island Conservation Trust that delivers conservation and research programmes to protect the biodiversity of the marine eco-system surrounding Dyer Island. The experience directly advances UN Global Goal 14: Life below Water.