Guided Coach Tour in South Africa

15 Day South African Surprise Tour

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-renowned 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 its renowned 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

See also our similar itineraries:

 

Summary

14 Breakfasts, 4 diners

15 Days
Coach Tour

Day 1 (Sun) 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.
Overnight in Johannesburg 

Arrival Time 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 (Mon) Johannesburg - 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.
Overnight in Hazyview
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Excursion -
Sabie River Bridge Sunset Dinner

Day 3 (Tue) 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.
Overnight in Hazyview
Meals: Packed Breakfast
Optional Excursion -
Full Day Kruger Open Vehicle Safari / Shangaan Cultural Dinner Experience

Day 4 (Wed) Mpumalanga - 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.
Overnight in eSwatini
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 (Thu) eSwatini (Swaziland) - 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.
Overnight in Hluhluwe area
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Excursion - Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park Afternoon Safari

Day 6 (Fri) St Lucia - Durban
Guests have the option to take a morning optional open vehicle game drive in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve (optional and for your 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 the 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.
Overnight in Durban
Meals:
Breakfast
Optional Excursion -
St Lucia Game Viewing Boat Cruise

Day 7 (Sat) Durban - 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 your own account). Sit down to a sumptuous dinner at your hotel.
Overnight in Drakensberg Area
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8 (Sun) 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 your own account). Enjoy an evening dinner at your hotel with a wide variety of local specialities to choose from.
Overnight in Drakensberg Area
Meals:
Breakfast & Dinner
Optional Excursion - Sani Pass 4x4 Adventure Tour

Day 9 (Mon) Drakensberg - Eastern Cape Coast
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.
Overnight in Chinsta 
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 10 (Tue) 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.
Overnight in Tsitsikamma area 
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 (Wed) Tsitsikamma - 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.
Overnight in Knysna
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 12 (Thu) Knysna - Oudtshoorn
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, with a walk around its magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites.
Overnight in Oudtshoorn.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 (Fri) Oudtshoorn - Cape Town
Today’s journey travels along the famous Route 62 and through the Little Karoo, ending in Cape Town.  On the way we stop off to sample top quality port style wines in Calitzdorp, before continuing via Worcester and the Huguenot Tunnel, arriving in Cape Town in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Cape Town.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 (Sat) Cape Town (Unescorted)
Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join a sightseeing tour of Cape Town and Table Mountain (optional and for your own account) or spend the day exploring the magnificent Cape Winelands on a full-day Winelands tour (optional and for your 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.
Overnight in Cape Town.
Meals: Breakfast

Optional Excursions:

  • African Dinner & Drumming
  • Morning City Tour & Table Mountain
  • Full-Day Peninsula Tour
  • Full-Day Winelands Tour

Day 15 (Sun) 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

  South African Rand
US$
(Subject to ROE)
Euro
(Subject to ROE)
01 Jan 2025 -
30 Apr 2025
R 37,605 pp sharing
R 46,815 pp single
US$ 1,980 pp sharing
US$ 2,464 pp single
€ 1,909 pp sharing
€ 2,377 pp sharing
       
01 May 2025 -
30 Jul 2025
R 40,360 pp sharing
R 50,870 pp single
US$ 2,124 pp sharing
US$ 2,677 pp single
€ 2,049 pp sharing
€ 2,582 pp sharing
       
01 Aug 2025 -
31 Dec 2025
R 41,920 pp sharing
R 52,940 pp single
US$ 2,206 pp sharing
US$ 2,786 pp single
€ 2,128 pp sharing
€ 2,687 pp sharing
       

BOOK NOW

Rates in South African Rand are fixed. Rates in US$ and Euro are subject to exchange rates.
Private Tours available on request
Minimum 2 guests / Maximum 40 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
  • 14 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
  • Hotel porterage included
  • Kruger National Park Conservation Levy

Tour Excludes:

  • Optional Tours
  • Lunches & Beverages
  • Services not mentioned in the program
  • Travel insurance and medical repatriation

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:
Transportation is in air-conditioned touring vehicles appropriate to the requirements of the tour

  • 2 guests will travel in a sedan vehicle
  • 3-10 guests will travel in a 13-seater vehicle
  • 11-12 guests will travel in a 15-seater vehicle
  • 13-40 guests will travel in a coach

Hotels & Lodges used in this itinerary

Prices are subject to change due to airfare increases, currency exchange, fluctuations, and any unforeseen circumstances, without prior notice.

 

Departure Dates

    2025
January   -
February   -
March   -
April   -
May   4
June   1
July   6
August   3, 31
September   -
October   5
November   -
December   -

 

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

DAY 3 – TUESDAY - KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – FULL DAY OPEN VEHICLE GAME SAFARI – R 1,470 per person 
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 – TUESDAY - KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience - FULL DAY OPEN VEHICLE GAME SAFARI including an introduction to the KNP Anti-Poaching Dog Unit– R 1,695 per person  
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 – FRIDAY - HLUHLUWE-IMFOLOZI PARK – MORNING OPEN VEHICLE GAME SAFARI – R 1,115 per person
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 – SUNDAY – SANI PASS  4X4 ADVENTURE TOUR – R 1,850 per person
Join a 4x4 tour up Sani Pass and into the tiny mountain Kingdom of Lesotho (passport & visa requirements apply) which includes lunch at the highest pub in Africa. The onus is on the guest to check applicable Visa conditions e.g., if multiple or single-entry visas are needed.

DAY 14 – SATURDAY – CAPE TOWN – AFRICAN DINNER & DRUMMING – R 1,265 per person
Join a full filled evening of interactive entertainment and delectable food at Gold Restaurant.

DAY 14 – SATURDAY – CAPE TOWN – MORNING TABLE MOUNTAIN & CAPE TOWN CITY TOUR - R 1,230 per person excluding the cost of the Table Mountain cableway ticket.
Travel by cable car to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting), then descend to further explore the city.

DAY 14 – SATURDAY – CAPE TOWN - FULL DAY CAPE PENINSULA TOUR – R 1,230 per person
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 – SATURDAY – CAPE TOWN – FULL DAY CAPE WINELANDS TOUR – R 2,095 per person
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 – SATURDAY – CAPE TOWN – MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience - MARINE BIG FIVE SAFARI EXPERIENCE – R 4,235 per person  
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 which 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.

 

 

 

 

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