Ultimate South Africa

Ultimate South Africa

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18 Days From

$4899

$4164

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Ultimate South Africa" tour, a captivating journey through the heart of South Africa's diverse landscapes and vibrant culture. Begin in Cape Town with a breathtaking cable car ride up Table Mountain, followed by a traditional South African braai. Experience the thrill of wildlife safaris in Kruger and Addo National Parks, and explore the lush Tsitsikamma National Park. Visit the Jane Goodall Institute’s Chimp Eden and enjoy traditional dancing and dinner. Discover the scenic beauty of the Garden Route, with stops in Knysna and Franschhoek for wine tasting and local cuisine. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, and cultural experiences, all while traveling in comfort with private vehicles and staying in a mix of hotels, lodges, and tented camps. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Ride the cable car up Table Mountain for stunning views of Cape Town.

  • Embark on wildlife safari drives inside Kruger National Park.

  • Visit the Jane Goodall Institute’s Chimp Eden for a unique conservation experience.

  • Spot wildlife on safari drives in Addo National Park.

  • Explore Tsitsikamma National Park with guided hikes and scenic trails.

  • Walk in Robberg Nature Reserve on the Gap Circuit, a World Heritage Site.

  • Enjoy lunch and wine tasting at a vineyard in Barrydale.

  • Experience traditional dancing and dinner in the Kruger National Park area.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Cape Town

Abd Abo naser Cape Town, South Africa
Ilse Wiespointner Cape Town, South Africa

Location: Cape Town

Accommodation Name: Inn on the Square

Arrive at any time. Attend an evening welcome meeting at the joining hotel before an optional group dinner.

ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Day 2: Cape Town

Ilse Wiespointner Cape Town, South Africa
Abd Abo naser Cape Town, South Africa

Location: Cape Town

Accommodation Name: Inn on the Square

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast and then depart for Table Mountain. Ride to the time on the cable car and explore the area on hiking trails leading to scenic views before riding back down. Spend the afternoon on your own partaking in one of the many optional activities in the area. Tonight, choose to attend another group dinner to celebrate your beautiful day in this vibrant city.

ACTIVITY: Take the five-minute cable car trip to the top of Table Mountain, 1,085m (3,562ft) above Cape Town, and explore the summit. This is a great spot to sit and soak up the commanding 360-degree views of Cape Town, Table Bay, the peaks of surrounding mountains, and the rest of Table Mountain National Park.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Enjoy a completely free afternoon and evening in Cape Town. Choose from a variety of optional activities that your CEO will recommend or simply walk around and see the city on foot. In the evening you can opt to join the group for dinner at a local spot.

Day 3: Cape Town/Johannesburg

Abd Abo naser Cape Town, South Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
Ilse Wiespointner Cape Town, South Africa

Location: Cape Town, Johannesburg

Accommodation Name: Onomo Johannesburg Sandton Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to the airport in the morning and fly from Cape Town to Johannesburg. Enjoy an included Braai dinner to get a taste of South African fare for the next leg of your adventure.

TRANSPORT: Sit back and relax on your included flight between Cape Town and Johannesburg for your bush camping part of the adventure.

FREE TIME: Spend free time in Johannesburg before tonight's included Braai dinner.

Day 4: Johannesburg/Greater Kruger Area

Johannesburg, South Africa

Location: Johannesburg, Greater Kruger Area

Accommodation Name: Awelani Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart Johannesburg early to get a jump start on today's long drive. An included lunch along the way will break up the drive and give you a chance to stretch your legs. Arrive to your lodge accommodations in the late afternoon, just in time to freshen up for dinner with the group.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle on the way to the Greater Kruger Area and your accommodation for the night at the Awelani Conservancy.

Day 5: Greater Kruger Area

Kruger National Park

Location: Kruger National Park

Accommodation Name: Awelani Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up bright and early today for an included bush walk. Take this opportunity to get up close and personal with the incredible nature that surrounds you. Enjoy a picnic lunch after the walk and then a few hours of well earned rest back at the lodge. In the later afternoon set off on a safari drive to the wildlife in Kruger National Park.

ACTIVITY: MORNING There are many ways to experience the African soil, but doing it on foot is one of the most exciting ways to immerse yourself in the Great Kruger area. Follow an expert guide into the bush. The area is surrounded with Baobab trees and other plants and bushes endemic to the area. This is a great place to visit for any avid birdwatchers.

ACTIVITY: AFTERNOON Hop in a 4x4 safari vehicle and get yourself one step closer to the surrounding nature. Be ready to spot large herds of elephant roaming in the area as well as groups of buffalo, antelope, hyena, and more.

Day 6: Kruger National Park Area

Kruger National Park

Location: Kruger National Park

Accommodation Name: Umbhaba Eco Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy an early start this morning to enter the park and enjoy the full-day safari drive through Kruger in search of the Big Five. After an exciting day out in the wild, arrive late afternoon to your lodge and enjoy some local fare during dinner this evening.

TRANSPORT: FULL DAY Spend the day in Kruger National Park, trying to spot the big five. Enjoy a full day safari drive en-route to our lodge.

Day 7: Kruger National Park Area

Kruger National Park

Location: Kruger National Park

Accommodation Name: Umbhaba Eco Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Another full day in Kruger awaits. Hop into a 4x4 to enjoy a more intimate wildlife safari drive, one offering a fresh perspective of the scenery and animals around you. Finish the day with a delicious dinner with your fellow travelers.

ACTIVITY: FULL DAY Hop in a 4x4 safari vehicle and get yourself one step closer to the surrounding nature. Be ready to spot elephants, giraffes, hippos, lions, zebras, and many other species in this impressive South African national park.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a cultural evening with the local community. Dive into local fare with a delicious traditional dinner, then watch a local dance performance.

Day 8: Kruger National Park Area

Kruger National Park

Location: Kruger National Park

Accommodation Name: Umbhaba Eco Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend a free day in the area and choose which optional activities are best for you. Possible options include a morning or afternoon safari drive in Kruger National Park, or a full-day tour along the Panorama Route to set those photography skills to the test. The route offers unbelievable views at every turn and traverses the Great Escarpment via thrilling mountain passes.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY With loads of optional activities to choose from, there's lots to see and do in Greater Kruger.

Day 9: Kruger/Johannesburg

Johannesburg, South Africa

Location: Chimp Eden, Johannesburg

Accommodation Name: Onomo Johannesburg Sandton Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at the lodge, witness first-hand the large role conservation plays in Kruger and the surrounding areas on an educational visit to The Jane Goodall Institute Chimpanzee Eden, commonly referred to as Chimp Eden. This animal sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees is located in the Umhloti Nature Reserve and a tour here is the perfect way to celebrate a visit to South Africa. Arrive to the lively city of Johannesburg in the early evening and enjoy a group dinner at the hotel.

ACTIVITY: Chimp Eden, run by the Jane Goodall Institute, is the first and only chimpanzee sanctuary in South Africa. This is a home for orphaned and rescued chimps as well as those displaced from their natural habitats in other parts of Africa. Tour the facility and visit viewing areas for two different 'camps' where a guide will introduce you to the chimps and tell you about their history and behaviour.

TRANSPORT: FULL DAY Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Day 10: Johannesburg/Port Elizabeth

Johannesburg, South Africa

Location: Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth

Accommodation Name: The Kelway Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Depart Johannesburg in the morning and board a flight to Port Elizabeth. Transfer the hotel before a free afternoon in Port Elizabeth. Join an optional group dinner in the evening.

TRANSPORT: Sit back and enjoy the flight from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth for your Garden Route experience.

FREE TIME: You will have a few hours of free time in Port Elizabeth to have lunch on your own and explore a bit.

Day 11: Day Trip to Addo National Park

Location: Addo Elephant National Park, Port Elizabeth

Accommodation Name: The Kelway Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Experience the wildlife and landscapes of Addo Elephant National Park during a morning safari drive with knowledgeable guides in search of rhinos, lions, buffalo, leopards, and of course, elephants. Have a picnic breakfast out in the bush and finish the drive in the afternoon. There will be free time to have lunch in the area before returning to Port Elizabeth to spend a leisurely evening on your own.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Embark on a wildlife safari drive in search of resident elephants, rhinos, lions, buffalo, and even leopards. While this national park may be most famous for elephants, the rest of its wildlife is fantastic, too.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

FREE TIME: EVENING Enjoy a free evening in Port Elizabeth to explore on your own after a day of wildlife viewing in Addo Elephant National Park.

Day 12: Port Elizabeth/Tsitsikamma

Location: Port Elizabeth, Tsitsikamma National Park

Accommodation Name: Tsitsikamma Village Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast depart for Tsitsikamma National Park, part of the famed Garden Route on the South Coast of South Africa. The area is valued for its diverse natural and cultural heritage. Enjoy a CEO-led hike along the Mouth Trail and wander along a winding boardwalk through the forest. In the afternoon partake in the Big Tree walk with your CEO, which will take you through indigenous forest to an eight hundred-year-old Yellowwood towering over the rest of the canopy. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure.

TRANSPORT: Sit back and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Port Elizabeth and Tsitsikamma with a few stops along the way to break up the drive.

ACTIVITY: Walk along the Mouth Trail with your CEO inside of Tsitsikamma National Park. The 2km trail begins at Sandy Bay and then leads you along a winding boardwalk through the indigenous forest to a suspension bridge and the Storms River Mouth Cave. If you're feeling brave there's another part of the trail that continues after the bridge and leads up to a lookout plateau. Try to spot nesting pairs of African Black Oystercatchers, one of South Africa's most endangered birds and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery along this part of the Garden Route.

ACTIVITY: Walk with your CEO along a 500m pathway through indigenous bush that leads to what is known as the Big Tree. This massive Yellow Wood has a truck with a circumference of 9m and stands at 36m tall. It towers over the rest of the canopy and is estimated to be over 800 years old.

Day 13: Tsitsikamma

Location: Tsitsikamma

Accommodation Name: Tsitsikamma Village Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy an entire free day in the Tsitsikamma area. Choose between optional activities like, the Woodcutters’ Journey, a tree canopy tour, a seasonal whale watching excursion, or whitewater tubing. Your opportunity to remain active awaits. Have dinner with the group back at the hotel in the evening.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY The entire day is yours to do as you please in this beautiful, multi-dimensional destination with dramatic coastal scenery, reefs, rivers, lush forest and plenty of fun activities to choose from. Perhaps you will book a tree top canopy tour, or you'll go white water tubing, or a whale watching tour if its in season.

Day 14: Tsitsikamma/Knysna

Location: Robberg Nature Reserve, Knysna

Accommodation Name: Knysna Log-Inn Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning the group will visit the Robberg Nature Reserve featuring stunning coastal scenery and some of the best hiking in the country. Walk along the Gap Circuit and see evidence of the prehistoric break-up of the supercontinent of Gondwanaland some 120 million years ago.



Travel onwards to Knysna for an orientation drive along the waterfront, through the town centre, to the hip eateries and shops on Thesen Island, and through the lush landscapes of the Knysna Forest full of indigenous trees. Arrive back in town for a free afternoon to enjoy optional activities or to simply relax in the beauty of your surroundings.

ACTIVITY: Robberg is situated along the Garden Route and is not only a nature reserve but also a World Heritage Site. There are rocks here in this region that date back 120 million years to the break-up of the super-continent Gondwanaland. Walk on the Gap Circuit on a trail that is 2.1km in length and will take about 30 minutes.

ACTIVITY: Begin with driving along the scenic waterfront area passing by the bustling harbour and catching a glimpse of local life teeming around the boats and lagoon. Witness Knysna's charming downtown streets lined with artisan shops and cafés. Visit Thesen Island, the landscapes on the outskirts of the Knysna Forest, and gain a true sense of the natural allure of this place.

FREE TIME: Enjoy free time in Knysna to explore on your own. Choose from a variety of optional activities sold locally. Your CEO can help you arrange the ones you wish to try.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Tsitsikamma and Knysna. There will be stops along the way to break up the drive and enjoy the marvelous Garden Route scenery.

Day 15: Knysna

Location: Knysna

Accommodation Name: Knysna Log-Inn Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast will be had at the hotel before an included visit to The Knysna Heads, which enclose and form the Knysna River Estuary. Visit some of the main attractions on the Eastern Head, walk along a pathway at the foot of the cliffs and learn about the importance of the land to the local population. Spend the remainder of the day as you wish and try some of the optional activities, like an oyster tour which the area is known for.

ACTIVITY: The Knysna Heads is probably the best known, most well recognized river mouth in all of South Africa to those who live here. Separated by 300m of water the Knysna Heads are the headlands of two peninsulas that enclose and form the Knysna River Estuary. The Eastern Head has many attractions like the hidden Coney Glen Beach with its soft sands and secret rock pools, the Heads Viewpoint high on the mountain at the top of Coney Glen Road, and Fountain Point, where the wreck of the Paquita lies in its watery grave – and where you can walk along a pathway at the foot of the cliffs, and then return to enjoy a meal or coffee overlooking the water at East Head Café. The Western Head is home to one of Knysna's most popular attractions, Featherbed Nature Reserve.

FREE TIME: HALF DAY Return to Knysna for a free afternoon to fill with optional activities like an oyster tour boat cruise or a visit to Featherbed.

Day 16: Knysna/Franschhoek

Location: Knysna, Mossel Bay, Barrydale, Franschhoek

Accommodation Name: Protea Hotel Franschhoek

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Rise early for a long, but jam-packed day of epic scenery and unforgettable sights as you drive the more scenic way from Knysna to Franschhoek. First stop is the harbour town of Mossel Bay to visit the lighthouse and walk in the area. Drive along Tradouw Pass next, through the lesser-known gem of Gatplaats Nature Reserve for a short walk and enjoy hilly views to reach the town of Barrydale. Have an included outdoor lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy a wine tasting. Arrive to Franschhoek in the evening and have dinner on your own.

ACTIVITY: Begin in Knysna and stop first for a visit to Mossel Bay Lighthouse for about a half hour. Continue onwards driving through the picturesque landscapes in the Gatplaats Nature Reserve and Tradouw Pass with stops for photos as you go. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife and take a short walk on the trails to stretch your legs in this peaceful environment. The winding roads up the pass offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It means today's drive won't feel so tedious as there's plenty to enjoy along the way.

ACTIVITY: Make another stop in the quaint town of Barrydale for an included visit to a local vineyard. Offeing tastings of its handcrafted wines on an outdoor terrace surrounded by beauty. Dine at the outdoor deli and opt to join a proper tasting in their rustic cellar or outdoor garden area.

FREE TIME: EVENING Take some time to get settled and enjoy the amenities at your Franschhoek hotel. Dinner is at your leisure this evening.

TRANSPORT: Sit back and scan the scenery on your private transfer between Knysna and Franschhoek. There will be stops along the way in Mossel Bay and Barrydale.

Day 17: Franschhoek

Location: Franschhoek, Stellenbosch

Accommodation Name: Protea Hotel Franschhoek

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start the morning off with a CEO-led orientation walk along Franschhoek’s main street. The remainder of the day is free for optional activities like a guided bike tour Stellenbosch, a history and art tour, or perhaps a winery visit in a region celebrated for its delicious grape varieties. Dinner this evening will be on your own.

ACTIVITY: Embark with your CEO on an orientation walk through the main streets and let the sights guide you in talking while you explore.

FREE TIME: HALF DAY The rest of the day is yours to do as you please. Perhaps book a guided bike tour of Stellenbosch or a history and art tour, or bikes and wine. The options are aplenty.

Day 18: Franschhoek/Cape Town

Abd Abo naser Cape Town, South Africa
Ilse Wiespointner Cape Town, South Africa

Location: Franschhoek, Cape Town

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leave the picturesque winelands of Franschhoek behind this morning and depart for Cape Town. Stop along the way to walk up the city’s iconic Signal Hill and site of the Noon Gun, one of Cape Town’s oldest living traditions. Enjoy the fantastic views from the top and catch a full glimpse of Cape Town's many landmarks. The tour ends upon arrival in Cape Town around 1:30pm.

Additional Information: Please do not book outbound flights prior to 5pm.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. There will be a stop along the route for the group to climb Signal Hill together.

ACTIVITY: Experience the iconic views of Cape Town on a walk up Signal Hill just outside of the city. From the flat-topped hill you'll find uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean, Robben Island, the entire cityscape where you can spend some time exploring.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotels (12 nts), Tented Camp (2 nts) Lodges (3 nts)

  • Meals
    17 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners

  • Welcome Moment

    Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group.

  • Table Mountain Cable Car Ride

    Enjoy a ride on the Table Mountain cable car and visit the summit.

  • Nature Walk

    Participate in a guided nature walk.

  • Wildlife Safari Drive

    Embark on a wildlife safari drive.

  • Traditional Dinner and Local Dancing

    Enjoy a traditional dinner accompanied by local dancing.

  • Kruger National Park Safari

    Experience an open vehicle wildlife safari drive in Kruger National Park.

  • Jane Goodall's Chimp Eden Tour

    Visit the Jane Goodall Institute's Chimp Eden.

  • Free Time in Cape Town

    Enjoy free time to explore Cape Town.

  • Addo National Park Safari Drives

    Spot wildlife on safari drives in Addo National Park.

  • CEO-led Hike in Tsitsikamma National Park

    Explore Tsitsikamma National Park with a CEO-led hike.

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What's Not Included

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities and excursions are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from the starting and ending points are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees and related expenses are not included.

Accommodation

Experience a blend of comfort and adventure with 12 nights in hotels, 2 nights in a tented camp, and 3 nights in lodges, offering a variety of amenities and unique settings throughout your journey.

Transport

Private vehicles, safari vehicles, walking.

Meals Included

17 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners

Group Size

Max 18

Solo Travellers

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. ...more ...less

Meals

Eating is a big part of travelling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available in southern Africa. On this tour, we provide a few meals for you and your group members, so as to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility in you choices. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though - while in the larger centres, your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.



For the included meals, vegetarian meal requests and other dietary requirements need to be specified prior to arrival.
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Mode of Transport

Travel in style with private vehicles, safari vehicles, and walking, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience as you explore the diverse landscapes and wildlife of South Africa.

Minimum Age

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

Important Notes

1. This is not a physically demanding journey; however, travelling can be difficult, with long drives and poor road conditions at times. Despite this, most clients feel that the diversity of the African landscape, countries, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience. We use a comfortable and safe air-conditioned tour vehicle for the long drives.



2. It may be required to show a Yellow Fever certificate if you are traveling to South Africa from a Yellow Fever endemic country.



3. DRONES

The use of drones in national parks in Southern Africa is prohibited.



4. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:

Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
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Group Leader

All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. ...more ...less

About Accommodation

Start and end hotels on this tour offer comfortable accommodations with en-suite bathrooms, standard facilities, and wifi. Additional amenities vary from location to location. Please see the hotel listings on the Full Itinerary if you would like to learn more about the offerings of your accommodations.



Please remember that hotel/lodge/camp standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country, which is part of the appeal of adventure travel.



Note:

Under certain circumstances, we reserve the right to change accommodation and provide something slightly different to what is described, though it will always be of similar or better standard/level.



Camping in Africa is truly an adventure. You will be able to get off the beaten track to get a first-hand experience of the beautiful wilderness and nature. While camping, we stay at designated campsites in national parks and outside towns. Campsite facilities in southern Africa are generally good, but can be basic in certain places. There are generally small restaurants and/or bars, flush toilets, showers (generally outdoors, some with simple reed enclosures), washing facilities and telephones available. Additionally, warm water is available at most sites, but it is not guaranteed to always be warm when you take your shower; the warm water may be used up by others who also use the camp. We usually set-up camp within close proximity to the toilet facilities, though occasionally to reach them you may have to walk a short distance.



We sleep in good quality, durable, industry-standard 2-person safari canvas tents. Please note that most adults will not be able to fully stand up inside the tents, though most travellers find these more than adequate, as they have a base area of approximately 4 square meters. These tents are regularly treated with a waterproofing agent, but under certain rainy conditions, the tent fabric may become saturated to the point where seepage or leakage may occur. All tents have built-in mesh insect netting on the windows and doors.



We travel with our own portable camp chairs with a comfortable back-rest, and we utilize our own cooking equipment to provide the group good quality camp meals.



In camping within the national parks and conservation areas, some camp sites are enclosed for keeping the resident wildlife out. Other camps are open to the natural environment – care must be taken, especially at night, when a torch/flashlight is recommended when walking around the camp area.



Please note that due to the high demand for accommodation in the parks, sometimes we will arrange alternative accommodation outside of the park.
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What to Take

You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labeled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase, or sports bag, maximum 15kg, plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited. Porters are not available, so be prepared to carry your own bags. It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a warm jacket for early morning wildlife safari drives. . It is wise to bring plenty of layers for cool mornings and evenings. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable.



Please be advised that if you plan to bring a drone with you, the use of drones in national parks in Southern Africa is prohibited.
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Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. ...more ...less

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is used during the tour?

    The tour uses private vehicles, safari vehicles, and walking as modes of transportation.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    The tour includes stays in hotels for 12 nights, tented camps for 2 nights, and lodges for 3 nights.

  • Are there any age restrictions for this tour?

    You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on this tour. Minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old must be at least 12 years old.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour includes 17 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 7 dinners.

  • What is the maximum group size for this tour?

    The maximum group size for this tour is 18 people.

  • What should I pack for the tour?

    It is advised to pack lightly with a soft compact suitcase or sports bag, maximum 15kg, plus a daypack. Bring clothes for warm days and cool evenings, a warm jacket for early morning wildlife safari drives, and smart casual clothes. Drones are prohibited in national parks.

  • Is there a tour guide provided during the trip?

    Yes, the tour is accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) who will provide information, offer suggestions, and introduce you to local friends. Local guides are also used where specific knowledge will enhance the experience.

  • What activities are included in the tour?

    Included activities are a Table Mountain cable car ride, nature walks, wildlife safari drives, a traditional dinner with local dancing, a tour of Jane Goodall's Chimp Eden, and a CEO-led hike in Tsitsikamma National Park, among others.

  • Are there any important notes or restrictions I should be aware of?

    Traveling can be difficult with long drives and poor road conditions at times. A Yellow Fever certificate may be required if traveling from a Yellow Fever endemic country. The use of drones in national parks is prohibited. Some accommodations may not have elevators, requiring you to carry luggage up stairs.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    G Adventures was established in 1990

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/

Reviews of this operator

Lynsey M, UK  

Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires: Waterfalls & White Sands

08-Nov-2021

This tour was very good. I would reccomend it. It is great to see the difference in the three countries, Iguassu Falls definitely a highlight on my whole South America trip.

Matthew Southwood   UK

Southern Divide

10-Jan-2025

We’ve just finished this trip. Completely amazing and enjoyable. It was busy but filled with unforgettable experiences. The hotels were better than expected, all fine and mostly really nice. The included activities were great and plenty of others to choose from as well. The guide, Juber, was amazing seemed to go way beyond what you’d expect and always available to help. A few highlights Machu Picchu, salt flats, Atacama Desert, horse riding, San Pedro. We did Peru, Bolivia and Chile some of the group were continuing on to Argentina. I think only note of caution was the silver mine tour in Potosi, it is quite daunting going down into the mine and 4 out of 10 of us on the group didn’t make it down. Perhaps a little more warning could have been provided beforehand ...more ...less

Connie McKain Albright  

Galapagos

10-Jan-2023

This was our first trip with G Adventures. We took the 8 day trip around Galapagos on their ship Yolita II. The guide, Adrienne, was knowledgeable and very pleasant. Each day had a variety of activities to choose from so you could fill your day or pick and choose what you wanted to do. The guide knew where to look for various animals so we saw an abundance of wildlife - lots of different sea birds, sea lions, a few kinds of iguanas, and many kinds of fishes. The only negative, and it's not G Adventures fault, is that the little ship rocks and rolls and night which can make sleeping challenging. ...more ...less

Trustpilot
Tina. G, Canada  

DAK

08-Nov-2021

The tour was great! Our guide Peter was very knowledgeable and gave us just the right amount of information about the sights and animals we were seeing. He was also very personable and had a great sense of humour. Our cook was great as well! They were both flexible and accomodated our requests to spend longer looking at some animals, to visit craft markets, etc. The lodge accommodations both inside and outside Kruger National Park were fantastic. ...more ...less

Sandra Salter  

I have taken four trips with G…

18-Dec-2022

I have taken four trips with G Adventures. The Guides have been so knowledgeable and friendly. Each trip has been thoroughly planned. The trips have been once in a lifetime experiences.

Trustpilot
Jil S, Canada  

Costa Rica Adventure

08-Nov-2021

The tour was excellent! I think there was something for everyone on this tour... lots of hiking and nature walks for nature lovers, a plethora of optional activities for the adventurous and lots of downtime for the ones who just want to relax. I loved it! ...more ...less

Fergus Lawrence Park   Uk

Sailing Thailand - Phuket to Phuket

18-Dec-2023

Fantastic trip overall with very efficient staff on board. Fantastic food throughout. Deluxe cabin was disappointing and not as advertised and many problems with the air conditioning in our cabin meant we had 2 sleepless nights.

Fergus Lawrence Park   Uk

Sailing Thailand - Phuket to Phuket

18-Dec-2023

Fantastic trip overall with very efficient staff on board. Fantastic food throughout. Deluxe cabin was disappointing and not as advertised and many problems with the air conditioning in our cabin meant we had 2 sleepless nights.

1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Sunday

Jun 12, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025
$4899 $4164 (USD)

Barrhead discount: -$735 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Ultimate South Africa

18 Days Starting and ending in Cape Town, South Africa

Visiting: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Greater Kruger Area, Kruger National Park, Chimp Eden, Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park, Tsitsikamma National Park, Tsitsikamma, Robberg Nature Reserve, Knysna, Mossel Bay, Barrydale, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch ...more ...less

Tour operator:

G Adventures

Tour code:

26217

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 18

Physical rating:

3 - Average

Age range:

12-

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Safari Tours

Activities:

Hiking, Walking

From: $4899 $4164 (USD) Barrhead discount: -$735 -15%

NB: Prices correct on 15-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

Why book with Barrhead?

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Fully Protected

All our holidays are fully financially protected.


Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.

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Range

Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.


We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.


Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.

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Expert Knowledge

We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.


Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.

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Trusted Agent

Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.


Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.


We look after you every step of the way.


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