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Essence of South Africa
from $4,675 pp

  • Duration: 10 Days
  • Destinations: South Africa
Bush, beach, and two vibrant citiescapture the essence of South Africa on this culmination of a Cape Town to Kruger experience, including Johannesburg, the 'City of Gold'.
Call to Book 1-800-222-7448
Included With Your Trip
  • All transport and transfers shown An expert Travel Director and professional Driver Cherry-picked hotels and safari lodges, all tried and trusted All porterage and restaurant gratuities All hotel tips, charges and local taxes Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals Air-conditioned coach or Quantum bus Must-see sightseeing Optional Experiences and free time On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Additional Information

Welcome to Cape Town

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 dinner.
Hotel: Southern Sun The Cullinan

Table Mountain and Tour Cape Town

This morning, you'll 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 the 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 fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Consider joining our Optional Experience to explore the infamous Robben Island, with your guide revealing its turbulent past and the cell where Nelson Mandela spent the majority of his prison term.
Hotel: Southern Sun The Cullinan

Circumnavigate the Cape Peninsula

Circumnavigate the Cape Peninsula, from trendy Camps Bay to Cape Point and back. With 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, admire the Cape of Good Hope and travel through charming coastal towns along the way.
Hotel: Southern Sun The Cullinan

Cape Winelands and Hermanus Excursion Connect with Locals

Venture to the town of Franschhoek and discover 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. Meet local business owner Stefan, who will treat you to a delicious traditional braai (barbecue) featuring delicacies 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.
Hotel: Southern Sun The Cullinan

From City to Safari

This morning, bid farewell to your Cape Town Travel Director and the Mother City before flying to Hoedspruit. Here, a private game reserve near Kruger National Park and your Safari Local Specialist for this next adventure await. Begin your time in the South African bushveld with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience at a Shangaan village, learning about their traditions, customs and way of life. Later, settle into Shiduli Private Game Lodge, a Stays with Stories accommodation and your home in the bush for the next three nights.
Hotel: Shiduli Private Game Lodge

Safari in Karongwe Private Game Reserve

Your adventure begins with an early morning game drive through Karongwe Private Reserve with a Local Specialist game ranger and a Shangaan tracker-guide. As the sun rises, the bush come alive with the sights and sounds of awakening birds and insects. This creates the perfect backdrop for your search for the Big Five. After lunch, join a local ranger for a hands-on bush walk, where you'll learn how to track animals and uncover the hidden stories of the African bush, followed by an afternoon game drive.
Hotel: Shiduli Private Game Lodge

Seek out the 'Big Five' Safari Animals in Karongwe

Today, enjoy another full day of game drives through Karongwe Private Reserve. Continue exploring 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 an eye out for wildlife emerging from their cover of darkness.
Hotel: Shiduli Private Game Lodge

Journey to Johannesburg

This morning, have your camera ready for the last of your game drives. Bid farewell to your Safari Local Specialist before your flight to Johannesburg. Meet your Johannesburg Travel Director and check into your hotel in the heart of Sandton, ideally located for exploring the nearby restaurants and shopping during your free evening.
Hotel: The Maslow

Discover Historical Soweto Dive Into Culture

Unlock the secrets of the 'City of Gold' on a full-day tour. Dive Into Culture during a visit to the Constitutional Hill, the Mandela House Museum and Regina Mundi Church, which chronicles South Africa's tumultuous Apartheid years.
Hotel: The Maslow

Farewell Johannesburg

Our epic encounter with South Africa's iconic sites comes to an end today. Transfer to Johannesburg International Airport for your onward flight.

Departure Dates
Start: January 18, 2026
End: January 27, 2026
Price: $5,095 pp
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End: February 24, 2026
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End: March 10, 2026
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Start: April 5, 2026
End: April 14, 2026
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End: April 28, 2026
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Start: May 3, 2026
End: May 12, 2026
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Start: May 17, 2026
End: May 26, 2026
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Start: June 7, 2026
End: June 16, 2026
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Start: July 5, 2026
End: July 14, 2026
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Start: July 19, 2026
End: July 28, 2026
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Start: August 2, 2026
End: August 11, 2026
Price: $5,125 pp
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Start: August 16, 2026
End: August 25, 2026
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End: September 8, 2026
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Start: September 13, 2026
End: September 22, 2026
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Start: September 27, 2026
End: October 6, 2026
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Start: October 11, 2026
End: October 20, 2026
Price: $5,125 pp
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Start: November 1, 2026
End: November 10, 2026
Price: $5,125 pp
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Start: November 15, 2026
End: November 24, 2026
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Start: December 6, 2026
End: December 15, 2026
Price: $5,125 pp
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Start: December 20, 2026
End: December 29, 2026
Price: $5,125 pp
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Product Code: TTUSAS-AFESN26