Highlights of South Africa
Highlights of South Africa
$3324
Highlights of South Africa
9 Days Starting in Cape Town, South Africa and ending in Johannesburg, South Africa
Visiting: Arrive In Cape Town, South Africa, Cape Town, Hoedspruit, Karongwe Private Game Reserve, Karongwe, Johannesburg
Tour operator:
Tour code:
3850-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
From colorful Cape Town and historic Johannesburg to safari in a private game reserve, your tour of South Africa is an adventure like no other. Start in Cape Town where you’ll ascend Table Mountain via cable car for spectacular views. At Boulders Beach, observe a colony of endangered penguins, then venture to Cape Point Nature Reserve, the Cape of Good Hope, and Cape Point at the continent’s most southwestern tip. Next, travel to a private game reserve where you’ll set out on six games drives in an open-air 4-wheel-drive vehicle with an expert Ranger. Search for Africa's “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo and much more. Cap off each day with refreshing sundowner drink, the perfect way to relax and reflect as the sun sets over the beautiful South Africa landscape. You’ll also visit Johannesburg’s Soweto Township to learn about its turbulent past and hopeful future. Tour the thought-provoking Apartheid Museum and Mandela House, located in the former neighborhood of Nobel Peace Prize winners, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. Your South Africa tour is an adventure into historic heritage.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Cape Town,South Africa
Location: Arrive In Cape Town, South Africa
Welcome to Africa! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2: Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, enjoy a full day of sightseeing, starting with a cable-car ride up Table Mountain for stunning views of the city, Robben Island, and the Cape Winelands. Next, visit Boulders Beach to see a colony of endangered African Penguins, known for their unique sound. After free time for lunch, continue to Cape Point Nature Reserve for stops at the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. Here, take a funicular ride to the steps of the old lighthouse for spectacular panoramic views. On your return journey back to Cape Town, skirt the rocky coastline as you ascend Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most spectacular drives in the world. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Day 3: Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Your day is more than half-full with your choice of optional excursions on The Cape. Sip into something comfortable by raising a glass on an optional visit to the stunning Cape Winelands for wine tasting, or slip into something deeper on an optional whale watching cruise in nearby Hermanus (June-October). Or lift your sights on an optional helicopter flightseeing tour above Cape Town’s vast oceanscape and landmarks on shore.
Day 4: Cape Town,Hoedspruit,Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Location: Cape Town, Hoedspruit, Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to Hoedspruit and transfer to Karongwe Private Game Reserve, overlooking the majestic Drakensburg Mountains. This area, near Kruger National Park, is famous for its abundance of wildlife, including the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. After lunch, embark on your first exciting game drive. Stop for a sundowner in the bush before returning to your lodge for dinner.
Day 5: Karongwe
Location: Karongwe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your skilled tracker and professional Ranger work together as a team during your early morning game drive, so you can learn more about the ecosystem as you view wildlife up close. Beyond the “Big 5,” you’ll have the chance to see kudu, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, spotted hyena, and more! Return for breakfast mid-morning, followed by time to relax and enjoy the lodge and its surroundings. In the mid-afternoon, tea will be served prior to your afternoon game drive. Step out of your safari vehicle for a sundowner drink and watch as the sun sets over the Drakensberg Mountains. Return to your lodge in time to freshen up for dinner.
Day 6: Karongwe
Location: Karongwe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise early for coffee and tea before your morning game drive. If the timing is right, you might spot some of the big cats after a night of hunting. Spend time at leisure in the middle of the day. Perhaps take a swim in the pool, visit the wellness center for one of its many spa treatments, or simply sit back and watch the animals. Your afternoon game drive concludes with a sundowner drink as the sun sets over the bushveld!
Day 7: Karongwe,Hoedspruit,Johannesburg
Location: Karongwe, Hoedspruit, Johannesburg
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy one last game drive this morning before transferring to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Day 8: Johannesburg
Location: Johannesburg
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today’s sightseeing starts with a visit to Soweto (South Western Township), the largest township in the country. Along the way, see the neighborhood that was home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners: Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. Visit Mandela House, where Nelson Mandela lived from 1946 to around 1960, when he was forced underground to elude arrest. After lunch, visit the Museum to learn about the founding of South Africa before delving into the apartheid era. Using photos, video, and print, the museum takes you on an extraordinary journey through the apartheid years to the 1994 democratic elections that named Nelson Mandela president.
Day 9: Johannesburg
Location: Johannesburg
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at SunSquare Cape Town Gardens, Shiduli Private Game Lodge, and Garden Court Sandton City.
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Meals
8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 3 dinners are included.
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Sightseeing
Full day of sightseeing in Cape Town including a cable-car ride up Table Mountain, visit to Boulders Beach, Cape Point Nature Reserve, and Chapman’s Peak Drive.
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Game Drives
Multiple game drives in Karongwe Private Game Reserve with opportunities to see the 'Big 5' and other wildlife.
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Soweto Tour
Visit to Soweto, Mandela House, and the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg.
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Flights
Internal flights from Cape Town to Hoedspruit and from Hoedspruit to Johannesburg.
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Small Group
Each tour is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure.
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UNESCO Sites
Visit to Cape Floral Region Protected Areas.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and phone calls are not included.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as wine tasting in Cape Winelands or whale watching in Hermanus are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and any related travel documentation are not included.
Meals
8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
Notes
For approximately one month each year (typically late July to mid-September), Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is closed for annual maintenance. In these instances, a private tour of Kirstenbosch National Garden will be included in its place. All game viewing is done at your own risk and requires a signed liability waiver prior to travel. Due to rough driving on/off road and in/between game parks, this vacation is not recommended for guests with serious back problems or mobility issues.
Small Group
Each Cosmos Africa safari tour is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Safari Guide/Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery African safari vacation is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
Cape Floral Region Protected Areas
Accommodation
Cape Town:SunSquare Cape Town GardensKarongwe Game Reserve:Shiduli Private Game LodgeJohannesburg:Garden Court Sandton City
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the game drives in Karongwe Private Game Reserve?
During the game drives in Karongwe Private Game Reserve, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including the 'Big 5'—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. Additionally, you may also spot kudu, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, spotted hyena, and more.
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What activities are included during the stay in Cape Town?
In Cape Town, activities include a full day of sightseeing with a cable-car ride up Table Mountain, a visit to Boulders Beach to see a colony of endangered African Penguins, and a trip to Cape Point Nature Reserve with stops at the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. You will also take a funicular ride to the old lighthouse and drive along Chapman's Peak Drive.
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What can I do during the leisure day in Cape Town?
During the leisure day in Cape Town, you can explore the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, take an optional excursion to the Cape Winelands for wine tasting, or go whale watching in nearby Hermanus (June-October). Your Tour Director will also have suggestions to help you make the most of your day.
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What is the accommodation like at SunSquare Cape Town Gardens?
SunSquare Cape Town Gardens is situated near the Cape Town city bowl in the lush suburb of Gardens. The hotel offers 136 well-appointed rooms equipped with amenities including air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also features a gym and an inviting outdoor pool.
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What can I expect during the visit to Soweto in Johannesburg?
During the visit to Soweto, you will see the neighborhood that was home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners: Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. You will visit Mandela House, where Nelson Mandela lived from 1946 to around 1960. After lunch, you will visit the Museum to learn about the founding of South Africa and delve into the apartheid era.
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What are the dining options during the tour?
The tour includes 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 3 dinners. Meals are provided at various points throughout the tour, including during game drives and at the accommodations.
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What happens if the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is closed for maintenance?
If the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is closed for annual maintenance, typically from late July to late August, a private tour of Kirstenbosch National Garden will be included in its place.
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What is the group size for this tour?
Each Cosmos Africa safari tour is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure, ensuring a small-group experience with extra space between travelers.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.