South Africa: From the Cape to Kruger
South Africa: From the Cape to Kruger
$4331
South Africa: From the Cape to Kruger
13 Days Starting in Cape Town, South Africa and ending in Johannesburg, South Africa
Visiting: Arrive Cape Town, South Africa, Cape Town, Stony Point Nature Reserve, Hermanus, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park Reserve Excursion, George, Durban, Umhlanga, Mkuze, Mhlambanyatsi, Eswatini, Greater Kruger National Park Area, Greater Kruger Area, Johannesburg
Tour operator:
Tour code:
3800-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Enthralling game drives, stunning scenery, and fun experiences…this South Africa tour has it all!Have your camera ready as you ride in open-air, safari vehicles during game drives in Kruger National Park, one of the world's largest game reserves and home to impala, zebra, cheetah, spotted hyena, and more, and in Mkuze Game Reserve, where you’ll watch for lion, leopard, rhino, Cape buffalo, and giraffe. Enjoy a cruise on Lake Jozini home to hippo, Nile crocodile, and, if you’re lucky, elephant along the shore. At Stony Point Nature Reserve, observe the endangered African penguins engage in their daily activities.In addition to wildlife, you’ll also experience unique culture and spectacular scenery on this tour through South Africa. Learn about Zulu customs and life today during a fascinating village walk and interact with local artisans in eSwatini. Visit Tsitsikamma National Park for a walk through its unique coastal forest. Drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the world’s most scenic drives skirting the rocky coastline, and the scenic Panorama Route, with its dramatic landscapes tracing the course of the mighty Blyde River. Marvel at the stalagmites and stalactites at the Cango Caves. Witness rugged rocks, sheer cliffs, crashing waves, and panoramic ocean views at Cape Point, Africa’s southwestern most point.All of this and more—including opportunities to learn about local cultures—await you on this South Africa tour for savvy, value-minded travelers.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Cape Town,South Africa
Location: Arrive Cape Town, South Africa
Welcome to South Africa! Check in to your hotel and prepare for a fascinating journey.
Day 2: Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, visit Table Mountain for an aerial cable-car ride to the top for stunning views of the city, Robben Island, and the Cape winelands. Then, take a scenic drive south via Chapman’s Peak Drive, which skirts the rocky coastline and is one of the most scenic drives in the world. Continue to Cape Point Nature Reserve for stops at the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point, the southwestern most point on the African continent. Here, take a funicular ride to the steps of the old lighthouse for spectacular panoramic views. Return to Cape Town and enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Day 3: Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day at leisure for free-time pursuits. Perhaps explore the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront or go deeper with a whale-watching cruise in nearby Hermanus (Jun.-Oct.). Your Tour Director has suggestions to help you make the most of your day. May we recommend a glass-half-full kind of day in the stunning Cape Winelands for tastings and breathtaking scenery and cellars? Wine not!
Day 4: Cape Town,Stony Point Nature Reserve,Hermanus,Mossel Bay
Location: Cape Town, Stony Point Nature Reserve, Hermanus, Mossel Bay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, depart Cape Town and drive to Stony Point Nature Reserve to see a colony of endangered African Penguins. Known for the unique sound they make, these penguins grow to an average height of two feet and live in burrows and rock crevices along the beach. Stop in Hermanus for independent exploration before reaching Mossel Bay for the evening.
Day 5: Mossel Bay,Oudtshoorn,Knysna
Location: Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn, Knysna
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive north to Oudtshoorn and stop for a guided tour of the Cango Caves with its stunning limestone rock formations. You will also visit a local ostrich farm for an interactive tour to learn about the world’s largest bird. Continue to Knysna.
Day 6: Knysna,Tsitsikamma National Park Reserve Excursion
Location: Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park Reserve Excursion
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, explore the spectacular Tsitsikamma National Park for a walk through the indigenous coastal forest to the mouth of the Storms River. Cross the famous suspension bridge for views of the coastline and to see the Storms River Mouth Cave. Return to Knysna for time to explore the waterfront or make a splash with an optional whale-watching cruise off the coast of Knysna to spy the migration of whales passing through the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean (June - November; Jan – May departures include an exciting Eco Marine Cruise to spot dolphins, seals, penguins, and birdlife that call this stunning area home.).
Day 7: Knysna,George,Durban,Umhlanga
Location: Knysna, George, Durban, Umhlanga
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, drive to George for your flight to Durban. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in the bustling Umhlanga Rocks area for the evening.
Day 8: Umhlanga,Mkuze
Location: Umhlanga, Mkuze
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, drive to Mkuze in the heart of Zululand. After lunch, travel to the Lebombo mountains for a memorable walk to interact with local Zulu people and learn about their customs and life today in this rural community.
Day 9: Mkuze
Location: Mkuze
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, take a game drive in Mkuze Game Reserve, the oldest proclaimed wildlife reserve in all of Africa. The park is home to the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. You also have the chance to see giraffe, zebra, black and white rhino, and much more! After time to rest, embark on an afternoon boat ride on Lake Jozini. During the cruise, you are likely to spot hippo, Nile crocodile, elephant, and a variety of bird life.
Day 10: Mkuze,Mhlambanyatsi,Eswatini
Location: Mkuze, Mhlambanyatsi, Eswatini
Meals Included: Dinner
Today, drive to eSwatini. En route, stop at a local Swaziland market to view cultural arts and crafts. Continue through Swaziland, the last traditional kingdom of the proud and welcoming Swazi people.
Day 11: Eswatini,Greater Kruger National Park Area
Location: Eswatini, Greater Kruger National Park Area
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart eSwatini, visiting a unique glass factory where skilled glass blowers use recycled glass to create stemware, animal figures, and more. Then, head north for the Greater Kruger area to visit a traditional Swazi village. Wander through the village with its many huts, each allocated for special social functions. Interact with the villagers as they go about their daily activities, experience folk songs and dance performances – maybe even join in the festivities. South African hospitality reigns today with leisure time at the lodge. Gaze from your balcony at the wildlife-rich gardens, relax at the pool and day spa, and select from delightful dining choices.
Day 12: Greater Kruger Area
Location: Greater Kruger Area
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise early for coffee and tea before your early morning game drive with an experienced guide. 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 watching wildlife from your balcony or on a guided nature or birding walk. Perhaps book a spa treatment or simply relax at the pool. Watch for kudu, impala, giraffe, cheetah, spotted hyena, the elusive wild dog, and more on your afternoon game drive. Return to your lodge for dinner.
Day 13: Greater Kruger Area,Johannesburg
Location: Greater Kruger Area, Johannesburg
Meals Included: Breakfast
A leisurely morning before a flight to Johannesburg. Your vacation ends at the airport. Schedule departing flights after 6 pm.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at various hotels including SunSquare Cape Town Gardens, Protea Hotel by Marriott Mossel Bay, aha The Rex Hotel, Garden Court Umhlanga, Ghost Mountain Inn, Foresters Arm, and Sabi River Sun Resort.
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Meals
12 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners are included.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours and excursions including visits to Table Mountain, Cape Point Nature Reserve, Stony Point Nature Reserve, Cango Caves, Tsitsikamma National Park, and Mkuze Game Reserve.
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Game Drives
Game drives in Mkuze Game Reserve and Greater Kruger National Park area.
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Local Experiences
Interactions with local Zulu people and visits to a local market and a unique glass factory in eSwatini.
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Transportation
All transportation during the tour including flights from Gqeberha to Durban and from Greater Kruger Area to Johannesburg.
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Small Group
Each tour is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure, ensuring a more personalized experience.
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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, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as excursions to the Cape winelands, whale watching in Hermanus, and optional cruises in Knysna 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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Visas and Entry Fees
Visas and entry fees to certain attractions are not included.
Meals
12 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 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 GardensMossel Bay:Protea Hotel by Marriott Mossel BayKnysna:aha The Rex HotelUmhlanga:Garden Court UmhlangaMkuze:Ghost Mountain InnEswatini:Foresters ArmKruger National Park Area:Sabi River Sun Resort
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the game drives in Mkuze Game Reserve?
During the game drives in Mkuze Game Reserve, you can expect to see the 'Big 5'—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. Additionally, you may spot giraffe, zebra, black and white rhino, and a variety of other wildlife.
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What activities are available during the leisure day in Cape Town?
During the leisure day in Cape Town, you can explore the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, take an excursion to the Cape winelands for wine tasting, or go whale watching in nearby Hermanus (June to October). Your Tour Director will also have suggestions to help you make the most of your day.
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What can I expect during the visit to Stony Point Nature Reserve?
At Stony Point Nature Reserve, you will see a colony of endangered African Penguins. These penguins are known for their unique sound and grow to an average height of two feet. They live in burrows and rock crevices along the beach.
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What is included in the visit to Tsitsikamma National Park?
In Tsitsikamma National Park, you will explore the indigenous coastal forest and walk to the mouth of the Storms River. You will also cross the famous suspension bridge for views of the coastline and the Storms River Mouth Cave.
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What kind of experiences are offered in the Greater Kruger National Park area?
In the Greater Kruger National Park area, you will have early morning and afternoon game drives with an experienced guide, where you might spot big cats, kudu, impala, giraffe, cheetah, spotted hyena, and the elusive wild dog. You can also enjoy leisure time watching wildlife from your balcony, go on guided nature or birding walks, book a spa treatment, or relax at the pool.
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a walk in the Lebombo mountains to interact with local Zulu people and learn about their customs and life in this rural community. Additionally, you will visit a local market and a unique glass factory in eSwatini where talented glass blowers use recycled glass to create various items.
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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 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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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.