The Best of South Africa
The Best of South Africa
The Best of South Africa
19 Days Starting in Johannesburg, South Africa and ending in Cape Town, South Africa
Visiting: Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Eswatini, Mkuze, Umhlanga, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Arniston, Cape Town, United Kingdom
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TTBSA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Titan with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, Rail Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on "The Best of South Africa" tour, a captivating journey through the heart of South Africa's diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This 18-day adventure includes 16 nights in comfortable hotels and 2 nights in flight, with 24 meals provided. Highlights include a Pretoria orientation tour, visits to the Voortrekker Monument, Pilgrim’s Rest, and God’s Window, and thrilling game drives in Mala Mala and uMkhuze Game Reserve. Enjoy a boat cruise in iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a traditional braai with Zulu entertainment, and explore the scenic Garden Route. Experience the vibrant city of Cape Town, including a cable car ride up Table Mountain, and visit the Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Beach. With international and internal flights included, this tour offers an unforgettable South African experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Uk - In Flight
Location: Johannesburg
Accommodation Name: In Flight
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your overnight flight to Johannesburg.
Day 2 : Johannesburg - Sandton
Location: Johannesburg
Accommodation Name: DaVinci Hotel Sandton (4-star)
This morning we arrive into Johannesburg. After a short tour of the nation’s capital, Pretoria, we visit the Voortrekker Monument, the dramatic memorial to the Boer pioneers who ventured into South Africa’s interior. Later, we invite you to join your fellow travellers for welcome drinks.
Day 3 : Kruger National Park
Location: Kruger National Park
Accommodation Name: Mdluli Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park (4-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we encounter Africa’s big skies and wide-open spaces. We travel eastwards to the Drakensberg Escarpment, which separates the Highveld Plateau from the low country. Here, amidst some of South Africa’s most stunning scenery, we reach Pilgrim’s Rest, a former gold rush town where time has very nearly stood still. Then (weather permitting), we stop for incredible views at God’s Window, down into the Lowveld below.
Day 4 : Kruger National Park
Location: Kruger National Park
Accommodation Name: Mdluli Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park (4-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We’ll get up with the birds for an early morning drive into the park. At this time of day, the animals are up and about too, making the most of the cool and our skilled ranger will take us through the park in search of the best sightings. The afternoon is free to simply take in your surroundings or join an optional game drive to search for more of the park’s wildlife residents.
Day 5 : Kruger National Park - Eswatini (Swaziland)
Location: Eswatini
Accommodation Name: Foresters Arms, Mhlambanyatsi, Eswatini (4-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After a leisurely breakfast, we'll travel south into landlocked Eswatini (Swaziland), with its rolling sugar cane fields and stunning mountain scenes. Arriving around lunchtime, the afternoon is free to relax before our overnight stay.
Day 6 : Mkuze
Location: Mkuze
Accommodation Name: Ghost Mountain Inn, Mkuze (4-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We visit Ngwenya Glass, where recycled glass is made into lovely figurines or unique wine glasses. We’ll then continue south to the border and cross into the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal. On arrival at our hotel in Mkuze, you have the rest of the day to enjoy the glorious gardens and tranquil surrounds, and views of the legendary Ghost Mountain.
Day 7 : Mkuze
Location: Mkuze
Accommodation Name: Ghost Mountain Inn, Mkuze (4-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After a morning perhaps enjoying the hotel pool, we embark on a boat cruise on Lake Jozini. The lake lies in a dramatic setting at the foot of the Lebombo Mountains and is one of South Africa’s largest dams. There are several exquisite gorges, which abound with cycads and a wide variety of birds. On the western side of the dam there’s the possibility to view elephant, rhino, hippo and crocodile. In the evening, we enjoy a traditional barbecue (braai) with Zulu entertainment.
Day 8 : Umhlanga
Location: Umhlanga
Accommodation Name: Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga (5-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We depart Mkuze and head towards the coast, stopping along the way at DumaZulu Cultural Village. Over 60 Zulu residents call the village home, forming a living museum where traditional manufacturing skills continue, including spear, shield, and clay pot making, basket weaving and beer brewing. We’ll meet the Zulu villagers and experience their traditions and language through music and dancing. We’ll stay overnight in Umhlanga, a lively area on the outskirts of Durban with a number of restaurants to choose for dinner.
Day 9 : Durban - Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
Location: Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
Accommodation Name: Boardwalk Hotel, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) (5-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast
There's some free time to maybe take a stroll along the lovely promenade and enjoy a drink at one of the restaurants. Later, we head to Durban airport for our flight to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), where we stay overnight.
Day 10 : Tsitsikamma National Park - Knysna
Location: Tsitsikamma National Park
Accommodation Name: Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays (4-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We commence our journey along the beautiful Garden Route. It’s a scenic highlight of holidays to South Africa, stopping at Tsitsikamma National Park, part of the Garden Route National Park. Here we explore the pristine coastline of Storms River mouth and lush indigenous forest, which make this area so famous. After a tasty lunch of fresh fish, we head to Knysna.
Day 11 : Knysna
Location: Knysna
Accommodation Name: Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays (4-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Beautifully situated on a lagoon, Knysna is a great place to spend time on the water. We’ll board a ferry taking us across to Featherbed Nature Reserve. There are spectacular views from here across the water and through Knysna Heads to the open sea. We’ll also enjoy lunch amid the reserve. Numerous restaurants, teahouses and boutique shops surround Knysna’s beautiful natural harbour and the rest of the day is free. It’s an ideal spot to sample some of the finest seafood in the fresh air whilst watching the sailing boats crossing the lagoon.
Day 12 : Oudtshoorn
Location: Oudtshoorn
Accommodation Name: Queens Hotel, Oudtshoorn (4-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we head up into scenically stunning mountains on our way to Oudtshoorn to enjoy lunch and a tour of Cango Ostrich Farm. After time with these comical birds, we’ll stay overnight in Oudtshoorn.
Day 13 - 14 : Arniston
Location: Arniston
Accommodation Name: The Arniston Hotel (4-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We’ll travel via the arid plains of the Karoo to the Huis River Pass on spectacular Route 62. After a brief stop in Barrydale we’ll continue to Arniston, a tranquil fishing village characterised by its quaint limewashed cottages. We’ll stop here for two nights and day 13 is free to explore the lovely village at your own pace. Perhaps take a wander along the coastline, its craggy cliffs mark the edge of one of the most southerly locations in South Africa. Breathe in the fresh sea air and keep your eyes peeled for whales, it’s often possible to spot them from here. Or sip coffee at one of the local cafés, as you watch the world go by.
Day 15 : Hermanus - Betty’S Bay - Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation Name: The Commodore Hotel, Cape Town (4-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We’ll continue to Hermanus another town well known for whale spotting possibilities in September-November (fingers crossed). We then follow the stunning coastal route via Betty’s Bay, where it’s possible to spot some of South Africa’s penguin population, to reach Cape Town and our lovely hotel on the Victoria & Alfred waterfront.
Day 16 : Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation Name: The Commodore Hotel, Cape Town (4-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We set out on a tour of the city positioned in one of the finest natural settings on earth. The great backdrop of Table Mountain, flanked by Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head, forms a natural sanctuary and dramatic landmark. We take an exhilarating trip by cable car to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting). Then you’re free to explore or join an optional winelands tour.
Day 17 : Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation Name: The Commodore Hotel, Cape Town (4-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is free to spend as you please in this attractive city. The V&A Waterfront is brimming with restaurants and boutique shops to potter around. Or you could join an optional excursion, perhaps to the Cape Peninsula, to visit the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point lighthouse. Or head to the winelands for a spot of wine tasting.
Day 18 : Cape Town - In Flight
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation Name: In flight
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Day 19
Location: United Kingdom
Upon arrival your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.
What's Included
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Accommodation
16 nights in hotels and 2 in flight (accommodation as specified or similar).
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Meals
24 meals: 16 breakfasts (days 3-18), 4 lunches (days 4-5, 12 and 14), 4 dinners (days 4-6 and 8).
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Flights
International and internal flights as detailed. Prices are based on return flights with British Airways from London Heathrow.
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Excursions and Visits
17 excursions and visits including Pretoria orientation tour, Voortrekker Monument, Pilgrim’s Rest and God’s Window, 4 game drives at Mala Mala, Game drive in uMkhuze Game Reserve, Boat cruise in iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Braai with Zulu entertainment, Tsitsikamma National Park and the Garden Route, Cruise aboard MV John Benn, Knysna, Tour and lunch at Safari Ostrich Farm, Outeniqua Powervan ride and museum, Spectacular Route 62 from Oudtshoorn to Swellendam, City tour of Cape Town (including Table Mountain cable car ride), Tour to Hout Bay, the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point, Simon’s Town and Boulders Beach.
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Drinks
All soft drinks, local beers, wines and spirits, during your stay at Mala Mala Game Reserve.
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Tour Manager and Guide
Local Titan tour manager and guide.
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VIP Travel Service
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service.
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Transport
Travel in destination by coach.
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Porterage
Porterage included.
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as the walking safari on Day 5, Lake Jozini excursion on Day 9, and winelands tour on Day 16 are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks outside of those specified are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers for flights not detailed in the itinerary are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in destination by coach, with international and internal flights included. Experience game drives in open safari vehicles, a cruise in iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and a scenic ride on the Outeniqua Powervan.
Accommodation
Enjoy 16 nights in comfortable hotels and 2 nights in flight, with stays at luxurious African-style rondavels in Mala Mala Game Reserve and a lovely hotel on the Victoria & Alfred waterfront in Cape Town.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the game drives in Kruger National Park?
During the game drives in Kruger National Park, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including lions, elephants, rhinos, and giraffes. There is also a chance to spot the elusive leopard during the early morning game drives.
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What activities are included in the visit to Mala Mala Game Reserve?
At Mala Mala Game Reserve, you will experience multiple game drives in ranger-handled open safari vehicles, where you can get close to lions, elephants, rhinos, and giraffes. You will also enjoy a 'sundowner' tipple while watching the sunset, nocturnal game viewing, and dinner in a reed-enclosed boma.
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What can I do during the free day in Knysna?
During the free day in Knysna, you can explore the town at your own pace, visit numerous restaurants, teahouses, and boutique shops around the natural harbour, and sample some of the finest seafood. Alternatively, you can take an optional guided tour that includes the Featherbed Nature Reserve and a tasty lunch.
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What is included in the tour of Cape Town?
The tour of Cape Town includes a city tour with a trip by cable car to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting). You will also visit the beautiful fishing village of Hout Bay, the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point lighthouse, Simon’s Town, and Boulders Beach to see the colony of African penguins.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 16 nights in hotels and 2 nights in flight. Specific accommodations include luxurious African-style rondavels at Mala Mala Game Reserve and a hotel on the Victoria & Alfred waterfront in Cape Town.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities available during the tour. For example, on Day 5, there is an opportunity to take an optional walking safari. On Day 9, you can take an optional excursion to see Lake Jozini. On Day 16, you can join an optional winelands tour.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 24 meals: 16 breakfasts (days 3-18), 4 lunches (days 4-5, 12, and 14), and 4 dinners (days 4-6 and 8). Additionally, all soft drinks, local beers, wines, and spirits are included during your stay at Mala Mala Game Reserve.
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What is the VIP door-to-door travel service?
The VIP door-to-door travel service is a feature of the tour where you are collected from your home and transported to the airport for your overnight flight to Johannesburg. This service is also provided upon your return, ensuring a comfortable and convenient travel experience.
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Do I have to pay a Single Supplement?
In most cases a single supplement will apply. If the price for a Single room for sole occupancy is not shown, please ask our team for details and we will be able to check the details for you.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We've been taking our customers across the world on escorted tours for more than 40 years
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Our commitment to sustainable travel is part of our ethos. We love exploring the world and hope that, alongside our customers, we can be part of a bigger change in respecting the people and wildlife on our planet and minimising the impact we have on our environment.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
With some COVID-19 rules and restrictions still in place there are a few details that you need to know. This information is subject to change. It’s your responsibility to monitor changes and ensure you fulfil all relevant criteria for travel. Rest assured that we’re on hand to help and answer any questions you might have.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
You’ll receive your Final holiday documents via email approximately 14 days prior to your departure.
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Titan Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 75 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Titan Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform titan travel, 75 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Titan Travel requires a minimum deposit of 395 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of titan travel charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.