Essence of South Africa
Essence of South Africa
Essence of South Africa
10 Days Starting in Cape Town and ending in Johannesburg
Visiting: Cape Town, Cape Peninsula, Hermanus, Hoedspruit, Karongwe Private Game Reserve, Karongwe Private Reserve, Johannesburg
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AFESZN19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of South Africa with the "Essence of South Africa" tour. This adventure begins in the vibrant streets of Cape Town, taking you to the majestic Table Mountain and the historic Bo-Kaap. Explore the scenic Cape of Good Hope and the charming towns of Franschhoek and Hermanus. Experience the thrill of wildlife in the Karongwe Private Game Reserve, and delve into the country's poignant history at the Hector Pieterson Museum in Soweto and the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg. From the penguin colonies at Boulder's Beach to Mandela's House in Soweto, this tour offers a comprehensive exploration of South Africa's diverse landscapes, rich culture, and complex history. Enjoy cherry-picked accommodations and expert guidance throughout your journey, making this an unparalleled South African adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation: Southern Sun Waterfront
Accommodation Name: Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town
Meals Included: Dinner
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 travellers and Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner.
Day 2: Table Mountain And Tour Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation: Southern Sun Waterfront
Accommodation Name: Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we 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 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 the fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Consider joining our Optional Experience to explore infamous Robben Island, with your guide revealing its turbulent past and the cell where Nelson Mandela spent the majority of his prison term.
Day 3: Circumnavigate The Cape Peninsula
Location: Cape Peninsula
Accommodation: Southern Sun Waterfront
Accommodation Name: Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town
Meals Included: Breakfast
Circumnavigate the Cape Peninsula, from trendy Camps Bay to Cape Point and back. 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, see the Cape of Good Hope and travel through charming coastal towns along the way.
Day 4 : Cape Winelands And Hermanus Excursion
Location: Hermanus
Accommodation: Southern Sun Waterfront
Accommodation Name: Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town
Meals Included: Breakfast, Be My Guest
Venture to the town of Franschhoek and see 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. Connect With Locals when you meet local business owner Stefan, who will treat you to a delicious traditional braai (barbecue) featuring deliciacies 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.
Day 5: From City To Safari Stays With Stories
Location: Hoedspruit
Accommodation: Becks Safari Lodge
Accommodation Name: Becks Safari Lodge Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning you’ll bid farewell to the 'Mother City' and fly to Hoedspruit where a private game reserve near South Africa's great Kruger National Park beckons. Kick back, relax and settle in to one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories, Becks Safari Lodge, your home in the bush for the next three nights.
Day 6: Safari In Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Location: Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Accommodation: Becks Safari Lodge
Accommodation Name: Becks Safari Lodge Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The action begins as we embark on an early morning game drive through Karongwe Private Reserve with a Local Specialist game ranger and Shangaan tracker-guide. The rising sun awakens the birds and insects that share your journey into the bush, as you scour the dense brush for signs of the Big 5. After lunch, and time for a siesta and a swim, return to the bush for an afternoon safari drive.
Day 7: Seek Out The 'Big 5' Safari Animals In Karongwe
Location: Karongwe Private Reserve
Accommodation: Becks Safari Lodge
Accommodation Name: Becks Safari Lodge Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today enjoy another full day of game drives through Karongwe Private Reserve. Continue to scour 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 your eyes peeled for signs of wildlife that emerge from their cover of darkness.
Day 8: Journey To Johannesburg
Location: Johannesburg
Accommodation: Michelangelo
Accommodation Name: Michelangelo Hotel Johannesburg/Da Vinci Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Our time in the South African bushveld comes to a close with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visit to a local Shangaan village. Learn about the traditions and customs of the Shangaan people and how the Eco Academy there provides eco and wildlife education. The visit includes a simple meal of grilled chicken, pap, Shangaan style cabbage, and for the brave, the opportunity to try mopani worms! Fly to Johannesburg and check into your hotel in the heart of Sandton that's well located for exploring the nearby restaurants and shopping during your free evening.
Day 9 : Discover Historical Soweto
Location: Johannesburg
Accommodation: Michelangelo
Accommodation Name: Michelangelo Hotel Johannesburg/Da Vinci Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Unlock the secrets of the 'city of gold' on a full-day tour to see several iconic sites including the Hector Pietersen Memorial. Dive Into Culture during a visit to the Constitutional Hill, Mandela House Museum and the Regina Mundi Church, which chronicles South Africa's tumultuous Apartheid years.
Day 10: Farewell Johannesburg
Location: Johannesburg
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our epic encounter with South Africa’s iconic sites comes to an end today. Transfer to Johannesburg International Airport for your onward flight. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
What's Included
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Transport and Transfers
All transport and transfers as shown in the itinerary.
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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
Guidance and expertise from an experienced Travel Director and the services of a professional driver.
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Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels and safari lodges, all tried and trusted, to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
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Gratuities and Taxes
All porterage and restaurant gratuities, as well as all hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are taken care of.
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Meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals included, offering a taste of local cuisine.
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Sightseeing
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras, ensuring a rich travel experience.
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Free Time and Optional Experiences
Ample free time provided along with a selection of optional experiences.
What's Not Included
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Insurance
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Optional Experiences
Mode of Transport
All transport and transfers shown. An expert Travel Director and professional Driver. Air-conditioned coach or Quantum bus.
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels and safari lodges, all tried and trusted. On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Check out our Q&As
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What countries will I visit on the Essence of South Africa tour?
You will visit South Africa on the Essence of South Africa tour.
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What are some highlights of the tour?
Highlights of the tour include exploring Cape Town and Johannesburg, visiting Table Mountain, Bo-Kaap, Cape of Good Hope, Franschhoek, Hermanus, the Karongwe Private Game Reserve, Hector Pieterson Museum in Soweto, and the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg. You will also view the Castle of Good Hope, Boulder's Beach penguin colony, and Mandela's House in Soweto.
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What type of transportation is included?
The tour includes all transport and transfers shown, with an expert Travel Director and professional Driver. Transportation will be in an air-conditioned coach or Quantum bus.
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What type of accommodation is provided?
Accommodation includes cherry-picked hotels and safari lodges, all tried and trusted. On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals, offering a taste of local cuisine.
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Are there any inclusions besides accommodation and meals?
Yes, inclusions also cover transport and transfers, guidance from an expert Travel Director and the services of a professional driver, all porterage and restaurant gratuities, as well as all hotel tips, charges, and local taxes, must-see sightseeing and surprise extras, and ample free time along with a selection of optional experiences.
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What is the starting point of the tour?
The tour starts in Cape Town.
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What is the ending point of the tour?
The tour ends in Johannesburg.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD 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 trafalgar 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.
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Terms and Conditions