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Essence of South Africa

Operated by: Trafalgar

10 Days from $4,997 per person
JAN - DEC 2023
South Africa Giraffe

Countries Visited

South Africa ...more South Africa

Locations Visited

Cape Town, Cape Peninsula, Cape Winelands, Hermanus, Hoedspruit, Johannesburg ...more Cape Town, Cape Peninsula, Cape Winelands, Hermanus, Hoedspruit, Johannesburg
  1. Day 1 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 travellers and Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner.

    meals Dinner
    hotel Southern Sun Waterfront
  2. Day 2 Table Mountain and Tour Cape Town

    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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Southern Sun Waterfront
  3. Day 3 Circumnavigate the Cape Peninsula

    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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Southern Sun Waterfront
  4. Day 4 Cape Winelands and Hermanus Excursion Connect with Locals

    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.

    meals Breakfast, Be My Guest
    hotel Southern Sun Waterfront
  5. Day 5 From City to Safari Stays With Stories

    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.

    meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    hotel Becks Safari Lodge
  6. Day 6 Safari in Karongwe Private Game Reserve

    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.

    meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    hotel Becks Safari Lodge
  7. Day 7 Seek out the 'Big 5' Safari Animals in Karongwe

    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.

    meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    hotel Becks Safari Lodge
  8. Day 8 Journey to Johannesburg

    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.

    meals Breakfast, Lunch
    hotel Michelangelo
  9. Day 9 Discover Historical Soweto Dive Into Culture

    Unlock the secrets of the 'city of gold' on a full-day tour to view several iconic sites including the Regina Mundi Church and Mandela's house in Soweto. Dive Into Culture during a visit to the Hector Pieterson Museum and the Apartheid Museum, which chronicles South Africa's tumultuous Apartheid years.

    meals Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
    hotel Michelangelo
  10. Day 10 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. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.

    meals Breakfast
Essence South Africa Guided Tour Map
Price Includes

Dining Summary

  • 4 Dinner (D)
  • 9 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
  • 4 Lunch (L)
  • 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)

Be My Guest

  • Hermanus: Join a local Hermanus business owner for a traditional braai (barbecue) and some of his homemade wine against a clifftop backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.

Dive Into Culture

  • Johannesburg: Learn about South Africa's turbulent past on an interactive Johannesburg and Soweto Freedom tour.

Iconic Experience

  • Cape Town: Spend the day discovering the wonderful views of Table Mountain.
  • Cape Town: Take in the landmarks of Cape Town during a city tour with your Travel Director. See the Company Gardens, Bo-Kaap and the Castle of Good Hope.
  • Cape Peninsula: Discover the incredible views of the Twelve Apostles.
  • Cape Town: Spend the day surrounded by penguins on Boulders Beach.
  • Franschhoek: Take in the spectacular wine valleys of Franschhoek.
  • Hoedspruit: Have your camera ready to capture the beautiful scenery and fascinating wildlife on your Reserve Tour with a Shangaan tracker-guide.
  • Johannesburg: Spend the day seeing the iconic sight of Mandela's house on your Johannesburg City Tour.
  • Karongwe Portfolio: Spend the day marvelling at Africa's iconic wildlife on your Karongwe Private Reserve Visit.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

  • Hoedspruit: Support a local Shangaan village, its Eco Academy and work in the local community with your visit.

Must-see Highlights

  • : Explore Cape Town and Johannesburg
  • : Visit 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
  • : View the Castle of Good Hope, Boulder's Beach penguin colony and Mandela's House in Soweto

Trafalgar Difference

  • Hoedspruit: Your stay at Becks Safari Lodge in Karongwe Private Game Reserve contributes to the area's environmental sustainability and community development.

Dates & Prices

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.

Online Booking Process

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September 2023
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Sep 3 Sun
Sep 12 Tue
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DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$5,495
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Sep 17 Sun
Sep 26 Tue
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October 2023
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Oct 1 Sun
Oct 10 Tue
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$5,495 $4,997 Save $498
WINTER TRAVEL SALE
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Oct 15 Sun
Oct 24 Tue
AARP Members Save $100
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$5,495 $4,997 Save $498
WINTER TRAVEL SALE
November 2023
AARP Members Save $100
Nov 5 Sun
Nov 14 Tue
AARP Members Save $100
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$5,495 $4,997 Save $498
WINTER TRAVEL SALE
AARP Members Save $100
Nov 19 Sun
Nov 28 Tue
AARP Members Save $100
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$5,495 $4,997 Save $498
WINTER TRAVEL SALE
December 2023
AARP Members Save $100
Dec 10 Sun
Dec 19 Tue
AARP Members Save $100
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$5,495 $4,997 Save $498
WINTER TRAVEL SALE
AARP Members Save $100
Dec 19 Tue
Dec 28 Thu
AARP Members Save $100
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$5,595 $5,087 Save $508
WINTER TRAVEL SALE
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