Explore South Africa - Aug. 29-Sept. 9, 2027

Cape Town, Hluhluwe, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Kruger National Park, Johannesburg

There is absolutely no doubt South Africa is blessed with spectacular natural beauty, a fantastic climate and diversely interesting regions with diverse cultures.

To say that South Africa is a virtual paradise is a true statement.

We intend to take full advantage of what South Africa has to offer. We have an amazing itinerary that will offer historical & cultural experiences, safari adventure and lots of natural beauty to explore. Come see South Africa with us!

ITINERARY - 12 Day Classic South Africa

Sunday, Aug. 29 - Depart the US for Cape Town, South Africa

Monday, Aug. 30 - Arrive in Cape Town

Arrive in Cape Town. You will be transfered to the hotel and the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Tuesday, Aug. 31 - Cape Town City Tour B,D

After breakfast, we embark on a half day Cape Town city and Table Mountain tour. Drive past famous landmarks such as the Castle of Good Hope, City Hall, Grand Parade and St. George's Cathedral. The route then leads to Kloof Nek and Table Mountain. Ascend to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting) by means of a cable car. Afterward, we will have the opportunity to learn the three-billion-year-old story of diamonds while touring the prominent Shimansky Jewelers. Following the tour (or for those who do not wish to participate) stroll through the V & A Shopping Mall before returning to the hotel. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with our Tour Manager, followed by dinner at the hotel.

Wednesday, Sept. 1 - Cape Peninsula Tour B,L

After breakfast, we depart on a full day Cape Peninsula Tour. Travel through the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve to the Cape of Good Hope. Continue to Simon's Town and stop for lunch before visiting the penguin colonies at Boulders Beach.

Tonight, attend the optional Traditional African Dinner Experience ($65) for an evening of live performances and African gastronomy before returning to the hotel.

Thursday, Sept. 2 - Leisure Day on Your Own B

Spend the day at leisure in Cape Town. Perhaps join the optional South African Wine Tour ($68), which takes you along the country's principal wine route to the towns of Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch with tastings along the way. Alternatively, take a ferry (weather permitting) across the Bay to tour Robben Island, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tonight, experience local culture at the optional Home Hosted Dinner ($70).

Friday, Sept. 3 - Flight to Durban, Game Viewing Cruise on the St. Lucia Estuary B,D

This morning after an early breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to Durban. Arrival in the early afternoon and drive to St. Lucia. Later, embark on a game viewing cruise that takes you on the St. Lucia Estuary, home to Nile crocodiles, hippopotami, sea turtles, and even sharks.

Dinner at the hotel.

Saturday, Sept. 4 - Game Drive in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, Travel to eSwatini B

After an early breakfast, travel to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, situated in northern KwaZulu Natal, which is famous for its conservation of black and white rhinos. Home to Africa's "Big Five." You may have a chance to see elephant, cape buffalo, lion, leopard, and rhino during the morning game drive through the reserve. Continue to the border of the Kingdom of eSwatini,* an independent kingdom within the borders of South Africa. Stop at a handicraft market this afternoon before arriving at the hotel in the early evening.

*Note: eSwatini is an independent country from South Africa and therefore has different entry requirements. Non-US passport holders may need a visa for eSwatini. Check with the travel agent for requirements.

Sunday, Sept 5 - Eswatini Sightseeing and Matsamo Village Visit B,L,D

After breakfast visit the Ngwenya Glass factory, where visitors can watch glass blowers create a range of African animals and tableware made from recycled glass. Transfer to the South African border and visit Matsamo Cultural Village where we'll learn more about the Swati traditions and customs. Enjoy traditional Swati cuisine along with dance and song performances.

Dinner at the hotel.

Monday, Sept. 6 - Kruger National Park Game Drive B,L,D

Upon departure from the hotel, a pre-packed breakfast will be provided for us. Then, on to Kruger National Park for a full day open-vehicle game drive. We will have a chance to see lion, elephant, giraffe, and zebra in their natural habitat. After stopping at a rest camp for lunch, we continue our game drive. End the day with dinner at the hotel.

Tuesday, Sept. 7 - Travel to Johannesburg B

Depart after breakfast on a long drive today. Travel via Konwyn Pass, offering spectacular views over the Lowveld and visit the 213 foot Mac Mac Waterfall in the Mac-Mac Forest Nature Reserve. Proceed to the historic logging town of Sabie, once a gold mining town, it now relies on forestry. Admire spectacular views of mountain passes and continue the drive past the small town of Waterval Boven, nestled in the Drakensberg Mountains on the way to Johannesburg. Arrive late afternoon and check into the hotel.

Wednesday, Sept. 8 - Soweto Tour B,D

Embark on a tour of Soweto. Drive by the former residence of Bishop Desmond Tutu and visit Nelson Mandela's former home. Continue to Constitution Hill and learn about South Africa's journey to democracy. Cap off the day with dinner tonight and bid farewell to our Tour Manager.

Thursday, Sept. 9 - Depart South Africa from Johannesburg Airport B

Transfer to the Johannesburg airport for your departure flight or extend your stay at an additional cost.

Tour Package Pricing Details

$2549 per person (based on double occupancy) if booked by July 25, 2026

$500 single room supplement; triple occupancy is not available with this package

$50 pp non-refundable reservation fee. We have limited capacity and space is reserved on a first come first serve basis.

$300 pp non-refundable security deposit is required by February 28, 2026 to keep your reservation (confirmed booking in the group).

Installment payments are accepted. Final payment deadline is May 29, 2027.

Escorted Package Includes

• Regional flight from Cape Town to Durban

• 10 nights accommodations (optional pre/post nights available)

  • 4 nights Cape Town

  • 1 night Hluhluwe

  • 1 night Mbabane (eSwatini)

  • 2 nights Hazyview

  • 2 nights Johannesburg

• Hotel taxes, fees & service charges

• Hotel porterage

• Transfers included only with airfare purchase from Gate1 on package arrival & departure dates

• 18 meals: 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners

• Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach

• Game drives in modern 10-seater safari vehicles

• Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout

• Entrance fees per itinerary

NOTE: This is a land only package. International flights and airport to hotel transfers are offered at additional prices. We will be happy to assist with booking your international flights if needed.

NOTE: Optional tours and activities are offered at an additional price.

NOTE: South Africa group sizes are small and we cannot hold space for guests without a reservation fee and deposit. Availability is on a first come first serve basis.

NOTE: Solo travelers booking double occupancy are responsible for finding their own roommate. Solo travelers without a roommate by the deposit deadline will be charged the additional single supplement of $500.

Interested in this trip or want to find out if this trip is right for you? Please use the 'Contact Us" form below to request additional information or to reserve your spot.