CAPE TOWN, ZULULAND-HLUHLUWE NATIONAL PARK, ESWATINI, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, AND SOWETO
South Africa is truly a study in contrasts, and you’ll see its amazing diversity for yourself on our expertly curated South Africa tour from the U.S. Experience the cosmopolitan flavors of Cape Town and the uplifting legacy of Nelson Mandela. View the meek and the mighty at both the oldest and largest nature preserves in Africa. Discover enduring traditions and expansive landscapes in Zululand and Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). And gain a better understanding of South Africa’s struggle through history and the remarkable, big-hearted spirit of its people. The only way to enhance this tour is by extending it with a specially priced excursion to Victoria Falls, the “Smoke That Thunders.” Breathtaking! 4.5/5 stars on Tripadvisor
Extend Your Trip! Enjoy our South Africa Highlights & Safari with Victoria Falls tour which includes 3 nights at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe with an optional excursion to Chobe National Park in Botswana!
Itinerary at a Glance
2024 Tour Itinerary:
- 4 nights in Cape Town
- 2 nights in Hluhluwe/Zululand
- 1 night in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)
- 2 nights in Kruger Park
- 2 nights in Johannesburg
Tour Highlights
- Table Mountain & Cape Town City Tour
- Home Hosted Dinner in Cape Town
- Cape Peninsula & Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
- Indian Ocean Coast (Durban)
- Hluhluwe Game Reserve with game drive
- DumaZulu Traditional Village
- Kruger National Park with full-day game drive
- Apartheid Museum & Soweto Township (Johannesburg)
Your Tour Includes
- Optional round-trip airfare from the New York area (varies by departure) including taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- Intra-South Africa flight and transfers
- Ground transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Accommodations at superior first-class hotels
- 19 meals: 11 buffet breakfasts, 2 lunches, 6 dinners
- Comprehensive touring and safaris
- Experienced, English-speaking Tour Director
Passengers who purchase flights will depart 1 day before the tour starts and return 1 day after the tour ends.
Note: Flights may not be available on all departures.
You may have to book your own flights to the tour destination. If so, you are responsible for making your own way to the tour starting point, where you will meet your Tour Director. This is normally the first hotel in your itinerary.
You can find more details on the Before You Depart page.
Welcome to Cape Town, a vibrant city nestled between Table Mountain and the beautiful coastline. Travelers who purchased our air-inclusive package will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel.
Accommodations: President Hotel or similar
Today is all about exploring (and savoring!) this unique city. Join a local expert to see the highlights and charms of Cape Town. We’ll ascend via cable car to the top of Cape Town’s iconic landmark, Table Mountain, for incredible city and bay views. Then we'll have a chance to view and photograph Table Mountain from a distance from the historic, colorful neighborhood known as Bo-Kaap (the Malay Quarter). The final stop is a guided Diamond Experience where you learn about the journey of a diamond direct from South African mines to a finger. Our tour ends at the vibrant V&A Waterfront, where you can enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Relax at a café, sip a glass of South Africa’s renowned wine or browse local art and craft shops.
Note: Table Mountain Cable Car will be completing annual maintenance from July 15th–September 1st, 2024. During this period, we have replaced this experience with a visit to Signal Hill for views of the city and the Atlantic coast line as well as provided a voucher to the V&A Waterfront.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, we'll drive past sweeping landscapes to stop at Hout Bay fishing village before we continue on to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, home to baboons, rheboks, and more. At Cape Point, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, we'll soak up majestic views. After lunch, we'll visit Boulders Beach, home to one of the most remarkable mainland African Penguin colonies. Next, we'll visit UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, one of the world's great botanic gardens with 7,000+ indigenous plants.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
So many options! Today is at leisure for independent exploration, shopping, or relaxing. Go to the beach, take an optional excursion to the scenic Winelands or take the plunge with a thrilling great white shark cage diving excursion. You may also use your free time to visit Robben Island and see where Nelson Mandela spent nearly two decades in captivity. Tonight, we'll enjoy a home-cooked meal with a local family in their home. We'll have the opportunity to talk about the way of life in South Africa, and exchange views and experiences with our host family.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
We'll say farewell to Cape Town and board a morning flight to King Shaka International Airport on the Kwazulu-Natal North Coast, just outside the bustling port city of Durban. Our first stop is Westbrooke, a pretty beachside village where you can stroll golden sands along the Indian Ocean. We’ll continue north through cane fields and timber plantations to Zululand, home to one of the most famous of African tribal peoples. Our hotel tonight is set near the Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park, the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa and best known for saving the white rhinoceros from extinction.
Accommodations: Emdoneni Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
We’ll fall under the spell of the Zulu people as we visit the Dumazulu Cultural Village. Here, the ancient arts are kept alive, and we’ll learn about traditional dress and the construction of “beehive” huts, as well as meet a Zulu healer and watch tribal dancing. Our visit includes a special lunch with both Zulu and Western dishes. The enchantment continues as we climb aboard open safari vehicles to explore Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park, a haven for the second largest land mammal—the white rhino.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, we cross the border into the independent Kingdom of Eswatini. Here, we'll have the chance to shop for unique African souvenirs. Today we'll also see glass blowing and have the chance to see basket weavers in action at the colorful local markets.
Accommodations: Piggs Peak Hotel & Casino or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Our journey takes us through Eswatini’s beautiful countryside to the world-famous Kruger National Park, South Africa’s premier wildlife sanctuary. Enjoy views of the wild from the comfort of our own motor coach as we wind our way to our safari home base, an upscale lodge located near the park.
Accommodations: Sabi River Sun Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Our chances of seeing lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo (the “Big 5”) are very good on today’s safari, as Kruger National Park boasts an estimated 1,500 lions, 17,000 elephants, 48,000 buffalo and even 1,000 of the elusive leopard. We may also spot hippos, crocodiles, zebras and giraffes as we navigate the park in open vehicles. Time to have our cameras ready!
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Scenic vistas abound as we traverse the wild countryside of Mpumalanga along parts of the Panorama Route. We’ll be wowed by mountains, rivers, waterfalls and more in what is called “Paradise Country.” Highlights include the magnificent Blyde River Canyon, divine views from God’s Window and the bizarre and legend-inspiring Bourke’s Luck Potholes. Our final destination is Sandton, a flourishing suburb of Johannesburg, the commerce and diamond mining center.
Accommodations: Garden Court Sandton City or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Today, we’ll delve into South Africa’s turbulent past on a fascinating tour of Soweto, an urban settlement or “township” outside Johannesburg. Our tour takes us to Freedom Square, the home of Nelson Mandela, and the Apartheid Museum, which documents the rise and fall of apartheid and offers a beacon of hope for a future all South Africans can call their own. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Our tour comes to an end after breakfast today. Travelers who purchased our air-inclusive package can take care of last-minute shopping or explore independently before transferring to the airport for our return flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Plan ahead to maximize your savings!
Prices listed as “with flights” below include round-trip
airfare from one or more airports in the USA.
Travelers may choose to purchase the tour only,
and arrange their own arrival in destination.
Please note this may change your tour start date.
Because we can’t secure airline pricing more than a year
in advance, some dates and prices listed below are for the
tour only. Once flights are available, we’ll notify you
of your options.
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From
$4,799
$4,499 |
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From
$2,999
$2,699 |
Book Now |
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Flights not available |
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From
$2,999
$2,699 |
Sold Out Join Waitlist |
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Flights not available |
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From
$2,999
$2,699 |
Book Now |
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From
$4,799
$4,499 |
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From
$2,999
$2,699 |
Book Now |
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From
$4,799
$4,499 |
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From
$2,999
$2,699 |
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$4,799
$4,499 |
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$2,999
$2,699 |
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From
$4,799
$4,499 |
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From
$2,999
$2,699 |
Book Now |
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From
$4,799
$4,499 |
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From
$2,999
$2,699 |
Book Now |
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Flights not available |
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From
$2,999 |
Sold Out Join Waitlist |
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From
$4,699
$4,099 |
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From
$2,999
$2,399 |
Book Now |
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From
$4,599
$3,999 |
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From
$2,899
$2,299 |
Book Now |
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From
$2,899
$2,299 |
Book Now |
Rates are per person based on double occupancy.
Single supplement applies when not sharing a room. Select a
date above to see the rates for that specific departure.
For more information on this tour, please
contact us here
or call us during business hours (Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Eastern)
at 1.800.337.7773.
Reservations and Payments
Reservations can be made online or by phone
(1.800.337.7773)
and will be confirmed upon receipt of your non-refundable,
non-transferable deposit, which must be received at the
time of reservation.
Deposits are $300 per person.
Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Space and prices subject to availability.
Please see the
smarTours Terms and Conditions for complete
booking information.
Featured Accommodations
Authentic artwork adds charm to this sophisticated hotel. Set between the city and Atlantic Ocean, it features a spa and outdoor infinity pool.
4 Alexander Road, Bantry Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
Website
This wilderness haven features intimate, charming accommodations and a spa. The Lodge is also home to the Cheetah Project, a rescue and release program for endangered wild cats.
Emdoneni Farm, Hluhluwe, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Website
King Mswati 11 Highway,
Kingdom of Eswatini
Website
Comfortable, homey accommodations, enhanced by spectacular views. Spa and pools.
Main Sabie Road, Hazyview, Mpumalanga
Website
Comfortable, relaxed hotel conveniently located in the heart of Sandton. Pool with garden area and patio.
Cnr. West and Maude Streets, Sandown, Johannesburg, 2196
Website
Pre- & Post- Night Stays
Slow the pace of your tour with a pre- and/or post-night stay so you can
arrive refreshed, acclimate to the time zone if needed, and depart leisurely,
ensuring a seamless transition into and out of your journey.
-
From $69 per person based on double occupancy
Start our tour off on the right foot! Arrive a day early and enjoy more time to recover from travel, adjust to any time differences, and feel well-rested and relaxed on our first day of touring.
-
From $59 per person based on double occupancy
Extend your stay by one night at the end of our tour to make the most of additional free time for exploring our final city, shopping for last-minute souvenirs, or dining at that restaurant you’ve been wanting to try. Or, use this extra day to relax before beginning the journey home or to your next destination.
Optional Tours
Enhance your trip with these optional tours.
Indicated optional tours are available to pre-book
when you reserve your trip and can be added to your
reservation up to final payment. This is the best option
to guarantee your spot on your preferred optional tour!
Optional tours require a minimum number of participants.
Optional tours are non-refundable unless they do not operate.
Some optional tours can be purchased in-destination and
may cost extra. The payment methods and currency
information to purchase tours in-destination will be
provided on final documentation.
Catch the ferry to Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the infamous maximum-security prison where Nelson Mandela and others were jailed. Adding to the realism of this tour: guides on the island were once political prisoners! Important tour details:
Ferries depart several times daily, weather permitting, from V&A Waterfront. Transfers from your hotel to the pier and back are not included.
The Robben Island excursions are operated by a non-profit foundation, and tickets are sold on a first-come-first-served basis. smarTours® does not book this tour and cannot guarantee your space.
** Want to visit both Robben Island and the Winelands? We recommend that you reserve the 9:00 a.m. ferry to Robben Island to coincide with your last day in Cape Town. Provided there are no delays in the morning, you’ll be able to join the afternoon Winelands tour. Please note that the ferry schedule is subject to change based on inclement weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances. This Robben Island Tour takes approximately four hours.
Website
MUST BE BOOKED IN DESTINATION!
Day 4 Afternoon Tour
Taste for yourself why South African wines are so celebrated with a trip to the enchanting Winelands and the second oldest town in South Africa. See Stellenbosch's oak-lined streets and admire the gables of Cape Dutch architecture. We’ll then head to a wine estate for a wine tasting session and to explore the grounds. Here’s your chance to purchase some local wines!
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
-
$259, including breakfast, packed lunch and transfers
Day 4 Full-Day Tour
On this full-day adventure, you'll depart from Kleinbaai and enjoy 2-4 hours at sea, depending on how often the sharks visit the boat, diving and viewing from the cage. The cage holds five people at a time and each person can spend about 20 minutes in the cage! All scuba equipment, including 7mm wetsuits, are provided and you don't need a scuba license to cage dive. If you prefer not to go in the cage, you won't be missing out! You'll enjoy a picnic lunch onboard and a hot homemade soup at the lodge upon return. Hot showers and dry towels are available. This excursion is all about education and developing a new perception of the great white shark so come with all your questions! This tour is weather permitting.
***This tour operates on the last day in Cape Town, and it is not possible to do Robben Island or Winelands if you participate in this optional activity. Please also note that this tour must be cancelled at least 24 hours prior to departure, otherwise 100% cancellation fees will apply. In addition, if bad weather prevents you from going to sea, you will be informed and given a full refund. If strong winds pick up while at sea and a return to shore is required for your safety, you will not be entitled to a refund. In addition, due to variable weather conditions and variable shark activity, diving may not always be possible and is therefore not guaranteed.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Itinerary at a Glance
2025 Tour Itinerary:
- 4 nights in Cape Town
- 2 nights in Hluhluwe/Zululand
- 1 night in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)
- 2 nights in Kruger Park
- 2 nights in Johannesburg
Tour Highlights
- Table Mountain & Cape Town City Tour
- Home Hosted Dinner in Cape Town
- Cape Peninsula & Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
- Indian Ocean Coast (Durban)
- Hluhluwe Game Reserve with game drive
- DumaZulu Traditional Village
- Kruger National Park with full-day game drive
- Apartheid Museum & Soweto Township (Johannesburg)
Your Tour Includes
- Optional round-trip airfare from the New York area (varies by departure) including taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- Intra-South Africa flight and transfers
- Ground transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Accommodations at superior first-class hotels
- 19 meals: 11 buffet breakfasts, 2 lunches, 6 dinners
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours and entry fees as per itinerary
- Game drives in open safari vehicles
- Experienced, English-speaking Tour Director
Passengers who purchase flights will depart 1 day before the tour starts and return 1 day after the tour ends.
Note: Flights may not be available on all departures.
You may have to book your own flights to the tour destination. If so, you are responsible for making your own way to the tour starting point, where you will meet your Tour Director. This is normally the first hotel in your itinerary.
You can find more details on the Before You Depart page.
Welcome to Cape Town, a vibrant city nestled between Table Mountain and the beautiful coastline. Cape Town offers stunning natural beauty, diverse cultural experiences, and world-class cuisine. For more information about booking your flights and getting to our hotel, please visit our Before You Depart page.
Accommodations: aha Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites or similar
Today is all about exploring (and savoring!) this unique city. Join a local expert to see the highlights and charms of Cape Town. We’ll ascend via cable car to the top of Cape Town’s iconic landmark, Table Mountain, for incredible city and bay views. Then we'll have a chance to view and photograph Table Mountain from a distance from the historic, colorful neighborhood known as Bo-Kaap (the Malay Quarter). The final stop is a guided Diamond Experience where you learn about the journey of a diamond direct from South African mines to a finger. Our tour ends at the vibrant V&A Waterfront, where you can enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Relax at a café, sip a glass of South Africa’s renowned wine or browse local art and craft shops.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, we'll drive past sweeping landscapes to stop at Hout Bay fishing village before we continue on to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, home to baboons, rheboks, and more. At Cape Point, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, we'll soak up majestic views. After lunch, we'll visit Boulders Beach, home to one of the most remarkable mainland African Penguin colonies. Next, we'll visit UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, one of the world's great botanic gardens with 7,000+ indigenous plants.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
So many options! Today is at leisure for independent exploration, shopping, or relaxing. Go to the beach, take an optional excursion to the scenic Winelands or take the plunge with a thrilling great white shark cage diving excursion. You may also use your free time to visit Robben Island and see where Nelson Mandela spent nearly two decades in captivity. Tonight, we'll enjoy a home-cooked meal with a local family in their home. We'll have the opportunity to talk about the way of life in South Africa, and exchange views and experiences with our host family.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
We'll say farewell to Cape Town and board a morning flight to King Shaka International Airport on the Kwazulu-Natal North Coast, just outside the bustling port city of Durban. Our first stop is Westbrooke, a pretty beachside village where you can stroll golden sands along the Indian Ocean. We’ll continue north through cane fields and timber plantations to Zululand, home to one of the most famous of African tribal peoples. Our hotel tonight is set near the Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park, the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa and best known for saving the white rhinoceros from extinction.
Accommodations: Emdoneni Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
We’ll fall under the spell of the Zulu people as we visit the Dumazulu Cultural Village. Here, the ancient arts are kept alive, and we’ll learn about traditional dress and the construction of “beehive” huts, as well as meet a Zulu healer and watch tribal dancing. Our visit includes a special lunch with both Zulu and Western dishes. The enchantment continues as we climb aboard open safari vehicles to explore Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park, a haven for the second largest land mammal—the white rhino.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, we cross the border into the independent Kingdom of Eswatini. Here, we'll have the chance to shop for unique African souvenirs. Today we'll also see glass blowing and have the chance to see basket weavers in action at the colorful local markets.
Accommodations: Piggs Peak Hotel & Casino or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Our journey takes us through Eswatini’s beautiful countryside to the world-famous Kruger National Park, South Africa’s premier wildlife sanctuary. Enjoy views of the wild from the comfort of our own motor coach as we wind our way to our safari home base, an upscale lodge located near the park. In Kruger, there is an another opportunity to travel in an open-vehicle game drive (booked and paid locally).
Accommodations: Sabi River Sun Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Our chances of seeing lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo (the “Big 5”) are very good on today’s safari, as Kruger National Park boasts an estimated 1,500 lions, 17,000 elephants, 48,000 buffalo and even 1,000 of the elusive leopard. We may also spot hippos, crocodiles, zebras and giraffes as we navigate the park in open vehicles. Time to have our cameras ready!
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Scenic vistas abound as we traverse the wild countryside of Mpumalanga along parts of the Panorama Route. We’ll be wowed by mountains, rivers, waterfalls and more in what is called “Paradise Country.” Highlights include the magnificent Blyde River Canyon, divine views from God’s Window and the bizarre and legend-inspiring Bourke’s Luck Potholes. Our final destination is Sandton, a flourishing suburb of Johannesburg, the commerce and diamond mining center.
Accommodations: Garden Court Sandton City or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Today, we’ll delve into South Africa’s turbulent past on a fascinating tour of Soweto, an urban settlement or “township” outside Johannesburg. Our tour takes us to Freedom Square, the home of Nelson Mandela, and the Apartheid Museum, which documents the rise and fall of apartheid and offers a beacon of hope for a future all South Africans can call their own. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Our tour comes to an end after breakfast today. For more information about booking your flights and getting to the airport, please visit our Before You Depart page.
Meals: Breakfast
Plan ahead to maximize your savings!
Prices listed as “with flights” below include round-trip
airfare from one or more airports in the USA.
Travelers may choose to purchase the tour only,
and arrange their own arrival in destination.
Please note this may change your tour start date.
Because we can’t secure airline pricing more than a year
in advance, some dates and prices listed below are for the
tour only. Once flights are available, we’ll notify you
of your options.
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From
$3,199
$2,599 |
Book Now |
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From
$3,199
$2,599 |
Book Now |
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From
$3,199
$2,599 |
Book Now |
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From
$3,199
$2,599 |
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$3,199
$2,599 |
Book Now |
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From
$3,099
$2,499 |
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From
$3,099
$2,499 |
Book Now |
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From
$3,099
$2,499 |
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From
$3,099
$2,499 |
Book Now |
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From
$3,099
$2,499 |
Book Now |
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From
$3,099
$2,499 |
Book Now |
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From
$3,199
$2,599 |
Book Now |
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From
$3,199
$2,599 |
Book Now |
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From
$3,199
$2,599 |
Book Now |
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From
$3,199 |
Sold Out Join Waitlist |
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From
$3,199
$2,599 |
Book Now |
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From
$3,199
$2,599 |
Book Now |
Rates are per person based on double occupancy.
Single supplement applies when not sharing a room. Select a
date above to see the rates for that specific departure.
For more information on this tour, please
contact us here
or call us during business hours (Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Eastern)
at 1.800.337.7773.
Reservations and Payments
Reservations can be made online or by phone
(1.800.337.7773)
and will be confirmed upon receipt of your non-refundable,
non-transferable deposit, which must be received at the
time of reservation.
Deposits are $300 per person.
Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Space and prices subject to availability.
Please see the
smarTours Terms and Conditions for complete
booking information.
Featured Accommodations
Centrally located in Cape Town, the aha Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites offers 51-well appointed rooms complete with a digital safe, hairdryer, iron, and more.
Dockrail Rd, Roggebaai Canal Foreshore, Cape Town, South Africa
This wilderness haven features intimate, charming accommodations and a spa. The Lodge is also home to the Cheetah Project, a rescue and release program for endangered wild cats.
Emdoneni Farm, Hluhluwe, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Website
King Mswati 11 Highway,
Kingdom of Eswatini
Website
Comfortable, homey accommodations, enhanced by spectacular views. Spa and pools.
Main Sabie Road, Hazyview, Mpumalanga
Website
Comfortable, relaxed hotel conveniently located in the heart of Sandton. Pool with garden area and patio.
Cnr. West and Maude Streets, Sandown, Johannesburg, 2196
Website
Pre- & Post- Night Stays
Slow the pace of your tour with a pre- and/or post-night stay so you can
arrive refreshed, acclimate to the time zone if needed, and depart leisurely,
ensuring a seamless transition into and out of your journey.
-
From $79 per person based on double occupancy
Start our tour off on the right foot! Arrive a day early and enjoy more time to recover from travel, adjust to any time differences, and feel well-rested and relaxed on our first day of touring.
-
From $59 per person based on double occupancy
Extend your stay by one night at the end of our tour to make the most of additional free time for exploring our final city, shopping for last-minute souvenirs, or dining at that restaurant you’ve been wanting to try. Or, use this extra day to relax before beginning the journey home or to your next destination.
Optional Tours
Enhance your trip with these optional tours.
Indicated optional tours are available to pre-book
when you reserve your trip and can be added to your
reservation up to final payment. This is the best option
to guarantee your spot on your preferred optional tour!
Optional tours require a minimum number of participants.
Optional tours are non-refundable unless they do not operate.
Some optional tours can be purchased in-destination and
may cost extra. The payment methods and currency
information to purchase tours in-destination will be
provided on final documentation.
Catch the ferry to Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the infamous maximum-security prison where Nelson Mandela and others were jailed. Adding to the realism of this tour: guides on the island were once political prisoners! Important tour details:
Ferries depart several times daily, weather permitting, from V&A Waterfront. Transfers from your hotel to the pier and back are not included.
The Robben Island excursions are operated by a non-profit foundation, and tickets are sold on a first-come-first-served basis. smarTours® does not book this tour and cannot guarantee your space.
** Want to visit both Robben Island and the Winelands? We recommend that you reserve the 9:00 a.m. ferry to Robben Island to coincide with your last day in Cape Town. Provided there are no delays in the morning, you’ll be able to join the afternoon Winelands tour. Please note that the ferry schedule is subject to change based on inclement weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances. This Robben Island Tour takes approximately four hours.
Website
MUST BE BOOKED IN DESTINATION!
Day 4 Afternoon Tour
Taste for yourself why South African wines are so celebrated with a trip to the enchanting Winelands and the second oldest town in South Africa. See Stellenbosch's oak-lined streets and admire the gables of Cape Dutch architecture. We’ll then head to a wine estate for a wine tasting session and to explore the grounds. Here’s your chance to purchase some local wines!
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
-
$259, including breakfast, packed lunch and transfers
Day 4 Full-Day Tour
On this full-day adventure, you'll depart from Kleinbaai and enjoy 2-4 hours at sea, depending on how often the sharks visit the boat, diving and viewing from the cage. The cage holds five people at a time and each person can spend about 20 minutes in the cage! All scuba equipment, including 7mm wetsuits, are provided and you don't need a scuba license to cage dive. If you prefer not to go in the cage, you won't be missing out! You'll enjoy a picnic lunch onboard and a hot homemade soup at the lodge upon return. Hot showers and dry towels are available. This excursion is all about education and developing a new perception of the great white shark so come with all your questions! This tour is weather permitting.
***This tour operates on the last day in Cape Town, and it is not possible to do Robben Island or Winelands if you participate in this optional activity. Please also note that this tour must be cancelled at least 24 hours prior to departure, otherwise 100% cancellation fees will apply. In addition, if bad weather prevents you from going to sea, you will be informed and given a full refund. If strong winds pick up while at sea and a return to shore is required for your safety, you will not be entitled to a refund. In addition, due to variable weather conditions and variable shark activity, diving may not always be possible and is therefore not guaranteed.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Day 8 Afternoon Tour
Enjoy an extra game drive in Kruger National Park, which is home to 147 mammals, 114 reptiles, and 507 bird species! Enjoy chances to spot elephants, lions, cheetahs, and more!
MUST BE BOOKED IN DESTINATION!
What to Expect
Max Group Size: 30 travelers
Activity Level: Level 1
Expect most included touring to require walking and standing periods up to 3 hours at a time (up to 2 times per day) on easy terrain with some light stairs. Learn More
Pacing Level: Balanced
Expect either half-day or full-day tours most days with a free day or free half-day to explore independently in most cities. There may be a few early mornings or long travel days by bus (don’t worry—there are always comfort stops!), and you may expect to stay in most accommodations for 3+ nights. Learn More
No Additional Entry Requirements for U.S. Passport Holders
A valid passport is required for international tours. Currently, there are no additional entry requirements for U.S. passport holders, but this can change at any time. Before travel, both U.S. and non-U.S. passport holders should visit our Passports & Visas page to reconfirm entry requirements.
Safari vehicles have high ground clearance and require agility to embark and disembark. There are two days with scenic, but long drives. A few early wake-ups are required for travel days and game drives. South Africa has a system of "loadshedding" which means power turns off to particular areas on a rotation due to the shortage in electricity supply. Most hotels, restaurants, shops and safari lodges have sufficient backup power in place to avoid major disruptions during loadshedding. The impact on tourists is minimal.
For more detailed information about this tour and destination, visit
our Before You Depart section.
Reviews
Robin
3 weeks ago
Great trip to S Africa. Chobe National Park was WONDERFUL. I got ever so many pictures of elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras. Wonderful trip.
Krista M
1 month ago
This was my third Smart tour. I enjoyed this tour the best. It was an extremely organized, beautiful, majestic, terrifying, spiritual, and exhilarating adventure. Wesaw so many breathtaking beautiful sites in Cape Town and were able to experience the local cuisine meet the local people. We also decided to do some of the optional tours, and added on the wine tasting tour, which was, amazing. We had the best time.
We also enjoyed the second leg of our tour which was the safari. We saw all the animals that we had on our list which included the big five which are the elephant, the rhinoceros, the leopard, the lion and the buffalo. We also saw giraffes., zebras, kudu, baboons, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, and so many more beautiful Safari animals. I was most surprised by the beautiful birds and their coloring. It was spectacular.
The third leg of the tour was Victoria Falls. It was unbelievable. I can’t even put into words how majestic and stunning it was. We also decided to do the helicopter tour as an addition. We got to see the falls and the river and Gorge from a whole different perspective. it was unbelievable. If you get the chance it’s a must do. Thank you Smart Tours for another amazing trip.
William B
1 month ago
This was my second tour and my first with SmarTours which will be at the top of my list in considering another tour. Louis Lock was an excellent Tour Director. He exceeded my expectations and even helped foster comraderie among the group. The tour was a good value for the money and I will recommend SmarTours to others.
Roscoe E
1 month ago
This was an AWSOME TRIP
Michael D
1 month ago
I believe you already have the accommodation and transportation well cover. My believe is the tour guide is a very important part of the overall experience.
Beverly W
2 months ago
I’m extremely thankful to my Tour Director Louis Lock. After using my credit card at an airport pharmacy, I thought I had put my credit card in my pocket book. We were going to board the plane in fifteen minutes when I realized I did not have my credit card. Louis ran up the escalator and retraced my steps, stopping at stores along the way was able to find my card-. It appears that I dropped it . A cleaning lady handed the card to Louis. Due to his quick thinking and movement, my card was returned to me. I an truly grateful. And cannot thank him enough. A great guy!
Paul D
2 months ago
Smartour Review
In general, between my wife and me, we have enjoyed 7 or 8 Smartours, and they have all been excellent experiences including terrific guides. We were lucky on this trip as Jeremy Poole was by far the best guide we have ever had. He made it the most educational trip we have enjoyed. We learned all the natural history from geology to climate to all the animals and major plants we saw. Perhaps most important, the sad political history of South Africa was laid bare by Jeremy who carefully and dispassionately explained the history of South Africa as well as the other countries we visited such as Eswatini. My family of 9 plus 3 friends who had joined the trip constantly commented on the excellence of Jeremy’s lectures.
Cape Town
The first day was perfect as we toured the most interesting areas of the city leaning about the history. The cable car trip was fantastic, and Jeremy did a great job explaining the view and the unique geological and biological features of Tabletop. The trip through Bo-Kaap was also excellent and very informative. Finally, it was nice to have the chance to wander around the Waterfront.
The second day was a long, wonderful excursion to the Cape of Good Hope with ample time to walk in several different places including the rare colony of African penguins. We then spent several hours in the amazing botanical gardens with Jeremy’s very enlightened and interesting leadership. He really is a natural teacher!
The third day was mostly open but ended in what I consider a very rare opportunity for a tour such as this: a visit to a local family for dinner. One thing I most appreciate about Smartours is the fact that they make a real effort to include cultural experiences. This not only enriches the experience, it also serves a very important role in helping visitors truly understand a different culture. In our case the dinner with a local family was one of the real highlights of our trip. The food was excellent, and the host loquacious, extremely articulate and knowledge about the racial history of South Africa (his mother was white and his father ‘colored’) so he was able to offer a unique perspective of apartheid that we found fascinating. All of this was presented in good humor, and a great deal of knowledge about American history as well. It was a very successful experience and I applaud Smartours for including this as part of the package tour.
The next day was a flight to Durban and an interesting day again made all the better by Jeremy’s enlightened narrations over a long bus ride to the Emdoneni Lodge where we stayed for two days. I want to praise the lodge and its staff for a wonderful stay. They prepared a very large birthday cake for my granddaughter and presented it with the entire staff coming out to sing to her. In addition, for a small fee, we were able to tour the various cat operations. I have long been interested in the smaller cats and this experience was a highlight for me.
The next day included wonderful visit to a classical Zulu village where we learned a lot about their culture. Again, Smartours’ focus on cultural immersion was important and very well done.
We then did a tour of Hluhluwe-Imfolozi park. I had never really heard about the park, but the tour was superb and included a large number of forest elephants and most amazingly, an almost never-ending exposure to white rhinos! On several occasions they grazed right up to the side of our vehicle. We also saw water buffalos, all sorts of antelopes and even a dung beetle that we watched. When we attempted to drive around its ball, it seemed to attack the vehicle and did not stop until we backed up, at which point it resumed pushing its ball off the road.
The next day involved driving through the impoverished Swaziland (now Eswatini) that came to life via Jeremy’s excellent background lecturers. The lunch stop was interesting with good food and interesting things to see. We had been warned that Piggs Peak Hotel had suffered greatly from the pandemic, but we found it delightful. The smiling staff was unendingly helpful, and our group considered the hotel to be among the best.
We stayed two nights at the Sabi River Sun Resort, an outfit that obviously caters to wealthy visitors to the Kruger Park. I found the hotel replete with a beautifully manicured golf course and very high-end cabins as well as the hotel itself to be disappointing. It is probably the only one available to Smartours, and it is professionally run, and is perfectly satisfactory for lodging. But we had been staying at hotels characterized by happy, always smiling and very helpful staffs, but in the two days I never saw single staff person smile, nor for that matter, the wealthy guests. The staff almost seemed proud of the fact that they have no ATM machine (the town is too far to walk for one), and our group was strongly of the opinion that the food here was by far the worst of the trip, overcooked and tasteless.
But we had been advised to spend a little more to take one of the normal tour vehicles rather than the bus to see Kruker and that was VERY much worthwhile. The entire Kruker experience was every bit as good as advertised. It is a tremendous park with easily viewed animals, and the two days there were, next to Chobi, the highlight of the trip for us. The guides were extremely knowledgeable and helpful.
Eventually we had to leave and move on to Johannesburg where we stayed at an excellent downtown hotel. The Johannesburg stay included another of Smartour’s brilliant cultural experiences. This included a long fascinating visit to Soweto and a long visit to Nelson Mandela/Apartheid museum. I considered that museum to be the most powerful museum experience in my 83 years. It alone is worth the trip!
We paid for the Victoria Falls extension and Chobe River day, and they were very much worth the relatively small extra fee. Unfortunately Smartours did not include Jeremy, I think because we were one short of the 10 they wanted to include him. I think that was shortsighted of Smartours as we very much missed his commentary and his ability to make sure that we got what we paid for and that we knew about some of the extra tours available to us.
The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge was spectacular. We all appreciated the wonderful staff, the view, and all the attention such as having mosquito nets set around our beds at night. I was fascinated with the monkeys playing on my balcony and we were all fascinated with the wildlife that accumulated at the small man-made lake in front of the lodge.
The day long Chobe tour including land and river was by far the best day of the entire trip, and it is well worth a separate trip in my mind. We found an optional elephant package for an afternoon, and that too was one of the top highlights of our entire trip. It is expensive, but very much worth the cost. But the afternoon included opportunities to actually fondle the elephants to the extent that my family was able to get between massive ears and the body and stoke the ears. The elephants are in more or less natural settings (they were being rehab-ed in natural settings) and we were very much thrilled to be able to hand feed them special elephant treats. My only complaint is that they never send me the video I had purchased!
To summarize, this tour and some of the optional tours we signed up for were lifetime experiences for all of us. I always marvel at how well Smartours manages to arrange the trips. The lodging is always excellent and the tour guides knowledgeable and very helpful. This is especially true of Jeremy, what an absolute treasure.
Big T
3 months ago
Jeremy Poole was an excellent and knowledgeable guide - perfect for my travels across South Africa. He knew the best places for meals, souvenirs, and shopping and always gave safety reminders.
The dinner with a local family was memorable. A suggestion to attend a 14 course African meal with entertainment was worth every penny. The guides on three days of safaris were very well trained, so when a herd of elephants gave warning signs that they were NOT happy, the guide moved out of their path.
This was a well organized trip giving us an overview of South Africa.
Gail F
5 months ago
Generally a great trip with some room for improvement - especially in the area of Optional Tours.
Linda Y
5 months ago
I highly recommend this tour