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 17-day 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!
For COVID-19 updates, please scroll down to our Before You Depart section.
Did you know that you can make this tour private for your friends and family? Find out more about pricing and options for your group.
Itinerary at
a Glance
- 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
Your Tour
Includes
- Round-trip airfare from the NY Area (EWR or JFK) (passengers may also book this tour without flights)
- Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- Intra-South Africa flight and ground transportation
- Accommodations at superior first-class hotels
- 18 meals: 11 buffet breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D)
- Comprehensive touring and safaris
- Experienced, English-speaking Tour Director (Meet one of our guides!)
Tour Itinerary
Map
Click the Day-by-Day itinerary above (or swipe on mobile devices) to see the experiences that await on each day of your tour.
Depart from the U.S.
Overnight flight to Cape Town. Your tour includes round-trip airfare from the U.S.
*Passengers who did not purchase flights will join the tour in Cape Town on Day 2.
Arrive in Cape Town
Welcome to South Africa’s oldest city, set on a stunning harbor in the shadow of imposing Table Mountain, where you’ll be met and escorted from the airport to your hotel. Meet up with your tour host and fellow travelers tonight for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Learn more about all this city offers here.
The President Hotel or similar | Dinner
Cape Town
Cape Town
Cape Town
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.
| Breakfast
Cape Town/Durban/Zululand/Hluhluwe
Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park/Zululand
Hluhluwe/Eswatini
SwazilandThis morning, we cross the border into the independent Kingdom of Eswatini. (No visa required for USA and Canadian passport holders). You’ll have the chance to shop for unique African souvenirs and see basket weavers in action at the colorful local markets.
Piggs Peak Hotel & Casino or similar | Breakfast
Eswatini/Kruger National Park
SwazilandOur 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.
Sabi River Sun Resort or similar | Breakfast, Dinner
Kruger National Park
Your chances of viewing 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. You may also spot hippos, crocodiles, zebras and giraffes as we navigate the park in open vehicles. Have your camera ready!
| Breakfast, Dinner
Kruger Park/Mpumalanga/Sandton
Johannesburg
Soweto Excursion/Apartheid Museum
Depart South Africa
Take care of last-minute shopping or explore independently before transferring to the airport for your return flight.
| Breakfast
Arrive in the U.S.
Your South African journey comes to an end as you touch down in the U.S. this morning.
*The tour will end for passengers who did not purchase flights on Day 13 in Johannesburg.
Guided Tour Pricing
Prices listed as “with flights” below include round-trip airfare from the New York area (EWR or JFK) for 2022 departures. 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, 2023 dates and prices listed below are for the tour only. Once flights are available, we’ll notify you of your options.
| 2022 Tours | Tour Only | With Flights | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Monday
March 14 Sunday
March 27 |
From
$3,199
$2,699
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From
$3,999
$3,499
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Select |
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Monday
March 28 Sunday
April 10 |
From
$3,099
$2,599
|
From
$3,999
$3,499
|
Select |
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Monday
April 25 Sunday
May 8 |
From
$2,999
$2,499
|
From
$3,999
$3,499
|
Select |
|
Monday
May 2 Sunday
May 15 |
From
$2,999
$2,499
|
From
$3,999
$3,499
|
Select Only 2 spots left |
|
Monday
May 16 Sunday
May 29 |
From
$2,999
$2,499
|
From
$4,099
$3,599
|
Select Only 2 spots left |
|
Monday
June 20 Sunday
July 3 |
From
$3,099
$2,599
|
From
$4,499
$3,999
|
Select |
|
Monday
July 25 Sunday
August 7 |
From
$2,799
$2,299
|
From
$4,199
$3,699
|
Select Only 1 spot left |
|
Monday
August 22 Sunday
September 4 |
From
$3,099
$2,599
|
From
$4,499
$3,999
|
Sold Out |
|
Monday
September 5 Sunday
September 18 |
From
$3,299
$2,799
|
From
$4,499
$3,999
|
Sold Out |
|
Thursday
September 15 Wednesday
September 28 |
From
$3,499
$2,999
|
From
$4,699
$4,199
|
Select Only 2 spots left |
|
Thursday
September 22 Wednesday
October 5 |
From
$3,299
$2,799
|
From
$4,499
$3,999
|
Select |
|
Monday
October 3 Sunday
October 16 |
From
$3,399
$2,899
|
From
$4,499
$3,999
|
Select Only 5 spots left |
|
Monday
October 17 Sunday
October 30 |
From
$2,899
$2,399
|
From
$3,999
$3,499
|
Sold Out |
|
Thursday
December 1 Wednesday
December 14 |
From
$3,199
$2,699
|
From
$3,999
$3,499
|
Select Only 5 spots left |
| 2023 Tours | Tour Only | With Flights | |
|
Monday
January 9 Sunday
January 22 |
From
$3,099
$2,599
|
From
$4,099
$3,599
|
Select |
|
Monday
February 6 Sunday
February 19 |
From
$3,099
$2,599
|
From
$4,099
$3,599
|
Select |
|
Monday
March 27 Sunday
April 9 |
From
$3,099
$2,599
|
From
$4,099
$3,599
|
Select |
|
Monday
May 1 Sunday
May 14 |
From
$3,499
$2,999
|
From
$4,499
$3,999
|
Select |
|
Monday
June 19 Sunday
July 2 |
From
$3,499
$2,999
|
From
$4,499
$3,999
|
Select |
|
Monday
September 18 Sunday
October 1 |
From
$3,099
$2,599
|
From
$4,099
$3,599
|
Select |
|
Monday
October 23 Sunday
November 5 |
From
$3,099
$2,599
|
From
$4,099
$3,599
|
Select |
Rates are per person based on double occupancy.
Single room supplement is $449.
Note: Table Mountain has scheduled its annual maintenance closure every July. 2021 dates to be announced. During this time, the Cat Project Tour at Emdoneni will be offered as an alternative.
For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00am – 5:30pm EST) at 1.800.337.7773.
Reservations and Payments
Reservations can be made 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 $99 per person for all 2021 departures, and $300 per person for all 2022 departures. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Baggage fees may apply. Space and prices subject to availability. Please see the smarTours Terms and Conditions for complete booking information.
Optional Tours Customize your trip with these optional tours.
*NEW* Indicated optional tours are now available to pre-book when you reserve your trip. This is the best option to guarantee your spot on your preferred optional tour!
Availability and pricing are subject to change. Optional tours require a minimum number of participants in order for the tour to operate. If you choose to book your optional tour while on your trip, payments are non-refundable and should be made by cash or credit card (VISA, MasterCard or AmEx, subject to service charge).
Half-Day Cultural Heritage Tour & Township Tour
- Cape Town
- From approx. $48 Per Person
Robben Island Tour**
- Cape Town
- From approx. $40 Per Person
Winelands Tour
- Cape Town
- From approx. $55 Per Person
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!
Gold Dinner
- Cape Town
- From approx. $57 Per Person
There is no better way to experience an African-themed restaurant than the Gold restaurant. They promise a “taste safari” that includes flavors from Cape Town and all over the stunning continent. How does the evening go there? The evening kicks off with a djembe drumming session followed by a hand-washing ceremony. Then you delve into a 14-course meal, each one from a different African country.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Full Day Great White Shark Cage Diving***
- Cape Town
- From approx. $194 Per Person, including breakfast, packed lunch and transfers
Featured Accommodations
President Hotel
Cape TownAuthentic 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
Emdoneni Lodge
HluhluweThis 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
Sabi River Sun Resort
Kruger National ParkComfortable, homey accommodations, enhanced by spectacular views. Spa and pools.
Main Sabie Road, Hazyview, Mpumalanga
Garden Court Sandton City
JohannesburgComfortable, relaxed hotel conveniently located in the heart of Sandton. Pool with garden area and patio.
Cnr. West and Maude Streets, Sandown, Johannesburg, 2196
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Victoria FallsThis airy lodge looks like an oversized tree house. It offers sunset views of the African bushveld, including a waterhole frequented by elephants, buffalo and other wildlife. Two-tier swimming pool.
471 Squire Cummings Road, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Before You Depart
COVID-19 UPDATE
Departing the U.S.: For the safety of everyone in the group, smarTours has implemented some COVID-19 travel requirements which apply to all tours regardless of destination. To learn more, click here.
Returning to the U.S.: In accordance with U.S. entry requirements, smarTours will arrange testing for the group in destination. Full details and requirements can be accessed here.
- South Africa & Eswatini Tour: The cost of the test is approximately $70 USD. The test must be paid by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) at the testing site.
Note: If you are traveling with us on a land-only basis please share your travel plans with us and let us know if you will also need to be tested with the rest of the group.
Please note entry requirements are changing rapidly. For up-to-date information, please click the links below.
- Entry requirements
- State Department Travel Advisory Updates (South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Botswana)
- Center for Disease Control Updates & Information (South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Botswana)
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Your departure flights from the U.S. to South Africa and back are on the below airlines. We recommend that you check in three-and-a-half hours before departure.
| Departure Date | Airline | Airport | Depart | Return (Main Tour) |
| 2021: Dec. 2 2022: Jan. 10, Feb. 7, Mar. 14 |
United Airlines | Newark (EWR) | 8:45PM | 7:00AM |
| 2022: Mar .28, Apr. 11, Apr. 25, May 2, May 16, May 23, Jun. 20, Jul. 25 | United Airlines | Newark (EWR) | 8:45PM | 5:45AM |
| 2022: Aug – Dec 2023: All Dates |
TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA |
ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT
The above airlines do not assign seats in advance. Seat assignment can only be arranged when you check-in at the airport.
LAND-ONLY TRAVELERS
International flights to/from the U.S. are not included. Land-only travelers are responsible for arranging entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. smarTours cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by air schedule changes and delays. Unused land services are non-refundable.
Main Tour Only: Land-only services start upon independent check-in at the hotel in Cape Town on Day 2 of the itinerary listed on the tour page. Land-only services end after breakfast at the Johannesburg hotel on Day 13 of the itinerary listed on the tour page.
PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION
You must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. All visitors are required by the South African immigration authorities to have a minimum of two consecutive blank visa entry pages in their passport. Insufficient pages in the passport normally results in denied boarding or denial of entry upon arrival, and the person is likely to be detained pending return to their country of origin. Visa is not required for U.S. passport holders. Non-US citizens should check with the South Africa and Kingdom of Eswatini consulates as to the most current visa requirements. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.
TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS
Final instructions and additional travel tips will be sent to you 14-21 days before the scheduled start of your tour via email. If you have not received your final documents, please check your spam folder or contact smarTours.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Please consult your personal physician or local public health authorities regarding taking anti-malaria pills, as well as other recommendations.
CLIMATE
South Africa is located in the southern hemisphere and has the reverse seasons to those of the U.S. The weather is temperate, even in the winter. Overnight temperatures are 10-20 degrees lower. Here’s what you can expect:
- April–September: Highs in the 60s and 70s.
- October–March: Highs in the 70s and 80s.
NON-INCLUDED MEALS
Food costs in South Africa are quite reasonable compared to the U.S. In Cape Town, you may dine at either of the hotels used on this tour or in a nearby restaurant recommended by your guide. The V&A Waterfront also offers a fantastic range of dining options. Your hotel will accept credit cards for your non-included meals.
CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY
As of July 23, 2019, the Zimbabwe Dollar (ZIM) is the official currency in Zimbabwe, in both cash and electronic format. The Zimbabwe government has banned trading foreign currencies. Credit cards are the preferred method of payment and it is readily accepted everywhere in Zimbabwe (Visa & MasterCard), so we advise that you prepare to use your credit card here. Street vendors require cash and the government has advised you must pay in ZIM. You may find that ATMs do not have any cash in them and hotels will be reluctant to exchange monies. You can pay in USD at all airports, immigration offices, and many other vendors/shops, but they will only accept newer, crisp US Dollar notes with the “large heads” printed on them. These are the US Dollar notes printed after 2001. If USD is used and change is owed, the cash will be returned in Zimbabwe Dollar, which will be very difficult to exchange back in both Zimbabwe and the U.S. If you’d like to use USD, we recommend bringing cash in small denominations to avoid large amounts of change being returned to you in ZIM.
BAGGAGE
Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage (suitcase) max. 44 pounds, and one carry-on not exceeding 18”x10”x8”. We recommend that you do not overpack and that you take a variety of casual separates with climate and comfort in mind.