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!
COVID-19 UPDATE
U.S. travelers are welcome to visit South Africa with certain entry requirements, including:
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- All travelers returning to the U.S., including those who have been vaccinated, must provide a negative, viral COVID-19 test issued no more than 3 days prior to departure or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 from your healthcare provider. Full details and requirements can be accessed here. NOTE: smarTours will arrange testing for the group in South Africa. The cost of the test is approximately $70 USD and must be paid in cash at the testing site.
Also, for the safety of everyone in the group, smarTours requires all travelers to provide a negative, viral COVID-19 antigen or PCR test issued no more than 3 days prior to departure, documentation of recovery from COVID-19 from your healthcare provider, or proof of full vaccination before leaving the United States.
Information is subject to change, please see the most up-to-date entry requirements for South Africa here.
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
- 3-night optional extension to Victoria Falls
Tour
Highlights
Your Tour
Includes
- 2021: Round-trip airfare from the NY Area (EWR)
- 2022: Round-trip airfare from the NY Area (EWR or JFK)
- 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!)
Your extension includes:
- Round-trip airfare
- Three nights at the luxurious lodge with buffet breakfast daily
- Sundowner Cruise on the Zambezi River
- A tour of Victoria Falls
Tour Itinerary
Cape Town
Today’s 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 you’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 Africa mines to a finger. Our tour ends at the vibrant V&A…
Cape Town
Stunning seascapes, delicious seafood, spectacular gardens—and penguins? Our day on Cape Peninsula is truly extraordinary, as we pass steep mountains, secluded coves and sweeping beaches before a stop at a Hout Bay fishing village. Then it’s on to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, home to baboons, rheboks and Cape Mountain zebras. At Cape Point, soak up the majestic views at the confluence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. After lunch at a famous seafood restaurant, we’ll head to the most remarkable of the mainland African penguin colonies, Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town,…
Cape Town/Durban/Zululand/Hluhluwe
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….
Guided Tour Pricing
Price includes land and round-trip airfare from the U.S. (Land-only pricing available upon request.)
| Depart | Return | Depart - Return | Best Value Pricing - Reserve by Apr 30, 2021 | Reserve after Apr 30, 2021 |
Select Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2021 | w/ eCheck Discount | Sale | After Sale | ||
| September 2 | September 15 | Sep 2 - Sep 15 |
$3,699 | $3,799 | $4,199 |
Book Now: |
| September 9 | September 22 | Sep 9 - Sep 22 |
$3,499 | $3,599 | $3,999 |
Book Now: |
| September 16 | September 29 | Sep 16 - Sep 29 |
$3,599 | $3,699 | $4,099 |
Book Now: 
Selling Fast!
|
| September 27 | October 10 | Sep 27 - Oct 10 |
$3,599 | $3,699 | $4,099 |
Book Now: |
| October 4 | October 17 | Oct 4 - Oct 17 |
$3,399 | $3,499 | $3,899 |
Book Now: |
| October 11 | October 24 | Oct 11 - Oct 24 |
$3,299 | $3,399 | $3,799 |
Book Now: |
| October 21 | November 3 | Oct 21 - Nov 3 |
$3,299 | $3,399 | $3,799 |
Book Now: |
| November 1 | November 14 | Nov 1 - Nov 14 |
$3,299 | $3,399 | $3,799 |
Book Now: |
| November 15 | November 28 | Nov 15 - Nov 28 |
$3,299 | $3,399 | $3,799 |
Book Now: |
| December 2 | December 15 | Dec 2 - Dec 15 |
$3,299 | $3,399 | $3,799 |
Book Now: |
| 2022 | 2022 | w/ eCheck Discount | Sale | After Sale | ||
| January 10 | January 23 | Jan 10 - Jan 23 |
$3,399 | $3,499 | $3,899 |
Book Now: |
| February 7 | February 20 | Feb 7 - Feb 20 |
$3,399 | $3,499 | $3,899 |
Book Now: |
| March 14 | March 27 | Mar 14 - Mar 27 |
$3,499 | $3,599 | $3,999 |
Book Now:
Selling Fast!
|
| March 28 | April 10 | Mar 28 - Apr 10 |
$3,399 | $3,499 | $3,899 |
Book Now: |
| April 11 | April 24 | Apr 11 - Apr 24 |
$3,499 | $3,599 | $3,999 |
Book Now: |
| April 25 | May 8 | Apr 25 - May 8 |
$3,699 | $3,799 | $4,199 |
Book Now: |
| May 2 | May 15 | May 2 - May 15 |
$3,399 | $3,499 | $3,899 |
Book Now: |
| May 16 | May 29 | May 16 - May 29 |
$3,599 | $3,699 | $4,099 |
Book Now: |
| June 20 | July 3 | Jun 20 - Jul 3 |
$3,699 | $3,799 | $4,199 |
Book Now: |
| July 25 | August 7 | Jul 25 - Aug 7 |
$3,699 | $3,799 | $4,199 |
Book Now: |
| August 8 | August 21 | Aug 8 - Aug 21 |
$3,699 | $3,799 | $4,199 |
Book Now: |
| August 22 | September 4 | Aug 22 - Sep 4 |
$3,799 | $3,899 | $4,299 |
Book Now: |
| September 5 | September 18 | Sep 5 - Sep 18 |
$3,499 | $3,599 | $3,999 |
Book Now: |
| September 15 | September 28 | Sep 15 - Sep 28 |
$3,699 | $3,799 | $4,199 |
Book Now:
Selling Fast!
|
| September 22 | October 5 | Sep 22 - Oct 5 |
$3,399 | $3,499 | $3,899 |
Book Now: |
| October 3 | October 16 | Oct 3 - Oct 16 |
$3,599 | $3,699 | $4,099 |
Book Now: |
| October 17 | October 30 | Oct 17 - Oct 30 |
$3,399 | $3,499 | $3,899 |
Book Now: |
| November 7 | November 20 | Nov 7 - Nov 20 |
$3,399 | $3,499 | $3,899 |
Book Now: |
| December 1 | December 14 | Dec 1 - Dec 14 |
$3,599 | $3,699 | $4,099 |
Book Now: |
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.
VICTORIA FALLS EXTENSION:
Jun-Aug ’21 & Jun-Jul ’22 Departures: Add $1499 per person double occupancy / $1699 single
Apr-May ’22 & Aug-Sep ’22 Departures: Add $1399 per person double occupancy / $1599 single
Sep ’21 (except Sep. 16 ’21) – Mar ’22 & Oct-Dec ’22 Departures: Add $1299 per person double occupancy / $1499 single
Sep 16 ’21 Departure: Add $1399 per person double occupancy / $1599 single
If taking the Victoria Falls extension, a visa is required for Zimbabwe. US and Canada passport holders can obtain it upon arrival
For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00am – 5:30pm EST) at 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.
Extended Tours
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
Time-travel through the history of “The Three South Africas”—from the monumental turning point in the Birth of South Africa to the now-decaying ruins of Apartheid South Africa to the townships of the New South Africa—on this can’t-miss tour. Gain insight into the greatness of Nelson Mandela and what South Africa has achieved ever since taking up his challenge to rise above pain and bitterness. Experience eye-opening encounters, especially when visiting Langa, the oldest black township, and Khayelitsha, the largest township, where cultural values and personal…
Robben Island Tour**
- Cape Town
- From approx. $40 Per Person
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…
Full Day Great White Shark Cage Diving***
- Cape Town
- From approx. $194 Per Person, including breakfast, packed lunch and transfers
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….
Featured Accommodations
Before You Depart
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 | Airpot | Depart | Return (Main Tour) | Return (Victoria Falls Extension) |
| 2021: Sep. 2, Sep. 9, Sep. 16, Sep. 27, Oct. 4 | United Airlines | Newark (EWR) | 8:45PM | 5:45AM | 5:45AM |
| 2021: Oct. 11, Oct. 21, Nov. 1, Nov. 15, Dec. 2 2022: Feb. 7 |
United Airlines | Newark (EWR) | 8:45PM | 7:00AM | 7:00AM |
| 2022: Jan. 10 | United Airlines | Newark (EWR) | 8:45PM | 7:00AM | 5:45AM |
| 2022: Mar-Dec | TBA | 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.
Main Tour + Extension: 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 upon arrival at the Johannesburg airport on Day 16 of the itinerary on the tour page. Flights from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls and back are included.
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.
If you are taking the Victoria Falls extension, you will need a Zimbabwe visa. U.S. and Canadian citizens can obtain the visa on arrival at the Victoria Falls airport. U.S. citizens will pay a fee of $30 in U.S. dollars (cash) for single entry visa. If you are planning to join the Chobe optional excursion to Botswana, you’ll need a double entry visa, which is $45. Canadian passport holders’ single-entry visa fee to Zimbabwe is $75 and if taking the full-day Chobe optional trip, an additional fee of $75 applies to reenter Zimbabwe. smarTours recommends you have the exact amount in cash as it can be difficult to get change. Passport holders of other countries need to check with the Zimbabwe embassy before departure about visa requirements. Visa fees & regulations are subject to change.
TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS
Your airline tickets, along with final instructions and additional travel tips, will be sent to you 7–10 days before the scheduled departure of your tour. Please make sure to advise us in case your address changes.
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.