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!
Did you know you can make this tour private? Find out about pricing and options
for groups of 15 or more travelers.
Itinerary at
a Glance
2023 Tour Itinerary:
- 1 night in Johannesburg
- 4 nights in Cape Town
- 2 nights in Hluhluwe/Zululand
- 1 night in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)
- 2 nights in Kruger Park
- 1 night in Johannesburg
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 (2024 only)
- Cape Peninsula & Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
- Indian Ocean Coast (Durban)
- Hluhluwe Game Reserve
- DumaZulu Traditional Village
- Kruger National Park
- 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
- Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- Intra-South Africa flight and ground transportation
- Accommodations at superior first-class hotels
- 2023 Departures: 18 meals: 11 buffet breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners
- 2024 Departures: 19 meals: 11 buffet breakfasts, 2 lunches, 6 dinners
- Comprehensive touring and safaris
- Experienced, English-speaking Tour Director (Meet one of our guides!)
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.
For more detailed information about this tour and destination, visit
our Before You Depart section.
Click the Day-by-Day itinerary below to see the experiences that await on each day of your tour.
Passengers who purchase flights will depart 1 day before the tour starts and return 1 day after the tour ends.
For flight details, see Before You Depart.
Welcome to Johannesburg, South Africa's largest and most vibrant city!
Accommodations: Garden Court Sandton City or similar
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. This afternoon, fly to Cape Town, South Africa's oldest city, set on a stunning harbor in the shadow of imposing Table Mountain. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodations: President Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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 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
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, with over 2,500 birds. But we’re not done yet! We’ll finish the day at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens on the slopes of Table Mountain. Considered one of the world’s great botanic gardens, Kirstenbosch is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting over 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.
Meals: Breakfast
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
You’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. (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.
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
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!
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. Tonight we’ll gather with our fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodations: Garden Court Sandton City Hotel or similar
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
Passengers who purchase flights will depart 1 day before the tour starts and return 1 day after the tour ends.
For flight details, see Before You Depart.
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.
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
Instant Savings of up to $400 per person for a handful of spots on select dates. While supplies lasts, ends Sep 29.
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.
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* Departures designated as "Guaranteed" may be canceled or rescheduled only
under Extraordinary Circumstances, for example in situations deemed to be unsafe
or nonviable due to local conditions. See Terms
& Conditions for full details.
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.
Optional Tours
Customize your trip with these optional tours.
Enhance your trip with our recommended 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!
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!
For 2023 departures only. Not available for 2024 departures.
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!
-
$259, 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. 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!
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
Carol B
This was the first time I’ve ever traveled in a group setting! It was great not to have to worry about hotels,meals and sight activities! I felt totally comfortable and at ease everyday!
Marjorie F
I am 87 years old. My husband and I took this tour 13 years ago. I enjoyed this tour but found the full day optional safaris tiring for my age. Suggest 1/2 day safari for anyone my age.
Leslie A
There is a lot to see in South Africa and the neighboring countries. The value is really good for all the sights and hotels and including the food.
tomlyn w
Loved the tour guides, very knowlegable
Rosalie G
We have traveled with Smartours four times. All had excellent guides, lodgings, etc. Economically priced. First class service. Will continue to travel with them in the future.
Mary K
Was a wonderful trip to South Africa and other beautiful placed. Jeremy Poole was a terrific guide. We saw so many animals and enjoyed the entire trip.
Deborah F
The South Africa Highlights & Safari featured informative and inspirational tours of the museums, townships, numerous historical sites including a visit to a Zulu village and safaris in various parks. I especially loved the design of the various lodges which gave me the true feel of being in nature. Each city/country had a unique experience which added to the value of this trip. The diversity of a city, a township, a tribal village, becoming one with nature on the safaris and at Victoria Falls was truly rewarding in many ways.
A. R
I have always wanted to go to Africa and jumped at the opportunity to go with Smartours. I had a wonderful time on the Safari’s and seeing the lovely adorable animals. I was also overwhelmed with the greenery, the landscape and especially the man made forestry. I have never seen so many trees in my life and was in awe. Furthermore Smartours did a wonderful setup with the way everything just came together to make it a Tour of a Lifetime. Good Job, well done.
Myrna S
The tour starting from Johannesburg just kept getting better and better. The four safaris were amazing. Loved the animals and shopping.Victoria Falls safari lodge was beautiful
Beth C
Covered lots of territory, good value for money, very good guides
Keith P
We saw Lions, had an Elephant charge our vehicle three times is was great, saw a sorry looking Leopard after the Hyenas took the Leopards prey, we saw one in a tree with its prey, Rinos, and Hippos out of the water with their small legs, Crocs swimming in the water, a Helicopter ride over Vic Falls, and zip line of the river, wild Africa is great, and I think everyone should do it once in their life
Barbara J
Tour was outstanding with very knowledgeable guides, well organized itineraries and great value.
Mark A
AMAZING experience that exceed our expectations. Our tour guide, Jeremy was the BEST!!!
Every detail of the trip was taken care of and we didn't have to worry about anything.
The US dollar goes a LONG way in South Africa.
helen p
It was an excellent trip. I was delighted. We saw so much and had great hotels and an absolutely outstanding guide. I have been to Africa 6 times and this trip was a wonderful addition. South Africa is very interesting.
Kunle A
The entire tour experience was exceptional for me and my wife. We learned so much about our shared humanity from the past experience & the warmth & hospitality of our South African hosts. We were lucky to have the best tour guides & drivers, & every single member of our group made our experience amazing & memorable.
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