South Africa Highlights & Safari

tour only from
$2,399
12 days
with flights from
$3,599
14 days
average review

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 10 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!)

What to Expect

Max Group Size: 30 travelers

Activity Level: Recreational

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.

2023 Tour Itinerary

Map

Click the Day-by-Day itinerary below to see the experiences that await on each day of your tour.

Flights

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.

Day 1: Arrive in Johannesburg

Day 2: Johannesburg – Cape Town

Day 3: Cape Town

Day 4: Cape Town

Day 5: Cape Town

Day 6: Cape Town – Durban – Zululand – Hluhluwe

Day 7: Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park – Zululand

Day 8: Hluhluwe – Eswatini

Day 9: Eswatini–Kruger National Park

Day 10: Kruger National Park

Day 11: Kruger Park – Mpumalanga – Sandton

Day 12: Depart Johannesburg

2024 Tour Itinerary

Flights

Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town

Day 2: Cape Town

Day 3: Cape Town

Day 4: Cape Town

Day 5: Cape Town – Durban – Zululand – Hluhluwe

Day 6: Zululand & Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park Excursion

Day 7: Hluhluwe – Eswatini

Day 8: Eswatini – Kruger National Park

Day 9: Kruger National Park

Day 10: Kruger Park – Mpumalanga – Sandton

Day 11: Johannesburg

Day 12: Depart Johannesburg

Guided Tour Pricing

Book by Mar. 31, 2023 to get the best price.

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.

2023 Tours With Flights  
Mon — Sun
May 15 — 28
Flights not available Sold Out
Join Waitlist
Mon — Sun
Jun 19—Jul 2
Flights not available Sold Out
Join Waitlist
Mon — Sun
Jul 3 — 16
From
$4,832 $4,332
Sold Out
Join Waitlist
Mon — Sun
Aug 21—Sep 3
Flights not available Sold Out
Join Waitlist
Thu — Wed
Sep 7 — 20
From
$4,449 $3,949
Sold Out
Join Waitlist
Mon — Sun
Sep 18—Oct 1
From
$4,618 $4,118
Sold Out
Join Waitlist
Thu — Wed
Sep 21—Oct 4
Flights not available Sold Out
Join Waitlist
Mon — Sun
Sep 25—Oct 8
From
$4,549 $4,049
 Book with Flights Only 4 spots left
Mon — Sun
Oct 2 — 15
Flights not available Sold Out
Join Waitlist
Mon — Sun
Oct 16 — 29
Flights not available Sold Out
Join Waitlist
Mon — Sun
Oct 23—Nov 5
Flights not available Sold Out
Join Waitlist
Mon — Sun
Nov 6 — 19
From
$4,631 $4,131
Sold Out
Join Waitlist
Mon — Sun
Nov 13 — 26
From
$4,399 $3,899
 Book with Flights
2024 Tours With Flights  
Wed — Tue
Jan 3 — 16
From
$4,199 $3,699
 Book with Flights
Wed — Tue
Jan 24—Feb 6
From
$4,199 $3,699
 Book with Flights
Wed — Tue
Feb 7 — 20
From
$4,199 $3,699
 Book with Flights
Wed — Tue
Feb 28—Mar 12
From
$4,199 $3,699
 Book with Flights
Wed — Tue
Mar 13 — 26
From
$4,199 $3,699
 Book with Flights
Wed — Tue
Mar 27—Apr 9
From
$4,199 $3,699
 Book with Flights
Wed — Tue
Apr 10 — 23
From
$4,099 $3,599
 Book with Flights
Wed — Tue
Apr 24—May 7
From
$4,099 $3,599
 Book with Flights
Wed — Tue
May 8 — 21
From
$4,199 $3,699
 Book with Flights
Wed — Tue
May 15 — 28
From
$4,199 $3,699
 Book with Flights
Wed — Tue
May 22—Jun 4
From
$4,199 $3,699
 Book with Flights
Wed — Tue
Jul 17 — 30
From
$4,399 $3,899
 Book with Flights
Wed — Tue
Aug 7 — 20
From
$4,399 $3,899
 Book with Flights
Wed — Tue
Aug 21—Sep 3
From
$4,199 $3,699
 Book with Flights
Wed — Tue
Sep 4 — 17
From
$4,199 $3,699
 Book with Flights
Wed — Tue
Sep 11 — 24
From
$4,199 $3,699
 Book with Flights
Wed — Tue
Sep 18—Oct 1
From
$4,199 $3,699
 Book with Flights
Wed — Tue
Sep 25—Oct 8
From
$4,199 $3,699
 Book with Flights
Wed — Tue
Oct 2 — 15
From
$4,199 $3,699
 Book with Flights Only 2 spots left
Wed — Tue
Oct 16 — 29
From
$4,199 $3,699
 Book with Flights
Wed — Tue
Oct 23—Nov 5
From
$4,199 $3,699
 Book with Flights
Wed — Tue
Nov 6 — 19
From
$4,199 $3,699
 Book with Flights
Wed — Tue
Nov 20—Dec 3
From
$4,199 $3,699
 Book with Flights
2023 Tours Tour Only  
Tue — Sat
May 16 — 27
From
$3,599 $3,099
 Book Tour Only Only 4 spots left
Tue — Sat
Jun 20—Jul 1
From
$3,976 $3,476
Sold Out
Join Waitlist
Tue — Sat
Jul 4 — 15
From
$3,832 $3,332
Sold Out
Join Waitlist
Tue — Sat
Aug 22—Sep 2
From
$3,449 $2,949
Sold Out
Join Waitlist
Fri — Tue
Sep 8 — 19
From
$3,349 $2,849
Sold Out
Join Waitlist
Tue — Sat
Sep 19 — 30
From
$3,618 $3,118
Sold Out
Join Waitlist
Fri — Tue
Sep 22—Oct 3
From
$3,449 $2,949
Sold Out
Join Waitlist
Tue — Sat
Sep 26—Oct 7
From
$3,249 $2,749
 Book Tour Only Only 4 spots left
Tue — Sat
Oct 3 — 14
From
$3,199 $2,699
Sold Out
Join Waitlist
Tue — Sat
Oct 17 — 28
From
$3,699 $3,199
Sold Out
Join Waitlist
Tue — Sat
Oct 24—Nov 4
From
$3,549 $3,049
Sold Out
Join Waitlist
Tue — Sat
Nov 7 — 18
From
$3,331 $2,831
Sold Out
Join Waitlist
Tue — Sat
Nov 14 — 25
From
$3,099 $2,599
 Book Tour Only
2024 Tours Tour Only  
Thu — Mon
Jan 4 — 15
From
$2,999 $2,499
 Book Tour Only
Thu — Mon
Jan 25—Feb 5
From
$2,999 $2,499
 Book Tour Only
Thu — Mon
Feb 8 — 19
From
$2,999 $2,499
 Book Tour Only
Thu — Mon
Feb 29—Mar 11
From
$2,999 $2,499
 Book Tour Only
Thu — Mon
Mar 14 — 25
From
$2,999 $2,499
 Book Tour Only
Thu — Mon
Mar 28—Apr 8
From
$2,999 $2,499
 Book Tour Only
Thu — Mon
Apr 11 — 22
From
$2,899 $2,399
 Book Tour Only
Thu — Mon
Apr 25—May 6
From
$2,899 $2,399
 Book Tour Only
Thu — Mon
May 9 — 20
From
$2,899 $2,399
 Book Tour Only
Thu — Mon
May 16 — 27
From
$2,899 $2,399
 Book Tour Only
Thu — Mon
May 23—Jun 3
From
$2,899 $2,399
 Book Tour Only
Thu — Mon
Jul 18 — 29
From
$2,999 $2,499
 Book Tour Only
Thu — Mon
Aug 8 — 19
From
$2,999 $2,499
 Book Tour Only
Thu — Mon
Aug 22—Sep 2
From
$2,899 $2,399
 Book Tour Only
Thu — Mon
Sep 5 — 16
From
$2,999 $2,499
 Book Tour Only
Thu — Mon
Sep 12 — 23
From
$2,999 $2,499
 Book Tour Only
Thu — Mon
Sep 19 — 30
From
$2,999 $2,499
 Book Tour Only
Thu — Mon
Sep 26—Oct 7
From
$2,999 $2,499
 Book Tour Only
Thu — Mon
Oct 3 — 14
From
$2,999 $2,499
 Book Tour Only Only 2 spots left
Thu — Mon
Oct 17 — 28
From
$2,999 $2,499
 Book Tour Only
Thu — Mon
Oct 24—Nov 4
From
$2,999 $2,499
 Book Tour Only
Thu — Mon
Nov 7 — 18
From
$2,999 $2,499
 Book Tour Only
Thu — Mon
Nov 21—Dec 2
From
$2,999 $2,499
 Book Tour Only

* 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 (Mon-Fri, 9:00am - 5:30pm EST) 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.

Robben Island Tour**

Winelands Tour

Gold Dinner

Full Day Great White Shark Cage Diving***

Reviews

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.

Deborah L

This was an amazing tour! We saw so much and learned so much about the culture and history of South Africa. Our tour guide, Jeremy, was incredible! The trip exceeded my expectations in every way. It was very well organized, and every day was a new adventure. The wildlife safaris were fantastic. Overall, the experience was one of the best travel experiences I have ever had. The cost of the optional tours was reasonable, and I was able to do all of them that I wanted! The food was very good and the lodging accommodations were great! This was an experience I will never forget!

Kamran E

Excellent trip.

Shokoofeh K

Very good.

Kelly J

SmarTours is a great company. I would recommend them.

Sophia

This was the BEST and most Enjoyable travel, vacation trip we took. I was very sorry to understand that our travel, our tour guide travel retired. He was the best tour guide, we ever had, traveling to other parts of Asia, Europe & Egypt. Sophia & Ludwig

Raquel I

The trip was amazing. Jeremy, our tour guide, ,took excellent care of us. I was traveling along but everyone made me fell like we were a family looking out for each other. Highly recommend going on the trip and if you get Jeremy you will learn so much about the history of South Africa

Linda G

This was our 10th Smartours trip and one of the best. This trip is so well organized and our guide Jeremy was excellent. The safaris are so much fun and we were able to see the big five plus many more - truly an amazing experience. Smartours continues to impress us with their well developed itineraries and such great value. We already have three more Smartours trips planned.

Jennifer P

We had an excellent trip! Everything was perfect.

Shirley A

The South Africa tour and Victoria Falls extension were fabulous! Our tour guide, Jeremy Poole, was outstanding. He is knowledgeable about history, social issues, geography, and all aspects of travel. He is efficient, extremely friendly and caring about providing the best travel experience for everyone in his tour group. I highly recommend the optional tours. Very special experiences, in addition to visits to parks to view a great variety of wild life by boar and by safari vehicle, include the chance to see and get close to cheetahs, and to even pet young lions and also to pet and feed elephants. I highly recommend this tour!

Carol K

This was a wonderful trip! Jeremy was our guide, and he was so knowledgeable and organized. We were the "lucky" group who went up Table Mountain on a beautiful sunny day, and the rest of the week was too windy for the cable cars to go up. We saw all the animals including the big 5 on most all of the safaris. One day our local guide on a safari spotted a leopard with two cubs as we were in a hurry to get back. It was wonderful, and that made three leopards we had seen. Victoria Falls was magnificent, and probably my favorite part of the trip, which is hard to say, as the whole trip was awesome!

Alice D

What an experience walking with the lions? Up close and personal with the beastly lions was an experience of a lifetime. A trip I would definitely want to retake Best trip ever. I love animals and our group was able to see the Big 5 at both Kroger and Chobi National Parks. Giraffes like to stay camouflaged but such graceful animals. If you love animals, this trip is for you.

Alice D

Best trip. Had a lot of fun and enjoyed walking with the lions. An amazing experience that everyone should take. What an opportunity. Great trip, great price, great tour director. Everything about SmarTours is top notch.
Leave a Review