South Africa Highlights & Safari

tour only from
$2,249
12 days
with flights from
$3,999
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 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!)

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.

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

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.

2023 Tours With Flights Tour Only  
Mon–Sun
Nov 13–26
Flights not available Sold Out
Join Waitlist
Tue–Sat
Nov 14–25
From
$2,599
 Book Now Only 1 spot left
2024 Tours With Flights Tour Only  
Wed–Tue
Jan 3–16
From
$4,499
 Book Now
Thu–Mon
Jan 4–15
From
$2,699
 Book Now
Wed–Tue
Jan 24–Feb 6
From
$4,499
 Book Now
Thu–Mon
Jan 25–Feb 5
From
$2,699
 Book Now
Wed–Tue
Feb 7–20
From
$4,349 $3,999
 Book Now
Thu–Mon
Feb 8–19
From
$2,599 $2,249
 Book Now
Wed–Tue
Feb 28–Mar 12
From
$4,349 $3,999
 Book Now
Thu–Mon
Feb 29–Mar 11
From
$2,599 $2,249
 Book Now
Wed–Tue
Mar 13–26
From
$4,349 $3,999
 Book Now
Thu–Mon
Mar 14–25
From
$2,599 $2,249
 Book Now
Wed–Tue
Apr 10–23
From
$4,249
 Book Now
Thu–Mon
Apr 11–22
From
$2,499
 Book Now
Wed–Tue
May 8–21
From
$4,299
 Book Now
Thu–Mon
May 9–20
From
$2,499
 Book Now
Wed–Tue
May 15–28
From
$4,399
 Book Now Only 2 spots left
Thu–Mon
May 16–27
From
$2,599
 Book Now Only 2 spots left
Wed–Tue
May 22–Jun 4
From
$4,399
 Book Now
Thu–Mon
May 23–Jun 3
From
$2,599
 Book Now
Wed–Tue
Jul 17–30
From
$4,399
 Book Now
Thu–Mon
Jul 18–29
From
$2,599
 Book Now
Wed–Tue
Aug 7–20
From
$4,549
 Book Now Only 2 spots left
Thu–Mon
Aug 8–19
From
$2,599
 Book Now Only 2 spots left
Wed–Tue
Aug 21–Sep 3
From
$4,399
 Book Now
Thu–Mon
Aug 22–Sep 2
From
$2,599
 Book Now
Wed–Tue
Sep 4–17
From
$4,399
 Book Now
Thu–Mon
Sep 5–16
From
$2,599
 Book Now
Wed–Tue
Sep 11–24
From
$4,499
 Book Now Only 4 spots left
Thu–Mon
Sep 12–23
From
$2,699
 Book Now Only 4 spots left
Wed–Tue
Sep 18–Oct 1
From
$4,399
 Book Now
Thu–Mon
Sep 19–30
From
$2,599
 Book Now
Wed–Tue
Sep 25–Oct 8
From
$4,499
 Book Now Only 4 spots left
Thu–Mon
Sep 26–Oct 7
From
$2,699
 Book Now Only 4 spots left
Wed–Tue
Oct 2–15
From
$4,579
 Book Now Only 1 spot left
Thu–Mon
Oct 3–14
From
$2,779
 Book Now Only 1 spot left
Wed–Tue
Oct 16–29
From
$4,599
 Book Now
Thu–Mon
Oct 17–28
From
$2,799
 Book Now
Wed–Tue
Oct 23–Nov 5
From
$4,299
 Book Now
Thu–Mon
Oct 24–Nov 4
From
$2,599
 Book Now
Wed–Tue
Nov 6–19
From
$4,299
 Book Now
Thu–Mon
Nov 7–18
From
$2,599
 Book Now
Wed–Tue
Nov 20–Dec 3
From
$4,199
 Book Now
Thu–Mon
Nov 21–Dec 2
From
$2,499
 Book Now

* 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.

Robben Island Tour**

Winelands Tour

Gold Dinner

Full Day Great White Shark Cage Diving***

Reviews

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.
Leave a Review