13 excellent and different guided tours around South Africa. Tours with a variety of prices, days, destinations, themes, age, level of luxury, and adventure.
South Africa is a fascinating and diverse tourist destination that captivates travelers with its rich culture, landscapes and a variety of unique experiences. Located at the southern tip of the African continent, the nation encompasses a wide range of attractions, from modern cities to spectacular wildlife reserves, incredible beaches and a complex history.
One of the most famous spots is Cape Town, known for its stunning natural beauty, including the iconic Table Mountain which offers unparalleled panoramic views. The wine region around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek is a wine lover’s paradise, offering tastings at picturesque wineries.
South Africa is also home to an incredible diversity of wildlife. Kruger National Park is one of the main attractions, offering the opportunity to see the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino) in their natural habitat. Additionally, South Africa is famous for shark diving in Gansbaai and whales in Hermanus.
The country’s rich multicultural heritage is evident in places like Soweto in Johannesburg, which played an important role during apartheid. South Africa’s history of struggle and overcoming is also celebrated at the Apartheid Museum and in several monuments throughout the country.
South Africa’s beaches are equally remarkable, offering opportunities for sunbathing, surfing and exciting water activities. Cape Town’s Camps Bay beach is famous for its golden sands and lively atmosphere.
Furthermore, South African cuisine is a fusion of cultural influences, resulting in unique and delicious dishes. Trying the traditional “braai” (South African barbecue) is an unmissable gastronomic experience.
Table of Contents
- 1 Top 10 Tourist Attractions in South Africa
- 2 Is it better to travel independently or in group tours in South Africa?
- 3 13 Best Tours and Itineraries to Explore South Africa
- 3.1 Best South Africa Tours and Itineraries for Guided Small Group Adventures
- 3.2 Best South Africa Tours and Itineraries for Young Singles Groups (Ages 18-35)
- 3.3 Best Luxury and Comfort Tours and Itineraries in South Africa for Small Groups with Guides
- 3.4 Best tours to South Africa from Tourradar (best site to search and compare tours in South Africa of different durations, styles, prices, and operators)
- 4 Concluding…
- 5
Top 10 Tourist Attractions in South Africa
Before we delve into the central topic of this article, it’s relevant to highlight some of the most sought-after tourist destinations in South Africa to assist in your search for itineraries, routes, and experiences that align with your interests.
As previously mentioned, South Africa is a captivating country. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 attractions and tourist cities that deserve exploration in South Africa:
- Cape Town: With the iconic Table Mountain as its backdrop, Cape Town offers a vibrant blend of culture, history, and stunning landscapes. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Promenade and the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay are just a few of the highlights.
- Kruger National Park: This is one of the world’s most famous wildlife parks, where visitors can have the unique experience of observing the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) in their natural habitat.
- The Garden Route: A scenic route that stretches along the country’s southern coast, filled with breathtaking coastal landscapes, lush forests, charming wineries, and picturesque towns.
- Durban: Known for its golden sandy beaches and relaxed atmosphere, Durban is a popular holiday destination. The seaside promenade and uShaka Marine World are city highlights.
- Cango Caves: Located near the town of Oudtshoorn, these spectacular caves offer impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations, providing a unique glimpse into the underground world.
- Tsitsikamma National Park: Part of the Garden Route, this park is famous for its forests, stunning gorges, and exciting activities like zip-lining and hiking.
- Pretoria: South Africa’s administrative capital is home to historic buildings, charming gardens, and museums that offer insights into the country’s history and culture.
- Robben Island: Located off the coast of Cape Town, this island is famous for being a place of detention during apartheid, including the prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers guided tours.
- Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape: Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this landscape is a window into the ancient Mapungubwe civilization, with archaeological remains dating back to the 11th century.
- Pilanesberg National Park: Situated in an extinct volcanic crater, this park offers a unique opportunity to see wildlife in a distinct environment, with the possibility of spotting the “Big Five.”
Is it better to travel independently or in group tours in South Africa?
Regardless of the option you choose for traveling in South Africa, whether independently or in a group tour, each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Opting for independent travel, for example, offers greater flexibility to plan your own itinerary and choose activities based on your preferences. This allows you to explore South Africa at your own pace and decide when and how to do activities. Additionally, this option can be more economical as you can control expenses according to your choices.
However, independent travel requires detailed planning, including research on accommodation, transportation, and activities. It’s important to be prepared for potential challenges, such as language differences, and take extra measures to ensure safety, especially in more remote areas.
On the other hand, a group tour with a guide offers the company of other travelers and the opportunity to meet people with similar interests.
Furthermore, traveling in a group can provide a sense of security, especially if accompanied by an experienced guide who knows South Africa well.
However, this option may somewhat limit your freedom to explore the country independently as you will follow a pre-defined itinerary and schedules set by the group. In summary, the choice between traveling independently or in a group in South Africa will depend on your personal preferences.
Consider your interests, time availability, budget, and comfort level when making your decision.
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Pros of traveling on a group tour |
Pros of traveling on your own |
| Company and opportunity to meet people with similar interests | Flexibility to create your own itinerary and choose activities |
| Peaceful and fun group experience | Autonomy to follow your own schedule |
| More safety when riding in a group, especially with an experienced local guide | Freedom to explore Iceland without having to stick to a schedule |
| Less need for planning and research as the tour already provides accommodation, transport and activities | Potential savings, since depending on the choices it can be cheaper |
| Possibility of access to places or activities that may be difficult or impossible to reach alone | Greater challenge and opportunity to learn and grow with the experience of planning and conducting your own trip |
13 Best Tours and Itineraries to Explore South Africa
Best South Africa Tours and Itineraries for Guided Small Group Adventures
1. G Adventures – Explore Cape Town and Kruger National Park (10 Days)
Spectacular landscapes, vibrant culture and a dramatic and inspiring past, South Africa has it all. Discover the charms of Cape Town, one of Africa’s most beautiful cities, and then travel to Johannesburg, former home of revolutionary leader Nelson Mandela and gateway to some of the world’s most famous wildlife reserves.
Scan the horizon of Kruger National Park in search of the “big five”, spend time with a conservationist from National Geographic’s Big Cat Initiative, and enjoy unforgettable sunsets over the savannah.
2. G Adventures – Southern Africa Sea Safari (21 Days)
It’s time to explore Africa your way with this affordable tour for young travelers.
Sand dunes, thrilling safaris and epic sunrises… And that’s just the beginning of this 21-day tour of southwest Africa. Visit the stunning Victoria Falls, explore wildlife-rich deltas and camp overnight in the wild.
Landos (off-road adventure vehicles) bring you closer to all the action, while local guides and Experience Chefs ensure each day runs smoothly.
3. Encounters Travel – Wildlife & Waterfalls (15 Days)
This 15-day adventure begins and ends in Johannesburg, with its extensive flight connections, and then heads to Botswana and the Kalahari Desert, home of the nomadic San hunter-gatherers.
It then continues to Botswana’s jewel, the Okavango Delta, where several optional extensions are available to see more of the park. Chobe National Park, famous for its large number of wild elephants as well as other large species, is the next destination, before reaching the iconic Victoria Falls.
You will have some time to see the falls and take part in the various activities available here before we enter Zimbabwe.
Heading south of the country, you’ll visit Hwange and Matopos National Parks before reaching the famous ruins of Great Zimbabwe. The last destination is relaxing, Tshipise hot springs, before the tour ends with return to Johannesburg.
4. Intrepid – Premium Southern Africa (8 Days)
Experience an abundance of wilderness, wildlife and waterfalls on an eight-day Premium adventure through South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana.
Spend three unforgettable days in the Greater Kruger region, take a sunset cruise down the Zambezi River, marvel at the stunning Victoria Falls and seek out a wealth of elephants in Chobe National Park. From thrilling safaris to nights spent under the stars, glorious southern Africa has so much to delight in.
Best South Africa Tours and Itineraries for Young Singles Groups (Ages 18-35)
5. Contiki – Sea, Safari, South Africa (14 Days)
The Garden Route and its varied beauty. Spot hippos in one of the largest lakes in Africa. Camping under the stars in Kruger National Park as hyenas call in the distance.
On this incredible, breathtaking adventure, you’ll meet the locals, discover the history and taste the Cape’s best wines in 14 days, with beach, city and safari life highlighted on the agenda.
6. Contiki – Garden Route and Addo (8 Days)
Ready for one of the world’s most epic road trips where you alternate between wildlife, city life and beach life?
You’ll marvel at the Cango Caves, enjoy the nightlife of Cape Town and Stellenbosch, and even catch up with the Big 5 in some of Africa’s best national parks.
The Garden Route has it all, and you’ll experience it all on this unforgettable 8-day adventure with a group of companions aged 18 to 35.
7. Topdeck – Delve Deep: South Africa (19 Days)
Leave aside the cliché checklist. This trip will take you to fascinating and off-the-beaten-path destinations in South Africa. On this journey, adventure is truly an understatement.
Best Luxury and Comfort Tours and Itineraries in South Africa for Small Groups with Guides
8. Trafalgar – Essence of South Africa (10 Days)
Savannah, beach and two vibrant cities, capture the essence of South Africa in this culmination of an experience from Cape Town to Kruger, including Johannesburg, the ‘City of Gold’.
9. Trafalgar – Cape Town Explorer (8 Days)
No place makes the heart beat more intensely than Cape Town, from the slopes of Table Mountain to the golden vineyards of the Cape Winelands, the rugged Atlantic Coast to the vibrant City Quarter.
10. Tourradar – South Africa (Western Cape) (7 Days)
Start in Port Elizabeth and end in Cape Town! With the tour you will have a 7-day tour package that will take you around Port Elizabeth and 7 other destinations in South Africa. Includes an expert guide, meals, transport and much more.
Best tours to South Africa from Tourradar (best site to search and compare tours in South Africa of different durations, styles, prices, and operators)
11. Tourradar – South Africa Odyssey (14 Days)
Start in Johannesburg and end in Cape Town! With the cultural tour you will have a 14-day tour package that will take you to Johannesburg, South Africa, and 16 other destinations in the country.
The tour includes hotel accommodation as well as an expert guide, meals, transportation and more.
12. Tourradar – South Africa Escape (14 Days)
Start in Cape Town and end in Johannesburg! With the exploration tour you will have a 14-day tour package that will take you to Cape Town, South Africa, and 11 other South African destinations. It includes hotel accommodation, as well as flights, an expert guide, meals, transport and more.
13. Tourradar – Southern Africa aboard the African Dream (9 Days)
Start in Johannesburg and end in Victoria Falls! With the tour you will have a 9-day tour package that will take you around Johannesburg and 8 other destinations in Africa. The tour includes hotel accommodation, an expert guide, insurance, meals, transportation and more.
Concluding…
South Africa is an incredible destination for all types of travelers, from those looking for cultural experiences, to those who like to learn about the countries’ history and those who enjoy an adventure.
With a wide range of tour and excursion options available, it is crucial to conduct thorough research before selecting the company that best meets your needs and expectations. It is important to review reviews from other travelers and details of accommodation provided. This step is essential to ensure a smooth and safe journey.
However, regardless of the company you choose, one thing is certain: exploring South Africa is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience! Be prepared for an unforgettable journey and embark on this adventure across the country!