South Africa Escorted Tour
This South Africa escorted tour offers an incredible look at what many call ‘a world in one country’. Over 16 days, you will travel across a landscape five times the size of Ireland, offering a climate and terrain that shifts from the sub-tropical lushness of the north to the Mediterranean charm of the Cape. It is a destination that combines natural beauty, complex history, and incredible wildlife into one seamless experience, perfect for value-conscious travellers looking for a meaningful adventure.
Your journey begins in Johannesburg, where a visit to the Apartheid Museum provides a grounded understanding of the nation’s contemporary path. This is followed by a drive along the Panorama Route, where the Blyde River Canyon offers vistas that rival the world’s greatest natural wonders. In Kruger National Park, you will spend a full day in open-top 4×4 vehicles, tracking elephants, lions, and perhaps even the elusive cheetah across the vast savannah. The sound of the African dawn is something that stays with travellers long after they return home.
The tour continues through the kingdom of Eswatini and into the heart of KwaZulu-Natal. Here, the focus shifts to the poignant history of the Zulu Wars. Visiting the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift with a specialist guide brings the events of 1879 to life, offering a quiet, respectful look at the mass graves and the heroic stands that defined the era. After this, an internal flight brings you to the Western Cape and the seaside town of Knysna. Known as the jewel of the Garden Route, Knysna is famous for its stunning lagoon and ‘The Heads’—two massive cliffs that guard the entrance to the ocean.
As you move toward the end of your trip, you will explore the rolling valleys of the Winelands. Here, historic towns like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek showcase Cape Dutch architecture and world-class wineries. A cellar tour and tasting session allow you to sample the produce that has made this region famous. Finally, you reach Cape Town, arguably one of the most beautiful cities on the planet. Dominated by Table Mountain, the city offers a blend of Dutch, British, and Cape Malay cultures. You will visit the Cape of Good Hope, the penguin colony at Boulders Beach, and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Whether you are riding the revolving cable car to the mountain top or enjoying a seafood lunch at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town provides the perfect finale to your South African experience. This is a straightforward, well-organised holiday designed to show you the very best of this incredible nation without any hidden surprises.
What wildlife can I expect to see in Kruger National Park?
Is an internal flight included in the tour price?
Are meals included on this tour?
What's Included+
- Booking advice from your Travel Escapes travel advisor
- Return flights from Dublin
- All transfers and internal flights as mentioned
- 13 nights in three and four-star hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
- Four dinners and two lunches
- Full-day guided safari in Kruger National Park with expert rangers
- Tour of the Zulu War battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift with a specialist guide
- Visit to the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg
- Scenic drive along the Panorama Route including Blyde River Canyon
- Seasonal whale watching in Hermanus (July to November)
- Wine tasting and cellar tour in the picturesque Winelands
- Guided tours of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
- Visits to the Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Beach penguin colony
- Checked luggage per person
- The services of an experienced Tour Manager
Itinerary
1Departure for your South Africa escorted tour+
Take your overnight flight from Dublin to Johannesburg, beginning your journey across the diverse landscapes of the Rainbow Nation.
2Johannesburg and the Apartheid Museum+
Upon arrival, we visit the Apartheid Museum for a fascinating and humbling look at the nation's journey toward democracy. The rest of your afternoon is free to relax at our hotel.
3Scenic Panorama Route+
We travel through the farmlands of the Highveld along the Panorama Route. Gaze at the Blyde River Canyon, the world’s third-largest gorge, before arriving at our hotel on the edge of Kruger National Park.
4Kruger National Park Safari+
Enjoy a full-day game drive in specially adapted 10-seat 4x4 vehicles. We search for elephants, hippos, and the elusive cheetah while learning from experienced local game rangers.
5Free Day in Kruger+
A full day at leisure to relax by the pool or enjoy some hippo-spotting from the hotel lawn. Optional activities like river rafting or night safaris are often available locally.
6Eswatini to KwaZulu-Natal+
We embark on a scenic drive through the beautiful kingdom of Eswatini, passing lush hills and small farms as we re-enter South Africa and head into the historic Zulu heartlands.
7Zulu War Battlefields+
Accompanied by a specialist Zulu guide, we visit Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. These legendary battlefields were the sites of defining moments for the British Empire and the Zulu nation.
8Flight to the Garden Route+
We return to Johannesburg for an internal flight to George in the Western Cape. From there, it is a short drive to Knysna, the vibrant heart of the world-famous Garden Route.
9Featherbed Nature Reserve+
We take a ferry across the Knysna lagoon to the private Featherbed Nature Reserve. Explore the area in 4x4 vehicles and enjoy a guided walk before a buffet lunch under the milkwood trees.
10Hermanus and the Winelands+
We drive toward the coast to visit Hermanus, renowned for some of the world's best on-shore whale watching. Later, we continue into the stunning mountain-backed valleys of the Cape Winelands.
11Stellenbosch and Cellar Tasting+
Explore the elegant, historic streets of Stellenbosch, South Africa's second-oldest town. We enjoy a cellar tour and tasting at a local estate before visiting the quaint village of Franschhoek.
12Kirstenbosch to Cape Town+
We visit the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens on the slopes of Table Mountain before arriving in Cape Town for a three-night stay near the V&A Waterfront.
13Cape of Good Hope and Penguins+
Follow the breathtaking Chapman’s Peak Drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. We visit Cape Point and stop at Boulders Beach to see its famous colony of African penguins.
14Exploring Cape Town+
A full day to explore one of the world's most beautiful cities. You might choose to take the revolving cable car up Table Mountain or visit Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was held.
15-16Journey Home+
Transfer to Cape Town or Johannesburg airport for your return flight, arriving back in Dublin the following morning.
| Date | Acc. | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Nov 2026 | Twin | €4,515 | Enquire Now |
| 13 Jan 2027 | Twin | €4,469 | Enquire Now |
| 01 Mar 2027 | Twin | €4,659 | Enquire Now |
| 05 May 2027 | Twin | €4,539 | Enquire Now |
| 07 Jul 2027 | Twin | €4,769 | Enquire Now |
| 06 Oct 2027 | Twin | €4,849 | Enquire Now |
| 25 Oct 2027 | Twin | €4,949 | Enquire Now |
| 08 Mar 2028 | Twin | €5,099 | Enquire Now |
| 10 May 2028 | Twin | €4,909 | Enquire Now |
| 04 Sep 2028 | Twin | €5,129 | Enquire Now |
| 09 Oct 2028 | Twin | €5,279 | Enquire Now |
- Booking deposit: enquire at time of booking
- Prices are per person based on two sharing.
- Single Supplement applies.
- A non-refundable / non-transferable deposit is required at the time of booking.
- Balance due 16 weeks before departure.
- Optional insurance available (terms & conditions apply).
- Taxes, prices & itinerary subject to change.
- Booking terms & conditions apply.
- Travel Insurance is not included.
Ref: RI
