Ultimate South Africa

Duration

18 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

You can see the best of South Africa in just under three weeks on this epic 18-day adventure from Cape Town and back. Spend a week in Greater Kruger and Kruger National Park with thrilling bush walks, safari drives, and unforgettable bush braais.

Includes

Activities

Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Foodie Moment: Traditional South Africa Braai (Barbecue), Kruger
Table Mountain cable car ride and visit
Nature Walk
Wildlife Safari Drive
Traditional Dinner and Local Dancing
Kruger National Park Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive
Jane Goodall's Chimp Eden Tour
Free time in Cape Town
Addo National Park Safari drive
CEO-led hike in Tsitsikamma National Park
Big Tree Visit Tsitsikamma
Walk in Robberg Nature Reserve on the Gap Circuit
Driving and walking orientation tour of Knysna
Knysna Heads Visit
Scenic drive between Knysna and Franschhoek with stops at Mossel Bay and Barrydale
Lunch at a vineyard in Barrydale
CEO-led orientation walk of Franschhoek
Signal Hill walk
Free time in Tsitsikamma, Knysna, and Franschhoek
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

Hotels (14 nts), Lodges (3 nts)

17 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners

Transport

Private vehicles, safari vehicles, walking.

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides

Highlights

Ride the cable car up Table Mountain
Sit down to a traditional South African braai (barbecue)
Take part in a wildlife bushwalk
Embark on wildlife safari drives inside Kruger National Park
Visit the Jane Goodall Institute’s Chimp Eden
Enjoy traditional dancing and dinner
Spot wildlife on Safari drives in Addo National Park
Explore Tsitsikamma National Park with your CEO
Walk in Robberg Nature Reserve on the Gap Circuit
Head overland on a scenic drive between Knysna and Franschhoek with stops at Mossel Bay and Barrydale
Dig into Lunch and wine tasting at a vineyard in Barrydale.

Trip Details

Duration

18 days

Transportation

Private vehicles, safari vehicles, walking.

Guide Language

English

Starts

Cape Town, South Africa

Finishes

Cape Town, South Africa

Accommodations

Budget

Travel Style

Classic, Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Cape Town

Arrive at any time. Attend an evening welcome meeting at the joining hotel before an optional group dinner.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Inn on the Square

Day 2: Cape Town

Enjoy breakfast and then depart for Table Mountain. Ride to the top on the cable car and explore the area on hiking trails leading to scenic views before riding back down. Spend the afternoon on your own partaking in one of the many optional activities in the area. Tonight, choose to attend another group dinner to celebrate your beautiful day in this vibrant city.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, 1,085m (3,562ft) above Cape Town, and explore the summit. This is a great spot to sit and soak up the commanding 360-degree views of Cape Town, Table Bay, the peaks of surrounding mountains, and the rest of Table Mountain National Park. Once at the top, take your time to enjoy the expansive vistas, explore walking trails, or simply relax and take in the mountain's serene ambience.Free_time - Enjoy a completely free afternoon and evening in Cape Town. Choose from a variety of optional activities that your CEO will recommend or simply walk around and see the city on foot. In the evening you can opt to join the group for dinner at a local spot.Accommodation - Inn on the Square

Day 3: Cape Town/Johannesburg

Transfer to the airport in the morning and fly from Cape Town to Johannesburg. Enjoy an included Braai dinner to get a taste of South African fare for the next leg of your adventure.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Sit back and relax on your included flight between Cape Town and Johannesburg for your bush camping part of the adventure.Free_time - Spend free time in Johannesburg before tonight's included Braai dinner.Accommodation - Onomo Johannesburg Sandton Hotel

Day 4: Johannesburg/Greater Kruger Area

Depart Johannesburg early to get a jump start on today's long drive. An included lunch along the way will break up the drive and give you a chance to stretch your legs. Arrive to your lodge accommodations in the late afternoon, just in time to freshen up for dinner with the group.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle on the way to the Greater Kruger Area and your accommodation for the night at the Awelani Conservancy.Accommodation - Bushveld Terrace Hotel on Kruger

Day 5: Greater Kruger Area

Wake up bright and early today for an included bush walk. Take this opportunity to get up close and personal with the incredible nature that surrounds you. Enjoy a picnic lunch after the walk and then a few hours of well earned rest back at the lodge. In the later afternoon set off on a safari drive to view the wildlife in Kruger National Park. When you return, enjoy an included Braai dinner to get a true taste of South African fare.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - There are many ways to experience the African soil, but doing it on foot is one of the most exciting ways to immerse yourself in the Great Kruger area. Follow an expert guide into the bush. The area is surrounded with Baobab trees and other plants and bushes endemic to the area. This is a great place to visit for any avid birdwatchers.Activity - Hop in a 4x4 safari vehicle and get yourself one step closer to the surrounding nature. Be ready to spot large herds of elephant roaming in the area as well as groups of buffalo, antelope, hyena, and more.Activity - Enjoy a spread of grilled meats, vegetables, homemade salads, and the opportunity to taste some of delicious South African flavours as you become acquainted with the Kruger area.Accommodation - SleepOver Orpen Gate

Day 6: Kruger National Park Area

Enjoy an early start this morning to enter the park and enjoy the full-day safari drive through Kruger in search of the Big Five. After an exciting day out in the wild, arrive late afternoon to your lodge and enjoy some local fare during dinner this evening.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Spend the day in Kruger National Park, trying to spot the big five. Enjoy a full day safari drive en-route to our lodge.Accommodation - Umbhaba Eco Lodge

Day 7: Kruger National Park Area

Another full day in Kruger awaits. Hop into a 4x4 to enjoy a more intimate wildlife safari drive, one offering a fresh perspective of the scenery and animals around you. Finish the day with a delicious dinner with your fellow travelers.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Hop in a 4x4 safari vehicle and get yourself one step closer to the surrounding nature. Be ready to spot elephants, giraffes, hippos, lions, zebras, and many other species in this impressive South African national park.Activity - Enjoy a cultural evening with the local community. Dive into local fare with a delicious traditional dinner, then watch a local dance performance.Accommodation - Umbhaba Eco Lodge

Day 8: Kruger National Park Area

Spend a free day in the area and choose which optional activities are best for you. Possible options include a morning or afternoon safari drive in Kruger National Park, or a full-day tour along the Panorama Route to set those photography skills to the test. The route offers unbelievable views at every turn and traverses the Great Escarpment via thrilling mountain passes.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - With loads of optional activities to choose from, there's lots to see and do in Greater Kruger.Accommodation - Umbhaba Eco Lodge

Day 9: Kruger/Johannesburg

After breakfast at the lodge, witness first-hand the large role conservation plays in Kruger and the surrounding areas on an educational visit to The Jane Goodall Institute Chimpanzee Eden, commonly referred to as Chimp Eden. This animal sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees is located in the Umhloti Nature Reserve and a tour here is the perfect way to celebrate a visit to South Africa. Arrive to the lively city of Johannesburg in the early evening and enjoy a group dinner at the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Onomo Johannesburg Sandton Hotel

Day 10: Johannesburg/Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

Depart Johannesburg in the morning and board a flight to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Transfer the hotel before a free afternoon in town. Join an optional group dinner in the evening.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Sit back and enjoy the flight from Johannesburg to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) for your Garden Route experience.Free_time - You will have a few hours of free time in Gqeberha to have lunch on your own and explore a bit.Free_time - You will have a few hours of free time in Gqeberha to have lunch on your own and explore a bit.Accommodation - The Kelway Hotel

Day 11: Day Trip to Addo National Park

Experience the wildlife and landscapes of Addo Elephant National Park during a morning safari drive with knowledgeable guides in search of rhinos, lions, buffalo, leopards, and of course, elephants. Have a picnic breakfast out in the bush and finish the drive in the afternoon. There will be free time to have lunch in the area before returning to Gqeberha to spend a leisurely evening on your own.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Embark on a wildlife safari drive in search of resident elephants, rhinos, lions, buffalo, and even leopards. While this national park may be most famous for elephants, the rest of its wildlife is fantastic, too.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Enjoy a free evening in Gqeberha to explore on your own after a day of wildlife viewing in Addo Elephant National Park.Accommodation - The Kelway Hotel

Day 12: Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)/Tsitsikamma

After breakfast depart for Tsitsikamma National Park, part of the famed Garden Route on the South Coast of South Africa. The area is valued for its diverse natural and cultural heritage. Enjoy a CEO-led hike along the Mouth Trail and wander along a winding boardwalk through the forest. In the afternoon partake in the Big Tree walk with your CEO, which will take you through indigenous forest to an eight hundred-year-old Yellowwood towering over the rest of the canopy. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Sit back and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Gqeberha and Tsitsikamma with a few stops along the way to break up the drive.Activity - Walk along the Mouth Trail with your CEO inside of Tsitsikamma National Park. The 2km trail begins at Sandy Bay and then leads you along a winding boardwalk through the indigenous forest to a suspension bridge and the Storms River Mouth Cave. If you're feeling brave there's another part of the trail that continues after the bridge and leads up to a lookout plateau. Try to spot nesting pairs of African Black Oystercatchers, one of South Africa's most endangered birds and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery along this part of the Garden Route.Activity - Walk with your CEO along a 500m pathway through indigenous bush that leads to what is known as the Big Tree. This massive Yellow Wood has a truck with a circumference of 9m and stands at 36m tall. It towers over the rest of the canopy and is estimated to be over 800 years old.Accommodation - Tsitsikamma Village Inn

Day 13: Tsitsikamma

Enjoy an entire free day in the Tsitsikamma area. Choose between optional activities like, the Woodcutters' Journey, a tree canopy tour, a seasonal whale watching excursion, or whitewater tubing. Your opportunity to remain active awaits. Have dinner with the group back at the hotel in the evening.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - The entire day is yours to do as you please in this beautiful, multi-dimensional destination with dramatic coastal scenery, reefs, rivers, lush forest and plenty of fun activities to choose from. Perhaps you will book a tree top canopy tour, or you'll go white water tubing, or a whale watching tour if its in season.Accommodation - Tsitsikamma Village Inn

Day 14: Tsitsikamma/Knysna

In the morning the group will visit the Robberg Nature Reserve featuring stunning coastal scenery and some of the best hiking in the country. Walk along the Gap Circuit and see evidence of the prehistoric break-up of the supercontinent of Gondwanaland some 120 million years ago.

Travel onwards to Knysna for an orientation drive along the waterfront, through the town centre, to the hip eateries and shops on Thesen Island, and through the lush landscapes of the Knysna Forest full of indigenous trees. Arrive back in town for a free afternoon to enjoy optional activities or to simply relax in the beauty of your surroundings.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Robberg is situated along the Garden Route and is not only a nature reserve but also a World Heritage Site. There are rocks here in this region that date back 120 million years to the break-up of the super-continent Gondwanaland. Walk on the Gap Circuit on a trail that is 2.1km in length and will take about 30 minutes.Activity - Begin with driving along the scenic waterfront area passing by the bustling harbour and catching a glimpse of local life teeming around the boats and lagoon. Witness Knysna's charming downtown streets lined with artisan shops and cafés. Visit Thesen Island, the landscapes on the outskirts of the Knysna Forest, and gain a true sense of the natural allure of this place.Free_time - Enjoy free time in Knysna to explore on your own. Choose from a variety of optional activities sold locally. Your CEO can help you arrange the ones you wish to try.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Tsitsikamma and Knysna. There will be stops along the way to break up the drive and enjoy the marvelous Garden Route scenery.Accommodation - Knysna Log-Inn Hotel

Day 15: Knysna

Breakfast will be had at the hotel before an included visit to The Knysna Heads, which enclose and form the Knysna River Estuary. Visit some of the main attractions on the Eastern Head, walk along a pathway at the foot of the cliffs and learn about the importance of the land to the local population. Spend the remainder of the day as you wish and try some of the optional activities, like an oyster tour which the area is known for.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - The Knysna Heads is probably the best known, most well recognized river mouth in all of South Africa to those who live here. Separated by 300m of water the Knysna Heads are the headlands of two peninsulas that enclose and form the Knysna River Estuary. The Eastern Head has many attractions like the hidden Coney Glen Beach with its soft sands and secret rock pools, the Heads Viewpoint high on the mountain at the top of Coney Glen Road, and Fountain Point, where the wreck of the Paquita lies in its watery grave – and where you can walk along a pathway at the foot of the cliffs, and then return to enjoy a meal or coffee overlooking the water at East Head Café. The Western Head is home to one of Knysna's most popular attractions, Featherbed Nature Reserve.Free_time - Return to Knysna for a free afternoon to fill with optional activities like an oyster tour boat cruise or a visit to Featherbed.Accommodation - Knysna Log-Inn Hotel

Day 16: Knysna/Franschhoek

Rise early for a long, but jam-packed day of epic scenery and unforgettable sights as you drive the more scenic way from Knysna to Franschhoek. First stop is the harbour town of Mossel Bay to visit the lighthouse and walk in the area. Drive along Tradouw Pass next, through the lesser-known gem of Gatplaats Nature Reserve for a short walk and enjoy hilly views to reach the town of Barrydale. Have an included outdoor lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy a wine tasting. Arrive to Franschhoek in the evening and have dinner on your own.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Begin in Knysna and stop first for a visit to Mossel Bay Lighthouse for about a half hour. Continue onwards driving through the picturesque landscapes in the Gatplaats Nature Reserve and Tradouw Pass with stops for photos as you go. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife and take a short walk on the trails to stretch your legs in this peaceful environment. The winding roads up the pass offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It means today's drive won't feel so tedious as there's plenty to enjoy along the way.Activity - Make another stop in the quaint town of Barrydale for an included visit to a local vineyard. Offeing tastings of its handcrafted wines on an outdoor terrace surrounded by beauty. Dine at the outdoor deli and opt to join a proper tasting in their rustic cellar or outdoor garden area.Free_time - Take some time to get settled and enjoy the amenities at your Franschhoek hotel. Dinner is at your leisure this evening.Transport - Sit back and scan the scenery on your private transfer between Knysna and Franschhoek. There will be stops along the way in Mossel Bay and Barrydale.Accommodation - Protea Hotel Franschhoek

Day 17: Franschhoek

Start the morning off with a CEO-led orientation walk along Franschhoek's main street. The remainder of the day is free for optional activities like a guided bike tour Stellenbosch, a history and art tour, or perhaps a winery visit in a region celebrated for its delicious grape varieties. Dinner this evening will be on your own.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Embark with your CEO on an orientation walk through the main streets and let the sights guide you in talking while you explore.Free_time - The rest of the day is yours to do as you please. Perhaps book a guided bike tour of Stellenbosch or a history and art tour, or bikes and wine. The options are aplenty.Accommodation - Protea Hotel Franschhoek

Day 18: Franschhoek/Cape Town

Leave the picturesque winelands of Franschhoek behind this morning and depart for Cape Town. Stop along the way to walk up the city's iconic Signal Hill and site of the Noon Gun, one of Cape Town's oldest living traditions. Enjoy the fantastic views from the top and catch a full glimpse of Cape Town's many landmarks. The tour ends upon arrival in Cape Town around 1:30pm.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. There will be a stop along the route for the group to climb Signal Hill together.Activity - Experience the iconic views of Cape Town on a walk up Signal Hill just outside of the city. From the flat-topped hill you'll find uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean, Robben Island, the entire cityscape where you can spend some time exploring.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $8,049

(Tour only)

Per Person Standard

Duration: 18 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 31 Dec 2026

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Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

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