Africa

South Africa Explorer (Cape Town to Johannesburg)

14 Days. From USD $3,074pp.
Details

Overview

South Africa is undoubtedly one of the most interesting countries in the world. People from all over the globe flock to its shores for its natural beauty, wildlife, and sunshine. South Africa’s immensely varied terrain supports a rich diversity of animals, birds, and plant life. It has an incomparable range of experiences. The South Africa Explorer is a combination of the best of the best. It all starts in Cape Town, travelling through the celebrated Garden Route and experiencing its warm hospitality, quirky towns and then on to Johannesburg. In Johannesburg, a historical insight into the country’s apartheid struggle years and its liberation, is a fascinating and heart-wrenching narrative, a story that needs to be told. A trip to South Africa would be incomplete without visiting the Kruger National Park, where wildlife encounters will have the spirit of Africa coursing through your veins.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Visit a farmstall packed with locally produced products from the Overberg region
  • Guided tour of the Cango Caves and a guided tractor tour of an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn
  • Experience the spectacularly scenic Panorama Route with visits to God’s Window, Three Rondavels, Blyde River Canyon, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Cape Town
  • Day 2: Cape Town (Unescorted)
  • Day 3: Cape Town - Cape Agulhas - Oudtshoorn
  • Day 4: Oudtshoorn
  • Day 5: Oudtshoorn - Knysna
  • Day 6: Knysna
  • Day 7: Knysna - Tsitsikamma
  • Day 8: Tsitsikamma - Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) - Johannesburg
  • Day 9: Johannesburg
  • Day 10: Johannesburg
  • Day 11: Johannesburg - Kruger National Park
  • Day 12: Kruger National Park
  • Day 13: Mpumalanga
  • Day 14: Mpumalanga - Johannesburg

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1: Cape Town

On arrival in Cape Town at Cape Town International Airport, you’ll be met by your representative and transferred to your hotel.

South Africa’s Mother City is consistently voted one of the world’s best cities to visit. The remainder of the day is at leisure and unescorted to enjoy the vibrant culture, scenic beauty, and award-winning cuisine. Overnight in Cape Town.

Day 2: Cape Town (Unescorted)

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join a sightseeing tour including Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula and Constantia Winelands (optional and for own account) or join an authentic, local experience on a day out at Babylonstoren Wine Farm in the picturesque Cape Winelands (optional and for own account). Alternatively relax on one of Cape Town’s many pristine beaches. Although a small city, Cape Town is packed with sightseeing attractions, excellent bars, cafes, and restaurants as well as colourful craft markets. Overnight in Cape Town.

Breakfast included.

Day 3: Cape Town - Cape Agulhas - Oudtshoorn

This morning you will be met by your local tour guide and depart for the scenic Garden Route. Travel along Sir Lowry’s Pass, with its magnificent views, to Grabouw and Elgin, a lush landscape surrounded by majestic mountains. Stop en route at a farmstall packed with locally produced products from the area. Our journey continues to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. The area has largely been untouched and unexplored with its rugged coastline being the graveyard for many a ship. The historic Cape Agulhas Lighthouse is considered the icon that signifies the tip of Africa. After this thrilling experience, we continue via historic Swellendam and the Tradouw Pass to Barrydale and the famous Route 62. Continue to Oudtshoorn, known as the ‘ostrich feather capital’ and centre of the world’s Ostrich farming industry. Enjoy dinner at an Ostrich Farm, dining on local specialities such as Ostrich Steak. Overnight in Oudtshoorn.

Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 4: Oudtshoorn

After a leisurely breakfast take a tour of the spectacular limestone caverns of the Cango Caves, one of the world’s great natural wonders, sculpted by nature through the ages. Join a fun filled interactive guided tractor tour at a working Ostrich Farm, followed by a wine tasting, sampling top quality wines of the region. Overnight in Oudtshoorn.

Breakfast included.

Day 5: Oudtshoorn - Knysna

After breakfast, travel over the Outeniqua Pass to George, the sixth oldest town in South Africa, with many historical landmarks like the Slave Tree and King Edward VII Library building; said to be the best example of Edwardian architecture in the town. The tour travels via Wilderness, an attractive holiday resort, to Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, nestling on the banks of a beautiful lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route. Enjoy a delicious lunch en route of traditional cuisine and local treats. The remainder of the day is at leisure until you join an afternoon sunset cruise on the Knysna Lagoon. Overnight in Knysna.

Breakfast and Lunch included.

Day 6: Knysna

Today you’ll have the opportunity to further explore the natural beauty of the Garden Route. Visit Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, where you will be able to see a variety of primates, roaming free in the forest. This award-winning sanctuary is well known for its efforts to rehabilitate and free previously caged primates. A portion of the trip price of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, goes towards ensuring that these already endangered species can survive and reproduce for a future reintroduction into the wild. The experience directly advances UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land. The tour continues to the famous Eastern Head, where you will enjoy spectacular views of the Knysna Heads (weather permitting). Afterwards you’ll travel to Brenton on Sea, a breath-taking holiday location and a nature lover’s paradise with its unspoilt beaches and peaceful surroundings. The remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure. Overnight in Knysna.

Breakfast included.

Day 7: Knysna - Tsitsikamma

Travel to Plettenberg Bay, considered the jewel of the Garden Route, for a visit to the Birds of Eden sanctuary, the biggest single free flight aviary in the world. The sanctuary was developed to create a safe environment in which to release a large collection of free-flight African birds. A portion of the trip price of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience goes towards protecting genetically pure species of various Taxa in a semi-wild state and to hold the seeds of these Taxa for future reintroduction into the wild. The experience directly advances UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land. Our journey continues to Bloukrans Bridge, currently offering the highest commercially operated Bungy Jump in the world. Visit the Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River Mouth (weather permitting). The Tsitsikamma National Park incorporates 80 km of rocky coastline with spectacular sea and landscapes, a remote mountainous region with secluded valleys covered in mountain Fynbos and temperate high forests with deep river gorges leading down to the sea. Overnight in the Tsitsikamma area.

Breakfast included.

Day 8: Tsitsikamma - Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) - Johannesburg

Head eastwards along the Tsitsikamma Forest to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), affectionately known as the “friendly city”. Travel to Chief Dawid Stuurman Airport for an onward flight to Johannesburg, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax (unescorted). Overnight in Johannesburg.

Breakfast included.

Day 9: Johannesburg

Spend a full day exploring Soweto and surrounds, where some of the watershed events in the struggle against apartheid occurred. The tour starts with a drive past the FNB Stadium, also known as Soccer City and the venue for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final. It was the site of Nelson Mandela’s first speech in Johannesburg after his release from prison in 1990. The drive continues through Diepkloof, home to Soweto’s richest and then to Kliptown, where the Freedom Charter was officially adopted in 1955. Drive past the Regina Mundi Church that played a pivotal role in the township’s history of resistance against apartheid. Then onto Vilakazi Street, the most famous street in Soweto, where two Nobel Prize winners once lived, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. The afternoon will conclude with visits to the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum that commemorate the role of the country’s students in the struggle against apartheid and the prestigious Apartheid Museum, that covers the full history of the Apartheid era in South Africa. Return to your hotel for overnight in Johannesburg.

Breakfast included.

Day 10: Johannesburg

Enjoy a full day at leisure and unescorted. Perhaps join a tour to Maropeng, the Cradle of Mankind (optional and for own account) or enjoy some shopping at Nelson Mandela Square, home to a variety of shops and boutiques catering for all tastes and budgets. Overnight in Johannesburg.

Breakfast included.

Day 11: Johannesburg - Kruger National Park

This morning you will be collected from your hotel, heading east to the Mpumalanga region. After freshening up at your lodge enter the world-famous Kruger National Park and spend the afternoon game viewing in your closed touring vehicle. The Park offers some of the best game viewing and wildlife opportunities in the world – and you’ll soon appreciate the challenges of managing this unique reserve. After an action-packed afternoon in the Kruger Park, enjoy authentic cuisine from the region at your hotel.

Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 12: Kruger National Park

The day begins with early morning coffee or tea, followed by a thrilling open vehicle game drive (with English speaking game ranger) through the Kruger National Park with pre-packed breakfast. Your guide will endeavour to spoil you with sightings of the “Big Five”, general game and prolific bird life. There is an option (for own account and subject to availability) to learn more about the Kruger Park Anti-Poaching Dog Unit. This specialist unit trains dogs to track poachers in the field, detect firearms, ammunition and wildlife products that enter and exit through the Kruger National Park gates. A portion of the trip price of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience goes towards ensuring that these dogs receive the best possible care in support of the vital work they do. The experience directly advances UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land. Return to the lodge for lunch (own account) and a short siesta. In the afternoon we will journey once again through the magnificent expanses of the Kruger National Park, unrivalled in its diversity of flora and fauna. Enjoy an afternoon of game viewing in your closed touring vehicle pursuing the Big Five and other rare and endangered species. Optional (own account) open vehicle game drives are available. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 13: Mpumalanga

Enjoy breakfast before setting out to explore the magnificent Panorama Route, one of the most scenic routes in the region, offering glorious views, spectacular landscapes, and exquisite waterfalls. Visit majestic sights including God’s Window, the Three Rondavels and Blyde River Canyon – the third largest canyon of its kind in the world, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the charming village of Graskop, one of the first gold mining camps in the country. Optional (own account) open vehicle game drives are available, should you prefer not to join the Panorama Route tour. Return for a delectable dinner at your hotel.

Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 14: Mpumalanga - Johannesburg

Enjoy breakfast before starting the return journey to Johannesburg. Arrive in Johannesburg, at OR Tambo International Airport, at approximately 14h30, where the tour ends on arrival.

Breakfast included.

DatesFromSpecial Offer
15 Feb 2025 - 28 Feb 2025USD$3114ppContact us
22 Feb 2025 - 07 Mar 2025USD$3114ppContact us
01 Mar 2025 - 14 Mar 2025USD$3114ppContact us
08 Mar 2025 - 21 Mar 2025USD$3114ppContact us
15 Mar 2025 - 28 Mar 2025USD$3114ppContact us
22 Mar 2025 - 04 Apr 2025USD$3114ppContact us
29 Mar 2025 - 11 Apr 2025USD$3114ppContact us
05 Apr 2025 - 18 Apr 2025USD$3114ppContact us
12 Apr 2025 - 25 Apr 2025USD$3114ppContact us
03 May 2025 - 16 May 2025USD$3074ppContact us
17 May 2025 - 30 May 2025USD$3074ppContact us
07 Jun 2025 - 20 Jun 2025USD$3074ppContact us
05 Jul 2025 - 18 Jul 2025USD$3074ppContact us
02 Aug 2025 - 15 Aug 2025USD$3074ppContact us
16 Aug 2025 - 29 Aug 2025USD$3074ppContact us
23 Aug 2025 - 05 Sep 2025USD$3074ppContact us
30 Aug 2025 - 12 Sep 2025USD$3074ppContact us
13 Sep 2025 - 26 Sep 2025USD$3074ppContact us
20 Sep 2025 - 03 Oct 2025USD$3074ppContact us
04 Oct 2025 - 17 Oct 2025USD$3177ppContact us
11 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025USD$3177ppContact us
18 Oct 2025 - 31 Oct 2025USD$3177ppContact us
25 Oct 2025 - 07 Nov 2025USD$3177ppContact us
01 Nov 2025 - 14 Nov 2025USD$3177ppContact us
08 Nov 2025 - 21 Nov 2025USD$3177ppContact us
15 Nov 2025 - 28 Nov 2025USD$3177ppContact us
22 Nov 2025 - 05 Dec 2025USD$3177ppContact us
29 Nov 2025 - 12 Dec 2025USD$3177ppContact us

** Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.

** Single supplements may apply

Suggested Accommodation
CityAccommodation
Cape Town President Hotel Cape Town or similar
Oudtshoorn La Plume Boutique Guest House or similar
Knysna Rex Hotel or similar
Tsitsikamma National Park Tsitsikamma Village Inn or similar
Johannesburg Southern Sun Sandton or similar
Hazyview Hazyview Sun or similar

Whats included?

  • 18 Meals: 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners including gratuities
  • 13 Nights’ accommodation including porterage
  • Transportation including toll fees in air-conditioned vehicles
  • Services of a professional English-speaking tour guide
  • Entrance fees as specified in the itinerary
  • Bottled water in eco-friendly packaging

What’s not included?

  • Flight and departure tax between Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and Johannesburg on Day 8
  • Any items not mentioned as included

Notes

Small Group Tour
Minimum 2 guests / Maximum 10 guests

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Africa

From its endless deserts and burning sunsets, to its abundance of wildlife and diversity of culture, the African Safari has it all. There is nowhere else on the planet with such incredible natural beauty and rich traditions than Africa. Discover your own Africa with a tailored tour through some of the most dynamic and stunningly beautiful natural landscapes the world has to offer.

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

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