Highlights of South Africa
Highlights of South Africa
$3502
Highlights of South Africa
9 Days Starting in Cape Town, South Africa and ending in Johannesburg, South Africa
Visiting: Cape Town, Hoedspruit, Karongwe, Johannesburg
Tour operator:
Tour code:
3850-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
5-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
From colorful Cape Town and historic Johannesburg to safari in a private game reserve, your tour of South Africa is an adventure like no other.
Start in Cape Town where you’ll ascend Table Mountain via cable car for spectacular views. At Boulders Beach, observe a colony of endangered penguins, then venture to Cape Point Nature Reserve, the Cape of Good Hope, and Cape Point at the continent’s most southwestern tip. Next, travel to a private game reserve where you’ll set out on six games drives in an open-air 4-wheel-drive vehicle with an expert Ranger. Search for Africa's “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo and much more. Cap off each day with refreshing sundowner drink, the perfect way to relax and reflect as the sun sets over the beautiful South Africa landscape. You’ll also visit Johannesburg’s Soweto Township to learn about its turbulent past and hopeful future. Tour the thought-provoking Apartheid Museum and Mandela House, located in the former neighborhood of Nobel Peace Prize winners, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Cape Town, South Africa
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: SunSquare Cape Town Gardens
Welcome to Africa! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2 : Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: SunSquare Cape Town Gardens
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, enjoy a full day of sightseeing, starting with a cable-car ride up Table Mountain for stunning views of the city, Robben Island, and the Cape Winelands. Next, visit Boulders Beach to see a colony of endangered African Penguins, known for their unique sound. After free time for lunch, continue to Cape Point Nature Reserve for stops at the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. Here, take a funicular ride to the steps of the old lighthouse for spectacular panoramic views. On your return journey back to Cape Town, skirt the rocky coastline as you ascend Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most spectacular drives in the world. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Day 3 : Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: SunSquare Cape Town Gardens
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Perhaps explore the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, take an optional excursion to the stunning Cape Winelands for wine tasting, or go whale watching in nearby Hermanus (June-October). Your Tour Director has suggestions to help you make the most of your day.
Day 4 : Cape Town - Hoedspruit - Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Location: Hoedspruit
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Shiduli Private Game Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to Hoedspruit and transfer to Karongwe Private Game Reserve, overlooking the majestic Drakensburg Mountains. This area, near Kruger National Park, is famous for its abundance of wildlife, including the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. After lunch, embark on your first exciting game drive. Stop for a sundowner in the bush before returning to your lodge for dinner.
Day 5 : Karongwe
Location: Karongwe
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Shiduli Private Game Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your skilled tracker and professional Ranger work together as a team during your early morning game drive, so you can learn more about the ecosystem as you view wildlife up close. Beyond the “Big 5,” you’ll have the chance to see kudu, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, spotted hyena, and more! Return for breakfast mid-morning, followed by time to relax and enjoy the lodge and its surroundings. In the mid-afternoon, tea will be served prior to your afternoon game drive. Step out of your safari vehicle for a sundowner drink and watch as the sun sets over the Drakensberg Mountains. Return to your lodge in time to freshen up for dinner.
Day 6 : Karongwe
Location: Karongwe
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Shiduli Private Game Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise early for coffee and tea before your morning game drive. If the timing is right, you might spot some of the big cats after a night of hunting. Spend time at leisure in the middle of the day. Perhaps take a swim in the pool, visit the wellness center for one of its many spa treatments, or simply sit back and watch the animals. Your afternoon game drive concludes with a sundowner drink as the sun sets over the bushveld!
Day 7 : Karongwe - Hoedspruit - Johannesburg
Location: Johannesburg
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Garden Court Sandton City
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy one last game drive this morning before transferring to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Day 8 : Johannesburg
Location: Johannesburg
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Garden Court Sandton City
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today’s sightseeing starts with a visit to Soweto (South Western Township), the largest township in the country. Along the way, see the neighborhood that was home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners: Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. Visit Mandela House, where Nelson Mandela lived from 1946 to around 1960, when he was forced underground to elude arrest. After lunch, visit the Museum to learn about the founding of South Africa before delving into the apartheid era. Using photos, video, and print, the museum takes you on an extraordinary journey through the apartheid years to the 1994 democratic elections that named Nelson Mandela president.
Day 9 : Johannesburg
Location: Johannesburg
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Experience the contemporary SunSquare Cape Town Gardens, the elegant Shiduli Private Game Lodge, and the urban Garden Court Sandton City, each offering unique amenities such as free Wi-Fi, outdoor pools, and lush gardens.
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Transportation
Enjoy seamless transportation including flights to Hoedspruit and Johannesburg, and transfers to Karongwe Private Game Reserve, ensuring a comfortable and convenient travel experience.
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Meals
8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners are included in the tour package.
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Small Group
Each Cosmos Africa safari tour is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure, ensuring extra space and a more personalized experience.
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UNESCO Sites
Visit the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What's Not Included
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Liability Waiver
All game viewing is done at your own risk.
A signed liability waiver is required prior to travel. -
Table Mountain Cableway Maintenance
For approximately one month each year, typically from late July to late August, the Table Mountain cableway is closed for annual maintenance and cannot be visited.
In these instances, a private tour of Kirstenbosch National Garden will be included instead.
Small Group
Each Cosmos Africa safari tour is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Safari Guide/Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery African safari vacation is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
Cape Floral Region Protected Areas
Meals
8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
Notes
All game viewing is done at your own risk. We will require a signed liability waiver prior to travel. Table Mountain cableway annual maintenance – For approximately one month each year, typically from late July to late August, the cableway is closed for annual maintenance and Table Mountain cannot be visited. In these instances, a private tour of Kirstenbosch National Garden will be included.
Mode of Transport
Enjoy seamless transportation including flights to Hoedspruit and Johannesburg, and transfers to Karongwe Private Game Reserve, ensuring a comfortable and convenient travel experience.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes seamless transportation such as flights to Hoedspruit and Johannesburg, and transfers to Karongwe Private Game Reserve, ensuring a comfortable and convenient travel experience.
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What types of accommodations are provided during the tour?
The tour offers stays at the contemporary SunSquare Cape Town Gardens, the elegant Shiduli Private Game Lodge, and the urban Garden Court Sandton City, each providing unique amenities such as free Wi-Fi, outdoor pools, and lush gardens.
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What activities are included in Cape Town?
In Cape Town, you will enjoy a full day of sightseeing including a cable-car ride up Table Mountain, a visit to Boulders Beach to see African Penguins, and a trip to Cape Point Nature Reserve. You will also have free time for lunch and an evening at your leisure.
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What can I expect during the game drives at Karongwe Private Game Reserve?
At Karongwe Private Game Reserve, you will have multiple game drives where you can see the 'Big 5'—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo—as well as other wildlife like kudu, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, and spotted hyena. The drives include stops for sundowner drinks and opportunities to learn about the ecosystem from skilled trackers and professional rangers.
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What is included in the Johannesburg sightseeing tour?
In Johannesburg, the sightseeing tour includes a visit to Soweto, Mandela House, and a museum that covers the history of South Africa, including the apartheid era and the 1994 democratic elections.
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Are there any special notes or requirements for the tour?
Yes, all game viewing is done at your own risk, and a signed liability waiver is required prior to travel. Additionally, the Table Mountain cableway undergoes annual maintenance for about a month, typically from late July to late August, during which a private tour of Kirstenbosch National Garden will be included instead.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.