South Africa: From the Cape to Kruger
South Africa: From the Cape to Kruger
$4402
South Africa: From the Cape to Kruger
13 Days Starting in Cape Town, South Africa and ending in Johannesburg, South Africa
Visiting: Cape Town, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn, Tsitsikamma National Park, Durban, Mkuze, Mhlambanyatsi, Greater Kruger National Park, Greater Kruger Area, Johannesburg
Tour operator:
Tour code:
3800-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
5-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Enthralling game drives, stunning scenery, and fun experiences…this South Africa tour has it all!
Have your camera ready as you ride in open-air, safari vehicles during game drives in Kruger National Park, one of the world's largest game reserves and home to impala, zebra, cheetah, spotted hyena, and more, and in Mkuze Game Reserve, where you’ll watch for lion, leopard, rhino, Cape buffalo, and giraffe. Enjoy a cruise on Lake Jozini home to hippo, Nile crocodile, and, if you’re lucky, elephant along the shore. At Stony Point Nature Reserve, observe the endangered African penguins engage in their daily activities.
In addition to wildlife, you’ll also experience unique culture and spectacular scenery on this tour through South Africa. Learn about Zulu customs and life today during a fascinating village walk and interact with local artisans in eSwatini. Visit Tsitsikamma National Park for a walk through its unique coastal forest. Drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the world’s most scenic drives skirting the rocky coastline, and the scenic Panorama Route, with its dramatic landscapes tracing the course of the mighty Blyde River. Marvel at the stalagmites and stalactites at the Cango Caves. Witness rugged rocks, sheer cliffs, crashing waves, and panoramic ocean views at Cape Point, Africa’s southwesternmost point.
All of this and more—including opportunities to learn about local cultures—await you on this South Africa tour for savvy, value-minded travelers.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Cape Town, South Africa
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: SunSquare Cape Town Gardens
Welcome to South Africa! Check in to your hotel and prepare for a fascinating journey.
Day 2 : Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: SunSquare Cape Town Gardens
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, visit Table Mountain for an aerial cable-car ride to the top for stunning views of the city, Robben Island, and the Cape winelands. Then, take a scenic drive south via Chapman’s Peak Drive, which skirts the rocky coastline and is one of the most scenic drives in the world. Continue to Cape Point Nature Reserve for stops at the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point, the southwesternmost point on the African continent. Here, take a funicular ride to the steps of the old lighthouse for spectacular panoramic views. Return to Cape Town and 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 excursion to the stunning Cape winelands for wine tasting, or go whale watching in nearby Hermanus (Jun.-Oct.) Your Tour Director has suggestions to help you make the most of your day.
Day 4 : Cape Town – Stony Point Nature Reserve – Hermanus – Mossel Bay
Location: Mossel Bay
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Protea Hotel By Marriott Mossel Bay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, depart Cape Town and drive to Stony Point Nature Reserve to see a colony of endangered African Penguins. Known for the unique sound they make, these penguins grow to an average height of two feet and live in burrows and rock crevices along the beach. Stop in Hermanus for independent exploration before reaching Mossel Bay for the evening.
Day 5 : Mossel Bay – Oudtshoorn – Knysna
Location: Oudtshoorn
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Aha The Rex Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive north to Oudtshoorn and stop for a guided tour of the Cango Caves with its stunning limestone rock formations. You will also visit a local ostrich farm. Continue to Knysna.
Day 6 : Knysna – Tsitsikamma National Park Reserve Excursion
Location: Tsitsikamma National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Aha The Rex Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, explore the spectacular Tsitsikamma National Park for a walk through the indigenous coastal forest to the mouth of the Storms River. Cross the famous suspension bridge for views of the coastline and to see the Storms River Mouth Cave. Afterwards, return to Knysna for time to explore the waterfront or consider an optional cruise to see local marine life.
Day 7 : Knysna - Gqeberha - Durban - Umhlanga
Location: Durban
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Garden Court Umhlanga
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, drive to Gqeberha for your flight to Durban. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in the bustling Umhlanga Rocks area for the evening.
Day 8 : Umhlanga - Mkuze
Location: Mkuze
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ghost Mountain Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, drive to Mkuze in the heart of Zululand. After lunch, travel to the Lebombo mountains for a memorable walk to interact with local Zulu people and learn about their customs and life today in this rural community.
Day 9 : Mkuze
Location: Mkuze
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ghost Mountain Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, take a game drive in Mkuze Game Reserve, the oldest proclaimed wildlife reserve in all of Africa. The park is home to the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. You also have the chance to see giraffe, zebra, black and white rhino, and much more! After time to rest, embark on an afternoon boat ride on Lake Jozini. During the cruise, you are likely to spot hippo, Nile crocodile, elephant, and a variety of bird life.
Day 10 : Mkuze - Mhlambanyatsi, Eswatini
Location: Mhlambanyatsi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Foresters Arm
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, drive to eSwatini. Enroute, stop at a local market and visit a unique glass factory where talented glass blowers use recycled glass to create stemware, animals, and more.
Day 11 : Eswatini - Greater Kruger National Park Area
Location: Greater Kruger National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sabi River Sun Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart eSwatini and head north for the Greater Kruger area. South African hospitality reigns today with leisure time at the lodge. Gaze from your balcony at the wildlife-rich gardens, relax at the pool and day spa, and select from delightful dining choices.
Day 12 : Greater Kruger Area
Location: Greater Kruger Area
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sabi River Sun Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise early for coffee and tea before your early morning game drive with an experienced guide. 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 watching wildlife from your balcony or on a guided nature or birding walk . Perhaps book a spa treatment or simply relax at the pool. Watch for kudu, impala, giraffe, cheetah, spotted hyena, the elusive wild dog, and more on your afternoon game drive. Return to your lodge for dinner.
Day 13 : Greater Kruger Area - Johannesburg
Location: Johannesburg
Meals Included: Breakfast
A leisurely morning before a flight to Johannesburg. Your vacation ends at the airport. Schedule departing flights after 6 pm.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Experience a variety of accommodations from the contemporary SunSquare Cape Town Gardens with its inviting outdoor pool, to the historic Protea Hotel by Marriott Mossel Bay with breathtaking views over Santos Bay. Enjoy the eclectic mix of modern and classic design at aha The Rex Hotel in Knysna, and the nature-inspired decor at Garden Court Umhlanga. Stay at the enchanting Ghost Mountain Inn, the charming Foresters Arm, and the Sabi River Sun Resort near Kruger National Park for a unique wildlife experience.
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Transport
Travel through South Africa in comfort with a mix of scenic drives, including the famous Chapman's Peak Drive, and flights between key locations such as Gqeberha to Durban. Enjoy guided tours and game drives in specialized vehicles for an immersive experience.
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Meals
12 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
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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.
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UNESCO Sites
Cape Floral Region Protected Areas
What's Not Included
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Liability Waiver
All game viewing is done at your own risk.
We will require a signed liability waiver prior to travel. -
Table Mountain Cableway Maintenance
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.
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
Travel through South Africa in comfort with a mix of scenic drives, including the famous Chapman's Peak Drive, and flights between key locations such as Gqeberha to Durban. Enjoy guided tours and game drives in specialized vehicles for an immersive experience.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
Travel through South Africa in comfort with a mix of scenic drives, including the famous Chapman's Peak Drive, and flights between key locations such as Gqeberha to Durban. Enjoy guided tours and game drives in specialized vehicles for an immersive experience.
-
What types of accommodations can I expect on this tour?
Experience a variety of accommodations from the contemporary SunSquare Cape Town Gardens with its inviting outdoor pool, to the historic Protea Hotel by Marriott Mossel Bay with breathtaking views over Santos Bay. Enjoy the eclectic mix of modern and classic design at aha The Rex Hotel in Knysna, and the nature-inspired decor at Garden Court Umhlanga. Stay at the enchanting Ghost Mountain Inn, the charming Foresters Arm, and the Sabi River Sun Resort near Kruger National Park for a unique wildlife experience.
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What activities are included in Cape Town?
In Cape Town, you will visit Table Mountain for an aerial cable-car ride to the top for stunning views of the city, Robben Island, and the Cape winelands. You will also take a scenic drive via Chapman's Peak Drive, visit Cape Point Nature Reserve, and take a funicular ride to the old lighthouse for panoramic views.
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What wildlife experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to Stony Point Nature Reserve to see a colony of endangered African Penguins, a game drive in Mkuze Game Reserve to see the 'Big 5' and other wildlife, and game drives in the Greater Kruger Area where you might spot big cats, kudu, impala, giraffe, cheetah, spotted hyena, and the elusive wild dog.
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Are there any cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a walk in the Lebombo mountains to interact with local Zulu people and learn about their customs and life today in this rural community. Additionally, there is a visit to a local market and a unique glass factory in eSwatini.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 12 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners.
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What should I know about the 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 Table Mountain cannot be visited. In these instances, a private tour of Kirstenbosch National Garden will be included.
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What is the group size for this tour?
Each Cosmos Africa safari tour is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure, ensuring a small-group experience.
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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.