Overview
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. Witness rugged rocks, sheer cliffs, crashing waves, and panoramic ocean views at Cape Point, Africa’s southwestern most 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.
Itinerary
Welcome to South Africa! Check into your hotel and prepare for a fascinating journey.
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 southwestern most point on the African continent. Here, ride a funicular to the steps of the old lighthouse for spectacular panoramic views. Return to Cape Town and enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Enjoy a full day at leisure for free-time pursuits. Perhaps explore the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront or go deeper with a whale-watching cruise in nearby Hermanus (June-December). Your Tour Director has suggestions to help you make the most of your day. May we recommend a glass-half-full kind of day in the stunning Cape Winelands for tastings and breathtaking scenery and cellars? Wine not!
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. Enjoy lunch at a quaint café, visit the shops, or walk the coastal path in search of marine life, including whales that frequent the area.
Continue along the stunning Garden Route, named for its exceptionally verdant, lush, and ecologically diverse vegetation, which makes the coastal strip resemble a well-tended garden. Arrive in Mossel Bay for a free evening.
Spend a relaxing morning at leisure before indulging in a memorable gin tasting experience. South Africa's connection to gin dates back to the 18th century, when British colonists used quinine‑infused tonic mixed with gin as a remedy to help ward off malaria. As the British Empire expanded across Africa, the popularity of gin traveled with it, eventually becoming a beloved part of South Africa's modern craft‑spirits scene.
Later, travel onward along the Garden Route to Knysna, one of the coast's most picturesque destinations. Enjoy scenic stops along the way to fully appreciate the region's natural beauty. This evening, your Tour Director will be available with recommendations to help you make the most of your time in this charming waterfront village.
Today, explore the spectacular Tsitsikamma National Park on 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. As part of Globus family of brands Lighthouse Project, your visit here contributes to Endangered Wildlife Trust's Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin Project, focusing on monitoring species reproduction and overall count.
Return to Knysna for time to explore the waterfront or make a splash with an optional whale-watching cruise off the coast to spy the migration of whales passing through the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean (June - November; January – May departures offer an exciting Eco Marine Cruise to spot dolphins, seals, penguins, and birdlife that call this stunning area home). Tonight, you may wish to walk to the waterfront for dinner and shopping.
This morning, drive to George for your flight to Durban. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in the vibrant and bustling Umhlanga Rocks area for the evening.
Today, drive to Mkuze in the heart of Zululand. After your included lunch, you may wish to join an optional excursion 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. Spend 2-nights at the foot of legendary Ghost Mountain (Tshaneni), the site of epic battles and ceremonial burial ground of great Zulu chiefs.
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.
Today, drive to eSwatini, formally known as the Kingdom of Eswatini, the smallest landlocked country in the Southern hemisphere. Stop at a local Swaziland market to view cultural arts and crafts. Continue through the last traditional kingdom of the proud and welcoming Swazi people. Tonight, stay in the beautiful countryside where you will enjoy dinner offering a menu of fresh cultural and international dishes.
Depart eSwatini, visiting a unique glass factory where skilled glass blowers use recycled glass to create stemware, animal figures, and more. Then, head north for the Greater Kruger area visiting a traditional Swazi village en-route. Wander through the village with its many huts, each allocated for special social functions. Interact with the villagers as they go about their daily activities, experience folk songs and dance performances – maybe even join in the festivities.
Continue towards Kruger National Park where South African hospitality reigns with leisure time at the lodge. Gaze from your balcony at the wildlife-rich gardens, relax at one of the pools or day spa, and select from delightful dining choices. As part of Globus family of brands Lighthouse Project, your visit contributes to Wildlife Conservation Network's Lion Recovery Fund, aimed at recovering the lion population in Africa after more than half have been lost over the past 25 years. This is one example of our commitment to supporting the people and places we share with you.
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.
A leisurely morning before a flight to Johannesburg. Your vacation ends at the airport. Schedule departing flights after 6 pm.
Trip Inclusions
- Guided city sightseeing of Cape Town
- Admission to Table Mountain aerial cable car, Cape Point Nature Reserve, Cape of Good Hope Lighthouse funicular, and Stony Point Nature Reserve's penguins
- Guided gin tasting
- Scenic drive along the famed Garden Route
- Guided hike in Tsitsikamma National Park
- Game drives by land and water in Mkuze Game Reserve
- Admission to Swaziland Arts Center and Glass-blowing Factory
- Swazi village visit with lunch and cultural entertainment
- Morning and afternoon game drives in the Greater Kruger National Park area
- The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes expert Tour Directors, hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations including intra-vacation flights—with value-minded travelers in mind. On safari, you'll enjoy the knowledge and insight of a professional safari Guide aboard your open-air 4-wheel-drive safari vehicle.
- All internal flights
- Big experiences come in small packages, so each Cosmos Africa safari tour is limited to a maximum of just 24 guests per departure.
- 11 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners
- Cape Town: SunSquare Cape Town Gardens (Moderate First-Class)
- Mossel Bay: Protea Hotel by Marriott Mossel Bay (First-Class)
- Knysna: aha The Rex Hotel (First-Class)
- Umhlanga: Garden Court Umhlanga (First-Class)
- Mkuze: Ghost Mountain Inn (First-Class)
- Eswatini: Foresters Arm (First-Class)
- Kruger National Park Area: Sabi River Sun Resort (First-Class)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- For approximately one month each year (typically late July to mid-September), Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is closed for annual maintenance. In these instances, a private tour of Kirstenbosch National Garden will be included in its place.
- All game viewing is done at your own risk and requires a signed liability waiver prior to travel.
- Due to rough driving on/off road and in/between game parks, this vacation is not recommended for guests with serious back problems or mobility issues. The safari vehicles are not air conditioned and have high ground clearance, requiring some agility when getting in and out.
Explore Africa's must-see regions with a great mix of included excursions, free time and affordable value. Read more
Cosmos build free time into every one of their adventures, so you can explore the way you want. Read more
Cosmos' easy going, fun-filled Tour Directors and Local Guides love exploring as much as you do. Read more
Trip Reviews (1)
The optional tours were on day 3 to Robben Island or wineries but we opted to take the Hop On Hop Off Bus (stop was around the corner from the hotel ), and visited the Kirstenbosch Gardens, World of Birds (also has animals) and the V & A Waterfront.
Along the Garden Route, attractions visited included a colony of African penguins at Stony Point, the limestone formations of the Cango Caves, an ostrich farm at Oudtshoorn and a chance to try ostrich meat for lunch and retail therapy in the shop, and oysters and champagne on a lagoon cruise in Knysna. Shakaland gave an insight into the lives of the Zulus and we enjoyed an energetic dance performance. The first game drive was in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi and a chance to see the wildlife. Many hippos sighted on the Lake St. Lucia Estuary cruise. In Swaziland, stops at the Swazi-Candle and Ngwenya Glass factories was a chance to buy some wonderfully crafted items and support local artisans.
Unfortunately, we were not advised that we would not be doing any safaris in the Kruger National Park, as stated in the itinerary, which was a great disappointment to everyone. Instead, we went to the Bongani Mountain Lodge, which had excellent accommodation in separate huts and BOMA dinner each night. We went on two morning and two evening safaris and saw three of the Big 5-rhinos, elephants & Cape buffalo, as well as giraffes, zebra, wildebeest and several species of antelope. No big cats sighted, which we would have seen in Kruger. During the drive along the Panoramic Route, we stopped to view the dramatic landscapes of the Blyde River Canyon, the Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and Lisbon Falls. Last day was a drive back to Johannesburg via Pretoria.
This tour has a maximum of 20 people but as there were only 14 of us, our transport was a 19 seater minibus, which was uncomfortable, with things missing or broken inside. Not the deluxe motor coach, as stated in the brochure. Our two drivers were excellent though. Due to British Airways changing our flight to Durban to an earlier time, we did not go to the Tsitsikamma National Park. This was only the third tour, so Cosmos will hopefully take note of the feedback we all gave and improve some aspects of this new 2018 South African tour.
Our tour guide, Taki, was a sight to behold in his ‘lucky safari pants’, but a more experienced and humorous guide you couldn’t wish for. His commentary ranged from historical & social events, points of interest to his concern for rhino poaching, Always helpful, Taki went out of his way to add extra experiences for some or all of us. Everything was seamlessly organised by him, which made this tour enjoyable.
This may be a budget priced tour but you will experience many of the same places as the more expensive tours. Most of the hotels are very good and comfortable with lovely staff. There are no clocks in the rooms, so take a travel clock, and very few have a fridge but ice is available. Best time to go is in the Winter months as the animals are moving about or in Spring, when the wildflowers are blooming. We went in July and it was pleasantly warm. You will certainly get a good overview of South African on this trip.
Dates & Pricing
Welcome Back Credit
GJ Loyalty Discount
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Cosmos. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
