Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 18 Day Ultimate South Africa. 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. Then, head south to hit the iconic Garden Route, trekking through national parks and spotting wildlife at every turn. Treat yourself to delicious South African cuisine and raise a glass (or two!) in the vineyards of Franschhoek. Finish your journey right where it began read more — back in Cape Town — guided every step of the way by your awesome local CEO. It’s the full South African experience, and it’s calling your name.
Trip Length
18 Days
Trip Starts
Cape Town
Trip Ends
Cape Town
Departures
Aug 2026 to Dec 2026
Countries Visited:
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
Classic
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
6-99 Years
Max. Group Size
18
Pace
Moderate
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
DSCA
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. Attend an evening welcome meeting at the joining hotel before an optional group dinner.
Accommodation: Inn on the Square
Included Experiences
- Meet Your CEO and Group: 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.
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.
Accommodation: Inn on the Square
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Table Mountain Visit via the Cable Car: 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.
Optional Experiences
- Sandboarding Half Day Tour - Atlantis Dunes: Choose to enjoy this epic half-day sandboarding adventure at the Atlantic Dunes on the West Coast. You'll be picked up in Cape Town and will enjoy a scenic drive along the way. Then, learn to glide down some of the highest dunes in the Western Cape and feel the wind rushing through your hair. Afterwards, the group will enjoy some time to explore the expansive dune landscape before returning to Cape Town.
- Hout Bay Kayaking Half Day Tour: Choose to embark on an optional half-day kayaking excursion in the charming coastal town of Hout Bay. The bay boasts a bustling harbour full of colourful fishing boats and lively market stalls, and is nestled between the iconic Sentinel Peak and Chapman's Peak Drive. Explore the harbour for a bit before a wonderful kayaking experience in the Atlantic Ocean. Paddle through the clear waters and enjoy being surrounded by stunning mountain views and the chance to spot playful seals and dolphins. Head back to Cape Town in the early afternoon after a beautiful coastal half-day getaway.
- Cape Point Explorer Day Tour: Enjoy a full day tour along South Africa's breathtaking shoreline, where the Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean. The day begins in the vibrant beachside suburb of Muizenberg, known for its colourful beach huts and surf scene. Then, encounter African penguins at Boulders Beach and head onwards to majestic Cape Point and the historic Cape of Good Hope, offering panoramic views along the southwestern tip of Africa. A delicious lunch is included in this day tour before finishing off the experience with the incredible views along world-renowned Chapman's Peak Drive. Experience the perfect blend of nature, culture, and culinary delights that await just beyond Cape Town.
- West Coast Explorer Day Tour: Enjoy a full-day to discover the region's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage on a West Coast adventure. Start the day with incredible views of Table Mountain from Blouwberg Beach and travel to the serene expanses of the Atlantic Sand Dunes for a full immersion into the iconic landscapes of the area. Then, dive into the history of the San people at the !Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre on a guided tour with lunch. Cap off today's adventure at the West Coast National Park for vibrant wildflower viewing and the tranquil Langebaan lagoon. Soak up a new side of this unforgettable region and simply enjoy the experience.
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.
Accommodation: Onomo Johannesburg Sandton Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Plane: 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.
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.
Accommodation: Bushveld Terrace Hotel on Kruger
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: SleepOver Orpen Gate
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Nature Walk - Awelani Conservancy: 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.
- Northern Kruger Wildlife Safari Drive: 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.
- Traditional South Africa Braai (Barbecue): 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.
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.
Accommodation: Umbhaba Eco Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Umbhaba Eco Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Kruger National Park Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive - Full day: 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.
- Traditional Dinner and Local Dancing: Enjoy a cultural evening with the local community. Dive into local fare with a delicious traditional dinner, then watch a local dance performance.
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.
Accommodation: Umbhaba Eco Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Free Time: With loads of optional activities to choose from, there's lots to see and do in Greater Kruger.
Optional Experiences
- Kruger National Park Full Day Wildlife Safari Drive: Kruger National Park has been dubbed the most famous safari destination in the world. Whenever it is mentioned images of African wildlife and wilderness immediately spring to mind. The vastness of this park is what sets it apart. The breath-taking area with expansive and varied nature makes it a wonderful place to view the African “Big Five”. 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.
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.
Accommodation: Onomo Johannesburg Sandton Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: The Kelway Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Plane: 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.
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.
Accommodation: The Kelway Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Addo Elephant National Park Wildlife Safari Drive: 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.
- Free Time: Enjoy a free evening in Gqeberha to explore on your own after a day of wildlife viewing in Addo Elephant National Park.
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.
Accommodation: Tsitsikamma Village Inn
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Storms River Mouth Trail - Tsitsikamma National Park: 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.
- Big Tree Walk - Garden Route: 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.
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.
Accommodation: Tsitsikamma Village Inn
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Experiences
- 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.
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.
Accommodation: Knysna Log-Inn Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Robberg Nature Reserve Visit: 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.
- Knysna CEO-led Orientation Tour: 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.
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.
Accommodation: Knysna Log-Inn Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Knysna Heads Visit: 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.
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.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel Franschhoek
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Knysna to Barrydale via Mossel Bay, Gatplaats Nature Reserve, & Tradouw Pass: 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.
- Barrydale Vineyard Visit: 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.
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.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel Franschhoek
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Franschhoek CEO-led Orientation Walk: 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.
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.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Signal Hill Hike: 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.
Trip Inclusions
- 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.
- 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
- Private vehicles, safari vehicles, walking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- Hotels (14 Nights), Lodges (3 Nights)
- Start and end hotels on this tour offer comfortable accommodations with en-suite bathrooms, standard facilities, and wifi. Additional amenities vary from location to location. Please see the hotel listings on the Full Itinerary if you would like to learn more about the offerings of your accommodations. Please remember that hotel/lodge/camp standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country, which is part of the appeal of adventure travel. Note: Under certain circumstances, we reserve the right to change accommodation and provide something slightly different to what is described, though it will always be of similar or better standard/level.
- Camping in Africa is truly an adventure. You will be able to get off the beaten track to get a first-hand experience of the beautiful wilderness and nature. While camping, we stay at designated campsites in national parks and outside towns. Campsite facilities in southern Africa are generally good, but can be basic in certain places. There are generally small restaurants and/or bars, flush toilets, showers (generally outdoors, some with simple reed enclosures), washing facilities and telephones available. Additionally, warm water is available at most sites, but it is not guaranteed to always be warm when you take your shower; the warm water may be used up by others who also use the camp. We usually set-up camp within close proximity to the toilet facilities, though occasionally to reach them you may have to walk a short distance.
- We sleep in good quality, durable, industry-standard 2-person safari canvas tents. Please note that most adults will not be able to fully stand up inside the tents, though most travellers find these more than adequate, as they have a base area of approximately 4 square meters. These tents are regularly treated with a waterproofing agent, but under certain rainy conditions, the tent fabric may become saturated to the point where seepage or leakage may occur. All tents have built-in mesh insect netting on the windows and doors.
- We travel with our own portable camp chairs with a comfortable back-rest, and we utilize our own cooking equipment to provide the group good quality camp meals.
- In camping within the national parks and conservation areas, some camp sites are enclosed for keeping the resident wildlife out. Other camps are open to the natural environment – care must be taken, especially at night, when a torch/flashlight is recommended when walking around the camp area.
- Please note that due to the high demand for accommodation in the parks, sometimes we will arrange alternative accommodation outside of the park.
- 17 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: Classic
Get the best of both worlds with G's Classic trips as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Enjoy included meals showcasing local flavours, plus opportunities to dive deeper into the food scene independently. Stay in comfortable hotels, authentic homestays, and unique accommodations that capture the spirit of each destination.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Thursday
16 Apr 2026
16 Apr 26
Cape Town
Sunday
03 May 2026
03 May 26
Cape Town
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$4,799
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Note
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 Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
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 Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
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 G Adventures. 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.
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 G Adventures. 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.
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