South Africa Small Group Tours
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10 best South Africa small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaSouth Africa travel expert at TourRadar
- 4 day Garden Route's Best Selection Micro Group Tour from Cape Town
- LGBTQ vacation to exquisite and picturesque places in South Africa -"Group special"
- Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
- Premium Cape Town and the Garden Route
- Journeys: Explore Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
- 10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
- 5 Day Garden Route Adventure Including Addo
- The Garden Route - 8 days
- 10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
- 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
4 day Garden Route's Best Selection Micro Group Tour from Cape Town
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The scenery was stunning, accommodation amazing and the safaris and tours gave us very close up views of the incredible wildlife.”
Susan, traveled in November
With just 8 travelers, this intimate South African tour guarantees window seats for all. The small group setting enables spontaneous stops at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve and relaxed experiences during the Knysna Lagoon sunset cruise.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cape Town, Hermanus, L'Agulhas, Knysna, Wilderness National Park, Oudtshoorn Age Range Ages 8+ Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Hotspots2c From
- NZ$2,359
Groups of 4+ travelers receive 25% discounts while visiting South Africa's finest sites. The cozy atmosphere allows for unhurried visits to Kirstenbosch Gardens, private game drives in Kruger National Park, and genuine stays in traditional Xhosa villages.
Duration 15 days Destinations Cape Town, Table Mountain, Hout Bay, Stellenbosch, Oudtshoorn, George, Plettenberg Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, Qunu, Coffee BaySee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Amatungulu Tour From
- NZ$4,904
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was one of the best ever trips I did before.”
Roni, traveled in February
Groups of 12-16 travelers enjoy prime wildlife viewing at Karongwe Private Reserve. The cozy setting enables intimate safari experiences and engaging participation in the National Geographic-sponsored cheetah conservation program.
Duration 10 days Destinations Cape Town, Johannesburg, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park, Karongwe Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From $6,919
25% Off- NZ$5,189You save $1,730
Groups of 12-15 travelers enjoy intimate wine tastings at boutique Franschhoek vineyards and small-group cooking classes at Spilsbury Kitchen. Personal attention highlights Cape Town's historical walking tours and Bo-Kaap cultural visits.
Duration 9 days Destinations Cape Town, Franschhoek, Knysna Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Premium From $7,530
25% Off- NZ$5,648You save $1,882
Journeys: Explore Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had the opportunity to see so much, even had a chance to walk with cheetahs!”
Mark, traveled in December
Small groups of 12-15 travelers enjoy exclusive wildlife encounters. The intimate setting ensures personal attention during Kruger safaris and enables closer access to wildlife at Karongwe Private Reserve with expert rangers and trackers.
Duration 7 days Destinations Johannesburg, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park, Karongwe Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From $5,399
25% Off- NZ$4,049You save $1,350
10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Had a fantastic time, met amazing people and our guide sylvester was so knowledgable and good fun!”
Kerryann, traveled in June
Groups of 12-15 travelers form lasting connections while exploring South Africa's diverse landscapes. The intimate setting enables private game drives in Addo Elephant Park and flexible stops along the Garden Route.
Duration 10 days Destinations Cape Town, Gansbaai, Hermanus, L'Agulhas, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield, Tsitsikamma National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, KnysnaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 13 Group Type Group Operator Cape Xtreme From
25% Off- NZ$2,223
5 Day Garden Route Adventure Including Addo
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was excellent, he gave us the best Vibes from Africa.”
Nereida, traveled in October
Up to 13 travelers share memorable moments in a comfortable minivan. The small group size allows for attentive service at Garden Route Game Lodge and spontaneous stops at unique sites like Ronnie's Sex Shop on Route 62.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, Stormsrivier, Wilderness National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, Albertinia, HermanusSee all destinations Age Range Ages 6+ Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Bokbus Garden Route Adventure Tours & Safaris From
25% Off- NZ$1,231
The Garden Route - 8 days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“My trip was absolutely incredible. Every stop was worthwhile and every accommodation blew me away they were so nice.”
Shannon, traveled in September
Small groups of 12-14 travelers enjoy personalized wine tastings at Route 62 vineyards and close encounters at Addo Elephant Park. The cozy atmosphere enables authentic experiences like canoeing Wilderness National Park's Touw River.
Duration 8 days Destinations Cape Town, Hermanus, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, Port Elizabeth Age Range Ages 18+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Encounters Travel From
25% Off- NZ$1,915
10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
25 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Beautiful experience in a wanderful land (better in spring).”
Raffaella, traveled in July
Maximum 25 travelers per group visit iconic stops like Table Mountain and Addo Elephant Park. Multiple vehicles may travel together, creating social opportunities while maintaining comfort. Suitable for ages 10+.
Duration 10 days Destinations Cape Town, Hout Bay, Simon's Town, Stellenbosch, Table Mountain, Sedgefield, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Group Size Max Group Size 13 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Hotspots2c From
25% Off- NZ$2,172
3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
83 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very nice tour for people who want to explore Garden Route and do not have much time for it.”
Christoph, traveled in January
Maximum 25 travelers per vehicle receive dedicated attention from English-speaking guides. Wildlife viewing in Botlierskop Private Game Reserve takes place in specially adapted open-roof vehicles.
Duration 3 days Destinations Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield Age Range Ages 10+ Group Size Max Group Size 13 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Hotspots2c From
25% Off- NZ$585
Reviews of Small Group tours to South Africa
- 4 day Garden Route's Best Selection Micro Group Tour from Cape Town
The trip was overall good . Our Tour Guide TK was very good and knowledgeable . We especially really enjoyed the Kysna cruise , Cape Agulas , Hermanus & the game drive in Bottleskop .
- Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
Great CEO experiences...lodging choices were fantastic....private reserve experience outstanding
- 10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
Wonderful holiday. Lourens was a true gentleman who would always open doors and carry my luggage for me. Service beyond measure. He is knowledgeable and passionate about ensuring that guests have a perfect vacation. Accommodations were comfortable. Home cooked local meals were delicious. Eunice, the agency manager even sent her driver to the airport to bring a bag I had left behind.
What our customers ask about South Africa Small Group Tours
What type of accommodation can I expect on a small group tour in South Africa?
Small group tours focus on intimate lodges and local guesthouses that provide a more personal experience than standard hotels. The Tremisana Lodge in Greater Kruger and Cape to Addo Backpacker House in Sedgefield showcase this approach to authentic stays. A TourRadar traveler commented: "The smaller boutique accommodations really enhanced the experience - we loved staying at Island Vibe Backpackers in Jeffreys Bay right on the beach."
What is the best duration for a small group tour in South Africa?
Most travelers find 5-10 days ideal for exploring South Africa's key destinations. A 5-day Garden Route Adventure takes you from Cape Town to George while a 10-day tour lets you explore Cape Town the Winelands Garden Route and safari areas at a comfortable pace. These timeframes balance activities with downtime letting you enjoy each location fully.
How does the pricing compare between small group and larger group tours?
Small group tours cost USD 130-300 per day while larger tours run USD 80-150 daily. A 5-day small group Kruger safari typically costs around USD 727. Larger group options often come in 20-30% cheaper. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The extra cost was worth it for the intimate wildlife viewing and personal attention from our guide."
What is the best season for small group tours in South Africa?
While tours run throughout the year the dry winter months from May to September offer prime wildlife viewing in Kruger National Park. The Garden Route welcomes visitors year-round and whale watching near Hermanus peaks from July to November. One TourRadar traveler shared: "We went in July and the smaller group size meant we could quickly move to different viewing spots as animals were spotted."
What is the typical group size for small group tours in South Africa?
Groups usually include 6-12 people per vehicle creating a close-knit travel experience. At locations like Karongwe Private Game Reserve near Kruger National Park guests stay at places like Avoca River Cabins where the small number ensures personal attention. TourRadar travelers often point out how these smaller groups allow better wildlife viewing and more meaningful connections with guides.
How far in advance should I book a small group tour in South Africa?
Book 3-6 months ahead to secure your spot as these tours fill quickly. Popular routes like the Garden Route and Kruger safaris show average booking windows of 238-313 days. As one TourRadar traveler advised: "Book early as the best small group accommodations like Tremisana Lodge fill up quickly especially during peak season."
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