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 Luxury Selection Small Group Tour from Cape Town
- LGBTQ vacation to exquisite and picturesque places in South Africa -"Group special"
- Addo - Garden Route - Cape Town Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
- 5 Day Garden Route Adventure Including Addo
- 10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
- 10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
- Luxury Garden Route Journey from Cape Town
- CAPE SCENIC SAFARI - Chauffeur Drive Tour: 5 Days
- Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
- 8 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
4 day Garden Route Luxury Selection Small Group Tour from Cape Town
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This is truly a wonderful tour. I think you can get more by doing the tour from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town.”
Rajendra, traveled in August
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, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness National Park, Knysna, L'Agulhas, Hermanus Age Range Ages 8+ Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Hotspots2c From $2,520
3% Off- NZ$2,444You save $76
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
3% Off- NZ$5,047
Addo - Garden Route - Cape Town Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything on the itinerary was met, and even when an unexpected issue arose, Paul dealt with it in a very professional manner.”
John, traveled in August
Seven travelers form close bonds while visiting Addo Elephant Park and traversing the Garden Route. The intimate setting provides up-close wildlife encounters in Knysna and tailored wine tastings in Stellenbosch.
Duration 6 days Destinations Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, Brenton-on-Sea, Oudtshoorn, Robertson, Stellenbosch, Cape Town Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 7 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Explore South Africa From
3% Off- NZ$1,904
5 Day Garden Route Adventure Including Addo
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“By the end of the tour, we all felt like family and had a difficult time saying goodbye to each other.”
Gladys, traveled in December
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
3% Off- NZ$1,279
10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
19 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great activities included in the tour. Accommodation was great (I opted for single room and it was well worth it).”
Rebecca, traveled in July
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
3% Off- NZ$2,515
10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
25 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The few days we had in Cape Town and wine tour were all fantastic. The Garden Route 5 days was beautiful.”
Maureen, traveled in September
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
3% Off- NZ$2,319
Luxury Garden Route Journey from Cape Town
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“All of the accommodation and experiences that he booked were excellent & thoroughly enjoyable.”
Matthew, traveled in February
Small group tours host 2-8 travelers (average age 56), allowing personal attention at premium stops like Views Boutique Hotel in Wilderness and De Zeekoe in Oudtshoorn. Groups of 15+ receive 30% discount with slightly modified wildlife viewing schedules.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, George, Wilderness National Park, Plettenberg Bay, Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Oudtshoorn Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Amatungulu Tour From
3% Off- NZ$4,174
CAPE SCENIC SAFARI - Chauffeur Drive Tour: 5 Days
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“very nice trip.”
Padma, traveled in November
Small groups of 2-12 travelers receive dedicated attention at Buffelsdrift Private Game Lodge and Cango Caves. The intimate setting allows unhurried stops and enhanced wildlife viewing during game drives and penguin colony visits.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cape Town, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay, L'Agulhas, Stellenbosch Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 6 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Explore South Africa From
3% Off- NZ$1,834
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The safari guides were outstanding. The itinerary included the important points of interest.”
Lorna, traveled in April
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 $7,019
25% Off- NZ$5,264You save $1,755
8 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very good level of organization, decent accommodation and wonderful guides! Liked accommodation on the beach and in the house in Sedgiefild-very soulful!”
Polina, traveled in December
Groups of 12-15 travelers, averaging 36 years old, share South African adventures. Close-up wildlife viewing at Addo Elephant Park and private wine tastings in Constantia Valley create lasting connections, with many solo travelers joining the journey.
Duration 8 days Destinations Cape Town, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield, Tsitsikamma National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, Knysna, Oudtshoorn Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 13 Group Type Group Operator Cape Xtreme From
25% Off- NZ$2,113
Reviews of Small Group tours to South Africa
- 4 day Garden Route Luxury Selection Small Group Tour from Cape Town
Perfect logistics, very responsive admin team, great guides and drivers, cry knowledgeable, but also very dative to group speed and vibe. I think we made friends for life in only 3 days.
- 10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
The tour was great and well explained throughout. Khotso was awesome and very knowledgeable of the area. Eunice was also amazing answering all my questions even with all my changes!
- Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
Great CEO experiences...lodging choices were fantastic....private reserve experience outstanding
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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