South Africa Guided Tours & Trips
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10 best fully guided South Africa tour packages
Compiled by
NadineSouth Africa travel expert at TourRadar
- Private Cape Town Guided Vacation - 5 Days
- 10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
- South African Escape
- Garden Route Splendour
- 7 day Garden Route, Cape Point and Winelands Combo
- 8 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
- Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
- Garden Route, Safari & Winelands Wonder
- The Garden Route - 8 days
- 10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
Private Cape Town Guided Vacation - 5 Days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“They are simply the best.”
Munyah, traveled in August
Table Mountain and Cape Point Nature Reserve stand as highlights of this South African journey. The tour features Bo-Kaap's cultural sites, private wine tastings in Stellenbosch and Paarl, and visits to Boulders Beach, with luxury stays at The Bay Hotel Camps Bay.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cape Town, Table Mountain, Hout Bay, Chapman's Peak, Simon's Town, Paarl, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Hermanus Age Range 5 to 96 year olds Operated in English, German Operator T.S TOURS From
- NZ$2,192
10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour with him was perfect. I was solo in South Africa everything was good planning was really amazing.”
Katarzyna, traveled in September
Skilled naturalists guide you through South Africa's treasures, from Cape Point's rugged cliffs to Addo's elephant-rich plains. Local expertise enhances visits to Chapman's Peak Drive, Tsitsikamma National Park, and Wilderness's waterways, plus Bo-Kaap's cultural heritage.
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 12 to 99 year olds Operator Cape Xtreme From
- NZ$2,208
South African Escape
33 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very comfortable pace tour, and u will get to see most of the good stuffs. It could have been shorter but at the expense of rush factor.”
Tan, traveled in November
Historical sites from District Six to Kruger National Park safaris showcase South Africa's diversity. Stellenbosch wine estates and cultural encounters provide deeper understanding.
Duration 14 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Hermanus, Swellendam, Mossel Bay, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Oudtshoorn, Johannesburg, Kruger National ParkSee all destinations Age Range 10 to 75 year olds Operator Expat Explore Travel From $4,215
18% Off- NZ$3,455You save $760
Garden Route Splendour
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The roads, history, and places along the tour were very well-educated.”
Lars, traveled in February
Cape Agulhas lighthouse and Tsitsikamma National Park highlight this route. The tour includes Cango Caves exploration, Klein Karoo wine tastings, and visits to Monkeyland Sanctuary and Birds of Eden.
Duration 6 days Destinations Cape Town, L'Agulhas, Swellendam, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Stormsrivier, Port Elizabeth Age Range 8 to 90 year olds Operator Cullinan Guided Journeys From
18% Off- NZ$1,996
7 day Garden Route, Cape Point and Winelands Combo
33 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Well organized in terms of scheduling and with nice accomodations, in particular the ones in Oudtshoorn and Addo.”
Riccardo, traveled in August
The Garden Route comes alive from Cape Town onward. Highlights include Cango Caves, wildlife spotting in Addo Elephant Park, and cultural village visits, with accommodation options from backpackers to 4-star lodges.
Duration 7 days Destinations Cape Town, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, Oudtshoorn, Stellenbosch Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Operator Hotspots2c From
18% Off- NZ$1,775
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
Cape Town unfolds from Bo-Kaap to Chapman's Peak Drive. Skilled guides lead Addo Elephant Park wildlife viewing, Tsitsikamma hikes, and share local insights at Cango Caves.
Duration 8 days Destinations Cape Town, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield, Tsitsikamma National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, Knysna, Oudtshoorn Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operator Cape Xtreme From
18% Off- NZ$1,854
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was one of the best ever trips I did before.”
Roni, traveled in February
Cape Town's Bo-Kaap to Kruger's wilderness showcase South Africa's diversity. Game drives in Karongwe Reserve pair with Soweto township tours and conservation activities, led by knowledgeable rangers.
Duration 10 days Destinations Cape Town, Johannesburg, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park, Karongwe Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From $6,559
25% Off- NZ$4,919You save $1,639
Garden Route, Safari & Winelands Wonder
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great experience. We gave a detailed review to the operator.”
Lauren, traveled in June
Rich insights flow at Cango Caves, during Big Five safaris, and at Barrydale farm school through knowledgeable guides. English-speaking professionals elevate every experience from wine tasting to whale watching.
Duration 6 days Destinations Cape Town, Montagu, Barrydale, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Albertinia, Swellendam, Hermanus, Stellenbosch Age Range 8 to 90 year olds Operator Cullinan Guided Journeys From
25% Off- NZ$2,269
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
The journey winds through South Africa's finest spots. From wine tasting along Route 62 to tracking elephants in Addo, naturalists bring each location to life. Local experts share knowledge at ostrich farms and during Wilderness National Park activities.
Duration 8 days Destinations Cape Town, Hermanus, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, Port Elizabeth Age Range 14 to 95 year olds Operator Encounters Travel From
25% Off- NZ$2,105
10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
25 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“She was fun, informative, flexible, and wonderful!! She didn't let the rain slow us down and showed us so many wonderful sights.”
Tina, traveled in July
Cape Point's rugged landscape, Stellenbosch wine country, and Garden Route destinations unfold naturally. The tour features stops at Addo Elephant Park and Tsitsikamma National Park.
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 10 to 99 year olds Operator Hotspots2c From
25% Off- NZ$2,158
What people love about Fully Guided Tours in South Africa
- South African Escape
It was a really enjoyable trip with EXPAT EXPLORE that gave us such a comprehensive experience of what South Africa is about; the people,the culture, the scenery, the food and above all the wild life. With the exception of the last day, we didn't have any really long journeys, and the optional tours were all worth doing, including Soweto which I was a little apprehensive about. My only suggestion to improve the experience would be that the arrival at places like Hermanus and Stormy River should be a couple of hours before sunset to give the tourist a short time to go out and explore. I must also commend the Tour Leader, Stacey Baker; she was precious!
- 10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
Sylvester was amazing. his dedication to the tour was great. He spent ~4.5 hours taking us through Addo National Park and knew where to go for the best views. I would highly recommend this tour guide
- Garden Route Splendour
Our guide was very welladuqueted in places. roads history along the tour etc. his name is Ameen Dhansay. I came back to Sweden yesterday night
What our customers ask about South Africa Guided Tours & Trips
What types of accommodations can I expect on a fully guided tour in South Africa?
South African guided tours provide a range of 3-4 star accommodations that blend comfort with local character. In urban areas like Cape Town properties such as the Protea Hotel Victoria Junction offer modern amenities while safari portions include stays at wilderness lodges near Kruger National Park like the Buffeldrift Game Lodge. A TourRadar traveler mentioned "The accommodations were excellent just long trips in the bus and the 1-night stays were tiring." Standard amenities include private bathrooms pools and internet access. Safari lodges add features like observation decks and outdoor boma areas where guests gather for traditional dinners under the night sky.
What's the best time to book a fully guided tour in South Africa?
The prime season spans October through March bringing warm summer weather ideal for outdoor activities. The winter months (June-August) excel for wildlife viewing at parks like Addo Elephant National Park with less vegetation obscuring animals. Booking data shows November and February as popular choices among travelers. One TourRadar traveler noted "Winter provided excellent game viewing opportunities with less crowds" highlighting the year-round appeal for different interests.
How do guides enhance wildlife viewing experiences in South Africa?
Local guides bring essential tracking expertise and deep understanding of animal patterns to each safari. At locations like Addo Elephant National Park guides know precise timing and spots for optimal wildlife encounters. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and went above and beyond to make sure we saw the Big Five. Their expertise and passion for South African wildlife really made the safari experience unforgettable." Guides also share insights about animal behavior habitats and ongoing conservation work.
How much driving is involved on fully guided tours?
Daily road travel is part of experiencing South Africa's diverse landscapes. The Garden Route tour covers about 1900km over 5 days with 4-6 hours of daily driving. A TourRadar traveler shared "The drives never felt too long thanks to great entertainment: music guide sharing local stories and interesting history." Regular stops at viewpoints and attractions help break up travel times.
What meals are typically included on fully guided South Africa tours?
Tours generally cover daily breakfasts and select dinners featuring South African dishes. Buffelsdrift Game Lodge for instance serves traditional braai (barbecue) dinners. A TourRadar traveler reported: "The food at each place had options available for those with specific dietary needs. Each place we stayed and visited brought a uniqueness to the trip that created memories that I will be taking back home." Lunch stops are often independent allowing travelers to explore local dining options.
How much free time is typically available on guided tours in South Africa?
Tours balance structured activities with personal exploration time. In Cape Town most itineraries include 1-2 free days for independent sightseeing or optional activities from paragliding to wine tasting. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The tour had a perfect mix of organized activities and free time to explore on our own. Our guide Taariq was always helpful with suggestions for our free time."
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