South Africa Tours & Trips
Cape Town, Johannesburg, the scenic Garden Route, you surely know these names. Packed with culture, history, and amazing sights, they sum up South Africa perfectly. But it goes further. At Kruger National Park, you can see the Big Five up close, in the Cango Caves, explore old limestone caves, and in Stellenbosch, sample world-class wines. Discover South Africa on a memorable vacation.
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Fabian • traveled in February
Amazing time with awesome people!!!
5 day Best of South Africa Highlights: Garden Route with Addo National Park - J
jane • traveled in July
Guide, transport and backpacker single rooms were excellent
Garden Route & Addo Group Adventure - 6 Days - E
erin • traveled in October
Amazing tour with amazing activities. A lot of driving but that's to be expected when seeing so much in such a short time. Amazing tour guide loved every minute!
7 day Garden Route, Cape Point and Winelands Combo
Table of contents
- The best South Africa tour packages
- Most popular destinations in South Africa
- Travel South Africa your way
- Best tour companies for South Africa tours
- Best places to start your South Africa tour
- Discover South Africa tours for every budget
- South Africa tours for every type of group
- Top South Africa travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit South Africa
- South Africa travel guides - curated by our experts
- Contact our South Africa travel experts
- What our customers ask about South Africa Tours & Trips
The best South Africa tour packages
Compiled by
NadineSouth Africa travel expert at TourRadar
Duration 8 days Destinations Johannesburg, Waterberg Plateau Park, Maropeng, Pretoria Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Highline Tours & Travel From
- NZ$7,452
5 day Best of South Africa Highlights: Garden Route with Addo National Park
178 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Our accommodation was very varied as we booked the 'back packer' option with private rooms. The 7am starts are 100% worth it to fit in all the activities and visits.”
Vivienne, traveled in May
South Africa's landscapes range from Route 62's wine country to Addo Elephant Park's wildlife sanctuaries. Distinctive stays at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge and Hlangana Lodge complement adventures through Cango Caves and sunset views at Knysna Heads.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cape Town, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, Oudtshoorn Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Hotspots2c From $1,359
7% Off- NZ$1,264You save $95
Garden Route & Addo Group Adventure - 6 Days
124 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“All the stops, meals & accommodations were spectral!”
Denise, traveled in September
South Africa reveals itself from Cape Agulhas' coastline to Addo's elephant herds. Route 62 presents wine tastings, while Cango Caves and Wilderness National Park offer underground wonders and canoeing adventures. Selected accommodations available from approx. R700 per day.
Duration 6 days Destinations Cape Town, Gordons Bay, Betty's Bay, Hermanus, L'Agulhas, Barrydale, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness National Park, SedgefieldSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Earthstompers Adventures From
7% Off- NZ$1,383
7 day Garden Route, Cape Point and Winelands Combo
36 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The 5 day tour was amazing and our guide Denver kept everyone entertained and engaged.”
Robin, traveled in May
South African adventures blend wine tasting at Route 62, wildlife viewing at Addo Elephant Park, and coastal thrills in Jeffrey's Bay. Rest at boutique guesthouses and 4-star properties like Hlangana Lodge. Cango Caves exploration and ostrich farm visits round out Oudtshoorn's offerings.
Duration 7 days Destinations Cape Town, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, Oudtshoorn, Stellenbosch Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Hotspots2c From
7% Off- NZ$1,995
South Africa : Wildlife, Garden Route & Mother City Cape Town
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Our honeymoon vacation through South Africa was amazing! We got to see a little of everything and even with all the traveling around it was stress free.”
Leslie, traveled in December
South Africa's highlights include 4 game drives at Mabula Game Lodge, wine tasting aboard Franschhoek's Wine Tram, and Cape Town's V&A Waterfront. Boulders Beach's penguin colony and the Flying Dutchman Funicular at Cape Point await, with stays at 4-star hotels throughout.
Duration 10 days Destinations Johannesburg, Mabula, George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Franschhoek, Cape Town Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From
7% Off- NZ$7,062
CAPE TOWN & BEYOND Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The route is amazing and so variegated, with time to spontaneously take pictures or fit stops to our wishes.”
Julia, traveled in May
South Africa's highlights stretch from Stellenbosch wineries to Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn. Safari drives at Buffelsdrift Lodge reveal wildlife wonders, while African penguins await at Stoney Point. Luxury stays include daily breakfast plus selected lunches and dinners.
Duration 6 days Destinations Cape Town, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay, L'Agulhas, Stellenbosch Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Explore South Africa From
7% Off- NZ$1,981
South African Escape
36 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Amazing experience I will never forget. The tour itinerary and activities are excellent for the adventurous and active traveler.”
Francesca, traveled in April
Coastal beauty meets safari adventures on this comprehensive South African tour, beginning at Cape Town's Table Mountain and concluding in Johannesburg. Wander Stellenbosch's wineries, explore Tsitsikamma National Park's forests, and spend three full days viewing wildlife in Kruger National Park.
Duration 14 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Hermanus, Swellendam, Mossel Bay, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Oudtshoorn, Johannesburg, Kruger National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Expat Explore Travel From
7% Off- NZ$3,535
The Big 5 in South Africa
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Well organized and good itinerary. The support was excellent when needed.”
Antony, traveled in November
South Africa unfolds through game drives at Mabula Game Lodge, wine sips aboard Franschhoek's vintage tram, and Cape Point's rugged coastline. Luxuriate in 4-star hotels in Johannesburg and Cape Town, plus a traditional French chateau in Franschhoek, with daily breakfast included.
Duration 10 days Destinations Johannesburg, Mabula, George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Franschhoek, Cape Town Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From
7% Off- NZ$8,061
Amazing South Africa
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We could not be happier about our experience. The office support was great with our ongoing delays.”
Arlene, traveled in February
Predator encounters and Zulu traditions at Lesedi Village kick off your Johannesburg stay. Kruger National Park offers Big 5 game drives before flying to Cape Town for Table Mountain panoramas, Boulders Beach penguins, and Constantia wine tasting. 4-star lodges host you throughout.
Duration 9 days Destinations Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Cape Town Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From
7% Off- NZ$5,758
5-Day Group Garden Route & Addo Adventure Tour (one-way)
40 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“An excellent tour which we couldn't fault. We did everything we wanted to do and more.”
Graeme, traveled in January
Duration 5 days Destinations Cape Town, Betty's Bay, Hermanus, L'Agulhas, Barrydale, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Earthstompers Adventures From
7% Off- NZ$1,288
Most popular destinations in South Africa
More exciting destinations:
Travel South Africa your way
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for South Africa tours
Looking at Garden Route tour operators, HotSpots2C and Earthstompers come out as clear favorites among our travelers. HotSpots2C gets loads of positive feedback for running really organized trips along the route, and their guides Zaahid and Maudi keep coming up in reviews for being both knowledgeable and genuinely friendly with groups. They've got the logistics down while keeping things personal. Earthstompers is right up there too, especially when it comes to combining Garden Route scenery with Addo wildlife experiences. Their guides Ferne and Christine seem to have a knack for reading their groups well - they'll adjust the pace and focus based on what interests people most, whether that's photography, wildlife or local culture. Plus they really know their stuff about the areas they cover and share that knowledge in an engaging way. What's nice about both companies is how they've managed to nail that sweet spot between being super professional with the planning and scheduling, while still keeping tours relaxed and sociable. It's something our travelers consistently point out in their feedback.
Best places to start your South Africa tour
Cape Town makes sense as your first stop - 50 of our travelers chose it as their starting point last year. Johannesburg comes in second with 29 departures, while Port Elizabeth, Hermanus and also Durban offer different ways to begin your trip. Looking at our booking data, you'll want to lock in your plans about 110 days before traveling. This timing really helps, especially during busy seasons when spots fill up quickly. Winter months from June through August work particularly well for seeing wildlife, and our travelers find that mixing Cape Town's cultural side with safari experiences creates a solid trip. If you like having control over your schedule, self-drive tours along the Garden Route let you take your time and find those little spots that aren't in the guidebooks.
Discover South Africa tours for every budget
South Africa tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top South Africa travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
Best time to visit South Africa
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter tours between June and August offer excellent wildlife viewing in South Africa. Taking multi-day safaris in Kruger National Park puts you right there with the Big Five during dry season when animals cluster near waterholes. Our clients really enjoy those early morning game drives before heading back to comfortable lodges for quality meals. The Garden Route works perfectly in winter too - you'll spot southern right whales from Hermanus cliffs, venture into the Cango Caves' limestone formations and also join rangers tracking rehabilitated elephants at Buffelsdrift. Winter wine tours through Constantia and Franschhoek let you enjoy peaceful tasting rooms and intimate cellar visits with local wine-making families.
- December 2025 308 tours
- January 2026 412 tours
- February 2026 popular 419 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring brings just the right weather for both coastal and inland exploration. Our most-booked spring tours mix Cape Town's heritage sites with Garden Route outings - you'll paddle through Wilderness National Park's waterways rich with birdlife, cross suspension bridges in Tsitsikamma's forest canopy and also follow elephant tracks in Addo National Park. The botanical gardens show off their indigenous blooms, making it prime time for nature photography. Many guests book tours combining Mabula Game Reserve's wildlife experiences with relaxed time in Knysna, taking lagoon cruises to spot sea birds.
- popular 434 tours
- 425 tours
- 428 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer tours blend beach activities with cultural discoveries. Long daylight hours mean fuller schedules - morning wildlife drives at private reserves, afternoon wine sampling in historic cellars and also evening walks through Cape Town's lively streets. Our customers particularly like summer trips including Jeffrey's Bay where you can take surfing lessons, watch dolphins from the beach and also browse local artisan markets. Route 62 summer journeys include visits to small towns, fruit orchards and family wineries where cellar tours offer a cool escape from the heat.
- 416 tours
- 417 tours
- popular 438 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
South African autumn tours blend ideal wildlife viewing with comfortable temperatures that work perfectly for outdoor activities. Multi-day circuits begin in Cape Town, where travelers meet experienced guides like Zaahid and Maudi for journeys mixing Addo Elephant Park safaris, Garden Route discoveries and also coastal adventures. The 5-day options suit active travelers well, balancing morning elephant tracking with afternoon activities - you'll zipline through Tsitsikamma's forest canopy and cross dramatic suspension bridges. Our clients particularly value the 10-day tours from Johannesburg, which spend full days on Kruger game drives before heading south to explore wine estates in Constantia, Franschhoek and also Stellenbosch. Along the Garden Route, you'll paddle through Wilderness National Park's waterways and spot southern right whales from Hermanus' walking paths. The cultural elements stand out too, with visits to historic cellars where winemaking families share generational stories, plus township explorations that create meaningful local connections. Families often opt for 6-day itineraries with treehouse accommodation near Addo, while couples tend to choose luxury tented camps positioned near active waterholes.
- popular 451 tours
- 450 tours
- 414 tours
South Africa travel guides - curated by our experts
South Africa Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
Get inspired by South Africa while learning everything you need to know to travel this impressive landscape like a pro. Learn the basics, discover the highlights and more.
Best Time to Visit South Africa 2026
Use our guide to discover the very best time to visit South Africa and make the most out of your time on holiday.
10 Best Family Safari Holiday Packages 2026
Thinking of taking the kids on a family safari to Africa? From packing lists to the best family-friendly destinations, start planning the adventure of a lifetime with these tips from TourRadar.
Best 10 Day South Africa Itineraries (with Reviews)
Looking to spend 10 days in South Africa? We have some seriously amazing itineraries to show you. From Kruger National Park to Cape Town and beyond, these incredible tours with top-rated operators are sure to impress.
Contact our South Africa travel experts
Micaela
Expert in South Africa at TourRadar
Micaela is one of our seasoned South Africa Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about South Africa tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about South Africa Tours & Trips
When's the best time to head to South Africa?
You can really visit South Africa any time but here's the deal - summer which runs December through February is perfect if you're after those beach vibes in Cape Town. If wildlife's your thing winter (June to August) is actually amazing especially in Kruger National Park where the sparse vegetation makes spotting animals so much easier. Take that 7 day Garden Route Cape Point and Winelands tour for example it's absolutely brilliant in winter when the wildlife viewing is at its peak. Spring brings these incredible wildflower displays while autumn's got this sweet spot of nice weather and fewer tourists.
What local food absolutely can't I miss?
Oh you're in for a treat! South African food is this amazing mix of different cultures and flavors. You've got to try bunny chow in Durban it's this curry served in hollowed bread absolutely delicious. Biltong's a must-try anywhere you go think of it as South Africa's answer to beef jerky but better. When you're joining a braai (that's a local barbecue) make sure to try boerewors these amazing spiced sausages. The South African Escape tour actually includes some great food experiences and in Cape Town you can't leave without trying Cape Malay curries they're incredible especially paired with local wines.
What makes everyone rave about the Garden Route?
The Garden Route is just spectacular honestly it's this incredible stretch along the southeastern coast where you've got everything dramatic cliffs meeting these pristine beaches plus these amazing forests and the sweetest coastal towns. The 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour takes you to some incredible spots like the Tsitsikamma National Park where you'll cross this amazing suspension bridge over Storms River. You can watch seals playing around the Knysna Heads and if you time it right catch whales breaching off Hermanus. Tour operators have really nailed the timing on their multi-day trips so you can take in all these highlights without feeling rushed.