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Essence of South Africa

Tour, Escorted tour
Offer Image
Essence Of South Africa
Bush, beach, and two vibrant cities-capture the essence of South Africa on this culmination of a Cape Town to Kruger experience, including Johannesburg, the 'City of Gold'.


Dining Summary
  • 5 Dinner (D)
  • 9 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
  • 3 Lunch (L)
Be My Guest
  • Hermanus: Join a local Hermanus business owner for a traditional braai (barbecue) and some of his homemade wine against a clifftop backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.
Dive into Culture
  • : Learn to track animals on an African bush walk with a Local Specialist. You’ll uncover the secrets of medicinal plants, identify animals from just their tracks and spot birds, insects and small animals in their natural habitat. This is your chance to connect with nature like never before and leave with stories –and skills–that will stay with you forever.
  • Johannesburg: Learn about South Africa's turbulent past on an interactive Johannesburg and Soweto Freedom tour.
Iconic Experience
  • Cape Town: Spend the day discovering the wonderful views of Table Mountain.
  • Cape Town: Take in the landmarks of Cape Town during a city tour with your Travel Director. See the Company Gardens, Bo-Kaap and the Castle of Good Hope.
  • Cape Peninsula: Discover the incredible views of the Twelve Apostles.
  • Cape Town: Spend the day surrounded by penguins on Boulders Beach.
  • Franschhoek: Take in the spectacular wine valleys of Franschhoek.
  • Hoedspruit: Have your camera ready to capture the beautiful scenery and fascinating wildlife on your Reserve Tour with a Shangaan tracker-guide.
  • Karongwe Portfolio: Spend the day marveling at Africa's iconic wildlife on your Karongwe Private Reserve Visit.
  • Johannesburg: Spend the day seeing the iconic sight of Mandela's house on your Johannesburg City Tour.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
  • Hoedspruit: Meet the Shangaan people and learn about their way of life through music, dance and daily traditions. Watch a performance celebrating the heritage of the San, Shona, Venda, Tswana, Zulu and Shangaan communities. Try your hand at grinding maize or building huts, and learn how architecture, agriculture and family customs shape daily life, before sharing a traditional meal with the community. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Must-see Highlights
  • Explore Cape Town and Johannesburg
  • Visit Table Mountain by cable car (weather permitting) and Bo-Kaap in Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope, Franschhoek, Hermanus, the Karongwe Private Game Reserve, the Constitutional Hill, Mandela House Museum and the Regina Mundi Church in Johannesburg
  • View Boulders Beach Penguin Colony and Soweto's Mandela House
Trafalgar Difference
  • Hoedspruit: Your stay in Karongwe Private Game Reserve contributes to the area's environmental sustainability and community development.

Whats Included
  • All transport and transfers shown
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels and safari lodges, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Air-conditioned coach or Quantum bus
  • Must-see sightseeing
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
9 Nights Starting At
Per Person

May 17, 2026 through May 26, 2026
Book by:
May 14, 2026 12:00 AM
Book by 2026-01-17 to receive $389.00 Last Minute Deal Discount. Airfare not included
Last Minute Deal: Must book by 2026-01-17
Interests
  • Safari, Animals, and Wildlife
Itinerary Map
Itinerary Overview
Day 6
Safari in Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Day 7
Seek out the 'Big 5' Safari Animals in Karongwe
Day 8
Journey to Johannesburg
Loading Itinerary Content...
Dates & prices
Additional
Offers
Starting From Additional Details
9 Nights from $4,286.00 (USD) Per Person
Book by 2026-01-17 to receive $389.00 Last Minute Deal Discount. Airfare not included
May 14, 2026 12:00 AM
9 Nights from $5,095.00 (USD) Per Person
Airfare not included, Various departures
February 26, 2026 12:00 AM
9 Nights from $4,664.00 (USD) Per Person
Book by 2025-11-15 to receive $431.00 Last Minute Deal Discount. Airfare not included
March 12, 2026 12:00 AM
9 Nights from $4,850.00 (USD) Per Person
Airfare not included
April 02, 2026 12:00 AM
9 Nights from $4,443.00 (USD) Per Person
Book by 2025-12-20 to receive $407.00 Last Minute Deal Discount. Airfare not included
April 16, 2026 12:00 AM
9 Nights from $4,850.00 (USD) Per Person
Airfare not included
April 30, 2026 12:00 AM
9 Nights from $4,443.00 (USD) Per Person
Book by 2026-02-07 to receive $407.00 Last Minute Deal Discount. Airfare not included, Various departures
July 16, 2026 12:00 AM
9 Nights from $4,691.00 (USD) Per Person
Book by 2026-04-04 to receive $434.00 Last Minute Deal Discount. Airfare not included, Various departures
September 10, 2026 12:00 AM
9 Nights from $5,125.00 (USD) Per Person
Airfare not included
September 24, 2026 12:00 AM
9 Nights from $4,691.00 (USD) Per Person
Book by 2026-06-13 to receive $434.00 Last Minute Deal Discount. Airfare not included
October 08, 2026 12:00 AM
9 Nights from $5,125.00 (USD) Per Person
Airfare not included, Various departures
December 17, 2026 12:00 AM
Additional
Offers











Our Difference

Your Bucket List Moments

You’ll tick off not-to-miss iconic sights, local culture and unmissable natural wonders – all handpicked, planned and vetted by our Travel Experts who carefully craft your tour behind the scenes. Unlock the best of every place you visit and learn secrets from our local friends along the way. Here are just a few of the hundreds of must-sees that are waiting for you.

Must-Sees To Local Secrets

You’ll enjoy that extra special treatment when you skip the lines at must-see sights and uncover secrets with your Local Specialist.

Stays With Stories

In addition to the extensive trusted accommodation partners, on many tours, you will find yourself overnighting in accommodations with stories as rich as the destinations you’re exploring. From an Irish castle steeped in history to a South African safari lodge, or a traditional Japanese Ryokan – you can truly experience it all.

Be My Guest

Welcome to your home away from home. Step into the lives of your hosts who open their homes, wineries, farms and more to share stories about their families, history and their communities, over good food and great hospitality. With one on every itinerary, Be My Guest ensures your journey is truly one-of-a-kind, wherever it takes you.

Everything Taken Care Of

With Trafalgar everything is planned, vetted, booked and organized before you start. And, when you’re on your tour, Your Travel Director and Driver team handle all your logistics, bookings, tickets, transport and more – so all you have to do is enjoy your vacation and the freedom of living in the moment.

Here’s a quick look at the travel essentials and experiences you'll enjoy.

  • Travel Director and Driver team
  • Nightly accommodation
  • Stays with Stories experience*
  • Daily breakfast**
  • Many lunches and dinners
  • Luxury coach transport***
  • Entry to many must-see sights
  • Be My Guest experience
  • MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences
  • Locally guided tours in many destinations

Your transport and Driver

You’ll travel from A to B in comfort and style, and without worrying about driving, parking, tolls and arguing over the satnav. Your luxury coach features reclining seats, panoramic windows to take in the views, WiFi, air-con, and on-board bathroom facilities, USB chargers and more* – kick back knowing your journey is as good as the destination.

Beyond your coach, you’ll really be able to take in the views on your journey. You could take a ferry through turquoise waters, past grottoes and along a unique coastline to the Isle of Capri, through New Zealand’s Milford Sound, or the Glacier Express Train ride along the Swiss Alps’ lakes and glaciers. You’ll capture incredible sights all from the comfort of your seat.

*On some tours in smaller destinations, on-board bathrooms and WiFi are not available on our coaches or mini coach fleets.

Your Bucket List Moments

You’ll tick off not-to-miss iconic sights, local culture and unmissable natural wonders – all handpicked, planned and vetted by our Travel Experts who carefully craft your tour behind the scenes. Unlock the best of every place you visit and learn secrets from our local friends along the way. Here are just a few of the hundreds of must-sees that are waiting for you.

Must-Sees To Local Secrets

You’ll enjoy that extra special treatment when you skip the lines at must-see sights and uncover secrets with your Local Specialist.

Stays With Stories

In addition to the extensive trusted accommodation partners, on many tours, you will find yourself overnighting in accommodations with stories as rich as the destinations you’re exploring. From an Irish castle steeped in history to a South African safari lodge, or a traditional Japanese Ryokan – you can truly experience it all.

Be My Guest

Welcome to your home away from home. Step into the lives of your hosts who open their homes, wineries, farms and more to share stories about their families, history and their communities, over good food and great hospitality. With one on every itinerary, Be My Guest ensures your journey is truly one-of-a-kind, wherever it takes you.

Everything Taken Care Of

With Trafalgar everything is planned, vetted, booked and organized before you start. And, when you’re on your tour, Your Travel Director and Driver team handle all your logistics, bookings, tickets, transport and more – so all you have to do is enjoy your vacation and the freedom of living in the moment.

Here’s a quick look at the travel essentials and experiences you'll enjoy.

  • Travel Director and Driver team
  • Nightly accommodation
  • Stays with Stories experience*
  • Daily breakfast**
  • Many lunches and dinners
  • Luxury coach transport***
  • Entry to many must-see sights
  • Be My Guest experience
  • MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences
  • Locally guided tours in many destinations

Your transport and Driver

You’ll travel from A to B in comfort and style, and without worrying about driving, parking, tolls and arguing over the satnav. Your luxury coach features reclining seats, panoramic windows to take in the views, WiFi, air-con, and on-board bathroom facilities, USB chargers and more* – kick back knowing your journey is as good as the destination.

Beyond your coach, you’ll really be able to take in the views on your journey. You could take a ferry through turquoise waters, past grottoes and along a unique coastline to the Isle of Capri, through New Zealand’s Milford Sound, or the Glacier Express Train ride along the Swiss Alps’ lakes and glaciers. You’ll capture incredible sights all from the comfort of your seat.

*On some tours in smaller destinations, on-board bathrooms and WiFi are not available on our coaches or mini coach fleets.

About Trafalgar
Trafalgar logo

Get ready for a trip like no other. Since 1947, more than five million happy past guests have discovered our difference. You’ll see top destinations, iconic sites, and get treated to exclusive local experiences – all with our team taking care of all the details. You’ll also discover the ways WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®, and how your journey leaves a positive impact. Do good, feel good, and make memories that last a lifetime.

Your bucket list moments

You’ll tick off not-to-miss iconic sights, local culture and unmissable natural wonders – all handpicked, planned and vetted by our Travel Experts who carefully craft your tour behind the scenes. Unlock the best of every place you visit and learn secrets from our local friends along the way. 

Make unforgettable memories

Connecting you to experiences you wouldn’t otherwise have is what we do best. On all our tours you’ll be invited to the homes and businesses of locals for an exclusive Be My Guest experience, as well as a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. And on many itineraries, you will be enjoying a Stays with Stories accommodation experience, in some of the world’s most interesting locations.

Travel with complete ease

With Trafalgar everything is planned, vetted, booked and organized before you start. And, when you’re on your tour, Your Travel Director and Driver team handle all your logistics, bookings, tickets, transport and more – so all you have to do is enjoy your vacation and the freedom of living in the moment.

Read More

About Trafalgar

Get ready for a trip like no other. Since 1947, more than five million happy past guests have discovered our difference. You’ll see top destinations, iconic sites, and get treated to exclusive local experiences – all with our team taking care of all the details. You’ll also discover the ways WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®, and how your journey leaves a positive impact. Do good, feel good, and make memories that last a lifetime.

Your bucket list moments

You’ll tick off not-to-miss iconic sights, local culture and unmissable natural wonders – all handpicked, planned and vetted by our Travel Experts who carefully craft your tour behind the scenes. Unlock the best of every place you visit and learn secrets from our local friends along the way. 

Make unforgettable memories

Connecting you to experiences you wouldn’t otherwise have is what we do best. On all our tours you’ll be invited to the homes and businesses of locals for an exclusive Be My Guest experience, as well as a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. And on many itineraries, you will be enjoying a Stays with Stories accommodation experience, in some of the world’s most interesting locations.

Travel with complete ease

With Trafalgar everything is planned, vetted, booked and organized before you start. And, when you’re on your tour, Your Travel Director and Driver team handle all your logistics, bookings, tickets, transport and more – so all you have to do is enjoy your vacation and the freedom of living in the moment.

Read More

Prices are per-person based on double occupancy, unless otherwise noted.