Others

Cape Town: Is tap water in South Africa safe to drink? Will water be provided? Generally, the tap water in most of the locations we visit is safe to drink (and readily available too!) We don’t provide bottled water due to our sustainability promise, but your Trip Manager will sort you out for anything you might need during the trip. Cape Town: When is the best time to travel to South Africa? The question should be - when is it not the best time to travel to South Africa?In the summer (October to April), you’ll find perfect beach weather at our coastal destinations, and lush green landscapes everywhere. It also tends to be the birthing season (baby animals!!!). Winter (May to August) in South Africa is probably the best time for safaris since you’ll find wildlife gathering around waterholes.Luckily, the chances of spotting the Big 5 is equally good throughout the year. And if you’re here for the whales, visiting between June to November would be your best bet. Cape Town: What time can I book my return flight home? You can book your flights with departure times after 7pm on our last day. We’ll arrive at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at around 4pm. Cape Town: How do I get from the airport to the trip start location? We recommend that you book an Uber from the airport. It’s the easiest and most convenient way to get to the start locations on our trips. Cango Caves: Tour Africa’s largest limestone caves system. At over 20 million years old, it makes our nan look like a spring chicken. Jeffreys Bay: Known for its waves, its calamari and its natural beauty, there’s no beach quite like Jeffreys Bay Beach. Don’t forget your sunscreen! Knysna: If you’re looking for dramatic scenery, a trek through Tsitsikamma National Park will give you plenty of ops to fill up your memories and Insta feed. Knysna: Stretch out on the golden sands and enjoy some sea air at one of South Africa’s best beaches. Stellenbosch: Get to know the photogenic wine town of Stellenbosch. Rich in vineyards, but even richer in history. Johannesburg: Harrowing and hopeful at the same time, you’ll delve deeper into the troubled history of South Africa – with the chance to visit the Nelson Mandela museum too, where you’ll learn about his life and work, as well as how apartheid was brought to an end. Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary: Traverse through Mlilwane on your own two feet, keeping your eyes peeled for antelope, wildebeest and more as you go. With a local guide on hand to make sure everyone is going the right way. Kruger National Park: We’ll go on an adventure in the world famous Kruger National Park, keep your eyes peeled for animal sightings! Kruger National Park: Keep your eyes peeled and those binoculars close. We’re heading out to spot more magnificent wildlife (cross those fingers for rhino’s!) and stunning scenery with our last game drive as we say goodbye to Kruger. Gqeberha: The good folks at the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Centre work around the clock to rescue injured seabirds and help them make their way back into the wild. On this visit, we’ll see first hand how they work – and meet plenty of adorable penguins too. Mbabane: We’ll cross the border to Eswatini and travel to a local village where we’ll meet some locals, spend time with them and find out all about their culture and everyday life. Kruger National Park: Meet some of the locals who work tirelessly to keep wildlife safe from poachers. We’ll listen to their stories, find out how they work and much more.

Accommodation

10 nights in Hotels, 3 nights in Special Stays

Transport

Addo Elephant National Park: See these gentle giants in their natural habitat as you cruise in our Contiki coach through this scenic National park. Also be on the lookout for giraffes, antelopes, buffaloes, warthogs and all of Africa’s incredible wildlife. Durban: Hop onto the coach drop off and get ready for some ultimate beach vibes. This is the perfect spot to tune out the worries of life - just like the local Durbanite’s do so well!

Meals

13 Breakfast (B)

Guide

Expert Trip Manager + Trip Driver + Local Guides

Not included:

Flights

Flights are not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Cape Town To Oudtshoorn Via Cango Caves
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Cape Town To Oudtshoorn Via Cango Caves

Hello Africa… and hello Cape Town. Ready to get going? It’s off to the Karoo desert via the famous ‘Route 62’. Today’s scenic drive goes through mountain passes, vineyards and epic desert scenery along the way.An included guided tour of Africa’s LARGEST show cave system. The Cango Caves are replete with cavernous halls, limestone formations, cave paintings and artefacts (which indicate they were in use throughout the Middle Ages)! How’s that for a pitstop?Welcome to the Klein Karoo! This evening we’ll check into Oudtshoorn with our first adventure on offer. You can choose to take a scenic bike ride or drive down the UNESCO Swartberg Mountain Pass. And finish off with a Karoo braai dinner on a local farm with produce straight from the farm around you
Day 2 Day 2: Oudtshoorn To Gqeberha Via Addo Elephant National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Oudtshoorn To Gqeberha Via Addo Elephant National Park

Good morning! Let’s continue heading East towards one of South Africa’s most loved National Parks: Addo Elephant. (Anyone guess which animal this place is famous for?) That’s right, it’s elephant time. After lunch, we’ll set out in our comfy (and tall!) coach in search of Africa’s largest land mammal here at the Addo National Park, home to over 600 of these tusk-tastic creatures. (Keep your eyes peeled for lions, buffalo, and antelope too though!) We’ll retreat here for the night but fear not, more safari adventures await in the morning. Stuck for something to do this evening? Let us introduce you to the karaoke bar just around the corner. (Cue your fave Lion King jams.)
Day 3 Day 3: Gqeberha And Private Game Reserves
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Gqeberha And Private Game Reserves

Ready for the second chance at wildlife spotting? We thought so. Today is all about wildlife, both on land and in the ocean. We’ll start with a morning tour of the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Centre, who give sick and injured penguins the care they deserve and help them to return to the wild. Later this morning, we’ll set out on the first of today’s two private game drives. The Eastern Cape’s game reserves are some of South Africa’s best spots for seeing the Big 5, home to valleys, plains, rivers and much more. So today, we have two optional game drives in two different Private Game Reserves. (IKR?) Yes, yes that is three game drives in 36 hours giving you the best chance of spotting the Big 5. Lucky you, right? Tonight we’ll head back to the city where a free evening awaits. Karaoke round two? We won’t stop ya.
Day 4 Day 4: Gqeberha To Knysna Via Jeffreys Bay And Tsitsikamma National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Gqeberha To Knysna Via Jeffreys Bay And Tsitsikamma National Park

Beach time. Desert? Tick. Caves? Tick. Safari? Tick. Now it’s time to make our way along the famous Garden Route to our next destination, Knysna – with a few sensational stop-offs on the way. Known as one of the best surf spots in the world, it’d be wrong not to start our day with some chill time on J-Bay… which is exactly what we’ll do. Welcome to our next pitstop, known for the infinitely Instagramable Storms River Bridge – which we’ll take a picturesque hike to so you can get all the legendary snaps you need. After that, you’ll have the chance to up the adrenaline, with a spot of kayaking up the mouth of Storms River. And then we pull into the beautiful coastal town of Knysna, ready to explore all the sights and activities the Garden Route is known for. (We’ve got two nights here too!)
Day 5 Day 5: Knysna And Plettenberg Bay
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Knysna And Plettenberg Bay

Rise and shine, team. Today starts with an included breakfast, overlooking the Knysna lagoon, and then we’re off again once more. It’s ocean time… Join our optional marine safari and set out in search of whales, dolphins, seals and more spectacular sea life. Afterwards, we’ll spend the rest of the day relaxing on Plettenberg’s main beach, catching those rays and helping ourselves to some splendid seafood. This evening, we’ll embark on a Township visit here in Knysna, where you’ll meet the locals and have the chance to make a positive impact for the children who live here. Afterwards, we’ll tuck into a group dinner on the Knysna lagoon, followed by a night on the town.
Day 6 Day 6: Knysna To Cape Town Via Hermanus
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Knysna To Cape Town Via Hermanus

Make sure you call dibs on a window seat. As we drive back to Cape Town, you’ll watch the magnificence of the Garden Route unfold as we pass coastal towns, forests, gorges and some jaw-dropping ocean views. Marine mania… We’ll have lunch and some free time here in the coastal town of Hermanus, which is one of the world’s best areas for spotting whales – between July and November at least – so have your binoculars at the ready. And here we are, back in the city where it all began. Tonight, you can opt for a MasterChef-style cooking class and enjoy the food, music and drinks.
Day 7 Day 7: Cape Town To Johannesburg Via Stellenbosch
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Cape Town To Johannesburg Via Stellenbosch

Fine wine, all in good time. Today we’ll add a touch of class to proceedings with a trip to Stellenbosch – the Cape’s famous wine region. But before that, you have the chance to hit the skies on an epic helicopter ride over the seas and peaks. After some free time to explore (and shop till you drop) we’ll set out to discover Stellenbosh’s awesome wine farms, sampling the very finest of the Cape’s fine wines. With spectacular views, and a traditional South African braai for lunch, this really is one tasty excursion indeed. We’ll then make our way to Cape Town and board our flight to the next destination - the biggest city in South Africa! Touching down, we’ll head straight to our hotel for the evening. The second half of our South African adventure awaits us in the morning...
Day 8 Day 8: Johannesburg To Durban
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Johannesburg To Durban

A day of history. Here in the City of Gold, we’ll take a drive through the heart of South Africa to the coastal city of Durban. Along the way, we’ll stop off for a sobering exploration of the nation’s troubled history, with a visit to the site of Nelson Mandela’s capture during the apartheid era. We’ll then take a trip to the museum – yes, you’ll confront the history, but you’ll leave feeling hopeful as you learn how apartheid was finally brought to an end. Tonight’s accom is conveniently located next to plenty of shops and restaurants… So you can go right ahead and treat yourself.
Day 9 Day 9: Durban To St Lucia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Durban To St Lucia

You have a free morning here at one of the finest coastal spots in South Africa. Sleep in, take a walk and shop the strip or head down to the beach to simply sit back and soak up those rays like the sun junkie you are. Afterwards, we’ll make our way to St Lucia. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife by day and hippos by night here in St Lucia (we’re right by the UNESCO World Heritage listed iSimanagaliso Wetlands Park after all). On a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience this afternoon, we’ll visit a local Zulu village, learning all about the Zulu people and their traditions with a chance to meet some of the locals.
Day 10 Day 10: St Lucia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: St Lucia

Beach or bush? Why decide when you can do both? This morning we’ll head out to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, so watch out for elephants, buffalo, rhinos, antelope… plus whales (coz we’re right on the coast, baby). We’ll stop off at Cape Vidal for some snorkelling and all-round beach vibes (weather permitting, obvs). You’ll then have some free time to explore St Lucia or kick back at the hotel. This evening, we’ll embark on a Sunset Hippo Boat cruise on Lake St Lucia (Africa’s largest estuary – home to over 800 hippos and 1200 crocodiles). Afterwards, we’ll round things off with a traditional South African braai dinner. Yup, this day’s as action-packed as it is awesome.
Day 11 Day 11: St Lucia To Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Via Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: St Lucia To Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Via Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve

It’s an early start today – we’re heading inland to the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve and we aim to be there by sunrise. The Big Five. A half-day game drive at the reserve instrumental for bringing the White Rhino back from the brink of extinction. Even a picnic lunch. Today’s excursion is a biggie indeed. With our wildlife bucket lists sufficiently checked, it’s time to set off for a brand new country. Passports at the ready folks – here in Eswatini, we’ll meet some of the locals and learn about their culture and language on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. You’ve learnt from locals. Now its time to sleep like them too. Tonight you will stay at Mlilwane’s Main Lodge - unique beehive thatched huts with ensuite bathrooms (and hotel room amenities for a bit of comfort).
Day 12 Day 12: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary To Kruger National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary To Kruger National Park

Ah, to wake up in nature. We’ll kick off the day with a hearty breakfast and then join the Trip Manager for a morning safari walk. Don’t forget to sign up for a guided Mountain bike ride through the wilderness. There is no Big 5 here so feel free and safe to explore as you choose. Keep an eye out to spot some antelopes and warthogs! Next up, it’s the big one. The world famous one. Here in Kruger, we’ll stay at an exclusive safari campsite – located right in the middle of the park. (Struggling to picture it? Think glamping canvas tents with mattresses, linen and stretchers, a roaring bonfire burning all the while.) This is a true Once in a Lifetime experience, where you’ll fall asleep to the nocturnal calls of hyenas, jackals and lions.
Day 13 Day 13: Kruger National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Kruger National Park

Today we’re up bright and early for our first taste of the fresh morning air. We’ll start with a sunrise safari – just in time to catch Africa’s elusive predators finishing off their nocturnal hunt. At midday, you’ll have the chance to relax back at the camp: you can visit the local shop, take a dip in the pool or visit the nearby restaurant where you can look out over the Sabie River and watch as the animals come to quench their thirst (yup, it’s preddy special.) This afternoon, it’s back to the safari vehicles for a sunset game drive and another chance to see the Big Five and more. Tonight back at camp, we’ll tuck into a traditional South African braai or BBQ, complete with local sides and desserts.
Day 14 Day 14: Kruger National Park To Johannesburg
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Kruger National Park To Johannesburg

Our final day. But is there time for one (or two) last morning game drive? You bet there is. You can choose to head out for a sunrise game drive to spot the nocturnal cats (or just choose to sleep in, like the rest of the animals). Then, we’ll head out on our last game drive in Kruger as we make our way out of the park. It’s our last chance to spot some spellbinding safari animals IRL. Have we saved the best for last? Let’s hope so! And now, with heavy hearts (and even heavier camera rolls) we’ll make our way back to either the Kruger Mpumalanga Airport or Johannesburg International Airport. (Don’t feel like leaving yet? Lucky for you, our Victoria Falls Explorer & Cape Town Explorer trips are starting from Kruger this evening!). Oh, it’s been a thrill… we’ve seen wildlife, we’ve made friends for life. The only question is: where next?

+11

14 days tour

Sea, Safari, South Africa (14 Days, Intra Tour Tax Cape Town

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Sea, Safari, South Africa (14 Days, Intra Tour Tax Cape Town

Day 1: Cape Town To Oudtshoorn Via Cango Caves

Day 2: Oudtshoorn To Gqeberha Via Addo Elephant National Park

Day 3: Gqeberha And Private Game Reserves

Day 4: Gqeberha To Knysna Via Jeffreys Bay And Tsitsikamma National Park

Day 5: Knysna And Plettenberg Bay

Day 6: Knysna To Cape Town Via Hermanus

Day 7: Cape Town To Johannesburg Via Stellenbosch

Day 8: Johannesburg To Durban

Day 9: Durban To St Lucia

Day 10: St Lucia

Day 11: St Lucia To Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Via Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve

Day 12: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary To Kruger National Park

Day 13: Kruger National Park

Day 14: Kruger National Park To Johannesburg

Experience Style

Accomodation level

Experience Type

Physical Rating

Age range

Who talk about us:

Best cities to travel to

America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania