20 Day South Africa Highlights Small Group Guided Tour

You will be transferred to your accommodation for the day from the airport, tonight you will stay at Brooks Cottage in Pretoria. Take some time to unwind and freshen up before heading on a city tour of Pretoria. Explore the Union Building and the Voortrekker Monument Museum where you will learn about the interesting history of South Africa. This evening, there is an optional dining experience at a terrific restaurant (own expense).

Stay at Brooks Cottage

Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at Brooks Cottage. Located in the leafy, diplomatic suburb of Brooklyn, Pretoria, Brooks Cottage is a luxury guest house combining classic period architecture—complete with Oregon pine floors and pressed ceilings—with five uniquely styled, north-facing suites featuring private entrances and full en-suite bathrooms. Hosts offer guests a tranquil stay centered around a lush garden and swimming pool, paired with effortless proximity to foreign embassies, the University of Pretoria, and the vibrant shopping and dining options at Brooklyn and Hillcrest Malls.

After a delicious breakfast and a briefing from your guide, you set out on your journey through the Free State, onto Clarens. This beautiful town is known for many talented artists and craftsmen and the perfect stop for lunch. After the break we make our way to the Golden Gate National Park with picturesque mountain views.

Stay at Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge

Our accommodation for the next two nights is in the midst of these towering Drakensberg Mountains. Take this time to relax and enjoy the peacefulness natural surroundings. After dinner, feel free to spend your evening at leisure. Nestled in a remote, high-altitude valley in the Northern Drakensberg, Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge is an off-grid, solar-powered retreat featuring cozy, Canadian-style log cabins with private en-suite bathrooms and wood-burning fireplaces that look directly out onto the iconic Amphitheatre and Royal Natal National Park. Guests can immerse themselves in a pure wilderness experience, spending their days exploring scenic hiking and mountain biking trails, fly-fishing at the stocked dam, horseback riding, or birdwatching, before gathering in the central communal lodge—complete with a cozy bar, fireplace dining room, and a surrounding viewing deck—for hearty meals and relaxed evenings.

Wake up fresh today and experience the great outdoors! The Drakensberg Mountains form the perfect backdrop to explore various outdoor activities. There are a number of trails which lead you to ancient San rock art, gaze up at the fascinating Cape Vultures set in the greenest valley setting. From the highest point marvel magnificent views over the Drakensberg Mountains peering below at Sterkfontein Dam and the Maloti Mountains of Lesotho in the distance. If hiking is not your forte, there is also an opportunity to experience the incredible views on horseback both for beginners and experienced horse riders (optional activity).

Stay at Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast, savoring the moment before embarking on your next adventure. After packing your bags, enjoy a scenic drive through the picturesque KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, traversing the rolling green hills in a thrilling 4×4 vehicle. Continue your journey towards the coast, passing through the vibrant and multicultural city of Durban. Finally, arrive at the charming coastal town of St. Lucia. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon stroll through the town, browsing local shops and soaking up the coastal atmosphere. Alternatively, relax on the beach or simply unwind after your journey. In the evening, savor a delicious dinner at a local restaurant (own expense) and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Stay at Forest Lodge

Spend a comfortable night at Forest Lodge, preparing for the exciting experiences that await you. Situated in the heart of a lush subtropical coastal forest in St Lucia, a gateway to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park UNESCO World Heritage Site, Forest Lodge offers upscale, four-star accommodation with private patios connected by raised wooden boardwalks winding through tropical gardens. Guests can relax around the sundeck and swimming pool or embark on wild coastal adventures—from open-vehicle safaris in the nearby Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and estuary boat cruises to spot hippos and crocodiles, to deep-sea fishing and seasonal turtle tracking along the Elephant Coast.

We spend today on game drives in iSimangaliso Wetland Park, formerly named Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park. There is a variety of game sightings including rhinos, waterbucks, nyalas, buffaloes, large kudu herds and if we are lucky, we may see a leopard on a hunt. There are various viewpoints where you are able to spot the beautiful Indian Ocean and if in season, the Southern Right Whales frolicking in the distance. End your exciting day of game viewing with an energizing dip in the Indian Ocean. This afternoon we enjoy more game viewing on a boat trip on the St. Lucia Estuary. Be sure to look out for hippos, crocodiles and freshwater bird species. Once again, dinner is at a local restaurant at your own expense.

Stay at Forest Lodge

Today we hit the road again to explore Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park on a full day game drive. One of the most spectacular parks in Southern Africa, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is renowned for its black and white rhino conservation efforts. Apart from rhinos, it offers sightings of other magnificent wildlife including Africa’s ‘Big 5’. There is an optional lunch at Hilltop Camp (own expense) before enjoying our last game drive as we exit the park. We head north towards one of South Africa’s oldest game reserves – Pongola Game Reserve. On arrival sip on a refreshing drink while enjoying the stunning African sunset with Lake Jozani and the towering Lebombo Mountains as the backdrop. After a delicious dinner, we end the day relaxing around the warmth of the campfire.

Stay at White Elephant Safaris Camp 

Set along the foot of the Lebombo Mountains in the malaria-free Pongola Game Reserve (Northern Zululand), White Elephant Safari Lodge & Camp offers a quintessential African wilderness escape overlooking Lake Jozini. Guests can stay in elegant, colonial-style canvas safari tents or self-catering bush cabins—featuring private verandas, outdoor showers, and expansive bush views—while experiencing a rare combination of eco-adventures. Activities range from open-vehicle game drives and guided rhino tracking on foot to Kariba-style boat safaris along Lake Jozini to spot herds of elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife.

Your day begins early this morning. Choose between an invigorating bush walk through the African savanna, where you might spot elephants, rhinos, and hippos, or a serene boat cruise on the shimmering waters of Lake Jozini, enjoying breathtaking views and the chance to see crocodiles and a variety of birdlife. Experience the African bush in the best possible way, connecting with nature taking in all the sounds, sights and scents. After enjoying a delicious breakfast back at the camp, we continue our journey to the Kingdom of Swaziland. We visit the Mantenga Cultural Village to learn more about the strong Swazi culture, traditions and customs.

Stay at Foresters Arms Country Hotel

Later in the day, we arrive at the Foresters Arms Country Hotel, our accommodation for the next two nights. Situated in the cool, pine-forested highlands of Mhlambanyatsi near Mbabane, Foresters Arms Country Hotel is a historic, colonial-style retreat offering 34 individually decorated en-suite rooms with garden views, heated towel rails, and cozy fireplaces. Guests can immerse themselves in traditional country living—spending their days horseback riding, mountain biking, playing golf, or trout fishing in nearby stocked dams before unwinding by the heated outdoor pool or sauna—and end their evening indulging in the hotel’s renowned culinary offerings, which range from multi-course candlelit dinners and local craft wines to their legendary Sunday lunch buffets.

Today you are free to do and explore as you please. Your guide would have briefed you on the various activities available and the tour group will decide on the agenda for the day. There is something for everyone amidst the serene landscapes, welcoming people and strong cultural heritage. Weather dependent you can explore the area by mountain bike, a leisurely stroll or horseback (optional). Immerse yourself in the culture when visiting local markets and meeting the local people. Gain insight into how the famous Swazi Candles are made when visiting a candle factory and observe the stunning art of glassblowing.

Stay at Foresters Arms Country Hotel

After spending your day exploring the beautiful village and its surroundings, we retire for another night to the Foresters Arms Country Hotel.

Leaving the spectacular landscapes of Swaziland, we make our way to the Kruger National Park. Renowned for its abundant wildlife and massive size, it is home to 150 mammal species, over 500 bird species and close to 100 different reptiles. In this wildlife sanctuary you will have the chance to see the Big Five along with giraffe, antelopes and hippos. Embark on an exciting afternoon game drive in search of herds of elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, lions, leopards and many more.

Stay at Skukuza Rest Camp

Skukuza Rest Camp in Kruger National Park is the vibrant “capital” of the reserve, situated along the iconic Sabie River and serving as an ideal base for immersed Big Five game viewing. Guests can choose from classic thatched bungalows to river-view chalets, cool off in two resident swimming pools, play a round at the unfenced 9-hole Skukuza Golf Course, or indulge in treatments at the on-site bush spa. Beyond watching wildlife—like hippos, monkeys, and colorful birdlife—right from the camp’s river deck and pathways, visitors can embark on guided morning bush walks and open-vehicle night game drives, dine at riverfront restaurants, and explore local history at the camp’s museum and outdoor amphitheater.

We spend the day game viewing in search of the magnificent wildlife Kruger has to offer. Embark on an extensive open vehicle game drive this morning while taking our time to enjoy the experience to the fullest. If you desire to observe the wildlife at night, you have the option of a night drive guided by a park ranger (optional).

Stay at Skukuza Rest Camp

This morning you can either sleep in or join an optional guided walking safari in the Kruger. After breakfast, we enjoy our last game drive in the Kruger as we make our way out of the park and onto Hayzyview. On arrival at our accommodation, the rest of the day is for your leisure. Roam around in the beautiful evergreen gardens or kick your shoes off and unwind at the swimming pool. Tonight, we enjoy a scrumptious dinner and a peaceful night’s rest.

Stay at Gecko Lodge

Gecko Lodge in Hazyview is a charming, family-owned retreat set on a sprawling 35-hectare farm of lush sub-tropical gardens, macadamia trees, and natural bush, serving as the perfect gateway to Kruger National Park and the Panorama Route. Guests can embark on guided open-vehicle Big Five safaris through nearby Phabeni Gate, take peaceful strolls through the orchards down to the Sabie River to spot hippos and birdlife, or unwind by the outdoor rock pool nestled in the greenery. Beyond relaxing on the property, visitors can easily arrange high-energy adventures nearby like river tubing on the Sabie River and forest zip-lining, before ending the evening under the stars with home-cooked South African cuisine, fine wine, and fireside nightcaps in the lodge’s traditional open-air boma.

Today we explore the incredible highlights of the Panorama Route including God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and Blyde River Canyon. God’s Window offers spectacular views across the Lowveld with Kruger National Park in the background. The Three Rondavels are mountain tops which resemble the traditional African homesteads.

Stay at Gecko Lodge

Our day enjoying the stunning views ends with another night at the Gecko Lodge.

After breakfast this morning, we head to Johannesburg to board a plane to George situated in the heart of the Garden Route. Once in George, we head to the Mes Amis Guest House in peaceful seaside town of Wilderness where you have the rest of the day to relax. Take advantage of the private access to the beach from the guest house and take a stroll along the peaceful sandy beach. This evening there is an (optional) dinner with your guide and fellow travellers at a local restaurant overlooking the calm Indian Ocean.

Stay at Mes Amis Beach Guesthouse

Mes Amis Beach Guesthouse in Wilderness is an absolute beachfront bed-and-breakfast perched on the dunes, offering direct, private staircase access to a long stretch of pristine Indian Ocean beach. Guests wake up to the sound of breaking waves in ocean-facing rooms equipped with private decks, enjoy a freshly prepared English and continental breakfast with panoramic sea views, and relax by a wind-sheltered outdoor plunge pool surrounded by sunny lounging spots. Beyond stepping onto the sand to watch sunrise over the horizon or spot dolphins in the surf, visitors can easily explore the surrounding Garden Route, from paragliding off coastal cliffs and canoeing along the Touw River to hiking through Wilderness National Park and taking scenic day trips to nearby Knysna, Sedgefield, and George.

Take a stroll along the beach or make yourself comfortable at the guest house. You could take the opportunity to hike the Half Collared Kingfisher hiking Trail with your guide which leads you through the forest to a spectacular waterfall, where you could take a refreshing swim in the cool water. Back at the guest house you can enjoy the magnificent sea views from your private veranda and if luck is on your side, you may be able to spot dolphins riding the waves. End your relaxing day in the peaceful Wilderness with an (optional) dinner.

Stay at Mes Amis Guest House

After a delicious breakfast, we head to Knysna – another coastal town situated next to a beautiful lagoon. Here you will have time to explore with your guide visiting the famous Knysna Heads which sit as guards separating the Indian Ocean from the lagoon. Later we head to the Tsitsikamma National Park via the lush landscape of Natures Valley. You may opt to hike along the Otter Trail, South Africa’s most famous hiking trial, or make your way across the Storms River Mouth on the popular suspension bridge. Either way you are guaranteed to be surrounded by absolutely incredible views. The natural contrast of the lush green vegetation to the roaring blue coastline will be imprinted in your memory. We arrive at our accommodation in the late afternoon with an (optional) dinner at a local restaurant that evening.

Stay at Tsitsikamma Village Inn

Tsitsikamma Village Inn in Storms River is a historic, village-style resort where charming, individually decorated rooms are situated around a central village green in the heart of the Tsitsikamma forest. Guests can sample locally brewed craft beer at the microbrewery, savor hearty meals at the on-site diner and restaurant, and unwind in the lush gardens or by the swimming pool. Beyond relaxing in the quaint village setting, visitors have direct access to a hub of outdoor adventures, including guided forest Segway tours, treetop canopy zip-lining, blackwater river tubing, and scenic hikes through Tsitsikamma National Park to the 1,000-year-old Big Tree and the iconic Storms River Suspension Bridge.

We bid farewell to the coastal haven after breakfast and head to Oudtshoorn situated in the Little Karoo, as we travel along the famous Route 62. This afternoon we visit the renowned Cango Caves. The San people inhabited parts of the vast cave network over 10 000 years ago. We explore the entirety of the caves as we marvel at the various formations. Once we find the light of day again, we head off to the lodge for dinner where we will stay the night.

Stay at Thabile Lodge

Thabile Lodge in Oudtshoorn is a peaceful country retreat nestled in the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains, offering panoramic views of the Klein Karoo countryside and the iconic mountain range. Guests can stay in spacious, Cape Dutch-style suites, relax beside the outdoor swimming pool surrounded by tranquil gardens, and savor traditional South African cuisine and fine local wines served on the veranda at sunset. Beyond unwinding in the quiet farm atmosphere, visitors are ideally positioned to explore the region’s main attractions, including guided tours of the world-famous Cango Caves, hands-on visits to local ostrich farms, scenic drives through the Swartberg Pass, and early morning meerkat safaris.

Oudtshoorn is the Ostrich capital of the world and is renowned for Ostrich farming. On a farm visit we are given insight into the large birds and the trade of ostrich products. This afternoon we leave Oudtshoorn and make our way to the Cape Whale Coast of Hermanus. This coastal town is renowned for spectacular whale watching between June and November. However, even outside of whale season, this charming town is worth visiting.

Stay at Auberge Burgundy Guest House

Auberge Burgundy Guest House in Hermanus is a charming, French-provençal styled sanctuary set in a quiet courtyard right in the historic heart of town, just a short stroll from the Old Harbour and cliff paths. Guests can relax in elegant, individually decorated rooms, unwind by the secluded courtyard swimming pool enveloped by fragrant gardens and bougainvillea, and enjoy delicious breakfasts at the adjacent bistro. Beyond relaxing in the quiet, European-inspired retreat, visitors are perfectly positioned to walk along the cliff tops for world-class land-based whale watching, explore local art galleries and craft markets, and take short scenic drives to nearby coastal beaches and the Hemel-en-Aarde wine valley

A stroll along the Cliff Path during whale season offers genuinely spectacular views and the perfect viewpoint for whale watching. During whale season and depending on the swell, you can opt to view the whales on a boat trip giving you the opportunity to get up close to these gentle giants. We leave Hermanus and travel along the stunning coast stopping to visit an African penguin colony before continuing our journey to Stellenbosch, a region renowned for its wine. Upon arrival in Stellenbosch, we explore the town before heading to a wine farm in a pristine location for a tantalizing wine tasting experience. Dinner tonight will be at a restaurant (optional).

Stay at Cultivar Guest Lodge

Cultivar Guest Lodge in Stellenbosch is an elegant, boutique country retreat set amidst lush gardens and vineyards with sweeping views of the surrounding Cape Winelands mountains. Guests can unwind in stylishly decorated rooms, relax by the expansive outdoor swimming pool on sun loungers, and recharge with wellness facilities including a sauna and spa treatments. Beyond enjoying peaceful vineyard sunsets and freshly prepared breakfasts on the terrace, visitors are ideally located to explore the historic town center of Stellenbosch, embark on wine-tasting tours at world-renowned estates, indulge in fine dining, and hike or mountain bike through the nearby Jonkershoek Nature Reserve.

This morning, we visit a classic Cape farm which is charmingly situated at the foot of the Helderberg Mountain. Take a stroll to the viewpoint that offers spectacular views over False Bay all the way to Table Mountain, if the day is clear, you may be able to spot Cape Point. Prepare yourself for a surprise at lunch time! In the afternoon we travel along the serene coastline arriving in the peaceful coastal town of Noordhoek, known for one of the longest beaches in the Cape. Feel the cool sand in-between your toes as you stroll along the beautiful beach.

Today we enjoy a bit of history on our visit to the Cape of Good Hope. The towering rocks and cliffs were the sailors first and only sight of land during their extensive journey from Europe. We explore this area, taking in the infinite views from the viewing platform at the bottom of an old lighthouse. This afternoon your guide transfers you to Cape Town City Centre where we bid farewell clutching onto the remarkable memories made in South Africa, until next time!