- Overview
- Trip Itinerary
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
- FAQ
SOUTH AFRICA GRAND TOUR
Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights
Destination: South Africa
Overview:
Discover the very best of South Africa on this comprehensive journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town. Experience thrilling Big Five safaris, dramatic mountain scenery, cultural encounters, coastal beauty and world-renowned wine regions as you travel through some of Southern Africa's most spectacular landscapes.
Your package includes:
- 12 nights accommodation in 4 and 5-star hotels
- 1 night accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Eswatini
- 13 breakfasts
- 7 dinners
- 1 lunch
- Luxury air-conditioned transportation
- Escorted by an English-speaking tour guide
Wildlife & Safari Highlights:
- Full-day Kruger National Park safari in an open safari vehicle
- Game drive in Hluhluwe Game Reserve
- Search for the Big Five in South Africa's leading wildlife regions
- Wildlife experiences with expert local guides
- Visit Monkeyland Wildlife Sanctuary
- Visit Birds of Eden Wildlife Sanctuary
Panorama Route Highlights:
- Blyde River Canyon
- Bourke's Luck Potholes
- God's Window
- Some of South Africa's most spectacular scenery
Cultural Experiences:
- Visit an authentic Zulu homestead
- Swaziland Cultural Village experience
- Included traditional lunch during the cultural visit
- Learn about local customs, traditions and history
KwaZulu-Natal Highlights:
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park boat safari
- See hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat
- Explore the wildlife-rich Hluhluwe region
- Durban city tour included
Garden Route Highlights:
- Travel along South Africa's famous Garden Route
- Visit Tsitsikamma National Park
- Explore Storms River Mouth
- Visit the spectacular Cango Caves
- Encounter ostriches in Oudtshoorn
- Explore Plettenberg Bay
Cape Town & Cape Peninsula:
- Cape Town city tour
- Table Mountain visit (weather permitting)
- South African Museum
- Bo-Kaap colourful heritage district
- Castle of Good Hope
- Cape Peninsula Tour
- Cape of Good Hope
- Boulders Beach African Penguin Colony
Cape Winelands Experience:
- Full Cape Winelands tour
- Wine tastings at two wineries
- Discover South Africa's famous wine-producing region
Why You'll Love This Journey:
- Combines wildlife, culture, scenery and history
- Two outstanding Big Five safari experiences
- Travel the famous Garden Route
- Visit Cape Town and Table Mountain
- Explore South Africa's best-known natural attractions
- Wine tasting and cultural experiences included
- Comprehensive escorted itinerary showcasing the country's highlights
Travel Information:
- Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights
- Accommodation: Primarily 4 & 5-Star Hotels
- Meals: 13 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners & 1 Lunch
- Tour Style: Escorted Lodge Safari
Important Information:
- Domestic flight from Durban to Port Elizabeth is not included
- International flights and visas are not included
- Tipping is at your discretion
*Tour inclusions, accommodation and wildlife sightings are subject to seasonal and operational conditions. Domestic airfare between Durban and Port Elizabeth must be purchased separately.
Day 1 - Johannesburg - Hoedspruit
Depart Johannesburg and travel along the scenic Panorama Route. Visit spectacular viewpoints including Bourke's Luck Potholes, the Blyde River Canyon, Three Rondavels, and, weather permitting, God's Window before arriving in Hoedspruit.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Hoedspruit
Day 2 - Kruger National Park Safari
Spend a full day exploring the world-famous Kruger National Park in an open safari vehicle. Search for the Big Five and enjoy one of Africa's premier wildlife experiences.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Hoedspruit
Day 3 - Hoedspruit - Eswatini
Travel to the Kingdom of Eswatini (Swaziland). Experience traditional Swazi culture at Matsamo Cultural Village, visit Ngwenya Glass Works, and browse local craft markets before arriving in the scenic Ezulwini Valley.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Eswatini
Day 4 - Eswatini - Mkhuze (Zululand)
Visit the renowned Swazi Candle Factory before crossing into South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal region. Enjoy spectacular views over Lake Jozini, visit a traditional Zulu homestead, and experience local culture.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Mkhuze
Day 5 - Hluhluwe Game Reserve
Enjoy a safari in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Africa's oldest game reserve and a key conservation success story for the white rhino. Look for the Big Five, antelope species, and abundant birdlife.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Mkhuze
Day 6 - St Lucia - Umhlanga
Travel along the Elephant Coast to St Lucia within the UNESCO-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Enjoy a boat cruise to spot hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife before continuing to the coastal resort town of Umhlanga.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Umhlanga
Day 7 - Durban - Port Elizabeth
Tour the highlights of Durban, including the Golden Mile, Victoria Embankment, and key historic landmarks. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Port Elizabeth (flight not included).
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Port Elizabeth
Day 8 - Port Elizabeth - Tsitsikamma - Plettenberg Bay
Travel along the famous Garden Route to Tsitsikamma National Park. Walk across the dramatic Storms River Suspension Bridge before continuing to beautiful Plettenberg Bay.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Plettenberg Bay
Day 9 - Birds of Eden - Monkeyland - Knysna
Visit Birds of Eden, the world's largest free-flight bird aviary, and Monkeyland, the world's first free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary. Later, explore the picturesque Knysna Waterfront.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Plettenberg Bay
Day 10 - Plettenberg Bay - Oudtshoorn
Journey into the Klein Karoo region and visit a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn, known as the "Feather Capital of the World."
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Oudtshoorn
Day 11 - Oudtshoorn - Cape Town
Explore the spectacular Cango Caves before travelling along scenic Route 62 to Cape Town, one of the world's most beautiful cities.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Cape Town
Day 12 - Cape Peninsula Tour
Discover the highlights of the Cape Peninsula, travelling via Camps Bay, Hout Bay, and the scenic Chapman's Peak Drive. Visit Cape Point, the Cape of Good Hope, Simon's Town, and the famous penguin colony at Boulders Beach.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Cape Town
Day 13 - Cape Winelands
Enjoy a full-day exploration of the renowned Cape Winelands, visiting Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl, with included wine tastings in South Africa's premier wine region.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Cape Town
Day 14 - Cape Town City Tour
Conclude your South African adventure with a city tour of Cape Town. Weather permitting, enjoy views from Table Mountain (cable car additional cost), and visit the Company Gardens, Castle of Good Hope, Greenmarket Square, and colourful Bo-Kaap district.
Meals: Breakfast
Your package includes:
- 12 nights accommodation in 4 and 5-star hotels
- 1 night accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Eswatini
- 13 breakfasts
- 7 dinners
- 1 lunch
- Luxury air-conditioned transportation
- Escorted by an English-speaking tour guide
Wildlife & Safari Highlights:
- Full-day Kruger National Park safari in an open safari vehicle
- Game drive in Hluhluwe Game Reserve
- Search for the Big Five in South Africa's leading wildlife regions
- Wildlife experiences with expert local guides
- Visit Monkeyland Wildlife Sanctuary
- Visit Birds of Eden Wildlife Sanctuary
Panorama Route Highlights:
- Blyde River Canyon
- Bourke's Luck Potholes
- God's Window
- Some of South Africa's most spectacular scenery
Cultural Experiences:
- Visit an authentic Zulu homestead
- Swaziland Cultural Village experience
- Included traditional lunch during the cultural visit
- Learn about local customs, traditions and history
KwaZulu-Natal Highlights:
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park boat safari
- See hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat
- Explore the wildlife-rich Hluhluwe region
- Durban city tour included
Garden Route Highlights:
- Travel along South Africa's famous Garden Route
- Visit Tsitsikamma National Park
- Explore Storms River Mouth
- Visit the spectacular Cango Caves
- Encounter ostriches in Oudtshoorn
- Explore Plettenberg Bay
Cape Town & Cape Peninsula:
- Cape Town city tour
- Table Mountain visit (weather permitting)
- South African Museum
- Bo-Kaap colourful heritage district
- Castle of Good Hope
- Cape Peninsula Tour
- Cape of Good Hope
- Boulders Beach African Penguin Colony
Cape Winelands Experience:
- Full Cape Winelands tour
- Wine tastings at two wineries
- Discover South Africa's famous wine-producing region
Why You'll Love This Journey:
- Combines wildlife, culture, scenery and history
- Two outstanding Big Five safari experiences
- Travel the famous Garden Route
- Visit Cape Town and Table Mountain
- Explore South Africa's best-known natural attractions
- Wine tasting and cultural experiences included
- Comprehensive escorted itinerary showcasing the country's highlights
Travel Information:
- Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights
- Accommodation: Primarily 4 & 5-Star Hotels
- Meals: 13 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners & 1 Lunch
- Tour Style: Escorted Lodge Safari
Important Information:
- Domestic flight from Durban to Port Elizabeth is not included
- International flights and visas are not included
- Tipping is at your discretion
- Travel Insurance – your North Travel consultant can provide you with a quote. Get a quote now.
- Tourism visa or transit visa if required
- Upgrades to Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class available and to be quote at the time of booking.
- Itinerary deviations (e.g. extensions or specific airline requests). This will be quoted by a North Travel consultant at the time of booking.
- Professional service fee's (if any)
Advertised prices are not guaranteed until confirmed at booking. Prices are dynamic and may be affected by foreign exchange, airline, cruise, tour and supplier changes beyond North Travel’s control.
By making a booking or enquiry with North Travel, you agree to our General Terms and Conditions. Please visit https://northtravel.co.nz/terms-and-conditions/
While it's not strictly mandatory for all bookings, North Travel highly recommends and, in many cases, requires you to have adequate travel insurance for international travel, and strongly advises it for domestic trips. It's a non-negotiable for your peace of mind and protection.
On some itineraries and tours you may be required to have comprehensive travel insurance by the travel supplier. One of our consultants can guide you on this.
North Travel's head office is located at 196 Bank Street, Whangarei, New Zealand.
We are a 100% New Zealand Owned and Operated Travel Agency.
Yes absolutely please give us a call on 0800 803 007.
If calling from outside of New Zealand please call +64 9 699 3074
Yes, we like to think we are.
In 2025 North Travel was a top 5 finalist at the NTIA Awards (National Travel Industry Awards).
North Travel is a fully bonded member of TAANZ (Travel Agents Association of New Zealand), an IATA Accredited Agency as well as a CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) member.
North Travel operates strict financial management through client trust accounts and carries comprehensive indemnity and liability insurance at all times.
All members of the North Travel team carry out CPD (Continuing professional development) weekly through various industry training webinars, supplier updates and insurance compliance.
