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Sea, Safari, South Africa | 2027
Tour Description:
The Garden Route and its varied beauty. Hippo-spotting on one of Africa’s largest lakes. Camping under the stars at Kruger National Park as hyenas call in the distance. There’s South Africa… and then there’s SOUTH AFRICA. On this jaw-droppingly awesome adventure, you’ll meet the locals, discover the history and sample the Cape’s finest wines in 14 days – with beach life, city life and safari life all high on the agenda.
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Dates & Pricing
| Monday 04 Jan 27 — Sunday 17 Jan 27 | Starting at $2,925 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 18 Jan 27 — Sunday 31 Jan 27 | Starting at $2,925 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 01 Feb 27 — Sunday 14 Feb 27 | Starting at $2,925 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 15 Feb 27 — Sunday 28 Feb 27 | Starting at $2,925 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 01 Mar 27 — Sunday 14 Mar 27 | Starting at $2,925 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 15 Mar 27 — Sunday 28 Mar 27 | Starting at $2,925 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 29 Mar 27 — Sunday 11 Apr 27 | Starting at $2,925 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 12 Apr 27 — Sunday 25 Apr 27 | Starting at $2,925 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 26 Apr 27 — Sunday 09 May 27 | Starting at $2,925 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 10 May 27 — Sunday 23 May 27 | Starting at $2,925 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 24 May 27 — Sunday 06 Jun 27 | Starting at $2,925 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 07 Jun 27 — Sunday 20 Jun 27 | Starting at $2,925 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 21 Jun 27 — Sunday 04 Jul 27 | Starting at $2,925 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 05 Jul 27 — Sunday 18 Jul 27 | Starting at $2,925 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 19 Jul 27 — Sunday 01 Aug 27 | Starting at $2,925 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 02 Aug 27 — Sunday 15 Aug 27 | Starting at $2,925 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 16 Aug 27 — Sunday 29 Aug 27 | Starting at $2,925 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 30 Aug 27 — Sunday 12 Sep 27 | Starting at $2,925 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 13 Sep 27 — Sunday 26 Sep 27 | Starting at $2,925 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 27 Sep 27 — Sunday 10 Oct 27 | Starting at $2,925 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 11 Oct 27 — Sunday 24 Oct 27 | Starting at $2,925 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 25 Oct 27 — Sunday 07 Nov 27 | Starting at $2,925 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 08 Nov 27 — Sunday 21 Nov 27 | Starting at $2,925 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 22 Nov 27 — Sunday 05 Dec 27 | Starting at $2,925 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 06 Dec 27 — Sunday 19 Dec 27 | Starting at $2,925 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 20 Dec 27 — Sunday 02 Jan 28 | Starting at $2,925 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingDining Summary
13 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
Marrakesh: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
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.
Included Experience
Cango Caves: Tour Africa's largest limestone caves system. At over 20 million years old, it makes our nan look like a spring chicken.
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.
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.
Hermanus: Sensational scenery plus your favourite seabird, is this the detour of your dreams or is this the detour of your dreams?
Stellenbosch: Get to know the photogenic wine town of Stellenbosch. Rich in vineyards, but even richer in history.
Cape Town: Bo-Kaap. The City Centre. V&A Waterfront. This tour takes in all the historical sites & attractions of the Mother City.
Cape Town: Stroll around the scenic harbour and enjoy some Insta-worthy views, at South Africa's most-visited attraction.
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.
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: Wanna know how K9 Dogs protect wildlife? Come meet one of our Rangers who'll tell you all about the K9 Watchdog Project, their fight against poachers, and how your donations from the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps them save Africa's wildlife from extinction.
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.
13 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
Marrakesh: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
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.
Included Experience
Cango Caves: Tour Africa's largest limestone caves system. At over 20 million years old, it makes our nan look like a spring chicken.
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.
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.
Hermanus: Sensational scenery plus your favourite seabird, is this the detour of your dreams or is this the detour of your dreams?
Stellenbosch: Get to know the photogenic wine town of Stellenbosch. Rich in vineyards, but even richer in history.
Cape Town: Bo-Kaap. The City Centre. V&A Waterfront. This tour takes in all the historical sites & attractions of the Mother City.
Cape Town: Stroll around the scenic harbour and enjoy some Insta-worthy views, at South Africa's most-visited attraction.
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.
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: Wanna know how K9 Dogs protect wildlife? Come meet one of our Rangers who'll tell you all about the K9 Watchdog Project, their fight against poachers, and how your donations from the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps them save Africa's wildlife from extinction.
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.
ITINERARY
ITINERARYCape 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! We'll check into Oudtshoorn with our first adventure on offer. How good does a scenic bike ride (or drive down) the UNESCO Swartberg Mountain Pass, plus a Karoo braai dinner on a local farm sound? (So good!). And this evening, you can opt to do just that.
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.)
Gqeberha and Private Game Reserves
Today we’ll have a leisurely morning before heading off for two game drives on the Eastern Cape. That's three game drives in 36 hours, giving you the best chance of spotting the Big 5. Lucky you, right?The Eastern Cape’s game reserves are some of South Africa’s best spots for seeing the Big 5. Valleys, plains, rivers and much more await, so keep those eyes peeled.Tonight we’ll head back to the city where a free evening awaits. Karaoke round two? We won’t stop ya.
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. And of course, there's an optional surfing lesson for the wave-dodgers among us. 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. Wanna up the adrenaline? You can choose to go 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!)
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! You can choose to join our 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 an optional 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, you'll have the option to cruise the Knysna lagoon & see the sunset onboard. And finally, we'll tuck into a group dinner by the water before finishing off with a night on the town (again, optional but unmissable!).
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 a little 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. On our way back to Cape Town, we’ll stop off at Stony Point Nature Reserve - a protected home of African Penguins (yup, they got penguins here too!).The Reserve conserves one of the only two breeding colonies of African penguins on the mainland of Africa with boardwalks to view them go about their daily activities in their natural habitat. And here we are, back in the city where it all began. After checking in, you’ll have a free evening to enjoy the V&A Waterfront, followed by a walkabout dinner.
Cape Town and 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, why not choose 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) you have the option to discover Stellenbosch’s awesome wine farms, sampling the very finest of the Cape’s fine wines. With spectacular views, local food markets and wine pairings, this really is one tasty excursion indeed.Tonight in Cape Town, you can opt for a MasterChef-style cooking class – complete with music, drinks, and the chance to sample the food you’ve cooked up too.
Cape Town to Durban
It’s our final day in the Mother City, and we got some exploring to do! We’ll take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain, we’ll take a guided city tour, and we’ll have plenty of time to explore the world-famous V&A Waterfront too – an ideal spot for shopping and dining. Sightseeing all done, we’ll head to the airport en-route to Durban, where our second week in South Africa will begin… After touching down on the East Coast, we’ll head straight to the hotel to Check in and freshen up. We’ll have dinner in the city, followed by a night on the town (if you like!).
Durban to St Lucia
After a delicious breakfast this morning, we're off to the Elephant Coast of Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal en-route to our next destination: the sensational 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). Once we arrive, we’ll stop for lunch and then you can opt to see the town’s main residents for yourself on a Hippo boat cruise. After some free time to freshen up, you’ll have the chance to visit a local Zulu village on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, meeting local people and learning all about their culture, customs and traditions.
St Lucia
This morning you have the option to take a walking safari in iSimangaliso Wetland Park (eyes peeled for elephants, buffalo, rhinos & antelopes). If you're craving Vitamin Sea, you can choose to join us for a marine safari (for whales, sharks, dolphins & more). In the afternoon, you’ve got some free time to chill or kick back by the pool at the lodge. And then to round things off this evening, you have the option to take a sunset game drive (with a traditional South African buffet dinner too). Yup, this day's as action-packed as it is awesome.
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. The option to take a half-day game drive at the reserve instrumental for bringing the White Rhino back from the brink of extinction. And even a picnic lunch if you like! 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).
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 the optional 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.
Kruger National Park
Today we're up bright and early for our first taste of the fresh morning air. We'll start with an optional 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 another optional sunset game drive to see the Big Five and more. Tonight back at camp, you've got the chance to join us for a traditional South African braai or BBQ, complete with local sides and desserts.
Kruger National Park to Johannesburg
Our final day. But is there time for one (or two) last morning game drives? 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 later this evening!). Oh, it’s been a thrill… we’ve seen wildlife, we’ve made friends for life. The only question is: where next?
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
