17 Day Cape Town to Kruger
Small Group Tour Max 10 Travellers
Fully Escorted by English speaking guide
Premium Accommodation in Prime Locations
7 Day Change of Mind
Return International Flights Included
Day by Day Itinerary
Cape Town, Cape Point, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Tsitsikamma, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park
Highlights
- Enjoy three thrilling game drives through Kruger National Park in search of the “Big 5”
- Travel the famous Garden Route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth
- Visit the vibrant Soweto, the Apartheid Museum, and the Hector Pieterson Memorial & Museum in Johannesburg
- Travel the scenic Panorama Route with visits to God’s Window and Blyde River Canyon – the world’s largest “green” canyon
- Enjoy wine tasting along the Garden Route and an afternoon sunset cruise on Knysna Lagoon
- Visit two MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® projects with proceeds of your tour funding wildlife foundations such as the rehabilitation of formally caged primates and the preservation of genetically pure bird species, both contributing to UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land
Itinerary
Home In-flight
Board your flight today bound for South Africa.
Meals: In-flight
Please note: depending on the airline booked, you may depart Australia & arrive in Cape Town on Day 1 of this itinerary.
Arrive Cape Town, South Africa
Welcome to Cape Town!
Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport (CPT), you will be warmly greeted in the arrivals hall by a local representative who will transfer you to your hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Cape Town, often referred to as South Africa’s Mother City, is consistently ranked among the top destinations worldwide. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure, allowing you to immerse yourself in its vibrant culture, stunning scenery, and renowned cuisine. Spend the night in Cape Town.
Meals: n/a
Accommodation: The President 4* or similar
Please note: if booking the land only option please ensure that you arrive on this day of the itinerary.
Cape Town
Today is at leisure to relax and take in the beautiful city at your own pace. Explore many of the incredible museums, art galleries or visit one of the many cafes, restaurants, and vibrant craft markets.
Alternately, you may wish to join one of the optional tours available today. You can pick up one of them.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The President 4* or similar
Optional tour: Table Mountain, Cape Peninsular & Costantia Winelands
Meet your local guide, who will show you where to snap the best photos of Cape Town’s most iconic sights. First stop is Table Mountain, named one of the ‘New 7 Wonders of Nature’, for a cable car ride to the top of the mountain (excluding cost of cable way ticket & weather permitting). Travel via the scenic Chapman’s Peak drive (if open) to Cape Point Nature Reserve, for a picture of the famous Cape Point lighthouse dating back to 1859. Visit Boulders Beach (entrance fee for own account), home to a colony of African Penguins and then to Muizenberg Beach, one of the most popular Cape Town beaches, dotted with colourful beach huts along the sand and locally known as ‘surfers paradise’. Head to Groot Constantia Wine Estate, for a wine tasting (with souvenir crystal glass included) and wander through the vineyards
Optional tour: Babylonstoren Wine Farm Experience
Join us for an authentic, local experience on a day out in the picturesque Cape Winelands. Visit Fairview, a local cheesery that specializes in the production of handmade, full flavoured cheeses paired with a wine tasting, followed by a visit to Babylonstoren Wine Farm with its botanically diverse fruit and vegetable garden, incredible scenery, and warm hospitality for a second wine tasting.
Cape Town Cape Agulhas Oudtshoorn (Garden Route)
This morning, we start our journey along the picturesque Garden Route. Traverse Sir Lowry’s Pass, offering breathtaking vistas, to reach Grabouw and Elgin, an area of lush landscapes embraced by majestic mountains. Along the way, we’ll pause at a farm stall brimming with locally crafted products.
Our route continues to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans converge. This rugged coastline, largely untouched and unexplored, has claimed many ships over the years. The historic Cape Agulhas Lighthouse stands proudly as an emblematic landmark marking the continent’s edge. Following this exhilarating experience, we proceed through historic Swellendam and the scenic Tradouw Pass to Barrydale and the renowned Route 62.
Our journey takes us to Oudtshoorn, famed as the ‘ostrich feather capital’ and hub of the global ostrich farming industry. Delight in dinner at an ostrich farm, savoring local delicacies such as ostrich steak. Tonight’s accommodation in Oudtshoorn in a beautiful boutique hotel filled with stunning antiques and warm hospitality.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: La Plume Boutique Hotel & Spa 4* or similar
Oudtshoorn (Garden Route)
Following a relaxed breakfast, embark on a tour of the magnificent limestone caverns of the Cango Caves, celebrated as one of the planet’s remarkable natural formations, shaped over millennia by natural forces.
Later, experience an engaging guided tractor tour at an operational ostrich farm, offering interactive insights into these fascinating birds. Conclude the day with a wine tasting session, where you can savor the finest wines from the area. Spend the night in Oudtshoorn.
Meals: Breakfast & Wine Tasting
Accommodation: La Plume Boutique Hotel & Spa 4* or similar
Oudtshoorn Knysna (Garden Route)
Following breakfast, journey across the Outeniqua Pass to George, renowned as the sixth oldest town in South Africa, boasting numerous historical landmarks such as the Slave Tree and the King Edward VII Library building – a prime example of Edwardian architecture in the region. We continue the tour through Wilderness, a beautiful seaside town home to wide beaches and trails.
Our destination today is Knysna, nestled along the shores of a picturesque lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route and famously referred to as the oyster box of South Africa. Indulge in a delightful lunch featuring local specialties, then enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure wandering through charming stores and cafes. A highlight today is an afternoon sunset cruise on the Knysna Lagoon.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: The Rex Hotel 4* or similar
Knysna (Garden Route)
Today presents an opportunity to delve deeper into the natural allure of the Garden Route. Begin your day at Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, where various primate species roam freely in their forest habitat. This acclaimed sanctuary is renowned for its efforts in rehabilitating formerly caged primates, contributing to their conservation and potential reintroduction into the wild—a portion of your tour cost supports this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, directly advancing UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land.
Next, continue to the iconic Eastern Head for breathtaking views of the Knysna Heads (weather permitting).
Later, journey to Brenton on Sea, an awe-inspiring holiday destination cherished by nature enthusiasts for its pristine beaches and tranquil ambience.
Return back tot Knysna and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Rex Hotel 4* or similar
Knysna Plettenberg Bay Tsitsikamma (Garden Route)
Today we head to Plettenberg Bay, often hailed as the crown jewel of the Garden Route, to explore the Birds of Eden sanctuary, recognized as the largest single free-flight aviary globally. This sanctuary was established to provide a safe habitat for the release of a diverse collection of African birds into a free-flight environment. A portion of the tour’s proceeds from this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports the preservation of genetically pure species across various taxa in a semi-wild setting and ensures the conservation of their seeds for future reintroduction into natural habitats, directly contributing to UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land.
Our journey continues to Bloukrans Bridge, home to the highest commercially operated bungy jump in the world. Explore Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River Mouth (weather permitting). The park spans 80 km of rugged coastline adorned with striking sea views, remote mountainous landscapes adorned with valleys cloaked in mountain fynbos, and temperate forests with deep river gorges leading to the ocean. Spend the night in the Tsitsikamma region.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tsitsikamma Village Inn 3* or similar
Tsitsikamma Port Elizabeth Johannesburg
Continue eastward through the picturesque Tsitsikamma Forest to Port Elizabeth, fondly called the “friendly city”. From there, proceed to Chief Dawid Stuurman Airport for your included flight to Johannesburg.
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel where the rest of the day at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Southern Sun Sandton 4* or similar
Johannesburg
Today is a full day dedicated to exploring the incredible history and sites of Johannesburg uncovering the some of the watershed events in the struggle against apartheid occurred.
The tour starts with a drive past the FNB Stadium, also known as Soccer City and the venue for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final. It was the site of Nelson Mandela’s first speech in Johannesburg after his release from prison in 1990. The drive continues through Diepkloof, and then to Kliptown, where the Freedom Charter was officially adopted in 1955. Drive past the Regina Mundi Church that played a pivotal role in the township’s history of resistance against apartheid. Then onto Vilakazi Street, the most famous street in Soweto, where two Nobel Prize winners once lived, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. The afternoon will conclude with visits to the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum that commemorate the role of the country’s students in the struggle against apartheid and the prestigious Apartheid Museum, that covers the full history of the Apartheid era in South Africa.
Return to your hotel for overnight in Johannesburg.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Southern Sun Sandton 4* or similar
Johannesburg
Today is at leisure to explore on your own. Explore the nearby Nelson Mandela Square, renowned for its variety of shops and boutiques catering to diverse tastes and budgets.
Alternately, join one of the optional tours available today.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Southern Sun Sandton 4* or similar
Optional tour: Morning Maropeng, Cradle Of Humankind Tour
Experience the Cradle of Humankind, where human life began. Visit the Maropeng Museum and explore the Sterkfontein Caves, known as the discovery site of Mrs Ples, the first complete Australopithecus skull. Delve into the rich history of our origins in this UNESCO World Heritage site, offering insights into our evolutionary journey through interactive exhibits and ancient fossil discoveries. It’s a fascinating exploration of where we come from and how far we’ve come.
Optional tour: Afternoon Pretoria Tour
Explore the captivating highlights of Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital. Begin at Paul Kruger House, a museum honoring the former president. Stroll through historic Church Square, adorned with the statue of Paul Kruger. Visit the imposing Voortrekker Monument, commemorating Afrikaner history. Marvel at the Union Buildings, an architectural masterpiece and seat of government. Complete your journey at City Hall, a symbol of Pretoria’s rich cultural heritage. Each landmark offers a glimpse into South Africa’s diverse history and cultural tapestry.
Johannesburg Kruger National Park
This morning, we travel eastwards to the Mpumalanga region, home of the famous Kruger National Park.
Upon arriving at your lodge and refreshing up, prepare to be thrilled as we venture into the renowned Kruger National Park for an afternoon of game viewing from the comfort of your enclosed tour vehicle. Known for its exceptional wildlife encounters, the park provides unparalleled opportunities to spot the “Big 5” as well as a diverse array of general game in their natural habitat. You’ll quickly gain an appreciation for the conservation challenges faced in this unique reserve.
Following an exciting afternoon in Kruger Park, return to the lodge where dinner awaits.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Hazyview Sun 3* or similar
Kruger National Park
The day starts with early morning coffee or tea, followed by an exhilarating open vehicle game drive led by a ranger in the Kruger National Park, complete with a pre-packed breakfast. Your guide will endeavor to treat you to sightings of the “Big Five”, along with abundant general game and a wealth of bird life.
Return to the lodge late in the morning with time to relax before we head out again this afternoon for another game drive through the vast expanses of the Kruger National Park. Enjoy an afternoon of game viewing from the comfort of your enclosed safari vehicle, seeking out the Big Five and other rare and endangered species.
Following our safari, we head back to our hotel for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Hazyview Sun 3* or similar
Optional tour: Talk on the Anti-Poaching Dog Unit
After the early morning open vehicle game safari, a presentation of the Kruger Park Anti-Poaching Dog Unit (Project Watchdog), that was established because of the increase in rhino poaching worldwide. Learn about the dogs that are trained to track poachers in the field, detect firearms, ammunition and wildlife products that enter and exit through the Kruger National Park gates. A portion of the trip price of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience goes towards ensuring that these dogs receive the best possible care in support of the vital work they do. The experience directly advances UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land.
Mpumalanga (Panorama Route)
After breakfast, embark on an exploration of the awe-inspiring Panorama Route, renowned for its breathtaking vistas, stunning landscapes, and picturesque waterfalls. Discover iconic landmarks such as God’s Window, the Three Rondavels, and the Blyde River Canyon – the third largest canyon in the world and the largest ‘green canyon’ due to its lush subtropical foliage, with the deepest precipitous cliffs of any canyon on the planet. Explore the geological marvels of Bourke’s Luck Potholes and visit the historic village of Graskop, one of South Africa’s earliest gold mining settlements.
Later today, return to your lodge for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Hazyview Sun 3* or similar
Depart Greater Kruger National Park Johannesburg
Enjoy breakfast before starting the return journey to Johannesburg.
Arrive in Johannesburg at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) and check into your hotel for the night.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Southern Sun Sandton 4* or similar
Johannesburg Home
Your African adventure comes to an end after breakfast at the hotel. At the appropriate time, take the hotel ‘s complimentary shuttle back to the airport in time for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast & In-flight
Please note: Please ensure you check into your flight at least 3 hours prior to your scheduled departure time.
Arrive Home
Welcome home, we hope you have a had a great trip to South Africa with AGV Travels.
Included
- Return International airfares
- Small group touring with a maximum of 10 guests
- 3 & 4-star hotel accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
- Daily breakfasts, 1 lunch and 4 dinners
- Three safari game drives through Kruger National Park in search of the “Big 5”
- Travel the famous Garden Route from cape Town to Port Elizabeth
- Visit the vibrant Soweto, the Apartheid Museum, and the Hector Pieterson Memorial & Museum in Johannesburg
- Travel the scenic Panorama Route with visits to God’s Window and Blyde River Canyon – the world’s largest “green” canyon
- Enjoy wine tasting along the Garden Route and an afternoon sunset cruise on Knysna Lagoon
- Visit two MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® projects with proceeds of your tour directly contributing the UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land
- Domestic flight from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg
- Fully escorted by English-speaking local guides
- Dedicated transportation in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles
Excluded
- Visas
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Tipping
- Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
Fine Print
How to book and Payments
AVG Travels offers you a “3 Instalment Payment Plan”, you will be required to settle a small deposit followed by a series of instalments when you select to book your departure tour.
- First payment: You will be required to settle $300 per person deposit online through our website link.
- Second payment: You will be required to settle the second payment $3,000 per person after 7 days when you receive our company invoice.
- Final payment: Final payment will be collected 120 days before your departure.
However, you will have 7-day cooling off period. Please refer to “Flexible Cancellation” section.
Flexible Cancellation
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7-day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including the reason for cancellation.
Flight Information
This package includes return flights from Melbourne, Sydney & Perth
Flights from Brisbane and Adelaide $400 surcharge.
Airline Selection: We book the best available airlines for your journey, which may include a mix of full-service and low-cost carriers. Specific airline requests can be made at the time of purchase. This includes upgrades to your preferred carrier, premium economy or business class cabins or specific seats. Whilst we will try our best, not all requests can be confirmed.
Flight Conditions: Flights may not be direct and could involve a maximum of two transits.
Ticketing Information: Once issued, tickets are non-refundable. Changes are subject to airline rules, airline change fees, and an Asia Vacations Group change fee of $250 per person.
Passenger Details: Please ensure all traveller names are as per passports. This includes all middle names. Errors may incur a name change fee of $150 plus airline charges, or may require a forfeit of the existing ticket and purchase of a new ticket at an additional cost.
Flight Schedule Changes: Any changes or cancellations to airline schedules are outside our control. We recommend staying updated with airline schedules before departure. Additional expenses for extended transits or alternative arrangements are the traveller’s responsibility.
Internal Airfares: Local flights included in your itinerary may utilise low-cost carriers without meals or entertainment. Checked baggage is included; any additional baggage fees are payable at check-in.
Booking Considerations: If travelling with others on separate bookings, we may not be able to guarantee all flights are the same flight due to availability.
Luggage and Fees: You are responsible for your luggage at all times. Excess baggage fees, if incurred, are payable directly to the airline. All tickets will include 20 kg checked baggage per person, plus 7 kg of hand luggage. We recommend travelling with a max 20kg per person due to restrictions on internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation. Please note, you will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters are not included.
No-Show Policy: Missing your flight may result in fees including a no-show fee, airline reissue fee, and possible new ticket purchase. AVG Travels charges a $250 admin fee for re-booking assistance.
Price Adjustments: Prices are final at the time of ticketing. Any subsequent changes may result in additional costs due to factors beyond our control, such as currency fluctuations or airline surcharges.
Flight requests, amendments or preferences
We understand customers may wish to request changes to their included airfares. If you wish to fly with a certain airline, land at a certain time or change your flight in other ways we will gladly provide you with a personalized quote tailored to your specific requirements.
We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:
- Airline Preferences – You may wish to fly with a particular airline
- Cabin Preferences – These include upgrading to premium economy or business class
- Extensions (start and end cities must remain the same) – You may request to extend your stay pre or post tour.
- Meal Requests – You may request a specific meal for dietary requirements.
- Seat Requests – If you would like to request particular seating. However please note, not all airlines allow the selection of pre-purchased seat arrangements.
Important Information
Physical Requirements
A reasonable level of fitness is required. Participants should be comfortable navigating stairs, boarding and disembarking from the coach, and walking reasonable distances, typically around 2 kilometers per day or more. Please disclose any physical conditions at the time of booking to assess suitability for the tour.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. A gratuity of $10 – $15 per person/day can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry as they have done an impeccable job to serve you through your holiday.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $945 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Paired Solo Traveler
Not available.
Group size: 2-10 pax
Triple Share
Not available
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with NibTravel Insurance to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply with us.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return and must have more than 2 blank pages.
A visa is not required for travel to South Africa for tourism purposes lasting up to 90 days.
IMPORTANT: Visa requirements may change at any tine without notice. You should contact the nearest high commission/embassy or consulate for the latest details.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Children
Children under the age of 8 years will not be permitted to travel on this tour.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
How to Extend Your Stay
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can pay extra for arriving early or extension your trip.
Pre Tour Accommodation in Cape Town including breakfast & private arrival transfer – $435 per room per night
Post Tour Accommodation at the Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport Hotel including shuttle transfer and breakfast – $195 per room per night
Please note the Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport is located 500 metres from the JNB airport terminals, and offers complimentary shuttle transfers. This service is available 24/7 and the shuttle runs every 15 minutes. The pick-up point is situated behind the InterContinental Hotel at the bus / shuttle terminal. From the International / Domestic Arrivals terminals in the Airport, simply follow the “Public Transport” signage which will take you past the Car Hire section and onto the shuttle terminal.
Dates & Prices
Real Travelers Reviews
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Reserved your seat with a small deposit and you can change your mind in 7 days.
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