The 6 Best South Africa Tours For Unforgettable Adventures That Are Achievable & Affordable!

South Africa! A land of breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, stunning shiny golden beaches, and a captivating past that provides thrilling experiences to visitors from all over the world. South Africa will take your breath away, from the extensive Savannahs of the Kruger National Park to the Cape of Good Hope.

When adventure presents you with such a unique location, you may question where to even begin your journey, but don’t worry because we will give you the 6 best tours to explore South Africa With Ease.

South Africa is located at the southernmost point of the African continent and is bordered by six countries, including Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, and Mozambique. It is a treasure in all aspects of adventure, including safari, watersports, mountain trekking, and so on. There is no shortage of things to do in this once-apartheid nation.

Imagine taking a game drive at sunrise, when the sun projects a golden glow over the savannah and the air is filled with the sounds of birds chirping. Keep an eye out for the majestic ‘King of the Jungle’ as you make your journey through the reserve.

It could be basking in the early sun, or it could be a group of elephants drinking at a waterhole. The thrill of seeing these magnificent animals up close and personal in their natural habitat is an experience unlike any other, and one you will never forget.

But a South African journey is more than just a thrilling Safari. This magical African nation is a cultural melting pot of Zulus, KwaZulu-Natalers, Xhosas, and others. It is a melting pot of cultures and customs that will pique the interest of even the most seasoned traveler.

What about the bright beads? We can tell you with certainty that those colors reflect pure cultural and racial diversity. You’ll comprehend what we mean when you find yourself touring Johannesburg’s vibrant townships, meeting friendly locals, and sampling traditional foods with them. The sense of belonging and connectedness is unparalleled.

The possibilities for adventure are limitless, and you can maximize your enjoyment by traveling in a group where you can share your priceless experiences with other travelers. Hiking the Table Mountain of Cape Town will feel so much better with a group with you, as you ascend to the top of the majestic mountain, have a barbecue or simply lunch at the restaurant while enjoying a breathtaking panoramic view of the city beneath you.

If you can gain this much experience while still saving money, you’ve struck the jackpot. Traveling in a company can help you save money because South Africa can be quite pricey if you travel alone. Think about the ideal accommodation in the city center, transportation, meals and activities you need to plan for. They are time-consuming and have the potential of breaking the bank.

Did you realize that you can’t end a South African chapter without mentioning Nelson Mandela?

He fought the apartheid system for over 50 years, facing 27 years in prison, but had a clear and joyous triumph after witnessing the end of segregation, basic human rights violations of his motherland’s black communities, and becoming the first black president democratically elected by his people, who were once denied the right to vote and be voted for. Having said that, here are the 6 best tours to discover South Africa With Ease.

Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park

National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures

National Geographic Journeys, a travel program provided by industry titans in small-group adventure travel, is offered by G Adventures in partnership with National Geographic. These trips, or journeys, are designed to provide travelers with comprehensive and authentic experiences focused on local culture, history, and natural marvels.

The unwavering emphasis on responsible travel distinguishes National Geographic Journeys from those other travel programs. They work with local communities to ensure that their activities help them in every way. Because their guides are in continuous contact with the indigenous people, they are able to create tailor-made adventures that keep their clients having to return for more.

It is about the manner in which they carry out their travel arrangements. You could be hiking a mountaintop today and learning to prepare a traditional South African meal tomorrow. This is what you can anticipate from a partnership such as G Adventures and National Geographics.

Let’s begin in Cape Town, one of Africa’s most attractive cities where you can immerse yourself in its breathtaking landscapes. You will be led on a stroll through the multicultural neighborhood of Bo-Kaap, where you will be able to wander through the vibrant streets and soak in the atmosphere of this peculiar city.

Then prepare to be awed by one of the world’s most majestic Botanical Gardens – the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, with its magnificent oasis of tranquillity that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

The day will continue with a stop at Boulders Beach to see the community of African penguins, you will then make your way to the Cape Point Lighthouse and the most exciting part is the visit to the Cape of Good Hope; the southernmost part of Africa. You will be blessed with the magical views here, they are simply breathtaking.

We know you’re looking forward to your once-in-a-lifetime safari. We certainly do! It’s time to set out on an expedition in Kruger National Park, which is home to some of the world’s most famous wildlife reserves. You will leave early in the morning in an open-air jeep for a full-day excursion.

You will have the opportunity to see an amazing variety of super-large mammals in their native habitat; what an adventure. Imagine keeping a watch out for lions and giraffes as they roam the forest. You won’t believe you’re only a stone’s toss away from the jungle’s king in its jungle; breathtaking!

As if your safari adventure had come to a halt. Prepare for a new set of experiences with a second round in a totally different setting. You will tour the Karongwe Private Game Reserve, where you will be led by a ranger on a safari drive in search of the ‘Big Five’.

This thrilling tour takes a group of 16 people from 12 to 99 years old. It is fully guided and family-friendly which involves camping and also includes your accommodation when you are not camping, meals and transportation for 10 days. It costs $2999 per person.

Kruger in Depth

G Adventures

G Adventures is the world’s top small-group travel agency, allowing you to see the world through the eyes of the people who make your experience unique and exciting. With over 30 years of experience in bringing small groups to places that few travelers can reach, G Adventures has woven its name as the ideal itinerary planner, allowing you to book and travel with confidence.

G for good – a very good name for a travel business that puts its destinations first and gives back as much as it can. G Adventures is known for doing this while transporting you to incredible locations for an exciting journey.

This trip will lead you on an unforgettable eight-day adventure through the breathtaking Kruger National Park. You’ll start your trip in Johannesburg, where you’ll be treated to a delectable barbecue that will give you a flavor of the region’s rich and varied cultural taste.

This is only a synopsis; the actual journey begins when you start out for a once-in-a-lifetime safari in the Kruger National Park. You will have the opportunity to experience the region’s neighboring landscapes and prepare to be amazed.

Do you enjoy taking photographs? Lucky you, because over the next few days, you will ideally catch the most breathtaking images of elephants drinking by water holes, lions grinding in the midst of the forest, giraffes reaching the tallest of the leaves with their long necks, and many other creatures your lenses will love to capture. You will have a great time at Kruger National Park because this trip was created to highlight the finest of such vast wildlife conservation.

Contemplate going for a bushwalk early in the morning as the sun rises to the promise of a new day full of excitement. You will be able to extend your legs, get up close and personal with the wildlife, and appreciate the natural grandeur that surrounds you. And what could be better after hours of animal watching than a well-deserved outdoor lunch?

The tour takes a group of 18 people from 12 to 90 years old. It is fully guided and family-friendly and costs $1215. It includes your meals, lodging and transportation throughout the 8-day stay. Camping is involved in this tour.

Kruger Experience – Lodge (5 days)

Intrepid Travel

There are many tour operators in the world, yet few of them understand the significance of travel in environmental protection. Many people are unwilling to take on the task of turning the finding of new locations that fuel our memories into a positive path for ourselves as travelers and our world.

Intrepid Travel is at the forefront of promoting responsible travel, providing unforgettable experiences, and giving back to the communities that provide so much to tourists like you.

Intrepid Travel combines a fun vacation with charity contributions, all while preserving your private time. Even when you’re on holiday, your most precious commodity is undoubtedly time. You may be concerned that when you go on a group trip, you will spend all of your precious time with the company and have no time for yourself.

You won’t have to stress about finding the time for yourself when you travel with Intrepid Tours. This is because the trip alternates between the group and the ‘you’ time. So don’t be concerned; Intrepid Travel is very considerate of your personal time.

Prepare to replenish your energy tanks as you explore one of South Africa’s biggest game reserves, the Kruger National Park, as the tour’s name suggests. This natural marvel is home to over 500 bird species, 150 mammal species, 100 distinct reptile species, and a handful of the “Big Five” as well as the rare African wild dog.

Early in the morning, you will make your way into the park, excited to see the wonderful animals that live in this safe place. As you approach the ideal game-watching areas, your heartbeat quickens and queries race through your mind: what will you see? Will it be a lion, an elephant, a rhino, or even a leopard? However, the reality is that you are here to get the chance to see them all. 

After such an exciting journey, you will be ready to leave the park as the sun begins to set and return to your comfortable lodge. The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you, please. You may choose to take a magical drive along the Panoramic Route, where you will see the Drakensberg Escarpment and other magnificent landscapes that you missed on the guided tour.

So, this is your opportunity to see and do as much as your heart wants. The magnificent waterfalls of the Blyde River Canyon might be a spot you wouldn’t want to miss.

Then, as the sun sets, you can unwind and think about what an exciting day you had, the memories you made, and the bonds you formed. This is an event you will cherish and recall for the rest of your life. This tour takes a group of 16 people between the ages of 6 to 99 for 5 days. It is fully guided, family-friendly and includes your meals, accommodation and transportation and costs $1595 per person.

3-day Garden Route + Safari Small Group Tour

Hotspots2c

Hotspots2c was founded in 2007 and has since become one of South Africa’s most popular travel companies. Based in the Cape Town area, they specialize in planned group, private, and tailor-made trips to the Western Cape’s Garden Route, Addo Kruger National Park, and beyond. Their passengers appreciate the ease of a small trip as well as the luxury of choice in everything from exercise alternatives to where to lodge.

Hotspots2c merely desires to showcase the beauty and blessings of their nation in the best manner they know how. And they think that being privately held provides them with the freedom and leeway they require to keep quality control and responsibility measures in line. When designing tours for travelers like you, they pay close attention to schedules and draw on their God-given ingenuity.

Behind the scenes, their devoted team has more than 150 years of industry expertise, which is more than enough to make your journey preparation top-notch.

Because Hotspots thinks that travel is about more than just visiting a location; it’s about making a good difference and contributing back to the community. That’s why, out of kindness, they founded their charity branch, 2cChange, in 2016 to help them accomplish their aim of making a positive impact in the communities they visit.

This trip will transport you on a trek through the Garden Route, a bit of beauty on South Africa’s southeastern shore. You will be able to observe the most thrilling natural images unfolding right before your eyes at this location.

On an open 4×4 car, you will be on your way to finding the big five in the Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, where you will have the opportunity to wander through the wilderness in quest of giraffes, white rhinos, lions, elephants, and zebra, to name a few. Nothing can stop your journey from getting deeper and more intense.

Do you want an adrenaline rush? Sign up for an elephant stroll and travel alongside these gentle creatures while learning more about them. You don’t have to be anxious because you will be led at all times.

But there’s more to this trip for the daring who want to go bungee jumping on one of the world’s highest commercial bungee jumps, the Bloukrans Bridge Bungy, which stands at 216 meters. Hike along the forest pathways, canoe through the woods, descend deep underground in the Cango Caves, or better yet, engage with the locals and learn about their cultures and customs. Simply stretch your limits and enjoy the thrills of the unexpected.

As the day draws to a close, immerse yourself in the Sedgefield way of life by visiting the rustic seaside eateries or venturing into town for a more private supper. This trip will leave you with unforgettable experiences that you will treasure for the rest of your life. The best aspect is that you went through it with a bunch of like-minded people.

The tour takes a group of 13 people ages 10 to 99. It is fully guided, family-friendly and includes your accommodation, transportation and meals and costs only $350 for 3 days.

Cycling the Drakensberg & Kruger

Exodus Travel

Exodus Travel is a travel business located in the United Kingdom that specializes in adventure and cultural trips it was founded by two friends in 1974, who were genuinely enthusiastic about travel and were interested in sharing their experiences with others. Since then, Exodus has evolved to become one of the world’s top tour companies, providing over five hundred trips to more than ninety nations.

Exodus trips are designed for people who want to have genuine experiences, so they offer a variety of tours ranging from strolling and bicycle tours to cultural adventures.

They are dedicated to ethical tourism and collaborate with local communities to ensure that their excursions have a beneficial effect on the ecosystem and the people who reside in the regions they visit. Exodus has won several accolades for its trips and dedication to responsible travel.

On this tour, you will explore the awe-inspiring mountain landscapes and dramatic granite formations of eastern South Africa on two wheels. You’ll ride through baboon-infested forests, abandoned gold mines, and peaceful natural waterfalls, soaking in the sights and noises of this spectacular environment.

This is a bike trip, but on some days you will dismount and go on a safari in the mighty Kruger National Park, witnessing lions, giraffes, and many other wild creatures as you explore this magnificent reserve.

You’ll continue your journey from Kruger along the scenic path, where ideal road surfaces and idyllic sunlight combine to create a genuinely memorable experience. As you bike towards your ultimate location, the mighty Blyde River Canyon, take in the breathtaking landscape.

But first, you’ll travel through the Maluti Mountains of the Northern Free State, stopping to extend your legs and appreciate the amazing golden color of the sandstone rocks in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.

This sprawling 11,600-hectare park is home to a diverse range of animals, including springbok, mountain zebra, and wildebeest, as well as uncommon birds such as the bearded vulture and bald ibis. Can an adventure be better than this? And the cycling journey has not even started.

On the first day of the bike journey, you will wake up early and pedal 25 kilometers through the national park, taking in the breathtaking vistas and animal encounters along the way. Before traversing a winding mountain path, you’ll ascend to a viewpoint where mountain zebras frequently wander.

As the journey progresses, you’ll encounter some brief, steep up-and-down portions to get your heart rate up before leveling off. On this route, wildlife sightings are common, so keep your camera set for the finest shots of the year!

The trip includes 16 individuals ranging in age from 16 to 99. It is completely guided, family-friendly, and includes lodging, transportation, and food for $3599 for 12 days.

3-Day Cape Point & Wildlife Safari Tour (Return)

Cape Xtreme

Cape Xtreme is a South African tour company based in Cape Town that provides a range of adventure tours. From the breathtaking majesty of shark cage diving to the adrenaline-pumping exhilaration of bungee jumping, skydiving, and sandboarding, Cape Xtreme is the ideal destination for those seeking action.

But it’s not all high-octane activity; excursions like wine tasting and city sightseeing are offered for those who prefer a slower tempo. They also give exciting multi-day trips to places like the Garden Route and the Kruger National Park. Cape Xtreme is a popular option for visitors seeking authentic and one-of-a-kind experiences in Cape Town and the nearby regions.

This trip will take you to a Private Game Reserve, where you will go on a morning safari to see regal lions, graceful elephants, towering giraffes, massive buffalos, and many other wild animals in their natural environment. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with the animals and catch the finest images of the year.

Following the fantastic tour, your next stop will be Indalu, another Private Game Reserve, where you can join the rest of the crew for an optional Elephant Bush Walk. Immerse yourself in nature as you walk through the slopes and rivers, up close and personal with the gentle giants. Indalu, which means “nature” in the Xhosa language, was established to safeguard these majestic animals and provide them with a secure haven in which to wander freely.

However, as the sun begins to drop, you will make your way to your Sedgefield lodging. This is the ideal time to settle back, unwind, and take in the beauty of an African sunset.

There are 13 people on the journey, varying in age from 11 to 99. It is fully guided, family-friendly, and costs $375 for three days of lodging, transportation, and meals. It is ideal for those on a tight timetable who want to see the finest of South Africa.

Conclusion

There you have the 6 best tours to explore South Africa with ease. Any of the tours will give you memories of a lifetime. We have done the bulk of the work for you, so you can focus on choosing the best tour that suits your style and pocket and viola, there you go!

If none of these tours work for you in South Africa, please do not worry. There is a wide variety of tour options in the country, and we are confident that there will be something that fits your needs and interests.

Take a look at all the group tours in South Africa now, which you can sort by private or group, maximum sizing, budget, dates and much (much more). The team at TourRadar is also always more than happy to answer any questions, provide further information or assist in any way in finding the perfect tour for you.