The Best of South Africa

The Best of South Africa

1,154 Views

The Best of South Africa

19 Days Starting in Johannesburg, South Africa and ending in Cape Town, South Africa

Visiting: Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Eswatini, Mkuze, Umhlanga, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Arniston, Cape Town, United Kingdom

Tour operator:

Titan Travel

Tour code:

TTBSA

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact Titan with any specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Safari Tours

Activities:

Boat/Cruise Excursion

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on "The Best of South Africa" tour, a captivating journey through the heart of South Africa's diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This 18-day adventure includes 16 nights in comfortable hotels and 2 nights in flight, with 24 meals provided. Highlights include a Pretoria orientation tour, visits to the Voortrekker Monument, Pilgrim’s Rest, and God’s Window, and thrilling game drives in Mala Mala and uMkhuze Game Reserve. Enjoy a boat cruise in iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a traditional braai with Zulu entertainment, and explore the scenic Garden Route. Experience the vibrant city of Cape Town, including a cable car ride up Table Mountain, and visit the Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Beach. With international and internal flights included, this tour offers an unforgettable South African experience.

Highlights

  • Pretoria orientation tour

  • Voortrekker Monument

  • Pilgrim’s Rest and God’s Window

  • 4 game drives at Mala Mala

  • Game drive in uMkhuze Game Reserve

  • Boat cruise in iSimangaliso Wetland Park

  • Tsitsikamma National Park and the Garden Route

  • City tour of Cape Town (including Table Mountain cable car ride)

Places You'll See

The Best Of South Africa

The Best Of South Africa

The Best Of South Africa

The Best Of South Africa

The Best Of South Africa

The Best Of South Africa

The Best Of South Africa

The Best Of South Africa

The Best Of South Africa

The Best Of South Africa

The Best Of South Africa

The Best Of South Africa

The Best Of South Africa

The Best Of South Africa

The Best Of South Africa

The Best Of South Africa

The Best Of South Africa

The Best Of South Africa

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Uk - In Flight

Location: Johannesburg

Accommodation Name: In Flight

Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your overnight flight to Johannesburg.

Day 2 : Johannesburg - Sandton

Location: Johannesburg

Accommodation Name: DaVinci Hotel Sandton (4-star)

This morning we arrive into Johannesburg. After a short tour of the nation’s capital, Pretoria, we visit the Voortrekker Monument, the dramatic memorial to the Boer pioneers who ventured into South Africa’s interior. Later, we invite you to join your fellow travellers for welcome drinks.

Day 3 : Kruger National Park

Location: Kruger National Park

Accommodation Name: Mdluli Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park (4-star)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we encounter Africa’s big skies and wide-open spaces. We travel eastwards to the Drakensberg Escarpment, which separates the Highveld Plateau from the low country. Here, amidst some of South Africa’s most stunning scenery, we reach Pilgrim’s Rest, a former gold rush town where time has very nearly stood still. Then (weather permitting), we stop for incredible views at God’s Window, down into the Lowveld below.

Day 4 : Kruger National Park

Location: Kruger National Park

Accommodation Name: Mdluli Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park (4-star)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We’ll get up with the birds for an early morning drive into the park. At this time of day, the animals are up and about too, making the most of the cool and our skilled ranger will take us through the park in search of the best sightings. The afternoon is free to simply take in your surroundings or join an optional game drive to search for more of the park’s wildlife residents.

Day 5 : Kruger National Park - Eswatini (Swaziland)

Location: Eswatini

Accommodation Name: Foresters Arms, Mhlambanyatsi, Eswatini (4-star)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After a leisurely breakfast, we'll travel south into landlocked Eswatini (Swaziland), with its rolling sugar cane fields and stunning mountain scenes. Arriving around lunchtime, the afternoon is free to relax before our overnight stay.

Day 6 : Mkuze

Location: Mkuze

Accommodation Name: Ghost Mountain Inn, Mkuze (4-star)

Meals Included: Breakfast

We visit Ngwenya Glass, where recycled glass is made into lovely figurines or unique wine glasses. We’ll then continue south to the border and cross into the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal. On arrival at our hotel in Mkuze, you have the rest of the day to enjoy the glorious gardens and tranquil surrounds, and views of the legendary Ghost Mountain.

Day 7 : Mkuze

Location: Mkuze

Accommodation Name: Ghost Mountain Inn, Mkuze (4-star)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After a morning perhaps enjoying the hotel pool, we embark on a boat cruise on Lake Jozini. The lake lies in a dramatic setting at the foot of the Lebombo Mountains and is one of South Africa’s largest dams. There are several exquisite gorges, which abound with cycads and a wide variety of birds. On the western side of the dam there’s the possibility to view elephant, rhino, hippo and crocodile. In the evening, we enjoy a traditional barbecue (braai) with Zulu entertainment.

Day 8 : Umhlanga

Location: Umhlanga

Accommodation Name: Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga (5-star)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

We depart Mkuze and head towards the coast, stopping along the way at DumaZulu Cultural Village. Over 60 Zulu residents call the village home, forming a living museum where traditional manufacturing skills continue, including spear, shield, and clay pot making, basket weaving and beer brewing. We’ll meet the Zulu villagers and experience their traditions and language through music and dancing. We’ll stay overnight in Umhlanga, a lively area on the outskirts of Durban with a number of restaurants to choose for dinner.

Day 9 : Durban - Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

Location: Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

Accommodation Name: Boardwalk Hotel, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) (5-star)

Meals Included: Breakfast

There's some free time to maybe take a stroll along the lovely promenade and enjoy a drink at one of the restaurants. Later, we head to Durban airport for our flight to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), where we stay overnight.

Day 10 : Tsitsikamma National Park - Knysna

Location: Tsitsikamma National Park

Accommodation Name: Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays (4-star)

Meals Included: Breakfast

We commence our journey along the beautiful Garden Route. It’s a scenic highlight of holidays to South Africa, stopping at Tsitsikamma National Park, part of the Garden Route National Park. Here we explore the pristine coastline of Storms River mouth and lush indigenous forest, which make this area so famous. After a tasty lunch of fresh fish, we head to Knysna.

Day 11 : Knysna

Location: Knysna

Accommodation Name: Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays (4-star)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Beautifully situated on a lagoon, Knysna is a great place to spend time on the water. We’ll board a ferry taking us across to Featherbed Nature Reserve. There are spectacular views from here across the water and through Knysna Heads to the open sea. We’ll also enjoy lunch amid the reserve. Numerous restaurants, teahouses and boutique shops surround Knysna’s beautiful natural harbour and the rest of the day is free. It’s an ideal spot to sample some of the finest seafood in the fresh air whilst watching the sailing boats crossing the lagoon.

Day 12 : Oudtshoorn

Location: Oudtshoorn

Accommodation Name: Queens Hotel, Oudtshoorn (4-star)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we head up into scenically stunning mountains on our way to Oudtshoorn to enjoy lunch and a tour of Cango Ostrich Farm. After time with these comical birds, we’ll stay overnight in Oudtshoorn.

Day 13 - 14 : Arniston

Location: Arniston

Accommodation Name: The Arniston Hotel (4-star)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We’ll travel via the arid plains of the Karoo to the Huis River Pass on spectacular Route 62. After a brief stop in Barrydale we’ll continue to Arniston, a tranquil fishing village characterised by its quaint limewashed cottages. We’ll stop here for two nights and day 13 is free to explore the lovely village at your own pace. Perhaps take a wander along the coastline, its craggy cliffs mark the edge of one of the most southerly locations in South Africa. Breathe in the fresh sea air and keep your eyes peeled for whales, it’s often possible to spot them from here. Or sip coffee at one of the local cafés, as you watch the world go by.

Day 15 : Hermanus - Betty’S Bay - Cape Town

Location: Cape Town

Accommodation Name: The Commodore Hotel, Cape Town (4-star)

Meals Included: Breakfast

We’ll continue to Hermanus another town well known for whale spotting possibilities in September-November (fingers crossed). We then follow the stunning coastal route via Betty’s Bay, where it’s possible to spot some of South Africa’s penguin population, to reach Cape Town and our lovely hotel on the Victoria & Alfred waterfront.

Day 16 : Cape Town

Location: Cape Town

Accommodation Name: The Commodore Hotel, Cape Town (4-star)

Meals Included: Breakfast

We set out on a tour of the city positioned in one of the finest natural settings on earth. The great backdrop of Table Mountain, flanked by Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head, forms a natural sanctuary and dramatic landmark. We take an exhilarating trip by cable car to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting). Then you’re free to explore or join an optional winelands tour.

Day 17 : Cape Town

Location: Cape Town

Accommodation Name: The Commodore Hotel, Cape Town (4-star)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is free to spend as you please in this attractive city. The V&A Waterfront is brimming with restaurants and boutique shops to potter around. Or you could join an optional excursion, perhaps to the Cape Peninsula, to visit the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point lighthouse. Or head to the winelands for a spot of wine tasting.

Day 18 : Cape Town - In Flight

Location: Cape Town

Accommodation Name: In flight

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Day 19

Location: United Kingdom

Upon arrival your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    16 nights in hotels and 2 in flight (accommodation as specified or similar).

  • Meals

    24 meals: 16 breakfasts (days 3-18), 4 lunches (days 4-5, 12 and 14), 4 dinners (days 4-6 and 8).

  • Flights

    International and internal flights as detailed. Prices are based on return flights with British Airways from London Heathrow.

  • Excursions and Visits

    17 excursions and visits including Pretoria orientation tour, Voortrekker Monument, Pilgrim’s Rest and God’s Window, 4 game drives at Mala Mala, Game drive in uMkhuze Game Reserve, Boat cruise in iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Braai with Zulu entertainment, Tsitsikamma National Park and the Garden Route, Cruise aboard MV John Benn, Knysna, Tour and lunch at Safari Ostrich Farm, Outeniqua Powervan ride and museum, Spectacular Route 62 from Oudtshoorn to Swellendam, City tour of Cape Town (including Table Mountain cable car ride), Tour to Hout Bay, the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point, Simon’s Town and Boulders Beach.

  • Drinks

    All soft drinks, local beers, wines and spirits, during your stay at Mala Mala Game Reserve.

  • Tour Manager and Guide

    Local Titan tour manager and guide.

  • VIP Travel Service

    Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service.

  • Transport

    Travel in destination by coach.

  • Porterage

    Porterage included.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions such as the walking safari on Day 5, Lake Jozini excursion on Day 9, and winelands tour on Day 16 are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks outside of those specified are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.

  • Airport Transfers

    Airport transfers for flights not detailed in the itinerary are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in destination by coach, with international and internal flights included. Experience game drives in open safari vehicles, a cruise in iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and a scenic ride on the Outeniqua Powervan.

Accommodation

Enjoy 16 nights in comfortable hotels and 2 nights in flight, with stays at luxurious African-style rondavels in Mala Mala Game Reserve and a lovely hotel on the Victoria & Alfred waterfront in Cape Town.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the game drives in Kruger National Park?

    During the game drives in Kruger National Park, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including lions, elephants, rhinos, and giraffes. There is also a chance to spot the elusive leopard during the early morning game drives.

  • What activities are included in the visit to Mala Mala Game Reserve?

    At Mala Mala Game Reserve, you will experience multiple game drives in ranger-handled open safari vehicles, where you can get close to lions, elephants, rhinos, and giraffes. You will also enjoy a 'sundowner' tipple while watching the sunset, nocturnal game viewing, and dinner in a reed-enclosed boma.

  • What can I do during the free day in Knysna?

    During the free day in Knysna, you can explore the town at your own pace, visit numerous restaurants, teahouses, and boutique shops around the natural harbour, and sample some of the finest seafood. Alternatively, you can take an optional guided tour that includes the Featherbed Nature Reserve and a tasty lunch.

  • What is included in the tour of Cape Town?

    The tour of Cape Town includes a city tour with a trip by cable car to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting). You will also visit the beautiful fishing village of Hout Bay, the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point lighthouse, Simon’s Town, and Boulders Beach to see the colony of African penguins.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 16 nights in hotels and 2 nights in flight. Specific accommodations include luxurious African-style rondavels at Mala Mala Game Reserve and a hotel on the Victoria & Alfred waterfront in Cape Town.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, there are optional activities available during the tour. For example, on Day 5, there is an opportunity to take an optional walking safari. On Day 9, you can take an optional excursion to see Lake Jozini. On Day 16, you can join an optional winelands tour.

  • What kind of meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 24 meals: 16 breakfasts (days 3-18), 4 lunches (days 4-5, 12, and 14), and 4 dinners (days 4-6 and 8). Additionally, all soft drinks, local beers, wines, and spirits are included during your stay at Mala Mala Game Reserve.

  • What is the VIP door-to-door travel service?

    The VIP door-to-door travel service is a feature of the tour where you are collected from your home and transported to the airport for your overnight flight to Johannesburg. This service is also provided upon your return, ensuring a comfortable and convenient travel experience.

  • Do I have to pay a Single Supplement?

    In most cases a single supplement will apply. If the price for a Single room for sole occupancy is not shown, please ask our team for details and we will be able to check the details for you.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    We've been taking our customers across the world on escorted tours for more than 40 years

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Our commitment to sustainable travel is part of our ethos. We love exploring the world and hope that, alongside our customers, we can be part of a bigger change in respecting the people and wildlife on our planet and minimising the impact we have on our environment.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    With some COVID-19 rules and restrictions still in place there are a few details that you need to know. This information is subject to change. It’s your responsibility to monitor changes and ensure you fulfil all relevant criteria for travel. Rest assured that we’re on hand to help and answer any questions you might have.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    You’ll receive your Final holiday documents via email approximately 14 days prior to your departure.

Reviews of this operator

Brian Jones (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from the great...

08-Apr-2024

Recently returned from the great Indian rail journey.My wife and I could hardly believe the value for money.From pick ups from Durham to Heathrow and back,to the number of coach and train journeys , quality hotels, great choice of food throughout and our first night in Heathrow Hilton. What really made our trip a success was our guide, Prashant,who managed a party of twenty four very varied, sometimes a little unpredictable travellers with ease.Nothing was too much trouble for him and as a group we gelled and warmed to Prashant as he kept us safe, well informed and a little entertained by his mix of authority and humanity.Where do I begin with the tour itself ? India,a country of extremes.Poverty,wealth,order,chaos.Sometimes bleak,often breathtakingly beautiful.The people,the cities,art, architecture,flaura and fauna.Delhi,Jaipur, Amritsar,Agra, Ranthambore, Chandigarh and the icing on the cake that is Shimla. An absolute masterclass of man versus nature,the railway and buildings are an unbelievable feat,but wait until you see the dual carriageway being built on the mountainside.🤯I could go on for a very long time but I'll just post some photos.Thanks to Titan,thanks to the excellent Prashant and and a massive thanks to the other twenty two travellers who helped shape our holiday of a lifetime.🏁💜

Odile Lawen (Google Reviewer)  

I have booked the Icelandic...

11-Mar-2024

I have booked the Icelandic Adventure holiday with Titan Travel, the Booking Staff was pleasant throughout. What I love about Titan Travel, transfer from your home to the airport and vice versa is included in the holiday.

Thomas Fisher (Google Reviewer)  

Danube cruise was great value....

13-Sep-2023

Danube cruise was great value. Well organised. Clear instructions from Titan prior to travel. Door to door service great.

Sarah Hoad  

Exceptional trip and service by Titan

04-Oct-2022

Just returned from a fabulous tour of California & the golden west. It’s a full on tour with early starts but you see so much varied landscape from the ocean to the desert to Yosemite. My 2nd tour with Titan & my first solo tour. Thoroughly enjoyed it & met some great people. Grand Canyon was amazing would definitely recommend

Trustpilot
Ms Margaret Aldgate  

Not merely a holiday, rather a memorable experience

29-Dec-2022

I have used other travel operators; this was the 1st time of touring with Titan----Israel, The Holy Land, from being collected from home and returned at the end of the holiday this was an unforgettable experience; the Tour Manager, a PhD Archaeology made the whole tour so interesting, he enlightened us throughout each day from an historical, archeological and Biblical viewpoint, bringing each site we visited come to life, and went over and above his remit escorting us for evening trips around the local area; thanks also to our very patient driver who coped with the very busy traffic; our hotels were good, professional and pleasant staff and really good food; I would recommend Titan to anyone looking for a fascinating tour with excellent efficient service thank you Titan nor just for a holiday for a memorable experience

Trustpilot
Sella Shan (Google Reviewer)  

We had a 2 weeks...

05-Dec-2023

We had a 2 weeks fantastic holiday arranged by Titan to Vietnam and Cambodia. Excellent,well organised Throughly enjoyed. Very good service by Vietnam Airlines, if you could afford book it in premium economy. We had a door to door service , picked up to airport from home and then dropped at home from airport, very convinient. Particular credit goes to our guide THI who is a caring, knolegeable, friendly down to earth man who made our trip a memorable one. I will not hesitate to book another holiday through Titan, their staff are friendly and helpful

Eileen Bulsara (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic holiday...

26-May-2023

We had a fantastic holiday in Mississippi. Right from our chauffeur driven car picking us up to the return journey, we had a great time. The first hotel The Gaylord was amazing,absolutely huge,first class. The second The Double tree in Memphis unfortunately wasn't, the hotel was tired and very basic, the only plus was where it is situated in the centre of town, we were only there two nights so it wasn't to bad. The American Queen Steam Boat was first class all the way, thoroughly enjoyed the seven nights sailing down the Mississippi. The last hotel the Sheraton New Orleans was very comfortable too. Our guide throughout our time away was Laura Tuttle. she was amazing, very knowledgeable, and helpful. We also had a coach driver Guil, who went over and beyond to give you the best time. Other coach guides included Jim,who was so funny, and also very knowledgeably. Very entertaining throughout. The entire itinerary itinerary was very well thought out, included a huge variety of visits to different Interesting locations. Highly recommend using Titan for all your holiday destinations.

Nic (Google Reviewer)  

Wonderful travel company I booked my...

15-Jun-2024

Wonderful travel company I booked my first tour to lndia and was wonderfully taken care of Highly recommended, especially tour guide Janice

Susan Hawken (Google Reviewer)  

THE GREAT INDIAN RAIL JOURNEY!!!!...

03-Feb-2024

THE GREAT INDIAN RAIL JOURNEY!!!! (Dreadful) Avoid Titan and Saga at all costs. False descriptions of the tour and dreadful administration Returned to the UK last evening with a great sigh of relief after the worst holiday ever. 1. No block booking of airplane seats by Titan. (Husband and I sat apart on the long, overnight flight) 2. Unable to pre-book seats as Titan reference numbers did not coincide with anything. 3. Husband and I not sat together on any of the train journeys! In fact, on one occasion I was sat, alone on a sleeper carriage, a couple of carriages away from the rest of the group who were scattered over two or three carriages. Terrifying as a female to be sat alone in the midst of noisy locals!!!!! (Eventually the guide, Rahi, did come to rescue me and found a seat near the main group) 4. The guide, Rahi, would usually get off the coach and begin walking off without waiting for all the group to disembark the coach. (Spot the guide in the crowd!) 5. The guide, Rahi, refused to use any identifying prop such as a flag, hat, jacket or umbrella. Frightening to be in the manic crowds of Delhi and other crowded places to be unable to see the guide. 6. NO AUDIO HEADSET system on any excursion 7. The guide, Rahi, didn’t face the whole group, but stood sideways on and was unable to be heard by the majority. 8. OUTRAGEOUS behaviour by the guide when he enquired as to the whereabouts of my husband, whom I explained was in bed with an upset stomach and was feeling unwell. Rahi DID A REVERSE AIR PUNCH😳😳. This was in response to an earlier conversation when my husband had complained about our separate seating arrangements. TOTALLY UNPROFESSIONAL 9. When we arrived at Heathrow to find our aircraft seats were not allocated, we were advised to speak to our guide on arrival at Delhi. Rahi merely shrugged his shoulders and said he couldn’t do anything. 10. Tour pace incorrect - gruelling pace and only half a day relaxation due to the guide, Rahi, throwing in visits to shops and factories fie him to earn his commission as I head him tell another!!!!!!! 11. When off loaded the return flight due to illness, we were unable to get in contact with Titan/Saga. Left in Delhi without an hotel or flight!!! Found accommodation but didn’t remove shoes or clothes due to the poor standard. Final summary: Poor, disappointing, inefficient, incompetent, misleading, misrepresentations, are just a few words to describe.

Linda Vokes (Google Reviewer)  

Luxury VIP door to door...

17-Jul-2023

Luxury VIP door to door travel! I don't think so....Titan sent a Toyota Prius uber to Stanstead for a return journey to Newport, S Wales. 4 adults plus luggage! the experience was anything but luxurious. Contacted Titan on the return journey and since return. They simply didn't seem interested and offered us a £300 travel discount off a future trip! After a lot of emails they converted it to a £300 cash refund. Give it a lot of thought before booking !

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Titan Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 75 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Titan Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform titan travel, 75 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Titan Travel requires a minimum deposit of 395 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of titan travel charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Enquire for huge savings

Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.

By submitting this form, I accept Travel Club Elites terms & conditions and privacy policy.

Similar Tours