oat tours south africa

Go tripping with Overseas Adventure Travel

OAT travels with friends

Ultimate Africa 2022

Day 1 – Day 2 – Day 3 to 5 – Day 6 – Day 7 – Day 8 to 10 – Day 11 to 13

Day 14 to 16  – day 17 to 19 – day 20 to 21 – day 22.

ULTIMATE AFRICA 2022 Day to Day Agenda Full Agenda from ULTIMATE AFRICA 2022 About: Ultimate Africa: Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari

OUR PRE-TRIP EXTENSION

Karongwe Private Game Reserve: Quest for Southern Africa’s Big 5

South Africa’s private game reserves are bursting with wildlife, housing more than 500 bird species and 140 species of mammals, including the famed “Big Five.” This rugged landscape—mostly open savannah, complemented by the beautiful Drakensberg Escarpment in the distance—is ideal for spotting the rich diversity of game here. On this trip extension, we will enjoy rustic accommodations at Karongwe Game Reserve, staying in a private, isolated area, where you can go off-road in search of elusive wildlife without the crowds.

Depart U.S. • Destination: Johannesburg

Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa • Destination: Johannesburg • Garden Court O.R Tambo Airport

Fly to Hoedspruit • Transfer to Karongwe Game Reserve for game-viewing drive • Controversial Topic: Animal Conservation vs. Local Poverty with an anti-poaching activist • Destination: Karongwe Private Game Reserve • KARONGWE RIVER LODGE

Morning game-viewing drive • Fly to Johannesburg • Begin main trip • Destination: Johannesburg • Activity Note: You’ll have an early 5:30am wake-up call for a morning of game viewing.

Male Impalas practice fighting on lodge front lawn.

Main Itinerary

Arrive back in Johannesburg, South Africa • Destination: Johannesburg • Garden Court O.R Tambo Airport

Day 8 to 10

Fly to Victoria Falls • Transfer to Hwange National Park • Game-viewing drives • Controversial Topic: The Exploitation of the Coal Miners of Hwange with Sauseje Phiri, daughter of a miner • Destination: Hwange National Park • KASHAWE CAMP EAST HWANGE

Day 11 to 13

Overland to Livingstone • Fly to Kafue, Zambia • Game-viewing drives • Controversial Topic: Trophy hunting in sub-Saharan Africa with game ranger Golden Kalindawalo & safari guide Brian Shiompa • Destination: Kafue National Park • LUFUPA TENTED CAMP

Day 14 to 16

Fly to Livingstone • Transfer to Chobe National Park • Game-viewing drives • Controversial Topic: Death and poaching with veteran game ranger Moses or Ban • Destination: Chobe National Park • JACKELBERRY CAMP CHOBE

Day 17 to 19

Fly to the Okavango Delta • Game-viewing drives • Destination: Okavango Delta Region

• Seba Camp, Abu Concession (NG26)

Day 20 to  21

Fly to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe • Controversial Topic: The Plight of Sex Workers and the Spread of HIV and AIDS with sex worker Matilda Ramotswe • Home-Hosted Dinner • Destination: Victoria Falls • SHEARWATER EXPLORERS VILLAGE

Return to U.S.

The Scoop: What to Know About Overseas Adventure Tours (OAT)

This small-group specialist runs tours to all continents..

The Scoop: What to Know About Trafalgar Tours

• Looking at an Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) tour, but want to know more about this small-group tour company?
• Here’s everything you need to know about the tour company, all updated for 2024.

Overseas Adventure Travel —more commonly referred to as OAT (saying the letters as opposed to naming the grain)—is a small-group tour specialist with tours on all continents. As its name suggests, tours with Overseas Adventure Travel tend to be fairly active, so participants should be comfortable with six to eight hours of activity each day, including walking distances ranging from three to six miles.

OAT has a great reputation for its solo guest focus (more on that below), and offers a generous number of no-additional-cost single spots on its tours. It also has women-exclusive departures on many itineraries.

BEST OF THE BEST: Best Tour Companies for Guided Tours

On OAT tours, accommodations tend to be less about amenities and more about authenticity. Another thing to note is that airfare is often bundled into the up-front price of the tour (unless you specify that you want to book your own travel). OAT is one of the family of Grand Circle Corp. companies, also including Grand Circle Travel and Grand Circle Cruise Line.

TourScoop Takeaways

• Countries: OAT has tours on every continent 
• Tour Size Average: OAT specializes in small-group trips of no more than 16 people. Its small-ship tours are aboard 50- to 98-passenger ships max out at 25 travelers. 
• Tour Type: Coach, van, small ship, rail, and air

Credibility Check

Overseas Adventure Travel is BBB accredited with a rating of A+. It’s an active member of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA). The OAT website posts verified guest reviews on each tour page (sometimes with hundreds of reviews) so it’s easy to see what past travelers think of each tour. 

Tour Destinations

For 2024, OAT has 80 itineraries that include tours on every continent. Some of the most popular tours are to destinations in Italy, Egypt, and multi-country tours in Africa and around the Adriatic. 

Overseas Adventure Travel gives all its tours an Activity Level Rating that ranks tours from one (easy) to five (strenuous) to help travelers find the right fit. It has both women-only departures and many no-additional-cost single traveler spots on tours. 

There are multi-country and single country tours. On many tours, OAT creates spaces for discussion and learning with its Controversial Topics program that covers topics such as Scottish independence on its Scotland Revealed itinerary and female genital mutilation on its Safari Serengeti: Tanzania Lodge & Tented Safari tour. 

Tour Guides

OAT’s tour guides are called Trip Experience Leaders. All are fluent in English and have a range of skills, certifications, and experience specific to the tour destination and experience. Trip Experience Leaders focus on both the logistical and the experiential, and help connect travelers with destinations by sharing firsthand insight that brings a destination to life. 

Inclusions/Extras

Inclusions are tour-specific (there’s a “What’s Included” section on each tour’s page), but generally include round-trip flights, many (but not all) meals, transportation, accommodations, activities, and gratuities for local guides, porters, etc. As with most tour companies, gratuities for trip experience leaders is separate. 

Typical Travelers

OAT’s guests are mostly American travelers aged 50 and older. In the last few years, Overseas Adventure Travel has seen a major jump in the number of solo travelers—more than half of all OAT guests are now solo travelers, and 80% of these solo travelers are women.

WALK THE WORLD: Best Walking, and Trekking, and Hiking Tours

OAT does right by its strong solo traveler base —in 2024, the company is offering 25,620 single spaces—91% of which are free (the remaining 9% of single spots have what OAT says is the lowest single supplement in the industry). And a number of itineraries also have women-exclusive departures. 

Communication

After booking, travelers have access to all trip details through the “My Planner” section on the website. The section includes details like flight information, destination weather, and itinerary information.

Then, two weeks before departure, travelers receive all their final documents, and are also contacted by their Trip Experience Leader. Any additional questions can be directed to OAT’s customer service email or phone number.

Loyalty Program

OAT’s loyalty program is the Sir Edmund Hillary Club . Membership benefits kick in when travelers reserve their third trip, and increase after traveling with OAT five and ten times. Benefits include credits to use on future trips, travel credits, exclusive gifts, and priority luggage service. 

Private Options

OAT offers Personalized Private Adventures for groups of five to 10 people. These private departures are available using existing itineraries, and include a dedicated Trip Experience Leader. The private group premium amount depends on the number of travelers in a group. Some of the most popular private tours include Ultimate Africa , Sicily’s Ancient Landscapes , and Japan’s Cultural Treasures . 

Sustainability Efforts

OAT is part of Grand Circle, and participates in the Grand Circle Foundation , which supports projects around the world focused on water and sanitation, education, community development, renewable energy, the protection of indigenous cultures, conservation, historic preservation, and disaster relief.

CULINARY ADVENTURES: Best Tour Companies for Culinary Tours

Health and Safety Practices

On OAT tours that include time onboard a ship, additional precautions include crew trained on best health and hygiene practices to prevent onboard spread of illnesses, nightly electrostatic disinfection of public areas, and disinfection of high-efficiency air filtration systems before each sailing. The OAT website is the place to go to read more about the current health and safety practices for land and ship tours.  

Family Companies

The Grand Circle family of companies includes Overseas Adventure Travel , Grand Circle Cruise Line , and Grand Circle Travel .

More from Tour Scoop:

• 9 Travel Companies That Specialize in Women-Only Tours
• Best Senior Travel Tour Companies
• Best Tour Companies for Solo Travelers

Road Scholar Debuts Special Trips for Retired Teachers

New Vacation Trend: European River Cruise Companies Are Now Targeting Family Travelers

New Year Tour Sales: They’re Big and They’re Limited Time

What’s tourscoop.

Tour Scoop’s team of travel experts brings you in-depth tour company overviews, tour itinerary reviews, the latest tour news, and travel tips and advice written just for guided tour travelers like you.

More about us

The Scoop: What to Know About Collette

For more than a century, Collette has been leading award-winning tours.

The Scoop: What to Know About G Adventures

Award-winning small-group adventure-travel tours are the G Adventures specialty.

The Scoop: What to Know About Avalon Waterways

This award-winning river cruise company focuses on experiences and food.

The Scoop: What to Know About Intrepid Travel

Local experts, a focus on sustainability, and immersive small group experiences help set Intrepid Travel apart from other tour operators.

Emergency Banner Component

South Africa: An Elegant Adventure

Select Year

Select Group Size

• Small Group

Year, Departure Type

Select small group departures (averaging 24 Tauck guests), or classic departures, and the year you would like to travel.

• 2024 Classic
• 2024 Small Group
• 2025 Classic
• 2025 Small Group

Accommodations

• Pricing & Availability
• Important Info

Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Private game drives with skilled rangers and trackers during four nights at private game reserves in or near Kruger National Park - two nights at Lion Sands – Kruger National Park and two nights at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

On-Tour Air (4 flights)

A wine-tasting dinner in the Cape Winelands

A private lecture in Johannesburg

Two nights in Victoria Falls, with a private lunch with the elephants in Zambezi and a sundowner river cruise

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Consistently robust – very full and active days, extended travel times, use of different modes of local transport, and a possibility of early starts.

Experiences of a lifetime

In the heart of the reserves, spot leopards, lions, elephants, impalas, and zebras… attend wine tastings, special presentations and lectures with local experts... and experience the vast legacy of cultural and natural history that makes up South Africa!

Discovering the cape winelands, a wine-pairing dinner at a historic estate in the cape winelands.

The Cape Winelands, South Africa's key wine producing region just outside of Cape Town, is one of the most beautiful in the world. Heading south from Cape Town, follow the wine trail skirting Table Mountain National Park, through towns reflecting their centuries-old Dutch origins, to the Constantia Valley, the heart of the Winelands since vineyards were first established in the region by Dutch settlers in the 17th century. One of the area's oldest wine estates is the Steenberg Farm; enjoy a wine-pairing dinner at the vineyard featuring its acclaimed wines.

South Africa's Kruger National Park

Game drives in kruger national park in south africa's lowveldt.

Kruger National Park, in the heart of the South African lowveldt, boasts one of the highest recorded densities of wildlife – and especially of leopards – in the African continent. On our private game drives in Kruger during your Tauck safari adventure, keep your eyes open for elephants, cheetah, rhinos, wild dogs and, of course, leopards, along with many other endangered and rare mammals, birds and reptiles.

Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge

Paradise in the bushveldt.

At the Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, the magic begins the moment you drive into the Sabi Sand Private Reserve bordering Kruger National Park. One of four Sabi Sabi lodges located in the heart of the reserve, your contemporary accommodations are designed to capture the moment as it happens... with moving views of the bushveldt from your luxury suite... endless wildlife sightings at the watering hole feet from the lounge, atrium and bar area... with an ever-vigilant guide on private game drives, twice daily, from dawn to dusk... during afternoon tea served with tradition... and at sundowners under a crimson sky.

Africa's Big Five in the first hours of the safari and the grandeur of Victoria Falls all were truly wonderful.

Tauck Traveler Review

Download, Print Or Share

Take The Details With You

Download day-by-day details.

All the information you need for this journey at your fingertips – day-by-day details, map, hotel descriptions, key highlights and more.

Where you stay is an important part of your journey – with Tauck, accommodations have been handpicked and carefully selected for their location and ambiance, enhancing the destinations you explore. Download accommodation details and your travel plans begin!

Tour Planner

Download the details to make planning your trip easier - including an itinerary overview, pricing based on your selected departure date and accommodations, plus protection plan costs.

Request A Tour Planner

Overnight Accommodations

Extend your stay

Arrive Early

Cape Town, South Africa

Lion Sands-Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park Concession, South Africa

Sabi Sands Private Reserve, South Africa

Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

Johannesburg, South Africa

Nights 10-11

The Victoria Falls Hotel

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Your Journey

Pricing & Availability

Includes On-Tour Air

Pricing & Dates are not available yet. Please check back soon.

No departures found.

Try using less filters or select a different year.

Want More Detailed Information?

Request a Tour Planner

Call 800-788-7885

Accommodation Upgrade additional cost per person (limited availability):

Double – $400 Single – $700 Triple – N/A 

Upgrade to a Premier Room in Cape Town:  On most departures of  South Africa: An Elegant Adventure  you have an opportunity to purchase an upgrade to a premier room in Cape Town at Cape Grace – ask at time of booking  (limited availability) .

About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally , you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into South Africa and Zimbabwe. In addition to a valid passport, and as noted in your Journey Confirmation e-document you received confirming your reservation, a visa is required for entry to Zimbabwe. The visa will be obtained upon arrival at the Zimbabwe airport on day 10 of your tour and is included in the tour price. The country of South Africa does not require a visa for U.S. citizens. Recent new rules at South Africa's airports also require that anyone traveling to South Africa must have two consecutive blank pages in their passport which lie side by side when the passport is open (i.e. a left and a right hand page). Travelers also need a third page blank labeled "visa" at the top in order to enter Zimbabwe.  (This third blank page need not be consecutive with the blank two-page spread noted above that is required for entry into South Africa.) U.S. citizens who need to add extra pages to their passport should go to the State Department website for further information by clicking here . You will find instructions on how to add extra pages to your passport. Passengers traveling to South Africa with passports that do not comply with these requirements will either be stopped from boarding the aircraft or risk deportation on arrival in South Africa.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally , you should contact a consulate or embassy of each of the countries visited on this itinerary to determine what travel documentation is required.

We strongly recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

Deposits and fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $600 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  90  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Travel Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Guest Protection

Tauck's Guest Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.
• Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by CareFree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $769 per person

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPINTL .

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees. If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person 

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan :

90 days or more before departure = $600 per person

89-8 days before departure = $1250 per person

7-1 days before departure = $2000 per person

Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note:  All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Special Luggage Restrictions for this Tour:

Checked luggage aboard the on-tour flights to and from Johannesburg and Victoria Falls may not exceed 44 lb (20 kg).

In addition, guests are limited to one soft-sided, carry-on bag per person not to exceed 15 lbs (6.8 kg), and no larger than an average knapsack.

Checked Luggage – General

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour. 

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Some of the countries visited on this itinerary may require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against certain diseases in order to enter the country.  These requirements are subject to frequent change as outbreaks occur and subside in different areas, and it is therefore crucial that you obtain the very latest information on entry requirements as you prepare for your journey.

For the most current information, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by clicking here  and the World Health Organization (WHO) by clicking here . You may also wish to visit the web sites for the embassies of the countries you will be visiting.  Besides providing details on vaccination requirements, these sites can also provide information on vaccinations that may be recommended (but aren't required) and other potential health issues for which no vaccines are available.

Any decisions relating to your health, of course, should not be based solely on information provided by a web site.  It is critically important that you consult with your personal physician prior to your journey to obtain any required vaccinations and to review any optional recommendations offered by the CDC or other sources.

Please be sure to discuss your journey with your physician at least four to six weeks in advance of your departure, as certain vaccinations take time to become fully effective.  Also, be certain to ask your physician for proof of any vaccinations you receive, and to pack this proof along with your other travel documents in your carry-on luggage (not in your checked luggage).

Researching and complying with vaccination entry requirements for the countries visited on this itinerary is the responsibility of the traveler and not Tauck. Tauck is therefore not responsible for any expenses incurred or disruptions to travel caused by improper or incomplete vaccinations, or by the failure to provide proof of required vaccinations.

If you do not obtain the necessary vaccinations and proper documentation, you may be denied entry into one or more countries, or temporarily quarantined until the necessary vaccinations are administered, or until proper documentation is provided.

All travelers to Africa should be in reasonably good health. There is a significant amount of walking on this tour, frequently in warm weather, as well as climbing in and out of safari vehicles and frequent air travel. We strongly advise that guests who require assistance walking or travel with oxygen tanks may not fully enjoy this very active journey.

There are certain rules and regulations that one should be aware of while on  safari. It is important that you listen to your tour director, local guide or  ranger, as they are trained to be aware of the environment around them.

Guests should be aware that while on safari, you will be traveling in smaller  groups and will travel on small bush planes and/or helicopters.

Guests will share smaller safari vehicles, where they will be required to rotate  not only safari guides, rangers and cars, but also seats within the car. Please  note that there are limited medical facilities, and guests will not have  exclusive use to a vehicle should they need special attention or consideration.

The safari vehicles are not air conditioned. The cars have six window seats, and  are open air for animal viewing. Please note that the areas traversed  on game drives are typically unpaved and will often be bumpy and dusty.

Please note that all Tauck guests will dine at Tauck Designated tables for  meals. The majority of meals while on safari, are buffet due to the  international guests that stay at the lodges.

AN IMPORTANT NOTE ON SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN AND MOBILITY ISSUES:  This Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate oxygen tanks, wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Oxygen tanks are strictly prohibited in many foreign countries on regional flights aboard small aircraft, such as those intra-tour flights featured on this Tauck journey.  Likewise, the very limited cargo capacity on such flights prohibits the transport of wheelchairs or motorized scooters.

Guests should also bear in mind that the infrastructure in many foreign countries, particularly in developing countries, often presents severe and even insurmountable challenges for those with walking difficulties or other mobility issues.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

South Africa is a year-round destination, as frequently the climate features bright, sunny days. Temperatures in the summer (November to February) and autumn (March and April) typically range from the mid-50's to the high-70's degrees Fahrenheit , or 10 to 21 degrees Celsius, in South Africa, and from the low-60's to the low-90's F, or 15 to 30 C, in Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, the winter (May to August) and spring (September to October) seasons typically bring temperatures from the mid-40's to the low-70's F, or 4 to 21 C, in South Africa, and from the mid-40's to high-80's F, or 4 to 27 C, in Zimbabwe.

South Africa is generally considered to be an arid region, with two-thirds of the country receiving less than 22 inches, or 56 centimeters, of rain per year. The central part of the country typically sees rainfall in the summer. Meanwhile, in Cape Town and its surroundings, it is typically most rainy in the winter months. The majority of Zimbabwe's rainfall occurs between the months of December and March.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov , by clicking here .

What To Pack

Generally, lightweight, cotton, short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts, shorts and long pants are sufficient. A light jacket, fleece, or windbreaker, as well as layers of clothing, are suggested for cooler temperatures during early morning game drives, especially from June through August, and for evenings. A bandana or cotton scarf will always come in handy.

For the welcome and farewell dinners, and for dining in the larger cities, many guests like to dress up, but by all means be comfortable. A jacket and tie is no longer required for dining in the upscale Livingstone Room at the Victoria Falls Hotel.

While on safari it is recommended you wear natural earth-colored clothing, such as khakis, tans, browns, and greens, as well as comfortable walking shoes. It is also a good idea to bring a swimsuit, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip protection.

Game drives can be dusty, so wear something that can be washed while on safari. Valet service is available at all lodges and hotels.

A personal kit with medication for possible upset stomach, aspirin, and allergy medicine may also be useful. If you are taking prescription drugs, bring a prescription signed by your doctor in case you need an emergency refill while traveling. Insect repellent with DEET is a very important item to include in your kit. Pre-moistened towelettes, antibacterial lotion, and a flashlight will also be useful on your safari.

Pack your medical kit in your carry-on bag along with an extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses and a change of clothes in case of luggage delay.

For viewing wildlife, we recommend you bring a good pair of binoculars and your own photography supplies, such as plenty of film, batteries, a 200mm telephoto lens, lens cap, lens papers, UV filter and, for video-recording, an adequate supply of video cassettes.

We suggest that you pack the following items your journey:

• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• An optional jacket and tie for men
• Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Binoculars (7x50 preferably)
• Insect repellent
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

Please refer to the Necessary Gear website at  www.necessarygear.com  as one option available to you for renting and purchasing apparel, PPEs, and other items appropriate for your journey.

The Tauck Experience

Leave Your Worries At Home

One upfront price – no hidden costs, tauck directors – simply the best, never settle for ordinary.

• {{ forumDate }} {{ forumTopic }} ({{ totalForumComments }})

From the Forum

Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

Related Journeys

Other Journeys You May Enjoy

Tanzania: serengeti to zanzibar.

From $8,990

Land Journey

Kenya & Tanzania: A Classic Safari

From $13,390

• Destinations
• Antarctica & the Arctic
• Australia & New Zealand
• Israel & Jordan
• Latin America
• United States
• Tours & Cruises
• Exclusive Partnership
• Family Journeys
• Guest Favorites
• River Cruises
• Small Groups
• Small Ship Cruises
• Awards and Accolades
• Our History
• Tauck Impact
• The Tauck Difference
• The Taucker Blog
• About Tauck
• Media Center
• Tutorial Video
• Agent Connect
• Register Your Agency
• General Information
• Travel Protection
• Newsletter Sign Up
• Order an eGift Card
• Request a Brochure
• Tauck Forums
• Travel and Health
• Travel Updates

Sign Up to Subscribe to Our Emails

Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T. Tours)

Global operator

Service level

Travelers age

Trip prices

$2,895 — 9,190

Tour languages

Quick Links:

Trips other travelers liked

“Where the mountains meet the sea”- Kotor Bay, Lovcen & Skadar Lake National Park

Discover Albania

4-Days Cuyabeno

Northern Lights Escape

Family Fun In Cambodia

Ice to Sun 2023: Argentina & Brazil

Brazil (North): See & Experience it ALL in 13 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

Iceland Discovery

Member savings.

Sign in  to see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)

Age Range:  Primarily 50+

Average Tour Price: $4,538

Average Tour Duration: 15 Days

Group Size:  Small groups - between 10 and 16 travelers, max of 24 on small ship cruises

Travel Style:  Culturally immersive and local experiences. Walking between 3-6 miles a day.

• Group Tours
• Small Ship & Expedition Cruises
• River Cruises
• Custom Itineraries
• North America
• Central America & Caribbean
• South America
• Rivers & Seas
• Australia & Pacific
• Middle East & North Africa

Compare with Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T. Tours)

View all tour company comparisons

How well do you know the world?

Overseas adventure travel (o.a.t. tours) reviews & ratings.

Policy over practical customer service. zero customer service

don't expect humanity or common sense

This letter is effectively what was communicated no less than 8 times in writing and conversation to OAT representatives up the chain, beginning 19 days before the t...

Trip of a Lifetime

Our recent Tanzanian Safari was indeed the trip of a lifetime. Saw the big 5, met the wonderful locals and spent 5 days in the Serengeti. Saw many lions, zebras, gi...

Booked for July and gave them $12,000. They talked us into early arrival and then come back to us a two months later saying we can't offer. We have to keep our airli...

My favorite OAT adventure

I went to this adventure with my sister-in-law and we had the absolute best time! Our guide were all amazing and our trip leader Martin was exceptional! My sister-i-...

We visited Panama on this trip with OAT

We visited Panama on this trip with OAT including walking through El Chorrillo neighborhood and listening to the stories of the survivors of the US invasion. We woul...

See all Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T. Tours) reviews

Editoral Review of Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T. Tours)

Founded in 1978, Overseas Adventure Travel specializes in small group and small ship adventure tours . Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) is now part of the Boston-based Grand Circle Corporation, which also includes Grand Circle Travel and Grand Circle Cruise Line.

Quick Facts

Founded in 1978

Very welcome to solo travelers - Free or low single supplement

Average Tour Price - $4,538

Average Tour Duration - 15 Days

Small Groups - between 10 and 16 travelers, max of 24 on small ship cruises

Travel Style - Culturally immersive and local experiences. Walking between 3-6 miles a day

Age Range - Primarily 50+

What Makes Overseas Adventure Travel Stand Out?

• Solo traveler friendly
• Cultural immersion
• Grand Circle Foundation

Overseas Adventure Travel is solo traveler friendly . They offer free or low single supplements. OAT understands that solo travelers desire to follow their own schedule, desires and needs. They help handle all the details to make sure your trip is affordable, easy and enjoyable.

A major focus of OAT is cultural immersion . Travelers can expect to visit local schools, churches, and homes (where you might be treated to a home-cooked meal). Experienced guides -- all fluent in English -- lead groups off the beaten path when possible.

OAT strives to give back to the world they send travelers around.  A portion of all proceeds goes to the Grand Circle Foundation, which supports cultural and educational programs in the countries visited.

Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Overseas Adventure Travel?

• Solo travelers
• Cultural enthusiasts

 OAT specializes in small group tours around the world serving Americans aged 50 and older. They appeal to the old fashioned - the fact that they still offer a physical catalogue is testament - and their travel style reflects an appreciation of the classics coupled with an adventurous spirit to explore each destination deeper and from a local perspective. 

Overall, prices fall into the moderate range, and are especially a bargain for solo travelers , who can save substantially by not having to pay for single supplements. Accommodations are designed to be both comfortable as well as unique and in keeping with the local spirit of the destination. If your hostelling days are over but you feel too adventurous for a standard hotel, OAT will be a great company to travel with. 

OAT travelers are those with a passion for culture . They don’t just want to see a destination, they want to experience it. For these travelers, spending a day in a Maasai village in Kenya, eating dinner with a local family in Chile's oasis town and interacting with local musicians at the bustling Libertad Plaza in San Salvador, Belize is a welcomed adventure.

Top Destinations

OAT operates tours all over the world, specializing in remote, off the beaten path destinations. African safaris are an especially popular offering, though you can also travel to Japan , India , Peru , Iceland , Vietnam , Albania , or Morocco , to name just a few of its far-flung destinations. OAT also runs small-ship cruises through the Galapagos , on the Amazon , and along the Turkish coast.

OAT Travel Style

With Overseas Adventure Travel you’ll find a combination of transportation and accommodation styles, but all with an element of comfort. Groups are small, with a max of 16 (24 on small ship cruises). 

Accommodations vary, but generally favor being local and non-traditional over a basic centrally located hotel. Their exact words are “emphasis on authenticity, rather than amenities”.

Their style is all about unique and meaningful cultural interaction . While you’ll learn the history and see the famous sights, their true focus is about people and connections. This means you’ll enjoy meals with local families, like you’re just a friend over for dinner; visit schools and see the amazing work being done in small communities. The visceral understanding and perspective that comes from learning to cook traditional meals and make traditional crafts is what you’ll find on an OAT tour.

Why Choose a Tour with OAT?

OAT offers a unique up close and personal experience, guaranteeing that its groups will never exceed more than 10-16 travelers. A spirit of spontaneity is part of what makes traveling with OAT special, as they strive to take advantage of every interesting opportunity during a trip. 

Traveling with Overseas Adventure Travel allows for an in depth cultural travel experience in comfort. Many opportunities exist for travelers to find deals, and it’s a great way to meet new friends in a similar age range.

If you traveled extensively in your youth and are not ready to slow down, but perhaps are looking for a few more logistical ducks to be taken care of for you, OAT could be the perfect fit. They offer a variety of options for more independent minded travelers, as well as ample free time to explore and plan your own adventure during cruise port stops and on their group tours.

Alternatively, if this is your first travel experience, OAT will be a great starting point. You’ll gain cultural insights, meet locals, as well as hit on all the best tourist sites that provide cultural and historical context to your destination.

Overseas Adventure Travel Covid Safety Precautions

Through December 31st 2020, Overseas Adventure Travel is offering Risk Free booking. You can transfer your departure with all change fees waived.  

Some countries are beginning to reopen to international visitors with entry restrictions while others have remained closed. Stay up to date and see a full list of which countries are open  »  

Unlock Community Benefits

Travel better together.

• Save favorite trips and itineraries
• Get insider insights
• Receive personalized recommendations
• ... and much more

More Details

Solo friendly.

• No single supplement
• Solo & Singles Travel

Travelstride featured in

About the company.

Overseas Adventure Travel offers unique small group adventures worldwide to Americans over 50. By land and sea, we explore on—and off—the beaten path with a resident OAT Trip Leader, immersing ourselves in local cultures, sampling unique modes of transportation, and staying in authentic lodgings that reflect the essence of your destination. Grand Circle Small Ship Cruises serves both our GCT and OAT brands with an award-winning fleet known for exceptional value and high-quality experiences in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Custom-designed according to our travelers’ specifications, our fleet includes 50+ small river and ocean-going ships that we own or privately charter.

Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprise—comprised of a family of travel companies—committed to changing people’s lives by offering high-impact experiences to our travelers and building local communities through philanthropy, social entrepreneurship, and volunteerism.

Simply by traveling with OAT, you support the work of the nonprofit Grand Circle Foundation, which was created with the mission of changing people’s lives through travel—both those of our travelers, and of the people who welcome us so warmly into their homelands.

Journey with the Leader in Adventure Travel and Watch Your Dreams Take Flight : It is the stuff of dreams: gazelles bowing to lap at a glassy pool in the Serengeti as the vast sky turns purple with night, the tiered splendor of the Himalayas, rising behind a Tibetan monastery. Dreams like these are everyday realities for OAT travelers, thanks to the principles which ground every OAT adventure: value, choice, discovery, and carefully paced itineraries.

Our Value puts your travel dreams within reach: OAT can help you realize your travel dreams for a lot less than you thought possible. Together with our regional offices located throughout the world, we’ve been able to establish long-term relationships with many local vendors and hotels. Buying direct brings down our costs—and allows us to pass the savings on to you. And negotiating directly for hotel space also allows us to secure as many single room allotments as possible for our solo travelers. That way, we can also extend our great value to solo travelers. In fact, we offer the best value for solo travelers, guaranteed.

The Choice is yours : You’ll always have plenty of choices with OAT. We offer you a breadth of awe-inspiring travel destinations—from the peaks of the Andes to the sweeping desert sands of the Sahara to the rugged natural beauty of Iceland. You'll also enjoy more trip extension choices than ever before—like hiking to ancient monasteries in Bhutan or discovering the Moai monolithic rock statues on Easter Island. You have plenty of choices within each adventure, too, including several interesting optional tours. And the free time we’ve woven into our itineraries allows you plenty of opportunities for independent exploration. You can shop, unwind, perhaps linger at a sidewalk café, visit an interesting gallery or museum, or explore a cobbled street that caught your eye earlier in the day. You can do as much or as little as you want on an OAT adventure—the choice is yours.

OAT Difference

Adventure Travel : Adventure travel with OAT is a journey beyond the familiar, one that takes you into the very heart of a destination—to meet people where they work and live.

OAT Advantages : Journey with the leader in adventure travel and watch your dreams take flight, thanks to the principles which ground every OAT adventure: value, choice, discovery, and carefully paced itineraries.

Small Groups, Big Discoveries : When you discover the world in an OAT small group, you’ll journey off the beaten path to the places the big tour groups miss—and enjoy an intimate, discovery-filled adventure filled with personal connections, shared experiences, and treasured memories.

Trip Leaders : No matter where in the world you venture with OAT, you'll have one of our resident, expert Trip Leaders by your side. All are fluent in English and possess the skills, certification, and experience necessary to ensure an enriching adventure.

Airport Transfers : We’ve listened to your feedback, and will now offer international airport transfers to and from your hotel to our travelers who choose to purchase their own airfare on OAT adventures as part of our Personalize Your Trip program, which allows you create the OAT adventure that's right for you.

Personalize your trip : OAT travelers have long expressed the desire to decide exactly where they’re going, how they get there, and when they wish to leave. That’s why we developed a variety of choices that enhance the value of every trip we offer, allowing you to create the adventure that works best for you.

Traveling solo? Enjoy your own room or cabin—at no extra cost : You’re in control of your travel dreams—and we’re making them more affordable than ever: Maybe you prefer the freedom of solo travel—or maybe you and your usual traveling companion can’t agree on a destination. Whatever the reason, you don’t have to put your travel dreams on hold. When it’s time to go it alone, you’ll never pay a Single Supplement to have your own room or cabin with OAT.

Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T. Tours) Trips & Specials

Real Affordable Peru

Japan's Cultural Treasures

Mongolia & the Gobi Desert

Untamed Iceland

Heart of India

Northern Greece, Albania & Macedonia: Ancient Lands of Alexander the Great

From Siam to Saigon: Thailand & Vietnam Revealed

Southern Africa: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana

Want a tailor-made trip instead, your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

Top Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T. Tours) Trip Categories

Overseas adventure travel (o.a.t. tours) company ranking by category, similar companies.

Associations

United states tour operators association.

USTOA is a nonprofit professional association representing the tour operator industry.Its members are made up of companies who provide services worldwide but who conduct business in the U.S.

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip, travel confidently.

• South Africa Tourism
• South Africa Hotels
• South Africa Bed and Breakfast
• South Africa Vacation Rentals
• Flights to South Africa
• South Africa Restaurants
• Things to Do in South Africa
• South Africa Travel Forum
• South Africa Photos
• All South Africa Hotels
• South Africa Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in South Africa
• South Africa
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Travel with OAT??? - South Africa Forum

• Africa    
• South Africa    

Travel with OAT???

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Africa forums
• South Africa forum

I don't see that you are wasting time moving around. The distances are not great - and that's one of the problems with the trip.

The itinerary does include Botswana and Namibia, but if you have looked at a map, you see that your stops in those countries are in that four-corners area where they abut Zambia and Zimbabwe. The places you stay are hardly representative of Namibia or Botswana - but you can legitimately tick them off your list of countries you have visited.

You may get a bit more feedback if you provide a little more information about the tour, such as itinerary and accommodation types. Not everyone will be familiar with it.

Having said that, do always take on board any advice from Dave, his knowledge is very extensive.

This is the tour: http://www.oattravel.com/trips/2014/south-africa-travel-boo.aspx

We have also considered flying to CapeTown on our own and spending 4 days there on our own prior to the OAT itinerary.

Another thought is to spend two weeks in South Africa independently with one week in the Cape Town area and a second week seeing wildlife with a safari experience. Any suggestions on an itinerary for doing this independent plan would be greatly appreciated.

We are considering the same trip with OAT.

Dave, you mentioned it sounds like a '3 star' trip. Any suggestions for alternatives that you rate higher?

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

• Which area for a Safari 5:42 am
• Hiking Trail from Cable Car Station to Diving Board 5:39 am
• Johannesburg to Hazyview by car 3:29 am
• Drive from Stellenbosch to Cape Agulhas 3:25 am
• Bringing Wine back form South Africa 10:17 pm
• Hermanus Cliff Path Boardwalk yesterday
• R61 road conditions port Edward to port St johns yesterday
• Commuter sleeper train from Johannesburg to Cape Town yesterday
• E-Visa Experience, South Africa yesterday
• SA Tourist Visa from India yesterday
• Robbery during a daylight around Civic Center Apr 21, 2024
• Satara restaurant menu Apr 21, 2024
• AFTER 90 day visa extension, can I apply for a long term Apr 21, 2024
• Airport to Stellenbosch Apr 21, 2024
• Go2Africa-has anybody used them 41 replies
• yellow fever vaccination price 3 replies
• Sort of a warning about Rentalcars.com vs CarHire3000 68 replies
• Using an iPad with a prepaid micro sim card 29 replies
• road trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town 6 replies
• Review: Rhino Africa Safari travel 6 replies
• Bid2stay/City Lodge Hotel 3 replies
• Safaris near Johannesburg 2 replies
• Lion World Tours or SAA Vacations 11 replies
• Nude Beach in Umhlanga 6 replies

South Africa Hotels and Places to Stay

• What to do/see in South Africa
• A guide to booking and staying in Kruger National Park
• Animal Interactions and Ethical tourism.
• How to approach corrupt traffic officials
• Under what circumstances do I need to take Malaria Prophylaxis in Kruger area
• The reality of lion cub petting
• -Responsible_Tourism

5 of the Best African Boat Tours and Safaris

The African continent is home to some of the mightiest waterways on Earth, including the Nile , the Congo and the Zambezi rivers. There are also several Great Lakes, while the coastal archipelagoes are as beautiful as they are diverse. Exploring by boat is a wonderful way to experience these waterbodies and the magnificent scenery that surrounds them, with the benefit of avoiding travel on hot and dusty roads. In this article, we look at five of the best African boat cruises and safaris, ranging from luxury Nile charters to budget-conscious ferry trips across Lake Malawi . 

Zambezi Queen, Chobe River

Hop on board luxurious houseboat the  Zambezi Queen  for an unforgettable water safari along the Chobe River. The Chobe marks the border between Namibia and Botswana , and supports an incredible variety of animal and birdlife. Each of the boat's 14 air-conditioned cabins features its own private balcony, from which you can watch elephants drinking at the river's edge, or multi-colored birds nesting in the banks. There's a swimming pool on the upper deck for cooling off after a busy day, and a restaurant that serves gourmet cuisine. The cruise lasts two or three nights depending on your itinerary, and explores approximately 25 kilometers of the river. Game-viewing, birding and fishing are all part of the experience. 

Dhow Safari, Quirimbas Archipelago

Head to the Quirimbas Archipelago in northern  Mozambique  for postcard-perfect white sand beaches, swaying palms and turquoise waters. One of the best ways to experience the archipelago is on an island-hopping safari from Ibo Island Lodge . Your mode of transport is a traditional Arabic dhow, motorized for added reliability as you travel in between deserted sand banks and paradise islands. At each stop, you'll have the chance to go kayaking, snorkeling or scuba diving on crystal clear reefs populated by shoals of colorful tropical fish. In the evening, the dhow's professional crew will set up camp for you on one of the uninhabited islands, where you'll dine on fresh seafood cooked over the fire and revel in the splendor of the star-filled night sky. 

Bou El Mogdad, Senegal River

The Senegal River forms the border between  Senegal  and Mauritania and for half a century the Bou El Mogdad has steadily sailed these waters. Four times a month this lovely old-fashioned ferry plies its route between Saint Louis, the old capital of French West Africa, and Podor on the edge of the Sahara Desert. There are two departures from Saint Louis, and two from Podor. Wherever you embark, the six-day cruise takes you past old French forts; Tukolor, Wolof and Maure villages; and the amazing  Parc d'Oiseaux de Djoudj , filled with birdlife. In between, soak up Senegal's scenic landscapes and the history of the boat itself. This is not a luxury cruise, but the vessel is comfortable with 28 cabins and two restaurants. 

Royal Cleopatra, River Nile

There are hundreds of different Nile cruises to choose from, but for those that have the budget, a journey aboard the Royal Cleopatra is a worthy choice. The vessel is a traditional sailboat, or dahabia, handsomely outfitted to evoke the grandeur of the Victorian era. With berths for just seven tourists, it offers a more intimate experience than many of the larger Nile cruise ships; yet still stops at the same world-famous sights. The six-day itinerary takes you to Luxor , Edfu, Esna, Aswan and Kom Ombo , where a professional Egyptologist acts as your guide. In between stops, spend time sunbathing on deck beneath the dahabia's magnificent twin sails, or savoring authentic Egyptian cuisine. You can book a single cabin, or hire the entire vessel. 

MV Ilala, Lake Malawi

As the third-largest of Africa's Great Lakes, Lake Malawi, in the Malawi area, is a popular destination for watersports, fishing and relaxing at the beach. The MV Ilala is a local icon, providing a ferry service that traverses the length of the lake once a week, stopping at various points along the way. You can disembark anywhere you like, including the lovely Likoma Island; or ride the ferry all the way back to its starting point at Monkey Bay. A 620-ton vessel with space for 450 passengers, the MV Ilala is not a luxury cruiser. However, it does offer the classic African adventure. There are several restaurants and bars onboard, and you can opt to travel economy, second class, first-class or cabin class. The five cabins include exclusive access to the ship's top deck. 

9 Top Things to Do in Malawi, Africa

12 of Africa's Best Beach Destinations

One Week in Egypt: The Ultimate Itinerary

Lake Nasser, Egypt: The Complete Guide

The Best Places to Go in Southern Africa

New England Fall Foliage Cruises and Boat Tours

Okavango Delta, Botswana: The Complete Guide

Akagera National Park, Rwanda: The Complete Guide

13 Amazing Trips to Take Before You Turn 40

South Africa Guide: Planning Your Trip

14 Amazing Private Travel Experiences

Africa Highlights: What to Do and Where to Go

The World's Top 10 Unforgettable Luxury Travel Destinations

Top 8 Things to Do in Mozambique

Where to Go in 2021: 10 Future Trips You Can Start Planning Now

15 Private Islands You Can Rent, From Budget-Friendly to Splurge-Worthy

APRIL SALE:   Discover and book at   up to 60% off!

South Africa Tours & Trips

Take a safari through South Africa's famous Kruger Park , or get your heart racing at the outdoor playground of KwaZulu-Natal. Tantalise your tastebuds with the finest wines of Stellenbosch, follow the coastline to spot penguins and southern right whales, snack on some biltong as you explore Johannesburg's vibrant arts scene, or fall in love with all things sand, shells and surfing at Jeffrey's Bay. With adventure packages that pass through forests and lagoons on the Garden Route or visit the stunning Cape Town, this pocket of Africa deserves a place in your passport. Check out our 10 day South Africa itineraries .

Filters applied

250+ south africa tour packages with 1,818 reviews.

• Christmas & New Year

Garden Route & Addo Group Adventure - 6 Days

Super Tour Guide, he was very nice and gave us lots of info about all sorts of things and place we saw. The tour itself was great with fun activities. The hostels were much better than expected (even the cheapest backpacker option was really nice) There are only 2 things that could in my opinion be improved. 1. It's very nice that our guide offered to drive us truly everywhere. But when you are being driven less than 100m from the lobby/restaurant of a hostel to your little hut ... Well at some point it just becomes too much and myself and a few others had to ask to be allowed to walk. 2. More "physically demanding" activities. As one naturally spends a lot of time sitting in the car driving from place to place it would be much better to have more action. (Yes we had Kanus and a hike on one day but the first was a short drive along an extremely calm river and the later more like a 30 min stroll on even terrain). Granted not everyone would like to do/want to participate in more exhausting activities but there are simple ways to get around that problem. (E.g. splitting up the group with some perusing a more leisurely activity while the others get a chance to spend some energy. This trip even had a good example of this when at Cape Aguhlas there was the option to ride a bike to the Cape or to follow 30min later by car)

5-Day Group Garden Route & Addo Adventure Tour (one-way)

You never know who you're going to get on your tour! We had a few hiccups with one terrible guest but overall dynamics with the rest of the gang was phenomenal and our guide, Gareth's humor and professionalism definitely helped smooth things over. The lodges/hostels we stayed at were great offering us every night a different local meal. I definitely recommend this tour!

Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys

Amazing trip, fantastic guides, and no hidden costs! Will definitely do G adventures again

Kruger in Depth

Fantastic itinerary, great guide and met some amazing people

11 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Kruger

We cannot express our gratitude enough to this company for an amazing trip. I travelled with my grown up daughter and although am fit was a little nervous as did not want to be on a party trip. The communication with Eunice was excellent and she organised us our own twin room and bathroom. Our Capetown leg was amazing with Tariq our guide who was professional, informative, lots of fun and looked after us so well. Our backpackers were basic but clean and the trip from start to finish was so well organised. Our Jhb Kruger part of the trip was also amazing. We saw so many animals and our guides were informative and our accomodation was great. The best was staying in Marc’s treehouses where you will see the best of nature. If you are laid back, easy going and enjoy young people from different cultures and great experiences this trip is for you. Thank you to all the amazing staff for your exceptional service and helping us create lifelong memories,

7 day Garden Route, Cape Point and Winelands Combo

Great experience with Ullrich (or G.G.;) and Gerard (big G.) as a tour guides. Everything hhas been perfect and I am more than happy to have done this amazing tour!

10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package

Loved every minute of it

Looking for tours beyond just South Africa?

Explore tours with itineraries going through multiple countries, including South Africa.

South Africa: Tryst with the Wild Life & the Iconic Cape Town

Great itinerary, would have added Soweto as part of the standard to make the experience complete. CapeTown guide/driver was very pleasant, knowledgeable, prompt, and made us feel safe.

South Africa : Wildlife, Garden Route & Mother City Cape Town

Our honeymoon vacation through South Africa was amazing! We got to see a little of everything and even with all the traveling around it was stress free. Our guide was terrific and we would 1000% book again!

5 Day Garden Route Adventure Including Addo

The tour was excellent thankyou Dylan Curtis to take care about the group all the time, he gave us the best Vibes from Africa. Nereida

Kruger Experience - Lodge (5 days)

Animal sighting in chosen area was not good, they should have chosen a better area for safari. Panorama trip could have been done on the last day back to johanesburg to save time.

5 day Best of South Africa Highlights: Garden Route with Addo National Park

A truly wonderful driver—friendly, talkative, and an excellent host. We visited some charming and comfortable locations & accommodations, experiencing a lot along the way. The itinerary was quite busy, but we thoroughly enjoyed it.

5-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour

Wonderful experience. Delicious food, great game drives. Cozy atmosphere at the lodge. Friendly staff. Worth the money and a great value for a budget safari.

• €30 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Coach / Bus

South African Escape

Matt was an amazing guide.Went beyond the call of duty.Treated everyone with kindness.There is nuthing Matt does not know about his home country of Sth.Africa. We were so lucky to also have 2 fellow employees of Expat Tours on our trip.Nico & Alex were gentlemen,kind & helpful to me now an old age pensioner.They enhanced the trip for everyone. Matts choice of tours was excellent. Had an amazing experience & already thinking of next years tour with Expat.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• In-depth Cultural

Garden Route, Safari & Winelands Wonder

We had a great guide and itinerary. Only complaint was the security at aha hotel as there was a burglar who came in through 2 windows at night. The next day the cleaning staff left our windows open. I question the security in general at that hotel.

What people love about South Africa Tours

With Gareth we had a great, well organized short week, too short but ful of information, entertainment, fun.

An excellent tour which we couldn’t fault. Our guide, Rochelle, was superb. She was knowledgeable, always helpful and cheerful. We did everything we wanted to do and more. Highly recommended.

This tour was one of the greatest travel experiences I've ever had. Our CEO Alfred Dovey led the way throughout South Africa with such care and knowledge about everything we did while providing clear direction of what each plan of the day was and where we needed to be. I feel was was able to see, learn and experience South Africa in a way I could have never done on my own. I highly recommend this G Adventure tour.

South Africa Destinations

• Western Cape (142)
• Limpopo (58)
• Cape Point (20)
• Guateng (15)
• KwaZulu-Natal (10)
• North West (8)
• Eastern Cape (6)
• Kruger National Park (121)
• Pilanesberg National Park (16)
• Addo Elephant Park (16)
• Victoria Falls (10)
• Blyde River Canyon (6)
• Sabi Sand National Park (6)
• Table Mountain (25)

Travel Styles

• Small Group (226)
• Budget (42)
• Luxury (87)
• Singles and Solo (327)
• For Couples (106)
• Young Adults (28)
• Seniors (152)
• Group (394)
• Fully Guided (346)
• Family (301)
• Safari (297)
• Explorer (265)
• Personalized (204)
• Active (155)
• Partially Guided (142)
• Private (117)
• In-depth Cultural (59)
• Intl. Flights Included (39)
• Self-Guided (32)
• Jeep & 4WD (26)
• Overland Truck (24)
• Self Drive (23)
• Custom (22)
• 3 Day Tours (44)
• 7 Day Tours (164)
• 10 Day Tours (59)
• 2 Week Tours (78)
• 3 Week Tours (56)
• Spring 2024 (268)
• Summer 2024 (370)
• Fall / Autumn 2024 (385)
• Winter 2024 / 2025 (330)
• Spring 2025 (221)
• Summer 2025 (176)
• Fall / Autumn 2025 (170)
• Winter 2025 / 2026 (122)
• April 2024 (223)
• May 2024 (283)
• June 2024 (320)
• July 2024 (348)
• August 2024 (357)
• September 2024 (366)
• October 2024 (377)
• November 2024 (347)
• December 2024 (280)
• January 2025 (218)
• February 2025 (212)
• March 2025 (215)
• April 2025 (188)
• May 2025 (175)
• June 2025 (168)
• July 2025 (165)
• August 2025 (165)
• September 2025 (163)
• October 2025 (164)
• November 2025 (159)

South Africa Tours starting in

• Starting in Johannesburg (184)
• Starting in Cape Town (152)
• Starting in Port Elizabeth (15)
• Starting in Durban (11)
• Starting in Pretoria (10)
• South Africa Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best Time to Visit South Africa 2024/2025
• 10 Best Family Safari Holiday Packages 2024/2025
• Best 10 Day South Africa Itineraries (with Reviews)

The Happy Oat

• Ruth Carlisle
• Aug 23, 2019

South Africa in 10 Days: An Itinerary

Another summer, another trip! This summer I was lucky enough to explore the beautiful South Africa! Now South Africa is a huge country, so in comparison - this itinerary will only cover a small section, but it is a beautiful one! I'm talking about Cape Town and the Garden Route (which is along the south east coast!).

There is also a VIDEO on this trip, if you are wanting some more inspiration to coincide with this itinerary - click here !

THE ITINERARY

Day 1-3: Cape Town

Top things to do in Cape Town

Lions Head - A moderate hike where you should allow 2 hours to hike up and down. It begins with a steep incline, followed by ladders, chains and a little bit of boulder scrambling! There is an alternative route also available if you aren't quite up for the challenge of that part of the hike though! There are beautiful views over Cape Town waterfront, table mountain and the 12 apostles and is a must do while you are in Cape Town.

Table Mountain - A view for everyone to enjoy with multiple hike and non hike options! For those who are short on time or hiking isn't for you then there are cable cars available that ride from the bottom to the summit of table mountain and cost around £20 return. We however hiked, Platteklip Gorge up and got the cable car down. This route is clearly marked out and takes around 1.5-2 hours to hike one way. At the top of table mountain, you can enjoy a cafe, restaurant for light bites, a gift shop and multiple walks and trails around the top of table mountain. Another route that is highly recommended for those wanting a more challenging hike is 'Skeleton Gorge' which hikes through the beautiful botanical gardens and more. Unfortunately we did not have time to do this hike so cannot comment on this directly! TIP - The weather in Cape Town can be very variable, especially in regards to getting clear visibility at the summit of table mountain. My advice would be to be flexible with when you do Table Mountain, and whenever weather is shown to be promising - to grab that opportunity to visit the summit.

V and A Waterfront - A modern and safe destination during the day and the night. Excellent place for restaurants and shopping as well as some amazing markets. I would highly recommend the Craft Market and the Food Market. At the craft market you can find a variety of paintings, sculptures, crockery, accessories, jewellery and more, making for a perfect place to pick up gifts and other special pieces. The food market has everything you can think of! From South African stalls, to burgers, Indian, Chinese, sushi, drinks, sweets and can cater for a variety of dietary needs. Unfortunately the food market closes at 7pm - so make sure to pay a visit before then. Both were visited on more than one occasion!

Cape Peninsula - The Cape Peninsula is a lovely 1.5-2 hour drive south of Cape Town. Make sure to drive down Chapman's Peak drive (there is a 50R toll but it is so worth it!) en route to the Cape Peninsula National Park. It costs 303R each to enter the park and the highlights include, Cape Point, Cape Point Lighthouse and the Cape of Good Hope. It is a stunning coastal edge where you could spend half a day easily here. There are options of walking from the lighthouse to the Cape of Good Hope, or you can drive there also.

Boulders Beach - Boulder's beach is a must see, for this incredibly dense population of African Penguins! The Beach is located in Simon's Town which is on route back from the Cape Peninsula ( TIP - Coordinate this in one day! ). Entry to Boulder's beach is 76R per person.

Cape Peninsula beaches - South of Cape Town there are a variety of beaches which you can make a pit stop at or spend a few hours there enjoying the scenery and the sun. Beaches I would recommend would be: Clifton Beach (there are 5 of them!), Camps Bay Beach (more facilities close by) and Llandudno Beach.

Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens - At the base of table mountain sits the botanic gardens, providing at least half a day's worth of walking and exploring around these plants. Costing only 70R to visit, it also has a unique tree canopy bridge, giving excellent views across the gardens.

Bloubergstrand Beach - 30 minutes north of Cape Town, sits a white sanded beach with the scenic backdrop of Table Mountain. The view is just outstanding.

Robben Island - A 4 hour experience around this historic island which I would have loved to do had the weather cooperated! This is a very weather dependent activity and ferries will be cancelled on the day if the weather is not appropriate. You must book tickets online in advance (link here ), but if the ferry does not run then they will refund your card automatically.

Kloof Corner - a gentle 30 minute incline to the western most part of table mountain, giving excellent views of lions head and the 12 apostles. Easy to squeeze into your day!

Accommodation: We stayed in an air bnb apartment (link here ) which I would highly recommend for location, good parking, facilities and safety.

Day 4: Hermanus and L'Agulhas

Drive to Hermanus via the N2 (1 hour 40 mins) or you can take the whale coastal route (via Betty's Bay and Stony Point Beach) which takes 2 hours but much more scenic. We did the whale coastal route.

Ensure you have arranged some form of whale watching experience for the day prior to the trip as these book up very quickly. TIP - Whale watching season is between June - December each year . You can book a whale watching boat or you can take a private flight over the ocean to whale spot! We booked a flight with African Wings (link here ), which was incredible and would highly recommend. The boats are said to be great also, but they can be cancelled on the day if the waves are too rough.

Next spend some time in Hermanus. Whale spot from Gearing's Point and enjoy a lovely walk along Grotto's Beach.

Eat some delicious seafood from Bientang's Cave restaurant (link here ) which is famous for its delicious fresh food (we enjoyed the seafood platter) and the fact it is in a cave and looks directly out at the ocean, so you can whale watch at the same time!

Drive 2 hours down to L'Agulhas. L'Agulhas is a small place and you do not need long to explore it. We arrived at 16:30 and sunset was at 18:00. Visit the lighthouse, and walk along the boardwalk to the southernmost point of Africa. The sunsets are beautiful, so enjoy a chilled walk along the coast.

Accommodation: Cape Agulhas Guest House (link here ) - Lovely Guesthouse 5 minutes walk from L'Agulhas Lighthouse

Day 5: De Hoop Nature Reserve

Drive 1 hour 15 minutes along the N2 to De Hoop Nature Reserve. Firstly, be aware that it might take longer as the turn off to De Hoop Nature Reserve is a gravel road and if you don't have a 4x4 and it's a hire car, you need to drive significantly slower.;

The entry cost is 50R per person and there is a variety of activities to do here, such as Guided safari tours, Guided marine walks, Eco boat cruise, Land based whale watching, Bird watching, Mountain biking and hiking. There is 1 restaurant and a gift shop on site. There is also accommodation if you wish to stay there also (as there is so much you can do!). Link for more info is here .

We went on the eco boat cruise where we saw flamingos, eagles, elands and multiple other birds while enjoying the the view from the lake. They also provide free refreshments on board and are very informative.

From just driving through the nature reserve, it was almost like doing a self-guided safari tour. We saw zebras, elands, bonteboks, tortoise and ostriches!

The rest of the time we spent land-based whale watching on De Hoop's stunning white sand dunes. We did part of the marine coastal walk, but got too distracted by the amazing amount of whales that could be seen from shore.

Accommodation: Battenbergs Guest House (link here ) - Lovely Guesthouse in Swellendam, approx 40 minute drive from De Hoop Nature Reserve and on route to the next destination!

Day 6: Kynsna (with stops at Mossel Bay and Wilderness on route)

Drive 2 hours 20 minutes from Swellendam to Wilderness, but with a stop at Mossel Bay en route ( TIP - Go straight to Whale Phin Guest House, and just beside that there is a great viewpoint of the bay and to whale watch ).

Next, stop at wilderness and enjoy the view from dolphin point (unfortunately we saw no dolphins!), look at the old railway bridge and stop for some lunch - we went to Beejuice cafe. There is also a National Park in Wilderness if you would like to stay longer which the Kingfisher trail and canoeing is recommended.

Arrive at Knysna and go straight to Thesen Island and rent a kayak for an hour each, costing 150R per person from Knysna Charters (link here ). Here you can kayak anywhere on the lagoon and see the waterfront, or Knsyna heads.

Other places to explore in Knysna are the 2 viewpoints of Knysna Heads (2 giant sandstone cliffs) and the waterfront. I would also recommend going to Blend Country Restaurant for lunch or dinner - the food is delicious (and also right beside the accommodation we stayed at!). Link here .

Accommodation: 47th on Howard Guest House (link here ) - Lovely Guesthouse 5 minutes drive from Knysna Heads.

Day 7 and 8: Kranshoek Coastal Trail, Plettenberg Bay and Tsitsakamma National Park Drive to 30 minutes to Kranshoek Coastal trail, which is part og the Garden route National Parks. This is a 9km walk and is starts at a picnic sight which has an amazing viewpoint over the coastal ridge. This route starts at the top of a waterfall then goes down through the forest, crossing streams and walking on uneven terrain until it plateaus out to walk along the coast, before having to make your way back up.

Next drive 15 minutes to Plettenberg Bay, where you can look out at the whales/dolphins from Whale tail lookout point, and enjoy a walk along Lookout beach.

Finally drive 50 minutes along the N2 to Tsitsakamma National Park (the Storms River Mouth part). There is lots of walking trails to do at this part of Tsitsakamma National Park for every ability. We completed the Mouth trail, which crosses over 3 suspension bridges and is an easier walk, taking about 30-40 minutes one way. We also completed the waterfall trail which is a beautiful walk right along the coast. It takes 3.5-4 hours return and is classes as a challenging hike. It involves points of no marked out path and boulder scrambling, but the end point is a beautiful waterfall. There is also other water sports available to do at this National Park

Accommodation: Forest Hut at Storms River Mouth Rest Camp, in Tsitsakamma National Park itself (link here ) - Would highly recommend staying in the park, as having the ocean on your doorstep is incredible. There is one shop and one restaurant within the rest camp but you have free access in and out of the National Park as you wish.

Day 9: Driving Day on Route 62 and Wine Tasting at Stellenbosch in the Evening

How do you make a travel day more interesting? take a more exciting route. You have 2 options here. Either you can drive 6.5 hours down the N2 back to Stellenbosch or you can take route 62, which takes around 8 hours (not including stops).

From Tsitsikamma National Park, drive via Prince Albert's Pass to get to Route 62. Prince Albert's Pass is a very windy gravel road, going through some beautiful scenery. However due to the road conditions, the type of car you have may affect your decision to take this route. Route 62 itself is all tarmac and takes you through a different 'dry' type of scenery, which has often been recognised as similar to the USA's route 66.

Visit Oudtshoorn for some lunch, as it is famous and the home for it's Ostrich Meat in South Africa. Also go via Kogmanskloof Mountain Pass for more beautiful scenic views.

We started our drive at 06:20 and arrived in Stellenbosch at 16:00. We quickly checked into our accommodation, freshened up and ordered an uber to Uva Mira Vineyards, to end our day with some wine tasting and a time to relax, whilst looking over beautiful vineyards with a mountain view.

Accommodation: The Country Guesthouse, Stellenbosch (link here ) - closest vineyard is Uva Mira Vineyard and is a 15 minute drive from Stellenbosch town

Day 10: Vereglegen Wine Estate and Stellenbosch

We started our day with visiting Vereglegen Wine Estate which in, which incorporates old historic buildings, gardens and a vineyard. Costing only 10R to enter into, it is a lovely experience. Allow around 1 hour for enjoying this estate and longer if you plan to wine taste and/or have any food there!

Next explore Stellenbosch, a quaint town with lots of beautiful white buildings, a variety of independent shops, and a stunning backdrop of the mountains. You can spend the rest of the day here, or head to back to Cape Town to explore anything you may have missed in the first few days! I would also recommend going via Helshoogte Pass.

Accommodation: WEX1 514 City Apartments, Cape Town (link here ) - we stayed our last night in Cape Town ready for our departure the following day.

HOW LONG DO I NEED?

I was there 10 days, but 2 weeks would have been ideal - so I'd recommend around that time frame.

BEST WAY TO TRAVEL ROUND?

We hired a car for this trip which I would highly recommend as it is the safest mode of transport and public transport is also very limited. They also have a lower age limit on hiring a car which works perfectly! We hired from Hertz Car Rental, as we could pick up the car direct from the airport. Parking around South Africa is mostly free and easy to find. Commonly you will find 'attendants' requesting tips because they help you find a space etc. but this is at your discretion. If you do decide to tip, no more than 10R should suffice. When you fill fuel , the attendants will fill the car up with fuel for you, and often other attendants will wash your car and /or your car windows. You should tip these attendants also - again no more than 10R should suffice.

TRADITIONAL FOODS TO TRY

Chakalaka - a spicy vegetable relish which is based on canned beans, tomatoes, onions and chillis

Bobotie - South Africa's amazing meatloaf which is deliciously spiced with a savoury custard topping

Biltong - dried, cured meat which is produced from various game animals.

Malva Pudding - a sweet pudding with apricot jam and has a spongy caramelised texture

Koeksisters - fried dough infused with syrup or honey

Ostrich meat

Any form of Seafood (you are by the coast after all!)

Happy Travelling!

• Work & Careers
• Life & Arts

Become an FT subscriber

Try unlimited access Only $1 for 4 weeks

Then $75 per month. Complete digital access to quality FT journalism on any device. Cancel anytime during your trial.

• Global news & analysis
• Expert opinion
• Special features
• FirstFT newsletter
• Videos & Podcasts
• Android & iOS app
• FT Edit app
• 10 gift articles per month

Explore more offers.

Standard digital.

• FT Digital Edition

Premium Digital

Print + premium digital, weekend print + standard digital, weekend print + premium digital.

Today's FT newspaper for easy reading on any device. This does not include ft.com or FT App access.

• 10 additional gift articles per month
• Global news & analysis
• Exclusive FT analysis
• Videos & Podcasts
• FT App on Android & iOS
• Everything in Standard Digital
• Premium newsletters
• Weekday Print Edition
• FT Weekend Print delivery
• Everything in Premium Digital

Essential digital access to quality FT journalism on any device. Pay a year upfront and save 20%.

• Everything in Print

Complete digital access to quality FT journalism with expert analysis from industry leaders. Pay a year upfront and save 20%.

Terms & Conditions apply

Explore our full range of subscriptions.

Why the ft.

See why over a million readers pay to read the Financial Times.

International Edition