South Africa Relaxing Retreats Tours & Trip Packages

South Africa Relaxing Retreats Tours & Trips

567 South Africa trips. Tours from 260 tour companies. 957 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

24 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Relaxing Retreats
South Africa: See & Experience it ALL in 12 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours
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By Charlie The Traveler
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
Travelers report that traveling with CharlieTheTraveler is a life-changing experience, in the best possible way.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Cape Town, Durban, Isimangaliso Wetland Park, Knysna, Kruger National Park, Oudtshoorn, Robben Island, Sani Pass, Simon's Town, Stormsrivier, Tsitsikamma National Park, Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park

Highlights

  • Both Night & Day Jungle Safaris
  • A Sunset Cruise on a Historic Boat Called John Benn
  • Guided Sightseeing Tours in Cape Town & Durban
  • Watching Hippos, Crocodiles & Seals on Boat Excursions
  • An Adventurous ‘Crawling’ Tour Inside Cango Caves
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Themes

Birding, Climbing & Mountaineering, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Safari, Photography

What travelers are saying

"Our trip to Iceland was absolutely stunning and Charlie the Traveler curated an amazing and adventurous trip for us that kept in mind all of the attractions that were on our list and many other gems this beautiful country has to offer. We hit a few roadblocks with our tours due to weather conditions and volcanic activity in the area, but Charlie The Traveler and his team were on it at every moment and were able to provide us with alternative tours that did not take away from the overall experience. His team is led by individuals that truly cares about your experience. If you need a perfect trip planned then Charlie the Traveler is the way to go. This trip has been absolutely perfect and can’t wait to come back and explore it again."

Trip dates & details
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Kruger Lodge Experience (3 days)
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Johannesburg, Kruger National Park

Highlights

  • Experience a private game reserve in an open top 4x4 vehicle
  • Enjoy traditional South African cuisine while dining under the stars
  • Try to spot the Big Five in Kruger National Park on a full day game drive
  • Stay in a comfortable safari lodge in a communal setting with friendly hosts
  • Visit the awesome Blyde River Canyon and view the Three Rondavels on your return trip to Johannesburg

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Safari

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Kruger & Cape Town Short Break by Plane
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Nelson

Highlights

  • Experience a private game reserve in an open top 4WD vehicle, the best way to safari in South Africa!
  • Try to spot the Big Five in Kruger National Park on two full day game drives, giving you the best chance to see as much wildlife as possible in their natural habitat.
  • Enjoy traditional South African cuisine while dining under the stars.
  • Take in the beauty of Cape Town's coast while driving along the Cape Peninsula via Cape Point Nature Reserve and the Cape of Good Hope.
  • Sample the best wines in the Winelands region with a full day touring the estates, sampling artisanal cheeses, chocolates and wines.

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Safari

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Wild Kruger Camping
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Johannesburg, Kruger National Park

Highlights

  • Take a memorable sunset safari in a private game reserve
  • Enjoy two full-day game drives in the Kruger National Park
  • Relax by a campfire under a starry sky while listening to the sounds of the night
  • See the spectacular Blyde River Canyon and view the Three Rondavels on you return trip to Johanessburg

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Safari

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

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Kruger Lodge Experience
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Johannesburg, Kruger National Park

Highlights

  • Experience a private game reserve in an open top 4x4 vehicle
  • Enjoy traditional South African cuisine while dining under the stars
  • Try to spot the Big Five in Kruger National Park on a full day game drive
  • Stay in a comfortable safari lodge in a communal setting with friendly hosts
  • Visit the awesome Blyde River Canyon and view the Three Rondavels on your return trip to Johannesburg

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Safari

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

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Kruger Experience - Lodge (5 days)
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Johannesburg, Kruger National Park

Highlights

  • Experience a private game reserve in an open top 4x4 vehicle
  • Enjoy traditional South African cuisine while dining under the stars
  • Try to spot the Big Five in Kruger National Park on two full day game drives
  • Stay in a comfortable safari lodge in a communal setting with friendly hosts
  • Take in amazing views at the viewpoint over the awesome Blyde River Canyon and view the Three Rondavels

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Safari

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

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Cape Town & Winelands
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cape Town, Nelson, Robben Island, Stellenbosch, Table Mountain

Highlights

  • Take a walking tour around Cape Town and learn about the hardships of slavery, colonial life in The Cape and the tragedy of apartheid.
  • Relax in the college town of Stellenbosch with a glass of wine after an illuminating city tour.
  • Take in the beauty of Cape Town's coast while driving along the Cape Peninsula via Cape Point Nature Reserve and the Cape of Good Hope.
  • Visit some of the region's best wine estates and indulge in wine tastings, chocolate pairings and artisanal cheeses.
  • Enjoy a free day in Cape Town to explore places such as Robben Island, Table Mountain and/or the atmosphere of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

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South African Family Adventure
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4.1/5 Great
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Johannesburg

Highlights

  • Cape Town Kids City Tour
  • Cape Peninsula Tour with picnic lunch
  • Cape Winelands for Kids Tour (Full-Day)

Themes

Family Friendly, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Safari

What travelers are saying

"Great Value did an amazing job with the basic outline for the itinerary and the hotel choices were excellent."

Trip dates & details
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24 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Relaxing Retreats
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South Africa Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
957  Reviews
See all South Africa tour reviews
Excellent
428
Great
130
Average
9
Disappointing
2
Terrible
2
W

William

Sep 2015

Written on

Excellent trip

Excellent trip

R

Roger T.

Feb 2023

Written on

I felt confident booking through CharlieTheTraveler as they were organized and had great reviews on all of their tours.

I felt confident booking through CharlieTheTraveler as they were organized and had great reviews on all of their tours. I wanted to go to South Africa and found thei...

N

Nicole J.

Feb 2023

Written on

Each of the tours by CharlieTheTraveler included so many exciting activities, so it was an easy decision to book my trip to South Africa through them.

Each of the tours by CharlieTheTraveler included so many exciting activities, so it was an easy decision to book my trip to South Africa through them. I was pleased ...

J

Jerry Stich

Feb 2023

Written on

We are extremely happy with Paul and the places we have seen.

We are extremely happy with Paul and the places we have seen. He is very flexib...

M

Marco K.

Feb 2023

Written on

I felt blessed to find CharlieTheTraveler did all of this for their customers.

I personally struggle when I travel abroad, as there is so much research that goes into finding activities, planning the transportation to and from places, and picki...

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South Africa Tour Selection Trips

  • South Africa is a big country, rich in attractions and activities. Allow at least a week and preferably two for your first tour – which will only whet your appetite for more.
  • South Africa train tours can be a highlight in itself. Tour companies can organize excursions on a restored steam train, Rovos Rail, travelling between Pretoria and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, as well as between Pretoria and Cape Town. Or ride the luxurious Blue Train, which rides the rails between Pretoria and Cape Town, and Pretoria and Durban.
  • Consider tours that include the world-famous annual run (from May-July) of millions of sardines along the east coast of the country in the KwaZulu-Natal region. The sardines cause a feeding frenzy that attracts thousands of sharks, dolphins, whales, birds and other ocean predators.
  • While most of South Africa is malaria-free, it is present year-round in Kruger National Park and the low-lying areas of northern KwaZulu-Natal. Travel operators can arrange safaris in many malaria-free game reserves, such as Madikwe or Pilanesberg in North West province, the Waterberg in Limpopo, or private reserves in the Eastern, Western and Northern Cape.
  • Looking for an unusual “lodging” adventure? If you’re customizing your trip, ask your travel provider to arrange an overnight stay in a cave in the Drakensberg mountains. Marble Baths Cave, Sherman’s Cave, Spare Rib Cave, Nutcracker Cave and Sleeping Beauty Cave are just some of the caves that allow such stays.
  • South Africa is known for its flora as well as its fauna – the country’s Cape Floral Region contains a fifth of the flora on the African continent. If you like viewing plant life, look for tours that include visits to gardens, forests and nature preserves.

Additional details

Getting to South Africa

Most flights into South Africa arrive in either Johannesburg or Cape Town. From there, there are connecting flights to smaller airports in the country. Alternatively, you can drive across the border if you’re visiting a neighboring country.

How to get around South Africa

South Africa is a huge country! Unless you are spending a lot of time in South Africa, or staying in a particular region, you’re better off flying between cities, if you’re trying to visit Johannesburg and Cape Town.

City driving can get busy, and drivers can be aggressive, especially in Johannesburg. If you’re visiting Joburg, using uber or public transportation is your best bet. It can be unsafe driving through the city, because of the high crime rate.

Parking is difficult to come by, but Uber is extremely affordable in South Africa. The bonus there is you don’t have to worry about navigating the busy traffic, trying to park your car, and worrying about potential crime. In Cape Town you’re safer driving (but the traffic is very bad), though there is also great public transportation.

Driving is an option for those wanting to take the garden route. For the most part, roads are well developed, and it gives you a chance to see the countryside. South Africa has such diverse landscape, it’s worth it to visit parts of the countryside.

It’s absolutely stunning. For those who are questioning if they can adjust to driving on the opposite side of the road, it’s fairly manageable. Once you get in the car, it’s easy to navigate and catch on, especially if you’re on the road with other cars.

How Much Time Should I Spend in South Africa?

There is so much to see in South Africa. One could spend several months in South Africa and only touch the surface.

Somewhere between two and three weeks is a good time frame to get familiar with the land. Especially for travelers who decide to drive parts of the country (such as the Garden Route), the trip should not be rushed.

Because of the diversity of the country, one should see at least two cities (Cape Town, Durban, and/or Pretoria). A safari is a must for trips to South Africa. Having several day tours (between 3-5) allows for more opportunity to spot all of the “Big 5”.

Again, there is no guarantee you’ll get to see all 5. Some may be questioning spending five days in the bush on a safari, but it truly is a once in a lifetime experience. Every animal sighting is magical, even if it’s the fifth or sixth time seeing a zebra on one game drive. The calmness and quiet beauty is unlike any other experience.

Other Tips for South Africa Travel

  • Use caution in South Africa. Don’t flash your money/high end items, know where you’re heading, and be mindful. Highly consider grabbing an uber or driving, especially at night, even if the distance seems walkable. You can never be too careful, and this is the place to err on the side of caution.
  • On the flipside, South Africa is an amazing place to visit, and so diverse. If you have an opportunity to hop around the country to different cities, do it! The Western Cape and Eastern Cape have diverse landscapes and you should try to see different parts of the country.
  • South African currency is the rand. Traveling, shopping, accommodation and food is all extremely affordable in South Africa.
  • South Africa is big on tipping. If you go out to eat, expect to tip. A surprise to many visitors is the tipping of parking lot security guards who watch over your car while you’re out shopping, at the beach, etc. Most tips range from 2-10 rand.
  • South Africa has three capitals: Bloemfontein (judicial capital), Cape Town (legislative capital) and Pretoria (the administrative capital).
  • There are no vaccines required to travel to South Africa, except for visitors from a country with a yellow fever endemic. Proof of the yellow fever vaccination is required upon arrival in South Africa.
  • A fun idea for getting around is joining a hop-on-hop-off tour bus. Both Johannesburg and Cape Town offers this tour option. Get dropped off right at the attractions, spend as much time as you went at said attraction, and jump back on the bus to head towards your next destination. Since many of these tour buses have an upper deck, it’s also a great way to see the city from a different point of view.

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