South Africa Private Guided Tours & Trip Packages

South Africa Private Guided Tours & Trips

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

85 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Private Guided
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."

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Tour of Africa: South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana
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By Odynovo
premier
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They are able to handcraft custom trip plans in over 70 different destinations worldwide.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cape Town, Hwange National Park, Victoria Falls

Highlights

  • Take in the stunning landscape of Cape Peninsula
  • Admire the majestic Victoria Falls up-close
  • Observe herds of elephants in Chobe National Park
  • Stay near Hwange National Park with various safari activities

Themes

Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Scuba Diving

What travelers are saying

"I cannot say enough good things about Odynovo, both on the coordination end (we worked with Laura Li, who was fantastic!) to the on-site people (shout out to our airport contact in Cairo Hassan, our skilled driver Ahmed, our fun Cairo guide Mai, and our knowledgable Aswan/Luxor guide Hazem - BEST crew EVER!!!) who make your trip a seamless, safe, exciting, educational, and all-around transformative life highlight. This experience was seriously a bucket-list one for my husband and me, and I can NOT emphasize enough how important the Odynovo team was to making Egypt an infinitely easier context to navigate. If you've watched travel vloggers and social media influencers attempt to navigate Egypt on their own and complain about a negative experience, fear not - if you go with Odynovo, every. single. thing. will be taken care of. There is NOTHING to worry about, and the experience was entirely positive. The people, the food, the culture, the historical sites and stories - with Odynovo taking care of all the logistical details, these are the only things you need to focus on. I am full of gratitude for the experience I had in Egypt, and I credit Odynovo for it. I will absolutely use them in the future for other destinations, and I urge you to do the same. I know my Egypt experience would not have been nearly the same had I not gone with Odynovo. Check out our adventure here: https://youtu.be/vMlAmVk7vBY Also, a passionate recommendation from my experience: DEFINITELY make the trip to Abu Simbel!! It was a major highlight (we went in a private car that left Aswan around 9am since we'd flown in from Cairo that morning). We stopped at the High Dam first, so by the time we arrived at Abu Simbel, the tour busses were on their way back to Aswan, and we had the whole of the site almost entirely to ourselves. It was one of the most awe-inspiring moments of my life. Do it. Stay the night in Abu Simbel if you can in order to avoid the crowds. It was amazing. ✨"

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12 Day South Africa, Vic Falls & Botswana Across Africa Safari
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5/5 Excellent
81 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls

Highlights

  • Explore Cape Town is one of the world's most beautiful cities and a top international destination
  • Visit Sabi Sands is South Africa's premier private game viewing destination
  • See the natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls is a World Heritage Site and an extremely popular tourism attraction
  • Enjoy boat cruise on the Chobe River, as well as daily game drives

Themes

50 plus, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Safari

What travelers are saying

"This we hoped would be the holiday of a lifetime for myself and my family and we chose Ker & Downey Africa to organize it for us, we were not disappointed. They listened to what we wanted and came up with an itinerary which proved to be perfect, something for everyone young and not so young. Communications were excellent, when a problem arose they dealt with it quickly leaving us very happy with the proposed solution. This was not a budget holiday but we were happy that it was good value for money, we got what we paid for. From the time we landed on African soil we felt that Ker & Downey were looking after us, they were there for us all the way not for one moment did we have to worry, stress free we asked for and that is exactly what we got. The lodges they chose for us were perfect, we could not have asked for more, the memories we brought home are priceless. Thank you Ker & Downey Africa for organizing our dream trip."

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9-Day South Africa Luxventure: Wildlife + Winelands
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4.9/5 Excellent
81 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Johannesburg, Kruger National Park

Highlights

  • Explore Cape Town
  • Experience Africa's incredible wildlife as you explore Singita's private concession
  • Visit Kruger has an amazing memories and photographs
  • Explore wine lands of Stellenbosch and embark on a full day Devon Valley bicycle tour

Themes

50 plus, Culinary & Wine, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Safari

What travelers are saying

"This we hoped would be the holiday of a lifetime for myself and my family and we chose Ker & Downey Africa to organize it for us, we were not disappointed. They listened to what we wanted and came up with an itinerary which proved to be perfect, something for everyone young and not so young. Communications were excellent, when a problem arose they dealt with it quickly leaving us very happy with the proposed solution. This was not a budget holiday but we were happy that it was good value for money, we got what we paid for. From the time we landed on African soil we felt that Ker & Downey were looking after us, they were there for us all the way not for one moment did we have to worry, stress free we asked for and that is exactly what we got. The lodges they chose for us were perfect, we could not have asked for more, the memories we brought home are priceless. Thank you Ker & Downey Africa for organizing our dream trip."

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Victoria Falls (victoria Falls Hotel, Standard Room)
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4.8/5 Excellent
27 reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
Their experienced team of international specialists crafts journeys combining authentic experience with high standards of comfort.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Day 1 – Arrive Victoria Falls – Sundowner Cruise Arrive Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe where you are met and escorted to your hotel. This afternoon enjoy a sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River.

What travelers are saying

"We returned from our 13-day East African Explorer trip two weeks ago. The trip fully met our expectations. Everything was well organized, accommodations and food were excellent, safari drives were great. Our driver/guide in Kenya, Gitonga (aka Anderson) was excellent and enthusiastic. Based on our experience I can confidently say we will book another trip with SITA in the near future."

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Livingstone (avani Victoria Falls Resort)
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4.8/5 Excellent
27 reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
Their experienced team of international specialists crafts journeys combining authentic experience with high standards of comfort.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Day 1 – Arrive Livingstone – Sundowner Cruise Arrive Livingstone, Zambia where you are met and escorted to your hotel. This afternoon enjoy a sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River. Day 2 &n

What travelers are saying

"We returned from our 13-day East African Explorer trip two weeks ago. The trip fully met our expectations. Everything was well organized, accommodations and food were excellent, safari drives were great. Our driver/guide in Kenya, Gitonga (aka Anderson) was excellent and enthusiastic. Based on our experience I can confidently say we will book another trip with SITA in the near future."

Trip dates & details
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Victoria Falls (ilala Lodge, Standard Room)
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.8/5 Excellent
27 reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
Their experienced team of international specialists crafts journeys combining authentic experience with high standards of comfort.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Day 1 – Arrive Victoria Falls – Sundowner Cruise Arrive Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe where you are met and escorted to your hotel. This afternoon enjoy a sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River.

What travelers are saying

"We returned from our 13-day East African Explorer trip two weeks ago. The trip fully met our expectations. Everything was well organized, accommodations and food were excellent, safari drives were great. Our driver/guide in Kenya, Gitonga (aka Anderson) was excellent and enthusiastic. Based on our experience I can confidently say we will book another trip with SITA in the near future."

Trip dates & details
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Simply South Africa (deluxe Class)
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4.8/5 Excellent
27 reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
Their experienced team of international specialists crafts journeys combining authentic experience with high standards of comfort.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Day 1 – Arrive Cape Town Arrive to Cape Town, South Africa, where you are met and escorted to your hotel. Day 2 – Cape Town – City Sightseeing Morning tour of South

What travelers are saying

"We returned from our 13-day East African Explorer trip two weeks ago. The trip fully met our expectations. Everything was well organized, accommodations and food were excellent, safari drives were great. Our driver/guide in Kenya, Gitonga (aka Anderson) was excellent and enthusiastic. Based on our experience I can confidently say we will book another trip with SITA in the near future."

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