Discover South Africa's Diverse Beauty ![](/sites/default/files/2025-04/1%20Meals%20%28red%29_0.png) 42 Meals ![](/sites/default/files/2025-04/2%20Small%20Group%20%28red%29_0.png) Small Group ![](/sites/default/files/2025-04/3%20CT%20Ratings%20%28red%29_1.png) CT Rating 3/5 - Moderately Challenging ![](/sites/default/files/2025-04/4%20Leader%20%28red%29_1.png) Led by Heather Patenaude **The World in One Country** South Africa is blessed with a diversity of climates, geographies, wildlife, and cultural heritage unmatched anywhere else. Discover new and exciting vistas each day: from the rolling pasturelands of Mpumalanga to the stunning Garden Route. **This small-group experience, limited to just 16 passengers**, offers endless varieties of game and bird life, miles of golden sand beaches, quaint country towns, modern thriving cities, and much more. Plus, enjoy a two nights in Kruger National Park in South Africa and Chobe National Park in Botswana. **This journey is now sold out. Join the waitlist to be the first to know if a spot becomes available, or explore our** [**other departures.**](https://www.craigtravel.com/journeys) **For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.** *Banner image credit Desert Delta Safaris.* [**Join the Waitlist**](mailto:sharper@craigtravel.com?cc=sales@craigtravel.com&subject=South%20Africa%20Oct%202026%20Waitlist&body=Dear%20Craig%20Travel%20team%2C%0D%0A%0D%0AI%20would%20like%20to%20be%20added%20to%20the%20waitlist%20for%20South%20Africa%20departing%20in%20October%202026.%20I%20understand%20the%20tour%20is%20currently%20sold%20out%20and%20that%20my%20place%20will%20be%20waitlisted%20on%20a%20first-come%2C%20first-served%20basis.%0D%0A%0D%0AI%20give%20permission%20for%20a%20sales%20agent%20to%20contact%20me%20by%20phone%20or%20email%20to%20discuss%20availability%2C%20alternative%20options%2C%20or%20any%20waitlist%20updates.%0D%0A%0D%0AMy%20contact%20details%3A%0D%0A%0D%0AFirst%20name%3A%0D%0ALast%20name%3A%0D%0APhone%20number%3A%0D%0AEmail%20address%3A%0D%0A%0D%0APlease%20indicate%20whether%20you%20would%20like%20a%20double%2Ftwin%20accommodation%20or%20a%20single%20room%20(single%20supplement%20applies).%0D%0A%0D%0A) [**Download Brochure**]( https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/3f8kSPR/SouthAfricaOct2026) #### [Alternate Departure: ](https://www.craigtravel.com/journeys/south-africa-february-4-2027) [February 4, 2027](https://www.craigtravel.com/journeys/south-africa-february-4-2027) [March 5, 2027](https://www.craigtravel.com/journeys/south-africa-mar-5-2027) [![South Africa journey map](/sites/default/files/2025-12/map_SouthAfrfca-Oct-2026-final.jpg)](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2025-12/map_SouthAfrfca-Oct-2026-final.jpg) ### Tour Highlights - Four nights in Cape Town, with tours of the Cape of Good Hope, Table Mountain, and the surrounding wine districts - Arid Little Karoo and Oudtshoorn, home of the ostrich - Explore the limestone formations of the Cango Caves - Garden Route highlights: Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and Tsitsikamma - Homelands of the Zulu and the Kingdom of Swaziland - Multiple nights in Kruger and Chobe National Park for the best game viewing and scenic drives - Pretoria, the national capital, historic Soweto and bustling Johannesburg - Victoria Falls, Africa’s most magnificent waterfall - Blyde River Canyon, one of the world's largest canyons - Connect with the local community at Theodora Crèche ### Inclusive Features - Return economy airfare from Canada to South Africa with KLM, domestic flights in destination, plus airport transfers in Canada (or equivalent value) with the purchase of group airfare - First-class hotels and lodges, as indicated or similar - Extensive sightseeing and game drives as indicated - 42 meals included as noted in the itinerary (B - 20 breakfasts, L - 11 lunches, D - 11 dinners) - All gratuities, surcharges, taxes and fees for inclusions ### Itinerary Overview Full View DEPART CANADA / AMSTERDAM October 19, 2026 Our journey begins as travellers from across Canada fly overnight with KLM to Amsterdam for our connecting flight to Cape Town. AMSTERDAM / CAPE TOWN October 20, 2026 Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel in the city’s exclusive Bantry Bay neighbourhood. **The President Hotel** (4 nights) CAPE TOWN October 21, 2026 After a relaxing morning, we meet for lunch on the city's waterfront. Weather permitting, we ascend Table Mountain by cable car. This incredible sandstone formation rises over 1,000 metres from the city floor and is defined by its distinctive, level plateau. From the top, we will take in magnificent views of Cape Town and the surrounding ocean before enjoying a free evening at leisure. Breakfast, Lunch CAPE TOWN October 22, 2026 Today we discover the historic heart of Cape Town. Our tour begins with a walk through the Company's Garden, the city's green lung, before visiting St. George’s Cathedral, known for its role in the resistance against apartheid. We then explore the vibrant Bo-Kaap district, famous for its colourful homes and unique Cape Malay culture. Tonight we gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Breakfast, Dinner CAPE PENINSULA October 23, 2026 Our exploration of the Cape Peninsula begins at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, a UNESCO site on the slopes of Table Mountain showcasing diverse native flora. Next, we visit the penguin colony at Boulders Beach, watching these adorable creatures waddle along between granite boulders. The journey continues with a breathtaking coastal drive to Cape Point, the dramatic tip of Cape of Good Hope. Breakfast, Lunch STELLENBOSCH / MONTAGU October 24, 2026 We begin in the heart of the Winelands, in charming Stellenbosch, where oak-lined streets and elegant Cape Dutch architecture set the tone for a warm introduction to this historic university town. We visit a local wine estate for a cellar tour, tasting and lunch. Our route continues to beautiful Franschhoek to see the Huguenot Monument, a tribute to the valley's French founders, before we arrive in Montagu. **Monte Vista Boutique Hotel** (1 night) Breakfast, Lunch LITTLE KAROO / OUDTSHOORN October 25, 2026 Our drive east traces the historic route of early settlers, taking us through the spectacular scenery of Little Karoo via Barrydale. Following a stop for lunch, we visit the award-winning De Krans Estate to sample their renowned port wine. Our day concludes in Oudtshoorn, a town whose grand 'feather palaces' rose from the wealth of the 19th-century ostrich trade. **Surval Boutique Olive Estate** (1 night) Breakfast, Lunch GARDEN ROUTE October 26, 2026 This morning, we explore the fascinating Cango Caves, a remarkable subterranean wonder. At a local ostrich farm we learn about these intriguing birds and enjoy a special lunch featuring ostrich meat and vegetables. Our journey then takes us down the scenic Outeniqua Pass and through the Lake District to the resort centre of Knysna. **Protea Hotel Knysna Quays** (2 nights) Breakfast, Lunch KNYSNA October 27, 2026 After a leisurely morning, we visit Theodora Crèche to learn about the school and enjoy refreshments. We then stop at Birds of Eden, a remarkable free flight sanctuary home to 220 bird species. We enjoy a walk in the Robberg Nature Reserve, complete with a glass of bubbly, before ending the day with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Breakfast, Dinner PORT ELIZABETH / UMHLANGA October 28, 2026 We head east along the coast, following the scenic route from Tsitsikamma to Port Elizabeth, a city known for its sunshine and relaxed coastal vibe. From there, we fly to Durban and spend the night near the city’s northern shoreline. **Protea Hotel Durban Umhlanga** (1 night) Breakfast, Dinner DURBAN / ZULULAND October 29, 2026 Our day begins with a short orientation tour of the vibrant coastal city of Durban. We then travel north to St Lucia, the gateway to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This estuary is celebrated for its concentration of birdlife, hippos, and crocodiles. After lunch, we embark on a boat cruise to experience this unique wetland ecosystem up close. Our drive continues into the heart of Zululand, a region rich in the culture of the Zulu people. **Ghost Mountain Inn** (2 nights) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner MKUZE GAME RESERVE October 30, 2026 Our first game drive takes us into the Mkuze Game Reserve, exploring in open 4x4 vehicles with opportunities to see zebras, wildebeest, baboons and elephants. This afternoon we have free time to relax at our resort, and dinner tonight includes a presentation of Zulu dances. Breakfast, Dinner SWAZILAND October 31, 2026 Our journey continues as we cross into the Kingdom of Eswatini, one of the last remaining absolute monarchies in the world. We enjoy a scenic drive through its countryside, stopping at a roadside market. We then continue to the Ezulwini Valley for lunch. **Piggs Peak Hotel** (1 night) Breakfast, Lunch KRUGER NATIONAL PARK November 1, 2026 We set off early, crossing the border en route to Kruger National Park. This world-renowned sanctuary is one of Africa's largest game reserves, famed for its density of wildlife, including the "Big Five." After free time for lunch, we enjoy our first introduction to this vast wilderness, looking out for wildlife as we cross the park by coach. **Kruger Gate Hotel** (2 nights) Breakfast, Dinner KRUGER NATIONAL PARK November 2, 2026 Enjoy a full day game drive through the heart of Kruger National Park in open game-viewing vehicles. We'll be searching for Africa's most iconic wildlife, keeping a special watch for elephants, buffalo, rhinos, lions, and leopards. Tonight, we enjoy a special dinner under the stars. Breakfast, Dinner BLYDE RIVER CANYON / NELSPRUIT November 3, 2026 We set off on a scenic drive from the plains of Kruger to the Highveld today. Following its crest, we'll enjoy magnificent views of the Blyde River Canyon, one of the world's largest green canyons. Take in the stunning scenery along this famed Panorama Route before continuing to our hotel. **Protea Hotel Nelspruit** (1 night) Breakfast, Dinner PRETORIA / JOHANNESBURG November 4, 2026 We explore Pretoria, South Africa’s picturesque administrative capital, wandering its broad, tree-lined avenues and admiring its impressive public buildings and monuments. We continue to Melrose Arch, located in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg. **Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Melrose Arch** (2 nights) Breakfast, Lunch JOHANNESBURG / SOWETO November 5, 2026 This day is dedicated to exploring Johannesburg, a city founded on the wealth of gold and diamonds, followed by a visit to the powerful Apartheid Museum. After a special lunch at Chez Alina, we tour Soweto (an acronym for South Western Townships), once home to Nelson Mandela and Bishop Desmond Tutu. This sprawling, vibrant urban centre was a focal point of the anti-apartheid movement. Breakfast, Lunch VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE November 6, 2026 A short flight brings us to Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall in Africa at 108 metres high and nearly 1.7 kilometres wide. Discovered by David Livingstone in 1855, the falls are the region’s most spectacular natural sight. After checking into our hotel, we set out on an afternoon guided walk to experience the falls, taking in views of the Main Falls, Devil’s Cataract, and Danger Point. **The Victoria Falls Hotel** (1 night) Breakfast, Dinner CHOBE, BOTSWANA November 7, 2026 Our journey takes us across the border into northern Botswana, the gateway to Chobe National Park. Home to superb game viewing, Chobe covers over 11,000 sq. kilometres and hosts a remarkable variety of wildlife, including vast herds of buffalo, elephants, hippos and lions. After check-in and lunch, enjoy some time to relax before embarking on our first game viewing activity. **Chobe Game Lodge** (2 nights) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner CHOBE November 8, 2026 Enjoy a full day in the park with game viewing excursions by both land and water, allowing us to see the diverse wildlife that frequents the fertile floodplains. Between adventures, take advantage of the lodge's amenities, perhaps relaxing on the boardwalk deck overlooking the river or cooling off in the large swimming pool. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner KASANE / JOHANNESBURG / CANADA November 9, 2026 Relax and enjoy the amenities of our resort, or join one last early morning game drive. Later, we transfer to the Kasane Airport for our KLM flights to Canada via Johannesburg. Breakfast ARRIVE CANADA November 10, 2026 On arrival in Toronto, we catch our continuing flights to our homes across Canada. [Download Brochure](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2025-12/brx_TAF191026_South_Africa_OCT_REV15DEC25.pdf) [![Lady on 4x4 vehicle photographing elephants in South Africa](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2025-04/iStock-1005476954-adj.jpg?h=e3a86a3e&itok=gEIZKJqR "Spot the Big Five while on Safari")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2025-04/iStock-1005476954-adj.jpg) [![Meerkats in Oudtshoorn](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2025-04/AdobeStock_470659312.jpeg?h=790be497&itok=nnDXopBb "Meerkats in Oudtshoorn")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2025-04/AdobeStock_470659312.jpeg) [![Adorable penguins at Boulders Beach](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2025-04/penguins-boulders-beach-south-africa-tour-AdobeStock_153046213_0.jpeg?h=187d55a9&itok=N9bwevaE "Adorable penguins at Boulders Beach")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2025-04/penguins-boulders-beach-south-africa-tour-AdobeStock_153046213_0.jpeg) [![Chobe Game Lodge's lounge](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2025-04/Chobe_Game_Lodge_credit_0.jpg?h=8d8dff5b&itok=fB35oIzs "Spend 3 nights in Chobe Game Lodge. Credit: Chobe Game Lodge")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2025-04/Chobe_Game_Lodge_credit_0.jpg) [![Olive groves and vineyards in South Africa](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2025-04/AdobeStock_197534006.jpeg?h=6f833dda&itok=ri2WdN95 "Visit South Africa's wine region")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2025-04/AdobeStock_197534006.jpeg) [![Views of Blyde River Canyon](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2025-12/Blyde%20Canyon.jpg?h=b07fba34&itok=TCSKP0gt "Views of Blyde River Canyon")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2025-12/Blyde%20Canyon.jpg) [![Aerial views of Victoria Falls](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2025-12/Vic%20Falls.jpg?h=e5aec6c8&itok=hztsVV7h "Victoria Falls")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2025-12/Vic%20Falls.jpg) ### Have any questions? Contact Stacey at sharper \[at\] craigtravel.com or call [1-800-387-8890](tel:1-800-387-8890) ![Book early and save](/sites/default/files/2025-12/South%20Africa%20EBB%20Oct%202026-sz800by753.png) ### Tour Cost in Canadian Dollars Per Person Land only* (Join/Leave at hotel) $12,795 Toronto $15,165 Montreal / Ottawa $15,345 Halifax / St. John’s / Moncton / Winnipeg $15,495 Regina / Saskatoon $15,565 Calgary / Edmonton / Vancouver $15,495 Victoria $15,565 Single Supplement $3,195 [Join the Waitlist](mailto:sharper@craigtravel.com?cc=sales@craigtravel.com&subject=South%20Africa%20Oct%202026%20Waitlist&body=Dear%20Craig%20Travel%20team%2C%0D%0A%0D%0AI%20would%20like%20to%20be%20added%20to%20the%20waitlist%20for%20South%20Africa%20departing%20in%20October%202026.%20I%20understand%20the%20tour%20is%20currently%20sold%20out%20and%20that%20my%20place%20will%20be%20waitlisted%20on%20a%20first-come%2C%20first-served%20basis.%0D%0A%0D%0AI%20give%20permission%20for%20a%20sales%20agent%20to%20contact%20me%20by%20phone%20or%20email%20to%20discuss%20availability%2C%20alternative%20options%2C%20or%20any%20waitlist%20updates.%0D%0A%0D%0AMy%20contact%20details%3A%0D%0A%0D%0AFirst%20name%3A%0D%0ALast%20name%3A%0D%0APhone%20number%3A%0D%0AEmail%20address%3A%0D%0A%0D%0APlease%20indicate%20whether%20you%20would%20like%20a%20double%2Ftwin%20accommodation%20or%20a%20single%20room%20(single%20supplement%20applies).%0D%0A%0D%0A) ### **Payment and Booking Terms** Deposit is **$800 per person** Final payment is due **July 15, 2026** **\*Land only price excludes all flights and airport transfers.** Land only join at the Cape Town hotel and leave at the Chobe Lodge. International and internal flights are only included when booking air-inclusive. Airfare from other gateways is available on request. Airfares and air carriers are subject to change and will be confirmed prior to final payment. Refer to inclusive features for more details. Tour price is based on sharing a twin-bedded room. Prices are based on a group of 15 travellers and on rates, taxes and fees effective November 2025 and are subject to change due to factors beyond our control. Group to be escorted with a minimum of 15 travellers. **SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCE** **LIMITED TO ONLY 20 MEMBERS** Insurance is NOT INCLUDED but is highly recommended. Premiums are calculated based on the individual’s age, destination (country), trip length, and trip booking window – please contact our staff to receive a quote. Your coverage starts on the effective date of your confirmation of coverage. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. Refer to the enrollment form for [terms and conditions](/terms-conditions). #### CT Rating **3/5 - MODERATELY CHALLENGING** While relatively easy, this journey features long flights, a number of walks over uneven ground (some with steps) and some hot humid days. Members should be physically active to fully enjoy this tour. Hotels are comfortable, roads are good and the food is excellent throughout the region. Do you have any questions about this journey? [Email Us]() #### Journey Leader ![Profile picture for user Heather Patenaude](/sites/default/files/styles/user/public/pictures/2025-03/Picture11112.png?h=b4c9372e&itok=QNZ6LhXH) Heather Patenaude - After retiring from a career in University Advancement, Heather Patenaude turned her lifelong love of travel into a new chapter of exploration. Having lived and worked across Canada, she spent more than a decade leading bilingual tours from coast to coast, proudly showcasing the country’s beauty. Her adventures have also taken her abroad, teaching English in Turkey, Spain, China, and Mexico, and visiting more than 55 countries. Today, Heather enjoys leading Canadians overseas to experience new cultures and create lasting memories. She recently led the Best of Ireland tour for Craig Travel. Guided by her motto, “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things,” Heather looks forward to sharing an unforgettable journey with you. ![](/sites/default/files/2025-04/1%20CT%20Loyalty%20Points_0.png) [Craig Travel Loyalty Points](/loyalty-club) ![](/sites/default/files/2025-04/2%20Pay%20By%20Cheque_0.png) [Pay by Cheque Discount](/pay-cheque-discount) ![](/sites/default/files/2025-04/3%20Refer%20a%20Friend_0.png) [Refer a Friend](/refer-friend) ![](/sites/default/files/2025-04/4%20About%20CT%20Ratings.png) [About CT Ratings](/craig-travel-ratings) ![](/sites/default/files/2025-04/5%20Travel%20Insurance_0.png) [Travel Insurance](/travel-insurance)