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View of Table Mountain in Cape Town - South Africa Encompassed, South Africa
View of Table Mountain in Cape Town
Lazing around - South Africa Encompassed, South Africa
Lazing around  | Peter Walton
The green valley of Drakensberg in South Africa - South Africa Encompassed, South Africa
The green valley of Drakensberg in South Africa
Spotting a mother and baby cheetah on a wildlife safari - South Africa Encompassed, South Africa
Spotting a mother and baby cheetah on a wildlife safari

South Africa Encompassed

Comprehensive tour with walking, cultural visits & wildlife....

South Africa, Eswatini
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 8 reviews

17 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: SAR
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 17 Days
Activities
  • Wildlife Safari
  • Day Walking
Accommodation
  • 16 nights hotel/lodge/guesthouse
Meals
  • 11 Dinners
  • 13 Lunches
  • 16 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
2 / 10

Adventure touring

Carbon Footprint  

70kg of CO2-e PP per day

Trip highlights

  • Track the Big 5 on game drives in Kruger National Park and Addo Elephant Reserve
  • Walk among soaring cliffs in the Drakensberg Mountains, a World Heritage Site
  • Soak up South Africa’s rich cultural history in eSwatini, Zululand, and at the Mandela Capture Site
  • Travel the Garden Route to Cape Town, with time to taste wines in Stellenbosch and summit Table Mountain

Overview

This is an inspiring journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town visiting the great parks and landscapes of a magnificent corner of Africa whilst staying in comfortable accommodation, handpicked for its location and character. During the trip you can observe the teeming animal life of Kruger National Park, where we search for Africa’s ‘Big Five’, before heading to the Kingdom of Swaziland (eSwatini). We visit Zululand and the World Heritage Site, the Drakensberg Mountains, the Nelson Mandela Capture Site Museum, and the dramatic Wild Coast. We enjoy a game drive in Addo Elephant National Park, home of large herds of elephant, lion and numerous antelope species. Continuing through the Garden Route, our journey is complete with a visit to Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands region. Arriving in Cape Town, we explore this vibrant city, visiting Cape Point Nature Reserve with an ascent of Table Mountain.

Itinerary

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Departing from Johannesburg at 06:30am we head towards Mpumalanga where mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests characterise the landscape. Few regions in the world can match the extraordinary beauty of the lowveld and escarpment. We enjoy the views from God's Window, before we head to our game lodge on the border of the Greater Kruger National Park. Overnight Makuwa Safari Lodge. NOTE - Driving distance (580 kms, 8.5 hrs) excludes stops for sightseeing, breakfast & lunch. NB: Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be a set meal provided by the lodge.

Meals: L,D

Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve in South Africa stretches north to south over approximately 500km and is home to the Big Five, as well as numerous other species of fauna and flora. The largest game reserve in South Africa boasts the world's greatest concentration of species, and has an amazing 16 different ecosystems. We are up early for a full day of game viewing in Kruger National Park in our open game drive vehicle. Spot the “Big 5” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) and many other animals in this true African wilderness. We will return to our lodge in the late afternoon to enjoy sunset over the Drakensberg Mountains, a swim in the pool and a hearty meal before falling asleep to the sounds of Africa. Overnight lodge. Distance/time: 150kms, ± 2 hours + 2 x 3 hour game drives. NB: Breakfast and Dinner will be provided by the lodge; Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.

Meals: B,L,D

We stretch our legs on a short morning walk exploring the surrounding bush before we re-enter the Kruger National Park. We game drive south through the reserve as your professional guides will impart their extensive knowledge of ecology, fauna and flora during our time in the bush. Optional night game drive in national parks open game viewing vehicle (own expense). Overnight Kruger National Park chalet or permanent tent. NB: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge; Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.

Meals: B,L,D

Malolotja Nature Reserve in the mountainous Kingdom of eSwatini is our next attraction. Renowned for a great variety of habitats from short grassland, to thick riverine scrub, bushveld and moist forest, we explore the reserve on foot to enjoy the fantastic mountain views. Relax around a campfire dinner and stay in mountain cabins for the night. Overnight mountain cabin. NOTE - Driving distance/time (220 kms, 5 hrs) excludes 2-3 hour morning drive out of Kruger National Park, shopping stop in Malelane, Jeppes Reef border formalities & stops for meals, sightseeing etc. NB: Breakfast & Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be a set meal provided by the lodge

Meals: B,L,D

We visit a craft market near Mbabane which has a range of handmade crafts and a local witchdoctor stall. We re-enter South Africa and head to our lodge on a private game reserve situated on the Msinene Nature Reserve, where our local guide will lead us on a walk through the bushveld and riverine vegetation of the Msinene River, bird watching and game tracking. Nyala, hippo and the elusive leopard are all found on the reserve. The next day we take a game drive in Hluhluwe Game Reserve, which is a safe haven for the embattled rhino. Relax in the late afternoon with a cold drink while enjoying the views over the reserve from the lodge. Overnight permanent tented lodge. NOTE - Driving distance/time (320 kms, 6 hrs) excludes border formalities & stops for meals, sightseeing etc. NB: Breakfast & Dinner will be provided by the lodge; Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.

Meals: B,L,D

The Drakensberg Mountains or “uKhahlamba” - the Barrier of Spears, is a 200-kilometre-long mountainous wonderland and world heritage site. From Zululand we move further south to the base of these mountains where we overnight for two nights in quaint cottages. We will spend time walking along beautiful mountain stream paths, or just enjoying spectacular views. En-route to the Drakensberg we will visit the Nelson Mandela Capture Site Museum and pay our respects to this great man. Overnight chalet. NOTE - Driving distance/time: (500 kms; 7 hrs) excludes stops for sightseeing & lunch. The last 50km is a slow gravel road. Day 7: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge; Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 8: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.

Meals: B,L,D

The Wild Coast remains a relatively untouched paradise with unspoilt stretches of dramatically beautiful coastline, open spaces and pristine forest areas. We stay overnight in Chintsa and the next day is free to explore the area, meet local villagers or relax on the beach. Overnight chalet or similar. NOTE - Driving distance/time: (550 kms, 9 hrs) excludes stops for sightseeing & lunch – a long day; the road is slow, with cattle and lots of villages. Day 9: Breakfast & Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be provided by the lodge. Day 10: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge; Lunch & Dinner will be at your own expense (meal at a local restaurant).

Meals: B,L,D

The Addo Elephant National Park was established in 1931 to protect the last 11 wild elephants from extermination. Today more than 350 elephants roam through the area. The park also offers excellent viewing of black rhino, Cape buffalo, lion and leopard, as well as a host of other large and small mammals and over 400 species of birds in the greater park area. Overnight chalet or lodge tent. Optional night game drive in national park open game viewing vehicles (own expense). NOTE - Driving distance/time: (360 kms, 5.5 hrs) excludes stops for sightseeing & lunch + game drives – a long day. NB: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge; Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.

Meals: B,D

Today we begin exploring the famous Garden Route, which is the area situated between the forests of the Tsitsikamma and the winelands of the Western Cape. The Tsitsikamma National Park incorporates 80km of spectacular sea and landscapes; a remote mountainous region with secluded valleys, coastal forests with deep river gorges leading down to the sea. We visit the Storms River mouth where there are walks up the gorge and along the rocky coast. We will stay 2 nights in Plettenberg Bay in the heart of the Garden Route. In the morning you can either book an ocean safari to see whales and dolphins (own expense) or spend time on the magnificent blue flag beaches. Your guides will also lead a walk on the beautiful Robberg Peninsula in the afternoon. Sample seafood at one of the great restaurants (own expense). Overnight: hotel. NOTE - Driving distance/time: (320 kms, 4.5 hrs) excludes stops for sightseeing. Day 12: Breakfast & Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be at your own expense (meal at a local restaurant). Day 13: Breakfast will be provided by the hotel; Lunch & Dinner will be at your own expense (meal at a local restaurant).

Meals: B,L

Hermanus offers some of the best land based whale watching in the world. From June to November, Southern Right whales come up from the southern oceans to calve and mate in the shallow waters around the Cape. In whale season we will take a walk along this beautiful coastline. In the summer months we will explore the flowering fynbos in Fernkloof Nature Reserve. Enjoy an evening meal out at a local restaurant (own expense). Overnight hotel. NOTE - Driving distance/time: (450 kms, 6.5 hrs) excludes stops for sightseeing & lunch. NB: Breakfast will be provided by the hotel; Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be at your own expense (meal at a local restaurant).

Meals: B,L

Cape Town is one of the most picturesque cities in the world, with the majestic Table Mountain providing its central focus. On our way into the beautiful city of Cape Town, we visit Stellenbosch, South Africa’s renowned wine region, for wine tasting (own expense) and a cellar tour. The “mother city” has many attractions; we will visit Cape Point, the harbour at Hout Bay, enjoy the famous beaches and the V&A Waterfront. Optional visit to Robben Island (own expense). We sample the local fare at a variety of local restaurants (own expense). Overnight hotel. NOTE - Driving distance/time: (190 kms, 3.5 hrs) excludes stops for sightseeing + 150 kms full day Cape Peninsular tour on day 16. NB: Breakfast will be provided by the hotel; Lunch & Dinner will be at your own expense (meal at a local restaurant).

Meals: B

In the morning we climb Table Mountain, offering panoramic views over Cape Town reaching out into the bay and Robben Island. Having explored the highlights of the Rainbow Nation we take a last look at Cape Town and catch up on last minute curio shopping in the afternoon, before your tour ends at 18:00 at the hotel. NB: Breakfast will be provided by the hotel; Lunch will be at your own expense (meal at a local restaurant).

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

33 scheduled departures between 31 Oct 2026 and 18 Dec 2027.

  • Departs 31 Oct 2026 – ends 16 Nov 2026 (17 days)
  • Departs 14 Nov 2026 – ends 30 Nov 2026 (17 days)
  • Departs 21 Nov 2026 – ends 7 Dec 2026 (17 days)
  • Departs 28 Nov 2026 – ends 14 Dec 2026 (17 days)
  • Departs 12 Dec 2026 – ends 28 Dec 2026 (17 days)
  • Departs 19 Dec 2026 – ends 4 Jan 2027 (17 days)
  • … and 27 more departures.
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 16 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 10 dinners
  • 16 nights comfortable accommodation in hotels, lodges and guesthouses on a twinshare basis
  • Game drives, day walks and excursions as listed in itinerary
  • English speaking local guide
  • National park fees and site entrance fees as listed in itinerary
  • Private transport in minibus / safari truck

Not included

  • Flights
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory)
  • Visas
  • Airport arrival and departure transfers
  • Optional activities
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Tips

Reviews (8)

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The South Africa Encompassed 17 days was a very good itinerary that allows you to see the best and most beautiful parts of the country. Sunway-safaris had done a very good job in organising the trip and the guilds Claude and Duncan did a fantastic job to make everything happened smoothly. They are responsible, efficient and organised; they know their job well and are just amazing! There are some very long drives but we had a good time because everyone in the group is so fun loving!

C Ai Foo|Yishun, Singapore Singapore
9 Oct 2024
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Good all encompassing tour. Excellent guides. Lovely group.

Only gripe is the transport; considering the amount of time spent on the bus it was extremely uncomfortable. Seats hard, poor springs, tendency to slide off the seats as they were covered with a camp like material.

Doris Liddy|Ennis, County Clare Ireland
30 Apr 2024
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very interesting Itinerary which a combination of game viewing and cultural expect of SA. the price is reasonable and I like the ideal that we had to involve a few days in cooking dinners and prepare lunches and

Rusli Suwito|Mount Vernon, NSW Australia
16 Jan 2024
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The South Africa Encompassed tour ran so smoothly because of the expert help we received from our guides Jonas and Victor. The tour covered a wide varied of landscape, weather, accommodation and sights. Kruger National Park being the highlight. We certainly felt that this tour was money well spent as each day was a new exciting adventure.

L. Oates|Pacific Pines, QLD
5 Sep 2018
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An excellent well organised tour for any age and fitness level. Good accommodation and food.

J. Anderson|Australian Capital Territory
9 Aug 2017
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Alicia|SA, Australia
20 Jan 2026
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Phillip Lewis|Roseville, NSW Australia
12 Feb 2025
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John Feddersen|Gladstone, QLD Australia
19 Oct 2023

Extra trip info

Will My Trip Run?Wildlife Safari Safety

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

Early morning game viewing walk in Hlane National Park in Swaziland

Your safety is our main priority

Africa's wildlife is wild and unfenced. On many wildlife safaris you may meet them on foot, or from a vehicle. Walking in big-game country carries some risk, and the safeguards are not the same in every country.

Rules on firearms, guide qualifications, group size and how close you may approach an animal are set country by country, park by park. Many incorrectly assume that every wildlife safari in Africa travels with an armed ranger. Several countries prohibit firearms outright. Where an armed escort is required, it is supplied by the park authority.

What is consistent is how these trips operate. You walk in a small group with a professional local guide who knows the country and the animals in it. We do not include captive or hands-on wildlife encounters in any itinerary.

Read more

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