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South Africa Tours and Vacations

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<p>Welcome to the Rainbow Nation, where natural excellence abounds and cultural wealth runs deep. Discover South Africa from its unparalleled natural reserves home to the Big 5 to sprawling wine vineyards and exciting metropolises. Zicasso offers the opportunity to experience evocative luxury and adventure in one vacation through an uncompromised, custom itinerary.</p>

Welcome to the Rainbow Nation, where natural excellence abounds and cultural wealth...

Welcome to the Rainbow Nation, where natural excellence abounds and cultural wealth runs deep. Discover South Africa from its unparalleled natural reserves home to the Big 5 to sprawling wine vineyards and exciting metropolises. Zicasso offers the opportunity to experience evocative luxury and adventure in one vacation through an uncompromised, custom itinerary.

How Zicasso Works In 3 Simple Steps

  1. 1

    Describe your dream South Africa tour.

  2. 2

    We match you with top travel specialists who compete to plan your tour.

  3. 3

    Book the trip when you are satisfied.

Ratings of Zicasso's Service
Winelands in South Africa
Best of Cape Town & the Garden Route Tour

14 Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from $7,275

Landscapes blur across Cape Town and the Garden Route, where majestic mountain chains tumble into mystical forests and a thousand miles of an empty coastline. Whales breach, lions roar, walking trails connect and city sights are doused in color. Cape Town and the Garden Route's diverse beauty make it one of Africa's most visited regions, the coastal trail showcasing the eclectic appeal of a continent. This 14-day private guided tour reveals the best of it, including safari excursions.

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Saxon Hotel lobby in Johannesburg, South Africa
Best Hotels of the World Southern Africa Tour

12 Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from $10,795

Celebrating the untrammeled luxury of South Africa, this 12-day tour exclusively features world class accommodations. Taking you across the country, it evokes the eclectic beauty of the region, combining city and Winelands, private big-game safari and roaring Victoria Falls. Opulent accommodation provides the base while private tours offer flexible excursions and activities to discover the Southern Africa from your imagination.

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Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town, South Africa
Hidden Cape Tour for Active Travelers: Hiking, Kayaking & More

13 Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from $6,755

Winding along the southwestern tip of Africa the Cape will delight you with its enigmatic beauty and natural sense of adventure. This region of Africa is a land of breathtaking hiking trails, peaceful valleys of vineyards, staggering mountains, and the charm of two oceans. With days packed full of activities both on land and water, this 13-day South Africa tour will showcase the very best of a landscape unlike any other on the planet. Starting and ending in Cape Town, the itinerary will connect you with Mother Nature and ignite all of your senses along the way.

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Guided walk in Greater Kruger, South Africa
South African Adventure Tour: City, Safari, and Ocean

9 Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from $4,675

Bask in the excitement of safari and the thrill of exploration during this 9-day South Africa adventure tour. Immerse yourself in the wilderness with game drives and guided walks in search of Africa’s renowned Big Five and dive into the Atlantic Ocean in search of great white sharks. From cycling Cape Winelands to finding ostriches in Good Hope Nature Reserve, indulge in limitless adventures in South Africa.

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Stellenbosch vineyards in South Africa's Cape Winelands.
Beauty of Southern Africa: Highlights Tour in 13 Days

13 Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from $6,755

From elegant wine to regal lions and colorful flowers to lively penguins, discover the grandeur of the wilderness and wildlife during this 13-day Southern African highlights tour. Delight in game drives that reveal treasured sightings of the Big Five, bask in stunning panoramas that sweep across lush vineyards, witness Victoria Falls’ thundering rushing water, and indulge in the splendors of private game reserves.

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Kirstenbosch Botanic Garden, Cape Town, South Africa.
Mesmerizing Off-the-Beaten-Track South Africa Safari

13 Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from $9,797

Find yourself tracing South African art and culture within the buzzing cosmopolitan city of Cape Town, diving to the depths of the Indian Ocean to witness Great White Sharks, scouring the breathtaking Sabi Sands Game Reserve to spot magnificent creatures, uncovering the best that South Africa has to offer on this luxurious 13-day tour.

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Camps bay beach in Cape Town, South Africa
Luxury & Heritage: Discover South Africa Tour by Train

11 Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from $11,435

Traversing iconic landscapes on journeys of old-world elegance, the luxury Blue Train offers a window into the soul of Africa. Across dramatic mountain ranges to arid desert, through colonial relics to big-game dominated savannah, two indulgent train journeys reveal the splendor of a land untouched by time. Travel is about the journey, yet when you disembark, the destinations also provide dreamy African experiences: Cape Town, Nelson Mandela's Soweto, and Kruger National Park.

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View of Cape Town, South Africa
Touring Cape Town: The World’s Most Adventurous City

9 Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from $4,675

When a city is enveloped by two oceans and the Table Mountain chain, you know that there will be both adventure and adrenalin found within. This handcrafted 9-day tour will get your heart racing with an exciting array of activities as you abseil down Table Mountain, dive with great white sharks, go kayaking, surfing, paragliding, canyoning, skydiving, and drive a WWII sidecar down to the tip of Africa. Designed for the intrepid adventurer, this tour will uncover why Cape Town is the adventure city of the world.

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Gordons Bay in Cape Town, South Africa
Beautiful Cape Town Tour and Luxury Chobe River Cruise

9 Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from $5,845

With a blend of two beautiful destinations in Africa, this tour will reveal the luxury found in both the city and the wild. Explore Cape Town, where Table Mountain casts a majestic focal point to an urban landscape of vineyards, penguins, colorful history, and an enthusiastic contemporary culture. Then fly to northern Botswana for a luxurious Chobe River houseboat cruise amidst the world’s largest elephant population. Both destinations will bring flashes of adventure while wrapping you in tranquility and charm.

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Bay in Cape Town, South Africa
Hidden South Africa Two-Week Tour

14 Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from $8,185

Highly authentic and vested in the local culture, this adventurous, two-week tour celebrates experiences that are yet to make the guidebooks. Venture off the beaten track in South Africa, and you will unravel the threads of a Rainbow Nation. Think Xhosa lifestyles, Zulu traditions, Bushman art, township culture, and enchanting histories that are narrated by specialist guides. Trek to the world’s second-highest waterfall, lounge on Durban beaches, and uncover the cradle of humankind.

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MalaMala photography safari. Photo courtesy of MalaMala Camp
Private South Africa Photography Tour

13 Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from $13,515

South Africa cannot be defined in a single image. A country with 11 official languages and thousands of iconic settings, the landscape of South Africa evokes the drama of nature and the diversity of cultures. This 13-day photographers' tour will explore its many angles and you will need to bring all of your lenses as grand aerial photography is mixed with fascinating portraits and no shortage of giant mammals. From Cape Town to Kruger to the Indian Ocean, this is a journey through both the famous sights and unknown faces.

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Golf course and lagoon in Mauritius Island
Ultimate Golf Vacation at Africa's Best Courses & Safari

16 Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from $8,315

Africa's great courses provide the most unusual of safaris, blending beautiful golf courses with rare landscapes and unusual wildlife. Zebra on the fairway, hippos filling water hazards, courses set on private Indian Ocean islands and legendary courses on the pro tour are all included.  This 16-day safari will bring exclusive tee off times at 11 of Africa's finest courses. Each offers an indelible challenge, whether that's avoiding the crocodile that is guarding the 13th or winding along the beautiful coastlines.

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Fables of Africa's Atlantic Coast: Cape Town & Namibia Tour

10 Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from $5,525

Africa's Atlantic coastline dances with fables. Table Mountain soars, sand dunes roll towards frothy waves, shipwrecks and whale bones scar the Skeleton Coast. Penguins and seals bask on the beaches; flourishing vineyards occupy hidden valleys and nomadic tribes journey through the wilderness. Explore this iconic coastal beauty on a 10-day luxury tour of the Cape and Namibia, which includes opulent accommodations and four days of flying safari.

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Discover Transkei Wild Coast Tour: Sangomas to Valley of 1,000 Hills

14 Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from $7,275

Tradition remains untamed in the evocative Transkei. Semi-independent during apartheid, this is where witch doctors perform ceremonies on the beaches, locals welcome you into their circular huts, and village life remains cut off from the rest of the world. This immersive 2-week tour explores South Africa’s most traditional lands in depth, traveling from the hills of Zululand to the stunning Wild Coast. Combining hiking and guided driving, this is offbeat South Africa at its best.

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Big Seven in Seven Nights: A Journey to Cape Town & Sabi Sands Safari

8 Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from $4,155

Lion prides basking on the scorched African savannah, great white sharks leaping from the waves with a seal carcass, white rhinos marching past your lodge verandah. South Africa is the home of nature's giants, both on land and in the ocean. On this 7-night South Africa tour, you see all seven of the most revered African animals, including exquisite leopards, rumbustious elephant herds, boisterous buffalo, and 50-ton southern right whales.

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Adrenaline & Adventure Tour of South Africa

12 Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from $6,235

South Africa encourages excitement, the natural landscape suggesting thrills and charms. Cage diving with white sharks, horseback and walking safaris, helicoptering over Table Mountain; this country is always a unique adventure. On this 12-day South Africa tour, you experience an abundance of adrenaline, with stops in Cape Town, Sabi Sands, and the white beach of St Lucia. From the Big Five to vintage WWII sidecars and rappelling Table Mountain, this is South Africa for adventurous travelers.

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A Grand South Africa Tour for Families with Teenagers: Cape Town, Safari & More

14 Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from $9,277

Walking safaris with indigenous guides, kayaking with dolphins, standing on Table Mountain, and connecting with local people; South Africa's playground of experiences provide a thrilling destination for families with teenage children. Using three diverse destinations, this 2-week South Africa tour is packed with adventure and filled with allure. Take the whole family on a tailored teenager safari in the Sabi Sands, then to Cape Town and finally the coastal utopia of Plettenberg Bay.

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Luxury Cape Town & Winelands Tour

10 Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from $5,325

This 10-day sample tour incorporates five nights in Cape Town, one at a private game reserve, and three in the Winelands. Beaches, vineyards, museums, penguins, markets, fine dining restaurants and safari's wild Big Five; a private tour to Africa's Cape unravels all of its hypnotic sides. Table Mountain epitomizes the grand splendor of nature, Robben Island symbolizes the colorful history, and the Cape Winelands showcase the charms of Africa's southwestern landscape.

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Exploring the Wilderness & Winelands Tour of South Africa

11 Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from $5,715

Lion-filled savannah meets sensual vineyards, ancient elephant herds mix with historic colonial towns, the wilderness and Winelands combine to showcase an exquisite flagship of South Africa. On this 11-day tour, you explore the two paradigms, discovering how an atmospheric narrative runs through both distinctive landscapes and that there's always a place to enjoy a glass while gazing over the wild. Culminating with a stay in Cape Town, the tour also features exceptional hotels.

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Ultimate Food and Wine Tour of South Africa

8 Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from $9,355

Rare game meats barbecued over a wood fire, 17th-century vineyards displaying private cellars, decadent restaurants combining French and African styles; this charming tour celebrates the very best of South African food and wine. From farmers’ markets to microbreweries, hidden secrets to distinctive wine valleys, you immerse your senses on an 8-day journey through all the local flavors. It features the country’s best restaurants and each day is privately guided for an exclusive and engaging experience.

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Luxury South Africa Tour for Seniors

14 Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from $14,373

South Africa floats on a blanket of serenity, its charming rhythm creating a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. For senior travelers, tranquility and luxury make South Africa a beautiful first visit to the continent, along with a destination everyone wants to return to. This luxury 14-day seniors' tour combines the country's exquisite paradigms, incorporating big game safari, Cape Town's sights, coastal whale watching, and the sensual delights of the Cape Winelands.

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Cape Town Vacation: Stellenbosch Winelands & Safari

7 Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from $3,635

Vacate the life you know for the adventure you crave with this 7-day that celebrates the diversity, culture, food, wine, and wildlife of South Africa. Lions lounge in the afternoon sun, vineyards stretch to the horizon and the Victoria & Albert Waterfront bustles with people and laughter. Here time will slip into a constant meaningful, adventurous experience.

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Wildlife Wonders: Ten-Day South Africa Vacation for Families

10 Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from $5,195

South Africa appeals to all ages. With this ten-day vacation, there will be penguins, elephants, Table Mountain, and an abundance of safari wilderness. You will be walking, cycling, surfing, venturing on game drives, and meeting San Bushmen. Yet, for all the wildlife wonder and thrilling safari scenes, South Africa also has its relaxed vibe. Split across Cape Town and the Sabi Sands, these ten days will allow you to fully unwind while taking your whole family on an African adventure of a lifetime.

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Best of South Africa Two-Week Vacation

14 Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from $7,275

South Africa has it all from wildlife wonders and colorful cultures to mighty mountains and charming cities. Your immersion in the Winelands and an authentic Big Game safari is just the beginning. This two-week adventure will celebrate some of the very best that South Africa offers, including its finest safari destinations and the Nelson Mandela story. From the Cape to Kruger, you will discover the extraordinary experiences and upcoming hot-spots with private guides with handpicked accommodations throughout your luxurious stay.

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How Zicasso Works In 3 Simple Steps

  1. 1

    Describe your dream South Africa tour.

  2. 2

    We match you with top travel specialists who compete to plan your tour.

  3. 3

    Book the trip when you are satisfied.

Travel Tips for Your South Africa Trip
When is the best time to visit South Africa?

The best time to travel to South Africa is from June through January. In the southern hemisphere, winter is from June to August and summer is from November to January, both excellent times depending on the type of trip you plan.

Winter is the best time for a safari as it coincides with South Africa’s dry season. The animals are far easier to spot during this time of the year as they search for water and rain rarely impacts visibility. Spring and summer are fantastic times to visit popular cities like Cape Town or to travel along the southern coastline. Summer in the Cape is warm and dry, and the conditions are perfect for a beach vacation.

Fall is an excellent option to escape the crowds that flock to safari reserves from June to August or the Cape beaches from November to January.

As a year-round destination, the right time for your trip depends on what you would like to experience, and you can learn more in our guide on the best time to visit South Africa.

What are the best places to visit in South Africa?

From Cape Town’s bustling cosmopolitan city hugging the foothills of Table Mountain to the Kruger National Park’s private game reserves and the Garden Route’s cinematic stretch of coastline, here are some of the best places to visit in South Africa:

  • The Great Kruger Region: The Kruger National Park teems with wildlife, including the famous Big Five, springbok, wild dogs, and more top animals. Within the park and surrounding areas there are a variety of private game and nature reserves, including Sabi Sands and Mala Mala, that offer luxurious safari experiences.
  • Cape Town: South Africa’s Mother City, Cape Town, is a cultural hotspot tracing the country’s dramatic history in museums, at landmarks, and around historic neighborhoods. Home to Table Mountain, Robben Island, the prison island where Nelson Mandela spent the majority of his imprisonment, and South Africa’s best beaches, Cape Town offers an array of unforgettable things to do.
  • The Cape Winelands: Just around the corner from the city of Cape Town you can visit the famous wine estates of the Cape Winelands. From the Franschhoek valley to Paarl’s award-winning vineyards, Stellenbosch’s prestigious wine farms, and beyond, there are a range of iconic destinations in the Winelands where you can taste South Africa’s signature wines.
What is there to do in South Africa?

Whether going on safari to see the Big Five, tasting world-class Cape wines, or exploring charming beach towns, there is an endless list of experiences and activities for your trip to South Africa.

Here are some of the top things to do:

  • Search the Kruger Park or Sabi Sands for the Big Five, elusive wild dogs, endemic birds, and more wildlife on guided game drives.
  • Visit award-winning wine estates in the Cape Winelands to sample a selection of prestigious wines and tuck into signature South African farm-to-table meals.
  • Watch for marine life ranging from Great White Sharks to Southern Right Whales when visiting fishing towns along the South African coast.
  • Explore museums and exhibits that reveal more about the country’s dramatic history, from Nelson Mandela’s prison cell on Robben Island to the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg.
What is South Africa famous for?

South Africa is most famous for its world-class safari experiences, deep cultural heritage referred to as the Rainbow Nation, and UNESCO Heritage Sites and archeological sites revealing the origins of mankind.

What is the most popular wine in South Africa?

With a long history of winemaking that dates back to the 17th century, South Africa produces some of the finest wines in the world. Ranging from sparkling to sweet, from white to red, and from classic to modern, here are some of the most popular wines to taste on tours of the wine country in South Africa:

  • Chenin Blanc: a versatile grape that can produce dry, off-dry, sweet, or sparkling wines with aromas and flavors of apple, pear, peach, pineapple, honey, and floral notes. Some of the best examples come from the Swartland and Stellenbosch regions.
  • Cabernet Sauvignon: This is the most popular red grape variety in South Africa, producing full-bodied and structured wines with blackcurrant, plum, cedar, tobacco, and mint notes. Some of the best regions for Cabernet Sauvignon are Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek.
  • Pinotage: This is a unique grape variety that was created in South Africa in 1925 by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault. It is a signature grape of South Africa, producing wines that are rich and robust, with flavors of blackberry, cherry, plum, chocolate, coffee, and smoke. Some of the best regions for Pinotage are Stellenbosch, Swartland, and Wellington.
  • Sauvignon Blanc: This is a refreshing and crisp white grape variety that is widely planted in South Africa, especially in the cooler coastal areas. It produces wines that are aromatic and zesty, with flavors of gooseberry, passion fruit, lime, green apple, and grass. Some of the best regions for Sauvignon Blanc are Constantia, Elgin, and Walker Bay.
  • Shiraz: This is a spicy and fruity red grape variety that is also known as Syrah in other parts of the world. It produces wines that are full-bodied and smooth, with flavors of blackberry, raspberry, pepper, clove, licorice, and vanilla. Some of the best regions for Shiraz are Swartland, Stellenbosch, and Paarl.
What is the most popular food in South Africa?

South Africa is a country with a rich and diverse culinary heritage. From the indigenous tribes to the European colonists, Asian and Malay immigrants to French settlers, food in South Africa has been influenced by many cultures and cuisines over the centuries. Here are some of the most popular foods that you can enjoy on a South Africa tour:

  • Biltong, a cured meat snack that is made from beef, game, or ostrich
  • Boerewors, a traditional sausage made from beef, pork, or lamb, and spiced with cloves, nutmeg, coriander, and vinegar
  • Bobotie, a baked dish that consists of spiced minced meat topped with a custard-like egg and milk mixture
  • Cape Malay curry, a fragrant and mild curry made with meat, chicken, or fish, and spiced with cinnamon, saffron, turmeric, and chilli
  • Potjiekos, a stew that is cooked in a cast-iron pot over a fire
How safe is it to travel to South Africa?

South Africa is a safe country to travel to.

When staying in populated areas, safari lodges, or accommodations arranged by your safari specialist, it is unlikely that you will experience crime. As it is around the world, pickpocketing is a risk in South Africa, and you should stay vigilant and watch over your belongings.

Follow the guidance of your travel specialist, game rangers, or any guides arranged by your safari specialist at all times to ensure your safety and comfort.

What language is spoken in South Africa?

There are 11 official languages in South Africa. While Zulu is the most widely spoken native language, English is commonly spoken in all major tourist destinations, game reserves, and national parks.

What is the currency in South Africa?

The South African rand (R).

What else should I know about how to plan a trip to South Africa?

Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service

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South Africa Luxury Birhtday Trip Review: Cape Town, Franschhoek,...
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