15 Day South African Adventure
Women Only
Max group 12
Lifetime Deposit
Solo traveller friendly
5 Good Reasons To Do This Trip!
THE EDGE OF AFRICA:
Stand at the Cape of Good Hope, Africa’s south-westernmost tip, where you’ll stare out in awe at nature’s might that is the meeting point of two oceanic currents – the warmth of the Indian and the cool of the Atlantic.
BIG 5 BINGO:
Lions? Check. Rhinos? Check. Elephants, leopards and buffalo? Check, check, check! Your Kruger safari is the ultimate wildlife bingo card, and with every new sighting, you’re ticking off South Africa’s biggest bragging rights.
HARD-HITTING HISTORY:
Step into South Africa’s past as you visit Soweto, Nelson Mandela’s house and the Apartheid Museum. It’s heavy, it’s powerful and it’ll leave you with a fresh perspective on the nation’s story.
WADDLE ON THE WILD SIDE:
Who needs spades and sandcastles when you’ve got penguins? At Boulders Beach, you’ll get to meet the locals – waddling African penguins who love nothing more than swimming in the sea and strutting their stuff along the sand!
SAFARI SQUAD GOALS:
This trip isn’t just about the sights, it’s about the squad! Get ready to laugh ‘til your sides ache and share travel stories so outrageous, they’ll be legendary. By the end of this trip, you’ll have a new pack of adventure-loving besties, bonded for life.
Trip Details
| Dates | Price AUD (per person twin share) |
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Price
$12,555 AUD (per person twin share)
- $2,150 deposit.
- 2 week cooling off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
- Private supplement available: $1,866 AUD, max spots
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Trip length
15 days, 14 nights
Meeting point
Sandton Hotel, Johannesburg
Ending point
The Farmhouse Hotel, Langebaan (near Cape Town)
Group size
Maximum 12 — guaranteed departure
Participation requirements
Please see our “Is this trip right for you?” section to see the participation requirements.
Included
- Meals: 15 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 10 dinners
- 1 domestic flight
- Private vehicle transportation throughout.
- 14 nights boutique ensuite accommodation
- A top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leader and local specialist guides as required.
- All listed activities and more!
Not included
- International Flights and travel insurance (necessary)
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks and other personal expenses
- Tip kitty (See FAQs for more information)
Click the tabs to find out more
Day 1 – Hello Johannesburg!
Touch down in South Africa and hit the ground running! After a welcome lunch where you’ll bond with your fellow adventure-loving Patchies, it’s time to peel back the curtain and peep into the not-so-pretty side of the nation’s past.
We’ll kick off the afternoon with a trip to Soweto, a neighbourhood that symbolised the fight against Apartheid, before heading over to Nelson Mandela’s House and the Apartheid Museum. It’s a hectic first day, so we’ve left tonight free for you to rest up after your flight and all that sightseeing. Sweet dreams.
Accommodation: Sandton Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 2 – Pilgrim’s Rest
Today’s your first full day in South Africa. If that doesn’t have you leaping out of bed and devouring your breakfast within minutes, we don’t know what will! We can’t sugarcoat it, there’s a lot of driving today (around 4.5 hours in total) but we’re breaking the journey up with so many fabulous stops you’ll hardly even notice it.
Post-tea and toast, you’re off to Pilgrims Rest, a real-deal gold rush ghost town that’s stuck in the 1800s – in the best way possible. As you explore, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the set of a Western movie, with each creaky wooden building just adding to the cowboy vibe. In the afternoon, you’ll head off to the Bourke’s Luck Potholes – the wildest and most gorgeous ‘potholes’ you’ll ever see.
Accommodation: The Royal Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – Kruger National Park
It’s day three and bam – you’re in Kruger National Park! Wake up, wolf down breakfast, and it’s out the door to dive headfirst into this wildlife wonderland. First up is Phabeni Gate, where you’ll find lions roaming freely, hippos lazing along the Sabie River and crocodiles soaking up the sun. You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d just walked into a nature documentary – but today, this is your real life!
Lunch is a grab-and-go picnic right in the heart of the park, because trust us, you won’t want to waste a second away from the action. Then, it’s off to prowl around Skukuza camp and along the riverbanks, eyes wide for that next pulse-racing animal encounter.
Come evening, curl up for the night in a Safari Lodge, smack-dab in the midst of the Big Five territory. Rest well – tomorrow’s another big day of adventure.
Accommodation: Skukuza Safari Lodge (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 – Kruger National Park
Rise and shine – it’s leopard o’clock! Kick-start the day with a quick shot of coffee; you’re going to need that buzz. Breakfast this morning is extra special, at the Lower Sabie camp. This stretch of road is one of the places you’re most likely to spot a leopard or two in the entire park. No promises, but keep those binoculars ready. Then, you’ll make the visit to the Orpen Dam. Here, if luck’s on your side, you might spot lionesses in mid-hunt.
Winding down back at camp after an action-filled day, it’s time to relax… But not too much! The cheeky vervet monkeys who hang around camp are notorious for snatching anything left unguarded, so keep one eye open and trained on your belongings, or they might just vanish!
Accommodation: Skukuza Safari Lodge (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – Baobab Region
Wave goodbye to your campsite, but not to Kruger just yet – there’s still more to conquer! Today, you’ll head up north, venturing into the Baobab region where you’ll get to watch the landscape shift from lush greenery to the stark, sweeping savannah right before your eyes.
As you enjoy the drive, keep a lookout for the scimitar horns of the Sable antelope. If you spot one, consider your safari bingo card stamped!
Crossing the Groot Letaba River will give you yet more wonderful views, so no napping on this drive. Then, after saying a fond farewell to the park, it’s off to your overnight Lodge, where you’ll find grass-thatched huts in a tropical garden. This is your new home for the night so kick back in camp chairs with your fellow Patchies, laugh over the day’s escapades and soak up the last golden rays of sun. Days like this don’t come by very often.
Accommodation: Sefapane Lodge & Safari (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 – Bloemfontein
At last – the opportunity to sleep in! Enjoy a leisurely morning that’s all yours: catch up on rest after a hectic few days, reflect on the incredible safari sights, or just soak up the charm of the camp. Don’t get too comfy, though, because by midday you’re off to the airport for your flight to Bloemfontein via Johannesburg. Be sure to pack a good book in your hand luggage for the journey.
As for tonight’s lodging, let’s just say it’s a place that could have inspired epic tales of rings and dragons. Hint: you might just find yourself dreaming of adventures in Middle Earth…
Good night!
Accommodation: Hobbit Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 – The Karoo
Today, strap in for a road trip through South Africa’s vast, open Karoo – a semi-desert expanse that stretches as far as the eye can see. As you zoom through this part of the country, you’ll soon happen upon your destination for today: the quaint and quirky Nieu-Bethesda. It’s South Africa’s third-oldest town, tucked away like a well-kept secret.
Here, dusty streets lead to Helen Martins’ Owl House – a garden filled with fantastical sculptures and surreal art that could rival any fantasy novel scene. Lunch today involves local beer-and-cheese tastings (yum!) before you’ll get to explore Nieu-Bethesda’s dinosaur-fossil-laden riverbeds and check out the many turtles crossing the streets.
Nieu-Bethesda is a weird little place, but we bet it steals a piece of your heart.
Accommodation: Graaff-Reinet at Drostdy (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 – The Cape Colony of Prince Albert
Today, crank up that road trip playlist because you’re off on a four-hour drive to the town of Prince Albert. This place is famous not just for its soft-as-silk mohair but also for its “how is this even real?” scenery. After all, with rugged Swartberg peaks rising behind colonial buildings, you might just feel like you’ve stepped into an old-world painter’s canvas.
Before you call it a day, you’ll weave some magic at the local Karoo weavery, learning all about this age-old tradition. Home for the night is the Dennehof Karoo Guesthouse, its whitewashed walls standing out against stark, rocky hills. You can feel the history through the walls here – it was built in 1835 and is the oldest farmhouse in the valley. Only the best for our Patchies!
You’re just over halfway through the trip, and there are still so many amazing experiences yet to come…but this afternoon, take a deep breath of that country air. Whether you’ve got your sights set on relaxing in a comfy chair under the verandah or taking a dip in the homestead’s pool, it’s time to unwind and reflect on all you have seen so far.
Accommodation: Dennehof Karoo Guesthouse (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 – Mountain Passes and Canyons
Ready for a day with your nose pressed against the window? Good, because even though this is an all-day travel day, it’s jam-packed with epic scenery you’d never see if you didn’t hit the road. Starting with the dramatic landscapes of the Swartberg Pass, each bend in the road might just outdo the last in ‘wow’ factor. Then, you’ll weave through South Africa’s oh-so-divine wine country. Don’t forget your camera – you’ll need it for all the stops you’ll make along the way!
As you time-hop to Matjiesfontein, you’ll feel like you’ve spun the clock back to 1901. Stroll through this living snapshot of the past before you dash off to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital. Yep – ostriches!
But you’re not done yet! The grand finale of this crazy-busy day is Blyde River Canyon, where you’ll find massive red sandstone cliffs hugging the snaking river below. It’s a full day of “oohs” and “aahs”.
Accommodation: The Lord Miller (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 – Onto The Cape
Cape Town, here we come! Of course, it wouldn’t be Patch Adventures if we didn’t break up your journey there with some fabulous stops along the way. This part of the world really knows how to show off the grape in all its glory, so we couldn’t resist giving you the chance to swirl, sip and savour some local vintages in Tulbagh. The wine’s on us!
Then, it’s on to Cape Town itself. You’ve got four nights to call this place home, so treat yourself to the chance to fully unpack and unwind. The evening’s free to do as you please, so whether you want to kick back at the guest house or head out for dinner with some of your fellow Patchies, we’re sure it’s bound to be a first night in Cape Town to remember.
Accommodation: Mountain Manor Guest House (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11 – The Cape of Good Hope
Today’s all about classic Cape Town must-dos. First up: a jaunt down the Cape Peninsula to the legendary Cape of Good Hope. It’s a tourist favourite, sure, but some things are popular for a reason. Just wait till you get a load of that ocean meeting sky at the edge of the world. Truly magical! You’ll also sneak in a little bit of beach time at Buffel Bay, because who can resist the beach?
In the afternoon, it’s time to waddle over to Simon’s Town to hang out with the charming locals of Boulders Beach – hundreds of African penguins!
The drive back to Cape Town via Chapman’s Peak flaunts some of the most selfie-worthy vistas around, so why not hop out of the vehicle to strike a quick pose or two? We’ll round off the day by taking you for an unforgettable dinner at one of our favourite local restaurants. Now that’s what we call a day well spent!
Accommodation: Mountain Manor Guest House (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12 – Bo-Kaap Neighbourhood
Sun’s up, and so are you, heading to Cape Town’s most colourful neighbourhood – the rainbow-hued Bo-Kaap. Exploring this part of the city is a direct link to Cape Town’s Cape Malay community. These people are the Muslim descendants of Indonesian and Malaysian slaves and labourers brought over by the Dutch in the 17th century.
After walking around and getting a crash course history class, get ready to dive spoon-first into beloved Cape Malay classics like bobotie (a savoury meat casserole with a creamy golden custard cap) and syrup-soaked sweet treats like koeksisters. You’ll wish you could bring them home with you!
As evening creeps in, you’ve got free rein to do whatever you please. Whether that’s scranning seafood at the V&A Waterfront or heading back to the Bo-Kaap for more Cape Malay goodness, your guide knows just the spot – be sure to ask for their recommendations.
Accommodation: Mountain Manor Guest House (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13 – Cape Town Villages and Vineyards
If there’s one thing Cape Town’s surroundings are famous for, it’s their fabulous wines. So, today, you’re off to explore some of the oldest wine estates in the country, checking out the famous villages of Boschendal, Tokara and Annandale on the way. Of course, the best way to learn about the local wines is through your tastebuds, so we’ve lined up a whole host of tastings throughout the day. Educating yourself by sipping on local Pinotage, Shiraz and Port…? It’s a hard job, but somebody’s gotta do it!
Lunching among the vines, surrounded by mountains and wildflowers, with a glass of vino in hand, you’ll agree – this is living! After toasting to your heart’s content and maybe even finding your new favourite wine, you’ll roll back into Cape Town, spirits as high as the vineyard hills. What a day!
Accommodation: Mountain Manor Guest House (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 14 – West Coast National Park
Can you handle one last adventure? Good, because we’re not winding down just yet. Instead, we’re ramping things up with a trip to West Coast National Park. Driving into the park, we have a showstopper up our sleeves: the spectacular Langebaan Lagoon! Where’s the best view, you ask? From The Farmhouse Hotel’s patio, a prime spot for celebrating the end of your South African adventure. It’s the oldest building in the country and has views that’ll knock your socks off. What’s not to love?
Tonight, under a sunset that competes with any artwork, you’ll share a hearty farewell dinner with your new Patchie pals. It’s tough thinking about goodbyes, so don’t worry about that just yet. Tonight’s about living in the moment and relishing the final chapter of your incredible journey together, so make the most of it!
Accommodation: The Farmhouse Hotel, Langebaan (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 15 – Farewell Friends!
That’s a wrap, team! As the sun rises on your final morning in South Africa, gather for one last breakfast bash. It’s your chance to snap those final selfies with the crew that turned from strangers to your safari squad in just a couple of weeks.
Once breakfast’s done, we’ll ensure you’re all set for a smooth transfer to the airport. Safe travels!
Included: Breakfast
Trip Map
Good to Know
Is This Trip Right For You?
You love to travel but don’t like being herded around B-grade attractions… just the mere idea of joining a ‘big bus’ tour makes you want to run for the hills.
You also know, however, that some places are worth the wait.
You’re open-minded and open-hearted. You try to embrace the little things. You understand that even in the best vehicles, the air-con sometimes breaks. This is just part of the adventure, and you choose to be gracious.
You also love the idea of living a day fully, and then returning to unique, interesting accommodation!
You enjoy trying new food, visiting new places, and making new friends. You make a great travel buddy and you love to share experiences with others. You understand that to fit in with local cultures, sometimes that could involve trying something you haven’t tried before, or sitting on the floor to eat with a nomad family.
If that sounds like you, you’d make a great Patchie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:USD exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on the following exchange rate: 1 AUD: 0.66 USD
A deposit of $2,150 is required to hold your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks.
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 120 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have interesting and diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf.
- 1,800 SA Rand (equivalent to $97 USD) to be given to your guide on Day 1. The kitty will be managed by your leader who will use it to cover tips for included meals and your drivers.
- 500 SA Rand (equivalent to $27 USD) per person at the end of the trip.
This is the most frequently asked question we get!
Nearly everyone is in their 50s and 60s, with some people above and below (but of course, everyone is welcome!)
Most Patchies come alone and are matched with a room-mate. Remember, you don’t need to pay for a single supplement if you come solo. We will place you with a similarly-aged roommate.
The typical Patchie has travelled a LOT, is a well-seasoned adventurer, and is not easily thrown by small things. However, many Patchies tell us that this is their first ever group tour. Many of our guests have avoided tours to this point as they’re not attracted to being herded around in large groups.
Oh, and one last thing:
Patchies are warm, generous, and kind. We knew it would be like this, but we weren’t expecting it to be *quite* like this. We’re so blessed as a business to have the customers we do; we consider ourselves to be some of the luckiest people in the world.
There are several one-stop and two-stop flight options available from cities in Australia and New Zealand.
This trip begins in Johannesburg, South Africa and ends in Langebaan, which is a 1 ¾ hour road transfer to Cape Town International Airport. We ask that you fly into Johannesburg International Airport (O.R. Tambo), as that is where your hotel transfer will be waiting for you. Included in the cost of your trip is a departure transfer to Cape Town International Airport.
Australian and NZ citizens do not need a visa to travel to South Africa.
Level 1 or Easy
So long as you have a general level of health and fitness, you’ll be fine. However, to enjoy this trip, you’ll need to be able to spend time on your feet and regularly walk for 2-3 hours. Daily activities might include walking on uneven and hilly ground, getting on and off various forms of transportation and occasionally climbing some stairs. You may also encounter over-the-bath showers in some of the accommodations.You’ll spend a fair amount of time travelling by road. At times the roads may be bumpy, and/or windy – so if you’re not a person who loves that kind of adventure, this trip may not be for you.
Some days do involve long stretches of driving and you need to be the kind of person who enjoys road trips. Any such necessary long drives are offset by photo stops, picnic lunches, roadside pit stops, tea/coffee breaks, and of course seeing points of interest, leg-stretching walks.
Our vehicles are comfortable, well-maintained, and not prone to breaking down.
In the unlikely event of a health or security-related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication – between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.
