Sea, Safari, South Africa – South Africa | Eswatini Tour for Young Adults & Young Solo Travellers

Sea, Safari, South Africa Tours for Young Adults

The one that goes bigger on South Africa’s best wildlife spots – with 9 safari parks, plus city stops in Cape Town and Johannesburg

The Garden Route and its varied beauty. Hippo-spotting on one of Africa’s largest lakes. Camping under the stars at Kruger National Park as hyenas call in the distance. There’s South Africa… and then there’s SOUTH AFRICA. On this jaw-droppingly awesome adventure, you’ll meet the locals, discover the history and sample the Cape’s finest wines in 14 days – with beach life, city life and safari life all high on the agenda.

“70 percent join our trips solo”

“70% of our travellers join our trips solo, so you’ll travel with like-minded young people who want to make friends, experience new things and create lifelong memories. This is the best way to turn solo travel into the most social travel imaginable.” (Cited from the very experienced and internationally popular operator of this tour for young adults. For the latest info and eventual changes see here)

“Most popular youth travel company in the world”

Info by the very experienced and internationally popular operator of this tour for young adults (“Most popular youth travel company in the world”, Wikipedia): “Our trips are exclusively for 18-35s, and whether you join us solo or in a group, our trips are designed so you can share incredible experiences with young travellers just like you.”

Reviews by tour participants:

5 out of 5 stars (2 Reviews)* (all reviews and the latest rating available on the details page

Target age group:

18 to 35 (35 to 45 at “Reunion Trips“)

Trip duration and price:

14 days, 2 countries from about $ 2210* (final prices – also in other currencies like British £ or € – available on the booking page)

Destinations:

Africa > South Africa | Eswatini

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

Planned Itinerary:

Day 1: Cape Town

Cango Caves

Oudtshoorn

Day 2: Oudtshoorn

Addo Elephant National Park

Gqeberha

Day 3: Gqeberha

Private Game Reserves

Gqeberha

Day 4: Gqeberha

Jeffreys Bay

Tsitsikamma National Park

Knysna

Day 5: Knysna

Plettenberg Bay

Knysna

Day 6: Knysna

Hermanus

Cape Town

Day 7: Cape Town

Stellenbosch

Johannesburg

Day 8: Johannesburg

Durban

Day 9: Durban

St

Lucia

Day 10: St

Lucia

Day 11: St

Lucia

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Day 12: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Kruger National Park

Day 13: Kruger National Park

Day 14: Kruger National Park

Johannesburg

Day 1: Cape Town to Oudtshoorn via Cango Caves

Cape TownHello Africa… and hello Cape Town. Ready to get going? It’s off to the Karoo desert via the famous ‘Route 62’.

Cango CavesAn included guided tour of Africa’s LARGEST show cave system. The Cango Caves are replete with cavernous halls, limestone formations, cave paintings and artefacts (which indicate they were in use throughout the Middle Ages)! How’s that for a pitstop?OudtshoornWelcome to the ‘Ostrich Capital of the World’. After passing vineyards and mountain passes along the way, we’ll check into Oudtshoorn. You can choose to take a scenic bike ride down the Swartberg Mountain Pass. And finish off with a Karoo braai dinner right inside a local farmer’s house! (Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the fabled Ostriches!)

Riempie Estate (or similar)Included ExperienceExplore Cango CavesTour Africa’s largest limestone caves system. At over 20 million years old, it makes our nan look like a spring chicken. Swartberg Bike Ride and DinnerTake a bike ride down the spectacular Swartberg mountains, a UNESCO Heritage site, at sunset and end with a Karoo braai dinner at a local farmers house. During wet weather or for those not interested in riding a bike, a scenic bus tour and dinner is still offered along the same route.
Additional costs apply

Day 2: Oudtshoorn to Gqeberha via Addo Elephant National Park

OudtshoornGood morning! Let’s continue heading East towards one of South Africa’s most loved National Parks: Addo Elephant. (Anyone guess which animal this place is famous for?)

Addo Elephant National ParkThat’s right, it’s elephant time. After lunch, we’ll set out in search of Africa’s largest land mammal here at the Addo National Park, home to over 600 of these tusk-tastic creatures. (Keep your eyes peeled for lions, buffalo, and antelope too though!)GqeberhaWe’ll retreat here for the night but fear not, more safari adventures await in the morning. Stuck for something to do this evening? Let us introduce you to the karaoke bar just around the corner. (Cue your fave Lion King jams.)

Town Lodge Port Elizabeth (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Included ExperienceTake a Game Drive in Addo Elephant National ParkSee these gentle giants in their natural habitat as you cruise in our Contiki coach through this scenic National park. Also be on the lookout for giraffes, antelopes, buffaloes, warthogs and all of Africa’s incredible wildlife.

Day 3: Gqeberha and Private Game ReservesMake Travel Matter®

GqeberhaReady for the second chance at wildlife spotting? We thought so. Today is all about wildlife, both on land and in the ocean. We’ll start with a morning tour of the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Centre, who give sick and injured penguins the care they deserve and help them to return to the wild.

Private Game ReservesLater this morning, we’ll set out on the first of today’s two private game drives. The Eastern Cape’s game reserves are some of South Africa’s best spots for seeing the Big 5, home to valleys, plains, rivers and much more. So today, we have two optional game drives in two different Private Game Reserves. (IKR?) Yes, yes that is three game drives in 36 hours giving you the best chance of spotting the Big 5. Lucky you, right?GqeberhaTonight we’ll head back to the city where a free evening awaits. Karaoke round two? We won’t stop ya.

Town Lodge Port Elizabeth (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Make Travel Matter®Support the SANCCOB Penguin Centre (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience) The good folks at the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Centre work around the clock to rescue injured seabirds and help them make their way back into the wild. On this visit, we’ll see first hand how they work – and meet plenty of adorable penguins too.
See the ‘Big 5’ on a Morning Game drive with LunchBe on the look out for the famous ‘Big 5’ – plus Africa’s other incredible wildlife – in an open safari vehicle in Amakhala Game Reserve. Ending with a delicious lunch and two included drinks to reminisce over the mornings sightings.
Additional costs apply

Take an Afternoon Game Drive with DinnerHop on open safari vehicles and head off into the sunset. Stay on the look out (again!) for more of Africa’s iconic wildlife, including the Big 5. We’ll dine on a buffet dinner around the campfire. And finish up the night with a short spotlight drive in search of nocturnal animals.
Additional costs apply

Day 4: Gqeberha to Knysna via Jeffreys Bay and Tsitsikamma National ParkMake Travel Matter®

GqeberhaBeach time. Desert? Tick. Caves? Tick. Safari? Tick. Now it’s time to make our way along the famous Garden Route to our next destination, Knysna – with a few sensational stop-offs on the way.

Jeffreys BayKnown as one of the best surf spots in the world, it’d be wrong not to start our day with some chill time on J-Bay… which is exactly what we’ll do.

Tsitsikamma National ParkWelcome to our next pitstop, known for the infinitely Instagramable Storms River Bridge – which we’ll take a picturesque hike to so you can get all the legendary snaps you need. After that, you’ll have the chance to up the adrenaline, with a spot of kayaking up the mouth of Storms River.KnysnaAnd then we pull into the beautiful coastal town of Knysna, ready to explore all the sights and activities the Garden Route is known for. (We’ve got two nights here too!)

Knysna Quays (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Included ExperienceDiscover One of the World’s Best Surfing BeachesKnown for its waves, its calamari and its natural beauty, there’s no beach quite like Jeffreys Bay Beach. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
Included ExperienceHike Tsitsikamma National ParkIf you’re looking for dramatic scenery, a trek through Tsitsikamma National Park will give you plenty of ops to fill up your memories and Insta feed.
Explore Storms River by Kayak & LiloToday we’ll take to our kayaks (or our lilos) and head up the river. As we paddle, we’ll marvel at the jaw-dropping Storms River Gorge at Tsitsikamma National Park, plus some ocean views too.
Additional costs apply

Make Travel Matter®J-Bay SurfingWe’re here, we might as well catch a wave. Grab a board and have an instructor teach you the basics of surfing in one of the best spots in the world to learn.
Additional costs apply

Day 5: Knysna and Plettenberg Bay

KnysnaRise and shine, team. Today starts with an included breakfast, overlooking the Knysna lagoon, and then we’re off again once more.

Plettenberg BayIt’s ocean time… Join our optional marine safari and set out in search of whales, dolphins, seals and more spectacular sea life. Afterwards, we’ll spend the rest of the day relaxing on Plettenberg’s main beach, catching those rays and helping ourselves to some splendid seafood.KnysnaThis evening, we’ll embark on a Township visit here in Knysna, where you’ll meet the locals and have the chance to make a positive impact for the children who live here. Afterwards, we’ll tuck into a group dinner on the Knysna lagoon, followed by a night on the town.

Knysna Quays (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Included ExperienceKick Back at Plettenberg Bay Beach Stretch out on the golden sands and enjoy some sea air at one of South Africa’s best beaches.

Take an Ocean SafariKeep your eyes peeled for your fave marine creatures on this truly unique ocean safari. An exclusive boat (with specialist guides) will take us around Plettenberg Bay. And if you’re lucky, you might just spot seals, whales, dolphins, sharks, and marine birds!
Additional costs apply

Take a Township Tour (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience)Meet the locals and learn about Xhosa culture on a Knysna Township Tour. You’ll learn all the in’s and out’s of the community along with an expert guide (who is also from the township!). The best part? Every penny you spend goes towards children’s education and well-being.
Additional costs apply

Eat Dinner in KnysnaThis gorgeous coastal town is famous for its seafood, especially the oysters. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a three-course meal out on the lagoon. Perfecto? If you say so.
Additional costs apply

Day 6: Knysna to Cape Town via Hermanus

KnysnaMake sure you call dibs on a window seat. As we drive back to Cape Town, you’ll watch the magnificence of the Garden Route unfold as we pass coastal towns, forests, gorges and some jaw-dropping ocean views.

HermanusMarine mania… We’ll have lunch and some free time here in the coastal town of Hermanus, which is one of the world’s best areas for spotting whales – between July and November at least – so have your binoculars at the ready. Cape TownAnd here we are, back in the city where it all began. Tonight, you can opt for a MasterChef-style cooking class and enjoy the food, music and drinks.

Waterfront Breakwater Lodge (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Cape Town Cooking Class & DinnerAlways fancied yourself as a culinary champion? Now’s your time to show off your skills with a MasterChef-inspired African cooking class. With tunes flowing (and cocktails too), we’ll break into groups to assemble an array of African specialities, getting back together again in the evening to gobble up our work.
Additional costs apply

Day 7: Cape Town to Johannesburg via Stellenbosch

Cape TownFine wine, all in good time. Today we’ll add a touch of class to proceedings with a trip to Stellenbosch – the Cape’s famous wine region.

StellenboschAfter some free time to explore (and shop till you drop) we’ll set out to discover Stellenbosh’s awesome wine farms, sampling the very finest of the Cape’s fine wines. With spectacular views, and a traditional South African braai for lunch, this really is one tasty excursion indeed. We’ll then make our way to Cape Town and board our flight to the next destination – the biggest city in South Africa!JohannesburgTouching down, we’ll head straight to our hotel for the evening. The second half of our South African adventure awaits us in the morning…

OR Tambo Protea Hotel (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Included ExperienceExplore StellenboschGet to know the photogenic wine town of Stellenbosch. Rich in vineyards, but even richer in history.Sample The Finest Tastes of the CapesLove fine wines and fine views? This is the experience for you. We’ll tour the wine farm region of Stellenbosch (also a vibey student town), sampling a myriad of wines, beers, gins and non-alcoholic delights too… we’ll also visit a locally sourced food market, with a traditional South African braai (BBQ) to top it all off.
Additional costs apply

Day 8: Johannesburg to Durban

JohannesburgA day of history. Here in the City of Gold, we’ll take a drive through the heart of South Africa to the coastal city of Durban. Along the way, we’ll stop off for a sobering exploration of the nation’s troubled history, with a visit to the site of Nelson Mandela’s capture during the apartheid era. We’ll then take a trip to the museum – yes, you’ll confront the history, but you’ll leave feeling hopeful as you learn how apartheid was finally brought to an end.DurbanTonight’s accom is conveniently located next to plenty of shops and restaurants… So you can go right ahead and treat yourself.

City Lodge Umhlanga (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Included ExperienceVisit the Site of Nelson Mandela’s CaptureHarrowing and hopeful at the same time, you’ll delve deeper into the troubled history of South Africa – with the chance to visit the Nelson Mandela museum too, where you’ll learn about his life and work, as well as how apartheid was brought to an end.

Day 9: Durban to St LuciaMake Travel Matter®

DurbanYou have a free morning here at one of the finest coastal spots in South Africa. Sleep in, take a walk and shop the strip or head down to the beach to simply sit back and soak up those rays like the sun junkie you are. Afterwards, we’ll make our way to St Lucia.St. LuciaKeep your eyes peeled for wildlife by day and hippos by night here in St Lucia (we’re right by the UNESCO World Heritage listed iSimanagaliso Wetlands Park after all). On a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience this afternoon, we’ll visit a local Zulu village, learning all about the Zulu people and their traditions with a chance to meet some of the locals.

Forest Lodge (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Included ExperienceCatch Some Rays on One of Durban’s Famed BeachesThis morning is all about free time. Our favourite option in the area is to take the coach drop off down to the beach and just mellow out, just as the local Durbanite’s do so well!
Make Travel Matter®Visit a Local Zulu Village & Traditional DinnerOn this unique visit, we’ll meet some Zulu locals to experience their way of life and partake in their local customs and traditions and find out what life is like in their village. Later on you will join your guide for a traditional dinner sampling the local cuisine.
Additional costs apply

Day 10: St Lucia

St. LuciaBeach or bush? Why decide when you can do both? This morning we’ll head out to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, so watch out for elephants, buffalo, rhinos, antelope… plus whales (coz we’re right on the coast, baby). We’ll stop off at Cape Vidal for some snorkelling and all-round beach vibes (weather permitting, obvs). You’ll then have some free time to explore St Lucia or kick back at the hotel. This evening, we’ll embark on a Sunset Hippo Boat cruise on Lake St Lucia (Africa’s largest estuary – home to over 800 hippos and 1200 crocodiles). Afterwards, we’ll round things off with a traditional South African braai dinner. Yup, this day’s as action-packed as it is awesome.

Forest Lodge (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

iSimangaliso Game Drive and LunchThis outstandingly beautiful area is home to hippos, crocodiles, warthogs, elephants, giraffes, leopards and more – and that’s only on land. With viewpoints over the ocean, be on the look out for whales and other marine life as well before we land up on Cape Vidal beach. Snorkelling anyone? We will then head back to the lodge for an included buffet lunch. Pool anyone else?
Additional costs apply

Search For Hippos on Lake St Lucia Don’t miss your chance to set sail on Lake St Lucia, the 350-square-kilo juggernaut that’s home to over 800 hippos and 1200 crocodiles. Keep your eyes peeled, and your camera at the ready during this sundowner cruise. Then head back to the lodge to gorge on a buffet feast. Oh, and did we mention? There’ll be Zulu dancing to entertain us around the fires.
Additional costs apply

Day 11: St Lucia to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary via Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game ReserveMake Travel Matter®

St. LuciaIt’s an early start today – we’re heading inland to the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve and we aim to be there by sunrise.

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game ReserveThe Big Five. A half-day game drive at the reserve instrumental for bringing the White Rhino back from the brink of extinction. Even a picnic lunch. Today’s excursion is a biggie indeed.Mlilwane Wildlife SanctuaryWith our wildlife bucket lists sufficiently checked, it’s time to set off for a brand new country. Passports at the ready folks – here in Eswatini, we’ll meet some of the locals and learn about their culture and language on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. You’ve learnt from locals. Now its time to sleep like them too. Tonight you will stay at Mlilwane’s Main Lodge – unique beehive thatched huts with ensuite bathrooms (and hotel room amenities for a bit of comfort).

Mlilwane Beehive Huts (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Make Travel Matter®Meet Swati Locals in One of Africa’s Smallest CountriesWe’ll cross the border to Eswatini and travel to a local village where we’ll meet some locals, spend time with them and find out all about their culture and everyday life.
Hluhluwe Game Drive & LunchDon’t miss your chance to immerse yourself in the bastion of biodiversity – Hluhluwe. Of course, you’ll see the Big 5, but keep your eyes open to spot Cheetahs and Wild Dogs too. You’ll be blessed with a diverse scenery of ravines, mountains and the golden Savannah (all while you roll through in our open game-viewer with a local guide). A picnic lunch under the trees will end off our time in this natural gem.
Additional costs apply

Day 12: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary to Kruger National Park

Mlilwane Wildlife SanctuaryAh, to wake up in nature. We’ll kick off the day with a hearty breakfast and then join the Trip Manager for a morning safari walk. Don’t forget to sign up for a guided Mountain bike ride through the wilderness. There is no Big 5 here so feel free and safe to explore as you choose. Keep an eye out to spot some antelopes and warthogs!Kruger National ParkNext up, it’s the big one. The world famous one. Here in Kruger, we’ll stay at an exclusive safari campsite – located right in the middle of the park. (Struggling to picture it? Think glamping canvas tents with mattresses, linen and stretchers, a roaring bonfire burning all the while.) This is a true Once in a Lifetime experience, where you’ll fall asleep to the nocturnal calls of hyenas, jackals and lions.

Contiki Safari Camp (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Included ExperienceWalk on the Wild Side on a Walking SafariTraverse through Mlilwane on your own two feet, keeping your eyes peeled for antelope, wildebeest and more as you go. With a local guide on hand to make sure everyone is going the right way.
Included ExperienceAfternoon Game DriveWe’ll go on an adventure in the world famous Kruger National Park, keep your eyes peeled for animal sightings!Take a Mountain Bike SafariWildebeest, warthogs and more. On two wheels. It’s one unforgettable experience indeed.
Additional costs apply

Day 13: Kruger National Park

Kruger National ParkWakey wakey! You’re free to spend your time in the Savannah however you like. But if you’re adventure-hungry, we’ve got two epic game drives waiting for us today. We’ll begin our game of hide-and-seek at sunrise and stop off for some spectacular view points. (And try our luck at catching a glimpse of the elusive cheetahs, leopards and African wild dogs). Afterwards, we’ll take a pause for some tea, rusks and refreshments before getting on our game-viewers for the second one! Tonight after our evening game drive, we’ll tuck into a final bush dinner… and let the wild reminiscing begin.

Contiki Safari Camp (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Get your Wildlife Fix with Thrilling Game DrivesInsane views of the Savannah. Exciting wildlife encounters. And a sundowner to beat the heat. Be prepared for some epic game drives (in our very own game-viewers) from sunrise to sunset – with a expert local guides to share their wildlife wisdom.
Additional costs apply

Enjoy a Traditional African Feast Don’t miss your chance to enjoy a South African braai or BBQ, complete with traditional sides and local desserts – enjoyed by the campfire under the stars with your Contiki crew.
Additional costs apply

Day 14: Kruger National Park to JohannesburgMake Travel Matter®

Kruger National ParkOur final day. But is there time for one last morning game drive? You bet there is. We’ll head out bright and early before making our way back to Johannesburg. It’s our last chance to spot some spellbinding safari animals IRL. Have we saved the best for last? Let’s hope so!JohannesburgAnd now, with heavy hearts (and even heavier camera rolls) we’ll make our way back to either the Kruger Mpumalanga Airport (Vic Falls anyone?) or Johannesburg International Airport. It’s been a thrill… we’ve seen wildlife, we’ve made friends for life. The only question is: where next?

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Make Travel Matter®Take a Morning Game Drive in Kruger Park (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience)Jump on a morning drive for another chance to spot this Park’s incredible animals.

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details & booking page

Some of the Highlights:

Make Travel Matter®
Support the SANCCOB Penguin Centre (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience)

The good folks at the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Centre work around the clock to rescue injured seabirds and help them make their way back into the wild. On this visit, we’ll see first hand how they work – and meet plenty of adorable penguins too.

INCLUDED

Included Experience
Explore Stellenbosch

Get to know the photogenic wine town of Stellenbosch. Rich in vineyards, but even richer in history.

INCLUDED

Included Experience
Walk on the Wild Side on a Walking Safari

Traverse through Mlilwane on your own two feet, keeping your eyes peeled for antelope, wildebeest and more as you go. With a local guide on hand to make sure everyone is going the right way.

INCLUDED

Explore Storms River by Kayak & Lilo

Today we’ll take to our kayaks (or our lilos) and head up the river. As we paddle, we’ll marvel at the jaw-dropping Storms River Gorge at Tsitsikamma National Park, plus some ocean views too.

ADDITIONAL COST APPLIED

Search For Hippos on Lake St Lucia

Don’t miss your chance to set sail on Lake St Lucia, the 350-square-kilo juggernaut that’s home to over 800 hippos and 1200 crocodiles. Keep your eyes peeled, and your camera at the ready during this sundowner cruise. Then head back to the lodge to gorge on a buffet feast. Oh, and did we mention? There’ll be Zulu dancing to entertain us around the fires.

ADDITIONAL COST APPLIED

Trip Highlights

The must do experiences that you can cross off your bucket list

You’ll find all highlights and eventual changes on the details page

FAQs:

You’ll find all FAQs and the latest info on the details page

Included Meals:

13 Breakfasts

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

Team:

Expert Trip Manager + Trip Driver + Local Guides

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

Group Size:

Average 24 people

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

Transfers:

Coach

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

More Details:

You’ll find all details and the latest updates on the details & booking page

Over 70,000 – Join Us

Get occasional updates by email:

(Partially) travel with a nice group or entirely travel solo?

By booking an organized South Africa | Eswatini tour for young adults or other Africa trips for young people you can not only reduce planning hassle, but often also save money, as tour operators can buy accommodations, transportation, etc. in larger contingents in advance and thus get special conditions. You will also benefit from the experience of the tour operator, professional tour guides (whose stories you can enjoy…) and have the easy opportunity to meet nice fellow travelers when traveling in a group. Anyone who has traveled before will know that travel companions or other traveling acquaintances are one of the most essential factors for unforgettable experiences. In addition, you usually have enough individual freedom even with organized tours and you can, if the arrival and departure is not included, additionally extend your stay individually before or after the group tour with young adults. If you still prefer to organize your trip completely on your own and travel independently, then you’ll find all the practical tools you need to plan and book quickly & cheaply on our individual travel page.