The South Africa Trip
Nature • Active • Cultural
For the love of glamping safaris, coastal peaks, and world-class wine lands — add city-culture dives, Big 5 wildlife encounters, and bucket-list moments with new friends. That’s our South Africa trip.
Welcome to South Africa!
10 Days / 9 Nights
Starting At $6,299
Up To 9
The best part of South Africa? It’s the overwhelming beauty at every turn. From sun-soaked beaches to expansive bushland, our South Africa trip is crafted for adventurous travelers in their 20s and 30s, ready to check another incredible destination off their bucket list.
While 3.5 million visitors flock here each year for the Big 5, we’re going further. This trip dives into the vibrant city of Cape Town, explores Stellenbosch’s world-class wine region, and takes on epic hikes up natural landmarks like Lion’s Head. And, of course, Kruger National Park for unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Who’s ready to explore the depths of South Africa with a crew of new friends? Count me in!
Physical Activity
Nightlife
Foodie Trip
Cultural
Adventurous
Trip Pace
what you’ll Love about this trip
What's Included
Trip Logistics:
Accommodations: 9 nights in accommodations in Hoedspruit (2 nights), Timbavati Private Nature Reserve (2 nights), Stellenbosch (2 nights), and Cape Town (3 nights) (shared twin room with one other traveler)
Meals: 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 group dinners, including a traditional safari welcome dinner in the bush and a farewell dinner in Cape Town
Arrival transfer from Hoedspruit Airport (Eastgate Airport) to the safari camp on Day 1
Ground Transportation throughout the trip for included activities
Domestic flight (one-way) from Hoedspruit (Eastgate Airport) to Cape Town, including one checked bag
Entrance Fees for all conservation, park, and reserves throughout the trip
Included Experiences:
Welcome drinks and orientation to kick off the trip and meet your travel crew
Guided safari game drives across Greater Kruger’s private reserves, exploring diverse ecosystems in open safari vehicles with expert local rangers
Full-day safari inside Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest and most iconic wildlife reserves, tracking the legendary Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo)
Visit to a wildlife rehabilitation and conservation center in Hoedspruit, offering an up-close look at South Africa’s endangered species and the efforts protecting them
Scenic Half Panorama Route tour featuring dramatic viewpoints like the Three Rondavels and the geological formations of Bourke’s Luck Potholes along the Blyde River Canyon
Interactive potjie cooking experience with a local chef, preparing the traditional South African stew slowly cooked over coals in cast-iron pots
Wine tastings in South Africa’s Stellenbosch region, sampling award-winning wines in one of the country’s most celebrated wine regions
Picnic lunch set among the vineyards in the Cape Winelands
Guided cultural and historical walking tour of Cape Town ending in the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood
Traditional Cape Malay lunch hosted in a local home
Full-day Cape Peninsula tour, including the Chapman’s Peak coastal drive and a visit to Boulders Beach to see one of the world’s only mainland African penguin colonies
Lion’s Head hike in Cape Town with panoramic views of Table Mountain, the Atlantic coastline, and the city below
Trip Support & Extras:
Built-in free time in Stellenbosch and Cape Town to explore at your own pace after the safari portion of the trip, from vineyard-lined valleys and wine estates to coastal neighborhoods and seaside cafés
Dedicated FTLO Trip Leader throughout the trip, coordinating logistics and providing local knowledge
Access to our pre-departure hub with detailed trip information, packing guidance, cultural tips, and a space to connect with fellow travelers before departure
All entrance fees, taxes, and activity costs for listed experiences
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, as animals roam freely in their natural habitats. Safari departure times and certain outdoor activities are subject to weather and seasonal conditions. In the unlikely event that an activity cannot operate as planned, a suitable alternative experience will be arranged.
What's Not Included
Flights to and from South Africa (fly into Hoedspruit and out of Cape Town)
Trip arrival and departure airport transfers
Mandatory trip insurance
Meals not mentioned (budget around $225, depending on consumption habits)
Incidental expenses (tips for guides, hotel staff, and waiters, etc.)
Where you'll be going
Trip Dates
Scroll to see all dates
Limited private room upgrades are available only for the second half of the trip, starting from $729. Add to your booking notes that you'd like to request a single, and we may be able to secure one for you.
Standard payments include a $975 deposit + 3 installments. Extended payment plans are available upon request.
*Please note: Due to requirements from our suppliers, the South Africa Trip follows a 95-Day Cancellation Policy.
SCROLL TO SEE ALL DATES
Day by Day
Read through an outline of what’s in store for our South Africa trip. This itinerary may be updated as needed.
Day 1 - Hoedspruit
Wild Beginnings
Imagine the United States, China, India, and most of Europe combined into one massive land area—that’s how big Africa is! In fact, Africa is four times the size of the continental U.S.
Today, you’ll be landing in the vast, stunning country of South Africa with your new travel crew and checking into a safari lodge.
Few things are as captivating as experiencing exotic wildlife in their natural habitat, so we’ll dive right in with a bush walk on day one before enjoying an African-style braai (BBQ) in a boma—a traditional, open-air enclosure made for gathering around a fire. Because seriously, what could be a better start to the trip than dinner under the stars with lions and leopards in the distance?
Trip Notes
Read through helpful flight details, trip notes and details about our South Africa Trip.
Arrive
Fly into Hoedspruit Airport (HDS)
You'll need to be in Hoedspruit before 2 PM (for cheaper flights, fly round trip to Cape Town and get a domestic flight from Cape Town to Hoedspruit).
Depart
Fly out of Cape Town (CPT)
Check out of the hotel is at 10 AM, but you can fly out at any time.
Private Room Upgrades
Private room upgrades are available for an additional amount and can be added during booking. These are available on a first-come basis, so plan to book in advance if you are interested in your own room.
Safari Camp Expectations
Staying at a lodge or bush camp means you're truly in the wild. For safety, stay within camp boundaries – wandering on your own isn’t permitted. The peaceful setting offers time to unwind and take in nature between game drives.
Dietary Restrictions
Vegan meals can be accommodated on safari with advance notice, but options may be limited, particularly at remote lodges or bush camps. We recommend letting us know your dietary needs early and bringing a few snacks or staples, just in case.
Accommodations
This trip includes both safari and city-style stays. Safari accommodations are comfortable and surrounded by nature, with a more rustic, experience-led feel than a traditional hotel. Cape Town and Stellenbosch offer a more classic, modern hotel experience.
Itinerary Changes
This itinerary is subject to change based on the weather conditions and traveler feedback. In the unlikely event that we are unable to run a specific activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
Packing List
South Africa’s climate varies by region and time of day. In addition to a light jacket for chilly mornings and evenings, we recommend breathable fabrics, sun protection, and comfortable layers so you're ready for anything from bush drives to wine tastings.
Early Mornings
Safari days start early, as animals are most active just after sunrise. While participation is optional, we highly recommend joining – exploring the African bush and witnessing wildlife up close in their natural habitat is truly an unforgettable experience.
Let's Get Social
#ftlosouthafrica in the wild
How much should I budget for meals and extras?
+
-
You’ll enjoy local dishes outside of included meals, like braais, Cape Malay dinners, along with optional wine purchases and souvenirs. South Africa is moderately priced, with meals ranging from casual to upscale.
We recommend budgeting around $225 for meals and personal expenses not included in the itinerary, depending on your consumption habits.
I have dietary restrictions. Will there be options for me?
+
-
Yes! We can work with vegetarian, vegan, and dietary allergies. South Africa's culinary scene is flexible, and our guides are experienced with group needs. Still, bringing a few familiar snacks or energy bars in remote areas like Kruger is a smart idea.
What are the accommodations like?
+
-
Expect a blend of cozy bush camps, with ensuite baths/showers, and stylish boutique hotels in Cape Town and Stellenbosch. Lodgings are chosen for comfort, location, and connection – whether that’s drifting off to nature sounds or gathering around a wine-country table at sunset.
Private upgrades are only available for the Stellenbosh and Cape Town portions of the itinerary, and can be purchased upon booking on a first come first serve basis. Private upgrades are not available on safari.
What should I pack for South Africa?
+
-
South Africa offers varied experiences – from hot, sun-soaked days in Kruger to potentially breezy evenings in Cape Town.
Pack light layers, sturdy walking shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen, and swimwear for beach days. Include a warm sweater or jacket for early drives in the bush and pack something smart-casual for wine dinners.
A daypack with safari essentials (like binoculars, face mask, small water bottle) will also come in handy.
Any recommendations if I'd like to extend my time abroad?
+
-
South Africa is the perfect launchpad for exploring more of the continent, and since you can’t go any farther south (unless you’re heading to Antarctica), there are plenty of great options to go north instead. From Cape Town, you can fly to Kenya’s breathtaking wildlife or Morocco for desert landscapes and colorful markets. With Cape Town and Johannesburg both serving as major hubs, continuing across Africa is easy.
When’s the best time to go to South Africa?
+
-
We run this during South Africa’s drier months – May to September – which are ideal for safari and comfortable for Cape Town. Expect warm daytime temps in the bush, with cooler evenings (layers recommended).
When should I arrive and depart, and how do I get to the hotel?
+
-
You’ll need to arrive at Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) before 2 PM on Day 1 to kick off the trip with your safari crew. FTLO recommends booking your international round-trip to Cape Town, then purchasing a domestic flight from Cape Town to Hoedspruit.
Keep in mind that domestic flights in South Africa have strict baggage limits, typically 6 kg for hand luggage and 21 kg for checked bags, with extra charges for overweight items.
The trip ends in Cape Town on Day 10, and you're free to fly out anytime after the 10 AM hotel checkout. Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is well connected and easy to reach by taxi or hotel-arranged transfer.
What’s the pace of the itinerary?
+
-
This trip moves at a steady, engaging pace. You'll have early game drives at dawn, an elephant reserve visit, wine tasting in Stellenbosch, a walking tour of Bo Kaap, and optional Lion’s Head hiking. Even so, there is downtime built in for relaxing at the bush lodge or strolling Cape Town’s beaches. It’s activity-rich without being overwhelming.
What’s the vibe of this trip?
+
-
You’ll travel with a friendly, curious group eager to dive into wildlife, wine, and culture. Whether spotting elephants or sipping from a Stellenbosch vineyard, expect a warm, adventurous energy and a journey that balances rugged outdoor exploration with cozy table-side conversations.
Common Questions about this trip
Traveler Review Summary
5 Star Rating
The South Africa trip with FTLO receives overwhelmingly positive reviews for its blend of safari experiences, cultural exploration, and breathtaking scenery. Travelers frequently highlight memorable wildlife encounters, visits to the Cape Winelands, and immersive local experiences that showcase the diversity of the country. Reviews also praise the smooth organization, comfortable accommodations, and welcoming group atmosphere, with many travelers describing the trip as adventurous, rewarding, and one of the most memorable experiences they've had with FTLO.
Read through helpful flight details, trip notes and details about our South Africa Trip.
Interested in learning more about our South Africa trip?
We're here to help! Whether you're curious about accommodations, accessibility, group vibe, or dietary needs, fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you ASAP.
Fallout is a creative agency specializing in
Fallout is a creative agency specializing in
signage, video production, social media
signage, video production, social media
management, content creation, and social media
management, content creation, and social media
strategy. Our mission is to help businesses stand
strategy. Our mission is to help businesses stand
out and connect with their audience through
out and connect with their audience through
compelling visual storytelling.
compelling visual storytelling.
