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 $5,999
Up To 8
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
Cultural
Adventurous
Free Time
what you’ll Love about this trip
What's Included
All accommodations in bush camps or centrally located hotels (boutique when possible; shared twin/double rooms)
Meals: 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
All in-country ground transportation included (including flight from Hoedspruit to Cape Town)
All entrance fees to private game reserves and Kruger National Park
Three game drives
Full guided day in Kruger National Park
Visit to an elephant reserve
Blyde River Canyon sightseeing tour
Wine tasting in Stellenbosch
Walking tour in the Cape Malay Quarter with a local guide
Scenic drive along the Cape Peninsula
Visit to the African Penguin Colony at Boulder’s Beach
Optional: hike to Lion’s Head
FTLO trip leader
*All activities are weather dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
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.)
Alcohol (except for the wine tastings)
Where you'll be going
Trip Dates
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Limited private room upgrades are available at checkout for $659 (2025) and $729 (2026). If no longer available, you can inquire after booking and we may be able to secure one.
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 91-Day (2025) and a 95-Day (2026) Cancellation Policy.
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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
Check into your hotel nestled in Old Havana and grab a drink with your travel crew.
In the afternoon, we’ll head out on a walking tour where you’ll get your first taste of architecture so significant it earned a spot on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Continue on and give a mojito a go—the local favorite and Cuban national drink has been a staple on these lively shores for centuries.
That night, we’ll all head out together to grab some dinner and check out local live music in one of the neighborhood's trendiest spots.
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.
Accommodations
Our bush camps offer a unique blend of wilderness and comfort. With real beds, ensuite bathrooms, and hotel-style amenities, they’re far from traditional tented setups. Set in stunning natural surroundings, they provide the essentials – just with a much more scenic backdrop.
Private Room Upgrades
Private upgrades are only available for the Stellenbosh and Cape Town portions of the itinerary. Private upgrades are not available on safari.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Let's Get Social
#ftlosouthafrica in the wild
What’s the vibe of this trip?
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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.
What’s the pace of the itinerary?
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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.
I have dietary restrictions. Will there be options for me?
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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?
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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.
When’s the best time to go to South Africa?
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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?
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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 should I pack for South Africa?
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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.
How much should I budget for meals and extras?
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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.
Common Questions about this trip
Trip Reviews
Read through helpful flight details, trip notes and details about our South Africa Trip.
Interested in learning more about our South Africa trip?
Have a question? 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.
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