7 Day – Essence of South Africa Tour

What’s Included:

• Expert Travel Director & Professional Driver: Benefit from experienced guidance throughout your journey.
• Quality Accommodation: Stay in hand-picked, trusted hotels chosen for your comfort.
• Delicious Meals: Enjoy many included meals, including daily breakfasts.
• City Orientation Tours: Get acquainted with each new destination through insightful tours.
• Audio Headsets: Enhance your included sightseeing with personal audio commentary.
• Comfortable Transport: Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi (available in most countries).
• Choice Experiences: Access a wide variety of optional activities to tailor your trip.

Not included in the price:

• Flights: International airfare is separate but can be added when you book your trip. Some tours will have included internal flights.
• Extra Hotel Nights: Pre or post-tour accommodation isn’t included, but you can arrange these when booking.
• Choice Experiences: These optional activities can be booked and paid for while you’re on your tour.
• Airport Transfers: These can be arranged when you book your trip.

Departures:

This tour departs on Fridays from February to December. Contact us for live availability and more details.

Pricing:

The price displayed on our trip page is for a twin room, when two people are sharing. To check the solo price for a trip please contact us.

Please note the price shown is a ‘from price’ and it will vary throughout the year. Some times of the year will be more expensive. All prices are subject to availability.

Luggage:

Each guest is permitted one suitcase. This suitcase should not exceed 23kg (50lbs) in weight and its dimensions must be no larger than 76cm x 46cm x 25cm (30” x 18” x 10”).

For your carry-on or hand luggage, you are allowed one piece per person. This must not exceed 30cm x 28cm x 14cm (12”x11”x6”) to ensure it fits comfortably under your coach seat or in the small overhead compartment.

We highly recommend testing the weight of your baggage before your trip. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it yourself for short distances.

Please remember that airline baggage allowances can differ, so it’s essential to check with your specific carrier for their exact rules before you travel.

FAQs

Your Tour Experience

• Accommodation: You’ll stay in quality 3 & 4-star hotels, all pre-booked. Hotels listed in itineraries can change, but alternatives will be of similar standard and location.
• Travel Group: You’ll travel with a diverse group of fellow tourists, accompanied by your dedicated Driver and Travel Director.
• Travel Director: Your expert guide who manages logistics, offers local insights, and helps book optional “Choice Experiences.”
• Driver: Ensures comfortable and safe travel on private, air-conditioned coaches.
• Choice Experiences: These are optional activities you pay for during your trip, allowing you flexibility to customise your itinerary and budget as you go.
• Free Time: Tours are designed to include plenty of free time for you to explore independently or enjoy optional activities.

Optional Activities (“Choice Experiences”)

• Booking “Choice Experiences”: Your Travel Director will provide details and facilitate bookings for optional “Choice Experiences” once you are on the tour. You can choose to participate in as many or as few as you like.
• Payment for “Choice Experiences”: Payment for these optional activities is made directly to your Travel Director while on tour, providing flexibility.

Tour Pace & Activities

• Pace of Travel: Our tours are designed to be efficient, ensuring you see many sights each day. You’ll move at a steady pace to make the most of your time.
• Time on the Coach: Travel time between destinations varies. We schedule comfort stops approximately every 2-3 hours and incorporate scenic drives and points of interest into the journey.
• Physical Activity: While trips are designed to be accessible, most do involve walking, often on uneven surfaces, uphill, or using stairs. You should be able to walk unassisted for up to 30 minutes comfortably. More strenuous activities are noted in the itinerary. Consider if the trip suits your mobility level

Important Considerations

• Trip Price Adjustments: Prices are subject to change due to cost fluctuations or exchange rates, but no surcharges will be applied to the land-only price once the final balance is paid, except for certain government-imposed charges or fuel increases. No changes within 20 days of departure.
• Minimum Numbers: Some trips require a minimum number of participants. If not met, the trip may be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 30 days’ notice.
• Hotel Changes: Hotels are subject to change, but a comparable alternative will be provided.

What is a “Definite Departure”?

• A “Definite Departure” means your trip is guaranteed to run! This status is given to tour dates that have already met the minimum number of bookings required. While we can’t share exact numbers, the system regularly updates these dates as they become definite.

What if my chosen date isn’t definite yet?

• You’re welcome to book a departure date that isn’t yet marked as definite. In the unlikely event that your chosen date doesn’t reach the minimum number of guests, we’ll offer you the best alternative dates for your trip or a full refund of any payments you’ve made. We’ll always contact you if there are any changes to your departure, whether it’s definite or not.

Documentation & Entry Requirements

• Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
• Visas & Permits: You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas and permits for the countries you’ll visit or transit through. Check embassy or consulate requirements well in advance, as these vary by nationality and can take time. Multiple-entry visas may be needed if you enter a country more than once.
• Identification: Always carry proper identification, as passports will be required at border crossings. Your Travel Director will assist, but be prepared to open luggage and answer simple questions from border officials.

Booking & Payments

• Deposits & Final Payments: You can book with a non-refundable deposit (amount varies by tour level, typically £100 or £200 for land tours). The full balance is generally due 60-90 days before departure, depending on your tour.

Changes & Cancellations

• Changes: Contact us to make changes. An amendment fee (£50 per passenger) plus any airline fees will apply.
• Cancellations: Notify us to cancel. Cancellation penalties apply, and in some cases, no refund may be possible. Certain fees are non-refundable.

Contact us with any questions you may have. We are here to help however we can.