South Africa Small Group Tours
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10 best South Africa small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaSouth Africa travel expert at TourRadar
- 4 day Garden Route Luxury Selection Small Group Tour from Cape Town
- LGBTQ vacation to exquisite and picturesque places in South Africa -"Group special"
- CAPE TOWN & BEYOND Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
- Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
- Cape Town and Garden Route Adventure Tour
- South African Odyssey 15 Days/14 Nights (Comfort)
- Premium Cape Town and the Garden Route
- 10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
- 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
- Addo - Garden Route - Cape Town Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
4 day Garden Route Luxury Selection Small Group Tour from Cape Town
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Neville was amazing!”
Alan, traveled in August
With just 8 travelers, this intimate South African tour guarantees window seats for all. The small group setting enables spontaneous stops at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve and relaxed experiences during the Knysna Lagoon sunset cruise.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness National Park, Knysna, L'Agulhas, Hermanus Age Range Ages 8+ Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Hotspots2c From $1,443
3% Off- US$1,400You save $43
Groups of 4+ travelers receive 25% discounts while visiting South Africa's finest sites. The cozy atmosphere allows for unhurried visits to Kirstenbosch Gardens, private game drives in Kruger National Park, and genuine stays in traditional Xhosa villages.
Duration 15 days Destinations Cape Town, Table Mountain, Hout Bay, Stellenbosch, Oudtshoorn, George, Plettenberg Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, Qunu, Coffee BaySee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Amatungulu Tour From
3% Off- US$2,890
CAPE TOWN & BEYOND Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The route is amazing and so variegated, with time to spontaneously take pictures or fit stops to our wishes.”
Julia, traveled in May
Small groups receive personal attention at locations like Buffelsdrift Private Game Lodge. The average age is 55, with flexible visits to Cango Caves, wine estates, and Knysna Waterfront.
Duration 6 days Destinations Cape Town, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay, L'Agulhas, Stellenbosch Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 7 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Explore South Africa From
3% Off- US$1,150
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour was one of the greatest travel experiences I've ever had. I feel was able to see, learn and experience South Africa in a way I could have never done on my own.”
Alison, traveled in November
Groups of 12-16 travelers enjoy prime wildlife viewing at Karongwe Private Reserve. The cozy setting enables intimate safari experiences and engaging participation in the National Geographic-sponsored cheetah conservation program.
Duration 10 days Destinations Cape Town, Johannesburg, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park, Karongwe Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From $4,349
25% Off- US$3,262You save $1,087
Starting from 2 adults, small groups create personal connections at Addo Elephant Park and Cango Caves. Flexible pacing during wildlife encounters and wine tastings at Groot Constantia suits travelers aged 5+. Expert guides provide focused attention throughout.
Duration 6 days Destinations Cape Town, Table Mountain, Wilderness National Park, Knysna, Addo Elephant National Park, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Amatungulu Tour From $1,990
17% Off- US$1,652You save $338
Fine wine tastings at Robertson Valley estates pair with focused game drives at Addo Elephant Park. An expert driver-guide leads close wildlife encounters and cultural immersion across South Africa's diverse landscapes.
Duration 15 days Destinations Cape Town, Montagu, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, Swellendam, Hermanus, Table Mountain Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Across Africa Tours & Travel From
17% Off- US$3,870
Groups of 12-15 travelers enjoy intimate wine tastings at boutique Franschhoek vineyards and small-group cooking classes at Spilsbury Kitchen. Personal attention highlights Cape Town's historical walking tours and Bo-Kaap cultural visits.
Duration 9 days Destinations Cape Town, Franschhoek, Knysna Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Premium From $4,975
15% Off- US$4,229You save $746
10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
25 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Beautiful experience in a wanderful land (better in spring).”
Raffaella, traveled in July
Maximum 25 travelers per group visit iconic stops like Table Mountain and Addo Elephant Park. Multiple vehicles may travel together, creating social opportunities while maintaining comfort. Suitable for ages 10+.
Duration 10 days Destinations Cape Town, Hout Bay, Simon's Town, Stellenbosch, Table Mountain, Sedgefield, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Group Size Max Group Size 13 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Hotspots2c From
15% Off- US$1,328
3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
83 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This was a very nice tour!”
milan, traveled in December
Maximum 25 travelers per vehicle receive dedicated attention from English-speaking guides. Wildlife viewing in Botlierskop Private Game Reserve takes place in specially adapted open-roof vehicles.
Duration 3 days Destinations Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield Age Range Ages 10+ Group Size Max Group Size 13 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Hotspots2c From
15% Off- US$378
Addo - Garden Route - Cape Town Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything on the itinerary was met, and even when an unexpected issue arose, Paul dealt with it in a very professional manner.”
John, traveled in August
Seven travelers form close bonds while visiting Addo Elephant Park and traversing the Garden Route. The intimate setting provides up-close wildlife encounters in Knysna and tailored wine tastings in Stellenbosch.
Duration 6 days Destinations Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, Brenton-on-Sea, Oudtshoorn, Robertson, Stellenbosch, Cape Town Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 7 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Explore South Africa From
15% Off- US$1,090
Reviews of Small Group tours to South Africa
- Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
Great CEO experiences...lodging choices were fantastic....private reserve experience outstanding
- 10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
Our trip started out with the hotspots transfer to our lodging. Thank goodness he was at the airport! We got in very late and I was sooo glad someone was there to get us. Our trip on the Garden Route was amazing! Isaac was very informative and funny, showing us the amazing sights along the way. We stayed in the backpacker accommodations, which were safe, clean and all had meal options. I'm glad of that because most were not in an area where you could walk to other meal options. The meals were all good and low priced. Our family always had an ensuite bathroom which was a plus. The activities were a good mix of things to do in Africa. We went canoeing, zip lining, on a game drive, walking with elephants and feeding them, meeting ostriches, and just enjoying the coast. Our group was 9 people and we all got along very well together even though we were from different countries. The early morning game drive into Addo was worth the super-early morning wakeup because of all the elephants we saw. There are days where we seemed to drive a lot, but Isaac always stopped for bathroom and coffee breaks along the way. Back in Cape Town we enjoyed the Red Bus tour and Table Mountain. The Cape Peninsula tour was amazing - for the views and the wildlife. Again, Isaac led this trip. It was a glorious day. I would definitely recommend Hotspots as the trips were fantastic and they were very accommodating to my request to change hostels in Capetown and getting us to and from the airport.
- 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
The transportation was good ! The guide was awesome !! Such a Nice person with a great personality. It was my highlight of the trip.
What our customers ask about South Africa Small Group Tours
What type of accommodation can I expect on a small group tour in South Africa?
Small group tours focus on intimate lodges and local guesthouses that provide a more personal experience than standard hotels. The Tremisana Lodge in Greater Kruger and Cape to Addo Backpacker House in Sedgefield showcase this approach to authentic stays. A TourRadar traveler commented: "The smaller boutique accommodations really enhanced the experience - we loved staying at Island Vibe Backpackers in Jeffreys Bay right on the beach."
What is the best duration for a small group tour in South Africa?
Most travelers find 5-10 days ideal for exploring South Africa's key destinations. A 5-day Garden Route Adventure takes you from Cape Town to George while a 10-day tour lets you explore Cape Town the Winelands Garden Route and safari areas at a comfortable pace. These timeframes balance activities with downtime letting you enjoy each location fully.
How does the pricing compare between small group and larger group tours?
Small group tours cost USD 130-300 per day while larger tours run USD 80-150 daily. A 5-day small group Kruger safari typically costs around USD 727. Larger group options often come in 20-30% cheaper. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The extra cost was worth it for the intimate wildlife viewing and personal attention from our guide."
What is the best season for small group tours in South Africa?
While tours run throughout the year the dry winter months from May to September offer prime wildlife viewing in Kruger National Park. The Garden Route welcomes visitors year-round and whale watching near Hermanus peaks from July to November. One TourRadar traveler shared: "We went in July and the smaller group size meant we could quickly move to different viewing spots as animals were spotted."
What is the typical group size for small group tours in South Africa?
Groups usually include 6-12 people per vehicle creating a close-knit travel experience. At locations like Karongwe Private Game Reserve near Kruger National Park guests stay at places like Avoca River Cabins where the small number ensures personal attention. TourRadar travelers often point out how these smaller groups allow better wildlife viewing and more meaningful connections with guides.
How far in advance should I book a small group tour in South Africa?
Book 3-6 months ahead to secure your spot as these tours fill quickly. Popular routes like the Garden Route and Kruger safaris show average booking windows of 238-313 days. As one TourRadar traveler advised: "Book early as the best small group accommodations like Tremisana Lodge fill up quickly especially during peak season."
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