South Africa Small Group Tours
Dream of taking the Garden Route from Cape Town to Cape Agulhas where two oceans meet? How about a 4x4 safari at Botlierskop for Big Five spotting, or the Route 62 wine tastings? Spot penguins at Boulders Beach, visit Hermanus for whale watching, and take in Tsitsikamma's beautiful forests. Small group tours mean you're hitting highlights without huge coach crowds, and South Africa's incredibly diverse landscapes.
10 best South Africa small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaSouth Africa travel expert at TourRadar
- LGBTQ vacation to exquisite and picturesque places in South Africa -"Group special"
- 3-Day Small Group Garden Route Big five Safari from Cape Town - Private Guided Sightseeing Tour - Cape Agulhas Visit+ Accommodation
- 7 day Garden Route, Cape Point and Winelands Combo
- 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
- Addo - Garden Route - Cape Town Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
- Cape Town - Garden Route - Addo Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
- Winelands & Garden Route for Wine Lovers - Chauffeur Drive Tour 5 Days
- Luxury Garden Route Journey from Cape Town
- South African Odyssey 15 Days/14 Nights (Comfort)
- Garden Route Uncovered
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
- US$2,890
Duration 3 days Destinations Cape Town, Hout Bay, L'Agulhas Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Dutch Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator Matadi Africa and Travel Tours From
- US$1,300
7 day Garden Route, Cape Point and Winelands Combo
36 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This was by far the most amazing tour I have ever done! 5 stars, 10 if I could!”
Kelsey, traveled in October
Groups of up to 25 travelers per vehicle receive personal attention from guides. Multiple vehicles operate on popular dates. The style suits young-at-heart adventurers visiting Route 62 wineries and Addo safari drives.
Duration 7 days Destinations Cape Town, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, Oudtshoorn, Stellenbosch Age Range Ages 10+ Group Size Max Group Size 13 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Hotspots2c From
- US$1,210
3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
83 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Good tour with basic but good overnight stays. Landscape just beautiful.”
Ingunn, traveled in September
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
- US$403
Addo - Garden Route - Cape Town Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Well-organized. Accommodating to wishes of participants.”
John, traveled in September
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
- US$1,190
Small groups of 2-8 travelers enjoy private wine tastings at Stellenbosch estates and relaxed game viewing at Addo Elephant National Park. Intimate setting ensures comfortable travel in air-conditioned minivans and exclusive stays at 4-star guesthouses in Knysna and Oudtshoorn.
Duration 6 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Addo Elephant National Park, Port Elizabeth Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 6 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Explore South Africa From
- US$1,190
Winelands & Garden Route for Wine Lovers - Chauffeur Drive Tour 5 Days
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour only scratches the surface of the Winelands and Garden Route, and you could do it many times and see different things each time.”
Peter, traveled in November
Groups of 2-8 travelers enjoy private wine tastings at Stellenbosch estates and intimate visits to Cango Caves. A dedicated English-speaking chauffeur-guide reveals hidden gems along Route 62.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn, Witfontein Nature Reserve, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, George Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 7 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Explore South Africa From
- US$938
Luxury Garden Route Journey from Cape Town
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“All of the accommodation and experiences that he booked were excellent & thoroughly enjoyable.”
Matthew, traveled in February
Small group tours host 2-8 travelers (average age 56), allowing personal attention at premium stops like Views Boutique Hotel in Wilderness and De Zeekoe in Oudtshoorn. Groups of 15+ receive 30% discount with slightly modified wildlife viewing schedules.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, George, Wilderness National Park, Plettenberg Bay, Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Oudtshoorn Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Amatungulu Tour From
- US$2,390
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 Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Across Africa Tours & Travel From
- US$3,870
Garden Route Uncovered
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The tour ran very efficiently and smoothly. The hotels were all very comfortable and in excellent locations.”
Catherine, traveled in November
Groups of 2-12 travelers share South Africa's Garden Route together, accessing boutique accommodations like Tsitsikamma Village Inn. Personal attention enhances Knysna Heads sunset cruise and interactive ostrich farm tours in Oudtshoorn.
Duration 5 days Destinations Port Elizabeth, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Hermanus, Cape Town Age Range Ages 8+ Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Cullinan Guided Journeys From
- US$1,385
Reviews of Small Group tours to South Africa
- 7 day Garden Route, Cape Point and Winelands Combo
FOr the 2-day tour I had Uriel as a guide and he was also excellent
- 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
Enjoyed the trip and many thanks to the excellent guide Uriel.
- Winelands & Garden Route Health & Wellness: Spa Treatments - Nutritious Cuisine - Fine Wine (5 Days)
Amazing tour with amazing tour guides, 100% recommend, great experience and knowledge with visits to fantastic guest houses and vineyards
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."