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
- Garden Route, Safari & Winelands
- 10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
- 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
- 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
- Winelands & Garden Route Health & Wellness: Spa Treatments - Nutritious Cuisine - Fine Wine (5 Days)
- 11 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Kruger Explorer
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
With just 15 travelers max, you'll get focused attention during Big Five game drives at Aquila Safari Game Reserve and visits to coastal highlights. The intimate group makes spontaneous stops easy, like seeing penguins at Stony Point Colony in Betty's Bay.
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
Garden Route, Safari & Winelands
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great experience. We gave a detailed review to the operator.”
Lauren, traveled in June
Groups of 7-11 travelers receive personal guidance during Cango Caves tours and private game drives. The intimate size facilitates genuine connections during Barrydale farm school visits and wine tastings in Calitzdorp.
Duration 6 days Destinations Cape Town, Montagu, Barrydale, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Albertinia, Swellendam, Hermanus, Stellenbosch Age Range Ages 8+ Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Cullinan Guided Journeys From
- US$1,715
10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A very nice trip in a short time. I would have liked a day just beach.”
Susanne, traveled in February
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
- US$1,328
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
- 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
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Visited places/sites we would not have found on our own. Same with the guest houses.”
Adela, 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
3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
83 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Wonderful 3 days full of adventure. Thank you.”
Majbritt, traveled in April
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
Winelands & Garden Route Health & Wellness: Spa Treatments - Nutritious Cuisine - Fine Wine (5 Days)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Amazing tour with amazing tour guides, 100% recommend, great experience and knowledge.”
Yosur, traveled in December
Groups of 2-6 travelers enjoy personalized attention at Babylonstoren wine tastings and Cango Caves tours. Intimate setting provides exclusive access to spa treatments at Montagu Country Hotel and peaceful exploration of Knysna's waterfront.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Montagu, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, George Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 7 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Explore South Africa From
- US$1,098
11 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Kruger Explorer
16 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had a wonderful time on our 11 day tour of Cape Town and Safari. The tour itself is action packed, with early mornings and non stop activities.”
Eileen, traveled in April
Duration 11 days Destinations Cape Town, Simon's Town, Sedgefield, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Oudtshoorn, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park Age Range Ages 10+ Group Size Max Group Size 13 Group Type Group Operator Cape Xtreme From
- US$2,470
Reviews of Small Group tours to South Africa
- 10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
Handre was super informative of the land and had lots of cool stories.
- 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."
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