South Africa Small Group Tours
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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"
- 4 day Garden Route's Best Selection Micro Group Tour from Cape Town
- Super South Africa : Wildlife Safari, Table Mountain, Garden Route
- Addo Elephants - Garden Route - Winelands (6 Days)
- Cape Town & Beyond - 6 Days
- 10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
- Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
- The Garden Route - 8 days
- Garden Route, Safari & Winelands Wonder
- Cape Scenic Safari - 5 Days
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 up to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Amatungulu Tour From
- US$2,850
4 day Garden Route's Best Selection Micro Group Tour from Cape Town
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Perfect logistics, very responsive admin team, great guides and drivers, cry knowledgeable.”
Felicia, traveled in October
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, Hermanus, L'Agulhas, Knysna, Wilderness National Park, Oudtshoorn Age Range 8 to 70 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Hotspots2c From
- US$1,390
Wildlife viewing comes alive with 8-12 travelers during 4 game drives at Pilanesberg National Park. The intimate setting allows for dedicated attention at Cango Wildlife Ranch and peaceful experiences at Table Mountain cable car.
Duration 11 days Destinations Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park, George, Knysna, Cape Town Age Range up to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $4,179
4% Off- US$4,012You save $167
Addo Elephants - Garden Route - Winelands (6 Days)
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a really nice experience and the guide had a lot of background knowledge that he could share.”
Patrick, 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 1 to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 7 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Explore South Africa From
4% Off- US$994
Cape Town & Beyond - 6 Days
3 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 1 to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 7 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Explore South Africa From
4% Off- US$958
10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Loved every minute of it.”
Fasika, traveled in April
Groups of 12-15 travelers form lasting connections while exploring South Africa's diverse landscapes. The intimate setting enables private game drives in Addo Elephant Park and flexible stops along the Garden Route.
Duration 10 days Destinations Cape Town, Gansbaai, Hermanus, L'Agulhas, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield, Tsitsikamma National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, KnysnaSee all destinations Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 13 Group Type Group Operator Cape Xtreme From
4% Off- US$1,310
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was one of those trips, after having booked it and the plane ticket, didn't have to worry about anything else such as food, transportation, lodging.”
Jasmine, traveled in December
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 up to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From $4,449
25% Off- US$3,337You save $1,112
The Garden Route - 8 days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“My trip was absolutely incredible. Every stop was worthwhile and every accommodation blew me away they were so nice.”
Shannon, traveled in September
Small groups of 12-14 travelers enjoy personalized wine tastings at Route 62 vineyards and close encounters at Addo Elephant Park. The cozy atmosphere enables authentic experiences like canoeing Wilderness National Park's Touw River.
Duration 8 days Destinations Cape Town, Hermanus, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, Port Elizabeth Age Range 14 to 95 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Encounters Travel From
25% Off- US$1,155
Garden Route, Safari & Winelands Wonder
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent hotels and good driver. Everyone was very helpful with our luggage and catered to our needs.”
Garry, traveled in January
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 8 to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Cullinan Guided Journeys From
25% Off- US$1,377
Cape Scenic Safari - 5 Days
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We saw so much of South Africa in just six days. All of the accommodations were clean and spacious.”
Helen, traveled in October
Small groups of 2-12 travelers receive dedicated attention at Buffelsdrift Private Game Lodge and Cango Caves. The intimate setting allows unhurried stops and enhanced wildlife viewing during game drives and penguin colony visits.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cape Town, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay, L'Agulhas, Stellenbosch Age Range 1 to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 6 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Explore South Africa From
25% Off- US$1,073
Reviews of Small Group tours to South Africa
- 4 day Garden Route's Best Selection Micro Group Tour from Cape Town
Perfect logistics, very responsive admin team, great guides and drivers, cry knowledgeable, but also very dative to group speed and vibe. I think we made friends for life in only 3 days.
- 10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
Machiel, was an amazing guide! I can not praise his skill and ability enough. His thoughful consideration of timings, and sites to see, along with his knowledge of South African history, flora and fauna add immensely to the tour. The 6 days spent touring with him from Cape Town to Addo via the Garden Route were amazing! The accommodations along the way were exceptional, the Itinerary was flexible and fantastic with pleanty of options to ensure all the people on the tour had something of interest to do. There was some confusion with meals on a couple of occasions but it did not get in the way of the over all experience. The only flaw of any note in my 10 day Tourradar / CapeXtreme adventure was the less than perfect accomodations at the Carnival Court Backpackers, on Long St. Before and after the 6 day tour. There was nothing wrong with it in particular, if you are a party goer or accustomed to frat house shinannigans or somewhere in your 20's to early 30's. I asked if this accomodation would be appropriate for a single woman in her 40's travelling alone, and I was assured that it was suitable. Had I known I was staying in party central I may have changed my accomodations. As it is, I made due with the chaotic, boisterous, noisey, location and enjoyed my stay regardles. The issue is that somehow, someone along the line failed to be trutheful or reasonable in their assesment of where the average 40+ year old woman might consider reasonable. I can handle any situation... another woman in my situation may not have taken it so well.
- Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
Wish there was another free day in Cape Town to explore more of the sights. I enjoyed all the safaris, but the one on the last day seemed unnecessary. Four safaris seemed too much to me. If the tour can arrange to pick us up at the airport on our first day, it should also arrange to bring us to the airport on our departure date as well. It was an excellent experience and thoroughly enjoyed every moment. I even recommended to a friend.
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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