South Africa Explorer

• Return international flights with Qantas Airways or one of our oneworld partners (economy class) ex SYD/*MEL/*BNE/*ADL
• One-way domestic flight (economy class) from Johannesburg to Cape Town

• 3 nights at the 5-star Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge
• 5 nights 4-star hotel accommodation

• Daily breakfast and all meals included whilst on safari

• English-speaking tour leader (day 3 - day 10)
• Qualified safari field rangers and trackers
• Airline taxes and surcharges

• Transportation by A/C vehicles and open air 4x4 vehicles

• Day 2: Complimentary Airport shuttle to hotel
• Day 10: Hotel to Cape Town Airport

Today, begin your bucket list adventure by departing for Johannesburg, South Africa.
Please note: Some customers may depart day 1 and arrive day 1. Accommodation will be provided if required. Some customers may also depart day 2 and arrive day 2.

Meals included: In-Flight

Upon arrival, make use of the complimentary airport shuttle to the hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Protea Hotel by Marriot OR Tambo (or similar)

Meals included: None

This morning, check-out of the hotel and be transferred to the 5-star Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve (approximately 227km day) in time for your first afternoon game drive.

Pilanesberg Game Reserve is set in the crater of a long extinct volcano and is one of the largest parks in South Africa. It’s situated within the transition zone between the dry Kalahari and the wetter Lowveld vegetation, commonly referred to as Bushveld. Unique overlaps of mammals, birds and vegetation occur within this transition zone. The fascinating combination of geology, landscape and rainfall gives rise to different patterns of vegetation - wide open grasslands, steep hill slopes, rocky outcrops, wooded valleys, thickets, and thickly wooded gorges.

Pilanesberg accommodates virtually every mammal of southern Africa and is also home to healthy populations of lion, leopard, black and white rhino, elephant, and buffalo. A wide variety of rare and common species exist here such as the nocturnal brown hyaena, the fleet-footed cheetah and the majestic sable. Bird watching is excellent with over 300 species recorded. Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge is a phenomenal hideaway that is tucked quietly away in its own exclusive-use zone in the South-West of the Pilanesberg Game Reserve. Bringing the best of the Pilanesberg to life, with bright sunsets setting the horizon alight, as the silhouettes of the mighty Big 5 pass by in the lush green and gold grass. Experience rustic hospitality, subtly steeped in five-star opulence, with the finest finishes, exquisite architecture, and flawless interior design. Get the real feel for the African bushveld by going on the game drives included. Driving in an open safari vehicle, along with a qualified guide – experience the Big 5 territory of the Pilanesberg Game Reserve. Other activities offered in the surrounding area include hot air ballooning (not included - available at extra cost).

Overnight: Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge, Pilanesberg Game Reserve

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Begin the day with an early morning game drive through the reserve and keep your cameras ready for some incredible photo opportunities. Game drives are conducted in comfortable, open 4x4 Land Rovers accompanied by professional English-speaking field rangers and trackers, ensuring an informative and detailed safari experience.

Return to the lodge mid-morning for breakfast and a little R&R before heading out again to spot more wildlife on an evening safari. Afterwards, wind down your evening with a few sundowners before dinner.

Overnight: Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge, Pilanesberg Game Reserve

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Discover new and exciting areas of Pilanesberg Game Reserve and its diverse wildlife with another early morning and evening game drive.

Overnight: Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge, Pilanesberg Game Reserve

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After your morning safari and breakfast, it’s time to check out, after which you will be picked up and transferred to Johannesburg Airport for your domestic flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival into Cape Town, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. Enjoy what’s left of the day at leisure.

Overnight: The Commodore Hotel, Cape Town (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a half-day city tour of Cape Town. Visit famous landmarks such as the Castle of Good Hope built in 1666 by the Dutch East India Company and City Hall, a baroque building, and the Grand Parade. As we follow the city’s main thoroughfare, Adderley Street, we will see St. George’s Cathedral, the Anglican Diocese of Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Pass the Company Gardens and the Malay Quarter [also known as the Bo-Kaap] which means "Above Cape" because of its location up against the slopes of Table Mountain. In the early 18th century, thousands of slaves from Java, Ceylon and other Far Eastern regions were brought to Cape Town. After slavery was abolished, their descendants, known as the Cape Malay’s, settled here.

Witness the art of diamond cutting and the careful craftsmanship of jewellery manufacturing by skilled experts at Jewel Africa. Discover the history of the Diamond and Gold Trade in South Africa. Then ascend to Signal Hill to witness the firing of the noon gun (except Sundays and Public Holidays). You will be offered the option of being dropped at Table Mountain (end of tour), where you can ascend to the top [weather permitting) by the revolving cable car (cable car not included). Here, you'll see wildflowers and the famous silver tree, and marvel at a birds- eye view of the city and its beaches. Alternatively, you can be returned to your Hotel or dropped at the waterfront.

Overnight: The Commodore Hotel, Cape Town (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is free for you to enjoy at your own pace to further explore the beautiful city of Cape Town. Alternatively, you can take the opportunity to join an optional activity (not included).

Optional Activity: Cape Winelands Full-Day Tour - $180 per person
While South Africa's fertile valleys are world famous for their crisp white and classic French-style red wines, the area is also a treasury of rustic beauty and sprawling estates shaded by giant oak trees. Our drive today will include the country's principal wine routes of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

Our day starts with a visit to Paarl where you will be struck by the beauty of the Valley, the pristine blue sky, the rolling vineyards, and the Pearl of Paarl set high above the valley. Paarl made headlines when President Mandela was released from the Groot Drakenstein prison (ex-Victor Verster), on the outskirts of the town, to freedom and the start of the new South Africa. Enjoy a wine, cheese, and cellar tour at one of the local estates.

From Paarl, continue north-west to the beautiful village of Franschhoek, near the Drakenstein Mountains founded in 1688 by French immigrants fleeing the Huguenot religious persecution in Europe. A memorial in the town commemorates the arrival of these early settlers who helped develop the wines sought after by Napoleon, Bismarck and royalty such as Edward VII, the Prince of Wales. Here enjoy another wine tasting at a vineyard.

Then head to Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa and the historic heart of the country's wine region. In 1679, Dutch East India Company governor Simon van der Stel, recognized the fertility of this long valley on the banks of the Eerste River, as perfect for vineyards. The rest is history, which has been carefully cultivated in this town. A gracious blend of 18th-century Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian buildings is evident on Dorp Street, where massive oaks still shade original water furrows (lunch not included).

Overnight: The Commodore Hotel, Cape Town (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, embark on a full-day Peninsula tour.

Bring your camera and head for Cape Point at the southwestern tip of the Cape Peninsula, and the most spectacular views in the world. The drive there is just as inspiring, passing steep mountains', secluded coves and sweeping beaches, as well as villages and fishing communities.

Our tour begins with a scenic drive along the Atlantic coast, passing through the cosmopolitan suburb of Sea Point and Camps Bay with its glorious views of the Twelve Apostles, part of the Table Mountain range. We'll continue to the fishing village of Hout Bay, one of Cape Town's best-kept secrets. Here there is an option to take a short boat trip to Duiker Island (not included) to view the Cape Fur Seals, which inhabit the island. From here, travel to the Cape Point Nature Reserve, comprising over 17,300 acres of indigenous fauna and flora. See a variety of wildlife that includes baboons, Reebok, Cape Mountain zebra, bontebok and the elusive eland. The reserve is also one of the world's largest breeding grounds for tortoises. Birdwatchers, too, will find many fine species to observe. The majestic coastline offers drama worthy of being called "Nature's Greatest Show."

We'll be able to see the union of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans (as per legend) and may even feel the brisk wind that is dubbed the "Cape Doctor" for its presumed curative powers. Following the coastline along False Bay, return to Cape Town by way of Simon's Town, visit the Penguin colony at Boulders Beach, Fish Hoek fishing village and Muizenberg.

Before our return, we'll stop at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. We return to Cape Town, passing the University of Cape Town, Rhodes Memorial, and the Groote Schuur Hospital.

Overnight: The Commodore Hotel, Cape Town (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, at the appropriate time check-out and be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Australia after one bucket list trip-of-a-lifetime!

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Please note: Some flights may arrive + 1 day later.

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete the Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase.
 
Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.
 
On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information. 
 
Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return. 
 

Qantas Tours packages are non-refundable. If your Qantas Tour package is affected by Covid-19 related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other Qantas Tour or package available via the TripADeal website. 
Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with.
We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.
Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated). 

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 11th March 2024.
 
This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share. 
 
Single Traveller Supplement
For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $2150 applies. 
 
Departure Dates    
2023
May: 29
June: *12
July: *24
August: 7, 28
*September: 4, 11
October: 16
 
2024
^February: *12, 26
^March: 11
Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.
 
Surcharges
Please note: 
• dates/months with a * incur a high season surcharge of $350 per person 
• dates/months with a ^ incur a high season surcharge of $450 per person 
 
Departure Cities
Sydney, *Melbourne, *Brisbane or *Adelaide
 
Departure City Surcharges
Melbourne or Brisbane: $100 per person
Adelaide: $300 per person

Full-Service Airline(s) Used

• Cabin Class: Economy Class

• Airlines: Qantas Airways, Emirates or oneworld partner (subject to availability).

 

Domestic Airline(s) Used
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
• Route: Cape Town to Johannesburg
• Airlines: South African Airways, Mango, FlySafair, Kulula plus any codeshare partners (subject to availability).
Please note: Qantas Tours cannot accommodate one-way flights. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation. 
 
Domestic Flight Information
Baggage allowance per person
1 x 20kg of checked baggage
Combined carry-on weight (1 Bag): Maximum 7kg
 
Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport Baggage Restrictions
• Only regular-shaped bags may be checked in. This means that the bags must have at least one flat surface to be accepted.
• Round or irregular-shaped bags will not be allowed.
• Bags with long straps will not be allowed.
 
Arrive early in Johannesburg, South Africa
$300 per person, subject to availability
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• Arrivals before your selected departure date can only be booked up to one month before check-out. Should you wish to arrive earlier, please contact Qantas Tours to request availability. *Additional costs may apply.
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:
• 1st January 2023 - 30th April 2023
• 10th June 2023 - 10th August 2023
• 10th September 2023 - 15th October 2023
• 20th November 2023 - 31st January 2024
• 10th March 2024 - 30th June 2024
 
Stay behind in Cape Town, South Africa
$300 per person, subject to availability
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• A stay behind can only be booked up to one month after your package end date upon check-out. Should you wish to stay later, please contact Qantas Tours to request availability. *Additional costs may apply.
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:
• 1st January 2023 - 30th April 2023
• 10th June 2023 - 10th August 2023
• 10th September 2023 - 15th October 2023
• 20th November 2023 - 31st January 2024
• 10th March 2024 - 30th June 2024
 
Stopover Packages
Not available.
 
Flight Class Upgrades
Not available.

4-Star Properties (self-rated):
Johannesburg: Protea Hotel by Marriot O.R. Tambo Hotel
Cape Town: The Commodore Hotel
 
5-Star Lodge (self-rated):
Pilanesberg Game Reserve: Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge
 
Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel.
 
Extra Nights
Not available.
 
Maximum Room Capacity
2 people.
 
Child Policy
• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.
• Valid for Children 6 years old and over.
Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.
 
Triple Share
Not available.
 
Bedding Configuration
Double or Twin Bedding (subject to availability).

Minimum group size 6, maximum group size 12 per vehicle.
Please note: a Small Group Tour is defined as a tour with no more than 20 travellers per vehicle.
 
Optional Tours/Activities
• Day 8 Cape Winelands Full-Day Tour: $180 per person
Please note:
• Prices are based per person, are subject to availability, time permitting and weather conditions.
• The optional tours listed above must be purchased on checkout or over the phone before submitting your passenger information form (subject to availability). 
• Some tours require minimum numbers to operate.

• Visa fees and requirements 
• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer
• Recommended gratuities/tipping 
• Optional activities/tours 
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance

ACCOMMODATION TERMINOLOGY USE 
4-Star 
A Premium property is comfortable, well-appointed and provides a good quality of service and level of comfort. Amenities such as restaurants, luggage handling etc are limited per property. Guest rooms are stylishly decorated and include a range of enhanced amenities. Properties in the Premium category usually require public transport, taxi or rideshare to the centre of town.
 
Lodge:
Unique properties include tented camps, heritage properties, rural or village homestays, floating hotels, or tree-top accommodation. Generally independent properties with a selection of amenities and individual character and charm. 
 
TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER
Tour Guide: 
Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction where they are guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves it at the end of the tour; they do not travel with the group. 
 
Tour Leader: 
An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village and offer information on the place visited on the bus. However, they are not required to have specific art, architecture, or historical knowledge. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and, if caught doing so, can be fined. 
Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when required to enhance the experience of the destination featured. 
 
CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Johannesburg, South Africa:
Johannesburg is situated on the high plateau and has a subtropical highland climate. The city enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months (October to April) characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months (May to September) by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights. Temperatures in Johannesburg are usually fairly mild due to the city's high elevation, with an average maximum daytime temperature in January of 25.6°C, dropping to an average maximum of around 16°C in June. The UV index for Johannesburg in summers is extreme, often reaching 14-16 due to the high elevation and proximity to the equator.
 
Cape Town, South Africa:
Cape Town has a Mediterranean-style climate characterised by wet and cool winters and then dry but warm summers.
The annual average temperature in Cape Town is a delightful 17°C.
 
FLIGHTS
Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points:
We do not arrange seat selection for you. It is important to highlight that some Airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the Airline directly with seating allocation requirements and or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.
 
Passport Validity:
Customers must provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. Customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred in this instance.
 
COACH TOUR
Meals:
13 meals in total are included in the package. For meals not included, the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify Qantas Tours of any dietary requests/requirements. Please note: We will do our best to meet your requests/requirements; however, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.
 
Luggage:
You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on tour. You must carry your own luggage from the vehicle to the hotel room and back to the vehicle. The driver will assist with the uploading and offloading of bags from the vehicle.
 
OTHER
Mobility:
If you would love to travel with Qantas Tours and require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf.
 
Fitness Level Required:
A moderate level of fitness will be required.
Moderate may involve more physical activity, including biking, longer day hikes or extended walking and standing, low-altitude treks, and water-based activities such as canoeing or low-grade kayaking. Guests using any walking aid other than a walking stick would be advised to reconsider as surfaces may be uneven.
 
Yellow Fever:
A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries. You may need to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate. It's also common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate upon arrival.
You must check with your doctor well before leaving home about the Yellow Fever requirements for the countries you'll be visiting.
 
Gratuities / Tipping:
Land
Gratuities (tips) are not included for the services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. The recommended tip is €5 per person per day. This covers the guide/leader and the driver and will be collected on tour. 
Please note: tipping for services provided is always a matter of personal discretion; however, please be aware that many locals consider tipping part of their normal remuneration, and they may approach you for payment; there's no need to be intimidated by the request.
 
Sightseeing:
Please note: If entrance to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary, where possible, may be adjusted, or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).
 
Shopping: 
Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all your receipts. 
Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader.
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding shopping for further information.

A tourist visa is not required for South Africa when travelling on an Australian passport for stays up to 90 days.
Important: 
Visa rules may have changed since Covid-19. 
Some countries and airlines may require you to obtain an additional visa before arrival. Please check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
Please note: Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.
It is also important to note that some areas of employment, such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations, may have additional restrictions in applying for Visas. This may, in turn, affect the type of application required.

Voluntary Changes

This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.

• Changes - $100.00 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

 

 Name Changes Due To Passenger Error
• If the incorrect name has been provided, charges of $100.00 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.
 
Supplier Fees
In the event the Qantas Tour you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the Qantas Tour due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event we are unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee.