South Africa · GUIDED
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 guided tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Visit Robben Island from Cape Town by ferry, tour Nelson Mandela’s prison cell, and hear firsthand stories from a former political prisoner.
“Fascinating trip and with an ex prisoner as the guide an interesting insight to the conditions in the prison at the time. So glad we booked this trip, an unfortunate chapter in SA history.”
Explore Johannesburg and Soweto with a local guide, from Constitution Hill and Mandela House to the Apartheid Museum and Hector Pieterson Memorial.
“Tour was really nice and our guide, Bobo, was kindy and give us a lot of information about the city. The only problem is that we are informed that the Apartheid Museum was closed one day before the tour.”
Guided Table Mountain hikes from $60, with expert route choice, Fynbos insight, photo stops, and a cable-car descent when weather allows.
“I've just planned to do the more "easy" hike up. But the momen Robert welcomed us, I felt safe and ready to do the Indian Venster trail. And this was a truly unique experience: From learning about the plants and wildlife of Table Mountain, with his eye for detail, to taking in the incredible views, I've loved every moment! And Robert made sure we felt safe every step of the trail. Thank you!”
Walk Soweto with a local guide, trace the 1976 uprising, visit Mandela and Tutu landmarks, taste street food, and see daily township life.
“A really great tour and our guide Maweza was very knowledgeable and easy to get along with. He made the whole experience very pleasant and educational. I am South African, and was taking the tour with my Argentinian partner. Even though I'm a local I got a lot out of the experience, and for my partner it was completely new experience and Maweza did a great job making the tour engaging for both of us. I can highly recommend him and this tour.”
Hike Lion’s Head at sunrise or sunset for 360-degree Cape Town views, local nature insight, head-torches, photos, and patient guiding.
“Unfortunately we had a cloudy evening and no sight for sunset however the small group, hiking experience and guide Robert were great and highly recommendable. The way up showed great views below the clouds and the pace is right for all levels with plenty of time until sunset, also for pictures, some stories and rest.”
Review of Botlierskop’s 3-hour game drive near Mossel Bay, with rhinos, lions, elephants, mountain scenery, birdlife, and practical tips.
“Absolutely worth it! The Guides are incredibly nice and know everything about the animals. We saw all the different wild Animals just some meters away. A wonderful day with Lots to remember! Thanks again for the fantastic experience, especially to Silas 🍀”
Explore District Six, Langa, Bonteheuwel, Gugulethu, and Robben Island with local guides on an eight-hour Cape Town history tour.
“To see where our political fighter were staying and learn about their history and all difficulties they lived in. I salute them.”
See the Big Five on a Cape Town day trip with a Breede Valley drive, Aquila safari, buffet lunch, wine stop, and hotel pickup.
“We had a wonderful day with our guide, Werner. Our ship was delayed by two hours due to fog, but Werner rearranged our schedule and saved the day. We had an excellent buffet lunch at Aquila and did the safari drive. Werner gave an excelRead more”
Explore Soweto, Mandela House, Hector Pieterson Memorial, and Johannesburg’s Apartheid Museum on a practical half-day guided tour.
“Great Guide and a nice tour :) A lot of information about the history of South Afrika. Very interesting”
See Cape Point, Chapman’s Peak, Boulders penguins, Muizenberg, and Bo-Kaap on a scenic, well-priced Cape Town day tour.
“Perfect one day trip for Cape Town. We were short on time so we choose this option and was a great choice. Special thanks to Gabriel our guide who was just beyond amazing.”
Hike Cape Town’s Lion’s Head at sunrise or sunset with a local guide, mountain coffee, snacks, chains, ladders, and sweeping ocean views.
“Had an absolute blast. David our guide met us at the start of the trail and was so good at making sure we went at a comfortable pace and he was so knowledgeable about all the flora on the hike giving us time to experience the wonderful views as we passed around Lion’s Head. The hike was challenging at times but David kept us going in good spirits and was so helpful in finding the right paths/footholds. He is also an excellent photographer. The views from the various points around Lion’s Head were spectacular. It is definitely something you can’t skip when visiting Cape Town.”
Cycle through Soweto’s Orlando West, visit Mandela and Tutu houses, learn apartheid history, meet locals, and enjoy a kota lunch with a local guide.
“It turned out I was the only one to sign up for this tour, so I got a private bike ride with Thabo. He’s sweet and very knowledgeable, I learned a lot and felt well taken care of. Thank you buddy!”
Walk Stellenbosch’s oak-lined streets, hear stories of fires, founders, ghosts, and Cape Dutch buildings on a lively 90-minute guided tour.
“The historic tour was very good, I. Fact it brought Stellenbosch to life for us. Juliana was very well informed did a great job of showing us the hidden gems in the town.”
See lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs on a 1-hour guided safari at Lion & Safari Park near Hartbeespoort, with weekend lion feeding.
“This experience was excellent and we saw lions, wild dogs, cheetahs, blue wildebeests and impalas. Our guide Jason was wonderful, very experienced and gave us all the facts in the book about these animals. The camp itself is in prestige condition. Would definitely recommend.”
Explore District Six and Langa with local guides, hear personal apartheid stories, visit a shebeen, and taste traditional beer on this Cape Town tour.
“When you visit Africa, you should learn about apartheid. The short stop in the district six museum was very educational! Visiting the townships gives you insight in the lives of these people.”
Pick a park, a coastline or a valley.
