Bus Tours in South Africa
4.5 stars on(8,109 reviews)- Choose from 14 South Africa tours
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10 best Coach / Bus trips around South Africa
Compiled by
NadineSouth Africa travel expert at TourRadar
- Cape Town and the Garden Route
- Garden Route and Addo
- Spectacular South Africa (Small Groups, Base, 9 Days, Door To Door)
- Multifaceted garden route (group tour)
- Drifters - Adventure Kruger Park
- Fascination Garden Route, Karoo and Addo
- Johannesburg Stopover Package
- Best of South Africa from Johannesburg to Cape Town
- A flying visit to South Africa
- Flying visit to South Africa - Private tour
Cape Town and the Garden Route
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Traveling from Capetown along the Garden Route was one of the best holidays ever.”
Tatyana, traveled in February
Rated 4.7/5 for comfort, luxury coaches transport you from Cape Town to Route 62. The itinerary includes Stellenbosch wineries, Oudtshoorn's ostrich farms, and Storms River Mouth, with scenic stops at Barrydale's roadstalls.
Duration 9 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Hermanus, Swellendam, Mossel Bay, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Oudtshoorn Age Range 10 to 75 year olds Operator Expat Explore Travel From $2,175
14% Off- NZ$1,875You save $300
Modern AC coaches connect Route 62 through Karoo Desert, game viewing at Addo Elephant Park, and coastal drives along Garden Route. The route links Cape Town and Port Elizabeth via Oudtshoorn's ostrich farms.
Duration 7 days Destinations Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Addo Elephant National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Stormsrivier, Plettenberg Bay, Hermanus, Stellenbosch Age Range up to 35 year olds Operator Contiki From $2,485
25% Off- NZ$1,864You save $621
Modern coaches link South Africa's highlights, from Cape Town's Twelve Apostles Mountain Range to Kruger National Park. The route winds along Chapman's Peak Drive to Cape Point Nature Reserve, featuring visits to Kalk Bay's Harbour House and Boschendal Wine Estate.
No departure dates availableDuration 9 days Destinations Cape Town, Table Mountain, Robben Island, Kruger National Park, Skukuza Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Luxury Gold 
Modern minibuses transport you through South Africa's diverse landscapes. The route covers Route 62 to Oudtshoorn, crosses Prince Alfred's Pass, and follows coastal roads from Plettenberg Bay to Cape Agulhas in air-conditioned comfort.
Duration 6 days Destinations Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Albertinia, Table Mountain Age Range 7 to 99 year olds Operator DERTOUR From
25% Off- NZ$2,687
A specialized safari truck takes you through South Africa, visiting Sandton, Balule Reserve, and Hazyview. German/English-speaking drivers lead this 6-day tour, covering approximately 1,000 km of scenic wilderness routes.
Duration 6 days Destinations Johannesburg, Sandton, Mpumalanga, Hazyview Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operator DERTOUR From
25% Off- NZ$1,902
Modern minibuses carry you 420km along Route 62 from Cape Town to Oudtshoorn. Air-conditioned coaches ensure comfort while visiting Camdeboo National Park's dramatic landscapes and Storms River's forest trails.
Duration 12 days Destinations Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Graaff-Reinet, Knysna, Stormsrivier, Hermanus, Swellendam, Franschhoek, Table Mountain Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator DERTOUR From
25% Off- NZ$4,502
Gauteng's highlights await in an air-conditioned coach, featuring Pretoria's Union Building and Soweto's landmarks. Stops include FNB Stadium, Walter Sisulu Square, and Orlando Towers, with comfortable stays at Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton.
Duration 3 days Destinations Johannesburg, Sandton, Soweto Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator DERTOUR From
25% Off- NZ$592
Air-conditioned vehicles traverse South Africa's diverse terrains, from Johannesburg to Cape Town. The 2,890km route passes Blyde River Canyon, crosses Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, and concludes at Table Mountain, with stays at Protea Hotels and ANEW Resorts.
Duration 14 days Destinations South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator DERTOUR From
25% Off- NZ$3,400
The 2,210km route across South Africa unfolds in modern coaches, from Johannesburg's urban landscape through Blyde River Canyon's dramatic scenery. Comfortable transfers link luxury lodges and scenic routes like Chapman's Peak Drive to Cape Point.
Duration 10 days Destinations Johannesburg, Hazyview, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Port Elizabeth, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Stellenbosch, Chapman's Peak, Table Mountain, Robben IslandSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in Only: German Operator DERTOUR From
25% Off- NZ$4,980
South Africa reveals itself aboard air-conditioned minibuses, from Johannesburg through Panorama Route's viewpoints to Garden Route's coastal towns. The journey features Chapman's Peak drives and wine routes through Stellenbosch, with stays at upscale properties like aha Harbour Bridge.
Duration 10 days Destinations Johannesburg, Hazyview, Port Elizabeth, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Chapman's Peak, Table Mountain, Robben IslandSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in Only: German Operator DERTOUR From
25% Off- NZ$7,969
What our customers ask about Bus Tours in South Africa
What are the key attractions covered on most bus tours in South Africa?
Bus tours across South Africa connect travelers to the country's essential landscapes and cultural sites. The routes typically span from the Cape Winelands through the Garden Route taking in Addo Elephant National Park where visitors regularly spot the "Big Five." Stops include the well-preserved town of Graaff-Reinet which features over 220 heritage buildings and the natural formations of the Knysna Heads. Many itineraries include time in the Cango Caves wine tastings in Franschhoek and visits to significant sites like the Drakenstein Correctional Center where Nelson Mandela was released. Accommodations range from city-based stays at the Protea Hotel Balalaika in Sandton to historic properties like the Queens Hotel in Oudtshoorn.
What is the typical daily schedule like on a coach tour in South Africa?
Days on South African coach tours begin between 7:30-8:30 AM with breakfast at hotels such as the Protea Hotel in Cape Town. The schedule includes driving time between destinations balanced with guided visits lasting 2-3 hours at major sites like Table Mountain and Kruger National Park. Lunch takes place at local restaurants or scenic locations followed by afternoon activities until about 5 PM. Tour participants note the efficient organization that allows proper time at each stop while maintaining a steady pace through the itinerary.
How do bus tours in South Africa accommodate stops for sightseeing and relaxation?
South African bus tours balance active sightseeing with built-in rest periods. In Cape Town extended visits to Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront allow for thorough exploration. Along the Garden Route stops at natural wonders like Storms River Mouth and Knysna Heads provide photo opportunities and walking breaks. The itineraries include multi-night stays at properties like Zuurberg Mountain Village near Addo Elephant Park and the Rex Hotel in Knysna giving travelers time to recharge. During wildlife viewing in Addo Elephant National Park the schedule includes dedicated periods for observation and midday breaks.
What are the biggest time-saving advantages of traveling via coach tours in South Africa?
Coach tours eliminate the logistical challenges of covering South Africa's vast distances. The tours efficiently connect major points like Cape Town to Oudtshoorn (420 km) and Knysna (360 km). Professional drivers who know routes such as the Garden Route and Route 62 ensure optimal timing for activities like Cango Caves visits and game drives. Hotels including the SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl and the historic Drostdy Hotel in Graaff-Reinet are pre-booked removing the need for individual reservations.
What unique scenic experiences can travelers enjoy from aboard a South African bus tour?
Coach travel in South Africa provides elevated views of landscapes along Chapman's Peak Drive the Panorama Route overlooking Blyde River Canyon and the Garden Route's coastal stretches. The vehicles are designed for optimal wildlife viewing particularly in reserves like Addo Elephant Park where height advantage aids animal spotting.
How much free time do I get to explore independently on a coach tour?
South African coach tours typically allocate 2-3 hours of independent exploration daily especially in major cities like Cape Town and coastal towns such as Plettenberg Bay. Once groups arrive at accommodations like the Protea Hotel Knysna Quays evenings are usually free for personal dining choices and local exploration. The schedule balances structured activities with flexibility for optional excursions or independent wandering.
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