The Best Historical Organized Tours in Southern Africa

Guided Group Tours, Vacation Packages, or Planned Itineraries

Southern Africa

Calling all history enthusiasts and cultural explorers! Are you craving a holiday to Southern Africa that goes beyond the ordinary? To help you plan your next trip, we have put together this carefully curated list of guided organized tours, holiday packages, and tour packages that offer an unforgettable experience filled with intrigue and discovery. With meticulous attention to detail, we've analyzed a variety of historical tours to Southern Africa to ensure the perfect blend of price, comfort, guest ratings, service, and activities. With these key criteria, we have found the absolute best hisorical tours to Southern Africa to help make your planning process much easier.


The Top 3 Tours:

  • 15 Days, $2410.00

  • 15 Days, $2615.53

  • 8 Days, $2225.00
Southern Africa
The Best Historical Tours through Southern Africa

Including guided tours, organized tours, holiday packages, all-inclusive vacations, and guided itineraries.

All tour prices are listed in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically. While we do our best to evaluate all tours to maintain accuracy, always confirm the details directly with TourRadar or the tour company before booking. The information provided on this website is sourced directly from TourRadar and may change at any time.

Organized by Cullinan Guided Journeys 15 Days Johannesburg to Cape Town 15 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for historical tours in Southern Africa.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

Great for:
  • Animal Lovers
  • History Enthusiasts

starstarstarstarstar 4.5 rating

Age Range: 8 to 90
Maximum Group Size: 40
Price per Day: $161

This tour visits Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Mbabane, Hluhluwe, St Lucia, Durban, Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, Mthatha, Port Elizabeth, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Oudtshoorn, and Cape Town.

  • Wildlife
  • Sightseeing
  • Historical
  • Big Five
  • Fully Guided
  • Partially Guided

By Cullinan Guided Journeys
Cullinan Guided Journeys is a smaller tour company providing personalized service with a focus on South Africa and Swaziland. The small group sizes, often less than 15, make for a very personal experience. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. Their expertise is in wildlife viewing tours, so you can count on having a fun time.



$2,410
on TourRadar

Organized by Absolute Africa 15 Days Cape Town to Johannesburg 11 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for historical tours in Southern Africa.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Nature Lovers
  • Animal Lovers
  • History Enthusiasts

starstarstarstarstar 4.5 rating

Age Range: 18 to 80
Maximum Group Size: 28
Price per Day: $174

This tour visits Cape Town, L'Agulhas, Bonnievale, Oudtshoorn, Stormsrivier, Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park, Hogsback, Malealea, Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, and Johannesburg.

  • Overland Truck
  • Wildlife
  • Sightseeing
  • Historical
  • Camping
  • Fully Guided

By Absolute Africa
Absolute Africa offers local overland truck tours through Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and others. They are known for providing overland truck tours to amazing and remote destinations. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers. They specialize in wildlife viewing tours, ensuring you'll have an enjoyable experience.



$2,616
on TourRadar

Organized by Timeline Travel DMC 8 Days Johannesburg to Cape Town 4 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for historical tours in Southern Africa.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Animal Lovers
  • History Enthusiasts

starstarstarstarstar 4.7 rating

Age Range: 12 to 75
Maximum Group Size: 13
Price per Day: $278

This tour visits Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Cape Town, and Table Mountain.

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Wildlife
  • Sightseeing
  • Historical
  • Partially Guided

By Timeline Travel DMC
Timeline Travel DMC offers local safari tours through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and others. Although the prices might be slightly above average, the small group sizes provide travelers with a more personal experience. Most of the tours provided by Timeline Travel DMC are high-end and luxurious with a top-tier level of service. Because of their specilization in safaris, you can be sure to have a spectacular adventure.



$2,225
on TourRadar

Organized by Explore! 13 Days Johannesburg to Durban 8 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for historical tours in Southern Africa.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Animal Lovers
  • History Enthusiasts
  • Nature Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.5 rating

Age Range: 7 to 85
Maximum Group Size: 16
Price per Day: $212

This tour visits Johannesburg, Graskop, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Kosi Bay Nature Reserve, St Lucia, and Durban.

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Wildlife
  • Historical
  • Beach
  • Big Five
  • Fully Guided

By Explore!
Explore! Is a large international travel company offering trips all over the world. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category.



$2,750
on TourRadar

Organized by Collette 15 Days Johannesburg to Cape Town 6 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.

Great for:
  • Animal Lovers
  • History Enthusiasts
  • Culture Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 5 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 44
Price per Day: $467

This tour visits Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, Zambezi, Chobe National Park, Pilanesberg National Park, Cape Town, and Franschhoek.

  • Wildlife
  • Sightseeing
  • Historical
  • Educational
  • Elephant
  • Fully Guided

By Collette
Collette is a long-established tour operator offering guided tours with a balance of structured sightseeing and free time. Their trips range from classic group tours to small-group explorations, faith-based travel, and luxury options. They emphasize comfort, cultural immersion, and local experiences, often including unique dining and hands-on activities.



$6,199
on TourRadar

Organized by Little Roz Tours 10 Days Cape Town to Victoria Falls 3 Destinations
  • On Sale: 20% Off
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Animal Lovers
  • History Enthusiasts

starstarstarstarstar 4.0 rating

Age Range: 3 to 85
Maximum Group Size: 10
Price per Day: $340

This tour visits Cape Town, Kruger National Park, and Victoria Falls.

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Wildlife
  • Sightseeing
  • Historical
  • Big Five
  • Fully Guided

By Little Roz Tours
Little Roz Tours is a smaller international tour company with trips to 8 countries, including Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, and Kenya. Despite being priced a bit higher, the small group sizes create a more personal and unique experience for travelers. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. Wildlife viewing tours are their focus, guaranteeing a memorable and exciting experience.



$3,000 $2,400
on TourRadar

Organized by Across Africa Tours & Travel 20 Days Start/End in Johannesburg 7 Destinations
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.
  • Local Culture: provides in-depth local experiences.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Animal Lovers
  • History Enthusiasts
  • Nature Lovers
  • Culture Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.0 rating

Age Range: 5 to 90
Maximum Group Size: 12
Price per Day: $883

This tour visits Johannesburg, Maputo, Victoria Falls, South Luangwa National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park, Hwange National Park, and Bulawayo.

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Wildlife
  • Sightseeing
  • Historical
  • Beach
  • Local Living
  • Fully Guided

By Across Africa Tours & Travel
Across Africa Tours & Travel is a large international travel company offering trips all over the world. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. Their expertise is in wildlife viewing tours, so you can count on having a fun time.



$17,669
on TourRadar

Why does Southern Africa appeal to history enthusiasts?

Southern Africa captivates history enthusiasts with its wealth of historical sites, spanning from ancient times through more recent history. These regional destinations provide a perfect mix of history, culture, and adventure in an affordable package. Plus, the fun and easy itineraries make for a stress-free adventure while creating lasting memories.

Southern Africa


How much do historical tours in Southern Africa cost?

The average daily price of Historical Tours in Southern Africa is $359 per day. Prices can vary widely due to the included amenities, length of the trip, number of guests on the tour, and many other factors. If you want more information about prices, we have put together a complete analysis of the costs of Historical Tours in Southern Africa here.


We partner with TourRadar because they offer the world's largest selection of multi-day organized tours, offering seamless travel experiences while supporting local businesses. It's the perfect way to explore new destinations with ease and confidence.




$359
Average Price Per Day
7
Tours Analyzed
4.4
Average Rating
7
Tour Companies
23
Average Group Size

Which Tour Companies Offer Historical Tours?

A number of fantastic tour companies offer historical tours in Southern Africa. These are a few of the best, because they offer the highest rated service, provide the best overall quality, and have the most five-star guest reviews to prove it.

Cullinan Guided Journeys

Cullinan Guided Journeys is a smaller tour company that focuses on South Africa and Swaziland. The small group sizes, often less than 15, make for a very personal experience. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. Their expertise is in wildlife viewing tours, so you can count on having a fun time.

See All Tours from Cullinan Guided Journeys

Absolute Africa

Absolute Africa offers local overland truck tours through Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and others. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 5 days to 11 weeks. They are known for providing overland truck tours to amazing and remote destinations. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers. They specialize in wildlife viewing tours, ensuring you'll have an enjoyable experience. Travelers usually enjoy the tour activities such as camping, bird watching, and white water rafting.

See All Tours from Absolute Africa

Timeline Travel DMC

Timeline Travel DMC offers local safari tours through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and others. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 2 days to 3 weeks. Although the prices might be slightly above average, the small group sizes provide travelers with a more personal experience. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. Most of the tours provided by Timeline Travel DMC are high-end and luxurious with a top-tier level of service. Because of their specilization in safaris, you can be sure to have a spectacular adventure.

See All Tours from Timeline Travel DMC

Collette

Collette logo Collette is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include the U.S., Italy, Great Britain, and France. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as wine tasting, island hopping, and camping.

See All Tours from Collette


Historical Destinations in Southern Africa

Wondering where historical tours visit in Southern Africa? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.

A few of the most popular places visited by tours in Southern Africa include Johannesburg, Cape Town, Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls, and Oudtshoorn.


Historical Tours vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons

Trying to determine whether to book a guided tour or manage your own travel itinerary? Consider the advantages and trade-offs of both approaches.

Pros
  • Learn detailed stories and context from expert guides.
  • Visit significant landmarks efficiently.
  • Access exclusive areas not open to the public.
  • Guides bring history to life with engaging narratives.
  • Save time on researching destinations.
  • Enjoy a curated itinerary of top historical sites.
  • Guides answer questions for deeper understanding.
  • Group tours can provide a social learning experience.
  • Avoid logistical challenges like tickets or reservations.
  • Guides help connect the dots between events and eras.
Cons
  • Less flexibility in the itinerary.
  • Group size might impact the experience.


Pros
  • Full control over your itinerary and pace.
  • Focus on sites that interest you most.
  • Flexibility to spend more time at certain locations.
  • Explore at unconventional hours to avoid crowds.
  • Customize your trip around niche historical themes.
Cons
  • Requires time-consuming research to plan.
  • Risk of missing key details without a guide.
  • May overlook important or lesser-known sites.
  • Difficult to understand the full historical context.
  • Navigation and logistics can be more complex.
  • No expert to answer questions during your visit.
  • Potential for long waits without pre-booking tickets.
  • Self-guided tours may lack the interactive element.


Which is cheaper?

Can you save money by traveling independently instead of joining guided historical tours? It's not a simple yes or no. Tours usually include key expenses such as lodging, transportation, meals, entry fees, guides, and activities, which you'd need to manage and pay for individually on your own trip. To figure out the difference, compare the total tour price with the cost of making your own arrangements. Depending on your choices—like opting for budget hotels or premium dining—the cost of a tour might be higher or lower. Be sure to examine the tour inclusions carefully when comparing.

Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.

More Tour Options

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Southern Africa, The Best Wildlife Tours to Southern Africa, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Southern Africa, The Best 10-Day Tours in Southern Africa, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Southern Africa, The Best 3-Day Tours in Southern Africa, The Best 2-Week Tours in Southern Africa, The Best 3-Week Tours in Southern Africa, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Extended Trip Tours in Southern Africa, One Month or Longer, The Best Bicycle Tours in Southern Africa, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Southern Africa, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Overlanding Trips in Southern Africa, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Bird Watching Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Adventure Tours to Southern Africa, The Best Eco Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Cultural Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Southern Africa, The Tours for Animal Lovers in Southern Africa, The Best Photography Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Camping Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Southern Africa, The Best Self Drive Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Safaris in Southern Africa, The Best Budget Safaris in Southern Africa, The Best Walking Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Southern Africa, The Best Luxury Tours to Southern Africa, The Best Budget Tours to Southern Africa, The Best Tours for Seniors to Southern Africa, The Best Contiki Tours to Southern Africa, or The Best G Adventures Tours to Southern Africa for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.