What are the passport requirements?
Your passport must have at least six months’ validity and two blank pages. You should also have proof of onward travel.
Your passport must have at least six months’ validity and two blank pages. You should also have proof of onward travel.
We recommend arriving on the official start date of the tour, as that’s when most travellers arrive. While there are no activities scheduled on the first day, the group usually meets for a welcome dinner around 7pm.
For group tours, your place will be confirmed when 6 or more people have signed up and at least four weeks (28 days) prior to the start of your tour.
For volunteer or private bookings, please wait 2-3 working days.
We will refund you the total amount if the tour is cancelled. Typically, group tours are confirmed six months before departure.
Your group leader will email you around 1 day before the tour starts.
Absolutely. Your payment is secure. Backpacking Tours is a licensed tour operator in Thailand (TAT Licence No. 11/12642), and we use trusted international payment providers. Your booking is safe, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Once you’ve booked your flights, log in to the Manage My Booking area of our website and enter your flight arrival details. If you’re arriving early, we can still arrange your airport transfer. If you also need extra nights of accommodation, let us know early so we can confirm availability and pricing.
International flights are not included in the price of any tour and will need to be booked separately. You’re free to book your own flights or book here.
Most things are covered, including activities, transport, accommodation, and some meals. You’ll just need money for extra meals, drinks, shopping, and any onward travel after the tour
Yes! Travel insurance is a must for all our trips. You’ll need to show proof (on your phone or printed) to your group leader when you arrive.
Need to grab a policy? Get a quote and buy travel insurance here.
Awesome! Once you’ve booked, just let us know who you’re travelling with and we’ll make sure you’re roomed together. Easy as that!
Can’t convince your mates? No worries! Most of our travellers come solo, and it’s one of the best ways to experience a new destination.
You’ll join an instant crew, meet amazing people, and make new friends from day one. Plus, you can keep your travel plans flexible and fully your own.
Ready to roll solo? You won’t be alone for long.
We highly recommend that you travel with insurance for complete peace of mind. Please click here.
Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available throughout the tour. However, meat is a staple of South African cuisine, so options may be more limited compared to what you're used to. Your group leader can help recommend the best available meals at each stop.
Accommodation on this trip is budget-friendly, typically 2 to 3 star standard. Each place is selected for comfort, location, and convenience.
This tour covers a large part of South Africa, so expect some long travel days and the possibility of delays due to traffic. We use a private bus for the full journey, and the itinerary includes one internal flight to help cover longer distances comfortably.
You’ll be visiting South Africa and Eswatini, so it’s important to check visa requirements for both countries based on your nationality.
Visa rules vary, and it's your responsibility to check entry requirements. We cannot arrange visas for you.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please check the official embassy or consulate websites of each country well before you travel.
We always recommend travelling with a backpack and keeping things light. Around 10 to 20 kilograms of gear is usually plenty.
It’s often hot in South Africa, and dragging around a large suitcase can be uncomfortable. Luggage storage is available at the airport or at some accommodations if needed.
Tipping is not required on our tours, but South Africa has a strong tipping culture.
It’s customary to tip small amounts in bars, restaurants, and for services like taxis. While we cover the wages of local suppliers, many travellers choose to tip drivers and local guides if they’ve received great service.
Your group leader can provide guidance on suggested tip amounts if you’d like to contribute.
Yes, lots of people on our tours are travelling solo. By joining our South Africa Adventure tour, you’ll instantly be part of a group. It’s a great way to meet others and make new friends while exploring one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
Passport holders from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Denmark, New Zealand, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and several other countries do not need a visa for visits of 90 days or less.
If your country is not on that list, you will likely need a Visitor’s Visa. We always recommend checking the latest entry requirements with your local government. If you’re unsure, just get in touch and we’ll help you out.
If you need to fly back to Johannesburg, you will need to take a domestic flight from Cape Town to O.R. Tambo International in Johannesburg. The flight takes around 2 hours, so if you’re flying out of Johannesburg, we recommend booking any onward flights after 3pm on Day 12.
The tour ends in Cape Town, which has its own international airport. If you plan to leave right after the trip, we recommend flying out of Cape Town International Airport. That means flying into Johannesburg at the start, and flying out of Cape Town at the end if possible.
Yes, you can arrive early. We’ll still pick you up from the airport and book you into our accommodation from the day you arrive. Check-in is available from 2pm. You can pre-pay for extra nights with your agent or directly with us.
Yes. Most of our accommodations offer free Wi-Fi. Speeds may be slower than what you’re used to, but you’ll be able to stay connected and do basic tasks like messaging and checking emails.
We recommend using a Wise travel card. It works almost everywhere in South Africa and supports payments through Apple Pay and Google Pay. If you transfer your funds into the local currency, you can avoid extra charges on foreign exchange. ATMs are widely available, but some places may only accept cash.
South Africa is a predominantly sunny destination and can be enjoyed year-round.