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South Africa Tour Comparison "An Elegant Adventure" vs "Spotlight on S Africa and Victoria Falls"

DebVEE

Can anyone offer opinions to help us decide between these two tours? I have seen many comments on the Elegant Adventure and none on the newer tour, "Spotlight" . Spotlight appears to offer a similar itinerary with Capetown, Victoria Falls, and a safari included, but with different accomodations, and the trip to Johannesburg appears to be a just a final stop to access the airport. Would excluding a tour of Johannesburg be a mistake?

We are currently scheduled for the Elegant Adventure in Oct 2026. This will likely be our only African Safari, as we have so many other destinations on our bucket list so I like to hear any recommendations you might have. I would especially like to hear any reviews of the Spotlight tour.

Comments

Mary Margaret McClure

We took the Elegant Adventure tour last year and would do it again. Rich history associated with the stop in Johannesburg not to be missed in my humble opinion!

kfnknfzk

The ‘Spotlight’ tour is new for 2026. There is a wealth of information on Tauck’s website. You can compare the two tours then decide which one suits you best.

British

You must do Elegant South Africa. Johannesburg is a must. I can only imagine Tauck has started Spotlight for those who can’t afford the other, or to accommodate the growing number of people who want to see sub Sahara Africa, or maybe an add on to an East Africa safari. If this is going to be your only safari trip, then do Elegant. Plus the Cape Grace hotel is a favorite and We loved Kirstenbosch gardens. Get to Cape Town earlier to see more sites, it’s a favorite city.

Mary Margaret McClure

British, I agree with you 100%. Elegant South Africa was in our top 3 Tauck tours! The Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town is beyond elegance, the safaris will always be remembered!

SandyFeet

I second and third what British and MMM said. I will never forget the Cape Grace; you really feel the African vibe there so much more than in the One and Only although the latter has a bar with killer views worth visiting.

British

South Africa, a first world country with third world problems

buonviaggio

No question - Elegant Adventure!!! It was a favorite trip for our whole group! Great itinerary, accommodations and food! Go to Marble Restaurant when in Johannesburg! Enjoy - I know you will!

bucketlist

The stop in Johannesburg was a highlight for us. You will be introduced to its history, which is realtively recent. You will hear about the gem trade and its economic impacts and see exhibits, etc. on apartheid. It is not particularly safe but you are enscounced in a lovely suburban hotel. It is a new and growing city and you will get a glimpse from the outside of the townships. Don't skip it if you like history.

DebVEE

Thanks to all for your comments! It is much appreciated! We are really looking forward to it, and we will take the advice from British and add on one day in Capetown!

DebVEE

Mary Margaret I would love to hear which other tours are among your top 3! We are only just getting started, and I love to hear of everyone's experiences.

British

Hey Debvee, why not two or three 😂

Mary Margaret McClure

DebVEE, Africa, Africa, Africa.....what can I say! Heading to Morocco in October. I'm hooked! You will fall in love with an Elegant Adventure, watch and see!

Sealord

I have never done the Elegant Adventure trip. I have done Z, B, and SA which is half safari and half touring. What do you want to see in Africa? If you want to see the animals, your first choice should be K&T the classic safari. I have read that the Elegant Adventure includes the south africa wine country. Napa and Sonoma are much closer than south Africa. In my view the only reason to fly twenty one hours from the west coast to Africa is to see the animals. I would go to Casablanca if Rick Blaine was still there at ‘Rick’s American Cave’’, but I would rather see the animals.

British

SeaLord, I also love Africa, but there is more to it than animals, what about the people, the cultures, incredible scenery, the food. I’ve been to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, even Angola for about half an hour and all over Morocco this year. In just a few weeks, Madagascar. I’m hoping to go to Lesotho in the next couple of years. My husband also got the chance to do research in the Gambia years ago, but it fell through. I would be curious to go there. I’d like to see Algeria and Tunisia too, I have a tour there I’m aware of. I think Mozambique will be a hot destination soon. After all, there are only 54 country in Africa. I’ve known people think Africa is a country, just like people think London is a country.

SandyFeet

British, most American are extremely ethnocentric and extremely ignorant. Sadly, that’s where we are.

Sealord

British: I may have you by a couple. I have only been to twelve countries in Africa. I find East Africa to be the most interesting, but that is just my personal taste.