Southern African Tours

8-Day South African Safari & Highlights

At a Glance

• Tour duration: 8 days / 7 nights
• Group size: No limits specified, please confirm group size with the operator
• Tour departs from: Cape Town, Johannesburg or Stellenbosch
• Price: From R23999 per person

Tour Highlights

• Cape Town
• Kruger National Park
• Winelands
• Blyde River Canyon
• Soweto

Suitable for those interested in Big 5, Nature, Wine

Itinerary

1. DAY 1: Cape Town to Table Mountain (Cape Town)

   Cape of Good Hope & Peninsula, Penguins, Boat Cruise & Groot Constantia
   This region is a World Heritage site for its floral diversity. We follow the West coast with a stop at Maiden’s Cove to enjoy a magnificent view of the Twelve Apostles and Camps Bay. We will continue along to Hout Bay, a charming little town where we enjoy a cruise to Duiker Island, home to the world's largest fur seal colony. The scenic Chapman’s Pass offers breathtaking scenery. Next we will be visiting the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve which is where the cold Atlantic meet the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. This famous landmark was named by the early Portuguese mariners. Journeying down to the False Bay coast we lunch at the historical naval port of Simon’s Town. After lunch we visit Boulder's beach, home to Africa’s largest penguin colony. We finish our day with a visit to Groot Constantia (time permitting), South Africa’s oldest Cape Dutch manor house.

   OVERNIGHT: Esperanza Guest House

2. DAY 2: Cape Town to Stellenbosch

   The Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch and Franschoek OR a Winelands & Whale Coast combo (seasonal)
   We drive to Stellenbosch, a fertile area where oak trees, wheat and vines quickly replaced the giraffes, elephants, Hottentot and Khoisan peoples.
   Today, Stellenbosch is known for its beautiful varied architecture, renowned wines and university where the language of instruction is still mainly Afrikaans.
   We visit a historical South African shop and partake in a cellar tour before travelling over the beautiful Hels Hoogte Pass on our way to Franschoek.
   Lunch and a visit to the Huguenot Museum
   At an exceptional boutique wine farm we taste local vintage including a pinotage which is South Africa’s own unique cultivar. At Paarl we stop in front of Mandela’s statue at the entrance to the prison from which he was liberated in 1990.
   On our way back we can see the Taal monument, dedicated to the Afrikaans language, is the world’s only monument to a language
   Tonight an authentic African dinner of many culinary dishes from across the continent, accompanied by dance, music and theater (optional).

   OVERNIGHT: Esperanza Guest House

3. DAY 3: Cape Town to Johannesburg

   Day of leisure: Cape Town, Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and optional activities
   Today you have the opportunity to explore Cape Town with the "Hop on Hop off " bus which can take you to visit Cape Town's historical places, like the Dutch East Indian Garden, Castle of Good Hope, the South African Museum, Malay quarter, District 6 and Green market square.
   Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is recommended, it is the only botanical garden situated in a world heritage site. It has more endemic plant species than any other in the world. You also have the opportunity to visit Robben Island (half day) and/or Table Mountain (2 hours). We can organize activities that might interest you, including Shark cage diving, Paragliding, Whale cruise and others at our preferential rates, discounted from 10%. In the late afternoon you will be transferred to
   Cape Town international airport for your onward journey to Johannesburg. Here you will be transferred to your guest Lodge. A night in Johannesburg is necessary for your early transfer to the Kruger NP the next day.

   OVERNIGHT: Outlook Lodge

4. DAY 4: Johannesburg to Kruger National Park

   Kruger National Park Safaris
   After a hearty breakfast you depart for the Kruger Park.
   Our route takes us through the wide open spaces of the Highveld, down the escarpment and through the scenic Lowveld area. We stop for lunch en-route (own expense) and reach the Kruger National Park in the afternoon.
   
   After settling in to our accommodations, you go out on your first game drive which is a San Parks sunset drive. A sunset drive affords you the opportunity to see nocturnal animals that are more active at night and the Park’s rangers are allowed to return after the normal gate closing times. Note that these drives take place in one of the Kruger Park’s vehicles with a Park’s ranger. This is not a private game drive and there may be other guests on this drive.
   
   Dinner is a three course meal, served al fresco at camp. Wine is served with dinner but guests are welcome to bring along additional / alternative drinks which can be purchased at the shop.

   OVERNIGHT: Pretoriuskop Rest Camp

5. DAY 5: Kruger National Park

   Kruger National Park Safaris
   Safaris are all about early mornings, getting out there and seeing animals! After an early wake-up call (the time varies according to the seasons and park gate opening times) we have tea or coffee & muffins. We then set off on the morning safari which will take approximately 3-4 hours. Your guide has an intimate knowledge of the park, which contributes a great deal towards brilliant sightings!
   
   On returning to Camp, breakfast/brunch will be ready at our camp. You then have time to enjoy a swim, catch up on some sleep, visit the park shop which includes African curios, general food items and drinks, take a walk around the camp, or simply relax! Be sure to bring along your binoculars!
   
   After a siesta we set off on the afternoon game drive. We conduct all our game drives in specially adapted 4x4 open game drive vehicles to allow our guests the best possible vantage point.
   We share safari stories at the camp fire under the stars after a scrumptious dinner served at our camp.

   OVERNIGHT: Pretoriuskop Rest Camp

6. DAY 6: Kruger National Park to Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve (Panorama Route)

   Blyde River Canyon & Panoramic route, the worlds largest "green" canyon
   A full day in the Park OR a full day visit to the Blyde River Canyon. The worlds 3 largest and largest green canyon (vegetated).
   Please refer to day 4 to see what is included!
   The bush-veld always enjoys an early start and so do you. After all, safaris are all about getting up early, and getting out there and seeing animals! After your wake-up call, you’ll get to warm up with a cup of tea or coffee, and snacks. Then, it’s time for the morning safari (it takes approximately 3-4 hours). Lucky for you, your guide will have an intimate knowledge of the park … this contributes a great deal towards memorable sightings!
   On your return to camp, brunch will be ready.
   We then set off on the afternoon game drive. Remember, all our game drives are conducted in specially-adapted, 4x4 open game drive vehicles to allow you the best possible vantage point. After dinner there is the option of doing a night game drive, spot a leopard perhaps!
   (Breakfast & Dinner included).

   OVERNIGHT: Pretoriuskop Rest Camp

7. DAY 7: Kruger National Park to Johannesburg

   Kruger to Johannesburg via the "Old Eastern Transvaal"
   Did You Know
   The Panorama Route (optional/but included and well worth it). As if our itinerary isn’t awesome enough, we also offer an excursion to visit the attractions along the Panorama Route. You’ll get to see renowned attractions like Blyde River Canyon, Three Rondavels, Lisbon Falls and God’s Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes and the glass elevator near the town of Graskop. We stop in Graskop for lunch (own expense). This excursion is available free of charge, and replaces your game drives for that day. (Note that this excursion is not available on the first or last day of your safari due to time constraints.)
   
   The last day
   As the golden sun rises over our final day in the Kruger National Park, we have one last chance to find the animals that have eluded us thus far. Then, after breakfast, we return to Johannesburg. The drive back takes at least 6 hours. My guests flying to Cape Town to continue their tour will board a flight around 19:00 and collected from CT international.

   OVERNIGHT: Outlook Lodge Lakefield

8. DAY 8: Johannesburg to Soweto (Johannesburg)

   Optional morning activity; Soweto and the Apartheid museum or the Cradle of Mankind perhaps
   Depending on your departure time various optional activities can be arranged for you at our preferential rates. A half day Soweto and Apartheid museum tour, or the Cradle of Mankind perhaps?
   Transfer to the airport for your air transport home.
   PS: Whilst in Cape Town all optional activities will be offered to you at our preferential rates, discounted at around 20%. They include: Helicopter flips, Hot air ballooning, Shark cage diving, Whale cruises and more.

   TOUR ENDS

Note

Lunch and dinner not included