Classic South Africa

10 days

The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is Cape Town’s vibrant hub, and where your epic South Africa safari begins. Spend a few days exploring this colorful city, where you will sample South Africa’s best wines, innovative dining and delve into the cultural history of ‘the Mother City’. Fly to the Thornybush Game Reserve and then into a private concession within the Kruger National Park. Both regions offer diverse environments with phenomenal game viewing and guiding for a truly unforgettable African safari. This is your quintessential South Africa sojourn.

Highlights

  • Private guided Table Mountain and Robben Island tour
  • Private guided Winelands & Cultural tour
  • Visit to Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope
  • Wildlife tracking in private reserves
  • Bush walks with expert guides
Yawning lion

Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrive Cape Town, South Africa

Welcome to Africa! Arrive and transfer to the Cape Grace Hotel, located on Cape Town’s bustling waterfront with the most incredible view across the mother city. After settling in, walk along the quay and choose one of the many fantastic local restaurants for your evening meal.

DAY 2

Table Mountain Cableway and Robben Island Experience

Begin with a delicious breakfast, then set out with your guide for a full day exploration of Cape Town. First, head to the Cableway, where on a clear day you may take in the dramatic views of the city and ocean below as the gondola ascends to the top of Table Mountain. Stop for lunch at the trendy Greenmarket Square before boarding a boat to visit the historic Robben Island. Hear the stories of struggle endured by the prisoners, including Nelson Mandela. Following this profound tour, head back to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 3

Cape Town Beaches and Cape Point

Today, explore some of Cape Town’s most beautiful beaches and coastal towns, highlighting the diversity of the Cape’s flora and fauna, including penguins and seals. Extending south from Cape Town is the Cape of Good Hope, the peninsula which divides the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean. Cape Point is a jagged narrow strip of land that juts out into the Atlantic and acts as the continent’s southwestern-most point. Standing here may leave you feeling like you’ve reached the edge of the world.

DAY 4

Fly to Thornybush Game Reserve – Game Drive and Sundowner

Fly from Cape Town to the Hoedspruit Airport. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to Thornybush Game Reserve, situated along the Western Border of The Greater Kruger National Park. Enjoy lunch at Royal Malewane before heading off on an extended game drive in an open 4×4 vehicle, stopping to enjoy sundowners in the bush. Take a moment to appreciate the pristine wilderness as the sky blazes with color before nightfall. A delectable dinner and overnight stay await back at your lodge.

DAY 5

Walking Safari and Game Drive from Royal Malewane

This morning set out on foot with an armed guide. Walking safaris are the perfect way to forge a one-on-one connection with Africa. Learn how to follow wildlife by looking at tracks and other clues in nature. Along the way, discover some of the smaller elements of the African bush that are easy to miss from a safari vehicle. Return to your lodge for brunch and a siesta. In the late afternoon, depart on a game drive seeking out the animals that roam the plains at night before heading back for dinner and a restful slumber.

DAY 6

Thornybush Game Reserve – Predator Tracking by Vehicle

Awake early, setting out on a morning game drive as the sun rises. Stop to enjoy tea and coffee with freshly baked treats in the African bush before returning your attention to the inhabitants of the bush. Learn about predators and watch as your guide tracks elusive lion, cheetah, and leopard. After lunch unwind at the lodge or rejuvenate at the Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa. This evening experience a bush dinner with traditional cuisine and South African wine amid the ambiance in the wilderness.

DAY 7

Kruger National Park – Shared Charter Flight and Game Drive

This morning, a shared scenic charter flight delivers you to the private Singita Reserve located within the Kruger National Park. Arrive at your luxury bush lodge, Singita Sweni, where you may indulge in a hearty lunch. Freshen up and set out on an exploratory afternoon game drive taking a moment to enjoy a cocktail and snacks while the sun sets over the African landscape. Return to the lodge for an evening around the campfire and a fine dining experience before settling into your stunning suite.

DAY 8

Kruger National Park – Bush Walking and Game Drive

Today, you will be accompanied by a specialist guide and a tracker on a ramble through the wild terrain. Being on foot allows you to appreciate the wonders of the bush both big and small. Watch quietly as an elephant grazes nearby or as giraffe saunter by with oxpeckers clinging to their necks. Lunch will be taken back at the lodge. In the late afternoon depart by vehicle in search of more wildlife in their natural setting. This evening relish a savory meal and admire the night sky’s glory.

DAY 9

Kruger National Park – Day of Choice

Today, choose to participate in another game viewing activity or schedule spa services; spend some time in the fitness center or put on an apron in a cooking class. After high tea, linger in this gorgeous setting with a beverage chosen from the range of private reserves and vintage wines from the lodge’s cellar. Alternatively, set out on a late afternoon game drive, culminating with a spectacular dinner out in the bush with stargazing under the African sky.

DAY 10

Bid farewell to South Africa

Your grand South Africa safari has come to an end. Board your shared charter flight which will connect with your homeward bound flight.