Trip Itinerary:
DAY 01: ARRIVE IN CAPE TOWN
Welcome to Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, strategically situated at the southwestern tip of Africa. The city lies about 60km north of Cape Point, in a natural bowl with the magnificent Table Mountain to the rear and the vast Atlantic Ocean to the front. It has the reputation as being the most laid-back city in the Southern Hemisphere with Capetonians adhering to Africa time, which is somewhat slower than most other major cities.
This relaxed atmosphere is attributed to Table Mountain, known to be amongst the most spiritual places on earth. People are drawn towards the mountain and every visitor feels the need to climb up or take the revolving Cable Car to the top. At 1086 meters above sea level, you will see the most dramatic views of the whole of the Cape Peninsula. The city is safer than most on any continent with a bustling street life of shops, cafes, and market stalls, as well as street artists.
Upon arrival, your group will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel.
Check-In and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.
Check-in time: 2 pm and after. Early check-in will be subject to availability and at the discretion of the hotel.
Note: Arrival transfer is a group transfer for all guests arriving on the same flight and at the same time. Any travelers arriving at a different time must pay extra for a private transfer.
Overnight: Garden Court Victoria Junction Cape Town (Standard Room) (4 Nights) - 4*
DAY 02: CAPE TOWN – ROBBEN ISLAND; CITY TOUR & TABLE MOUNTAIN (B)
After breakfast transfer to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
Situated in the heart of Cape Town’s working harbor, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is the city’s most visited destination, offering a range of exciting activities, diverse cuisine, and shopping for the discerning traveler.
This morning, take a tour of Robben Island. Board your boat cruise from the Waterfront to the famous Robben Island – a cruel home of our Nelson Mandela for so many years, it’s a highly charged and emotional moment when you visit the site of this suffering and realize how far South Africa has come from those days. For nearly 400 years, Robben Island, about 12 kilometers from Cape Town, was a place of exile and imprisonment where rulers sent those they regarded as outcasts and troublemakers. Since 1997 Robben Island has been a museum acting as a focal point of South African heritage.
Return to the V & A Waterfront where you will have some free time to enjoy lunch (at your own expense).
In the afternoon, you will enjoy a half-day orientation tour of Cape Town. You will see iconic buildings, and snatches of history, and experiences the uniqueness of this city. Drive past the country’s oldest building, the Castle, and a short distance away, the Company Gardens, both historically fascinating and well-conserved. Our drive continues past the Parliament Buildings, City Hall, and the Slave Lodge; you will sense the depth of history via their distinctive architecture. Colonial then changes to colorful, as you move up the cobblestoned hills to the Malay Quarter, and marvel at the ice-cream colors of the quaint Bo-Kaap homes.
Take the cable car up to the summit of the legendary Table Mountain from where you will be able to see the end of the world, including the city and surrounding layout of this southernmost tip of Africa. Return to the hotel after the tour.
Optional - $95 per person
This evening, enjoy Interactive drumming and a Welcome Dinner at Gold’s restaurant. Gold Restaurant is a unique African restaurant in the heart of Cape Town. An evening here begins with a djembe drumming session, followed by a hand-washing ceremony, and afterward, you will tuck into the set 3-course meal consisting of 14 ‘taster dishes. This dining experience can best be described as a taste safari that will transport you from Table Mountain to Timbuktu. This culinary experience is accompanied by unique interactive traditional entertainment.
Roundtrip transfers are included.
DAY 03: CAPE TOWN – CAPE PENINSULA AND WINELANDS TOUR (B/L)
After breakfast, you will take a full-day Cape Peninsula and Winelands Tour.
The Fairest Cape….and it surely is! You’ll soon see for yourself where and why it earned its name. Sit back and relax, we’re going to drive along the exquisite stretch of coastline known as the Millionaire’s Paradise – from Camps Bay and Clifton to the exclusive beach of Llandudno – towards the charming working harbor of Hout Bay.
Then we wind along the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive, hugging the cliffs and relishing the breathtaking ocean views, before arriving at the wild and beautiful Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve an integral part of the world-renowned Cape Floral Kingdom.
Once at Cape Point, you will have time to explore. Take a ride up on the funicular for magnificent views (a funicular ticket is included). Continue on to visit the enduring penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach.
We meander back along the coast towards the city, visiting the historic naval port of Simon’s Town where you will enjoy lunch at Bertha’s Restaurant. Then transfer to Stellenbosch. Historical, glorious Stellenbosch with its Cape Dutch architecture, is the warm and wonderful heart of the Cape Winelands and is surrounded by stunning wine estates. It’s truly the prettiest town, home to one of the country’s prestigious universities, fine art galleries, splendid architecture, and quaint shops.
On arrival visit a Wine Estate where you will take a cellar tour and enjoy a wine tasting. And no doubt, you’ll leave with a favorite bottle or two under your arm. Return back to the hotel after the tour.
DAY 04: CAPE TOWN – DAY AT LEISURE (B)
After breakfast, the day is at leisure.
DAY 05: CAPE TOWN – KRUGER (FLIGHT) (B)
After an early breakfast, transfer to the Cape Town airport for your flight to Kruger – Mpumalanga Airport. (This Flight is included in your package)
On arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Overnight: Hippo Hollow Country Estate (Standard Room) (2 Nights) 4*
DAY 06: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – FULL-DAY SAFARI (B)
Today you will enjoy a full day of game viewing in the park in an open vehicle.
The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks among the best in Africa. There are approximately 147 mammal species here, including the `Big 5': lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino (black & white).
A safari in an open vehicle at Kruger National Park isn’t to be taken lightly. It’s a privilege beyond imagination, for this, one of the world’s most famous game reserves, is not only vast with a glorious diversity of wildlife and birdlife, but it’s also renowned for its ever-changing African landscapes. For photographers, it’s a dream destination, with no fewer than 147 mammals and over 500 species of birds waiting for the click of your camera. Our qualified, experienced field guides know the terrain and the protocol intimately, and their skills, combined with the superb visibility afforded by our specially modified 5 safari vehicles, guarantee a wonderfully wild experience. Kruger is teaming with games, big and small. You may be lucky and spot Africa’s ‘Big Five’ - the exhilaration of seeing wildlife at close range is a truly unforgettable experience! Return to the hotel after the game drive.
DAY 07: KRUGER - DURBAN (FLIGHT); DURBAN CITY TOUR (B)
After breakfast, transfer to the Mpumalanga Airport for the flight to Durban (via Johannesburg). (This Flight is included in your package)
On arrival, take an orientation tour of the city that introduces you to this multicultural, vibrant seaside city. Then transfer to your hotel.
Overnight: Protea Hotel by Marriott Umhlanga (Standard Room) (2 Nights)
DAY 08: DURBAN - DAY AT LEISURE (B)
After breakfast, the day is at leisure enjoying the beach and shopping
DAY 09: DURBAN - JOHANNESBURG (FLIGHT); SOWETO TOUR (B/L)
After an early breakfast, transfer to Durban airport for the flight to Johannesburg. (This Flight is included in your package)
On arrival, take a tour of Soweto with a township lunch at Sakhumzi’s Restaurant.
SOWETO an acronym for South Western Township is the largest Black residential area in South Africa that has a population of more than 3.5 Million, who despite living in crowded and chaotic conditions, have a tangible sense of community.
Visit the Hector Pieterson Museum, and Regina Mundi Church and have a photo stop outside Mandela House.
Township food, although simple, is delicious. There’s something about its simplicity and communal serving that makes you feel like you are not just experiencing good food, but you are a part of the community too. You will have lunch at Sakhumzi’s Restaurant. Brimming with good cheer, Sakhumzi is popular for its daily lunch buffets. Patrons spill onto the street tables and mingle joyfully with passersby. Expect African staples such as mutton stew, umleqwa (traditional-style steamed chicken), and mealie pap as well as more conventional burgers and steaks.
Transfer to the hotel after the tour.
Overnight: Garden Court Sandton City (Standard Room) (1 Night)
DAY 10: DEPART JOHANNESBURG (B)
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Johannesburg airport for your departing flight.
Check-out time: 11 am. Late checkout is not included.
Note: Departure transfer is a group transfer for all guests departing on the same flight and at the same time. Any travelers departing at a different time must pay extra for a private transfer.
OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO VICTORIA FALLS DAY
10: JOHANNESBURG – VICTORIA FALLS (B)
Today after breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Victoria Falls.
(This Flight is included in your package)
Victoria Falls constitutes one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. The Local people call it "Mosi-oa-Tunya" - the smoke that thunders and the falls are remarkable. There is a magic about them manifested in the towering column of spray when the river is high, the thunder of the falling water, the terrifying abyss, and the tranquil lagoons upstream in which hippo and deadly crocodiles lurk.
The Victoria Falls is 1 708 meters wide, making it the largest curtain of water in the world. It drops between 90m and 107m into the Zambezi Gorge and an average of 550,000 cubic meters of water plummet over the edge every minute. Remarkably preserved in its natural state, Victoria Falls inspires visitors as much 8 today as it did David Livingstone in the 1860s. The falls and the surrounding area have been declared National Parks and a World Heritage Site, thus preserving the area from excessive commercialization.
This afternoon (approximately 4 pm) embark on a relaxing sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River. The Zambezi River cruise is a superb way to relax and enjoy the beauty of the river. Guests will have the opportunity to see a variety of games; including hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and sometimes even rhinos as well as enjoy the many different bird species. There are great photo opportunities against often-spectacular African sunsets. Return to the hotel after the cruise.
Overnight in Victoria Falls at the Ilala Lodge
DAY 11: VICTORIA FALLS (B)
After breakfast, the group will take a guided tour of the falls. On the opposite cliff, facing the falls, you can take a well-marked and paved walk through the rainforests. Every so often the path will open out into a clearing for a view of the falls. Further along, this path is the Knife Edge Bridge which affords an impressive panorama depending on the time of year. The intense spray provides welcome relief from the heat, but don’t carry anything you don’t want to get wet!
The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the beauty of the falls and all of the optional activities available.
Overnight in Victoria Falls at the Ilala Lodge
DAY 12: DEPART VICTORIA FALLS (B)
Transfer to the Victoria Falls Airport for your flight to Johannesburg.
(This Flight is included in your package)
Check-out time: 11 am. Late checkout is not included.