Overview
Let South Africa inspire your heart and mind on this wildlife embedded journey. Track the ‘Big Five’ by vehicle and on foot in the vast Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Discover the good work of the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, as you enjoy intimate encounters with their rescued endangered South African wildlife, traveling on day and night elephant-back safaris in the Kapama Game Reserve near Kruger National Park.  Then journey south to savor the flavors of the wine country en route to Hermanus on the Atlantic coast for whale watching or perhaps shark cage diving. Observe an African penguin colony, and then ascend soar atop Cape Point and Table Mountain to take in all the unbridled beauty that surrounds you.

Tour Details

DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Starts any day. January to December

12 days from $7745.00

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Itinerary
Day 1

Arrive Johannesburg, South Africa

Upon arrival you are escorted to your luxury hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to rest or explore this developing city.

Day 2-4

Sabi Sand Game Reserve

On Day 2, take a morning flight to the Kruger airport, where you are met and escorted to your luxury lodge in the Southern Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

Enjoy lunch upon arrival, then a chance to rest before your first game drive. Overlooking the world-famous Kruger National Park, the 17,000-acre Sabi Sand Reserve is Africa’s most pristine ‘Big 5’ territory, affording spectacular wildlife viewing while preserving the balance of the “bushveld.”

Each day and evening, enjoy traditional game drives and guided walks with experienced rangers who inform you about the flora and fauna of the region. You can also observe wildlife from the relaxed atmosphere of your own private wooden viewing deck. (3B,3L,3D)

Day 5 & 6

Hoedspruit & the Kapama Game Reserve

The morning of Day 5, drive to Camp Jabulani, a luxury safari lodge set inside the private Kapama Game Reserve near Kruger National Park.

Relish the next two days enjoying incredible interaction with African elephants, cheetah and other endangered indigenous South African wildlife species. Under the guidance of the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, dedicated to the progressive and modern breeding and maintenance of rescued wildlife, you can witness rare African vulture feeding sessions, touch cheetahs (a rare photographic opportunity), and visit the center’s progressive veterinary hospital.

The highlight of your stay is your intimate interaction with the elephants. Observe them joyfully swim and play in their natural habitat. Delight in both day, and unique evening elephant-back safaris through the bush; and even “tuck in” your elephant at night. Bonding with these magnificent rescued creatures is an extraordinary and impactful experience. ​(2B,2L,2D)

Day 7

Franschhoek

Enjoy a morning game drive before transferring to the Hoedspruit Airport for your flight to Cape Town.

You are met upon arrival and driven to South Africa’s beautiful wine region. Pass through Stellenbosch, the country’s second oldest town and center of its wine industry, before arriving at your luxury all-suite Franschhoek accommodations.

Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon relaxing in this beautiful setting. ​(B,L)

Day 8

The Winelands & Hermanus

This morning, tour this renowned Winelands region of South Africa. Visit the historic sites of this 300-year old area, as well as some charming local wineries. Enjoy private wine tastings, and lunch at one of the gourmet wineries.

In the afternoon, you are escorted to the Atlantic coastal village of Hermanus. This stretch of the southern South Africa coast is a natural playground for the Southern Right Whales that breach here July to November. Your room has an ocean view, allowing you to whale watch right from your room! ​(B,L)

Day 9

Hermanus

Spend the day relaxing, or perhaps enjoying optional activities including whale watching, Great White Shark cage diving, kayaking, birding, sea fishing, or wine tasting. ​(B)

Day 10

The Cape Peninsula to Cape Town

Today begins with a scenic drive along the coast to explore Cape Point and the Cape Peninsula. At the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, marvel at the unspoiled nature of this priceless wilderness area. See its landmark lighthouse, and the monument to explorer Vasco da Gama who voyaged around the Cape in 1497. Take the Flying Dutchman funicular to the top of Cape Point for a panoramic view of where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet.

Next, visit the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach; wooden walkways enable you to view the growing colony of over 3,000 penguins without disturbing their natural habitat.

Late afternoon, arrive at your chic, urban luxury hotel by the Cape Town waterfront. ​(B)

Day 11

Cape Town

Enjoy a morning tour of this scenic and historic city. Drive up breathtaking Table Mountain, one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, then board the Aerial Cableway climbing up to 3,425 feet for magnificent views of the city, Table Bay, Robben Island, and the spectacular Cape Peninsula.

The afternoon is at leisure to explore this vibrant and culturally diverse city. ​(B)

Day 12

Cape Town & Depart

This morning, join a scheduled (shared) tour of several Uthando projects in the impoverished townships outside the city. Uthando, (Love), is a unique and innovative non-profit organization that provides community funding and assistance. Led by an Uthando representative, your tour will be an interactive, uplifting and inspirational experience.

Your afternoon is at leisure, with your room reserved for late check-out, before your transfer for your evening flight home or onto your next destination. ​(B)

Accommodations

The Residence, Johannesburg

The Residence is an extraordinary boutique hotel that is truly one of a kind, no effort has been spared in creating the most sublime surroundings to surpass your greatest expectations. Whether you are a business professional with a demanding executive schedule or a leisure traveller with time to spend at your own discretion, we are here to ensure that your stay with us will be memorable. Take a stroll through the manicured gardens and enjoy a game of tennis or swim a few lengths in the outdoor pools. Guests can work out in our fitness room, and arrangements can be made to play a round of golf on the nearby Houghton Golf Course. A warm, hospitable welcome awaits you at The Residence, located in the historic suburb of Houghton, which is also home to many famous residents including former president Nelson Mandela. The Residence exudes a charming air of quiet dignity, with an abundance of bougainvillea blossoms cascading down the terraced gardens. This is a blissful oasis where guests are treated with personalised service and are invited to make themselves at home.

Lion Sands River Lodge,Mpumalanga

River Lodge offers you one of the warmest welcomes you could hope to encounter on your travels; hosted by our family of extraordinary handpicked staff, who will make you feel completely relaxed and at home. In River Lodge we feel like we have captured the spirit of the Sabie River, where the quiet luxury of our rooms provides a place of repose, after a day of overwhelming and enriching adventure. A view like we have of the Sabie River cannot be wasted, which is why we insisted on giving each of the 20 luxuriously thatched bedrooms at River Lodge its own private wooden viewing deck. With the quietly rambling river outside your room, you won't have to go far to see wildlife or to drink in the surrounding Sabi Sand Reserve whilst overlooking the world- famous Kruger National Park, all at one glance. A 2014 Condé Nast Traveler Gold List Hotel

Camp Jabulani, Hoedspruit

Camp Jabulani is a family-owned and managed private luxury safari lodge located within the private Kapama Game Reserve in Hoedspruit, South Africa (in close proximity to the Kruger National Park, and scenic Mpumalanga region). With a Relais & Chateaux accreditation, this camp is guaranteed to offer first class accommodation, cuisine, facilities and personalised service. But its most notable feature is the herd of trained African elephants which were rescued by the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. Visitors can experience the extraordinary impact of interacting personally with the mammoth animals on daily elephant rides (the only night safari in the world!), around the waterhole as they swim and play, and in the wild habitat surrounding their stables. This luxurious camp has only 6 suites - never more than 12 guests, while the exclusive Zindoga Villa is suited to the family traveller, or the client who prefers the more exclusive experience. Some of Camp Jabulani's notable offerings include the daily elephant back safaris, safari drives in the Big Five private Kapama Reserve, visits to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, indulgent treatments in the outdoor Therapy Lapa, gastronomic delights at the hands of the masterful culinary team, and hot air balloon excursions over the reserve.

Franschhoek Country House & Villas, Franschhoek

This wonderful country house and manor is located In the heart of the Franschhoek Valley, only half-mile from the Franschhoek Village. This is a relaxing retreat with facilities including two swimming pools and a full service Spa. On site, Monneaux Restaurant is an award-winning restaurant, offering the fine delicacies that have made Franschhoek one of the world's leading capitals of fine wines and cuisine. You can dine at the fountain terrace under a spreading pepper tree or dinner in the elegant dining room.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, Gansbaai

Grootbos Nature Reserve is situated on the Agulhas Plain in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, nestled between mountain and sea, the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is a five-star eco-paradise showcasing the incredible Flora and Marine life of the Southern Tip of Africa. Home of the "Marine Big 5" - whales, sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins; and with unparalleled floral diversity, Grootbos offers you a one-of-a-kind luxury African experience.

One&Only Cape Town, Cape Town

Located on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, One&Only Cape Town offers uninhibited views of iconic Table Mountain from every room and suite. Resort features include a wine loft with a collection of more than 5,000 bottles, a spa on a private island and heated infinity pool. A 2015 Travel+Leisure World's Best Hotel