Enjoy a private tour of the Cape Peninsula stopping at the Cape of Good Hope, southwestern most point in Africa, and Boulders Beach, home to hundreds of African penguins, along the way.
Spot the “marine big five”—from penguins to whales—off Africa’s southernmost shores, and stroll through the flowering fynbos of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Visit Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Castle of Good Hope, then ride a cable car to the peak of Table Mountain on a tour of Cape Town. Track lions, leopards, zebras, and more with expert guides on a private game reserve.
From its dramatic coast to the undulating lowveld where iconic creatures roam, South Africa dazzles with its natural bounty. Get to know captivating Cape Town with a private guide, and explore the seaside landscapes of the Western Cape, blanketed in milkwood forests and exotic wildflowers. Then travel to a private game reserve adjacent to Kruger National Park for a thrilling safari experience.
WHAT TO EXPECT.
This expedition is rated as light; travelers should be in good health and comfortable sitting for extended periods of time. Excursions include safari drives in open vehicles on dusty, bumpy roads; wildlife cruises; and nature walks on uneven terrain, with options to go horseback riding. A typical safari day begins at dawn and includes 3- to 4-hour wildlife-viewing drives. The excursion to Table Mountain is weather dependent, and the seas can sometimes be rough during the boat transfer to Robben Island.
Accommodations.
Throughout the expedition, you’ll stay in accommodations selected for their exceptional quality, location, and characteristics.
Day 1
Arrive at cape town, South Africa.
Day 2
A cable car ride up a to a building high above a mountain below near the sea Take a ferry independently across Table Bay to Robben Island, the prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Return to the mainland and meet your private guide, then ride the cable car to the summit of Table Mountain. From here, take in spectacular views of Cape Town before descending and exploring the streets below. Wander past the brightly colored homes and mosques of the multicultural Bo-Kaap neighborhood. End your tour of Cape Town with visits to some of its foremost museums and historical sites, Including the Caste of Good Hope, South Africa’s oldest existing colonial building.
- Accommodations: One & Only Cape Town
Day 3
The day starts with a guided trip along one of the most scenic roads in the world. Chapman’s Peak Drive is carved into coastal mountains, offering sweeping views of shimmering Atlantic waters. Our first stop is the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Here, hike coastline trails that run through flowering shrublands while keeping an eye out for rare bird species and baboons. Visit the reserve’s landmarks, including the Cape Point lighthouse and the Cape of Good Hope, the southwesternmost point in Africa. After lunch, walk to Boulders Beach, home to hundreds of African penguins. On your way back to Cape Town, get immersed in a sea of exotic blooms at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, where over 7,000 plant species flourish.
Day 4
Today’s trip along the South African coastline takes you to the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. Nestled in the nooks of an ancient milkwood forest with expansive views of the wildlife-rich Walker Bay. This afternoon, trace the legacy of ancient peoples who once lived at water’s edge. Walk a path that winds along limestone cliffs and white-sand beaches to discover ancient seaside cave dwellings where important Stone Age artifacts and fossils have been unearthed. This evening, enjoy dinner at one of the lodge’s acclaimed restaurants showcasing local seafood.
- Accommodations: Grootbos Lodge
Day 5
Three people on horseback ride in the sand on a beach along the coastline Enjoy a full day to discover the diverse natural wonders of this pristine corner of Africa. Ride horseback along one of the many scenic trails winding through Grootbos Reserve and take in views of the vast Atlantic to the south and craggy peaks to the north. If you wish, dare yourself to encounter great whites face-to-face on an optional cage-diving adventure, or take an optional scenic flight for incredible aerial views of South Africa’s splendid coast. This afternoon, join a guide on a nature walk through the gnarled milkwood forests, a unique ecosystem in which some trees date back nearly a thousand years, or hike the fynbos-clad slopes of the nearby mountains. Breathe the sweet scents of seasonal flowers as you pass through a colorful Eden of over 750 plant species. Toast an ocean sunset from one of the lodge’s balconies.
- Accommodations: Grootbos Lodge
Day 6
Embark on a morning bird-watching expedition with a naturalist, spotting weavers at their dangling nests and other exotic and brightly colored species that call the reserve home. Or set out on an optional wildlife cruise, keeping your eyes out for southern right whales (June-September), dolphins, seals, and penguins. Go for an afternoon hike or take a coastal drive to see the convergence of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodations: Grootbos Lodge
Day 7
Fly from Cape Town to Skukuza, the airstrip for world-renowned Kruger National Park. Transfer to one of the four stunning lodges within the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve. Sabi Sand is the oldest private reserve in South Africa and shares an unfenced border with Kruger, allowing animals to roam freely. Head out on your first safari this afternoon and track elephants, lions, buffalos, leopards, rhinos, and so much more.
- Accommodations: Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve
DAYS 8-9
A herd of 5 giraffes walk through a grassy savanna Rise with the sun to join experienced rangers on two full days of game drives in search of wild dogs, hyenas, and impala engaged in their morning routines. If you choose, you may set out on foot with a tracker, learning about the smaller flora and fauna of the bush and identifying signs of wildlife. Grab your binoculars and go birding on the reserve, where roughly 350 species flutter and roost. Late in the afternoon, embark on a safari that continues into the evening. As the sunset creates a pallet of red, gold, and orange across the vast, African sky, stop for a sundowner drink, and then watch for the evening activity of nocturnal wildlife.
- Accommodations: Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve
DAY 10: SABI SABI
The silhouette of an airplane as it flies towards the sun After breakfast, venture out on one last safari before flying to Johannesburg and connecting to your international flight home.
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