Essential South Africa Tour

Arrive in Cape Town, undeniably one of the most beautiful cities in the world. As you make your own way to the hotel (ask us about pre-booking a transfer), look out for the city's iconic symbol, Table Mountain in the distance. Tonight, discover some of Cape Town's world class restaurants on your own.
Overnight: Cape Town

This morning, meet with your Tour Manager to learn about all of the must-see sights of Cape Town before you depart on a city tour. Driving to the city centre, pass famous landmarks such as the Castle of Good Hope built in 1666 by the Dutch East India Company and City Hall, a splendid baroque building, and of course the Grand Parade. See St. George's Cathedral, the Anglican Diocese of Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Pass the Company Gardens and the Malay Quarter. The route then leads to Kloof Nek and the magnificent Table Mountain. Relax at a cafe while you take in the views from the base of the mountain. Perhaps ascend to the summit by cable car* (ticket not included) and marvel at a bird's eye view of the city and its beaches. Continue to the V & A Waterfront where you will have the opportunity to learn the story of diamonds while touring prominent Shimansky Jewellers & Museum. The 45-minute tour reveals the origins of diamond mining and includes explanations of colour, cut and clarity. Following the tour (or for those who do not wish to participate) stroll through the adjacent V & A Waterfront with its endless shopping and dining opportunities before returning to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. This evening, treat yourself to dinner at one of the trendy outdoor seaside restaurants, while watching the sun set over the Atlantic Ocean.
*Table Mountain Aerial Cableway closes for annual maintenance in July & August. Exact dates will be advised in early 2022.
Overnight: Cape Town
Meals: Breakfast

While in Cape Town, outdoor enthusiasts will not want to miss the optional tour to the stunning Cape Peninsula, known for its steep mountains, secluded coves and beautiful pristine beaches. The Cape of Good Hope within Table Mountain National Park is surrounded by a rich biodiversity and is home to at least 250 species of birds as well as antelope, ostrich and baboons. Walk the rugged cliffs, or, take the famous Flying Dutchman funicular, a beacon for early explorers that climbs uphill to the old lighthouse. Afterward, visit Boulders Beach to see the unique spectacle of penguins waddling freely, and walk-through spectacular Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
Optional: Full Day Cape Peninsula Tour
Overnight: Cape Town
Meals: Breakfast

Spend the day at leisure in Cape Town. Perhaps join the optional South African Wine Tour* which takes you along the country's principal wine route to the scenic towns of Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch with tastings along the way. Alternatively, thrill seekers will not want to miss the optional excursion to "Shark Alley" to experience great white shark cage diving.* Tonight, attend the optional Traditional African Dinner Experience for a memorable evening of live performances and African gastronomy before returning to the hotel.
*The South African Wine Tour and Full Day Great White Shark Cage Diving operate simultaneously. Passengers may opt to participate in only one of these tours
Optional: South African Wine Tour
Optional: Full Day Great White Shark Cage Diving
Optional: Traditional African Dinner Experience
Overnight: Cape Town
Meals: Breakfast

This morning fly to Johannesburg, known as "Gauteng: the City of Gold". Upon arrival, drive to Limpopo Province located just three hours outside of bustling Johannesburg. Your stay will be at a game reserve where the varied habitats provide ideal conditions for an astounding selection of large mammals including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) other predators such as hyena and jackal, and a variety of antelope from red hartebeests to eland. Here, accompanied by a ranger, uncover the magic of the African bush in this wildlife wonderland. In the late afternoon, enjoy an exciting game drive in a landscape that is an alluring combination of rolling hills, tumbled mountains, valleys, and grassland plains. Game sightings include a variety of predators such as lion, leopard, and cheetah with herds of elephant and buffalo that can often be seen at close range. The game and bird viewing opportunities are truly incredible. This evening recount your sightings with your fellow travellers while dining at the lodge.
Overnight: Limpopo Province
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Depart early for a morning game drive, or participate in the optional Balloon Safari. Drift peacefully above the beautiful landscape, watching for wild game below. A glass of sparkling wine awaits you at the end of the journey. Join the rest of your group on the morning game drive in open safari vehicles where you might see not only the large majestic beasts but also the smaller mammals, birds and insects.

After lunch, relax at the lodge before setting out for your afternoon game drive. Return in time for dinner and toast to your final night in South Africa.
Optional: Mabula Balloon Safari
Overnight: Limpopo Province
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Awake early this morning and set out on your final game drive. After an early lunch, bid farewell to the bush and travel east toward Johannesburg. Arrive to the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 4PM for your departure flight. Please select flights that depart no earlier than 6:50PM. An extra night in Johannesburg can be arranged if need be (own expense).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch