Discover the amazing breadth and depth of South Africa on a comprehensive journey that ranges from cosmopolitan Cape Town to a private game reserve outside Kruger National Park, encountering spectacular wildlife by land and sea, and taking in the rich history of the Bo-Kaap District and Robben Island.
DAY 1
Arrive in Cape Town, where you are met and transferred to your hotel.
Cape Grace Hotel
DAY 2
Today, Ride Like a Local by cable car up Table Mountain to take in an inspiring panorama of the city. Next, explore to the colorful and distinctive Bo-Kaap neighborhood and enjoy a Chef ’s Table cooking lesson in the traditional dishes of Cape Malay, culminating in lunch. Then, view City Hall the Company Gardens, Parliament, Tuynhuis and District Six. En route, enjoy a discussion of such topics as freedom, democracy and historical role players, such as Mandela, Tutu & De Klerk. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner.
Cape Grace Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
Board a boat for Robben Island, where the anti-apartheid leader — and eventual South African president — Nelson Mandela was once imprisoned. Explore this moving UNESCO World Heritage Site and view a cell where Mandela was held. Return to the Victoria & Albert Waterfront for lunch and to explore a vibrant local artists’ market.
Cape Grace Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4
Drive the scenic Atlantic coastline, stopping at Stony Point Nature Reserve, for an up-close visit to a penguin colony at a site less visited by crowds. Proceed to an oceanside wine estate for a tasting of cheese and wine pairings before lunch. Afterward, enter Grootbos Private Nature Reserve on Africa’s southern tip.
Grootbos Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
Join marine biologists for a seagoing safari, seeking out the “Marine Big Five” — whales, dolphins, seals, penguins and sharks — aboard an eco-friendly vessel designed for up-close encounters with aquatic life. After lunch back at your lodge, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities, all of which explore the 6,200-acre Grootbos reserve with a local guide.
Set out on a 4x4 Botanical Nature Safari in an open-top Land Rover through pristine wilderness.
Take a Guided Nature Walk, an active foray into this natural wonderland.
Go Horseback Riding, exploring alongside experienced equestrian guides.
Return to your lodge.
Grootbos Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6
This morning, join a chef to forage for ingredients that will be used for your dinner. You may also opt for a Shark Cage Diving experience (at an additional cost). After lunch, explore nearby coastal limestone caves with a guide. This evening, enjoy an elegant dinner at your lodge.
Grootbos Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7
After returning to Cape Town, fly and then drive to your wilderness lodge situated in the 34,000-acre Thornybush Nature Reserve. Head out on an afternoon game drive in search of the fabled Big Five: elephants, lions, rhinos, Cape buffalo and leopards. On this private reserve, you enjoy uncrowded encounters with the animals as well as extended time on sightings.
Thornybush Game Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAYS 8–9
For the next two days, set out on a morning game drive in an open safari vehicle or on a guided walking safari. After lunch and some time at leisure, meet for afternoon tea before heading out for another exciting game drive. One evening here, savor a Scenic Sundowner at an incredible viewpoint. On your last night in the bush, gather for a farewell dinner.
Thornybush Game Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10
Fly to Johannesburg, where you enjoy access to the Premier Lounge before your flight departs.
Meals: Breakfast
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