Day 1, Johannesburg
Welcome to South Africa. On arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, you will be collected by our representative and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
No meals included.
Day 2, Johannesburg
Our tour begins with guided sightseeing in Johannesburg, starting at the sobering but important Apartheid Museum. Here, you can learn more about the rise and fall of Apartheid in 20th century South Africa through various media including film and photographs, as well as well-preserved artefacts from the time. One key figure from this chapter in South African history is Nelson Mandela, and today's tour also includes a visit to the former South African president's house at 8115 Vilakazi St, Orlando West in Soweto. Back in Jo'burg, your evening is at leisure.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 3, Hoedspruit
Johannesburg - Hoedspruit. Say goodbye to Johannesburg as you transfer to the airport for your flight to Hoedspruit (not included). On arrival, you'll be collected and transferred to our safari hotel on the edge of the famous Kruger ecosystem.
This afternoon, enjoy your first chance to spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo) and other wildlife on an included game drive in the Greater Kruger area - one of Pridelands, Rietspruit, Olifants or Blue Canyon reserve. Riding in 4X4 open safari vehicles, you'll be accompanied by an expert ranger to help you spot elusive creatures. Although much of South Africa's wildlife spends the afternoon resting away from the heat, we'll check out the local watering holes where creatures large and small will be cooling off or enjoying a drink. After the game drive, dinner is included back at the hotel.
Please note: The flight from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit is not included in the cost of your tour. There are daily direct flights, and you can book any morning flight that arrives around lunchtime. Please provide us with your flight details once you have booked this flight. Alternatively you can book a road transfer add-on, with the option of a public shuttle bus transfer or a private transfer.
1 breakfast, no lunch, 1 dinner included.
Day 4, Kruger National Park
Yesterday we got our first look at the Kruger ecosystem, but we were on the fringes. Hoedspruit - Kruger National Park - Hoedspruit. Today we're heading into Kruger National Park proper! It's an early start, between 5-5:30, but that's to give us the best chance to spot nocturnal creatures like leopards! We won't get back until about 16:00, a breakfast pack will be provided to bring with you.
We'll enter Kruger among the first vehicles of the day as the gates open, and will spend our day hunting for prides of lions, herds of elephants, solitary white and black rhinos and so much more. Accompanied by expert safari guides, you'll be given the best chance to spot Africa's iconic wildlife. As it's a long day, we'll make frequent breaks for a chance to eat and rest up, before returning to the hotel for dinner.
1 breakfast, no lunch, 1 dinner included.
Day 5, Hoedspruit
You've got a free day today, and you're welcome to relax in the hotel and make use of the facilities. But we're in one of the world's great wildernesses, so we recommend heading out on an optional morning game drive back into Kruger National Park. Hopefully you'll be able to spot any creatures you weren't able to see yesterday.
Alternatively, consider an optional full day trip along the Panorama Route, regarded as one of the most scenic drives in the world as it passes along the Drakensberg Escarpment. If you choose this option, you'll be able to marvel at the view from God's Window, Bourke's Luck Pothotels and the Three Rondawels.
However you spend the day, dinner is included back at the hotel this evening.
1 breakfast, no lunch, 1 dinner included.
Day 6, Cape Town
Hoedspruit - Cape Town. You've got one final chance to spot lions, elephants and giraffes on an optional game drive this morning before breakfast. It's then time to check out and head to the airport for your flight to Cape Town (not included).
On arrival in Cape Town, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. The rest of your first evening is at leisure in the city at the very southern tip of the African continent.
Please note: The flight from Hoedspruit to Cape Town is not included in the cost of your tour.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 7, Cape Town
This morning, we head out on a guided tour of Cape Town. We begin at the city's natural highlight, by riding the cable car to the summit of Table Mountain. From the summit, there's time to hike along some of the walking trails, and admire the view back over the city and the coast. Please note that the cost of the cable car is not included in the price of your tour.
Returning to the city, we'll visit the district of Bo Kaap, known for its cobbled streets and multi-coloured houses. We also take in one of the city's largest green spaces, the Company Gardens and we browse the offerings at Vibrant Greenmarket Square. We'll also take a short driving tour of some of the city's highlights, including the Castle of Good Hope, City Hall, Grand Parade and Adderley Street.
After the tour, you'll have the rest of the day free to continue exploring Cape Town independently.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 8, Cape Town
You can choose to spend today exploring Cape Town independently, or you can join our optional guided excursion to the Cape Peninsula. If you choose the optional tour, highlights include the famous penguin colony at Boulders Beach, the most south-western tip of Africa at the Cape of Good Hope and the dramatic scenery of the False Bay Coastal Road, where it's sometimes possible to see whales from the shore. We'll also see the Twelve Apostles at Maidens Cove, visit the busy fishing harbour of Houts Bay and stop at the naval base of Simon's Town. The tour ends back in Cape Town, with your evening free to head out and find somewhere serving good bobotie for dinner.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 9, Cape Town
Today you have another full day at leisure in Cape Town, or can join our optional full day Winelands tour.
If you opt for the tour, we'll head out from the hotel at 9:00 into a world of rolling vineyards, towering mountain peaks and Dutch style architecture. The region is home to popular towns including Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, as well as more than 150 wineries producing some of the world's finest wine. Included in the tour are three separate wine tastings, as well as your choice of a chocolate or cheese pairing.
Back in Cape Town, the final night of the tour is free for you to head out and tick off any final sights you'd like to see.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 10, Cape Town
Our tour comes to an end after breakfast and hotel check out. An included transfer takes you to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.