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
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
DAY 6
DAY 7
DAYS 8–9
DAY 10
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
3 days from $2,295 per person
Single Supplement from $1,595 per person
Take advantage of an incredible opportunity to spend two nights in Dubai before or after your journey.
Accommodations:
Taj Dubai from $2,295 | Single Supplement from $1,595
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai from $3,195 | Single Supplement from $2,495
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach from $3,295 | Single Supplement from $2,695
International air not included.
3 DAYS
Fly to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and check in to your luxury hotel. Discover the best of this dazzling city, viewing its remarkable architecture; visiting the Spice Market and the colorful shops at Deira Gold Souk; and ascending the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper. On the last day, continue on to your journey or board your flight home.
Taj Dubai
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Day 2); Breakfast (Day 3)
Cape Grace Hotel
Grootbos Forest Lodge
Thornybush Game Lodge
