Essence of South Africa
Starting at $3,369
Destinations & Sightseeing
Itinerary and Meals
Accomodations
800.528.9300
Bush, beach and two vibrant cities - capture the essence of South Africa on this culmination of a Cape Town to Kruger experience, including Johannesburg, the 'City of Gold'.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination Highlights:
EXPLORE Cape Town
VIEW the Castle of Good Hope, Boulder's Beach penguin colony, Mandela House in Soweto
VISIT Table Mountain, Bo-Kaap, Cape of Good Hope, Franschhoek, Bouchard Finlayson Winery, Hermanus, the Karongwe Private Game Reserve, Hector Pieterson Museum in Soweto, the Apartheid Museum
Connect with Locals in Hermanus, joining a local business owner for a traditional braai (barbecue) and some of his homemade wine against a clifftop backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. (Day 4)
Dive into Culture Hear first hand about the traditions and cultures of the Shangaan people and how their village promotes eco and wildlife education. (Day 8) Learn about South Africa's turbulent past on an interactive Johannesburg and Soweto Freedom tour. (Day 9)
Local Specialist Join an experienced tracker-guide on 4x4 safari game drives
Stays with Stories Your stay at Becks Safari Lodge in Karongwe Private Game Reserve contributes to the area's environmental sustainability and community development. (Day 5)
EXPLORE Cape Town
VIEW the Castle of Good Hope, Boulder's Beach penguin colony, Mandela House in Soweto
VISIT Table Mountain, Bo-Kaap, Cape of Good Hope, Franschhoek, Bouchard Finlayson Winery, Hermanus, the Karongwe Private Game Reserve, Hector Pieterson Museum in Soweto, the Apartheid Museum
Connect with Locals in Hermanus, joining a local business owner for a traditional braai (barbecue) and some of his homemade wine against a clifftop backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. (Day 4)
Dive into Culture Hear first hand about the traditions and cultures of the Shangaan people and how their village promotes eco and wildlife education. (Day 8) Learn about South Africa's turbulent past on an interactive Johannesburg and Soweto Freedom tour. (Day 9)
Local Specialist Join an experienced tracker-guide on 4x4 safari game drives
Stays with Stories Your stay at Becks Safari Lodge in Karongwe Private Game Reserve contributes to the area's environmental sustainability and community development. (Day 5)
First Class Travel Highlights:
Daily breakfast and up to half your evening meals
Air conditioned coach, mini coach or safari vehicle transportation
Cherry-picked hotels and lodges all tried and trusted
Optional Experiences and free time
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver, or Driver Guide
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Handcrafted Highlights
MEALS
9 breakfasts
MEALS5 lunches (including Be My Guest)
5 dinners
ITINERARY
Welcome to Cape Town
South Africa's 'Mother City' and her iconic Table Mountain extend a warm welcome as you embark on a small group journey that will reveal the highlights of South Africa. Spend the day delving into Cape Town's cosmopolitan surrounds before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception.
Table Mountain and Tour Cape Town
This morning, we encounter Table Mountain first-hand, ascending via aerial cableway to its vast flat top - a rocky wonderland of rich Cape fynbos and curious dassies (hyraxes). Peer over the bustling City Bowl and Atlantic Seaboard keeping a keen eye out for the landmarks your Travel Director will show you during this morning's city tour, including Company Gardens, Bo-Kaap and the Castle of Good Hope. The rest of the day is yours to explore Cape Town at leisure. Ramble up Bree Street to sample the city's vibrant coffee culture or take a stroll along the Sea Point promenade with the fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Consider joining our Optional Experience to explore infamous Robben Island, with your guide revealing its turbulent past and the cell where Nelson Mandela spent the majority of his prison term.
Circumnavigate the Cape Peninsula
Circumnavigate the Cape Peninsula, from trendy Camps Bay to Cape Point and back. The crashing waves of the Atlantic to your right, the rocky 12 Apostles to your left, wind your way along one of the world's most magnificent coastal roads towards the outcrop that is Africa's most extreme south-western tip. Say a quiet hello to the shy penguins of Boulders Beach, see the Cape of Good Hope and travel through charming coastal towns along the way.
Onwards to Coastal Hermanus
Venture to the town of Franschhoek and see during your orientation why it is proclaimed as one of the most beautiful wine valleys in the world. Take the scenic Franschhoek Pass to the coastal town of Hermanus, pausing en route in the scenic Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven and Earth) Valley to visit Bouchard Finlayson winery and savour some of the estate’s best wines. 'Connect With Locals' when you meet local business owner Stefan, who will treat you to a delicious traditional 'Be My Guest' braai (barbecue) featuring delicacies such as boerewors, pap and melktert. Over a glass of his homemade wine he'll share stories of his life in South Africa's whale watching capital. Return to Cape Town via a scenic driving route, arriving in the late afternoon. Enjoy your evening at leisure.
From City to Safari
This morning you'll bid farewell to the 'Mother City' and fly to Hoedspruit (flight purchased separately, not included in the trip price) where a private game reserve near South Africa's great Kruger National Park beckons. Kick back, relax and settle in to one of Trafalgar's 'Stays With Stories', Becks Safari Lodge, your home in the bush for the next three nights.
Safari in Karongwe Private Game Reserve
The action begins as we embark on an early morning game drive through Karongwe Private Reserve with a 'Local Specialist' game ranger and Shangaan tracker-guide. The rising sun awakens the birds and insects that share your journey into the bush, as you scour the dense brush for signs of the Big 5. After lunch, and time for a siesta and a swim, return to the bush for an afternoon safari drive.
Seek out the 'Big 5' Safari Animals in Karongwe
Today enjoy another full day of game drives through Karongwe Private Reserve. Continue to scour the dense brush with your Local Specialist for incredible encounters with Africa's iconic wildlife. End the day with a traditional sundowner drink overlooking the Game Reserve, keeping your eyes peeled for signs of wildlife that emerge from their cover of darkness.
Journey to Johannesburg
Our time in the South African bushveld comes to a close with a 'Dive Into Culture' visit to a local Shangaan village. Learn about the traditions and customs of the Shangaan people and how the Eco Academy there provides eco and wildlife education. The visit includes a simple meal of grilled chicken, pap, Shangaan style cabbage, and for the brave, the opportunity to try mopani worms! Fly to Johannesburg (flight purchased separately, not included in the trip price) and check into your hotel in the heart of Sandton that's well located for exploring the nearby restaurants and shopping during your free evening.
Discover Historical SOWETO
Unlock the secrets of the 'city of gold' on a full-day tour to view several iconic sites including the Regina Mundi Church and Mandela's house in Soweto. 'Dive Into Culture' during a visit to the Hector Pieterson Museum and the Apartheid Museum, which chronicles South Africa's tumultuous Apartheid years.
Farewell Johannesburg
Our epic encounter with South Africa's iconic sites comes to an end today. Transfer to Johannesburg International Airport for your onward flight.
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