Cape Town and Kruger National Park Safari

We’ll meet at the Oliver Tambo Airport in Johannesburg and head northeast via the Panorama Route through the Mpumalanga province. We’ll stop along the way to explore geological wonders such as the Lisbon Falls, and the Three Rondavels, before lunching at the magnificent Graskop Gorge Lift.

We’ll arrive at the beautiful Cape Vulture Lodge located within the Cape Vulture Conservancy, home to 728 breeding pairs of these endangered birds. Nesting on the cliffs of the Northern Drakensberg Escarpment you will see them soaring effortlessly above your tented suite.
Accommodation: Cape Vulture Lodge, Limpopo Province
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we hike the world’s largest green canyon, which spans 16 miles (26 kilometers) and reaches depths of 2,625 feet (800 meters). First stop is a visit to the 1,800 hectare (4,448-acre) Cape Vulture Conservancy. Here you’ll see a variety of plains game, stunning flora, impressive rock formations and a dazzling array of birdlife. Then onto our half-day hike of the Blyde River Canyon situated under the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains.

The hike finishes with a harvest table lunch set in a private garden with spectacular views of the mountains and citrus fruits growing all around.

Then it’s back to the luxurious lodge to relax, take a dip in the pool and enjoy the beautiful facilities and surroundings.
Accommodation: Cape Vulture Lodge, Limpopo Province
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cape Vultures Conservancy Hike: 6.2 miles (10 kilometers), 1-1.5 hours, (guests can stop at any time should they wish to)
Blyde River Canyon Hike: 1.3 miles (2.1 kilometers), 1-1.5 hours

Enjoy a relaxing morning before heading to the south-western region of Kruger National Park. Located in the land known as Mpumalanga (Zulu for “the sun rises”), this is one of the most beautiful provinces in South Africa, with spectacular canyons, pristine rivers, waterfalled mountains, and impressive caves to explore.

We will stay in the Skukuza Safari Lodge, where you can step out onto your private patio from your room and immerse yourself in the serene melodies of birdcalls, the gentle afternoon breeze, and the enchanting sounds of wildlife. After a preview of what’s to come in the days ahead, we’ll head back to freshen up before dinner, and enjoy a sundowner in great company around the fire pit.

Rest up tonight – your first morning game drive is tomorrow!
Accommodation: Mdluli Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your morning at sunrise with an invigorating cup of coffee and light snack, before setting off on our first morning game drive. Today’s game drive takes us through the Kruger National Park in search of the ‘Big 5’ and all the other animals who call this area home. Our knowledgeable local guides are experts at deciding which areas of the wilderness to focus our attention on, and at which times of the day all with the utmost safety in mind.

We’ll return to the lodge for breakfast, followed by a few hours of free time. We’ll then regroup for a late lunch before heading back out for another afternoon game drive, extending into the early evening – a great time to see some of the big cats as they start their nightly prowl.

A traditional dinner awaits you on your return, before sleeping under the stars.
Accommodation: Mdluli Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Another morning game driving awaits us today! Your guides may head back to areas where you encountered animals yesterday, or you may explore new areas. The day will run similarly to yesterday, with an early start, coffee, and a light snack, before heading out to look for the early risers. Lions are most active in the early morning and at sunset, as they rest for up to 20 hours per day!

You’ll head back to the lodge for breakfast, some leisurely relaxation time, and lunch before heading back out to explore the area one last time.

We’ll have a stop for sundowners and snacks before heading back to the lodge for a hot shower, and our final delicious dinner together before we head to the city tomorrow!
Accommodation: Mdluli Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an early breakfast it will be time to say farewell to the savannah and transfer to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport for your flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, and the afternoon is yours to explore the city the New York Times voted the best place in the world to visit!

Tomorrow starts with a tour of the city, so you can choose to just take it easy this afternoon in a cafe or at your hotel, before re-grouping for dinner at Bilboa Restaurant, beautifully situated overlooking Camps Bay and out to the Atlantic Ocean.
Accommodation: City Lodge Hotel V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you’ll embark on a walking tour highlighting the dramatic history of Cape Town. You’ll visit the bustling streets of old buildings and squares, learn about the story of Dutch and British rule, slavery and apartheid, and freedom and democracy. City tour highlights include the Adderley Street Flower Market, the Castle of Good Hope, Bo-Kaap (Malay Quarter), and the Slavery Precinct.

You’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch by the waterfront, before heading to iconic Table Mountain, where you’ll ascend by cable car - or on a guided hike - offering brilliant views out over Cape Town, to the 12 Apostles. There’s the option to continue hiking to the highest point before coming down by cable car, enjoying 360-degree views on the way.

We’ll conclude the day with a 14-course ‘taste safari’ gourmet dinner at GOLD Restaurant, which will take you on a culinary voyage from Table Mountain to Timbuktu. Enjoy interactive traditional entertainment while you dine.
Accommodation: City Lodge Hotel V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Optional Table Mountain Hike: 3.7 miles (6 kilometers), 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,625 feets (800 meter) ascent 
Jeep track, single rocky track, stone steps, ladders

After breakfast, we’ll drive two hours to Franschhoek, a charming French picture-perfect town founded in the late 1600s, where cheese factories, art galleries and wine estates abound. From here you’ll set off on a leisurely cycling tour through the scenic back roads of the Cape Winelands, indulging in a bit of wine tasting along the way. Surrounded by the dramatic Groot Drakenstein Mountains, you will cycle past the internationally acclaimed wine estates of La Motte, Moreson, and Graham Beck.

After the bike ride there’ll be time for a refreshing swim at the hotel pool, before heading back to town for a group dinner at Rueben’s, an exquisite glass-fronted eatery with a sophisticated dining menu. Franschhoek is the culinary capital of South Africa - enjoy finding out why over tonight’s dinner!
Accommodation: Protea Hotel Franschhoek, Franschhoek

Biking: 11 miles (18 kilometers), 2-3 hours 

This morning you’ll head to Stellenbosch to walk the town on a half day ‘foodie tour,’ exploring all the famous cafes, art galleries, historical sites and other delights that make this town so special. In addition to its international wine reputation, Stellenbosch is also home to curated, public art exhibitions.

During our leisurely walk you’ll get an insider’s perspective with an expert guide, savoring the handiwork of passionate food artisans, and celebrated artists in the outdoor art exhibition. Here you’ll indulge in an award-winning gin experience with light snacks, sample fine Stellenbosch craft beers with flavorful bites, enjoy local produce served with artisan bread, and sip a liquid ‘dessert’ at an innovative coffee laboratory.

We’ll return to Franschhoek, and the afternoon is yours to explore. Our last dinner together tonight will be at the Grande Provence Restaurant, situated on one of the most beautiful heritage estates in Franschhoek.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel Franschhoek, Franschhoek
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sadly, our last day is already here, so following breakfast you will be transferred to Cape Town International Airport to say farewell (“Hamba Kahle” in Zulu) to your group companions and guide. You’ll go home with amazing safari stories to tell, and undoubtedly hundreds of incredible pictures to share.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast