South African Safari and Cape Town 15 Days
Delight in the treasures of natural beauty in the Rainbow Nation. Explore diversity, the coastal section of South Africa, Huguenot Franschoek, Coastal Cape Town, Spectacular Knysna at the Indian Ocean, penguins, an ostrich farm and enjoy a real Saffa BBQ! Take internal flights between Johannesburg to Cape Town and experience the best of both worlds. South Africa is the most developed country in Africa and would certainly be considered "First World" so you will find all of the mod cons and luxuries of home with a real feel and understanding of the earth on this fantastic journey. Think Lion King for adults, and feel free to bring the kids.
What we love about this trip is that there's nature and the Big 5, Kruger National Park, meeting the locals, understanding the various tribes and ethnic languages of South Africa, as well as exploring the more "European" imprint left on the country by Britain and the Netherlands. Understand what a Boer is, understand the fascination with Rugby and the "Springboks", understand the vast differences between wealthy and poor in a country still trying to come out of the shadow of Apartheid.
The learnings on this big journey are unparalleled and you'll come back feeling refreshed, inspired, in love with nature and with some great photos of seeing these mighty animals in their own natural environment. Book the Trip of a Lifetime, see the best of Nature and the Great Outdoors!
Itinerary and Specifics
Highlights:
- See the Big 5 up close and personal
- Understand why safari is so important to the local economy and how visiting these animals in the wild is the best way to preserve their existence as thriving species.
- Be educated on the lifecycles, social behaviour, diet, and group mentality of these fantastic creatures.
- Take some incredible pictures to show your friends and family once you return.
- Engage with the locals, they will have all the knowledge on daily life in this part of Africa.
- Try some incredible local food. South Africa is a foodie Mecca.
- Go to some of the world's best vineyards - our personal favourite is Vergelegen with it's Dutch Colonial style architecture from the early 1700s and superb scenery.
- See the beauty of Cape Town, go up on top of Table Mountain and get the famous view of the Cape - The Cape Region has double the biodiversity of all South East Asia!
- Visit the Southern Tip of the entire African Continent
- See penguins from Africa- yes Penguins in the Wild at Boulders Beach
- Visit one of our favourite places in the world - where two oceans meet - Knysna.
- Be guided by true professionals - We know some of the best guides in the world and they are fluent in at least two languages - Afrikaans and English. South Africa has ten official languages and the average person speaks 2.8 languages on a daily basis.
- Understand the tribes better - we are particularly interested in the Zulu Nation.
- Trace the footsteps and incarceration of Nelson Mandela. We will visit Robben Island where he was imprisoned for many years. The guides are former inmates, excellent experience.
- Enjoy all the luxuries and ethnicities in the cultural melting pot that is Cape Town. The food is superb, as are the markets and wood ornaments, statues, masks and bowls made by the tribal crafstpeople.
Included:
- 4 Star Accommodation on a Bed and Breakfast Basis
- Meet and Greet at Airport
- Transfers to and from hotel
- Internal flights
- Local Safari guides and driver
- Expert driver/guide
- Comfortable touring vehicle
- Local knowledge, recommendations and help with any bookings you want to make
- Porterage - 1 piece per person in and out of hotels
Not included
- Flights - purchase your own flights in and out of destination
- Gratuities minimum recommended $20 per person per day
- Lunches and Dinners - we like our guests to be able to choose their own dining options
- Any entrances to museums, attractions and concerts - most of what you're looking for will be free entrance anyway.
Itinerary
Day 1
Fly into Johannesburg, meet and greet and transfer to hotel downtown. We'll meet the local guide who'll do a local walking tour with you before explaining a little of the local culture and getting to grips with South Africa's biggest city. There are lots of great restaurants catering for every taste nearby. Jo'Burg as it's locally known is a fusion of taste, colour and sounds from all of Africa and the country's financial hub.
Day 2
Today it's a panoramic tour in the tour vehicle with local guide and the driver. You'll see the highlights of Johanessburg and we'll bring you to a restaurant you can get the best of local BBQ. South Africa is known for the best ingredients and meats you can find (they cater for vegetarians also). Tonight, enjoy some free time before we leave the city in the morning.
Day 3
Today we leave the hotel and make our way to Kruger Park for the early to mid afternoon. We're going to be here for three nights, enjoying the wildlife, cuisine, company of the guides, the rangers and staff. We're going to eat well, enjoy fantastic South African wine, take great pictures and enjoy the spectacle of seeing some of the rarest and most majestic animals on the planet, not to mention those red sunsets and orange sun-blessed horizons.
Day 4
On Safari.
Day 5
On Safari
Day 6
Today we return to Johannesburg and head directly to the airport. We fly to stunning seaside Port Elizabeth and then we're on the illustrious Garden Route with our driver and guide. Overnight in Port Elizabeth before heading out on the road tomorrow morning.
Day 7
Today we visit the Garden Route National Park and stay in Knysna, one of the most beautiful places in the world. We're going to stay in a great hotel full of character.
Day 8
Today we're over to George, Mossel Bay and an amazingly scenic drive across the heart of the country. Keep an eye out for Zebra and other wild animals. We'll stay in Hermanus tonight, right on the coast.
Day 9
Today it's Franschoek and Stellenbosch, two of the greatest wine regions in the world with stunning scenery, food and culture. These towns are incredibly idyllic and historic. We stay in Stellenbosch tonight.
Day 10
Today it's Boulders Beach for the penguins and the Cape of Good Hope for some iconic moments, We'll stay in Cape Town tonight for four nights.
Day 11
Today we're off to see the huge disparity between those who live outside the city and those who live in the city. We'll have a local guide explain the impact of Apartheid, the traditional values of some of the tribal people and taste some of their home brewed beer. This is a great experience and it helps to understand the progress made since Mandela came to power. You'll be surprised to understand that the Voodoo doctors still hold court in the Townships.
Day 12
Today is our visit to Robben Island. The prison island was where Mandela spent many years incarcerated for being opposed to the white supremacy regime of Apartheid. The guides are great here. You'll also get great pictures back towards Cape Town and Table Mountain.
Day 13
Our local guide is going to bring us on a panoramic tour - we'll stop in some of the most scenic places in Cape Town. We're also taking the gondola to the top of Table Mountain today. The flora up here is incredible, as are the views. Visit the Botanic Garden and some museums today if you like, there are some great galleries in Cape Town.
Day 14
Today you have a free morning. In the afternoon, we'll take you to some of the best places around Cape Town including coves, beaches and scenic points and we'll celebrate the end of the trip with a nice dinner.
Day 15
Depart from Cape Town International Airport to your connecting Global Dream Travel trip or home. We hope you've had the Trip of a Lifetime and enjoyed the best of South Africa.