Explore Cape Town from Table Mountain, one of Africa’s most impressive natural wonders, to the Bo-Kaap and Malay neighborhoods and Robben Island, the 17th-century prison that held Nelson Mandela. Visit the Cape of Good Hope and taste wine in the renowned Cape Winelands. Bike or stroll around Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, a delightful university town. Next stops are Knysna’s beautiful lagoon and Plettenberg Bay. Explore Tsitsikamma National Park featuring some of South Africa’s most spectacular coastal scenery before your expedition concludes in the Sabi Sands game reserve. Or continue on to Victoria Falls, one of the world’s seven natural wonders, and enjoy an Elephant Encounter and scenic Sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River.
Language
Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, English
Time Zone
GMT +2
Currency
South African Rand (ZAR)
Average Temp
63° (high)
South Africa Expedition
The New South Africa with Optional Victoria Falls Extension
Inspire Your Expedition with Our Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Arrive in Cape Town
Private transfer to hotel
Accommodations: Vineyard Hotel
Day 2 – CAPE TOWN
Full-day private tour:
- Table Mountain
- Houses of Parliament
- Castle of Good Hope
- District Six
- Greenmarket Square
- Bo-Kaap and the Malay Quarter
- Robben Island
Accommodations: Vineyard Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 – CAPE PENINSULA
Full-day private Cape Point & Peninsula tour:
- Chapman’s Peak drive
- Boulder Beach Penguin Colony
- Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve hike
- Seal Island cruise
- Kirstenbosch Gardens
Accommodations: Vineyard Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 – CAPE TOWN / WINELANDS
Full-day Winelands private tour:
- Franschhoek walking or bicycling tour with wine-tasting
- Stellenbosch walking tour with wine tasting
Accommodations: Oude Werf Country House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 – WINELANDS / GARDEN ROUTE
Morning flight to George
Tour:
- Knysna
- Knysna Heads
- Plettenberg Bay
Afternoon options:
- Whale & Dolphin watching cruise OR
- Hike in Robberg Nature Reserve
Accommodations: Periwinkle Guest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 – GARDEN ROUTE
Morning options:
- Monkeyland OR
- Coastal hike in Nature’s Valley
Afternoon visit to Tenikwa Wildlife Center
Accommodations: Periwinkle Guest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 – TSITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK
Explore Tsitsikamma National Park:
- Morning & afternoon hikes
Transfer to Port Elizabeth
Accommodations: Paxton Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Days 8-10 – GEORGE / JOHANNESBURG / SABI SANDS
Fly from George to Johannesburg
Connect with flight to Nelspruit
Transfer to your Lodge in Sabi Sands
- Morning & afternoon game drives
- Walk to nearby village to observe traditional African life
Accommodations: Arathusa Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 – SABI SANDS / JOHANNESBURG / HOMEWARD BOUND
Transfer to airport
Fly to Johannesburg
Connect with flight home
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Extension
Day 11 – SABI SANDS / JOHANNESBURG
Fly to Johannesburg
Shuttle to hotel
Accommodations: Peermont D’Oreale
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 – JOHANNESBURG / VICTORIA FALLS
Fly to Victoria Falls
Private transfer to hotel
- Private tour of the Falls
- Optional Boma Dinner
Accommodations: Victoria Falls Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13 – VICTORIA FALLS
- Morning Elephant Encounter
- Afternoon Helicopter flight
- Sundowner cruise
Accommodations: Victoria Falls Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Snacks
Day 14 – VICTORIA FALLS / JOHANNESBURG / FLIGHT HOME
Transfer to the airport
Fly from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg.
Connect with flight home
Meals: Breakfast
Starting at $6,100 per person
(two travelers, double occupancy, airfare not included)
Optional Victoria Falls Extension starting at $2,250 per person
(two travelers, double occupancy, airfare not included)
Itineraries are customized to travelers’ interests and preferences.
Final prices will vary based on dates of travel and number of travelers.
I’m so thoroughly ensconced on Cloud 9 that I can hardly function. I just look at photos and smile. And smile. The trip was absolutely superb, amazing, awesome, everything I hoped. I loved it all! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! I am so grateful to you! I know there were a million details and they all worked out just right. Where shall I go next? Actually, I want to do this all over again.
Susan B.
Charlottesville, VA
When to go:
Year-round (best times for wildlife viewing are from May to December)
What to eat:
Biltong (dried, cured meat), Cape Malay Curry (sweet & savory meats & vegetables), Malva Pudding (sweet, spongy pudding with apricot jam)
What to pack:
Neutral colored clothing: long-sleeved shirts & t-shirts, jeans, safari trousers & shorts, jackets & sweaters; swimwear; comfortable walking shoes; sunscreen, sunglasses, hat; insect repellent; camera equipment & binoculars; universal adapter
