Arrival in Cape Town
Welcome to South Africa. Upon arrival in Cape Town, a local representative will be waiting for you at the airport. You’ll transfer to your hotel, located in the lively Green Point suburb. This will be your base for the next four nights. The afternoon is free to relax in the pool or take a stroll along the V&A Waterfront which is within easy reach or get to know your surroundings on an optional city walking tour or dramatic sunset cruise. Overnight at Garden Court Victoria Junction.
Things to do:
Garden Court Victoria Junction: Green Point's urban chic destination
The cool factor of Cape Cadogan
Discover Cape Town on foot
The sunset Cape Town cruise
Discover Cape Town’s history through food
Cape Town
Set dramatically beneath iconic Table Mountain, Cape Town effortlessly blends modern city life with spectacular scenery and outdoor living. Here you’ll experience a vibrant fusion of Dutch, French, English, Xhosa, Malay and Afrikaner cultures, and be greeted as a friend rather than a traveller. Let your exploration be steered by your own personal interests, from extraordinary art galleries to eye-opening museums, from coffee shops to local microbreweries. Choose from a wealth of local optional experiences, like the My Cape Town City Tour or don retro leather jackets, goggles, bandanas and helmets to whizz along the Cape Peninsula in a 1950’s sidecar. For the ultimate overview of the city, take to the skies on the Three Bays helicopter tour. Overnight at Garden Court Victoria Junction.
Things to do:
Garden Court Victoria Junction: Green Point's urban chic destination
Mount Nelson: lose yourself in an oasis in the lee of Table Mountain
Explore the Cape Peninsula by sidecar
Soar above the Atlantic Seaboard in a helicopter
My Cape Town: explore with a local
Cape Town
Today, continue to soak up the lively local scene. Either in the city itself or take a short bus or taxi ride along the sensational coastline where you’ll find some of the best beaches in the world. Try Camps’ Bay for people watching, Clifton’s tiny 1st to 4th numbered beaches or Muizenberg for a surfing vibe. The optional My Cape Peninsula tour offers an unrivalled coastal overview, including Cape Point and Chapman’s Peak Drive. Or dig deeper into the regions culture and history on the optional Walk to Freedom tour, exploring the local township communities and visiting Nelson Mandela’s former prison cell on Robben Island. The historic Company Gardens or Kirstenbosch Botanical gardens are also a highlight for many guests. Overnight at Garden Court Victoria Junction.
Things to do:
Garden Court Victoria Junction: Green Point's urban chic destination
Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa: views from mountain to sea, sunrise to sunset
Visit townships and Robben Island on the Walk to Freedom
My Cape Peninsula: coastal views and penguin encounters
Cape Town
Make the most of your final full day in Cape Town on an optional hike to the vast summit plateau of Table Mountain with your own experienced nature guide. You’ll learn about the flora, fauna, and geology while enjoying spectacular views over the city. It’s incredible to experience such raw nature so close to a large urban area. If two wheels (or two glasses!) is more your thing, then head to nearby Constantia to explore South Africa’s oldest wine region on an optional scenic cycle ride. You’ll visit at least three boutique vineyards and taste award-winning wines en route. Back in the city itself, the Malay Quarter of Bo-Kaap is great for sampling local cuisine amongst brightly painted houses, while at the V&A Waterfront you’ll find the Two Ocean’s Aquarium, street performers, a vast choice of restaurants and unlimited retail therapy! Overnight at Garden Court Victoria Junction.
Things to do:
Garden Court Victoria Junction: Green Point's urban chic destination
The Silo hotel: a celebration of art, architecture and design
Cycle through the Constantia Winelands
Hike mighty Table Mountain
Cape Town & Eastern Cape Game Reserve
After breakfast, fly to Port Elizabeth for the start of your safari adventure. You’ll spend the next 3 nights at the Kariega Game Reserve, perfectly positioned overlooking the Bushman’s River. From here you can enjoy twice-daily game drives in search of the Big Five on an 11,500-hectare private reserve. Guided bush walks are also available, as well as fishing and canoeing trips and relaxing spa treatments back at the lodge. Overnight at Kariega Game Reserve Main Lodge.
Things to do:
Family-friendly safaris at Kariega Game Reserve's Main Lodge
Safari and beach from River Lodge at Kariega Game Reserve
Experience the romance of Africa at Ukhozi Lodge, Kariega Game Reserve
Tented luxury at Settlers Drift, Kariega Game Reserve
Eastern Cape Game Reserve
Today head into the reserve accompanied by skilled local rangers for early morning and late afternoon game drives. In addition to the Big Five, Kariega is also home to many other species including zebra, hippo, kudu, wildebeest and hyena. There are also plenty of birds to identify with - around 350 different species inhabiting the reserve. As well as the impressive wildlife, the landscape is both beautiful and fascinating in equal measures. You’ll explore 5 different eco-systems, namely valley bushveld, savannah grasslands, fynbos, riverine forests and acacia woodland. Between game drives there’s time to enjoy lunch and relax back at the lodge. Overnight at Kariega Game Reserve Main Lodge.
Things to do:
Family-friendly safaris at Kariega Game Reserve's Main Lodge
On safari at Kariega Game Reserve
Learn about rhino conservation at Kariega Game Reserve
Eastern Cape Game Reserve
Enjoy a morning boat cruise along the Bushman’s or Kariega Rivers. This tranquil experience is a great way to observe wildlife from an entirely different perspective. Local bird life is prolific with colourful kingfishers and cormorants often seen perched on the riverbanks, and fish eagles gliding over the water. If you enjoy exploring at your own pace, you’re also welcome to take a canoe for a leisurely paddle along the river. Later in the day, once the temperature cools, head into the bush on foot for a guided walking safari. As well as the opportunity for wildlife sightings, you’ll identify paw prints, bird calls and learn the intricate technique of animal tracking. You’ll return to camp in time for relaxing sundowners and dinners under the stars. Overnight at Kariega Game Reserve Main Lodge.
Things to do:
Family-friendly safaris at Kariega Game Reserve's Main Lodge
Bush walks and boat cruising at Kariega Game Reserve
Capture the moment on a photographic safari at Kariega Game Reserve
Eastern Cape Game Reserve & Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Port Elizabeth then fly to either Cape Town or Johannesburg for your return flight to the UK or onward travel.
Another stop?
We recommend finishing your African adventure in relaxing fashion, with a beach stay in Mozambique or Mauritius.
Extensions
Machangulo Beach Lodge: a little piece of paradise
Snorkel Indian Ocean reefs from Machangulo Beach Lodge
