Essence of South Africa

Visit South Africa

Day 1

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 Dinner.

Day 2

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.

Day 3

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.

Day 4

Cape Winelands and Hermanus Excursion Connect with Locals

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 for your Be My Guest experience. Connect With Locals when you meet local business owner Stefan, who will treat you to a delicious traditional braai (barbecue) featuring deliciacies 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.

Day 5

From City to Safari

This morning you’ll bid farewell to the 'Mother City' and fly to Hoedspruit where a private game reserve near South Africa's great Kruger National Park beckons.

Start your time in the South African bushveld with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience 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! Settle in to one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories, Becks Safari Lodge, your home in the bush for the next three nights.

Day 6

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.

Day 7

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.

Day 8

Journey to Johannesburg

This morning have your camera's ready for the last of your game drives before your flight to Johannesburg.

Check into your hotel in the heart of Sandton that's well located for exploring the nearby restaurants and shopping during your free evening.

Day 9

Discover Historical Soweto Dive Into Culture

Unlock the secrets of the 'city of gold' on a full-day tour.

 Dive Into Culture during a visit to the Constitutional Hill, Mandela House Museum and the Regina Mundi Church, which chronicles South Africa's tumultuous Apartheid years.

Day 10

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. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.

Dining Summary

4 Dinner (D)

9 Breakfast (B)

1 Be My Guest (BMG)

3 Lunch (L)

1 Farewell Dinner (FD)

Be My Guest

Hermanus: Join a local Hermanus business owner for a traditional braai (barbecue) and some of his homemade wine against a clifftop backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.

Dive Into Culture

Johannesburg: Learn about South Africa's turbulent past on an interactive Johannesburg and Soweto Freedom tour.

Iconic Experience

Cape Town: Spend the day discovering the wonderful views of Table Mountain.

Cape Town: Take in the landmarks of Cape Town during a city tour with your Travel Director. See the Company Gardens, Bo-Kaap and the Castle of Good Hope.

Cape Peninsula: Discover the incredible views of the Twelve Apostles.

Cape Town: Spend the day surrounded by penguins on Boulders Beach. 

Franschhoek: Take in the spectacular wine valleys of Franschhoek.

Hoedspruit: Have your camera ready to capture the beautiful scenery and fascinating wildlife on your Reserve Tour with a Shangaan tracker-guide. 

Johannesburg: Spend the day seeing the iconic sight of Mandela's house on your Johannesburg City Tour.

Karongwe Portfolio: Spend the day marvelling at Africa's iconic wildlife on your Karongwe Private Reserve Visit. 

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Hoedspruit: Support a local Shangaan village, its Eco Academy and work in the local community with your visit. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 & 15: Sustainable Cities & Communities and Life on Land. 

Must-see Highlights

Explore Cape Town and Johannesburg

Visit Table Mountain, Bo-Kaap, Cape of Good Hope, Franschhoek, Hermanus, the Karongwe Private Game Reserve, Hector Pieterson Museum in Soweto and the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg

View Boulders Beach Penguin Colony and Soweto's Mandela House

Trafalgar Difference

Hoedspruit: Your stay in Karongwe Private Game Reserve contributes to the area's environmental sustainability and community development.

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