Overview
Relish 15 days in South Africa with this itinerary. Arrive in Cape Town and roam through the city’s outlying scenic real estate to discover rocky coastlines and a rich cultural and culinary scene. Ramble over to Franschhoek to revel in the area’s renowned wine scene, then to Johannesburg to learn about the area’s racial history. A safari through Kruger National Park will reveal the wildlife of the region before you round back down to Thonga Beach Lodge to bask in the radiant coastal sunshine.
Highlights
- Gaze out at Cape Town from atop Table Mountain
- Sample the vintages of the Cape Winelands
- Soar in a hot air balloon over Cradle of Humankind
- Search for the Big 5 on a safari in Kruger National Park
- Catch some sun or sea kayak at the Thonga Beach Lodge
Itinerary
Day 1 :
Arrive in Cape Town, City Tour & Table Mountain
Welcome to South Africa! Arrive at Cape Town International Airport and transfer to your accommodation to unpack and unwind. After you settle in, spend the rest of your day exploring the city.
Meet your local guide in the city center for a 4-hour walking tour of the historic city. Stops include the Company's Garden, Parliament, Green Market Square, The Castle of Good Hope, and the Slave Lodge.
Stop for lunch in the city center, then take a hop-on-hop-off bus tour to Table Mountain. Take the cable car to the summit for spectacular views of the city, mountains, and ocean.
Return to Cape Town for dinner at the bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
Day 2 :
Atlantic Seaboard, Cape Peninsula, & Wine Tasting
Hit the road with your guide for a full-day Cape Peninsula Tour. Stops include Cape Point Nature Reserve, Cape of Good Hope, and the lighthouse.
Visit Simons Town to see the penguin colony and have lunch at a local seafood restaurant.
In the afternoon, head to the Constantia Winelands district for a South African wine tasting before returning to the city for dinner.
Day 3 :
Shark Cage Diving Adventure
Get an early start for a full-day shark diving adventure in Kleinbaai. No previous diving experience is necessary.
Spend about two hours anchored near Dyer Island, diving to see great white sharks from the safety of a shark-proof cage.
Return to Cape Town in the evening.
Day 4 :
Cheese, Wine, & Chocolate Tour in Winelands
Start your day with a drive to the Fairview Winery for a wine and goat cheese tasting.
Head to the Tokara winery in Stellenbosch for more wine tasting, followed by a visit to Bilton for a wine and chocolate pairing.
Spend the night in Franschhoek.
Day 5 :
Free Day in Franschhoek
Spend the day exploring Franschhoek. Options include touring wine cellars, visiting art galleries, relaxing at a spa, shopping for gifts, or renting a bicycle.
Take a ride on the Franschhoek Wine Tram for a unique wine tasting experience.
Day 6 :
Winelands to Johannesburg via Cape Town, Soweto Tour
Transfer back to Cape Town International Airport for your flight to Johannesburg.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided Johannesburg and Soweto Tour, including visits to the Hector Pieterson Memorial, Vilakazi Street, the Nelson Mandela Museum, and the Kliptown Youth Program.
Day 7 :
Hot Air Balloon Flight & Johannesburg City Tour
Get a pre-dawn start for a hot air balloon flight over the Magaliesberg Region.
After landing, enjoy breakfast and then a guided city tour of Johannesburg, including visits to Constitution Hill, the Carlton Center, and the Museum Africa.
Day 8 :
Johannesburg to Kruger, Big 5 Night Drive
Head to the Greater Kruger National Park, either by flying, shuttle, or driving yourself.
Arrive at your lodge and relax before an evening game drive in an open Land Cruiser.
Day 9 :
Transfer from Safari Lodge to Bush Camp
Enjoy a morning game drive and brunch, then transfer to your safari camp in an open 4x4 vehicle.
After tea time, head out for an introductory bush walk with your guide, followed by sundowners and a short night drive.
Day 10 :
Safari Camp, Bush Walk
Start your day with a safari walk to see African wildlife up close.
Return to camp for brunch and relax during the heat of the day.
In the afternoon, enjoy another game drive and a short walk, followed by sundowners and dinner at camp.
Day 11 :
Transfer from Safari to Thonga Beach Lodge
After a morning bush walk and brunch, catch a charter flight to Mazengwenya Airstrip, then take a 4x4 ride to Thonga Beach Lodge.
Relax and enjoy the beach, spa, and evening dinner under the stars.
Day 12 :
Thonga Activities: SCUBA, Snorkeling, & Sea Turtles
Spend the next few days enjoying SCUBA diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, cultural tours, nature walks, and spa treatments
Day 13 :
Thonga Activities: SCUBA, Snorkeling, & Sea Turtles
Spend the next few days enjoying SCUBA diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, cultural tours, nature walks, and spa treatments
Day 14 :
Thonga Activities: SCUBA, Snorkeling, & Sea Turtles
Spend the next few days enjoying SCUBA diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, cultural tours, nature walks, and spa treatments
Day 15 :
Transfer to Johannesburg from Thonga, Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Richards Bay Airport for your flight back to Johannesburg, then catch your connecting flight back home. Safe travels!