DAY 1
ARRIVE IN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Welcome to South Africa! Arrive late in the evening and check in to your hotel.
DAY 2
CAPE TOWN
Start your PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR with a CABLE-CAR RIDE up Table Mountain (weather permitting). Here, enjoy stunning views of the city and surrounding area. Next, stop at Boulders Beach and visit a COLONY OF ENDANGERED AFRICAN PENGUINS, known for the unique sound they make. After lunch, continue on to CAPE POINT NATURE RESERVE. Stop at the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point, the southwesternmost point of the African continent, for incredible panoramic views. On your return journey, skirt the rocky coastline as you ascend Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most spectacular drives in the world, then continue through the fishing village of Hout Bay. The evening is at your leisure in Cape Town.
DAY 3
CAPE TOWN
African Shark Eco-Charters Shark Cage Diving Cape Town (add-on)
Dive with sharks off the coast of Cape Town during this small-group excursion. With an experienced captain and crew in the lead, you'll be perfectly safe and listen to guided commentary on the biology and behavior of the sharks before you get in the water. A small group makes for lots of personalized attention and an intimate atmosphere.
DAY 4
CAPE TOWN–KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA
Today, fly to the KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA and transfer to your lodge in a private game reserve. The Kruger area is famous for its abundance of wildlife, so you have a great chance to see the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. Other animals you may see include kudu, impala, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, spotted hyena, wildebeest, bushbaby, and more! This afternoon, embark on your first GAME DRIVE and stop for a SUNDOWNER DRINK as the sun sets over the bushveld.
DAYS
5-6
KRUGER AREA
Enjoy two full days of game viewing in this wondrous land. Wake up early for a MORNING GAME DRIVE in an open-air, 4-wheel-drive Land Rover. Your skilled, professional Ranger will help you learn about this special ecosystem as you view wildlife up close. After breakfast at your lodge, take advantage of free time to swim, read, or enjoy a drink at the bar. Tea will be served prior to your AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE. As the sun sets, stop for a SUNDOWNER DRINK in the bush. Return to your lodge in time to freshen up before dinner.
DAY 7
KRUGER AREA–JOHANNESBURG
Enjoy one last GAME DRIVE this morning before flying to Johannesburg. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
DAY 8
JOHANNESBURG
Today’s PRIVATE SIGHTSEEING TOUR starts with a visit to the unforgettable APARTHEID MUSEUM. Here, you will learn about the founding of South Africa before delving into the apartheid years. Continue on to SOWETO (South Western Township), the largest township in the country. You will see the Hector Pieterson Memorial, dedicated to the 12-year-old boy killed by police during a demonstration in 1976, and the neighborhood that was home to Nobel Peace Prize winners Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. Visit MANDELA HOUSE to gain perspective on life here. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before transferring back to your hotel for time at leisure.
DAY 9
JOHANNESBURG–VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE
Today, fly to Zimbabwe. Consider optional Lion Walk excursion add-on.
DAY 10
VICTORIA FALLS
Today, visit mighty VICTORIA FALLS for an awe-inspiring experience. Enjoy a PRIVATE GUIDED WALK, where you will learn the history of the falls and hear fascinating details about the surrounding flora and fauna. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. You may choose to take a helicopter ride above the falls.
DAY 11
VICTORIA FALLS–JOHANNESBURG–DEPARTURE
Your vacation ends with a flight back to Johannesburg to connect with your homebound flight. Book homebound flights after 5:30 pm.
ARRIVE IN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Welcome to South Africa! Arrive late in the evening and check in to your hotel.
DAY 2
CAPE TOWN
Start your PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR with a CABLE-CAR RIDE up Table Mountain (weather permitting). Here, enjoy stunning views of the city and surrounding area. Next, stop at Boulders Beach and visit a COLONY OF ENDANGERED AFRICAN PENGUINS, known for the unique sound they make. After lunch, continue on to CAPE POINT NATURE RESERVE. Stop at the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point, the southwesternmost point of the African continent, for incredible panoramic views. On your return journey, skirt the rocky coastline as you ascend Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most spectacular drives in the world, then continue through the fishing village of Hout Bay. The evening is at your leisure in Cape Town.
DAY 3
CAPE TOWN
African Shark Eco-Charters Shark Cage Diving Cape Town (add-on)
Dive with sharks off the coast of Cape Town during this small-group excursion. With an experienced captain and crew in the lead, you'll be perfectly safe and listen to guided commentary on the biology and behavior of the sharks before you get in the water. A small group makes for lots of personalized attention and an intimate atmosphere.
DAY 4
CAPE TOWN–KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA
Today, fly to the KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA and transfer to your lodge in a private game reserve. The Kruger area is famous for its abundance of wildlife, so you have a great chance to see the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. Other animals you may see include kudu, impala, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, spotted hyena, wildebeest, bushbaby, and more! This afternoon, embark on your first GAME DRIVE and stop for a SUNDOWNER DRINK as the sun sets over the bushveld.
DAYS
5-6
KRUGER AREA
Enjoy two full days of game viewing in this wondrous land. Wake up early for a MORNING GAME DRIVE in an open-air, 4-wheel-drive Land Rover. Your skilled, professional Ranger will help you learn about this special ecosystem as you view wildlife up close. After breakfast at your lodge, take advantage of free time to swim, read, or enjoy a drink at the bar. Tea will be served prior to your AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE. As the sun sets, stop for a SUNDOWNER DRINK in the bush. Return to your lodge in time to freshen up before dinner.
DAY 7
KRUGER AREA–JOHANNESBURG
Enjoy one last GAME DRIVE this morning before flying to Johannesburg. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
DAY 8
JOHANNESBURG
Today’s PRIVATE SIGHTSEEING TOUR starts with a visit to the unforgettable APARTHEID MUSEUM. Here, you will learn about the founding of South Africa before delving into the apartheid years. Continue on to SOWETO (South Western Township), the largest township in the country. You will see the Hector Pieterson Memorial, dedicated to the 12-year-old boy killed by police during a demonstration in 1976, and the neighborhood that was home to Nobel Peace Prize winners Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. Visit MANDELA HOUSE to gain perspective on life here. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before transferring back to your hotel for time at leisure.
DAY 9
JOHANNESBURG–VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE
Today, fly to Zimbabwe. Consider optional Lion Walk excursion add-on.
DAY 10
VICTORIA FALLS
Today, visit mighty VICTORIA FALLS for an awe-inspiring experience. Enjoy a PRIVATE GUIDED WALK, where you will learn the history of the falls and hear fascinating details about the surrounding flora and fauna. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. You may choose to take a helicopter ride above the falls.
DAY 11
VICTORIA FALLS–JOHANNESBURG–DEPARTURE
Your vacation ends with a flight back to Johannesburg to connect with your homebound flight. Book homebound flights after 5:30 pm.
The Table Bay - Cape Town (5-star)
Makali Main Lodge - Kruger National Park (4-star)
The Maslow - Johhanesburg (4-star)
Ilala Lodge - Victoria Falls (4-star)
Makali Main Lodge - Kruger National Park (4-star)
The Maslow - Johhanesburg (4-star)
Ilala Lodge - Victoria Falls (4-star)
Cape Town
July 5: Great White Shark Cage Diving from Cape Town
Duration: 8 hours
Getting into the cage with the sharks around is truly one of the most breath-taking adventure activities you will ever live to remember. When feeding actively around the boat, the sharks may occasionally brush their tail against the cage, but NEVER attack the cage. They are very curious though and often come close-up to the cage, taking a closer look at the diver. A personal, eye-to-eye encounter with this awesome animal, is guaranteed to get the adrenaline going!
July 5: Great White Shark Cage Diving from Cape Town
Duration: 8 hours
Getting into the cage with the sharks around is truly one of the most breath-taking adventure activities you will ever live to remember. When feeding actively around the boat, the sharks may occasionally brush their tail against the cage, but NEVER attack the cage. They are very curious though and often come close-up to the cage, taking a closer look at the diver. A personal, eye-to-eye encounter with this awesome animal, is guaranteed to get the adrenaline going!
JOHANNESBURG
I have never lived in Johannesburg but have visited a lot as my brother lives there. These are the places he recommends, some of which I’ve been to, but many not. He has good taste so I trust his recommendations. To all visitors, we suggest you get guidance from the hotel/B&B concierge about trips as they will advise on safe transport etc.
1. Cradle of Mankind 40 mins North JHB.
2. Apartheid Museum
3. Constitution Hill.
4. Military Museum.
5. Rosebank African Crafts Market.
6. Satyagraha House/Gandi.
7. Melville 4th Ave.
8. Lindfield Victorian House Museum.
9. Newtown & Market Theatre.
10. Origins Centre Museum.
11. Lion Park.
12. Hardebeestpoort Dam & surrounds.
13. Sun City & Pilanes-burg Game Reserve.
14. Montecasino.
15. Melrose Arch/Rosebank/Sandton City etc for shopping
16. Soweto Day Trips.
17. The Carnivore Restaurant.
18. Moyo Restarant at Melrose Arch.
19. Wandi's Resturant in Soweto
CAPE TOWN
Starting in the Southern Suburbs:
KALK BAY: A fishermen’s village with lovely independent stores, antique shops and art galleries, especially the Artvark Gallery. Satori is a wonderful local restaurant. Lekker is wonderful for coffee/croissants. The Brass Bell is a very old, well-known fish restaurant in a fantastic location enjoying crashing waves and views of the ocean. Bootleggars is a chain of coffee shops - South Africa’s version of Starbucks!
MUIZENBURG: Surfers’ paradise and great views from restaurants. On Muizenburg beach itself there are a variety of restaurants and coffee shops. Knead is great for breakfast; Tiger’s Milk is great for burgers and sandwiches; Live Bait has very good fish.
FISH HOEK: a pretty family beach suburb with lovely beach walks. Not worth walking around the main street.
SEA POINT: Mainly the Navy base in a very historic setting. Just Nuisance is a famous restaurant celebrating the life of a Navy service dog.
If you continue South through Simon's Town, you will reach the very popular huge natural penguin and "dassie" (rock rabbit) colony, BOULDERS BEACH.
CAPE POINT is further on. This is a natural reserve with beautiful views. It is not the actual Southernmost tip of Africa; this is at Cape Agulhas.
Travelling North from Cape Point on the west coast you reach NOORDHOEK BEACH. Noordhoek is a particularly unspoilt and quiet part of the Cape peninsula and the beach is wide and VERY long. The Farm Village is in a pretty outdoor setting and has many shops selling South African goods and restaurants.
CONSTANTIA is a really beautiful area with plenty of Cape Dutch architecture. Constantia Village is an upmarket shopping mall with a number of restaurants to choose from. Tasha's is a fantastic place for any meal, and has an outdoor terrace looking over at Table Mountain. But if you’re in Constantia, I would rather recommend the wine farms which are far more beautiful than the shopping mall.
- If you need lunch/a drink, the Alphen hotel is lovely and in beautiful grounds with a few different wine, tea and lunch venues to choose from.
- Jonkershuis restaurant at Groot Constantia is a very popular and famous location being the oldest wine farm in South Africa and the original home of Simon van der Stel - it borders wine farms and looks out towards False Bay. (And where I had my wedding reception J ). You can sit outside under the trees looking out onto the vineyards. They serve Cape Malay style food as well as other traditional food plus do wine-tastings in one of the cellars. There is also a museum on the premises.
- Klein Constantia and picnics at Buitenverwachting are other options in the area. They often do champagne picnics under the trees.
- One of my favourite places for breakfast under the oak trees is at High Constantia Centre. There are a variety of restaurants to choose from and even just a coffee outside is beautiful and peaceful.
If going over CONSTANTIA NEK there is a whole new development halfway up the mountain. I loved La Parada for breakfast outdoors or tapas and roaring fires at night.
KIRSTENBOSCH BOTANICAL gardens offer spectacular views of Table Mountain and you’ll hopefully spot some of the beautiful humming birds and other wildlife too. The Boomslang walkway is a new meandering path through the treetops.
- *Summer only I think: On Sunday evenings, there are (should be) the Appletiser Sunset concerts in the gardens. Hundreds of people take picnics and wine and sit on the grass.
TABLE MOUNTAIN by cable car is an amazing experience, as long as there are no clouds!
HOUT BAY - this is a beautiful fishing village. It’s wonderful going to the actual harbour where the Fisherman’s Wharf serve takeaway fish and chips etc, with a fancier restaurant upstairs. There are seals that come up onto the jetty and plenty of fishing activity. Chapmans' Peak hotel is a very old fish restaurant with fireplaces and views of the ocean. There has sadly been a lot more unrest here in recent years due to a settlement springing up next to the existing residential area, a fire that destroyed many of the housing structures, and general frustration with living conditions. One can observe a lot even just by driving through. On Friday nights there is a market with food and music – I’ll try to find the name for you.
LLANDUDNO beach is one of the most beautiful unspoilt beaches. It nestles at the bottom of spectacular houses and is fairly small and secluded. Freezing water but people do swim!
The Twelve Apostles and Spa on the way to Camps Bay has an outdoor patio with sweeping views of the ocean and perfect for “sundowners” (South Africans love having a glass of wine watching the sun set).
CAMPS BAY area is very much a beach, bar and restaurant location. It is a beautiful beach but in recent years, one is harassed more by vendors.
The four CLIFTON beaches are beautiful and very much part of Capetonians’ lives.
I believe the CITY BOWL has been rejuvenated and offers much in the way of historic buildings and architecture. Long Street, De Waterkant, Greenmarket Square are all good places. This is next to District Six and also where there are many colourful Cape Malay houses.
SEA POINT has also undergone a transformation in recent years. You can walk along the promenade and it is very close to the Waterfront. There is also a food market there at night with great music – will again get the name for you.
The V&A Waterfront is obviously very popular with tourists but definitely worth going to even if just to wander around listening to the lively African music bands and looking at the harbour. There are so many restaurants and coffee shops, I’d recommend taking your time choosing one! Gorgeous views of Table Mountain at night or during the day.
The NORTHERN SUBURBS are newer, more residential and not necessarily worth a trip. This is the location for Koeberg nuclear power station and the Canal Walk (really just a huge shopping mall). Bloubergstrand is the one place that you could visit for windswept beaches, your typical view of Table Mountain with ocean in front, and really picture perect photos of Cape Town.
Further afield:
- Gansbaai offers shark viewing and speedboat trips.
- The Stellenbosch wine route is lovely. You could drive to Somerset West and take the R44 towards Stellensbosch and just stop all along the
way. Gorgeous scenery which gets better with each new wine tasting!
- Franschoek is the French Huguenot area that has some of the best restaurants in South Africa fabulous smart restaurants and incredible views of mountains and vineyards.
I have never lived in Johannesburg but have visited a lot as my brother lives there. These are the places he recommends, some of which I’ve been to, but many not. He has good taste so I trust his recommendations. To all visitors, we suggest you get guidance from the hotel/B&B concierge about trips as they will advise on safe transport etc.
1. Cradle of Mankind 40 mins North JHB.
2. Apartheid Museum
3. Constitution Hill.
4. Military Museum.
5. Rosebank African Crafts Market.
6. Satyagraha House/Gandi.
7. Melville 4th Ave.
8. Lindfield Victorian House Museum.
9. Newtown & Market Theatre.
10. Origins Centre Museum.
11. Lion Park.
12. Hardebeestpoort Dam & surrounds.
13. Sun City & Pilanes-burg Game Reserve.
14. Montecasino.
15. Melrose Arch/Rosebank/Sandton City etc for shopping
16. Soweto Day Trips.
17. The Carnivore Restaurant.
18. Moyo Restarant at Melrose Arch.
19. Wandi's Resturant in Soweto
CAPE TOWN
Starting in the Southern Suburbs:
KALK BAY: A fishermen’s village with lovely independent stores, antique shops and art galleries, especially the Artvark Gallery. Satori is a wonderful local restaurant. Lekker is wonderful for coffee/croissants. The Brass Bell is a very old, well-known fish restaurant in a fantastic location enjoying crashing waves and views of the ocean. Bootleggars is a chain of coffee shops - South Africa’s version of Starbucks!
MUIZENBURG: Surfers’ paradise and great views from restaurants. On Muizenburg beach itself there are a variety of restaurants and coffee shops. Knead is great for breakfast; Tiger’s Milk is great for burgers and sandwiches; Live Bait has very good fish.
FISH HOEK: a pretty family beach suburb with lovely beach walks. Not worth walking around the main street.
SEA POINT: Mainly the Navy base in a very historic setting. Just Nuisance is a famous restaurant celebrating the life of a Navy service dog.
If you continue South through Simon's Town, you will reach the very popular huge natural penguin and "dassie" (rock rabbit) colony, BOULDERS BEACH.
CAPE POINT is further on. This is a natural reserve with beautiful views. It is not the actual Southernmost tip of Africa; this is at Cape Agulhas.
Travelling North from Cape Point on the west coast you reach NOORDHOEK BEACH. Noordhoek is a particularly unspoilt and quiet part of the Cape peninsula and the beach is wide and VERY long. The Farm Village is in a pretty outdoor setting and has many shops selling South African goods and restaurants.
CONSTANTIA is a really beautiful area with plenty of Cape Dutch architecture. Constantia Village is an upmarket shopping mall with a number of restaurants to choose from. Tasha's is a fantastic place for any meal, and has an outdoor terrace looking over at Table Mountain. But if you’re in Constantia, I would rather recommend the wine farms which are far more beautiful than the shopping mall.
- If you need lunch/a drink, the Alphen hotel is lovely and in beautiful grounds with a few different wine, tea and lunch venues to choose from.
- Jonkershuis restaurant at Groot Constantia is a very popular and famous location being the oldest wine farm in South Africa and the original home of Simon van der Stel - it borders wine farms and looks out towards False Bay. (And where I had my wedding reception J ). You can sit outside under the trees looking out onto the vineyards. They serve Cape Malay style food as well as other traditional food plus do wine-tastings in one of the cellars. There is also a museum on the premises.
- Klein Constantia and picnics at Buitenverwachting are other options in the area. They often do champagne picnics under the trees.
- One of my favourite places for breakfast under the oak trees is at High Constantia Centre. There are a variety of restaurants to choose from and even just a coffee outside is beautiful and peaceful.
If going over CONSTANTIA NEK there is a whole new development halfway up the mountain. I loved La Parada for breakfast outdoors or tapas and roaring fires at night.
KIRSTENBOSCH BOTANICAL gardens offer spectacular views of Table Mountain and you’ll hopefully spot some of the beautiful humming birds and other wildlife too. The Boomslang walkway is a new meandering path through the treetops.
- *Summer only I think: On Sunday evenings, there are (should be) the Appletiser Sunset concerts in the gardens. Hundreds of people take picnics and wine and sit on the grass.
TABLE MOUNTAIN by cable car is an amazing experience, as long as there are no clouds!
HOUT BAY - this is a beautiful fishing village. It’s wonderful going to the actual harbour where the Fisherman’s Wharf serve takeaway fish and chips etc, with a fancier restaurant upstairs. There are seals that come up onto the jetty and plenty of fishing activity. Chapmans' Peak hotel is a very old fish restaurant with fireplaces and views of the ocean. There has sadly been a lot more unrest here in recent years due to a settlement springing up next to the existing residential area, a fire that destroyed many of the housing structures, and general frustration with living conditions. One can observe a lot even just by driving through. On Friday nights there is a market with food and music – I’ll try to find the name for you.
LLANDUDNO beach is one of the most beautiful unspoilt beaches. It nestles at the bottom of spectacular houses and is fairly small and secluded. Freezing water but people do swim!
The Twelve Apostles and Spa on the way to Camps Bay has an outdoor patio with sweeping views of the ocean and perfect for “sundowners” (South Africans love having a glass of wine watching the sun set).
CAMPS BAY area is very much a beach, bar and restaurant location. It is a beautiful beach but in recent years, one is harassed more by vendors.
The four CLIFTON beaches are beautiful and very much part of Capetonians’ lives.
I believe the CITY BOWL has been rejuvenated and offers much in the way of historic buildings and architecture. Long Street, De Waterkant, Greenmarket Square are all good places. This is next to District Six and also where there are many colourful Cape Malay houses.
SEA POINT has also undergone a transformation in recent years. You can walk along the promenade and it is very close to the Waterfront. There is also a food market there at night with great music – will again get the name for you.
The V&A Waterfront is obviously very popular with tourists but definitely worth going to even if just to wander around listening to the lively African music bands and looking at the harbour. There are so many restaurants and coffee shops, I’d recommend taking your time choosing one! Gorgeous views of Table Mountain at night or during the day.
The NORTHERN SUBURBS are newer, more residential and not necessarily worth a trip. This is the location for Koeberg nuclear power station and the Canal Walk (really just a huge shopping mall). Bloubergstrand is the one place that you could visit for windswept beaches, your typical view of Table Mountain with ocean in front, and really picture perect photos of Cape Town.
Further afield:
- Gansbaai offers shark viewing and speedboat trips.
- The Stellenbosch wine route is lovely. You could drive to Somerset West and take the R44 towards Stellensbosch and just stop all along the
way. Gorgeous scenery which gets better with each new wine tasting!
- Franschoek is the French Huguenot area that has some of the best restaurants in South Africa fabulous smart restaurants and incredible views of mountains and vineyards.