South Africa Sojourn

Welcome to South Africa! Upon arrival in Cape Town, you will be met and transferred to your hotel to rest up for the adventure ahead.

Resting at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean, sandwiched between the slopes of iconic Table Mountain and the glistening sapphire waters of Table Bay, the exceptionally scenic city of Cape Town is in a class of its own.

Some cities boast rich culture, vibrant nightlife, a cosmopolitan atmosphere, and extraordinary architecture, while others boast breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary natural wonders. Cape Town is lucky enough to be blessed with all of these attractions and so much more. With its bustling harbor, world-class beaches, top-notch vineyards, and mountainous surroundings brimming with diverse flora and fauna, Cape Town consistently captivates the hearts of all who visit.

To get a feel for the thriving center of Cape Town, today is dedicated to a city tour. On this tour, you will visit many of the Cape’s top attractions, including the Castle of Good Hope, the colorful cottages of the Bo-Kaap, the bustling Green Market Square, the South African Museum, the beautiful Company’s Gardens and plenty more. If the weather allows, take the cable car up Table Mountain and enjoy stunning views of the whole peninsula.

The Cape Peninsula stretches from the city center to Cape Point, and today, it’s yours to explore. In the morning, your guide will pick you up for an awe-inspiring full-day tour venturing down to the headland known as Cape Point. You’ll see magnificent beaches, breathtaking views, and picturesque coastal villages along the way. Visit the penguins on Boulders Beach, and, if the weather allows, you could even swim with them. Arrive back at your hotel in the late afternoon.

Today is a day you won’t forget, as you spend most of it seeing the “real” Cape Town. Your tour is guided by Uthando, a local nonprofit that focuses on innovative, inspiring and well managed community development projects. Uthando offers unique and authentic philanthropic cultural tours, visiting the projects that receive funding and other forms of assistance from the organization and its benefactors. Gain insight into the remarkable stories that make life in South Africa so interesting, dynamic, and inspiring. The tours are interactive, meeting the people who benefit from the projects, learning about their work and way of life firsthand.

Later this afternoon you have free time to explore Cape Town’s Waterfront or relax at your hotel.

This morning, you will head out for wine country. Get picked up in the morning and begin your drive to the lively college town of Stellenbosch, with a stop along the way to enjoy an olive and wine tasting. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a short orientation tour, then you’ll have the afternoon to explore the town.

A blend of historical architecture, student life, epicurean delights, and oak-lined avenues, Stellenbosch is a picturesque university town surrounded by mountains and vineyards. A walking tour of the town center allows visitors to take in its beautifully preserved Cape Dutch and Victorian architecture, as well as the many enticing art galleries, craft shops, clothing boutiques, and gift stores, while foodies may prefer indulging in mouth-watering cuisine and fine wines at one of the chic restaurants or buzzing bistros. Stellenbosch is also the ideal base from which to explore the renowned local wine route, boasting a high proportion of the country’s leading wine estates.

Your guide will pick you up this morning for a tour through the wine lands. Visit the town of Franschhoek, as well as several world-famous estates. And, of course, you will get to taste many top South African wines, as well as visit hidden gems only known to locals.

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Hoedspruit. Here you are met and transferred to your lodge in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.

All along the western boundary of world-renowned Kruger National Park are private game reserves which combine with Kruger to create one of the world’s largest protected areas. These reserves offer excellent game viewing opportunities, together with the advantages of smaller, hosted accommodations and game drives. A trip to Kruger is an unforgettable and life-changing experience.

The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is home to the Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino and Elephant) as well as a wealth of other animals. You’ll spend the next two days in open vehicles, providing the perfect views of these majestic creatures. In the evenings, take in the sunsets over the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains and enjoy a delicious dinner prepared with care by the lodge chef.

This morning, head out on your final safari. Then transfer to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore.

Today is all about Johannesburg and a tour of its highlights, history and local flavors. Along the way, you’ll see the remnants of, and be able to imagine, all the turmoil the city experienced during the apartheid years.

Your tour takes you through the streets of Soweto (South Western Townships) and its adjoining suburbs. Visit the early home of Nelson Mandela (which is now the Mandela Family Museum), as well as a shebeen (typical tavern). See the Regina Mundi Catholic Church, the largest Catholic Cathedral in the Southern Hemisphere (1600 sq meters) and the venue for many illegal meetings during the struggle in South Africa. Here, one of the few Black Madonnas in the world can be seen. Finally, visit the apartheid museum to gain a more complete narrative of the nation’s recent struggles and to explore lingering questions you may have about that period for South Africa.

After a full and varied journey, your trip has come to an end. Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home at the appropriate time.

But wait! You’ve come this far, why not see more? Consider adding an extension to spectacular Victoria Falls. In addition to the tour of the falls, the African Spectacular show and a sunset cruise on the Zambezi, take advantage of the many optional activities in Victoria Falls from walking safaris to bungee jumping. Ask your Adventure Specialist for details.