Around South Africa in 9 Days

Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you’ll be met by your tour representative who will transfer you to your hotel. If your room is available when you arrive, you’ll be able to check in early. Otherwise, the hotel’s reception has a secure storage facility where you can leave your bags. Dinner will be at one of the world-class restaurants on Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton City. Create a memorable moment by taking a photo of yourself standing next to the iconic statue of Nelson Mandela in Nelson Mandela Square.
Overnight:  Radisson Blu Sandton or similar

The morning is yours to rest or explore Sandton City and chose where to enjoy lunch.  After lunch you set out to hills close by where the Lesedi Cultural Village is situated. Here, members of five of the tribes that make up South Africa; Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Ndebele and Basotho will guide you through their traditional architecture, clothing, rituals and daily tribal life, as well as treat you to an impressive dance display, followed by dinner – a memorable and eclectic African feast. On return to your hotel, the evening is at leisure.
Overnight:  Radisson Blu Sandton or similar

Today, you will find yourself immersed in the sometimes sobering, yet always vibrant history of this beautiful country. One of the most poignant symbols of South African history, Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, was once a military fort and a prison. It bears testimony to the people of all ages, races, creeds and political opinions who were incarcerated within, including Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi. Now, fittingly, it’s the home of South Africa’s Constitutional Court, upholding the rights of all citizens. From here, we travel to Soweto – the South Western Townships - where over 4 million people live, many in shacks. It’s a stark contrast to Johannesburg, the City of Gold, which is home to Sandton, the richest square mile in Africa. Soweto is one of the clearest examples of the effects of apartheid. The Apartheid Museum which, through film clips, sound bites, and live accounts, documents South Africa’s fascinating, horrifying, but ultimately inspiring journey from the days of ‘White’s Only’ privilege to Nelson Mandela’s historic release from prison. After an authentic Sowetan lunch, visit Mandela House on the modest and unassuming Vilakazi Street - the only street in the world which has been home to 2 Nobel Laureates – President Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Returning to your hotel, you have the rest of the day at leisure. Transport to Sandton City is available.
Overnight:  Radisson Blu Sandton or similar

Welcome to the Kapama Private Game Reserve which will be your home for the next two nights. Nestled between the Blyde River Valley and the Kruger National Park with whom Kapama shares an unfenced border, this game reserve is home to some of the most endangered wildlife in Africa - lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard. Other, but equally fascinating wildlife, such as the shy, spiral-horned nyala, and the not-so-shy vervet monkeys are only 2 of the myriad of species that live in the environs of Kapama Private Game Reserve. It’s a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, not to mention twitchers. Apart from the four-legged creatures, there are 477 species of birds in the Greater Kruger area, from Little Grebes to Goliath Herons, Pink-backed Pelicans to Lappet Faced Vultures, as well sparrow hawks, falcons and quail. After lunch, you will have the rest of the afternoon to yourself. A delicious High Tea before your first sunset game drive is the perfect introduction to life, sophisticated and wild, at Kapama. You will have plenty of time once you return to the Lodge to freshen up before dinner.
Overnight:  Kapama River Lodge or similar

Dawn in the African bush is special. There’s something magical even about the air and the scent of the wild places. It holds a promise of something unexpected and memorable just around the corner. If you want to see African animals at their best, then early morning game drives are essential. Wildlife is most active in the cool early mornings when the dew is still on the ground. They also stir, and hunt when the hot sun is setting behind the Jackleberry trees in the late afternoons, another excellent time for a game drive. Here at Kapama, sunset game drives may, on return to the Lodge, continue into the night, under a brilliant star-studded sky. The scent of the wild deepens, overlaid by the hot perfume of dust. The sounds of game and the bush itself are more noticeable. Powerful spotlights on the vehicle are the only way to see the unusual nocturnal creatures. Creatures such as the highly endangered pangolins, arrdwolves, civets and polecats. The noisy, adorable bushbabies, or Galagos, leap long distances from branch to branch, foraging for insects. An evening spent here, where the wild things are, somehow makes an already delicious dinner that much more memorable.
Overnight:  Kapama River Lodge or similar

It’s the unexpected encounters with wild animals that make game drives so rewarding. Each one provides a lifetime of memories, plenty of photo opportunities and a deep love and appreciation for the African bush. After your sunrise game drive and breakfast, you will be taken to Hoedspruit for your flight to Cape Town. On arrival you head into Cape Town, check into your hotel then, from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (V&A), a ferry will carry you to Robben Island - a place of great historical significance in South Africa. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Robben Island has undergone many transformations in its 500-year history. One of its first and last uses was as a prison. The most famous modern-day political prisoner was Nelson Mandela, who was fighting for a new South Africa and democracy. He spent 18 of his 27-years of incarceration at Robben Island. Your guide will ensure you arrive promptly for dinner at Gold Restaurant for a 14-dish tasting menu which honors African story-telling and culinary traditions combined with modern sophistication. The dishes arrive at your table labeled by country of origin, cooking techniques and spicing.
Overnight:  The Commodore Hotel or similar

Your morning tour of the Cape Peninsula begins with a drive of never-ending breath-taking scenery along the Atlantic Seaboard, which stretches from the V&A Waterfront to Hout Bay. You journey on to Chapman's Peak for a photo-stop then take in the countryside en-route to the southern point of the Cape Peninsula. Here three promontories tower over 200 metres above the sea - Cape of Good Hope, Cape Maclear and Cape Point where you can take the Cape Point Funicular Railway up to the old lighthouse and panoramic views at the summit of Cape Point. You head back to Cape Town for lunch in the Bo-Kaap (formerly known as the Malay Quarter) where streets are lined with the much-photographed and therefore instantly recognisable multi-coloured houses. During your lunch you will witness a cooking demonstration as you enjoy the creations - samoosas, rotti's, chilli bites and local Cape Malay Curry. After lunch, visit District 6 Museum to dig deeper into the history of a community that was forcefully evicted during the Apartheid era. The tour ends with a stroll around the community to visit local stores and spice shops. Also, visiting a non-profit initiative that provides work opportunities with beading products. You will be returned to your hotel to freshen up before exploring the V&A at your leisure. And discover your restaurant of choice for dinner.
Overnight:  The Commodore Hotel or similar

In Stellenbosch, while enjoying a guided exploration of oak lined Dorp Street, its heritage buildings, museums and coffee shops - this specialized guide will pause so you can shop. The old Lutheran Church and art gallery provides a fitting backdrop to this historical lane. The views on the way to Boschendal Wine Estate are inspiring. There, your picnic lunch basket is filled with unforgettable, wholesome food; only naturally grown Estate produce and locally-made artisan goods are used. The picnic is followed by a wine tasting from the Estate's ancient cellars. The estate’s title deeds are dated 1685. Stroll the grounds or relax in the gardens before heading to Grand Provence Wine Estate for a dinner event of classic seasonal food specialities and wine pairings.
Overnight:  The Commodore Hotel or similar

Enjoy breakfast at your beautiful hotel in Cape Town. Depending on your schedule, you may want to do your final shopping, or continue exploring the Cape Town area, before being transferred to Cape Town International Airport for your flight home or onward to another adventure on your vacation.