Essential South Africa

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Day 1

    

Cape Town

Day notes

On arrival in Cape Town you will be met by your driver for the short transfer to your hotel. Settle into your hotel and relax after your flight.

Check-in to Protea Hotel Fire & Ice by Marriott Cape Town

Transfer from Cape Town International Airport [CPT] to Protea Hotel Fire & Ice by Marriott Cape Town

Details  
Mode

Transfer

Pick up

Cape Town International Airport [CPT]

Drop off

Protea Hotel Fire & Ice by Marriott Cape Town

Day 2

    

Cape Town

Day notes

After breakfast you will be met by your local English speaking driver-guide for your full day tour of the Cape Peninsula. The tour takes you out of the city along the Atlantic seaboard to the fishing port of Hout Bay, where you can partake in an optional boat excursion to Seal Island to view a colony of Cape Fur Seals. From Hout Bay continue over Chapman's Peak Drive (weather conditions permitting) to the Cape Point Nature reserve, the south-western most tip of Africa. Here you will have time to explore the awe-inspiring scenery from all the vantage points, as well as the opportunity to visit the Cape of Good Hope. You will have time for lunch (for your own account) before starting the return journey to the city. En route you will have the possibility for an optional visit to the penguin colony on Boulder's Beach before visiting the naval town of Simon's Town. Your last stop of the day will be the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Leaving the gardens you will return to the city.

Day 3

    

Cape Town

Day notes

Today depart on the thrill of all thrills...a trip to see the Great White! Seeing the greatest and one of the oldest animals on the planet is truly a unique, awe-inspiring and a humbling experience. Most people arrive with fear and trepidation and leave with admiration and a newfound respect for these majestic animals. Experience the thrill of being underwater and surrounded by Great White Sharks! Feel the exposure of free diving while remaining safe inside the cage, or participate from the boat and see the Great White Shark in all its magnificence. Trips are weather dependent, last approximately 4 hours and your launch time will be confirmed well in advance of your trip.

Day 4

    

Cape Town

Day notes

After breakfast your local English-speaking driver-guide will meet you at the hotel for a tour of the Cape wine region. We will depart from the hotel and head north to Paarl. Our first stop is for our morning wine tasting at Nelsons Creek Estate. After a tour through their cellars, there is a chance to sample some of their local wines as well as a cheese tasting. A brief city tour of Paarl follows, before we make our way to Franschhoek with a photo stop at the Groot Drakenstein Prison where Nelson Mandela was released in 1990. This little village nestled amongst the mountains, can easily be mistaken for a little Switzerland. After a short tour of the town, a second wine tasting will be enjoyed in Franschhoek followed by a lunch stop and perhaps a chance to savor some of the fresh trout for which Franschhoek is renowned. After lunch the tour continues to the university town of Stellenbosch. It is easy to understand why Simon van der Stel decided to settle a village amongst the mountains. The backdrop of the Hottentots Holland Mountains, the white gabled Cape Dutch homesteads and the oak lined streets and lanes all blend in to give this place a charm that will not be quickly forgotten. Time permitting we will include a third and final wine tasting. Then we set off for our return to the Mother City. Rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

Day 5

    

Sabi Sand Nature Reserve

Day notes

After breakfast you will be met for your transfer to the Cape Town Airport. You will be met on arrival at Skukuza Airport and transferred by road to your lodge situated in the Sabi Sands Reserve. Time permitting you can partake in an afternoon safari in open game vehicles, or just relax and experience African hospitality at its finest.

Check-out from Protea Hotel Fire & Ice by Marriott Cape Town

Check-in to Savanna Private Game Reserve

Transfer from Protea Hotel Fire & Ice by Marriott Cape Town to Cape Town International Airport [CPT]

Details  
Mode

Transfer

Pick up

Protea Hotel Fire & Ice by Marriott Cape Town

Drop off

Cape Town International Airport [CPT]

Scheduled Flight from Cape Town International Airport [CPT] to Skukuza Airport

Details  
Mode

Scheduled Flight

Departure

Cape Town International Airport [CPT]

Arrival

Skukuza Airport

Transfer from Skukuza Airport to Savanna Private Game Reserve

Details  
Mode

Transfer

Pick up

Skukuza Airport

Drop off

Savanna Private Game Reserve

Day 6

    

Sabi Sand Nature Reserve

Day notes

Enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives with experienced game rangers and trackers. Game drives are undertaken at the coolest times of the day to avoid the harsh African sun where you are sure to be enthralled in this prime game viewing area. The rest of your time will be spent relaxing at the lodge, perhaps by the pool or enjoying an afternoon siesta. Sumptuous meals are enjoyed during your stay which is sure to be a lifetime experience.

Day 7

    

Sabi Sand Nature Reserve

Day notes

Elephant interaction ~ Experience the thrill of being close to these magnificent creatures and witness their intelligence, their compassionate nature and sheer delight interacting with their human counterparts. The interaction with the elephant offers you the opportunity to touch the elephant, exchange trunk greetings and offer tasty treats. Experienced elephant handlers share their in-depth knowledge of fascinating elephant behavior. You will also embark on a short ride. Saddle-up and enjoy a different perspective, historically a privilege only reserved for kings.

Day 8

    

End of Itinerary

Day notes

After one last opportunity to track some elusive animal species, transfer to Skukuza Airport.

Check-out from Savanna Private Game Reserve

Self Drive from Savanna Private Game Reserve to Skukuza Airport

Details  
Mode

Self Drive

Departure

Savanna Private Game Reserve

Arrival

Skukuza Airport

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