Sensational South Africa Vacation: Safaris, Cities & Vineyards

Sensational South Africa Vacation: Safaris, Cities & Vineyards

What to expect on this itinerary

Discerning travelers will find few packages more luxurious or elegant than this 12-day tour through South Africa. Beginning in the exclusive private game reserves on the outskirts of Kruger National Park, you will experience the raw and untrammeled wilderness from the comfort of the region’s most fabulous properties. Sensational cuisine, award-winning spas and unprecedented service will keep you fully pampered in this remote location, as you spend coveted moments with leopards, lions, elephants and rhinoceros. Round off the experience with a few final days in the dazzling city of Cape Town and her surrounding vineyards, to fully experience the magic of the continent.

Countries Visited

South Africa

Places Visited

Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, Thornybush Private Game Reserve, Johannesburg

Suggested Duration

12 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Sabi Sands Game Reserve - Settle In

This luxurious African experience begins in the heart of the bush in Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve. Sharing an unfenced border with Kruger, this spectacular wilderness is the perfect combination of glamour, exclusivity and adventure. After a few minutes of weaving along dusty roads in an open-air vehicle, you will arrive at an oasis in the bush, your first lodge. Your private and expansive thatched cottage with massive glass windows will become a perfect first home for the coming days. Unwind and relax with an outdoor shower overlooking the river, maintaining an ever-watchful eye for curious elephants and leopards. Sip a celebratory arrival cocktail on your private porch, before wandering over to the outdoor dining area for lunch. Feasting on sophisticated salads and homemade breads will complete this luxurious welcome to the bush.

Following a late lunch and coffee, you will be introduced to your ranger and tracker and embark together on your first afternoon game drive. Set out into fields of zebra, warthog and impala as you follow the tracks of a leopard or lion. Traffic within the reserve is strictly controlled, meaning you will see few vehicles as you move. The solitude and independence is a true rarity on safari, making your moments alone with an elephant a coveted moment. As the sun begins to set, pause in an open field for a picnic of cocktails and canapés. Indulge in a gin and tonic as you look out over a pond, scanning hippo eyes popping above the smooth surface. Carry on with an evening drive as you return towards the lodge, arriving just in time for a communal dinner in the boma (an enclosed open-air venue.) Be sure to sample a wide variety of bush meat, including the delicious impala loin, before sleepily returning to your cottage where a warm bath awaits you. Remarkably, this is only the end to your very first day.

What's Included:

Accommodation
Transfer
Activity
Dinner
Day 2

Sabi Sands Game Reserve - In Search of Africa’s Big Five

Day 3

Sabi Sands Game Reserve - Magical Exploration

Day 4

Thornybush Private Game Reserve - Sensational Safari

Day 5

Thornybush Private Game Reserve - Explore a Second Private Game Reserve

Day 6

Thornybush Private Game Reserve - Continue the Search for Leopards, Lions and Zebra

Day 7

Cape Town - Fly into the Dazzling City

Day 8

Cape Town - A Guided Tour and Picturesque Surroundings

Day 9

Stellenbosch - Drive to the Heart of the Winelands

Day 10

Stellenbosch - Sample South Africa’s Finest Wines on a Day Long Wine Tasting Tour

Day 11

Stellenbosch - Indulge in a Day of Self-Pampering

Day 12

Cape Town - Departure

Trip Highlights

  • Embark on an exclusive and adventurous Big Five safari in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve
  • Learn about the intricacies of the bush from South Africa’s most highly regarded rangers and guides
  • Experience African-inspired restorative spa treatments at an oasis in the heart of the bush
  • Watch from a cliff as the Indian and Atlantic Oceans merge at the Cape of Good Hope
  • Sample new world wine and tour wine cellars as you explore South Africa’s prized winelands
  • Experience a final moment of indulgence as you relax at light-filled spas
  • Stay at South Africa’s most impressive properties

Starting Price

$17,600 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.9

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 1116 reviews

Carolyn T.
South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe Trip Review: Wildlife, Local Cuisine, 13-Day Trip

Wow, I ran out of superlatives–fantastic, awesome, amazing. Everything was well organized and the recommended accommodations were all top-notch. The guides were so expert in their field. Every activity was well worth the time. Every meal was delicious.

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Anil M.
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana Tour Review: 10 Nights

Our first trip to southern Africa was amazing, exceeding all expectations. We saw everything we came to see, and more. The game rides were well structured and safe, the visuals were unbelievable, and taking a side trip to Victoria Falls was a great idea. The accommodations were quite luxurious, despite being considered mid-range. There was always someone there to greet us and guide us at every travel point.

Zicasso's tour operator tailored our itinerary to our wishes and was wonderful to work with. Things couldn’t have gone better.

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Grace J.
South Africa Travel Review: Safaris, 1 Week

We had an awesome trip. Zicasso's travel expert was amazing. She accomplished everything.

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Nancy H.
South Africa, Zimbabwe Tour Review: Cape Town, Franschhoek, Wine Tasting, Elephant Experience, River Cruise, Wildlife, Nature, Scenery, 13 Nights

Zicasso's trip planner arranged the most fabulous trip for my family. She knew exactly what I wanted and delivered a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa! She always answered my questions promptly. She chose memorable experiences for us, our lodgings were top-notch, and she "kept in touch, behind the scenes," to ensure all elements were going smoothly. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone planning a trip to Africa!

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LESLIE W.
Rwanda, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique Trip Review: Gorilla Trek, Bush Camps, 3 Weeks

It was very well planned. Zicasso's travel specialist was responsive and flexible in the planning process and throughout the final details.

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Catherine R.
South Africa, Zimbabwe Vacation Review: Safari, 11 Nights

The trip was amazing. Zicasso's trip expert did an awesome job planning the trip. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and exceeded all of our expectations. The “in-country” travel was seamless. Our accommodations and tours were all top-notch. I can‘t thank her enough for planning this awesome experience.

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

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