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In the heart of the reserves, spot leopards, lions, elephants, impalas, and zebras… attend wine tastings, special presentations and lectures with local experts. Experience the vast legacy of cultural and natural history that makes up South Africa!
Highlights
- On-Tour Air (4 flights)
- A wine-tasting dinner in the Cape Winelands
- A private lecture in Johannesburg
- Two nights in Victoria Falls, with a private lunch with the elephants in Zambezi and a sundowner river cruise
Itinerary
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Tauck’s South Africa tour begins in Cape Town
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Cape Grace. A transfer from Cape Town International Airport to the Cape Grace is included; the hotel, found on the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List is perfectly situated right on the waterfront in the heart of the city. Meet your Tauck Director and your fellow travelers at our welcome reception in Bascule Bar followed by dinner in the Conservatory.
Day 2
Explore Cape Town and the Winelands
Explore Cape Town today on an orientation sightseeing tour in and around the city including views of City Hall, Parliament and St. George’s Cathedral (where Desmond Tutu was inaugurated as Archbishop). Following a journey by rotating cable car, you’ll find yourself atop famous Table Mountain. Enjoy magnificent 360-degree views of the city and bay during the ride up and on a walk at the top. After lunch, enjoy a walking tour of Kirstenbosch Gardens, the national botanical gardens on the eastern slope of Table Mountain highlighting the unique plant life of southern Africa. Back on the mainland, spend some free time in Cape Town before a drive to Constantia in the Cape Winelands for a memorable wine-pairing dinner. Please note – the order of sightseeing on days 2 and 3 is subject to change.
Day 3
On and around the Cape Peninsula
First up today, travel to Cape Point and take a funicular up to the historic lighthouse. The views are outstanding and you’ll overlook the Cape of Good Hope – the point that is thought to be where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean. Meet African penguins in a boulder-strewn coastal park and have lunch at a popular seaside restaurant before returning to your hotel. This evening, enjoy the dining and entertainment options of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront at leisure. Please note: the order of sightseeing on days 1 and 2 is subject to change.
Day 4
Kruger National Park, Africa untamed
Fly from Cape Town to Skukuza airstrip and the incomparable Kruger National Park for a two-night safari stay; Lion Sands-Kruger National Park is set in the South African lowveldt in Kruger, thought to host more mammal species than any other game reserve on the continent. Home to Lion Sands Tinga Lodge and Lion Sands Narina Lodge, Lion Sands is located in a private riverside setting inside the park. The river is home to many endangered and rare animals, birds and reptiles – be on the lookout for them on an afternoon game drive before dinner.
Day 5
A riverside retreat in Kruger National Park
Wildlife viewing is at its best on our South Africa tour here at the Lion Sands-Kruger National Park Concession, which covers 12,000 acres and boasts one of the highest recorded densities of predators – and especially of leopards – in Africa; guests have spotted elephant, cheetah, rhinos, wild dogs and, of course, leopards in Kruger during their stay. You’ll have ample opportunity to spot the animals who live here on two game drives today. Tonight, feast on regional culinary specialties at dinner.
Day 6
Game drives in Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Enjoy a final game drive at Lion Sands this morning before moving on to Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, situated within the Sabi Sands Game Reserve bordering expansive Kruger National Park. Comprising five smaller private game reserves set along the Sabie River, the Sabi Sands reserve is home to a great biodiversity of habitat and wildlife, including Africa’s iconic “Big Five” – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard; wild dogs, cheetahs and over 300 species of birds can also be spotted here. An afternoon game drive is your introduction to life in the African bushveld.
Day 7
At home on Safari
Morning and afternoon game drives aboard four-wheel-drive, open-top Land Rovers make your South Africa tour come alive with up-close sightings of African game. Expert Shangaan trackers and experienced rangers help you spot the animals who migrate through the reserve, including gazelles, antelopes, kudu, impalas and giraffes. They are well-versed in the geography of the area, the wildlife and the efforts being made to conserve these living treasures and eagerly share their knowledge with you. Enjoy afternoon coffee, tea and biscuits, or perhaps a swim, between game drives, and a traditional braai barbecue at dinner tonight.
Day 8
A day in Johannesburg
Return to Skukuza airstrip and fly to Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city and commercial hub, for a two-night stay. Johannesburg is the world’s biggest city not situated on a river, lake or coastline. Among the most modern and prosperous cities in South Africa, “Jo’burg” has derived much of its wealth from the major gold- and diamond-mining industries based here. Learn about the history of apartheid at a special presentation early this evening. Your hotel, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, an award-winning urban sanctuary set amidst lush acres of landscaped gardens. Dine at your hotel restaurant this evening.
Day 9
The sights of Soweto, past and present
During today’s guided tour, you’ll experience the diversity of Soweto, from its thriving business environment of today to its historical importance as a residential township in the time of the apartheid. You’ll see the homes of Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, as well as South Africa’s Constitutional Court. Visit the Apartheid Museum, acknowledged as the pre-eminent museum in the world dealing with 20th-century South Africa, at the heart of which is the apartheid story; the museum illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid. Return to the hotel, where the remainder of the day is free to spend as you please in Johannesburg.
Day 10
Experience the grandeur of Victoria Falls
Fly to Victoria Falls today, regarded as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The Zambezi River plunges more than 300 feet into the Zambezi Gorge, often creating rainbows in the spray; the cataracts are nearly twice as wide and twice as high as Niagara Falls. Enjoy elegant accommodations at The Victoria Falls Hotel, established in 1904; in your free time, stroll the hotel’s private pathway atop the gorge for inspiring views of the Victoria Falls Bridge crossing into Zambia. Nowhere is the hotel’s gracious service more welcomed than at traditional afternoon high tea, which you experience during your stay. A local historian offers insights into the life of the famous Dr. David Livingstone aboard a private sundowner cruise on historic Zambezi River this evening – watching the setting African sun is an added bonus on this South Africa tour. Tonight, dine at your choice of restaurants in the hotel.
Day 11
The falls & elephants in Zambezi National Park
First up this morning is a privately guided walk around Victoria Falls, stopping to view its thundering waters from various vantage points including the Devil’s Cataract, Rain Forest, Main Falls and Danger Point. You’ll gain some amazing insights about African elephants from a naturalist during a hands-on visit to an elephant sanctuary where you’ll interact with the elephants and watch them as they feed, play, and socialize. Majestic, wise and very intelligent, they have earned their nickname “gentle giants” as they are thought to be the largest living mammal on Earth today. Join us this evening for our farewell cocktail reception and dinner, where you’ll have a chance to share memories and stories from this enriching South Africa tour with your fellow guests, now friends.
Day 12
Journey home
Tour ends: O.R. Tambo International Airport. Enjoy a final morning at leisure in Victoria Falls before your flight to Johannesburg at the conclusion of your South Africa tour. You should allow a minimum of three hours from the time of arrival in Johannesburg for check-in for your flight home.
Departures & Rates
| Departure Date | Departure Type | Pricing |
| August 18 | Classic | $15,490 |
| August 23 | Small Group | $16,740 |
| September 1 | Classic | $16,590 |
| September 6, 13 | Small Group | $17,730 |
| September 15 | Classic | $16,590 |
| September 27 | Small Group | $17,730 |
| October 4, 11 & 18 | Small Group | $17,730 |
Important Terms
- You have the right to cancel your reservation with Tauck at any time prior to departure of the Trip. However, regardless of reason cancellations result in costly expenses, therefore a cancellation may result in a penalty fee that increase the closer the cancellation is to departure.
*Rates are subject to availability and seasonality and may change without notice. Rates are based on two adults sharing. For solo travellers or single person occupancy rates or further information on terms and conditions, please contact our Travel Specialists at time of booking.
Accommodation
Cape Grace
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
1-3 Nights
Set on its own private quay on Cape Town’s vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the elegant Cape Grace couldn’t be a better home from which to explore this lovely city. The Cape Grace welcomes guests with unsurpassed hospitality and surrounds them with luxury. Each guest room features carefully chosen fine furniture, luxurious fabrics and thoughtful amenities that make guests feel right at home such as fresh flowers, a personal book selection, velour robes and slippers, fully stocked mini bar and mini deli snacks, tea and coffee making facilities, iron and ironing board, private room safe, select satellite TV channels and separate bathtubs and showers. Spend leisure hours at the heated outdoor swimming pool overlooking the yacht marina, in the elegantly quiet library, or pampering yourself at The Spa. Signal Restaurant offers creative Cape cuisine that’s fresh and inventive drawing on influences from the many nationalities namely Dutch and British settlers, French Huguenots, Asian traders and African cultures. The menu changes seasonally, but a common factor is the freshness of ingredients and a distinctively South African flavor from all the dishes. By day, Bascule Bar is a lively and vibrant destination to enjoy a cappuccino or light lunch. By night, the space is transformed into a glamorous Whisky, Wine and Cocktail Bar, where connoisseurs and social butterflies gather in equal measure to enjoy a slice of Cape Town’s social life – there are over 500 whiskeys from around the world and an impressive selection of the finest Cape wines on offer.
Lion Sands-Kruger National Park
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK CONCESSION, SOUTH AFRICA
4-5 Nights
Lion Sands-Kruger National Park lies at the confluence of the Sabie and Sand Rivers, making it an ideal place from which to view the spectrum of the area’s wildlife. Exuding style, elegance and luxurious comfort, all guest rooms in the luxurious Lion Sands Tinga Lodge and Lion Sands Narina Lodge feature en suite facilities, large outdoor showers, king-sized beds, overhead fans, under-floor heating, minibar, direct-dial telephones, satellite TV and DVD players and all are fully air conditioned. Private balconies offer magnificent views of the Sabie River and the African bush, with excellent opportunities for game viewing; the spa provides a range of pampering, rejuvenating treatments after a long day in the bush.
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
SABI SANDS PRIVATE RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA
6-7 Nights
The Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge lies in the midst of the Sabi Sabi bushveld overlooking a watering hole and the African plain. During your stay, you’ll experience world-class amenities and warm hospitality. Each air-conditioned, thatched suite is comfortably furnished in keeping with the culture and tradition of the indigenous people of the area and courtyards are decorated with the woodcarvings of renowned South African artists. En suite facilities include a bathroom with shower, a lounge area, dressing room and private patio for wildlife viewing. The unfenced grounds are frequently visited by a variety of Africa’s creatures, including over 350 species of birds, and outdoor wooden viewing decks provide rich opportunities to view the wildlife that calls this area home. A lovely outdoor swimming pool beckons between game drives or take advantage of the pampering services offered by the Bush Nature Spa.
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
8-9 Nights
Before Fairlawns became a boutique hotel in 1997, it was originally a ten-acre family home, owned by the Brenthurst Trust of Oppenheimer fame, sporting stables, a training rink, a cow (just one), geese, dogs, and two teenage children. In 1994 the eastern section bounding on Bowling Ave was sold to developers and the residential estate known as Camelot was built on the site. The original accommodation block was comprised of 12 suites, each uniquely decorated. Apart from the African Suite, they are mostly euro-centric in their decorating with high ceilings, elaborate cornicing, tall doors and sumptuous fabrics. Today, that style and elegance stays true, during your time here, enjoy the many amentities your room has to offer including; Tea/Coffee Maker, Shower, Room Safe, Hairdryer, Cable/Satellite TV, Bath, Air conditioning, Telephone, Television and Wireless Internet. As for dining options, the restaurants at Fairlawns are a culinary delight. Here you have a choice of dining options to choose from including: Amuse-Bouche, which boasts a sophisticated à la carte menu for the discerning palate, paired with an extensive Wine list; Manor House Bistro, which features a more casual, al fresco dining, in a contemporary setting that caters to eclectic tastes and Into The Woods, bridging together the garden and kitchen.
The Victoria Falls Hotel
VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE
10-11 Nights
Established in 1904 in Victoria Falls National Park, less than a 10-minute walk from the magnificent falls themselves via a private path, The Victoria Falls Hotel has welcomed crowned heads, heads of state, and celebrities for over 100 years. A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, this Edwardian gem is surrounded by lush gardens, lily ponds and swaying palms. The old-fashioned ambiance of the guest rooms mingles with modern facilities, while leisure options, such as tennis courts and an Edwardian swimming pool, overlook the famous Victoria Falls bridge. In the evening there is dining and dancing in The Livingstone Room; the Jungle Junction features breakfast and dinner buffets with Makishi dancers and an indigenous choir entertaining most nights.
