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Trip Inspiration

12 Days of South African Exploration

Luxury with a Taste of Adventure

Pair luxury accommodation with a touch of adventure on this 12-day trip through South Africa, featuring a night in a treehouse, a cycling tour of the Cape Winelands and more!

Trip Highlights

Locations

  • 4 nights in Cape Town
  • 4 nights on safari in greater Kruger National Park
  • 3 nights in the diverse landscape of Marakele National Park

Activities

  • An unforgettable night in a luxury treehouse
  • A private tour of the lovely Cape Peninsula
  • Cycling tour through Cape Winelands
  • Safari game drives to view and photograph wildlife
Our travel consultants create a custom itinerary for each client,

offering recommendations for places and experiences that best fit your style. We are sharing this itinerary to inspire and provide an example of what a trip to South Africa might look like. To further paint the picture, take a look at the accompanying video! When you are ready to design a trip just for you, please let us know.

Day 1

Cape Town

Welcome to South Africa! Upon arrival in Cape Town, you will be met by a Travel Beyond representative for your private road transfer to the Dock House Boutique Hotel & Spa.

Relax and enjoy the remainder of your evening at leisure. Walk along the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, bustling with trendy shops, restaurants and bars of every style. Or indulge in a fabulous dinner at one of many world-famous restaurants in Cape Town, such as FYN.

Dock House Boutique Hotel & SpaMeals: N/A

V&A Waterfront

Day 2

Cape Town

This morning after breakfast, you will be met by your private guide for your full day Winelands and Cycling Tour. Depart the city for the charming French town of Franschhoek, nestled in the heart of the breath-taking Cape Winelands. Meet your cycling guide before gearing up for a leisurely ride through historic vineyards, stopping at various estates en route to sample some of South Africa’s best wines. The Cape Winelands are some of the most beautiful in the world, with a heritage that lives on in exquisitely preserved historic estates boasting a rich 400-year-old wine making tradition, producing some of the world’s most celebrated wines. Take in a leisurely lunch at Delaire Graff. The region boasts beautifully preserved Cape Dutch architecture, museums, galleries and shops which can be visited in the late afternoon before returning to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

Dock House Boutique Hotel & SpaMeals: Breakfast

Day 3

 

Boulders Beach

 

Cape Town

This morning after breakfast, you will be met by your private guide for your full day Peninsula Tour, including lunch.

Drive along the rocky Atlantic seaboard, passing Sea Point, Bantry Bay and Clifton. Bakoven and Llandudno, with their ghostly shipwrecks, are also fantastic sights on the way to the fishing village of Hout Bay, where you will board a boat to visit the Cape Fur Seal colony on Duiker Island.

Then navigate the 114 curves and nearly 2,000ft heights of Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the world’s most spectacular passes, on your way to explore the Cape of Good Hope. This section of the Table Mountain National Park is home to fabulous birds and distinctive fauna, including the Cape mountain zebra, bontebok and the charismatic Cape baboon. Climb (or ride the world’s first environmentally friendly funicular) to the famous Cape Point Lighthouse to capture the magical vistas of False Bay.

After lunch at a top restaurant, you will visit Boulders Beach to see the African Penguin colony. Then head back through the naval village of Simonstown and over scenic Boyes Drive, taking in the views of the fishing harbor at Kalk Bay and the seaside havens of St James and Muizenberg.

Following your tour, you will be transferred back to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

Dock House Boutique Hotel & SpaMeals: Breakfast

Day 4

Cape Town

This morning after breakfast, you will have a private vehicle and guide at your disposal for a half day of touring.

Ask your guide for recommendations, but consider visiting Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, Robben Island or any other sites you haven’t visited yet. If the weather is cooperating, take advantage of your last day in Cape Town and check out the iconic Table Mountain views!

Following your tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

Dock House Boutique Hotel & SpaMeals: Breakfast

Day 5

Cape Town to Lion Sands Game Reserve

This morning after breakfast, you’ll return to the Cape Town Airport for your commercial flight to your first safari destination. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a lodge representative and transferred to Lion Sands Ivory Lodge. You’ll be escorted to your private Villa and enjoy lunch at the lodge.

This afternoon, meet your safari guide for an evening game drive. Track safari animals and stop to enjoy a drink in a scenic location as the sun sets. Following your evening game drive, dinner will be served at the lodge.

Lion Sands Ivory LodgeMeals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 6

Lion Sands Game Reserve

On safari! Enjoy your morning and evening game drives. All meals will be served at the lodge.

This evening, you will spend the night at the gorgeous Kingston Treehouse. Please note that the use of the treehouse is weather dependent and you will keep your villa at the lodge for the night while you stay in the treehouse.

Kingston Treehouse at Lion SandsMeals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Days 7-8

Lion Sands Game Reserve

Lion Sands Game Reserve has been passed down through generations and is known as one of South Africa’s premier private game reserves. Located within the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Kruger National Park, guests are promised a personalized safari in the company of people with an insatiable appetite for Africa, its wildlife, and its unparalleled hospitality.

Lion Sands Ivory LodgeMeals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 9

Lion Sands Game Reserve to Marakele National Park

Today, after an early game drive and brunch, you’ll be transferred to the Skukuza Airport for your commercial flight to Johannesburg. You will be met for your private transfer to Marataba Mountain Lodge, your home for the next three nights.

This afternoon, meet your guide and other guests for a shared game activity. Following your game drive, dinner will be served at the lodge.

Marataba Mountain LodgeMeals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Days 10-11

Marakele National Park

On safari! Enjoy your morning and evening game drives in a shared vehicle. All meals will be served at the lodge.

Marataba is set on a almost 57,000 acres, with spectacular landscapes featuring mountains, cliff faces, gorges, open savannas and navigable waterways. Do not miss an opportunity for a river cruise aboard the Miss Mara during your stay!

Marataba Mountain LodgeMeals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 12

Depart South Africa

This morning after your morning game activity, enjoy breakfast at the lodge. You will be transferred to the airstrip for your shared light aircraft flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival in Johannesburg, you will be met by a representative for your private road transfer to the Intercontinental Hotel at Johannesburg Airport where you will have use of a day room.

This evening, you will be met in the hotel lobby by a representative who will escort you to the Johannesburg Airport in time for your departing flights home.

Overnight FlightMeals: Breakfast