Compare The World’s Greatest Romantic Adventure – South Africa by Great Safaris vs South Africa in 9 days - Cape & Kruger Explorer - Charm by Exoticca

Day 1: Depart USA

Relax on an overnight flight to South Africa.

Day 2: Cape Town (4 nights)

On arrival at Cape Town Airport you will be met by a Great Safaris Guide who will assist you to the vehicle for the private transfer to your elegant waterfront hotel.

One of the world’s most picturesque tourist destinations and most beautiful cities in the world. Cape Town is situated amidst majestic mountains and is surrounded by pristine white beaches. Often called the ‘cosmopolitan hub of Africa’, it is home to a rich cultural and historical heritage, vibrant restaurants and nightlife and a multitude of activities – from extreme sports to leisurely scenic cruises and world-class shopping.

Day 3: Cape Town – Half day City Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing on a fun and informative Cape Town city tour.

Highlights of this half day tour include: Malay Quarter tour, city centre and Company Gardens, the Castle of Good Hope; photographic opportunities of Table Mountain and the Cape Town Diamond Works. An optional opportunity to visit Table Mountain on the cableway, where the varying flora and fauna will be explained.

Afternoon Sunset Cruise

Embark on a romantic Sunset Cruise affording the opportunity of magnificent views of Table Mountain, and Atlantic seaboard (weather permitting).

Cape Town has one of the best locations to see the Sunset from the Sea. Fabulous Table Mountain and city views while the sun dips into the sea at sunset. Served a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. The Sail boats follow the wind for this cruise. Typically they motor out of the Harbour and sail across the bay towards Milnerton lighthouse, then return to the protection of Granger Bay in the lee of the mountain to watch the sun set.

Day 4: Cape Town – Full day Cape Point Tour

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, meet your guide for a full day Cape Point tour. Travel via the 12 Apostles, Hout Bay and Chapmans Peak – (one of the region’s most dramatic mountain drives offering amazing panoramic views over the city and environs).

Continue to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, established in 1939 to protect the peninsula’s indigenous flora and fauna. The reserve comes to an end at majestic Cape Point. Situated at the junction of two of earth’s most contrasting water masses – the cold Benguela current on the West Coast and the warm Agulhas current on the East Coast, the Cape of Good Hope is popularly perceived as the meeting point of the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans. You will take the funicular to the vantage point from where you will be able to witness the “meeting of the two oceans”.

Thereafter travel through the historic naval base of Simon’s Town where you will be able to visit a colony of African Jackass Penguins in their natural environment at Boulders Beach.

Later this afternoon, head to Table Mountain and ride the Cable Car to the summit. Once there, guests will be treated to a lovely picnic with Champagne and snacks as they watch the sun dip below the horizon over Table Bay. If the weather is inclement, you will alternatively be taken to Signal Hill where you will enjoy the picnic with excellent view from there.

Day 5: Full Day Winelands & Cheetah Outreach

Visit Fairview Estate, Paarl, a true wine & cheese making experience, then onto Stellenbosch, founded in 1679 the oldest town in South Africa for a personal encounter with a Cheetah. Followed by a visit & wine tastings at Waterford Wine Estate.

Day 6: Cape Town – Greater Kruger National Park (4 nights)

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

After breakfast enjoyed at the hotel, transfer to Cape Town International Airport to check in for your onward flight to Johannesburg. Connect to Hoedspruit and transfer to your game lodge.

This afternoon depart on your first game drive in an open 4×4 safari vehicle. Enjoy sundowners in the bush, as you witness the multi-hued African sunset. Afterwards return to the lodge where a delicious dinner is enjoyed along with the camaraderie of fellow safari-goers.

Day 7-9: Greater Kruger Private Game Reserve

Early morning and late afternoon game drives are augmented by exciting walking safaris. Escorted by a professional guide, you venture out into the bush, on foot, to find the smaller denizens of nature. You may also learn how to identify spoor and track the wily predators! During your stay, there will also be the opportunity for night drives and star gazing.

Day 10: Kruger – Johannesburg – Departure

Meals: Breakfast

A final game drive followed by breakfast before being transferred to Hoedspruit Airport for your flight to Johannesburg .

Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, connect for your outward flight and bid “farewell” to Africa

Day 11: Arrive USA

With fond memories – and photos – to last a lifetime!

Day 1: US - Night on board

Arrival at your US departure airport ready to check in for a flight * to Johannesburg. Night on board. * If your outbound flight leaves at dawn (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the selected departure day.

Day 2: Johannesburg

Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the city and its diverse and vibrant neighbourhoods. Tuck into the vibrant food scene and pop-up eateries. The city is a real cultural hub and it is a great place to catch live music performances and indulge in trendy bars and restaurants. Overnight stay in Johannesburg. Why not make the most of your time in South Africa by adding one of our optional excursion packages. Choose between our Gastronomic or Adventure packages in the next step of the booking process! Our Gastronomic Package includes two meals at excellent restaurants in Cape Town plus a Bo-Kapp Cooking Tour and Cape Winelands Excursion. Our Adventure Package includes a Full-Day Kruger Game Drive, an exciting Shark Cage Diving Experience and an Atlantis Dunes Quad Biking Excursion. Please note: you can only choose one of the optional excursion packages (Adventure or Gastronomic).

Day 3: Johannesburg - Mpumalanga - Kruger

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time transfer by road to Mpumalanga. You're headed for Kruger, home to some of the most iconic wildlife in South Africa. Along the way, see some of the most iconic sights of the Panorama Route such as Blyde River Canyon and the Three Rondavels (entrance fees not included). You'll fall in love with the natural beauty of South Africa's landscapes! * Arrive and transfer to the hotel to check-in. Dinner and overnight stay in Kruger. * Please note: The journey today takes approximately 7-8 hours by road and includes stops along the way for lunch (at own expense) and sightseeing. There will be no accompanying guide for this journey so take the opportunity to enjoy the passing landscapes as you travel through some of the most spectacular regions in South Africa.

Day 4: Kruger National Park

Enjoy a Full-Day 4x4 Game Drive at Kruger National Park. Begin the day early on safari in the southern area of South Africa's most famous game reserves with breakfast on the go. The game viewing area is known as the 'Southern Circle' and is renowned for its rhinos and lions. Enjoy an afternoon game drive in Kruger National Park and discover the amazing diversity of animals in one of the world's largest game reserves. Remember to bring comfortable shoes, warm and rainproof jackets, sunhat and protection and cameras to capture the beautiful wildlife. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Kruger National Park

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure to explore the beautiful natural landscapes of Kruger and the White River. We recommend an optional day trip to Kruger National Park to experience more of its wildlife-rich eco-systems.* Dinner and overnight stay in the Kruger Region. * Optional Kruger National Park Day Trip: Set off to the wilds of Kruger for your chance to spot the famous Big Five. Enjoy a slow drive through the national park, home to elephants, buffalos, giraffes, impalas, zebras and, of course, lions. An unforgettable day in the wilds of Southern Africa. Packed lunch included. (This excursion is included in our Adventure Package of 3 excursions, available in the next step of the booking process!)

Day 6: Kruger - Johannesburg - Cape Town

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer by road back to Johannesburg, stopping to see the exterior of the Union Buildings in Pretoria, the official headquarters of the South African government. * Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to the airport to catch a flight to Cape Town. Arrive in Cape Town, known as the 'Mother City', and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Cape Town. * Please note: The journey today takes approximately 7-8 hours by road and includes stops along the way for lunch (at own expense) and sightseeing. There will be no accompanying guide for this journey so take the opportunity to enjoy the passing landscapes as you travel through some of the most spectacular regions in South Africa.

Day 7: Cape Town

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the ticket hop-on hop-off tour in Cape Town. South Africa's capital combines cosmopolitanism, culture, architecture, and the best of nature. With the hop-on and hop-off ticket, you will be able to do over 30 stops to enjoy some of the most remarkable attractions of the 'Mother City'. Take the Cableway and go up to Table Mountain where you can enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of Africa's landscapes.* Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in Cape Town. * Please note: the Table Mountain Cableway in Cape Town will be closed for maintenance from the 25th of July until the 28th of August 2022. If your trip coincides with these dates, you will enjoy an included Sunset Cruise instead and your included Hop-On Hop-Off bus tickets will still enable you to visit the lower station of the cableway if you wish.

Day 8: Cape Town

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free day by discovering the city further. We recommend taking the optional Cape Winelands excursion, especially if you're a wine lover as this region is known for its award-winning whites and reds.* Overnight stay in Cape Town. * Optional Full-Day Wine Route Excursion with Wine Tasting: Set off into the lush Winelands outside of Cape Town and visit the wine producers in Stellenbosch for delicious wine tasting and a cellar tour. (This excursion is included in our Gastronomic Package of 4 excursions, available in the next step of the booking process!)

Day 9: Cape Town

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free day by discovering the city further. We recommend taking the optional Full-Day tour of the Cape Peninsula, a paradise of natural beauty, vineyards and coastal seal and penguin colonies!* Overnight stay in Cape Town. * Optional Full-Day Cape Peninsula Excursion: Enjoy the delights of the Cape Peninsula including Clifton, Camps Bay, Llandudno and the amazing Twelve Apostles. Pass through Noordhoek and see the local ostriches before visiting the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point. Fall in love with the Penguin Colony and Boulder's Beach and see Simons Town and Muizenberg Beach.

Day 10: Cape Town - Night on board

Breakfast * at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Night on board. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

Day 11: US

Arrive in the US and end your trip.