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South Africa | Cape Town & Johannesburg: Nature & Wildlife Discovery

Sample Itinerary

Destinations

South Africa, Cape Town, Kruger National Park, Johannesburg

Trip Duration

10 nights / 11days

Fondly known as the "Rainbow Nation" by the locals, explore the southern most country of Africa, where colonial roots and gold rush days meet contemporary, culture-packed cities and trendy urban towns, fertile ecosystems and picturesque topography, big game adventures and lively beaches set along two oceans.

Below is just a sample of the immersive itineraries our Destination Specialists can create. Click on the experiences links in the itinerary to see other curated excursion choices offered by Journese. Our Destination Specialists are happy to book our hotels and excursions highlighted in the itinerary below or let them know if you would like something customized. And, feel free to offer our non-hyperlinked suggestions to your clients to further explore the destination.

Itinerary

Day 1 |  USA / Cape Town, South Africa

Upon your airport arrival, you will be welcomed by your personal Guest Service Officer who will escort you away from the crowds to Customs and Immigration and baggage retrieval. You will receive a soothing refreshment, further assistance with porters, and locating your private hotel transfer. Then, head to the One&Only Cape Town for a splendid four-night stay in an Island Superior guestroom. Overlooking the harbor with panoramic Table Mountain views on the Victoria & Albert Waterfront, settle into elegant living on the upper floors of the Marina Rise tower, complete with a spacious walk-in closet, deep soaking tub, personal butler, lounge and dining table, guest bath and private terrace views.

Savor a high tea in the afternoon before a celebrated varietal or favorite cocktail to toast your arrival in South Africa as you watch the sunset, listen to the melodic piano music, and sample tasty tapas and generous desserts in Vista bar and Lounge.

Day 2 |  Cape Town

This morning, head out on the Private Cape Point Adventure, discovering rugged cliffs and stunning vistas to beautiful beaches and spectacular flora. See the point's lavish mansions of Clifton Beach and Camps Bay you head to Hout Bay and Chapman's Peak, featuring views of Table National Park and Cape of Good Hope, on your way to the naval port of Simon's Town.

After your exciting morning, unwind with a restorative swim in the pool or relax in a private cabana before heading to dinner. Indulge in Japanese-Peruvian culinary mastery from the Michelin-star chef restaurant Nobu. Savor everything from Wagyu dumplings and seafood toban yaki to the wide range of sushi, sashimi, tempura and more, in the continent's only Nobu restaurant.

Days 3 - 4 |  Cape Town

After your delectable breakfast spread in Ochre restaurant this morning, embark on a full day of exploration of notable wine regions and surroundings on the Private Whales and Wine Experience. Take a scenic drive along the beautiful coastal village of Hermanus where whales may be found frolicking in the bay. Then following lunch, visit a boutique winery in Hemel-en-Aarde, aka Heaven and Earth, for wine tasting, and enjoy a picturesque return through Elgin and Sir Lowry's Pass.

Spend the next day at leisure. Enveloped by the vertical cliffs of Devil's Peak and Lion's Head, take time to visit the bustling Victoria and Albert Waterfront, its upscale stores, fine restaurants and bars, attractions, live music and more along the harbor. Try your paddle boarding skills along the private waterways of the hotel, spend the day at the nearby beaches or be pampered at the spa island with specialized body therapies, scrubs, and array of massage treatments. Sip and savor a curated wine experience at the hotel's Wine Studio with more than 700 references available or delight in a private dining experience with tailored menus prepared by the hotel's culinary team.

Day 5 |  Cape Town / Kruger National Park

Following your breakfast this morning, fly from Cape Town to Hoedspruit and board your private transfer to Kruger National Park and the Kapama Private Game Reserve, where you will stay for two nights in a Southern Camp guestroom. Spread over 37 acres in a wildlife preserve, delight in elegant lodge living with relaxing private patios, open-air dining, spa and wellness center, outdoor pool and lush gardens.

After a welcome lunch, adorn your safari gear and your camera, jump in the open 4x4 safari vehicle along with your professional guide and ranger, and prepare for a bucket list adventure as you immerse into the African bush. Home to what is known as "The Big Five" - Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino and Elephant - plus other smaller indigenous creatures and birds in the Limpopo wilderness, explore the vastness of the park and its lush vegetation, keeping your eyes open for the iconic wildlife in their natural terrain. Delight in the untamed tranquility of the reserve, and its stunning flora for an incredible introduction to the African wilderness. Return to the lodge where dinner is served under the stars on Pan-African specialties.

Day 6 |  Kruger National Park

Rise and shine and grab your coffee as you depart early this morning for a three-hour sunrise game drive at Kruger National Park. Board your guided 4x4 to ride out into the vast landscapes of the reserve to marvel at the wonders of nature and enjoy another chance to encounter wildlife firsthand, grazing in their habitat or relaxing at the water's edge for that perfect photo opportunity. Be ready for elusive large cats including the spotted leopard or the fast-paced cheetah. Arrive back at the lodge and enjoy a late hearty breakfast with time to relax by the pool or rejuvenate with a spa treatment before the afternoon game drive. Dinner will be served upon return to the lodge.

Day 7  Kruger National Park / Johannesburg

Embark on an early morning safari for a final exploration of this extraordinary national park on the African continent. Celebrate nature and its creatures before your afternoon transfer to the airport for your comfortable flight home to Johannesburg. Upon arrival, board your private transfer to African Pride Melrose Arch, Autograph Collection for four nights in a Large guestroom.

Discover luxury without compromise in open-plan, boutique accommodations, exposed brick, leather headboards and chic bathrooms. Delight your palate with delectable cuisine at March Restaurant or sip aged whiskey by the fire at the Library Lounge. This evening, lounge along the shimmering waters of the exclusive hotel pool, featuring a vibrant bar for drinks and light dining.

Day 8 |  Johannesburg

Depart the hotel early this morning as we go back millions of years to early man on the full-day Private History of Humankind and Lesedi Culture Excursion. The tour begins in Maropeng Visitors Center at the Cradle of Mankind, a World Heritage Site, where the oldest human fossils on earth were discovered. Marvel at the interactive exhibits and the human evolutionary life journey on display. Then, delve into five different historical South African cultures to present day including the Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele, Sotho and Pedi, and participate in their harmonious hospitality, along with a traditional African meal, music, dances, activities and replicas of traditional homesteads at the Lesedi Cultural Village for an immersive multicultural experience.

Days 9 - 10 |  Johannesburg

Enjoy a full-day experience on the Private Pretoria & Cullinan Diamond Excursion. From the ground to final cutting and polishing, discover the diamond mining process with a visit to an open cast mine. Then, explore the purple-lined streets of Jacaranda City and its inspiring landmarks before traveling to The Kruger Museum and Union buildings for a peek into past presidents.

The following day, explore all Johannesburg has to offer. South Africa's largest city is an eclectic mix of culture, heritage and stark history rapidly transforming into a modern metropolis. Boasting 10 million trees throughout the region, immerse in the thriving art and culinary scene, unique boutiques and nightlife, and explore the multitude of parks and nature reserves.

Day 11 |  Johannesburg / USA

Delight in a savory buffet breakfast the the hotel before boarding you private transfer to the airport. Relax on your comfortable flight home to the United States, and begin planning your next South African vacation.

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