Great Safaris Trip Itinerary for Nicole's Group Oct 2026 - ID# 153556

Table Mountain

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will meet you at the lobby for your tour to Table Mountain, ascend the mountain by cable car. It is wise to enjoy the mountain during the early morning hours, when the clouds have not yet gathered over the mountain top (or, as the locals say, before the “white tablecloth has been spread over Table Mountain”.)

Table Mountain is an iconic flat-topped massif that looms majestically over the city of Cape Town. Ascending to its summit via the rotating cable car unveils a panoramic spectacle, a mesmerizing blend of urban sophistication and untamed wilderness. As you traverse the meandering trails, the fynbos vegetation, unique to the Cape Floral Kingdom, paints the landscape with a kaleidoscope of colors. The intricate tapestry of Proteas, Ericas, and Restios creates a botanical wonderland, a living testament to the region’s biodiversity. The Table Mountain plateau is not merely a vantage point; it’s a geological marvel. Weathered sandstone formations, sculpted by millennia of wind and rain, stand as sentinels of time. Adventure seekers can opt for rock climbing routes that challenge even the most seasoned climbers, providing a unique perspective on the rugged grandeur of the mountain.

Cape Town half day city tour

Wander through the Company's Garden and as you travel through the city you will get a good feel for the city and the cultural melting pot that it is. Continue onto the Castle of Good Hope which was built by the Dutch East India Company, between 1666 and 1679, as a maritime replenishment station and is the oldest surviving building in the country. Visit the gardens, known as the Company Gardens and admire the beautiful buildings constructed. Learn more about the history of the Cape, its significant role historically and in modern times. A day filled with information on the one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world. Few gardens can match the sheer grandeur of the setting of Kirstenbosch, against the eastern slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain. The Kirstenbosch estate covers 528 hectares, of which 36 ha is cultivated and the rest is a protected area supporting natural forest and fynbos, and a wide variety of indigenous birds, animals, reptiles, frogs and invertebrates. Birds are abundant at Kirstenbosch, particularly in the Garden – more than 125 species have been recorded. The natural area can be explored via a number of walks and trails. Kirstenbosch is adjacent to the Table Mountain National Park, and both form part of the Cape Floristic Region Protected Area that was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

Groot Constantia

Groot Constantia wine farm is testimony of how one man’s love for wine established South Africa’s first wine farm in 1685. Groot Constantia continues to produce legendary wine since 1685. It is South Africa’s oldest wine-producing farm. The farm is an important part of World Wine Heritage and a world-class international tourism destination. So much so that it captures the rich and diverse heritage of South Africa. The farm delivers a unique cultural, social and historical experience, to locals and tourists alike. It delivers world-class, quality wines, sensory encounters and special experiences. It is an iconic example of the preservation of South African culture and heritage.

*** Funicular ride to Cape Point inside the Cape Peninsula Reserve included
*** Lunch excluding drinks

Chapmans Peak

Chapman's Peak is a mountain on the western side of the Cape Peninsula, between Hout Bay and Noordhoek in Cape Town, South Africa. The western flank of the mountain falls sharply for hundreds of meters into the Atlantic Ocean, and a road, known as Chapman's Peak Drive, hugs the near-vertical face of the mountain, linking Hout Bay to Noordhoek. Tourists and locals often stop at viewpoints along this road, which offer views of Hout Bay, The Sentinel Peak and surrounds, as well as over Noordhoek Beach. Chapman's Peak Drive is part of the route of two of South Africa's biggest mass-participation races, the Cape Argus Cycle Race and the Two Oceans Marathon.

Cape Point & Boulders Penguins

Depart the hotel this morning to commence your tour of the Cape Peninsula. First you will travel via the 12 Apostles and Hout Bay, to Chapman’s Peak. This is one of the region’s most dramatic mountain drives and offers amazing panoramic views over the city and environs. Descend the mountain pass and continue on to the coastline.

This strip of the peninsula’s shoreline, commonly known as the Atlantic Seaboard, stretches some 34 miles from the waters of Table Bay along the western coast to the nature reserve at Cape Point. The exceptional beaches and rugged mountains along this coastline not only make this a popular drive, but also provide outstanding views across the Atlantic Ocean, with some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world.

The Cape of Good Hope Nature 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. Take the funicular to the vantage point from where they will be able to witness the “meeting of the two oceans”.

Today’s attractions include Boulders beach, which is home to a colony of endangered "jackass" penguins. Technically, these are African penguins, but early settlers thought that their braying sound was more like a four-footed pack animal than a two-footed bird! Visit the beautiful Kirstenbosch gardens before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Classic Cape Cuisine Walk in Stellenbosch

A visit to a beautiful eatery will ignite your senses when you are introduced to delicately crafted wines accompanied by appetizing treats. Equally enticing are the visits to local spots where each one will spoil you with traditional teas, desserts and lunch. Please note that this tour is not suitable for guests who require lactose and gluten-free meals. A Leisurely-paced walk coupled with entertaining stories about the town, visit the oldest restored townhouse in South Africa, sample home-grown teas paired with typical Cape sweet treats, taste traditional beef snacks, enjoy locally produced wines with appetizing delights and a heritage lunch platter at the oldest hotel in Stellenbosch.

We can accommodate most dietary types on most of the tours, however, it is crucial to inform us of your required dietaries. Non-alcoholic refreshment options are available for every tour - please don’t hesitate to inform your guide. The duration of this tour is around 3.4 - 4 hours.

Stellenbosch

Welcome to Stellenbosch – South Africa’s second oldest town and most inspiring wine, food, art and cultural destination. The scenic Stellenbosch Wine Route is the oldest in the country and one of the most popular destinations for local and international visitors alike. It has unforgettable cellar door experiences, award-winning wine estates, celebrated restaurants and Stellenbosch’s unique and enviable lifestyle. Stellenbosch is an ideal getaway year-round. The historic town centre is a living museum with a vibrant street culture. Expect friendly locals, a host of lively events (from art, music and history to outdoor pursuits) and natural scenery.

The town was founded in 1679 by the Governor of the Cape Colony, Simon van der Stel. It is situated on the banks of the Eerste River ("First River"), so named as it was the first new river he reached and followed when he went on an expedition to explore the territory towards what is now known as Stellenbosch. The town grew so quickly that it became an independent local authority in 1682 and the seat of a magistrate with jurisdiction over 25,000 square kilometers 9,700 sq mi in 1685. The Dutch were skilled in hydraulic engineering and they devised a system of furrows to direct water from the Eerste River in the vicinity of Thibault Street through the town along van Riebeeck Street to Mill Street where a mill was erected. Early visitors commented on the oak trees and gardens. During 1690 some Huguenot refugees settled in Stellenbosch, grapes were planted in the fertile valleys around Stellenbosch and soon it became the centre of the South African wine industry.

Cheetah Outreach

Cheetah Outreach is an education and community-based program created to raise awareness of the plight of the cheetah and to campaign for its survival. The primary goal is to promote the survival of the free ranging, South African, cheetah. From an estimated 100,000 cheetahs at the turn of the 20th century the population is currently estimated to be 6,700. Shrinking habitat, dwindling of natural prey, and conflict with human activities are the primary causes of this critical situation. There are about 1,326 cheetahs in South Africa of which approximately 500 free ranging cheetah live on unprotected farm lands in the northern part of the country. This population is the focus of the important work by the Cheetah Outreach program for over the past 20 years to protect the South African cheetah.

Private transfer to the Airport

Internal Flight from Cape Town International Airport to Hoedspruit

Private transfer to the lodge

Kapama Private Game Reserve

Spanning 15 000 hectares of the pristine African bush, Kapama offers the perfect sanctuary for a wide variety of wildlife. Over 40 different species of mammals including the Big 5 – elephant, lion, leopard, African buffalo and rhinoceros – as well as 350 bird species, thrive in their natural habitat. Guests are privileged to be able to observe these magnificent creatures in the wild with twice-daily guided game drives and after-breakfast bush walks to be fully submerged in the African bush experience.

Kapama’s four luxury lodges each have a charm of their own – Buffalo Camp delights with its old-world feel, Southern Camp offers warmth and hospitality, River Lodge is vibrant year-round and Karula is breathtakingly elegant. The more adventurous can also choose to spend a night in the romantic sleep-out.

According to the legend of the local people, the Shangaan, chiefs of the tribe who demonstrated acts of extreme bravery were honoured by being reborn as lions. Local lore says that if you look deep enough into the eyes of the lions of Kapama (at a distance that is!), you can see past the beast and into the soul of a Shangaan chief.

Folklore tells of a lone lion called Kapama who lived on the land. Kapama was an extraordinary beast and in addition to being enormous, he was a crafty animal. Every young man in the village had pitted their hunting skills against the great lion but he evaded them at every turn. Kapama was so good at thwarting his prey that people came to believe he was an ancient king who, through some misdeed, had been condemned to roam the land in the great animal’s body.

There came a period of great drought and strife in the area and the people and animals suffered greatly. But the great “king” Kapama knew where to locate water and was able to track the fattest game. The young men of the village had grown to revere the old king and followed the beast rather than hunting him and were able to feed their tribe. When the rains finally came, it fell on the hard earth in torrents, creating a river which was named Kapama. According to legend, the king had paid his dues and was never seen again. “Kapama” was the name given to the last chief of this revered bloodline.

Game Drives in Kapama Private Game Reserve

Immerse yourself in the peacefulness of the African bush at the luxurious Kapama Private Game Reserve. Spanning over 37,000 acres of pristine South African bush, Kapama offers the perfect sanctuary for a wide variety of wildlife. Kapama’s legendary game drives and guided bush walks offer guests the opportunity to explore diverse landscapes and prolific wildlife. The twice-daily game drives and educational bush walks are an essential part of the experience. Accompanied by a skilled guide and assistant guide, the game drives are a highlight of the day and encountering some (or all!) of the Big Five is a very definite possibility.

Early morning and early evening are the best time of day for game viewing. Spotting an elusive bat-eared fox retiring for the day, a dazzle of zebras starting their day or hearing the call of guineafowl as the day comes to an end means two game drives are never the same and offer different experiences at different times. What you see in the morning, afternoon or evening will be different from season to season and day to day. Under the guidance of a skilled guide and assistant guide, small groups (up to 8 guests) are taken into the reserve on foot and shown how to look for animals using traditional tracking skills such as footprints, spoor patterns and scent marking. The guides’ knowledge and experience extend to pointing out various plants that are used for their medicinal value. Look down and marvel at the world that is underfoot with the abundance of insects and creatures so often overlooked.

Guided walking safari

For those looking for an active thrill beyond the excitement of Big Five sightings on a game drive vehicle, a guided bush walk offers an opportunity to connect with the African bush, learning about its fascinating fauna and flora. Embark on an adventure where your feet tread in the tracks of Africa’s wild inhabitants, your nostrils fill with the scent of crushed wild grasses as you push through the bush and all six senses reawaken as Africa touches you and you touch Africa. At one with nature, discover a range of natural wonders in the company of your experienced, walking safari guide. Learn how to track, seeing how close you can come to smaller game like impala or nyala antelope without them being aware of your presence. Smell and taste wild herbs, learning their traditional uses, and explore the smaller marvels of the bush, from the magnificent tapestry of a spider’s web to the microscopic world of the dung beetle.

Private transfer to the Airport

Internal flight Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to Victoria Falls

Private transfer to the hotel

Malachite Dinner Sunset Cruise

Like the exquisite bird after which it was named, “Malachite” is one of the Zambezi River’s crowning gems, offering the best dinner cruise in Victoria Falls. Guests are welcomed on board with a refresher towel and chilled flute of sparkling wine before they settle down on the top floor of the vessel for a sunset cruise before dinner.

Amuse bouche and snack platters are served while the sun sinks below the shimmering surface of the Zambezi. A barman and three intuitive waiters anticipate guests’ needs, serving a selection of lively cocktails and imported premium spirits throughout their journey. The plush, cushioned furniture and high vantage point on the upper deck provide the ideal space to watch one of Victoria Falls famous sunsets.

After the sun has sunk below the river line, dinner is served on the lower deck of the vessel, exemplifying the hallmarks of exquisite cuisine prepared on board by two Chefs. The rich aroma of locally sourced, fresh ingredients wafts around diners as the dishes are plated.

Time seems to stand still as the boat gently glides along to the sound of water lapping up against her sides. Far removed from the glare of city lights and noise, the moon and stars shine brightly in the sky and an atmosphere of mystery and romance envelopes the evening’s experience. The seven-course meal and all-inclusive drinks on board the luxurious Malachite are great value for money and promise an exceptional sunset dinner cruise experience in Victoria Falls.

*** Elephant Encounter: Group will be split in two as they only take small groups

Elephant Encounter

The Elephant Encounter affords guests the opportunity to unobtrusively observe some of the biggest personalities in Africa, in a pristine wilderness environment overflowing with raw natural beauty. Guests spend between 2.5 - 3 hours on this tour, learning and connecting with elephants in the most positive and natural way possible.

An open-design thatch Boma gives guests an uninterrupted view of the beautiful Masuwe River, and against this breath-taking back drop, guests will be given an insightful and educational presentation on the Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage. The sanctuary was founded on the principle of conservation, and one of the most effective ways to evoke a sense of environmental responsibility is to show what stands to be lost.

Guests will venture out into the bush to spend time with the elephants and the sight of the gentle mammals up close and personal will be remembered long after they have returned home. Witness the special relationship the elephant keepers share with the animals and become a part of it. You will have the opportunity to take photographs with the elephants, marvel at their size and watch them behaving normally; browsing and interacting with one another.

After the encounter with these amazing creatures guests will be offered a selection of refreshments, followed by the a transfer back to your hotel/lodge.

Tour of Victoria Falls

After breakfast, depart on a guided tour of Victoria Falls through the Rainforest. The guide will give a brief history of the Falls themselves as well as detailing the flora, fauna, bird, wildlife and other points of interest as you walk along the ravine. Guides are also happy to assist clients with photographs whilst visiting this most spectacular of waterfalls. Raincoats are provided when needed, though it is recommended to take a small poncho with you.

The Victoria Falls constitutes one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. There is a magic about them manifested in the towering column of spray when the river is high, the thunder of the falling water, the terrifying abyss and tranquil lagoons upstream in which hippo and deadly crocodiles lurk.

It drops between 90m and 107m into the Zambezi Gorge and an average of 550,000 cubic meters of water plummet over the edge every minute. Remarkably preserved in its natural state, Victoria Falls inspires visitors as much today as it did David Livingstone in the 1860's. The falls and the surrounding area have been declared National Parks and a World Heritage Site, thus preserving the area from excessive commercialization.

The Lookout Café Victoria Falls

The Lookout Café is an iconic restaurant in Victoria Falls where casual dining is a decadent affair. Menus range from cocktails and canapes to diverse meal options for seated dinners.
Imported wine from South African vineyards and flavors foraged from nature make the ‘place on a plate’ sentiment a reality. Delicious food, staggering views and exceptional service make the Lookout Café a must-try place to eat out in Victoria Falls. The Cafe’s simplistic design creates a flow through, connecting indoor and outdoor dining space, offering diners a unique experience with breathtaking views. If you are looking for a fresh, vibrant menu with traditional as well as new flavors like local game meats and crocodile, situated in a great location then the Lookout Café is the place for you.

Private transfer to the Airport

Internal flight from Victoria Falls to OR Tambo International Airport

Departure Flight from Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport

Bid farewell to Africa, for now until your next Safari !