South Africa Highlights
The definitive 12-day South Africa experience: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, and Kruger. A luxury comprehensive tour covering the country's greatest attractions — from Table Mountain to Big Five safaris.
Duration
12 Days
Price From
$5,800 pp
Country
South Africa
Difficulty
Easy
Cape Town — Table Mountain, Cape Peninsula, V&A Waterfront
This 12-day luxury journey covers the very best that South Africa has to offer, seamlessly connecting the country's diverse regions into one unforgettable itinerary. Begin in Cape Town, where Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula, and the vibrant food scene set the stage for an extraordinary trip. Spend two days exploring the Cape Winelands — Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl — tasting world-class wines in settings of extraordinary beauty, from Cape Dutch estates nestled between mountains to modern boutique cellars with panoramic valley views. Journey east along the Garden Route, stopping at highlights including Hermanus for whales, Knysna for oysters and forest walks, and Tsitsikamma for dramatic coastal scenery. Fly from Port Elizabeth to the Kruger region for the grand finale — four days of Big Five safari in the world-famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Kruger National Park. Here, expert trackers guide you to close encounters with lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo, while luxury lodge accommodation and gourmet bush cuisine ensure comfort in the heart of the wilderness. This comprehensive tour is designed for travellers who want to experience every facet of South Africa — its natural beauty, cultural richness, culinary excellence, and wildlife heritage — without compromise. Every detail has been curated to deliver the highest quality experience from start to finish.
What Makes This Safari Special
Cape Town — Table Mountain, Cape Peninsula, V&A Waterfront
Cape Winelands — Stellenbosch, Franschhoek wine tasting
Garden Route — Hermanus, Knysna, Tsitsikamma
Kruger & Sabi Sand — Big Five luxury safari
12 days covering every South African highlight
Luxury accommodation throughout
Internal flight Port Elizabeth to Kruger
Your Journey, Day by Day
12 carefully curated days across Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, Kruger
Day 1
Arrival in Cape Town
Arrive at Cape Town International Airport and transfer to your luxury hotel with views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. Spend the afternoon exploring the V&A Waterfront, visiting the Zeitz MOCAA, or relaxing at the hotel pool. A welcome dinner at a top-rated Cape Town restaurant sets the tone for your South African adventure.
Day 2
Table Mountain & Cape Peninsula
A full day exploring Cape Town's iconic attractions. Ride the cable car to the summit of Table Mountain for panoramic views, then drive the stunning Cape Peninsula past Camps Bay, Hout Bay, and Chapman's Peak. Visit the African penguins at Boulders Beach and continue to the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. Return via the scenic False Bay coast for dinner in the city.
Day 3
Cape Winelands — Stellenbosch & Franschhoek
Drive through the rolling vineyards to Stellenbosch, South Africa's second-oldest town and the heart of the Winelands. Visit a historic Cape Dutch wine estate for a private tasting, then continue through the Helshoogte Pass to Franschhoek — the gourmet capital of South Africa. Enjoy a three-course lunch paired with award-winning wines at a celebrated Franschhoek restaurant. The afternoon includes a visit to a second estate specialising in red blends. Check into your Winelands boutique hotel surrounded by mountains and vineyards.
Day 4
Winelands to Hermanus — Whale Coast
Depart the Winelands and drive south to Hermanus on the Whale Coast. Walk the cliff path where southern right whales can be seen from shore (seasonal). Visit the Old Harbour Museum and explore the town's galleries and craft shops. A boat-based whale excursion (seasonal) brings you within regulated distance of these gentle giants. Dinner features the freshest local seafood.
Day 5
Hermanus to Knysna via Garden Route
A long but stunning driving day along the Garden Route. Stop at Swellendam for coffee and the historic Drostdy, then continue through indigenous forests and coastal scenery to Knysna. Arrive and check into your hotel overlooking the famous Knysna Lagoon. A sunset cruise on the lagoon, passing the dramatic sandstone Heads, is the perfect end to the day.
Day 6
Knysna — Forest, Oysters & Lagoon
Explore Knysna's highlights: walk through the ancient Knysna Forest on the Garden of Eden trail, taste famous Knysna oysters at a local farm, and kayak across the tranquil lagoon. The afternoon is free for independent exploration — the Knysna waterfront offers excellent shopping and dining. An optional visit to Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary is highly recommended.
Day 7
Tsitsikamma National Park & Port Elizabeth
Drive to Tsitsikamma National Park and walk the coastal trail to the famous Storms River suspension bridge. The trail passes through pristine coastal forest before emerging at the dramatic gorge where the river meets the sea. After lunch, continue to Port Elizabeth, arriving in time for an evening walk along the Boardwalk. Tomorrow you fly north to safari country.
Day 8
Fly to Kruger — Enter Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Transfer to Port Elizabeth Airport for your flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (or Hoedspruit). On arrival, transfer to the exclusive Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Check into your luxury lodge and enjoy a light lunch before your first afternoon game drive. The open Land Rover takes you deep into the concession, where elephants browse among marula trees and giraffe tower above the acacia scrub. Your tracker picks up fresh leopard spoor, setting the stage for the days ahead.
Day 9
Sabi Sand — Full Day Big Five Safari
A full day of world-class game viewing in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The pre-dawn drive follows your tracker on foot as the Land Rover tracks fresh predator spoor. Sabi Sand delivers unrivalled Big Five sightings: relaxed leopards draped over branches, white rhino grazing near the vehicle, elephant herds at the waterhole, and lion prides resting in the riverbed. The afternoon drive extends into the golden hour, when the light is perfect for photography and predators begin to stir.
Day 10
Kruger National Park — Full Day Exploration
Enter Kruger National Park through a private gate for a full day exploring Africa's most famous wildlife reserve. Drive along the Sabie and Sand Rivers, stopping at waterholes and bridge crossings where wildlife concentrates. Look for rare species — wild dog, sable antelope, and martial eagle — in addition to the Big Five. A bush lunch at a scenic picnic site breaks up the day before the afternoon drive returns through different terrain. Back at the lodge, a bush dinner awaits.
Day 11
Final Safari Day — Bush Walk & Farewell
Your last full day in the bush. The morning begins with a guided bush walk — tracking on foot with an armed ranger, getting close to the small wonders of the bush. After brunch, relax at the lodge spa or pool. The afternoon game drive is your final opportunity to tick off any remaining wish-list species. Your guide will make every effort to deliver memorable last encounters. A farewell dinner at a specially prepared boma site celebrates the end of your South African adventure.
Day 12
Departure — Transfer to Johannesburg
Enjoy a final sunrise from the lodge deck and a leisurely breakfast. Transfer to the airstrip for a flight to Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport, arriving in time for international departure flights. Alternatively, transfer by road (approximately 5 hours) with stops at Lowveld attractions. Depart South Africa with twelve days of extraordinary memories — from Table Mountain to Big Five encounters, from world-class wines to ancient forests.
End of itinerary — 12 days, 11 nights
What's Included
- 11 nights luxury hotel and lodge accommodation
- Daily breakfast, selected lunches and dinners
- Internal flight Port Elizabeth to Kruger area
- All ground transfers in luxury vehicle with driver-guide
- Table Mountain cable car tickets
- Cape Peninsula guided tour
- Two winery visits with tastings
- Tsitsikamma guided coastal walk
- Knysna Lagoon cruise
- 4 days twice-daily game drives in Sabi Sand/Kruger
- All park and conservation fees
What's Excluded
- International flights to Cape Town / from Johannesburg
- South Africa visa (if required)
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Gratuities for guides and staff
- Non-included meals and beverages
- Spa treatments
- Optional adventure activities
- Personal expenses
African DMC
Professional destination management company operating across 7 African countries with dedicated teams, contracted suppliers, and local expertise in each market.
Based in Arusha, Tanzania