Overview
Discover the beauty and diversity of South Africa, often called “a world in one country.” Begin in glorious Cape Town, a delightful base for exploring the Cape’s striking landscapes all the way to the Cape of Good Hope, then experience the wildlife wonders of South Africa at two exclusive private game reserves for the ultimate in big-game viewing and a chance to encounter lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and cheetah at close range in a mosaic of spectacular habitats.
Our trip was fantastic. We all loved it. The kids were totally engaged from Cape Town to the very end, as were all the adults. Thank you for putting together such a wonderful trip for us. We were all mesmerized by that country.
— Jeannie D., Palo Alto, CA
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-3
Cape Town
In this romantic city on the spine of the mountainous Cape Peninsula, options include exploring the Cape of Good Hope, Robben Island, wine tasting in the famed Winelands, and more.
Days 4-6
Thornybush Private Game Reserve
Adjoining famed Kruger National Park, Thornybush Private Game Reserve is an unfenced area of over 40 square miles of pristine African bush. Explore by 4WD with your tracker-guide in the wooded savannas, where you can expect to see lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and other wildlife, and the birdwatching is amazing. Because you are on private land, not in a national park, enjoy off-road safaris and night drives. Overnights are at Thorybush Game Lodge, with its waterhole favored by elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife, or Shumbalala Game Lodge on the banks of the Monwana river. In the evenings, enjoy dinner in the open under the African sky.
Days 7-10
Timbavati Private Game Reserve, Londolozi Private Game Reserve, or Mala Mala Game Reserve
Timbavati, Londolozi, and Mala Mala private game reserves are among South Africa’s great tracts of untamed gamelands adjacent to world-famous Kruger National Park. The Big Five roam freely here, and on early morning and late afternoon game drives, you can see colorful birds, graceful antelope, giraffe, comical warthogs, zebras, and sightings of leopard, rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo, cheetah, blue wildebeest, the elusive wild dog. Overnights at Kambaku Safari Lodge, offering lovely thatched suites with private verandas, or upgrade to Varty Camp in Londolozi or Mala Mala Main Camp in Mala Mala Game Reserve. Depart via Johannesburg on Day 10.
Kambaku Safari Lodge
Days 7 to 9 (3 nights)
Mala Mala Game Reserve (Optional Upgrade)
Days 7 to 9 (3 nights)
South Africa Private Journey
