HIGHLIGHTS OF SOUTH AFRICA - 8 NIGHTS

AT A GLANCE

SUPERB BIG-GAME VIEWING

GREAT PHOTOGRAPHY

STUNNING SCENERY

FASCINATING HISTORY

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

This 8-night itinerary will combine the best game-viewing in South Africa in either the Sabi Sands or Timbavati Private Game Reserves with the highlights of Cape Town including Cape Point, Table Mountain and the Cape Winelands. The trip is ideal for first time safarigoers, photo enthusiasts and families.

DAY 1

You will depart mid-morning from OR Tambo International Airport on a light aircraft transfer with Federal Air. Your destination will be either the Sabi Sands or Timbavati Private Game Reserve. Flying time is approximately 1h10. On arrival at the airstrip, you will be met and transferred through the reserve to the lodge in an open game viewing vehicle.

You will spend 4 nights in the heart of big-game country. This will give you the perfect opportunity to fully experience the sights and sounds of the wild.

You will arrive at your lodge in time to settle in to your accommodation before departing on an afternoon safari. You will stop for drinks as the African sun is setting before returning to the lodge after dark as you search for some of the more elusive nocturnal creatures.

Dinner will be enjoyed on your return tto the lodge beneath the tapestry of the African night sky.

ACCOMMODATION: PRIVATE GAME LODGE IN THE SABI SANDS OR TIMBAVATI

DAYS 2, 3 AND 4

A typical day at a lodge in the Sabi Sands or Timbavati will see you being woken at first light. This is the most productive time from a game-viewing point of view. The early morning also offers great light for the photography enthusiasts.

After a quick cup of tea or coffee and a light snack you will head out in an open game-viewer on your morning safari. This will be led by an experienced ranger and tracker. You will be out for approximately 3-4 hours depending on what you see. On your return to the lodge you will enjoy a sumptuous brunch. You will have some down time during the heat of the day before meeting again around 15h00 for high tea. (A number of lodges also offer the option of a guided nature walk after breakfast where you get to learn about some of the smaller things that make up these fascinating ecosystems). The afternoon/evening safari departs directly from tea and returns after dark. Dinner will be enjoyed on your return to the lodge.

ACCOMMODATION: PRIVATE GAME LODGE IN THE SABI SANDS OR TIMBAVATI

DAY 5

After a morning game drive and breakfast, you will be transferred by road to Nelspruit Airport where you will board a scheduled flight to Cape Town International Airport. The flight departs at 13h15 and you will arrive in Cape Town at 15h55. On arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you will be met and transferred by road to your hotel. For those looking for something different, you can travel to Cape Town on one of South Africa's luxury trains - teh Blue Train or Rovos Rail.

ACCOMMODATION: CAPE TOWN HOTEL, BED & BREAKFAST, GUEST HOUSE, SELF-CATERED APARTMENT OR LUXURY VILLA

DAYS 6, 7 AND 8

You will have 3 full days in which to explore the Cape Peninsula and surrounding areas. This will give you an opportunity to do a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula where you will visit Cape Point as well as the African Penguin colony at Boulder's Beach. You will also be able to spend a full day exploring the Cape Winelands. The remainder of your time can be spent exploring Cape Town itself with highlights being Table Mountain, Robben Island., Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens and many more.

ACCOMMODATION: CAPE TOWN HOTEL, BED & BREAKFAST, GUEST HOUSE, SELF-CATERED APARTMENT OR LUXURY VILLA

DAY 9

After breakfast at your hotel in Cape Town, you will have the opportunity for some final shopping before your transfer to Cape Town International Airport in time for your connecting flight.

COMBINE THIS ITINERARY

To make the most of your time in Southern Africa we recommend that you combine this itinerary with Victoria Falls either at the start or end of your trip. If it is more safari you are after, this itinerary can easily be combined with the Best of Botswana.