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11 Day itinerary in South Africa, Africa

Timbavati Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sands Game Reserve &...

Enjoy a combination of wildlife experiences in two different game reserves followed by a city break. This program combines a 3 night stay in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve followed by a 3 night stay in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve before enjoying a 4 night stay in the "Mother City" Cape Town. ... Read More

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Karen

By Karen

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
help_outline

Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

O.R. Tambo International Airport

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Visit markets

Meet local people

Rural home stays

Indigenous culture

Outdoors & Nature

Culture & Arts

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

Morning Game Drives

2

Afternoon Game Drives with sundowner stops

3

Cape Point Nature Reserve and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

4

Visits to the historical towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek & Paarl including wine tastings

Itinerary

High-end Accommodation expand_more

Day 1

place Scheduled Flight - OR Tambo International Airport to Hoedspruit/Eastgate Airport

You board your scheduled flight from OR Tambo International Airport to Hoedspruit/Eastgate Airport. Upon arrival at Hoedspruit/Eastgate Airport, you will be met and transferred to Simbavati's Hilltop Lodge, located in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, where you will spend the following 3 nights. The Timbavati Private Game Reserve, a private game reserve adjacent to the Kruger National Park sharing an unfenced border, which allows the animals to roam between the two areas. The reserve is home to the famous "Big Five" - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. In Xitsonga, the name Timbavati means "the place where something holy came down to earth" and refers to the rare white lions which can still be found in the area today. This lodge boasts magnificent views of the bush, the Nhlaralumi River and the distant foothills of the Drakensberg Mountain Range from the vantage point of the beautiful small koppie on which it is situated. It also guarantees an exclusive, authentic and unforgettable African Safari experience. Situated in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which is a wildlife-rich concession of land adjoining the western border of the Kruger National Park. This afternoon - depending on your arrival time at the lodge, you can enjoy a light lunch followed by a afternoon game drive. Upon your return to the lodge you will have some time to freshen up before dinner.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • High-end Accommodation: Simbavati Hilltop Lodge
Day 2

place Simbavati Hilltop Lodge

Your day start with early morning tea and coffee overlooking the river on the deck before setting out on your morning game drive (approx. 3 hours) upon your arrival back at the lodge you enjoy a hearty breakfast on the dining deck. Late morning/early afternoon you have time at leisure to enjoy the facilities the lodge has on offer, enjoy the use of the infinity pool overlooking spectacular views of the distant Drakensberg Mountains. Alternatively, relax in the lounge/bar area, avail of the free Wi-Fi on offer, or simply allow your mind to wander while sipping a refreshing cocktail, and watching the wildlife at the Nhlaralumi River. This afternoon you gather for a combination of high tea and lunch before heading out on your afternoon game drive (approx.3 hours) which includes a sundowner stop in the bush, upon your arrival back at the lodge you have time to freshen up before enjoying dinner on the dining deck.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • High-end Accommodation: Simbavati Hilltop Lodge
Day 3

place Simbavati Hilltop Lodge

Your day start with early morning tea and coffee overlooking the river on the deck before setting out on your morning game drive (approx. 3 hours) upon your arrival back at the lodge you enjoy a hearty breakfast on the dining deck. Late morning/early afternoon you have time at leisure to enjoy the facilities the lodge has on offer, enjoy the use of the infinity pool overlooking spectacular views of the distant Drakensberg Mountains. Alternatively, relax in the lounge/bar area, avail of the free Wi-Fi on offer, or simply allow your mind to wander while sipping a refreshing cocktail, and watching the wildlife at the Nhlaralumi River. This afternoon you gather for a combination of high tea and lunch before heading out on your afternoon game drive (approx.3 hours) which includes a sundowner stop in the bush, upon your arrival back at the lodge you have time to freshen up before enjoying dinner on the dining deck.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • High-end Accommodation: Simbavati Hilltop Lodge
Day 4

place Inter-Camp road transfer from Simbavati Hilltop Lodge to Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge

After your early morning game drive, followed by breakfast and check out, you will be transferred to Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, located within the, ever popular, Sabi Sands Game Reserve, here you will spend the following 3 nights. The 65,000 hectares reserve, named after the Sabie and Sand rivers, is the most exclusive private reserve in South Africa. It is located in the south-western corner of the Kruger National Park in the Mpumalanga Province. It is home to the Big Five, zebras, caracals, hippos, impalas, pangolins, wild, dogs, around 500 different kinds of birds and many more fascinating animals. It provides a wonderful experience for great game drives and incredible animal sightings. With a history spanning over 35 years, the lodge has earned a reputation of a “luxury home in the bush”, service excellence and effortless personal attention. Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is an un-spoilt part of Africa ecologically and geographically integrated with the Greater Kruger National Park. This afternoon (depending on your arrival time) you will enjoy lunch and a afternoon game drive. Upon your return to the lodge you have time to freshen up before dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • High-end Accommodation: Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
Day 5

place Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge

Your day start with early morning tea and coffee overlooking the river on the deck before setting out on your morning game drive (approx. 3 hours) upon your arrival back at the lodge you enjoy a hearty breakfast. Late morning/early afternoon you have time at leisure to enjoy the facilities the lodge has on offer such as two swimming pools, a large covered viewing deck, lounge, atrium and intimate bar area to relax and unwind or indulge at the Lodge's Amani Spa. This afternoon you gather for lunch before heading out on your afternoon game drive (approx. 3 hours), upon your arrival back at the lodge you have time to freshen up before enjoying dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • High-end Accommodation: Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
Day 6

place Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge

Your day start with early morning tea and coffee overlooking the river on the deck before setting out on your morning game drive (approx. 3 hours) upon your arrival back at the lodge you enjoy a hearty breakfast. Late morning/early afternoon you have time at leisure to enjoy the facilities the lodge has on offer such as two swimming pools, a large covered viewing deck, lounge, atrium and intimate bar area to relax and unwind or indulge at the Lodge's Amani Spa. This afternoon you gather for lunch before heading out on your afternoon game drive (approx. 3 hours), upon your arrival back at the lodge you have time to freshen up before enjoying dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • High-end Accommodation: Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
Day 7

place Scheduled Flight: Skukuza Airport to Cape Town

This morning after a early morning game drive, followed by breakfast and check out, you will be met and transferred to Skukuza Airport in time for your flight to Cape Town. Upon your arrival in Cape Town, you will be transferred to one of the most well know hotels in the area, Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, where you will spend the following 4 nights. The Cape Town CBD is the perfect base to explore the Mother City with its restaurants, bars, museums, crafts markets and of course, Long Street, famous for nightlife. The CBD is the perfect gateway to all the major attractions like V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain but also the beaches at Sea Point, Camps Bay and Clifton. Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel has long been regarded as one of the city’s top five star hotels. It offers the perfect combination of leafy tranquility and contemporary buzz. Whether dining on exotic Cape cuisine, soaking up the sun or exploring the buzzing streets, your time here promises endless memories to cherish. Situated at the foot of Table Mountain, in Gardens, Cape Town. The rest of your day is at your leisure - perhaps enjoy some of the hotel facilities on offer in its leafy estate, from tasting great local cuisine and cocktails in the buzzy restaurant or bars, to expertly tutored art classes and divine spa treatments, Relax by one of the swimming pools, play a game of tennis or enjoy a garden tour.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • High-end Accommodation: Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town
Day 8

place Activity: Full Day Cape Peninsular Tour

This morning after breakfast your will be met by your English speaking guide and head out for your Full Day Cape Peninsular Tour. Travel along the spectacular coastline of the Peninsula through charming historical villages. Visit the mythical meeting place of two great oceans and experience the “fairest Cape of all” Highlights: Clifton & Camps Bay, Twelve Apostles, Llandudno, Hout Bay (optional boat trip to Seal Island), Chapmans Peak Drive (if open), Noordhoek, Ostrich viewing (drive by), Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope, Penguin Colony (optional), Simons Town, Muizenberg, Constantia, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Pick Up @ 07:30 - 09:00 Inclusions: Entrance fee to Cape Point Nature Reserve and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Professional guide, Pick up and drop off at hotel, WiFi on board Excludes: Lunch, Optional visit fees (Penguin Colony and Seal Island)

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • High-end Accommodation: Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town
Day 9

place Activity: Full Day Wine Tour

This morning after breakfast you will be met by your English speaking guide and head out on your Full Day Winelands Tour. Take a breath-taking journey through the winelands of the Cape. Witness the wine making process from the vineyard to the bottle & visit the historical towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek & Paarl. Highlights: Stellenbosch City Orientation Dorp Street De Braak Free walkabout into historical town Wine tasting on a Stellenbosch Estate with cellar tour and cheese tasting Paarl Drive through Paarl Wine tasting on a local wine estate Nelson Mandela's former prison, Victor Verster Franschhoek Franschhoek historical village Enjoy a unique ride on the Franschoek Tram Wine tasting on a local wine estate Huguenot memorial (optional) Pick Up @ 08:00 Inclusions: Entrance fees, Three wine tasting, One cheese tasting, Cellar Tour, Professional guide, Pick up and drop off at hotel, WiFi on board Excludes: Lunch, Optional visits

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • High-end Accommodation: Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town
Day 10

place Day at Leisure

Today you have at your leisure - suggested activities: Full Day Whale Route Tour (August - November) NOT INCLUDED IN PACKAGE PRICE Join a private Whale Route tour with pick up and drop off at your hotel. Pass by Gordon;s Bay, Pringle Bay and Betty's Bay on route to the seaside town of Hermanus for some land based whale watching and an (optional) whale watching boat trip Highlights: The Harold Porter Botanical Gardens, Hamilton Russell Wine Estate, Fernkloof Nature Reserve, tasting at Benguela Cove, Sir Lowry's Pass Includes: Entrance fee to Harold Porter Botanical Gardens, professional guide, pick up & drop off from hotel Excludes: Lunch & optional boat trip Pick Up 08:30 / Drop Off 17:30 **************************************************** Cape Town City Tour - half day NOT INCLUDED IN PACKAGE PRICE Join us for a morning or afternoon orientation tour of the Mother City as we venture through the streets crowded with history. This tour includes an optional visit to Table Mountain or in the event of inclement weather, Table View. Highlights: South African Museum, Company Gardens, Malay Quarter/ Bo-Kaap, Green Market Square, Table Mountain Cable Car - optional, Short Diamond factory tour – optional, Wi-Fi on board Includes: Entrance fee to South African Museum, professional guide, pick up & drop off from hotel Excludes: Lunch & optional entrance fees Pick Up 08:30 / Drop Off 12:30

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • High-end Accommodation: Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town
Day 11

place Depart for Cape Town International Airport

This morning after breakfast and check out, you will collected from your hotel and transferred to Cape Town International Airport in time for your onward flight. END OF ITINERARY

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • Simbavati Hilltop Lodge
  • Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
  • Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town

Meals expand_less

  • Lunch (6)
  • Dinner (6)
  • Breakfast (10)

Transport expand_less

  • All mentioned transfers
  • Scheduled flight Skukuza Airport to Cape Town
  • Scheduled flight Johannesburg to Hoedspruit / Eastgate Airport

Activities expand_less

  • Private Day Tours Cape Town , Peninsula Tour - full day
  • Private Day Tours Cape Town , Wine Tour - full day

Extras expand_less

  • Entrance fees as per itinerary

Not Included expand_less

  • Flights, airport taxes and visas (where applicable) and not specifically mentioned as included
  • Conservation fees / Entrance fees not mentioned as included
  • Meals not specified
  • Drinks not specified
  • Porterage and gratuity fees
  • Optional activities
  • Items of a personal nature e.g. laundry, mini-bar, etc
  • Other expenses not specifically mentioned in the quote

About Karen

TEAM LEAD

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I am proudly South African and have over 20 years experience in the Travel and Tourism Industry within Southern and East Africa. I have a deep rooted passion for my beautiful continent, a continent that deserves to be shared with others.

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FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$7,062.00 USD