14 Day Cape, Wine, Kruger & Vic Falls Tour

Guests are met on arrival at Cape Town International Airport and will be transferred to their hotel. Cape Town is set in an area many consider one of the most beautiful in the world, framed by Table Mountain, Devil's Peak, and Lion’s Head. The surrounding coastline, sandy beaches, and the unique Cape Floral Kingdom create an unforgettable introduction to the region. After settling in at your hotel on the V&A Waterfront, there is time to appreciate the atmosphere of one of Africa’s most iconic cities before your afternoon excursion.

Later in the day, you ascend Table Mountain by cable car, rotating gently as it climbs to provide panoramic views. From the summit, you can admire the entire Cape Peninsula, the distant outline of Robben Island, and the rugged Atlantic coastline. Your African Sky guide will share fascinating insights about the mountain’s geology, its fynbos plant life, and the surrounding landmarks visible from the plateau. The evening is spent at leisure back at the hotel or exploring the waterfront’s dining and shopping options.

After breakfast, you embark on one of the world’s most scenic coastal routes – Chapman’s Peak Drive. The road clings to near-vertical cliffs that drop toward the Atlantic Ocean, offering dramatic views and multiple stops for photographs. The route leads into the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, where wind-shaped landscapes, rugged cliffs, and roaming wildlife paint a vivid picture of this iconic southern tip of the peninsula. A visit to Cape Point’s historic lighthouse provides sweeping views of the meeting currents and the vast coastline stretching north.

The return journey travels along the False Bay coastline, visiting the naval town of Simon’s Town and its historic charm. You then stop at Boulders Beach to observe the famous African penguin colony from boardwalks that allow excellent close-up viewing. The excursion concludes with a visit to Muizenberg, known for its colorful beach huts and wide bay. You then return to Cape Town in the late afternoon where the remainder of the evening is enjoyed at leisure.

Today’s excursion is devoted to Robben Island, accessed by a ferry ride departing from the V&A Waterfront. For nearly four centuries, the island served as a place of exile and imprisonment for political dissidents, most notably Nelson Mandela. Upon arrival, a former inmate typically conducts the tour, offering a moving perspective on daily life inside the prison and the struggle against apartheid. You will visit key sites including the cell where Mandela spent much of his 18-year incarceration and gain insight into the broader history of the liberation movement.

After returning to the mainland, some time is set aside for lunch before you visit the District Six Museum. The area was once a thriving multicultural neighborhood before apartheid-era forced removals transformed it into a symbol of loss and resilience. The museum preserves personal stories, photographs, and artifacts that document its past. Your guide will help contextualize this important part of Cape Town’s social history. You return to your hotel afterward with the evening free.

After breakfast, you travel north to the West Coast Fossil Park near Saldanha Bay, a National Heritage Site that preserves one of the richest Pliocene fossil deposits in the world. The guided tour reveals a snapshot of life five million years ago, when now-extinct species such as short-necked giraffes, sabre-toothed cats, and African bear-dogs roamed the region. Seeing the excavation site exactly as paleontologists uncovered it offers a rare window into prehistoric ecosystems and the dramatic environmental changes that shaped southern Africa.

Following the fossil tour, you continue to the fishing village of Paternoster for lunch and then visit the Cape Columbine Lighthouse. Set among rugged granite outcrops, it has guided ships along this treacherous coastline since the 1930s. You then enjoy a coastal walk toward Tietiesbaai, passing secluded coves and seasonal wildflowers brightening the landscape. The West Coast’s raw beauty is on full display, offering a peaceful contrast to the bustle of Cape Town. You return to the city by late afternoon.

Your journey continues to the historic town of Stellenbosch, one of South Africa’s oldest settlements and the heart of a world-renowned wine region. The oak-lined streets and beautifully preserved Cape Dutch architecture reflect centuries of heritage. You stroll down Dorp Street as your guide explains the town’s evolution and the cultural influences that shaped it. A stop at Oom Samie se Winkel – an old-fashioned general store dating to 1904 – adds a nostalgic touch to the morning exploration.

You then depart for visits to two leading wine estates in the Stellenbosch region. Many of these estates date back to the late 1600s and continue to produce some of the Cape’s most celebrated wines. A cellar tour provides insight into winemaking techniques, from grape harvesting to maturation and bottling. Tasting sessions showcase the diversity and quality of local varietals. Afterward, you travel to Franschhoek, a picturesque valley town famed for its culinary reputation, where you check in for the night.

Franschhoek is deeply rooted in the history of the French Huguenots, who brought their winemaking expertise to the Cape in the late 17th century. After breakfast, you explore the town and visit the Huguenot Memorial, which honors the perseverance of these early pioneers. The surrounding mountains form a dramatic amphitheater around the valley, creating ideal conditions for viticulture and setting a striking backdrop for today’s experiences. The blend of French heritage, fine wines, and exquisite scenery gives Franschhoek its distinct charm.

The remainder of the day is dedicated to wine tasting at several renowned estates in the valley. Each property offers its own terroir expression, architectural style, and atmosphere. Your guide and on-site experts explain the nuances of the region’s varietals, including the Cap Classique sparkling wines for which the area is well known. Between tastings, you have time to appreciate the natural beauty, manicured vineyards, and culinary culture that make Franschhoek the “food and wine capital” of South Africa.

Following an early breakfast, you transfer to Cape Town International Airport for a flight to Skukuza in the heart of Kruger National Park. Upon landing, you are met by your ranger and driven to your luxury lodge in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. This legendary area forms part of Greater Kruger and is known for its exclusivity, rich wildlife diversity, and superb guiding. After settling into your suite overlooking the bush, there is time to relax before lunch and the first afternoon game drive.

The late-afternoon safari sets the stage for unforgettable wildlife encounters. Open 4×4 vehicles allow for unobstructed views as rangers and trackers work together to interpret the signs of the bush. Sabi Sand is particularly renowned for close-range leopard sightings, and it is common to encounter other Big Five species as well. The drive concludes around sunset, often accompanied by refreshments in a scenic spot. You return to the lodge for dinner and an evening spent listening to the sounds of the African night.

These two full days are devoted to immersive wildlife experiences in one of Africa’s most productive game-viewing regions. Early morning drives take advantage of peak animal activity: predators returning from nighttime hunts, elephants visiting waterholes, and antelope herds grazing in open clearings. Your ranger shares insights about animal behavior, ecology, and tracking techniques while adjusting the route based on the latest sightings. Between drives, guided bush walks may be offered, providing a different perspective on the smaller details of the environment.

Afternoon and evening drives often yield encounters with nocturnal species such as hyenas, civets, and owls. Sabi Sand is famous for its thriving leopard population, and sightings here are frequent due to decades of careful conservation and responsible tourism practices. Lions, buffalo, and both white and black rhinos are regularly observed, along with plentiful general game including giraffe, zebra, and kudu. Evenings are enjoyed back at the lodge, where fine dining and stargazing complete the safari experience.

Your final morning in the Sabi Sand begins with one last game drive, offering a final opportunity to capture memorable sightings or revisit favorite areas. After returning to the lodge, a hearty breakfast is served before you pack and bid farewell to the rangers and trackers who have shared their expertise throughout your stay. You then transfer to Skukuza Airport for your flight to Johannesburg, enjoying aerial views over river systems and the bushveld as you depart the Lowveld.

Upon arrival in Johannesburg, you are met and transferred to your hotel located close to O.R. Tambo International Airport. The remainder of the day is spent relaxing. You may choose to unwind at the hotel spa, stroll through the landscaped gardens, or enjoy a quiet evening meal. This overnight stay provides a comfortable transition between the safari adventure and your onward journey into Zambia the following day.

After breakfast, you return to O.R. Tambo International Airport for a flight to Livingstone, Zambia. Upon arrival, your guide meets you for a visit to the Livingstone Museum, the country’s oldest and largest cultural institution. It houses an extensive collection of Dr. David Livingstone’s letters, diaries, and artifacts, documenting his explorations and humanitarian work in Africa. Exhibits also highlight Zambia’s ethnography, archaeology, and colonial history. The stop provides superb context before your immersion in the Victoria Falls region.

Later in the afternoon, you embark on a leisurely sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The expansive river channels and grassy islands host abundant wildlife, and it is common to see hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife thriving along the banks. The setting sun casts warm reflections across the water as you enjoy drinks and snacks on board. After the cruise, you return to your riverfront hotel, where zebra often graze freely on the lawns and the atmosphere is serene.

This morning’s excursion takes you into Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park for sweeping views of Victoria Falls from the Zambian side. The Zambezi River plunges more than 330 feet into a narrow basalt gorge, creating a curtain of water that can stretch over a mile in width depending on the season. Rainforest paths lead to viewpoints positioned close to the falling water, and the perpetual mist supports a lush canopy alive with birdlife. Your guide explains the geology, hydrology, and cultural significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the afternoon, you visit Mukuni Village, home to the Leya people and ruled by Chief Mukuni and Queen Be Dyango under a rare dual-monarchy system. The visit provides meaningful insight into local traditions, social organization, and daily life in a community that has lived near the falls for centuries. You may observe artisan crafts, traditional homes, and aspects of communal governance. The experience enhances understanding of the human history intertwined with the natural wonder of Victoria Falls.

After breakfast, you depart for the short transfer to the border crossing between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Here you traverse the historic Victoria Falls Bridge, an engineering feat completed in the early 20th century. The bridge spans the gorge just downstream of the falls, offering commanding views of the river churning far below. It is a favorite vantage point for photography and a remarkable place to appreciate the scale of the landscape sculpted by the Zambezi over millennia.

Once in Zimbabwe, you explore Victoria Falls National Park, where rainforest trails lead to classic viewpoints directly opposite the Main Falls. The roaring water, swirling mist, and lush vegetation form one of the most dramatic natural environments in Africa. After your walk, a brief orientation tour of Victoria Falls Town introduces its craft markets, cafés, and relaxed ambiance. You then return to your accommodation in Livingstone for a peaceful final evening on the Zambezi.

Your final morning begins with a relaxed breakfast at the hotel as you enjoy the tranquil views over the Zambezi River. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time to reflect on your journey or capture a few last photographs of the verdant riverside setting. The property’s unique wildlife visitors – such as zebra or monkeys – often contribute to memorable parting moments before departure. Your luggage is collected, and you meet your driver for the transfer to Livingstone Airport.

From Livingstone, you board a flight to Johannesburg, where you are met and assisted with the connection to your international departure. Alternatively, you may choose to end services in Johannesburg or Pretoria. The tour concludes with lasting memories of the Cape’s coastal splendor, the Winelands’ heritage, the wildlife-rich Sabi Sand, and the magnificent Victoria Falls – an immersive journey across Southern Africa’s most iconic destinations.