18 Day Ultimate South Africa Tour

Cape Town

Distance

45 km (28 mi)

Itinerary

8 am to 4 pm

The day is spent exploring three of Cape Town's iconic highlights: Table Mountain, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Guests are met after breakfast, and the tour leads to the Cable Car base station at the foot of Table Mountain for a scenic ascent to the top. Here, you will walk along well-maintained paths meandering through rocky outcrops to appreciate splendid views of Cape Town, the Cape Peninsula, and fynbos.

Upon descending the mountain, we explore the bustling V&A Waterfront before time is allowed for lunch. Then, it is on to Kirstenbosch, on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. During the visit, we wander through parts of the famous 528-hectare gardens, depicting the rich plant life of South Africa, with a focus on the Cape Floristic Region. Two impressive features include the Boomslang canopy walkway and the protea gardens. The tour returns to your overnight destination during the late afternoon.

Cape Town

Distance

20 km (12 mi)

Itinerary

8 am to 4 pm

The history of South Africa's oldest city comes under the spotlight as your guide accompanies you to the District Six Museum after breakfast. It offers an informative look at the impact of Apartheid on the city's residents with personal stories, photos, and artifacts. A visit is then made to the Castle of Good Hope, a key Dutch Military Site in the 17th century, where we explore ramparts, dungeons, and exhibitions. A short stroll through the colorful Bo-Kaap, originally known as the Malay Quarter, precedes time for lunch.

In the afternoon, a short ferry ride from the Waterfront brings you to Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Nelson Mandela and other prisoners were incarcerated during Apartheid. A tour of the island includes visiting the prison and Mandela's cell, the limestone quarry where prisoners were forced to work, and other sites of historical significance. You return to the Waterfront, where a short drive leads to the overnight destination.

Winelands

Distance

15 km (9 mi)

Itinerary

8 am to 4 pm

During the morning, we explore Franschhoek, one of South Africa's most enchanting towns. It owes its existence to the French Huguenots, who settled here in the late 17th century and brought their knowledge of wine-making to the valley. We visit the Huguenot Memorial and Museum before strolling through the quaint streets lined by galleries, boutique shops, and cafes.

The afternoon is spent at leisure.

Winelands / Overberg - De Hoop

Distance

215 km (134 mi)

Itinerary

8 am to 2 pm

We leave behind the Winelands and make our way over the Franschhoek Pass, which winds through rugged Mountain Terrain. En route, we stop at viewpoints to admire stunning landscapes. The tour then travels through farmland to Swellendam, South Africa's fourth-oldest town at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains. Here, we visit the Drostdy Museum Complex, which offers a fascinating look into the town's colonial past. Some time is devoted to lunch and exploring the historic town before venturing to De Hoop Nature Reserve.

De Hoop is one of South Africa's most stunning, ecologically diverse protected areas with breathtaking coastal landscapes. It is home to abundant wildlife, including the bontebok and Cape Mountain zebra. Check-in at your lodge is followed by some relaxation time.

Overberg - De Hoop / Garden Route

Distance

242 km (150 mi)

Itinerary

8 am to 4 pm

Breakfast in De Hoop is followed by a journey to the Garden Route via Riversdale and Albertinia. Around lunchtime, we reach the prestigious Fancourt Estate, located in the beautiful town of George. Some time is set aside for lunch, after which guests are assisted with check-in, and some time for relaxing; guests are welcome to stroll around the Fancourt Estate before choosing one of the available restaurants for dinner.

Garden Route

Distance

284 km (176 mi)

Itinerary

8 am to 4 pm

After breakfast, we cross the Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo, where we visit the Cango Caves, the most extensive cave system in South Africa. This breathtaking underground wonder has vast limestone chambers with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and intricate rock formations sculpted over millions of years. After enjoying the heritage tour, we cross the imposing Swartberg Pass (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to the Karoo town of Prince Albert.

Lunch is followed by exploring this quaint town with its many historic buildings. You will also visit the Prince Albert Museum, which depicts the town's history and has a few fascinating exhibits on local culture and heritage. In the mid-afternoon, the tour returns to the overnight destination via Meiringspoort and Oudtshoorn.

Shamwari

Itinerary

Sunrise to 9 am and 4 pm to After Sunset

Shamwari's expansive and varied landscapes include savanna, bushveld, riverine forest, and grassland, a rich mix of habitats that support a variety of wildlife. It is one of South Africa's finest safari destinations. You can encounter the Big Five (elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard, and lion). Zebras and giraffes are frequently encountered, and many antelope species include springbok, kudu, eland, impala, wildebeest, and more.

While staying at Shamwari, you will enjoy two informative game drives daily, one in the early morning and one in the afternoon, extending into the early evening. The drives last two and a half to three hours each, are conducted on open 4x4 vehicles, and are accompanied by experienced rangers and trackers. There will also be a daily option to walk in the wild accompanied by an armed ranger.