Few countries can boast South Africa’s natural riches, cultural diversity, and pure scenic splendor, and we embrace all three in equal measure on this epic South Africa safari. This journey begins in Cape Town, one of the world’s most spectacular cities, nestled between iconic Table Mountain and the sparkling currents of the Atlantic. Here, you can experience Cape Malay-influenced culture and the city’s poignant past, enjoy creative cuisine and local wines, and explore the beautiful coastline. Venture into the Winelands for a night, tasting the Pinotage and Cap Classiques for which this wine region is famous, before topping off your adventure with an exciting Big Five safari. Lions, buffalo, elephants, rhinos, and leopards — you name it, and your naturalist guide will likely be able to find it in the wildlife-rich private reserves bordering legendary Kruger National Park. From the wilderness to bustling Cape Town and the utterly scenic Cape coast, this itinerary provides the ultimate introduction to South Africa.
For those with more time, it is easy to extend your travels. Whether you yearn for more time in the bush, want to explore Namibia’s giant red dunes at Sossusvlei, or have the thundering waters of Victoria Falls on your bucket list, Boundless Journeys offers extensions to all the highlight regions of Southern Africa.
Why Trust Your South African Safari to Boundless Journeys?This unique safari features a wide range of experiences, from wine tasting to an unforgettable Big Five safari, and immerses you in all that this amazing country has to offer. Add to this charming accommodations, excellent cuisine, and one of South Africa’s most knowledgeable cultural guides, and the result is a world-class journey that you won’t soon forget.
Boundless Journeys’ partners in Africa are widely recognized as among the best safari outfitters on the continent. In addition to experienced guides, first-class vehicles, and a diverse selection of camp and lodge options, our partners’ conservation efforts and community-mindedness are great matches for Boundless Journeys’ core philosophy.
Boundless Journeys specializes in all-inclusive adventure vacations around the world. Explore more wildlife safaris among our Africa tours.
Arrival in Cape Town
Your adventure begins in Cape Town, where our local staff will greet you upon arrival at the airport. You will be assisted through immigration, baggage claim, and customs and then transferred to your accommodations for the next three nights — a luxury boutique hotel located on its own private quay just steps from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfont area.
Once checked in, relax and unwind from your travels. Enjoy a swim in the pool or explore the bustling waterfront area.
Cape Grace HotelCape Grace, South Africa
One of our all-time favorite boutique hotels, the Cape Grace is situated on a private quay at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, walking distance from its many shops and restaurants. All rooms are custom-decorated, featuring exquisite furniture, rich fabrics, luxurious marble bathrooms, and intriguing details. The Bascule Bar offers casual dining, while the fresh and inventive cuisine of Signal Restaurant is a Cape Town highlight. A well-equipped fitness studio, award-winning spa, pool and outdoor deck offer options for relaxation after days exploring the Cape.
Cape Town and Table Mountain
This morning you'll meet your guide and depart the hotel to explore Cape Town. We explore the city primarily on foot, while learning about its history, people, and cuisine.
Along the way we'll encounter Cape Town's contemporary charms as well. From creative new restaurants to craft shops, the opportunities to complement learning about the history of Cape Town are always evolving. We will explore a variety of hidden gems while tasting plenty of delicious local food along the way.
This afternoon, if weather permits we'll ride the revolving aerial cable car up Table Mountain, where we can walk along its flat top and enjoy sweeping views of the city and coastline below. Table Mountain has its own weather, however — with frequent cloud cover known locally as the "tablecloth" — so if we are unable to reach the top today, we will have another chance tomorrow.
*Please note that the Table Mountain Cable car typically closes for annual maintenance for about two weeks from late July-early August.
The Cape Peninsula
Today we explore the beautiful coastline of Cape Town, beginning at the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay and heading toward the furthest reaches of Table Mountain National Park — the Cape Peninsula. Our route takes us past the fishing town of Hout Bay, along the spectacular Chapman's Peak drive, and onto the peninsula. We arrive at the two endpoints of the peninsula: the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point with its iconic lighthouse. At the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, we'll ride the funicular and take in sweeping views of False Bay, the mountains to the north, and the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans to the south.
As we return to Cape Town, we'll pass Boulder's Beach and stop (as many do!) for a brief visit with its famously well-dressed inhabitants, the African penguins. This endangered species has seen recent success at Boulders Beach, where just a few breeding pairs have now flourished to about 3,000 birds today. The beach is protected from human use, but boardwalks along the rocky shore allow us to photograph and observe these entertaining animals.
The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at your leisure to enjoy exploring the neighborhood surrounding our hotel.
The Cape Winelands
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and set off to explore the winelands of Stellenbosch in South Africa's famed wine region. Our wine-tasting and walking stops today will showcase the spectacular beauty of the Cape Winelands.
Our first stop is Waterford Estate, set on hundreds of acres that are home to diverse indigenous wildlife, stunning views reminiscent of the Spanish countryside, and trails set among vineyards and citrus groves. We'll take a light picnic and selection of wines along to taste while out exploring. Our morning is topped off with a tasting of chocolates paired with wine back at the Estate.
Our next stop is Tokara, where in addition to wines and brandy, there are olive oils to taste and a gallery of fine art to peruse. We enjoy a leisurely lunch here before continuing on.
Our last stop today is at a wine farm in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley. At Le Lude, the Barrow family practices the technique of Cap Classique — crafting naturally bottle-fermented sparkling wines. We'll sample a few favorites before heading to our accommodations for the evening.
Le Quartier Francais, South Africa
Le Quartier Francais is a romantic 32-room boutique hotel including two independent villas (perfect for families or small groups) located in the heart of Franschhoek. Extraordinary staff, luxurious yet comfortable rooms, and attention to detail ensure that this auberge is an ideal destination for exploring the Winelands.
Sabi Sands/Kruger Area Private Reserve
This morning we have an early departure to return to the Cape Town airport, where we board our morning flight (about 2.5 hours) to Skukuza, where you will begin your wildlife safari.
South Africa's flagship national park, Kruger, is renowned for epic Big Five game viewing. Over the past few decades, the park's fences have come down, allowing wildlife to move freely into adjacent private reserves, where one can enjoy all of the wildlife found in Kruger with none of the crowds. The Sabi Sands Wildtuin is the most famous collection of private reserves that comprise the Greater Kruger area. But there are others — from Thornybush to the Timbavati, there are many excellent options should availability in the Sabi Sands be challenging.
By this afternoon, we find ourselves exploring a completely different world: South Africa's lowveld, filled with a wide array of wildlife. With a blend of riverine forest and open savannah, these reserves are prime habitat for cheetah and white rhino populations and is also home to a great diversity of mammal and bird species, including lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, and many more. We embark on an afternoon game drive to get acquainted with our new surroundings.
Mala Mala Main CampMala Mala Game Reserve, South Africa
The largest private Big Five game reserve in South Africa, Mala Mala produces some of the most exciting wildlife sightings in Africa. 19 rooms are available, each with a spacious bathroom, temperature control, mini-bar and other amenities. The Main Camp features an impressive lounge, air-conditioned dining room and library, historic bar and a large deck. Also available is an infinity pool with magnificent views, well-appointed boutique, fitness facility and massage service.
On Safari
Our days on safari are spent exploring pristine African wilderness bordering world-famous Kruger National Park. During our days here, we'll enjoy classic safari experiences by day and luxury accommodations in the evening.
Each day, we'll head out on morning and afternoon game drives in stunning landscapes, featuring riverine forest, acacia-combretum bushveld, open grassland, and rocky outcrops — a paradise for a wide variety of species. We will enjoy epic wildlife, with none of the Kruger crowds and fewer restrictions on our activities.
Back at the lodge, relax at the pool or take advantage of the wellness spa. Enjoy gourmet meals, sundowner drinks at dusk, and an evening campfire.
Departure or Extend Your Trip
Today, you'll be transferred to Skukuza Airport in time for your flight home, or perhaps you'll decide to extend your travels to Botswana, Victoria Falls, Namibia, or beyond. Please contact Boundless Journeys if you would like more information regarding ways to extend your travels.
It is easy to get to a variety of destinations from the end of this safari. Please contact Boundless Journeys at 1-800-941-8010 to discuss the possibilities.
Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary due to weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these or the order visited should the need arise.
8 Days
Daily Departures on Request
From $6,995 Per Person
$2,995
See single supplement policy below.
Please note that pricing for this trip is based on the accommodations shown and does not include airfare. The trip begins in Cape Town (CPT) and ends at Skukuza (SZK). A flight is needed from Cape Town to Skukuza on Day 5; we can assist with this or it can be part of your international ticket. This trip can be customized to your interests, but please bear in mind that pricing is potentially subject to change if accommodations or itinerary are modified.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Accommodations are based on double occupancy. A single supplement is paid by participants who specifically request single accommodations, subject to availability.
Single Supplement for Scheduled Group Departures. If you reserve at least 120 days prior to departure, you may be eligible for a reduced or free single supplement. This is generally limited to the first one or two solo travelers to reserve, and the reduction is outlined in the pricing for each trip. Free or reduced single supplements are not combinable with other offers or promotions.
If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will try to match you with a roommate of the same gender. If you reserve at least 120 days ahead and request a roommate but one is not available, you will receive a $500 reduction from the standard single supplement (unless otherwise noted in the detailed itinerary for your specific trip).
Single Supplement for Custom Tours. Custom Tour prices are generally based on two or more participants; therefore, single supplements for “solo” Custom Tours will vary and are available upon request.
Boundless Journeys' trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. South Africa: Ultimate Cape Town & Kruger Safari is rated 1+, easy with moderate options, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). Our primary activities require little aerobic fitness, but some agility for getting in and out of vehicles, and walking and light hiking through uneven terrain. This trip can be enjoyed by anyone who is in reasonably good health.
We may have opportunities for optional nature walks on occasion, but this is determined by wildlife activity and country regulations. NOTE: These optional walks are at your own risk, and can take you close to potentially dangerous wild animals.
Cape Town, South Africa
Skukuza, South Africa
Most Convenient Airport for Arrival: Cape Town International Airport, Cape Town, South Africa (airport code CPT).
Most Convenient Airport for Departure: Skukuza Airport, Skukuza, South Africa (airport code SZK).
Meeting Time and Place: Upon arrival of your flight to Cape Town, South Africa on Day 1 of the trip. You can arrive at any time on Day 1.
Departure Time and Place: The tour will end at Skukuza Airport in time for your departing flight on Day 8. Most flights depart Skukuza in the early afternoon, allowing time in Cape Town or Johannesburg to make connections onto evening international departures.
The primary activity while in the private reserve is game driving. The wildlife is typically most active early in the morning and late in the afternoon (these times also provide the best light for photography), and therefore we plan our activities accordingly. Typically, we awake early in the morning for a light breakfast before heading out on a morning drive as the sun rises. We proceed slowly, and even when animals are not present, the landscape and sounds of the bush are entrancing. We spend a few hours exploring and observing animals at watering holes or on the move from one region to another. As we come upon groups of animals, we allow plenty of time to simply observe and also take photographs. The safari guides are experienced naturalists and will add greatly to your understanding of the animals. We keep a respectful distance — although the same cannot always be said about the animals, and it is not unusual to come nose-to-vehicle with baboons, zebras, giraffe, big cats, and elephants. Some days, it may be possible to explore the area on foot in the company of our guide and a ranger.
By mid-morning, we usually return to camp where we have a few hours of down time, enjoying the amenities of the lodge, resting, birdwatching, taking photos, or perhaps reading about the region you are visiting.
In the afternoon, we gather for hors d'oeuvres and drinks before heading out for the afternoon activity. "Sundowners" — a light snack and cocktails in the bush — are an African safari tradition, and a great way to enjoy unforgettable African sunsets. We then make our way back to camp, sometimes driving with a spotlight to look for nocturnal animals.
In the evenings, dinner is usually enjoyed with the rest of the guests in camp and may vary from seated meals ordered from the daily menu to dining in the camp boma (a traditional protected outdoor dining area).
Winter in South Africa is generally May-September, and mornings and evenings in the Kruger area can be chilly, occasionally even dropping below freezing. Days are normally sunny and pleasant with occasional cold snaps and almost no rain. Cape Town can experience sunny (but generally cool) weather during this period, with occasional rains.
You may obtain other regional weather information at www.weatherbase.com.
Cape Town
High: 78 Low: 63
High: 74 Low: 58
High: 63 Low: 48
High: 69 Low: 54
High: 74 Low: 59
Kruger Private Reserves
High: 88 Low: 68
High: 86 Low: 63
High: 75 Low: 46
High: 78 Low: 57
High: 87 Low: 65
The high season for safaris in South Africa is during the dry season in the lowveld, where Kruger and the adjacent private reserves are located. The dry season typically goes from May-September, when little or no rain falls. By traveling during this time, you will enjoy the very best wildlife the bush has to offer. This is also a nice time to visit Cape Town as sporadic showers leave waterfalls cascading down the slopes of Table Mountain and there are fewer visitors about than during the summer months of December-March when many locals take their holiday.
Today's South African cuisine is the result of a blend of influences from nearly every part of the world. Traditional African dishes have evolved along with Indian and European cooking to create a vibrant variety of tastes for the inquisitive traveler. Beef, pork, and chicken are the basis of most main dishes, with occasional opportunities to try indigenous meats like farm-raised springbok (a game meat similar to venison). Seafood may also be available, especially along the coast. From dinner at an award-winning restaurant in Cape Town to festive meals in the lodge boma, great cuisine is an essential part of the experience when traveling in South Africa.
Vegetarians and other dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice, though choices tend to be more limited.
With a Boundless Journeys guide, your experience is that of friend and local adventurer. We believe strongly in working with local guides, experts in the areas to which we travel, and they hold the keys to unlocking the hidden delights of your chosen destination. Although you will never know they are at work—the mark of a truly great leader—our guides make magical things happen and add a dimension to your trip that you could not experience on your own. Over the years we have forged bonds with some of the best guides in the world, and we typically work with a small team of guides in each region. You will be informed of the guide for your trip one month prior to your departure.
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This trip can be your own adventure by taking over one of our scheduled dates, or we can request a fresh one.
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