Destinations: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park, Cape Winelands
Destinations: Victoria Falls
Unearth the highlights of South Africa on this classic tour, going from Table Mountain to the heart of a volcanic crater. Capture Cape Town’s history on a guided city tour, then travel into the hinterlands to sample bottles of Cape Winelands’ finest during a tasting experience.
Stay at Ivory Tree Game Lodge in Pilanesberg National Park and seek out African wildlife on a hot air balloon safari from Sun City resort. Along the way, discover South Africa’s diverse landscapes, exciting fauna and fascinating cultural heritage.
Destinations: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park, Cape Winelands
Destinations: Victoria Falls
Hello, and welcome to Cape Town, situated between the famous Table Mountain and the waters where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.
When you arrive at Cape Town International Airport (CPT), your guide will meet you and take you to your waterfront hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore.
Arrival & Transfers:
Please book your flights to arrive at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) at any time on Day 1. Airport transfers are included on the first day of your tour. Your transfer will meet you on arrival and take you to your hotel. Check-in on Day 1 is at 2pm.
Meet your tour guide in the lobby to being your morning city tour.
Discover Cape Town’s history, culture, and architecture with visits to the 17th-century Castle of Good Hope and Cape Town City Hall, known for its Edwardian design. See the Grand Parade, where Nelson Mandela addressed the nation after 27 years in prison, and visit Saint George’s Cathedral, where Archbishop Desmond Tutu led anti-apartheid marches.
Walk through the peaceful Company’s Garden and explore Bo-Kaap, also known as the Malay Quarter, set against the slopes of Table Mountain. Watch artisans cut diamonds and create jewellery, a craft tied to South Africa’s historic diamond and gold trade.
You can choose to visit Table Mountain for sweeping city views (cable car tickets not included). After returning to the city, the rest of the afternoon is free. You may choose an optional trip to Robben Island, weather permitting, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.
Please note: Table Mountain visit is weather dependent. Table Mountain is closed to visitors between July – August for annual maintenance.
Today, explore South Africa’s Cape Winelands on a full-day tour. Known for its crisp white wines and French-style reds, the settlements of Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch offer renowned dining and scenic vineyards for expert food and wine pairings.
Begin in Paarl, set against the valley where President Mandela was released from Groot Drakenstein Prison. Visit a local estate for a wine tasting and a tour of the cellar facilities.
Next, head to Franschhoek near the Drakenstein Mountains. Founded nearly 350 years ago by French Huguenots escaping persecution, the town’s wine-making tradition continues today. Enjoy another wine-tasting session at a local vineyard.
End the day in Stellenbosch, South Africa’s second-oldest town. Established by Dutch governor Simon van der Stel, the area is known for its fertile soils, 18th-century architecture and oak-lined streets. Your Stellenbosch wine tasting completes the experience.
Later, return to Cape Town for an evening at leisure.
Travel time: Driving – approx. eight hours
Today is free for you to enjoy as you wish. You can choose to join a full-day peninsula tour to explore Cape Town’s coastal scenery or relax and enjoy the seaside atmosphere at your waterfront hotel.
Start your day with breakfast before transferring to Cape Town Airport (CPT) for your flight to O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg.
Upon arrival, board your coach transfer to Pilanesberg National Park, where you’ll check in at Ivory Tree Game Lodge for your all-inclusive stay. End the day with a hearty dinner.
Travel time: Driving – approx. three hours / Flight – approx. two hours
Please note: Depending on arrival time, an afternoon game drive and lunch may be available in Pilanesberg National Park.
Located in the north of South Africa’s, Pilanesberg is one of only three alkaline volcanic ring complexes in the world. This unique crater park features vast ridges and a landscape ideal for spotting wildlife.
Over the next two days, enjoy twice-daily safari game drives in the morning and evening. Look out for over 300 bird species and safari animals like rhinos, elephants and lions.
After hunting once wiped out local wildlife, the park began reintroducing species in 1979, including the Cape wild dog. Along with the famous animals, you might spot the ‘Little Five’: the rhinoceros beetle, leopard tortoise, elephant shrew, buffalo weaver and ant lion.
Back at your lodge, enjoy leisure time with optional activities like guided walks, traditional dance performances or spa treatments (additional costs may apply).
Start your day with an early departure for your hot air balloon safari. Soar above Pilanesberg National Park, taking in views of the wildlife and landscapes below while your guide provides expert insights. After landing, return to your lodge for breakfast.
Later, say goodbye to your safari as you travel back to Johannesburg, stopping at the Apartheid Museum. This moving museum presents the history of 20th-century South Africa through photographs, personal artefacts and stories, offering a powerful reflection on the apartheid era.
After your visit, continue to your hotel and check in.
Travel time: Driving – approx. three hours
Please note: The Apartheid Museum is closed on Mondays. Where necessary, travellers will visit the Hector Pieterson Memorial & Museum in Soweto on days that the Apartheid Museum is closed.
End your South African adventure with a final breakfast before transferring to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) for your departure.
Departure & Transfers:
Checkout on your final day is at 11am. Please book your flights to depart from O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) at any time. Airport transfers are included on the last day of your tour. Your transfer will meet you at your hotel and take you to the airport.
Booking Summary: After you book, please follow the instructions in your booking summary email and ensure you complete your Traveller Details in full.
Update 19 December 2024: Amendments & Cancellations section updated, please see below.
Please note, our 7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee and Date Change policy does not apply to Tours
Date Changes
Itinerary Amendments & Changes
Surcharges
Fine Print and package inclusions are accurate at the time of purchase and not subject to change, unless updates or corrections are specifically noted in the latest Fine Print with a timestamp. Please check the Fine Print prior to departure for any updates.
We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.
Accommodation for the duration of your tour is included in the Tour package.
Please note:
Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation
Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation. If you choose to change, change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes’.
For pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings, you may be required to check out of your room and check in again on the first or last day of your tour. You will need to confirm these details directly with the hotel.
Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
Sun City Resort quad biking nature trail
Transfers
Tipping
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the package and are at your own discretion. As a guide, approximately:
Please Note:
Travel Insurance
Passports & Visas
Traveller Details
Tour Pace
Travel Styles
Health and Fitness Acknowledgement:
Your tour begins at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and ends at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) with return airport transfers. The extended tour ends at Victoria Falls Airport (VFA).
Return flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. ** If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.**
Please book your flights to arrive at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) at any time on Day 1 and depart from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) at any time on Day 9 or from Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) at any time on Day 12.
Return airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only.
Important: Please allow for travelling time from international countries. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive at your starting location on your chosen tour start date.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website, Visas Direct, to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa, please let us know and we will be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Important Destination Information:
South Africa
Time zone: UTC +2
Telephone: +27
Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within the city. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas. Travellers are advised to inform their bank of their travel plans.
Language: South Africa recognises 11 official languages, however, the most widely spoken are Afrikaans, English and Zulu
Climate: Varies by region. Winter falls between June and August, while summer is from December to February.
Dress code: Relaxed but respectful, especially when visiting religious institutions.
Zimbabwe
Time zone: GMT+2
Telephone: +263
Currency: Both the Zimbabwe Dollar and US Dollar are currently in use.
Accessing money: ATMs may not be able to provide cash with an international debit card and changing money is only possible at officially licenced banks and exchange bureaus. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas. Travellers are advised to inform their bank of their travel plans.
Language: Zimbabwe recognises 16 official languages, however, the most widely spoken are Shona, English and Ndebele.
Climate: Varies by region. Winter falls between May and August, while summer is from September to May.
Dress code: Relaxed but respectful, especially when visiting religious institutions.