South Africa: An Elegant Adventure

Day 1: Arrive Cape Town

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Cape Grace. A transfer from Cape Town International Airport to the Cape Grace is included; the hotel, found on the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List is perfectly situated right on the waterfront in the heart of the city. Meet your Tauck Director and your fellow travelers at our welcome reception followed by dinner in the Conservatory.

Overnight: Cape Grace

Day 2: Explore Cape Town and the Winelands

Your morning begins with a lecture on apartheid from Christo Brand, the former guard of Nelson Mandela during his imprisonment in the late 1970s and 1980s. It's then off to Cape Town for an orientation sightseeing tour in and around the city highlighted by views of City Hall, Parliament and St. George's Cathedral (where Desmond Tutu was inaugurated as Archbishop). Following a journey by rotating cable car, you'll find yourself atop famous Table Mountain. Enjoy magnificent 360-degree views of the city and bay during the ride up and on a walk at the top. After lunch, enjoy a walking tour of Kirstenbosch Gardens, the national botanical gardens on the eastern slope of Table Mountain highlighting the unique plant life of southern Africa. Back on the mainland, enjoy a stop at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) before a drive whisks you away to Constantia in the Cape Winelands for a memorable wine-pairing dinner.

Overnight: Cape Grace

Day 3: On and around the Cape Peninsula

Travel to Cape Point and take a funicular up to the historic lighthouse. Following lunch at a seaside restaurant, journey to Simon's Town for a unique opportunity to meet African penguins in a boulder-laced coastal park. Return to your hotel late afternoon, where your evening is free.

 

Overnight: Cape Grace

Day 4: Fly to Kruger National Park and a Private Game Reserve

Fly from Cape Town to the incomparable Kruger National Park, where your safari experience begins at Lion Sands – Kruger National Park. Set in the South African lowveld, it is one of the best game-viewing areas of the park thought to host more mammal species than any other game reserve on the continent. Enjoy an afternoon tea before a late afternoon game drive with an expert safari guide

Overnight: Lion Sands-Kruger National Park

Day 5: Lion Sands-Kruger National Park

Wildlife viewing is at its best at the Lion Sands-Kruger National Park Concession, which covers 12,000 acres and boasts one of the highest recorded densities of predators – and especially of leopards – in Africa; guests have spotted elephant, cheetah, rhinos, wild dogs and, of course, leopards in Kruger during their stay. You'll have ample opportunity to spot the animals who live here on two game drives today. Tonight, feast on regional culinary specialties at dinner.

Overnight: Lion Sands-Kruger National Park

Day 6: Exclusive Game Drives in Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Enjoy a final game drive at Lion Sands this morning before moving on to Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, situated within the Sabi Sands Game Reserve bordering expansive Kruger National Park. Comprising five smaller private game reserves set along the Sabie River, the Sabi Sands reserve is home to a great biodiversity of habitat and wildlife, including Africa's iconic "Big Five" – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard; wild dogs, cheetahs and over 300 species of birds can also be spotted here. An afternoon game drive is your introduction to life in the African bushveld.

Overnight: Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge

Day 7: At Home on Safari

Morning and afternoon game drives aboard four-wheel-drive, open-top Land Rovers make your South Africa tour come alive with up-close sightings of African game. Expert Shangaan trackers and experienced rangers help you spot the animals who migrate through the reserve, including antelopes, kudu, impalas, and giraffes. They are well-versed in the geography of the area, the wildlife and the efforts being made to conserve these living treasures and eagerly share their knowledge with you. Enjoy afternoon coffee, tea and biscuits, or perhaps a swim between game drives, followed by dinner tonight.

Overnight: Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge

Day 8: A day in Johannesburg

Return to Skukuza airstrip and fly to Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city and commercial hub, for a two-night stay. Johannesburg is the world's biggest city not situated on a river, lake or coastline. Among the most modern and prosperous cities in South Africa, "Jo'burg" has derived much of its wealth from the major gold- and diamond-mining industries based here; you'll learn about diamonds and Africa's gemstones at a special presentation early this evening. Your hotel, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, an award-winning urban sanctuary set amidst lush acres of landscaped gardens; dine at your hotel restaurant.

Overnight: Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

Day 9: Exploring Johannesburg

During today's guided tour, you'll experience the diversity of the region, from its thriving business environment of today to its historical importance as a residential township in the time of the apartheid. You'll see South Africa's Constitutional Court and learn about justice in the "Rainbow Nation." Visit the Apartheid Museum, acknowledged as the preeminent museum in the world dealing with 20th-century South Africa, at the heart of which is the apartheid story; the museum illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid. Return to the hotel, where the remainder of the day is free to spend as you please in Johannesburg.

Overnight: Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

Day 10: Magnificent Victoria Falls

Fly to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe for two nights at the historic, five-star Victoria Falls Hotel. Late this afternoon follow in the footsteps of African explorer and missionary David Livingstone aboard a private sundowner cruise the storied Zambezi River, complete with refreshments. Dine in a choice of hotel restaurants tonight.

Overnight: The Victoria Falls Hotel

Day 11: Explore Zambezi National Park and meet the elephants

Today it's your choice of a privately guided walk around Victoria Falls, or a helicopter ride above it for a bird's-eye view. Enjoy expert insights about African elephants from a naturalist during a visit to a nearby elephant sanctuary with a chance to meet and feed these gentle giants. Return to the hotel for an elegant high tea and join us for a farewell dinner at the opulent Livingstone Restaurant in your hotel.

 

Overnight: The Victoria Falls Hotel

Day 12: Journey Home

Tour ends: Victoria Falls. Attend an insightful lecture on David Livingstone this morning. A transfer is included from The Victoria Falls Hotel to Victoria Falls Airport. Allow three hours for flight check-in