10 days - Cape to Falls, South Africa

Day 1

Arrival in Cape Town

Welcome to Cape Town! You will be met at the door of your aircraft with your name on a paging board and assisted through immigration, baggage collection and customs.

Welcome to Cape Town...
Scenically beautiful, Cape Town is a compelling mix of trendy modern and old-world elegance. Glamorous hotels, world-class dining and stunning vistas merge seamlessly with dynamic student suburbs and vibrant nightlife. Malay and African heritage is evident in the cuisine, traditions and entertainment while the architecture reveals a strong Dutch, German and English flavour and style.
Contemporary art is proudly displayed in a variety of galleries and modern boutique hotels, and wine bars and brandy tasting lounges will appeal to the fashionable set. For the well-heeled the finest in opera, ballet, drama and music can be appreciated in style. A short boat cruise to Robben Island, just over seven km’s from Cape Town harbour, you can experience a sense of hopelessness inside the prison cell where South Africa’s most beloved legend, Nelson Mandela spent 27 years hard labour. It is difficult to imagine how anyone could rise above the horror of incarceration to become arguably the most iconic and compassionate leader of our era. An exciting trip up Table Mountain in a cable car provides panoramic views over the “Mother City” and other attractions include the Cultural History Museum, the Castle of Good Hope and the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Greenmarket Square’s local crafts markets and the Bo-Kaap’s colourful Cape Malay buildings add a sense of authenticity to your trip, and Long Street’s vibrant restaurants, bars and clubs come alive after dark. Perhaps wander around the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, a working harbour and hub of entertainment and shopping opportunities.

Day 2

City and Table Mountain

Explore the city of Cape Town, known affectionately as the Mother City. Your tour will take in the Houses of Parliament, the Castle (built between 1666 and 1679, this is South Africa’s oldest building), the lively Greenmarket Square with its daily market, the Company Gardens and of course Table Mountain, which will give you spectacular views over the city and the Peninsula. (the cable car fee is not included as it is weather dependent and is usually closed for annual maintenance from the last week of July to Mid August). As you come back down from the mountain, make a stop at Bo-Kaap, home to the Cape Malay community, with its cobbled streets and brightly coloured houses. From here you have the choice of being dropped off at the Waterfront to experience this vibrant location at your own pace, with its many shops, restaurants and pubs - or at your hotel to end the tour.

Day 3

Cape Point and Peninsula

Today you embark on a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula. Take in the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, before crossing over to Hout Bay, where you may choose to join an optional boat cruise to Seal Island. From here you drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve via Chapman's Peak, one of the world's most breathtaking coastal drives, where you will board a funicular (optional and for your own account) to get to the top of the Peninsula to witness the symbolic meeting of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans and enjoy spectacular views over False Bay. After lunch (for your own account), continue to Simonstown, the naval base, and visit the African Penguin breeding colony at Boulders
Beach. Then stop at the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Gardens before arriving at your hotel for overnight.

Days 4-6

Welcome to the Winelands...

An easy drive from Cape Town, the Winelands dramatic mountains stand guard over a quilt of working vineyards, elegant Cape Dutch estates and quaint towns boasting top restaurants, hotels and spas. Sample some of the regions award-winning wine offerings, stroll through exquisitely maintained gardens or explore art galleries and antique shops in the oak-lined streets of the local towns. The buzzing university village of Stellenbosch was named after the Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel and, as the historic hub of the Winelands it is surrounded by around 200 wineries. Spier’s treetop dining platform provides a unique experience and world renowned wines Lanzerac, Simonsig, Neethlingshof, Boschendal and Meerlust are a must for wine tastings. Franschhoek, a charming
town with French Hugenot heritage is arguably the culinary headquarters of the country and home to the creative genius of a number of resident chefs. Framed by a majestic backdrop of the Helderberg Mountains, Paarl lies peacefully nestled amongst vineyards laden with the harvest’s finest offerings.
Enjoy gourmet meals lovingly prepared by experienced chefs and served in lush gardens, or stylish restaurants. Sample local wines and explore the cellars of well-established wine farms. The Winelands is all about stepping back from the hectic pace of modern living, and appreciating the finer things in life in some of the most gorgeous and tranquil locations this country has to offer. The Raptor and
Cheetah rehabilitation centre, Butterfly World, and museums and sites of historic import can be explored on your Winelands visit.

Day 7

Welcome to Victoria Falls...

When you wander through the lush rainforests above the Victoria Falls, newly baptised in the mist, your ears holding the echo of thundering waters, it isn’t hard to imagine that this is where it all began. Eden. As the land cuts away beneath the ancient Zambezi River, the waters plummet dramatically into the Batoka Gorge, over 100 metres below. The angrily churned up spray shoots skyward, painting the landscape in billowing clouds. This striking ‘’smoke that thunders” can be seen for miles, a geographic pointer summoning visitors into its presence. The vibrant town of Victoria Falls is known as the adventure capital of the world, and if your eyes light up at the thought of conquering
the “Stairway to Heaven” or “The Terminator” in a raft, then this is the place for you. While the notorious Nyaminyami (Zambezi River God) watches from its mythical depths, and the majestic basalt cliffs allow your passage through the canyon’s exquisite landscape, adventure seekers are assured of a good time. From Grade 5 white-water rafting, bungee jumping, abseiling and elephant back riding, the amusement never ends. What makes this destination so memorable is the fact that it is perfectly combined with warmly hospitable people, exquisite scenery and an array of accommodation. Excellent game, historic ruins, fishing and luxury train travel are easily accessible from Victoria Falls,
as are the neighbouring countries which border this fascinating town.

Day 8

Tour Victoria Falls

The Victoria Falls reaches its zenith in about May each year. It is a truly awe-inspiring experience – the sight, the sound, the smell and the humbling feeling that here indeed, is Natures Supreme Masterpiece. No photograph can begin to depict the reality and nothing prepares you for your first sight. This tour is conducted in the morning and afternoon and is 2 hours in duration. You will be
accompanied through the Rainforest by a qualified Guide, who gives a brief history of the Falls and the surrounding flora, fauna, bird and wildlife. Raincoats and camera protective bags are provided when needed.

Day 9

Welcome to Johannesburg...

South Africa’s economic hub, the New York of Africa, bursts at the seams with a wealth of art, history and culture. Johannesburg is a fusion of chic sophistication and rustic, inner-city vibe born of Africa’s finest creative minds. Modern African art meets designer trend and the results are striking. From the inner city walking tours’ street art and graffiti, to the re-invented university suburbs, the rejuvenation exposes a vibrant urban life. Braamfontein’s Constitution Hill, art galleries and restaurants are an example of this regeneration. It is here the continent can express itself and the results are funky, a little off beat and totally captivating. Upmarket Sandton, Rosebank and Melrose are shopping meccas, with restaurants, and activities easily located beside leafy suburbs. Soweto, once home to South Africa’s most well-loved legend, is an essential part of any visit to Johannesburg. Nelson Mandela’s house, the Hector Pieterson Museum and Regina Mundi Cathedral are part of the historical appeal of any Soweto visit, and the importance of South Africa’s turbulent past and hard won democracy is evident. With the legacy of these heroes, and the modern stadiums which stand in tribute to the importance of local sport, you are sure to see a fascinating side to South Africa. Additional attractions include the De Wildt Cheetah Rehabilitation Centre, the gold and diamond mines on which Johannesburg was
founded and Gold Reef City, the 19th century gold mine theme park. Of huge archaeological interest is The Maropeng cradle of humankind world heritage site.

Day 10

Soweto Tour before departure

Soweto is a sprawling cluster of townships on the south western flank of Johannesburg. It was created in the 1930s by the apartheid government, as a designated residential area for black people. You will catch a glimpse of the lives of Soweto’s estimated 4 million residents and learn more of its rich political history as the centre of political campaigns aimed at the overthrow of the apartheid state.
Some of the highlights of this tour are the footbridge of the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, the Hector Pieterson Museum as well as Nelson Mandela's humble little house, which is now the Mandela Family Museum. Also in this region, are the homes of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Walter Sisulu. Feel the true vibe of the township as you drive past a taxi rank and a squatter camp (informal settlement) and also make a stop at a typical Shebeen (local restaurant & bar).

Included:

Transportation and guide services as indicated
Accommodations as listed based on standard rooms and double occupancy including all applicable taxes
Meals as indicated

Not Included: