10D9N Wild Wonders of South Africa

Experience the best of South Africa on this 10-day journey, where the thrill of game drives at Shamwari Private Game Reserve meets the beauty of Cape Town’s coastlines. Encounter majestic wildlife at the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries, observe seasonal whale migrations in Hermanus, and explore the vibrant city of Cape Town. With seamless transfers, expert guides, and carefully selected accommodations, this itinerary promises an immersive and refined exploration of South Africa’s natural and cultural wonders.

Tour Duration: 10 days 9 nights

Key Features:

  • Game Drives & Wildlife Encounters – Experience thrilling game drives at Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
  • Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries – Learn about conservation efforts for Africa’s majestic big cats.
  • Whale Watching (Seasonal) – Spot southern right whales off the coast of Hermanus (June – December).
  • Abalone Tour in Hermanus – Discover South Africa’s abalone farming industry with an exclusive tour.
  • Cape Peninsula Tour – Drive along the scenic coastline, visiting Hout Bay, Simon’s Town, and Cape Point.
  • African Penguin Colony – Witness the charming colony of African penguins at Boulder’s Beach.
  • Table Mountain & City Highlights – Take a cable car ride for panoramic views and explore iconic landmarks.
  • Cape Castle & Bo-Kaap – Step back in time at Cape Castle and stroll through the vibrant, colorful streets of Bo-Kaap.

 

Transportation: Private, air-conditioned vehicle
Local Guide: English-speaking guide
Meet & Greet: At OR Tambo International Airport

Itinerary at a Glance:

Location Suggested Hotel
2 nights in Shamwari Riverdene Lodge or similar
2 nights in Plettenberg Robberg Beach Lodge or similar
1 night in Hermanus Harbour House Hermanus or similar
4 nights in Cape Town More Quarters Hotel or similar

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Johannesburg – Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Your journey begins upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, where a representative will assist with check-in for a domestic flight to Port Elizabeth (flight not included). Upon landing, a private transfer will take you to the Shamwari Private Game Reserve, approximately an hour's drive. Once you check in at the Riverdene Family Lodge, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon game drive before dinner. 

Activities & Services:

  • Private transfer to Shamwari Game Reserve
  • Afternoon game drive

Included: Dinner

 

Day 2: Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Start your adventure with a morning game drive at Shamwari Private Game Reserve. Later, visit the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries to learn about the conservation of these magnificent creatures. Continue your journey by exploring the Shamwari Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, where you can witness the dedicated efforts for animal care and rehabilitation. The day will conclude with a guided walking safari, providing a deeper connection to the reserve’s wildlife and natural environment. 

Activities & Services:

  • Morning game drive
  • Visit the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries
  • Explore the Shamwari Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
  • Guided walking safari

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 3: Shamwari Private Game Reserve – Plettenberg Bay

Your day begins with a morning game drive, followed by breakfast at the lodge. After check-out, you will embark on a scenic drive of approximately 232 km to Plettenberg Bay. En route, you’ll make a stop to visit Tsitsikamma, where you can enjoy the area’s natural beauty before continuing to your destination.

Activities & Services:

  • Morning game drive
  • Scenic drive through Tsitsikamma National Park

Included: Breakfast

 

Day 4: Plettenberg Bay

Enjoy a relaxing day at leisure in Plettenberg Bay after breakfast. You may choose to visit Monkeyland and Birds of Eden, or simply take in the beauty of the area at your own pace. 

Activities & Services:

  • Optional visit to Monkeyland & Birds of Eden
  • Leisure time in Plettenberg Bay

Included: Breakfast

 

Day 5: Plettenberg Bay – Hermanus

After breakfast and check-out, you will be transferred to Hermanus, a journey of approximately 455 km. Known for its southern right whales, Hermanus offers the opportunity for whale sightings between June and early December.

Activities & Services:

  • Scenic drive to Hermanus
  • Optional whale watching (seasonal)

Included: Breakfast

 

Day 6: Hermanus – Cape Town

Following breakfast and check-out, you will visit the Abalone Tour in Hermanus to learn about abalone farming and visit Abagold, one of South Africa’s largest abalone farms. Later in the day, you will be transferred to Cape Town, a drive of about 122 km. Check-in at The More Quarters Hotel. 

Activities & Services:

  • Abalone Tour at Abagold
  • Private transfer to Cape Town

Included: Breakfast

 

Day 7: Cape Town – Cape Peninsula Tour

Enjoy a full breakfast before embarking on a private Cape Peninsula tour. Take in the breathtaking coastline, visit Hout Bay, Simon’s Town, and the African Penguin Colony at Boulder’s Beach. You’ll have the option to have lunch in Simon’s Town at your own leisure before returning to your hotel in the evening.

Activities & Services:

  • Private Cape Peninsula tour
  • Visit Hout Bay, Simon’s Town & African Penguin Colony

Included: Breakfast

 

Day 8: Cape Town – Table Mountain & City Tour

After breakfast, take a cable car ride up Table Mountain (weather permitting) for panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. You will also pass by historic landmarks such as the Cape Castle, Company Gardens, Parliament Buildings, and the Bo-Kaap. The afternoon will be free for shopping and further exploration. 

Activities & Services:

  • Table Mountain cable car ride (weather permitting)
  • City tour with Cape Castle, Company Gardens & Bo-Kaap
  • Free time for exploration

Included: Breakfast

 

Day 9: Cape Town – Free Day

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before spending the day at leisure. You can explore the V&A Waterfront or visit the Two Oceans Aquarium, depending on your interests.

Activities & Services:

  • Optional V&A Waterfront visit
  • Leisure time in Cape Town

Included: Breakfast

 

Day 10: Departure from Cape Town

After enjoying your final breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Cape Town International Airport for your flight home.

Activities & Services:

  • Private airport transfer

Included: Breakfast

 

Please note: This itinerary is designed to give you an idea of what to expect on the tour but is not set in stone. What we actually do on a given day is flexible and can be tailored based on the interests of the group.

 

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

  • Meet & Greet by our representative upon arrival.
  • Meals as defined in the itinerary.
  • All transfers as indicated in the itinerary.
  • Tours as described in the itinerary with a fully qualified English-speaking local guide (unless otherwise stated).
  • Accommodation in double/twin bedded rooms in hotels stated in the itinerary, or similar.
  • Should the hotel/lodge quoted, not be available we will endeavour to book an alternative property based on the same/similar rate and grading as the quoted property.
  • Entrance Fee where applicable in the itinerary, unless otherwise stated.

 

TOUR PRICE EXCLUDES:

  • All Airfares (International / Domestic) & airport taxes.
  • Costs associated with obtaining visas/entry requirements.
  • Items of a personal nature, such as laundry, telephone calls, room service, alcoholic beverages, minibar charges, etc.
  • Any tours not specified within the above itinerary.
  • Early check-in / Late Check-out.
  • Excess baggage.
  • Gratuities for Tour Guide and Driver.
  • Other items not mentioned in the Tour Price INCLUDES list. 

 

REMARKS:

  • No cancellation or amendment is allowed after full payment.
  • Booking reservation is required a minimum of 3 working days to process and is subject to confirmation 1-3 days before the departure date.
  • No combination with any tour products of other tour agencies.
  • Sightseeing is subject to weather conditions and may not meet your expectations.
  • The tour is conducted in English unless otherwise specified.
  • The itinerary may be subject to change due to circumstances beyond the Company’s control.
  • Accommodation in designated cities is subject to room availability.
  • The sequence of the itinerary may be subject to change.
  • Proposed changes, if any, that are not accepted will be subject to the refund provisions set out in the Terms and Conditions.
  • If an adult travels with a child without a bed, a single room supplement is required. If two adults travel with a child without a bed, the child’s room charge is FOC.

This itinerary and its package inclusions might be changed later in time, subject to availability.

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