- Summary
- Itinerary
- Pricing
- Options & Add-ons
Best of Cape Town and the Bush 2019
Trip Highlights
Cape Town | Franschhoek | Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Explore
The beautiful city of Cape Town
Picturesque Franschhoek
Experience
Close-up wildlife sightings in pristine wildlife areas
Spotlit night drives to witness the evening pursuits of predators and other nocturnal animals
Taste
Superb South African wines
Delicious food at Mont Rochelle's two restaurants, MIKO and Country Kitchen
Choice
At additional cost:
Panoramic Table Mountain views and city scenes on a City Tour
Gorgeous botanical displays on a Kirstenbosch tour
Breathtaking scenery and lovable penguins on a Cape Peninsula Tour
Cultural insights on a Walk to Freedom Tour
Day 1 - Cape Town
Arrive in the bustling and vibrant city of Cape Town to enjoy all the best that South Africa has to offer. You will be met by a Lion World Travel representative at the Cape Town Airport and transferred to the 4-star Victoria & Alfred Hotel which is ideally located for guests wanting to be in the energetic heart of Cape Town’s Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. It offers some of the most enviable views of Cape Town Harbor, Table Mountain and the slick city that stretches out at the foot of this natural wonder, and within a few minutes’ walk of a wide variety of shops, restaurants and markets as well as the ferry to Robben Island.
Timeless elegance and personalised luxury are found at the award-winning Victoria & Alfred Hotel.
Victoria And Alfred Hotel
It’s the precise details that give the Victoria & Alfred Hotel its elegance, intimacy, romance and reputation.
Accommodation: Victoria and Alfred Hotel – Piazza Facing Room
Day 2 - Cape Town
Enjoy a day of leisure exploring the many attractions in and around this cosmopolitan city, or simply relax on the fashionable beaches of Camps Bay or Clifton. Cape Town offers historic and cultural sites, world-class museums and bustling markets, inviting beaches and lush gardens, as well as great restaurants and wonderful shopping.
Cape Town
Accommodation: Victoria and Alfred Hotel – Piazza Facing Room (B)
Day 3 - Cape Town
Today you have the whole day at your own leisure, to enhance your Cape Town experience; we recommend you enjoy a sightseeing tour - a visit to the historic Robben Island is a poignant and moving experience to see where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned; or marvel at the brilliant views with a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain.
Table mountain cable car
The Cape Peninsula tour is a favorite option for enjoying Cape Town’s breathtaking scenery and watching the adorable African penguins at Boulders Beach.
Accommodation: Victoria and Alfred Hotel – Piazza Facing Room (B)
Day 4 - Cape Town
Enjoy a day at leisure in the fascinating city of Cape Town. Your final day in Cape Town. Time to do some last minute shopping or enjoy another sightseeing tour - time spent in Cape Town will not be forgotten.
Accommodation: Victoria and Alfred Hotel – Piazza Facing Room (B)
Day 5 Cape Town/Franschhoek
After a leisurely breakfast you will be transferred to your hotel in Franschhoek.
Mont Rochelle is a stunning 26-bedroom hotel and vineyard just under an hour’s drive from Cape Town in the town of Franschhoek. Franschhoek is a traditional vineyard town in the Western Cape Province famously known as the French Corner of the Cape and is the food and wine capital of South Africa.
Mont Rochelle
The 5-star facilities on the property include a heated outdoor swimming pool, bar, a gym and spa, two restaurants including the gourmet Miko, not forgetting a well-stocked wine cellar.
From picnics in the great outdoors to relaxed lunches in the Country Kitchen, Mont Rochelle can offer it all. The grounds at Mont Rochelle cover 39 hectares (about 100 acres) with lots to explore. A favorite activity for many is picnicking on the estate – the kitchen can arrange a well-stocked picnic basket with a chilled bottle of wine and you can set off and find a shady spot to settle down and enjoy it.
Accommodation: Mont Rochelle Hotel and Vineyards - Shiraz Room (B)
Day 6 - Franschhoek
Enjoy a day of leisure in Franschhoek village where you can find a variety of art and craft shops as well as galleries and antique stores. Personalized wine tasting or a picnic amongst the vineyards can be arranged. Take a dip in the outdoor heated swimming pool or work up an appetite in the gym or just sit back, relax and indulge yourself in the in-house spa.
Accommodation: Mont Rochelle Hotel and Vineyards - Shiraz Room (B)
Day 7 - Cape Town/Skukuza
It is time to say goodbye to the beautiful Cape as you transfer from your hotel to Cape Town Airport in time for your scheduled flight to Skukuza.
Spend 3 nights on safari at your selected lodge.
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge is luxurious safari escape set in the heart of the Sabi Sabi bushveld overlooking a waterhole and an African plain. Each air-conditioned thatched suite is beautifully appointed, featuring exquisite ethnic décor in keeping with the bushveld environment. The en-suite bathrooms feature al-fresco as well as glass-fronted indoor showers, affording wonderful views of the bushveld. Huge viewing decks are the ideal setting to relax while spotting game, birdwatching, or cooling off in the filtered pools.
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Suite
Savanna Private Game Reserve offers nine magnificent suites with spacious and luxurious accommodation, the epitome of elegance and comfort. The décor is a blend of colonial and classic with hand crafted furniture, fine linen and beautiful artwork. All have magnificent bathrooms and decks looking onto waterholes in the bush.
Savanna Lodge
Later embark on a late afternoon game drive as you go in search of the “Big Five” and other wildlife. Specially designed game viewing vehicles and highly trained guides with vast knowledge of the African bushveld, take guests on close and intimate encounters with a large variety of wildlife.
Accommodation: Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge or Savanna Private Game Reserve (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Awaken early for your morning game drive in an open safari vehicle with numerous opportunities to spot and photograph wildlife. There is nothing quite as thrilling as your first sight of a lion, elephant or rhino roaming free in the bush or as exciting as following tracks in the hopes of spotting an elusive leopard! Follow the animals on and off-road, deep into the heart of the wild African Bushveld.
Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation before setting out this afternoon for another unforgettable safari.
Bush walks provide the opportunity for an intimate look at the smaller creatures and flora in the reserve and for learning about animal tracking.
Accommodation: Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge or Savanna Private Game Reserve (B, L, D)
Day 9 - Sabi Sands Game Reserve
We're sure waking up early has never been this enjoyable! After meeting with your ranger over a cup of coffee or tea, head out in search of more animals – don't forget the Small Five – they’re important too!
In the evening, your last nocturnal game drive of this stay – it’s incredible what the rangers can pick up at night – ask yours to find you a chameleon before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Accommodation: Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge or Savanna Private Game Reserve (B, L, D)
Day 10 - Skukuza/Johannesburg
Enjoy an early morning game drive to track the animals that may have eluded you so far, followed by breakfast. After a transfer to the Airport you will fly to Johannesburg. (B)
Add-Ons
Victoria Falls in Style - From USD $1,799
Experience a fabulous blend of luxury tented accommodations, game drives, river cruises and the impressive Victoria Falls for an exciting add-on!
Victoria Falls in Style is a 3-night package. Spend one night in Johannesburg and enjoy two nights in Victoria Falls staying in a stunning tented lodge on the Zambezi River where you will experience the wonder of the mighty Falls as well as a tranquil cruise on the Zambezi River and open-vehicle game drives in the Zambezi National Park.
Cape Town Day Tours
Cape Town, the Mother City, is a historically, culturally and breathtakingly vibrant city that was recently named the best city in Africa and the second best city in the world by Condé Nast Traveller. From its beautiful natural landmarks to its colourful culture; from decadent wine farms to captivating history and architecture - it’s a tourist heaven. There’s no finer way to savor Cape Town's pleasures than a guided day tour with Thompsons Africa – from wonderful winelands and wine tastings, to riding the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, we’ll take you there in style.
Please note the scheduled tour prices below have additional drop off and pick up points and will have other guests on board. The private tour pricing offers a vehicle and driver just for your use and allows more flexibility – please note that the venues visited will have other guests, it is just the vehicle and driver that is on a private basis. Pricing for both is per person based on a minimum of two people.
Click here for day tour prices.
Cape Town City Tour
Departs: Daily between 7:35 and 8:30am. Returns: Approx. 12:30pm.
This tour is designed to orientate and give you a full-color insight into the extraordinary magic of Cape Town. First enjoy a cable car ride to the summit of the legendary Table Mountain (weather permitting) for panoramic views, including the City and surrounding layout of this southernmost tip of Africa (tickets are for your own account). Next up is a visit of the country’s oldest colonial building, The Cape Castle and the Company Gardens. Then you’ll be driven past Parliament Buildings, City Hall which is where Nelson Mandela made his first public speech after his release from prison and the Slave Lodge. Next, it’s up the cobblestoned hills to the beautifully colorful homes of the Bo-Kaap in the Malay Quarter. The tour ends on a sparkling note, with a visit to a diamond works where you’ll watch a professional diamond cutter as he creates every girl’s dream stone. Perhaps you’ll be taking one home.
Cape Point Tour
Departs: Daily between 8:00 and 8:45am. Returns: Approx. 12:30pm.
The Cape Peninsula and Cape Point is wild, rugged, and undoubtedly one of the most memorable coastlines you’ll have encountered. The trip begins with a drive along Millionaires Paradise, eyeing the glamorous homes of Clifton Beach and Camps Bay which leave you in no doubt as to how it earned its title. From there, it’s on towards the charming coastal town and working harbor of Hout Bay - translated from Dutch it literally means Wood Bay. Then, driving over the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive with its breathtaking views you’ll arrive at the Cape of Good Hope Section of the Table Mountain National Park and its rugged, intriguing landscape. Next up is a visit to the delightful African penguin colony at Boulders beach (for your own account, approximately USD $5 per person), before moving on to the historical naval port of Simon’s Town. It’s a wonderful half-day spent on the wilder side of this exquisite Cape coastline.
Stellenbosch Winelands Tour
Departs: Mon-Sat between 12:45 and 1:45pm. Returns: Approx. 5:30pm.
Stellenbosch, with its Cape Dutch architecture, is the warm and wonderful heart of the Cape Winelands and is surrounded by stunning wine estates. It’s truly the prettiest town, home to one of the country’s prestigious universities, and you’ll love exploring the fine art galleries, the architecture, the history, and the curious and quaint shops. You’ll be taken on a leisurely drive to become acquainted with the area, before being introduced to the wine-making process in a fascinating cellar tour. Of course, you‘ll have a chance to taste the wine for which this area is renowned, and no doubt, you’ll leave with a favorite bottle or two under your arm. Stellenbosch is arguably one of the Province’s most beautiful towns.
Walk to Freedom Tour
Departs: Daily between 8:00 and 8:45am. Returns: Approx. 12:30pm.
Experience the wonderful raw energy of Cape Town's Townships in one unforgettable morning. After a visit to District Six (closed on Sundays), where you will learn a little of the history of the townships, the tour continues on to the oldest township in Cape Town, Langa, and its people. Strolling through Langa Township, pop in to a local market, an Arts & Crafts center and visit a traditional healer. Experience the warm hospitality at a local Bed & Breakfast as well as a day care center that provides local children with a safe haven and fun environment. Then from Langa you will visit two other townships, Khayelitsha and Gugulethu to get a more in-depth look at the vibrant communities. For those who have the time, we recommend you extend to a full day tour with a visit to Robben Island in the afternoon. Home of Nelson Mandela for so many years, it’s a highly charged and emotional moment when you visit the site of this suffering, and realize how far South Africa has come from those days.
Robben Island Tour
Board the Robben Island Ferry at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and take part in a half day Robben Island tour.
For nearly 400 years, Robben Island was a place of banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment for political "troublemakers" and social outcasts. During the apartheid years Robben Island became internationally known for its institutional brutality. Some freedom fighters spent more than a quarter of a century in prison for their beliefs. Nelson Mandela was one of them.
Those imprisoned on the Island succeeded on a psychological and political level in turning a prison 'hell-hole' into a symbol of freedom and personal liberation. Robben Island came to symbolize, not only for South Africa and the African continent, but also for the entire world, the triumph of the human spirit over enormous hardship and adversity. You will be escorted around the island by an ex-political prisoner, and given insight into the past and how the human spirit triumphs.
Feathers and Fins Tour
Departs: Mon, Wed, Fri between 12:45 and 1:45pm. Returns: Approx. 5:30pm.
This entertaining, family-friendly trip includes a visit to the Hout Bay World of Birds where adults and children can get up close and personal with nature, with over 400 different species to discover including birds, reptiles, mammals - don’t forget to visit the walk through monkey jungle! The tour continues with some of the finest beach views on the coastal drive to the Two Oceans Aquarium in the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, where a magical underwater world awaits. Learn about mysterious deep sea creatures, dangerous predators and see a real “happy feet” family. Touch pools and tidal walks are part of the fun while puppet shows and play areas are on offer for younger children. For older children, fascinating discoveries, interesting facts, and shark encounters await! Bring your family on this fun tour to see, touch, learn and play...who knows, they may even find Nemo!
Cape Malay Cooking Experience with Cass Abrahams
Departs: subject to chef's availability.
Today you will be picked up at 08h30 for your Cape Malay Cooking with Cass Abrahams Tour. Cass is the foremost authority on the cuisine in the Cape and is a local celebrity. The tour starts with a chat and a coffee with your guide so that you have some background on the people of the Cape, the history of their cuisine and on Cass. Cass realized that for a variety of reasons the cuisine was dying out in the Cape and made it her mission to rescue the recipes. She interviewed the grandmothers in the community and dug in the archives and then wrote a cookbook that became highly sort after by many South Africans. Today you have the opportunity to enjoy a hands-on class with her in her home in the Southern Suburbs. You will cook three to four dishes and then relax over lunch. Please note that no alcohol is served in respect for Cass's Muslim faith.
Sea Kayaking
Departs: daily, subject to weather. Please note the tour excludes transport to and from Simon's Town — prices available upon request.
Visit one of the most unique places in the world — a penguin colony in suburban Cape Town. And the best way to see it is from the water. Leave from Simon's Town Waterfront and paddle past the civilian and Naval Harbor and out to Boulder's Beach. After visiting the penguins, stop on a lovely semi-private beach for refreshments, swimming and snorkeling (snorkels and bottled drinking water are provided). Your double kayak is very stable and perfect even if you have no paddling experience.
We can also arrange for you to go cycling, skydiving, sandboarding and abseiling among other activities — please let us know if you would like more information on these activities.
Full Day Tours
Cape Winelands Tour
Departs: Mon-Sat between 8:00 and 9:00am. Returns: Approx. 5:30pm.
This is a superb day exploring the exceptional Winelands region with its heavenly scenery. The area is rich with history, and you can’t help but feel it as you visit this region. Experience a wine cellar tour, where you’ll learn all about the process of winemaking, and have the chance to savor the wines. Visit the charming little town of Franschhoek, pass by the impressive Huguenot Monument, and enjoy lunch (your own account) – the town is known as the gourmet capital of South Africa. After lunch, the tour takes you over the Helshoogte Mountain Pass to the pretty university town of Stellenbosch. You will have time to stroll through this little town, absorbing the quaintness, and enjoying the shops! A trip to the Winelands isn’t complete without a wine tasting, so you'll visit two different wine estates. During your visit, you’ll be able to purchase your favourite wine to take back home!
Whales & Wine Tour
Departs: Wed, Fri & Sun between 7:45 and 8:45am. Returns: Approx. 5:00pm.
Only operates Jul-Nov during whale season
The quiet little fishing village of Hermanus has the best shore-based whale watching in the world! The drive takes you along the coast with its glorious ocean view and hopefully – the awe-inspiring site of Southern Right whales at play. There may be an opportunity to join boat-based whale watching (subject to availability, time and weather conditions and for your own account – approximately USD $50 per person and the cruise lasts about 2 and a half hours). You will be able to enjoy lunch in the town (your own account) if you choose not to do the boat trip. The day also includes a visit to the Hemel-On-Aarde (Heaven & Earth) valley to visit a boutique winery to sample some wines of outstanding quality (on Sundays when the winery is closed you will visit the Cheetah Sanctuary in Somerset West instead). The return drive to Cape Town takes you via the pretty apple-growing region of Elgin and through Sir Lowry’s Pass with its spectacular views.
** Handy tip: sun protection, protective clothing and preventative treatment against sea sickness are advisable when going on the optional boat trip **
Cape Peninsula Tour
Departs: Daily between 7:45 and 8:45am. Returns: Approx. 6:00pm.
On this tour you will see why the area earned the name of The Fairest Cape. Sit back and relax, as you’re driven along the exquisite stretch of coastline known as Millionaire’s Paradise – from Clifton to Camps Bay, to the exclusive beach hamlet of Llandudno – towards the charming working harbour of Hout Bay.
You then wind your way along the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive, hugging the cliffs and relishing the breathtaking ocean views. After a stop for lunch (your own account), visit the wild and beautiful Cape of Good Hope Section of the Table Mountain National Park, an integral part of the world-renowned Cape Floral Kingdom.
After, you'll head back along the coast towards the City, visiting the historic naval port of Simon’s Town and the endearing African penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach (own account – approximately USD $5 per person). Next, you’ll head inland to the last stop of the day. In the summer months this will be at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. With the sun setting over the tall peaks of Table Mountain, the last rays sparkle on the trees and flowers. In the winter months (May 1st to Aug 31st), the last stop is at Groot Constantia where you’ll stop for a wine tasting and cellar tour of South Africa’s oldest wine estate.
Evening Tours
Sunset and Beach Dinner
Departs: Tue & Thu between 5:30 and 6:00pm. Returns: Approx. 10:00pm.
Only operates Sep - May
Join your host and head out of the city before sunset. Savor a chilled glass of sparkling wine while overlooking one of Cape Town’s most beautiful beaches and taking in the sunset. You’ll be shown how to find the Southern Cross in the night sky (if the moon isn’t too bright!), before enjoying dinner at a sensational restaurant offering seafood and South African specialties. If you’re celebrating a special occasion let us know and we can arrange a separate table. As you return to the hotel, you'll enjoy the city lights by night.
Sunset Champagne Cruise
Departs: daily subject to weather conditions — times vary according to sunset.
Board a sail boat that will follow the wind for this cruise and allow you to experience sunset and the views of Cape Town at dusk from a different perspective! Typically in a SE Wind direction, you will head out of the Harbour and sail across Table Bay towards Milnerton lighthouse, then return to the protection of Granger Bay in the lee of Table Mountain to watch the sun set, and then motor back to the Waterfront.
Custom Day Tours
We can also tailor make tours to match your interests or simply arrange for you to have a vehicle and driver available with no plan in mind to take you wherever you feel like going. Cape Town has been chosen as the Design Capital for 2014, we can include Architecture, Art, local clothing designers. In addition to the beautiful Winelands, Cape Point and City tours, consider a family day out, to see seals, penguins, monkeys and butterflies; splash out on a hot shopping extravaganza; or indulge in a grand gourmet food and wine tour of golf or bicycle tours.
Half Day Private Tours
Half day private trips depart daily on request and run from either 8:30 am to 12:30pm or 1:30pm to 5:30pm and cover up to 150km’s.
Full Day Private Tours
The full day private vehicle and driver hire departs daily on request with a pick up time of 9:00am, dropping off at 5:30pm and covers up to 250km's.
Both half and full day options exclude all entrances, parking fees, toll fees and any other costs which you would need to settle directly at the venues visited and in the case of parking, with the driver. Touring is done in an air-conditioned 7-seater vehicle with a tour guide.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. Your Africa Specialist will be able to direct you to information regarding travel insurance.
Prices are per person in US Dollars, for land arrangements only, based on double occupancy accommodations.
2019 internal air arrangements, economy class per person US$640 for: Cape Town-Skukuza-Johannesburg.
Feb 1-14 | Feb 15-28 | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec 1-19 | |
Selling Price | $5699 | $5399 | $4999 | $4999 | $4999 | $4999 | $4999 | $4999 | $5399 | $5399 | $5399 |
Single Supplement | $3100 | $2800 | $2500 | $2200 | $2200 | $2200 | $2200 | $2500 | $2800 | $2800 | $2800 |
Feb 1-14 | Feb 15-28 | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec 1-19 | |
Selling Price | $6099 | $5699 | $5699 | $5399 | $4999 | $4999 | $4999 | $4999 | $5399 | $5799 | $5899 | $5899 |
Single Supplement | $1700 | $1400 | $1400 | $1000 | $800 | $800 | $800 | $800 | $1000 | $1400 | $1500 | $1500 |
Inclusions:
- All services and transfers as specified
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
- Game drives as specified in itinerary
- Services of Rangers/Trackers
- Accommodation as specified
- Transportation in luxury vehicles
- Sight-seeing as per itinerary led by qualified English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees for sight-seeing as indicated
- Lion World Travel representative Meet and Greet upon arrival
Exclusions:
- International airfare
- Domestic and regional flights in Southern Africa
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, etc
- All other services not mentioned
- Gratuities/tips for game rangers, tour guides, and drivers
- Costs of obtaining passports and/or visas
- Trip Cancellation, Interruption and/or Medical Insurance – please note that insurance for this trip is a mandatory requirement from suppliers in South Africa – proof of insurance must be provided before bookings are confirmed. It is your personal responsibility to ensure you have sufficient insurance coverage.