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Day 3 - Cape Town

Today is a day of leisure.

You have the option of joining a Franschhoek Winelands Tour for US$175 per person. After an early breakfast you will be met by your guide for today’s tour to the exquisite Franschhoek Valley nestled between towering mountains in the beautiful Cape Winelands.

The first stop is in the quaint little town of Franschhoek. Take a short stroll down the main road in Franschhoek where you will find world-class shops and boutiques for a relaxed shopping experience. Whether you are looking jewellery, designer clothing, artworks, a special gift or chocolate you will find it there and much more.

The next stop is at La Bourgogne Farm, a working farm producing quality wines, export quality plums and pears, and some rather good olive oils. You will enjoy tasting Olive Oil, Olives and Fruit Preserves.

The scenic Franschhoek Valley and Cape Winelands

Then it’s onto La Petite Dauphine, a historical working fruit and wine farm where you will enjoy a set menu lunch with wine pairing at Bistro Bon Bon overlooking the manicured gardens.

After lunch you will participate in an hour-long Wine Blending Experience at Rickety Bridge Winery. This interactive blending experience offers something to both wine novices and enthusiasts alike.

The wine blending session will give you a chance to experience a crucial part of the wine making process, and you can leave with a bottle of wine to drink that day.

Later you will transfer to your hotel in Cape Town.

Accommodation: Commodore Hotel - Standard Room (B)

Day 4 - Cape Town

Your final day in 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, wonderful shopping and culture

You have the option of joining a Robben Island Tour in the morning. The cost is US$90 per person if you book with transfers or US$50 per person if you book only Robben Island tickets (no transfers).

This morning, board the Robben Island Ferry from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. A prison to political activists, most noticeably the late President Nelson Mandela, those imprisoned on the Island turned it from a 'hell-hole' into a symbol of freedom for South Africans as well as the rest of the world. You will be escorted round the island, hearing about the past atrocities and the triumph of the human spirit.

Ferry to Robben Island - photo by South Africa Tourism

The afternoon is at leisure. Cape Town offers historic and cultural sites, world-class museums and bustling markets, inviting beaches and lush gardens, as well as great restaurants, wonderful shopping and culture

Tonight, you will have dinner at Gold Restaurant. You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Gold Restaurant for a 14-course African-themed tasting menu and interactive drumming session. Dancers and face painting are all part of a vibrant, fun-filled evening. Transfer to your hotel after dinner.

Dancers at Gold Restaurant

Accommodation: Commodore Hotel - Standard Room (B, D)

Day 5 - Cape Town/ Johannesburg/ Pilanesberg

It is time to say goodbye to beautiful Cape Town as you are transferred from your hotel to Cape Town Airport for your flight to Johannesburg.

On arrival in Johannesburg, you will be met and transferred to Bakubung Bush Lodge. Nestled in the Big-5 Pilanesberg National Park, just a two-hour drive from Johannesburg and only ten minutes from the Sun City entertainment complex, Bakubung Bush Lodge offers a peaceful retreat to guests looking to get away from it all. This is a malaria-free destination and accommodation is offered complete with all the modern facilities desired.

Watching Elephants from rooms at Bakubung Bush Lodge

Nestled in the Big Five Pilanesberg National Park, just a two-hour drive from Johannesburg and only ten minutes from the Sun City entertainment complex, Bakubung Bush Lodge offers a peaceful retreat to guests looking to get away from it all. This is a malaria-free destination and accommodation is offered complete with all the modern facilities desired.

On-site features include a swimming pool, two floodlit tennis courts and easy access to game drives into the reserve. Guests will dine in style at the on-site restaurant, enjoy the bush barbecues offered at the outdoor boma and relax in the welcoming atmosphere of the bar. This region is home to a diversity of wildlife from the 360 sighted bird species to Africa’s majestic wildlife.

Enjoy Outdoor Dining in Spacious Surroundings at Bakubung

Accommodation: Bakubung Bush Lodge – Standard Room (B, D)

Day 6 - Bakubung Bush Lodge

Spend another day at Bakubung where twice daily game drives reveal the fascinating world of Africa’s freely roaming wildlife. The day starts early as dawn breaks over the African bushveld. Enjoy a hot drink and breakfast before you depart in your open safari vehicle with your experienced rangers who will share their extensive knowledge of the bush with you.

After an exhilarating hunt for tracks to see what the animals have been up to during the night, and tracking down wildlife in the bush, you will continue your game drive en route back to the lodge.

Rhino on a Game Drive at Bakubung

The remainder of your afternoon is at leisure until the afternoon game drive departs. In between game drives you could relax, relishing the tranquility of the bush before or take the shuttle over to Sun City, a 10-minute drive away (please note the shuttle and entrance to Sun City are at an additional cost).

There’s much to do, see and experience at the Sun City Resort which provides a different experience to your safari. Two world-class golf courses have been played by legends of the game, like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. Get your pulses racing with a trip on the fastest zip slide in the world or a 4x4 quad-bike experience through the game park? Get your gaming kicks at the casino or stretch out on the beach at the Valley of Waves.

The Palace Bridge at Sun City

Accommodation: Bakubung Bush Lodge – Standard Room (B, D)

Day 7 - Bakubung Bush Lodge

Viewing Elephants on Safari at Bakubung

Spend another day in the Pilanesberg National Park, the fourth largest national park in the country, which is home to a large selection of animal and bird life including the Big Five. The Pilanesberg Mountains offer guests sightings of a wide diversity of wildlife including lions, elephants, white and black rhinos, buffaloes, leopards, zebras, hyenas, giraffes, hippos and crocodiles.

Celebrating successful game drives at the Pool Bar at Bakubung

Accommodation: Bakubung Bush Lodge – Standard Room (B, D)

Day 8 - Pilanesberg/Johannesburg

Bid farewell to the place that has given you unforgettable wildlife encounters in the African bush. Transfer to Johannesburg for one night at the Da Vinci Hotel, the epitome of a luxury hotel in Sandton, the glistening gold nugget in the city of gold.

Despite the hotel’s commitment to offering a 5-star luxury experience, they pride themselves on their eco-friendly status. Styled in chic black and white with work from famous South African artists, it is a place of exceptional beauty in the hub of world class shopping and dining.

Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton - photo by Da Vinci Hotel

Accommodation: Da Vinci Hotel – Standard Room (B)

Day 9 - Johannesburg/Victoria Falls

This morning you will be transferred to OR Tambo International Airport. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Built on a plateau overlooking the Zambezi National Park, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is just 2 ½ miles from the majestic Victoria Falls and offers a unique wildlife experience.

Built of thatch and timber, the lodge rises several levels, giving the impression of a vast open-plan tree house. All rooms all have private balconies, most of which overlook a central waterhole, offering the opportunity to observe herds of buffalo, elephant and kudu, as the sun goes down, and hyenas later in the evening.

Elephants At Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

The guest rooms are decorated with an African theme and are equipped with air-conditioning, ceiling fan, tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryer, in-room safe, direct dial telephone and a private balcony with views of the bushveld and African sunsets. The hotel also offers a complimentary shuttle service, which stops in Victoria Falls town, the craft market and the falls.

Magnificent Views from Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Enjoy a buffet dinner at The Boma Restaurant. The award winning Boma restaurant offers a unique African experience that bombards the senses with the tastes, sights, sounds and smells of Africa - coupled with the warmth and hospitality of the local people.

Styled in the traditional manner, the thatched boma has an open fire to enhance the vibrant atmosphere. Specializing in a superb selection of traditional dishes, there is also a good selection of salads and vegetables for vegetarians.

Expect great entertainment, and delicious cuisine, at The Boma Restaurant

Traditional customs such as local beer tasting, and pre-dinner hand washing are observed, while the sights and sounds of the evening are accentuated by Ndebele performers who captivate diners with their colorful and energetic songs and dance.

Accommodation: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge – Standard Room (B, D)

Day 10 - Victoria Falls

After breakfast enjoy a guided walking tour of Victoria Falls, one of seven natural wonders of the world. This tour takes you through the magnificent rain forest where you are able to view the Cataracts, Livingstone's statue and a wide variety of birds and plants.

The World Wonder of Victoria Falls - photo by Stan Falkenstein

Finish off the afternoon with a tranquil sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The area of the Zambezi that the cruise is on is one of outstanding natural, scenic beauty with a wide diversity of game and bird life. One has a unique vantage point to spot large animals such as elephants, hippo and crocodiles, as this area lies within Zambezi National Park.

This evening enjoy an a la carte dinner at the Makuwa Kuwa restaurant at the hotel.

Accommodation: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge – Standard Room (B, D)

Day 11 - Victoria Falls/Depart

After breakfast you will be transferred by road to Victoria Falls Airport for your flight to Johannesburg. (B)

Arrive home with a lifetime of memories to share with your family and friends!