- Summary
- Itinerary
- Pricing
- Options & Add-ons
Family Fun in South Africa
Trip Highlights
Cape Town | Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve
Learn
About ragged-tooth sharks, turtles and African penguins at the Two Oceans Aquarium
the story behind Simon Town's “Just Nuisance”, a dog beloved by local sailors
Experience
Amazing safaris as you encounter Africa's wildlife on daily game drives
A luxurious High Tea in the Lounge of the Table Bay Hotel
Designing your own chocolate on a visit to the Rococoa Chocolate Shop
Explore
Table Mountain with its panoramic views over Cape Town
The breathtaking Cape Peninsula coastline
Sabi Sands Game Reserve, home to animals big and small
Taste
Savour an African feast while Mali puppets enchant you during a dinner at the Gold Restaurant
Day 1 - Johannesburg/Cape Town
On arrival at Cape Town Airport, you will be met by a Lion World Travel representative and transferred to the luxurious Table Bay Hotel.
Location is everything and the Table Bay Hotel is perfectly situated to take full advantage of some of Cape Town’s most incredible sights and settings. Conveniently positioned in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront against the stunning backdrop of the working harbour, Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean; the Table Bay Hotel provides an experience like no other.
Table Bay Hotel
During your stay you will enjoy the High Tea experience, served at The Lounge at The Table Bay Hotel. This is more than just a cup of tea and slice of cake! You may want to skip lunch today, or make this an early dinner.
Accommodation: The Table Bay Hotel – Luxury Family Room
Day 2 - Cape Town
It’s an exciting and fun-filled day today. Ride the cable car to the top of Table Mountain for awe-inspiring views of the city and coastline.
Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium for an afternoon of fun! Here you will meet ragged-tooth sharks, turtles and African penguins. You may enjoy a puppet show or arts and crafts at the Children's Centre.
Two Oceans Aquarium
During your stay you will enjoy a dinner at the Camissa Brasserie at the Table Bay Hotel. Camissa Brasserie is named after the Khoisan word for Cape Town, offering diners a relaxing and sensory experience while overlooking the harbour inside the scenic Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. All the innovative meals are made with the freshest and finest ingredients.
Accommodation: The Table Bay Hotel – Luxury Family Room (B, D)
Day 3 - Cape Town
Experience the breathtaking Cape Peninsula coastline! Visit the working harbour of Hout Bay and then drive along the cliffs over Chapman’s Peak Drive, with its stunning views. At the Cape of Good Hope discover its rugged landscape. You may ride the funicular to the top of the cliffs for amazing views. Then visit Boulders Beach to watch the adorable African penguins.
In Simon’s Town visit the statue of "Just Nuisance" the Great Dane that become beloved by the local sailors. Have fun at the Scratch Patch, “scratching” for your favourite gemstones from thousands of stones that cover the floor. It’s a full and exciting day.
Accommodation: The Table Bay Hotel – Luxury Family Room (B)
Day 4 - Cape Town
After breakfast depart for Woodstock to visit the Rococoa Chocolate Shop to enjoy a tour through the cocoa plantation and chocolate making workshop. Each child will receive a chocolate filled cone and design their chocolate to take home.
The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy additional sightseeing activities or browse around the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront with its lovely shops, restaurants and craft markets.
Dinner tonight will be at Gold Restaurant for a culinary taste safari from Cape Malay to African cuisine with its set multi-course menu served at your table. Start your evening with an interactive Djembe drumming session and then be captivated during dinner by the tall, graceful Mali Puppets as they dance around your table with the drummers and singers. The live entertainment is unique to South Africa and their performances will embrace you and take you into the heart of Africa.
Gold Restaurant
Accommodation: The Table Bay Hotel – Luxury Family Room (B, D)
Day 5 - Cape Town/Stellenbosch
After breakfast today, you will drive out to the Cape Winelands for a tour.
The afternoon is at leisure to explore as you wish. Perhaps take an educational tour to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.
Tonight dine at Café Paradiso in a beautiful garden, embracing the simplicity of food in a relaxed farm stall setting where children are specially invited to enjoy a project such as icing cupcakes, making gingerbread men, cookies or pizzas.
Accommodation: The Table Bay Hotel – Luxury Family Room (B, D)
Day 6 - Sabi Sabi
On arrival at Skukuza Airport where you will be met and transferred to Sabi Sabi’s Bush Lodge where you will spend 3-nights including all meals and two game drives daily.
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge is situated in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, which shares an unfenced border with Kruger National Park. Bush Lodge is a luxurious safari escape set in the heart of the Sabi Sabi bushveld overlooking a waterhole and an African plain.
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Deck
All of the spacious, air-conditioned thatched suites in this exclusive lodge are beautifully appointed, featuring superb ethnic décor in keeping with the bushveld environment. Unobtrusive air-conditioning provides a cool escape during the warmer months.
The bathrooms, with a bathtub as well as indoor and outdoor showers, offer open views to the river plains beyond. The outdoor areas have two huge wooden viewing decks overlooking a waterhole where animals regularly come to drink. The decks have enormous sofas and armchairs where you can relax and enjoy the unspoiled bush in total luxury. There are two swimming pools which extend the outdoor relaxing area.
Accommodation: Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge - Suite (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Sabi Sabi
Enjoy morning and afternoon game viewing activities in this wilderness paradise.
Game Drive
Sabi Sabi’s professional rangers will enhance your safari experience with their wealth of knowledge and experience. Exceptional game viewing has always been a trademark of Sabi Sabi, and the chances of seeing the Big Five - Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo and Leopard – as well as the African wild dog and cheetah, are excellent. There is a large array of other species, and plains game is prolific.
Accommodation: Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge - Suite (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Sabi Sabi
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!
Cheetahs
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 - Suite (B, L, D)
Day 9 - Sabi Sabi/Johannesburg/Depart
After an early morning game drive to track the animals that may have eluded you so far, followed by breakfast, you will be transferred to Skukuza for your flight to Johannesburg to connect with your flight back to the USA. (B)
Add-Ons
Victoria Falls in Style - From USD $1,999
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 7:40 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.
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.
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 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.
Prices are per person in US Dollars, for land arrangements only, based on two adults and two children aged 8-11.
2021 internal air arrangements, economy class per person US$640 for: Cape Town-Skukuza-Johannesburg.
Oct-Nov | Dec 1-19 | |
Selling Price | $6999 | $6699 |
Jan 11 - Dec 19 | |
Selling Price | $2999 |
Jan 11 - 31 | Feb - Apr 06 | Apr 07 - Sep | Oct - Nov | Dec 1 -19 | |
Selling Price | $5999 | $6399 | $5999 | $6399 | $6199 |
Jan - Dec | |
Selling Price | $999 |
Jan - Dec | |
Selling Price | $2799 |
Inclusions:
- Transportation in luxury air-conditioned vehicles
- All services and transfers as specified
- Accommodation as specified
- Sightseeing as specified in the itinerary
- Meals as listed in the itinerary – including a dinner at Gold Restaurant
- Services of Rangers/Trackers
- Lion World Travel representative Meet and Greet upon arrival
Exclusions:
- International and Domestic flights and flight taxes
- Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, etc.
- All other services not mentioned
- Gratuities/tips for Rangers/Trackers 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 Africa – proof of insurance must be provided before bookings are confirmed. It is your personal responsibility to ensure you have enough travel insurance coverage from the provider of your choice. Please let your Africa Specialist know if you would like information on this.