Photo Info Mary KubiukExpect Magical Wildlife Encounters while on Safari
Photo Info South Africa TourismDiscover the Beauty of Cape Town
Photo Info More Hotels GroupLuxury Living on Vacation at Lion Sands
Photo Info GrootbosAn Ecological Paradise, the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
- Summary
- Itinerary
- Pricing
- Options & Add-ons
Platinum South Africa 2022 - Land Only - From US$4799
Trip Highlights
Cape Town | Grootbos Private Nature Reserve | Lion Sands Game Reserve
This experience promotes sustainable food experiences, small scale farmer interactions or responsible consumption and educates our guests on the importance of natural ecosystems or wildlife conservation, and contributes to their restoration or repopulation.
Discover
- Majestic wildlife and excellent photo opportunities on safari
- The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, home to world-class restaurants and shops
Experience
- Vast wilderness of Kruger National Park while staying at Lion Sands Tinga Lodge
- The serenity of the Grootbos luxury eco-reserve
Enjoy
- Gourmet cuisine at the Table Bay Hotel's Camissa Brasserie
- 5-star accommodations in Cape Town at the luxurious Table Bay Hotel
Social Responsibility
Visit the Jabez Pre-School, which opened its doors in 2018. Before opening, children 5 years and younger from the nearby rural village of Justicia B had to walk for over an hour to get to school!
The magic of Africa awaits
PCR Testing – we can’t take the test for you, but we’ve got the where and how covered!
Most countries and airlines require proof of a negative Covid PCR test. As your safari experts, we know their requirements and will take care of scheduling tests during your travels in South Africa, so that it’s conveniently planned into your itinerary and taking into consideration that results take between 24-72 hours. Tests cost between $100 and $330 per person, per test including transport to the testing facility. Your Africa Specialist will give you more information as it relates to your itinerary.
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. The airport is approximately 13 miles from the city centre.
Cape Town is a vibrant city with a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, rich history and culture, beautiful beaches, fabulous shopping, and never-ending picturesque landscapes.
The Table Bay Hotel offers the ultimate in 5-star luxury accommodation in Cape Town. One of the Leading Hotels, The Table Bay continues to set its own standards in international service, cuisine, and luxury. This property is synonymous with friendly service, and environmental sustainability awareness.
Outside the Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town
The rooms at the gracious Table Bay Hotel are fully air-conditioned and all furnished with the amenities and services you would expect from a property of this standard including 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi access and universal plug adaptor sockets.
Accommodation: The Table Bay Hotel – Luxury Sea Facing King/Twin Room
Day 2 - Cape Town
Today is a day of leisure to enjoy your surroundings. You have the option of joining a Franschhoek Winelands Tour exclusively for our Lion World Travel guests, at a special price of US$175 per person – please let us know if you would like to join this excursion.
If you join the tour, the day will run as follows: 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 Cape Winelands, photo by South Africa Tourism
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.
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.
Enjoying the Hospitality at La Bourgogne
Then it is 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.
Getting ready for the Wine Blending experience at Rickety Bridge
Later you will transfer to your hotel in to Cape Town.
Accommodation: The Table Bay Hotel – Luxury Sea Facing King/Twin Room (B)
Day 3 - Cape Town
Today is a day of leisure to enjoy your surroundings. You have the option of joining a Cape Peninsula and Table Mountain Tour, exclusively for our Lion World Travel guests, at a special price of US$175 per person – please let us know if you would like to join this excursion.
Take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain for panoramic views of the city (weather dependent). The world-famous landmark is 3,258 feet above sea level, and the mountain itself is a national monument. From the summit you can marvel at the awe-inspiring 360-degree view of the city. Ride the cable car down the mountain and depart on the Cape Peninsula Tour.
On this tour you will see why the area earned the name of The Fairest Cape. Sit back and relax, as you drive 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 harbor of Hout Bay.
Cape of Good Hope, photo by Avi Bender
The tour then winds its 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.
You will have the opportunity to ride the Flying Dutchman funicular (optional and own account) to the old lighthouse for awe-inspiring views!
Endangered African Penguins on the Beach, photo by Bill & Marlene Roehm
Finally, the tour makes its way back along the coast towards the City, visiting the historic naval port of Simon’s Town and the endearing African penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Did you know that the African Penguin used to be called a “jackass” penguin because its call is like that of a braying donkey!
While staying at The Table Bay Hotel you will enjoy a dinner at Camissa Brasserie.
Accommodation: The Table Bay Hotel – Luxury Sea Facing King/Twin Room (B, D)
Day 4 - Cape Town/Gansbaai
After breakfast you will take a scenic drive to Stony Point, located in the quaint coastal town of Betty's Bay and home to one of the largest successful colonies of African Penguin in the world. Then you will continue driving and arriving to the five-star Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, a luxury eco-reserve close to the Southern tip of Africa.
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, located in Gansbaai, is a leading example of sustainable eco-tourism in the Western Cape. This relaxing and beautiful place overlooks Walker Bay and is surrounded by indigenous Fynbos (shrubs) and forest clad hills. Home of the "Marine Big 5" - whales, sharks, dolphins, seals, and penguins; and with unparalleled floral diversity.
Champagne Deck View at Grootbos
The luxury accommodation at Grootbos is stylishly furnished with private wooden decks offering spectacular panoramic views. On a clear day, it’s possible to see all the way to Cape Point. Orientated towards the setting sun, evenings offer a grand spectacle of light and color.
Al-Fresco Dining at Grootbos
Accommodation: Grootbos Nature Reserve – Forest Suite (B, L, D)
Day 5 - Gansbaai
This private reserve offers you the chance to experience a variety of activities (some at an additional cost), from horse riding to guided walks and hikes, and seasonal land-based whale watching (especially during July - December) to marine safaris, fat bike tours and community tours, all of which can be pre-booked.
On a Nature Drive at Grootbos
At Walker Bay you can observe Southern Right Whales. Whale watching in this unspoilt natural environment is an almost spiritual experience, which is why people from around the world flock to Walker Bay every year to do so.
The cuisine and wine selection at Grootbos is exceptional
Walks or hikes in and around Grootbos are one of the best ways to truly immerse yourself in the Cape Floral Kingdom, as you breathe the fresh air and drink in the crystal-clear views.
Accommodation: Grootbos Nature Reserve – Forest Suite (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Cape Town/Lion Sands Kruger National Park
It is time to say goodbye to beautiful Grootbos as your early transfer takes you to Cape Town Airport. On arrival at Skukuza, you will be met and transferred to your lodge.
Lion Sands Kruger National Park Tinga Lodge is located within the world famous Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, right on the Sabie River, so watching the animals and being surrounded entirely by bush and sky, really makes you feel like you are suspended in time.
Lion Sands Tinga Lodge has nine luxurious suites, all located on the banks of the Sabi River with breathtaking views of the river. Being so close to the riverside, you could see wildlife in their natural habitat. All the spacious suites have an outdoor shower are equipped with a fully stocked mini bar and unobstructed views of the Sabi River.
Suite at the beautiful Tinga Lodge
Set out on twice daily safari game drives. Highly trained and experienced rangers will guide you on an unforgettable journey. Discover the Big Five, follow the tracks of a leopard or find different kinds of bird species. With 5,000 hectares of wild bush in this private concession within the world-renowned Kruger National Park, you can go exploring off-road.
Leopard Spotting on a Game Drive at Lion Sands
Besides going on game drives, you can experience the magical African nature on a guided bush walk where you will discover and learn to appreciate the smaller things in nature.
Accommodation: Lion Sands Kruger National Park - Tinga - Suite (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Lion Sands Kruger National Park
Your day begins early, with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Outside, the sun is just beginning to peek over the horizon, showing off a spectacular landscape. Game drives in open safari vehicles offer you the opportunity to see a large variety of wildlife.
A Tower of Giraffes in South Africa, photo by Harryl Hollingsworth
Halfway through the game drive, there is a stop for hot drinks and snacks, before returning to the lodge for a full breakfast. Relax, cool off and refresh yourself in the pool, just perfect for those warm summer days after an exciting safari through the bush.
Lion Pride relaxing, photo by Alison Budd
Make sure your binoculars are on hand to watch the jeweled colored birds flying around or the animals in the nearby bush. The game viewing is consistently good all year round.
Take a visit to Jabez Preschool. This is Lion sands newest Early Childhood Development center, made possible by contributions to the Britt More Memorial Fund. There are 35 children (and counting) who now have access to quality foundational education near to their homes. Plans are in place for a second classroom and a veggie garden to feed the children.
Accommodation: Lion Sands Kruger National Park Lodge – Tinga – Suite (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Lion Sands Kruger National Park Lodge
Enjoy another bright and early start to the day as another day of wilderness experience begins. You are accompanied by highly skilled game rangers, who provide interesting information and anecdotes about the inhabitants of the bush.
In the later afternoon take a game drive in this wilderness paradise.
Warthogs - one of the more entertaining small animals in South Africa
As darkness falls, the nocturnal animals of the bush come out. The skilled tracker will scan the landscape using a spotlight, which illuminates animals’ eyes. A variety of completely different species can be seen on the night drive back to the lodge.
Dining under a Tree at Lion Sands
Accommodation: Lion Sands Kruger National Park Lodge – Tinga – Suite (B, L, D)
Day 9 - Lion Sands Kruger National Park /Johannesburg
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. Bid farewell to the place that has given you unforgettable wildlife encounters in the African bush. (B)
Return home with a lifetime of memories to share with your family and friends.
Add-Ons
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 - Half Day
Departs: Daily between 7:35 and 8:30am. Returns: Approx. 12:30pm.
Colorful Bo-Kaap, photo by South Africa Tourism
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 - Half Day
Departs: Daily between 7:40 and 8:45am. Returns: Approx. 12:30pm.
Cape Point overlook, photo by Mike and Jenn O'Connor
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 - Half Day
Departs: Mon-Sat between 12:45 and 1:45pm. Returns: Approx. 5:30pm.
The old prison at Robben Island, photo by Stellenbosch Tourism
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 - Half Day
The old prison at Robben Island, photo by South Africa Tourism
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 - Half Day
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.
Cape Winelands Tour - Full Day
Departs: Mon-Sat between 8:00 and 9:00am. Returns: Approx. 5:30pm
Exploring the Cape Winelands, photo by South Africa Tourism
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!
Sunset Beach & Dinner - Evening Tour
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 - Evening Tour
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.
Waterfront sunset in Cape Town, photo by Karen Stone
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.
2022
Prices are in US Dollars and are per person based on double occupancy accommodations. Based on a minimum of 4 passengers to operate.
Special Offer: January - March 2022 departures, save US$500 per couple.
US$4799 US$4550 per person based on double occupancy
US$2600 single supplement
January 14
US$4799 US$4550 per person based on double occupancy
US$2700 single supplement
February 12, 19
March 22, 25
US$4799 per person based on double occupancy
US$2600 single supplement
April 2
May 14
June 10
July 10
US$4999 per person based on double occupancy
US$2700 single supplement
August 19
September 2, 16, 23
US$4999 per person based on double occupancy
US$2800 single supplement
September 30
October 14
November 5, 14, 26
Inclusions:
- Meals: 8 Breakfasts / 5 Lunches / 6 Dinners - including one dinner at the Camissa Brasserie in the Table Bay Hotel (for two people per room to the value of R1060.00 excluding gratuity and beverages)
- Jabez pre-school visit
- All services and transfers as specified
- 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:
- Roundtrip, international, economy airfare from New York (JFK) to Cape Town and back via Johannesburg
- South Africa domestic flights: Cape Town/Skukuza/Johannesburg
- 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, Trip Interruption and Medical Insurance are required – 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.
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TRAVELER TESTIMONIAL
The trip went great. We had a fantastic time and hope to return sometime.
We saw all of the big 5 on the safaris plus many other great animals including leopards eating and sleeping in a tree. We also saw whales on a day trip to Hermanus, the Cape Peninsula and Cape Town were great. Everywhere we stayed was fantastic as well.
Thanks,
Tim