Photograph Africa's
Majestic Wildlife
Photo Info Red Carnation HotelsStay in Stunning Luxury at The Oyster Box Hotel
Photo Info Amakhosi Safari LodgeSearch for the "Big Five" on Safari
Explore Cape Town's Vibrant
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
- Summary
- Itinerary
- Pricing
- Options & Add-ons
Pride of South Africa 2021 - Land Only - From US$2799
Trip Highlights
Cape Town | Amakhosi | Durban
Discover
- Africa’s iconic wildlife on safari game drives with expert rangers
- Cape Town’s stunning scenery and vibrant culture
- The endless, white sandy beaches in Durban, a beautiful coastal city
Experience
- Stunning views from your room at the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in Cape Town
- Amakhosi Safari Lodge, a luxury safari lodge renowned for its majestic wildlife
- Luxury accommodations at The Oyster Box
Enjoy
- Delicious sundowner cocktails mid-way through your afternoon safari game drives
- Delectable dinners at Amakhosi Safari Lodge
Choose
At additional cost:
- South Africa's world-class wines on a Franschhoek Winelands Tour
- Rejuvenate with a relaxing massage at Amakhosi
#LionWorldTales
Explore South Africa Through the Eyes of Our Guests
Day 1 - Johannesburg/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 luxurious Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa.
Cape scenery and 12 Apostles
The award-winning 5-star Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is situated on Cape Town’s most scenic route. Named for the ruggedly beautiful mountain range that towers behind it, The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is characterized by impeccable design and luxury.
Classic Rooms are elegantly decorated in colors inspired by the hotel's natural surroundings and boast world class amenities with a balcony and full height sliding doors. All the guest rooms are very comfortable, with every attention to detail catered for and the very latest in technology. Every room has air conditioning, entertainment centers with DVD player, and plush bathrobes and slippers, complimentary Wi-Fi as well as international plug points.
The majestic Twelve Apostles Mountain Range serves as a backdrop to this magnificent boutique property, with the Atlantic Ocean stretching out in front, as far as the eye can see. Walk along the wilderness trails of the Table Mountain National Park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, that surrounds the property.
The cosmopolitan city of Cape Town lies just fifteen minutes away by complimentary shuttle. It is the most popular tourist destination in South Africa due to its good climate, rich history, culture and scenic beauty, world class restaurants, nightlife and shopping.
At The Spa at the Twelve Apostles you will feel indulged and cared for with splendid luxury, passionate service, generous hospitality and superb food. This is the ideal escape where harmony and tranquility, gently restore body, mind and soul.
Accommodation: Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa – Classic Room
Day 2 - Cape Town
After breakfast today, you will depart on a full-day Cape Peninsula Tour and Table Mountain Tour.
Take a cable car ride up to the top of Table Mountain (weather dependent) to enjoy the magnificent view of the Cape. The main feature of Table Mountain is the level plateau from one side to the other, edged by impressive cliffs.
The plateau flanked by Devil's Peak and by Lion's Head, form a dramatic backdrop to Cape Town. Table Mountain is often covered by clouds to form the so-called "tablecloth" of cloud. Not only is Table Mountain a scenic photograph background or a place from where you can take breathtaking photos of Cape Town, there are about 2,200 species of plants and 1,470 floral species found there.
After marveling at the awesome views, you will depart on a 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.
The tour then winds its way along the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive, hugging the cliffs and relishing the breathtaking ocean views.
View from Table Mountain
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!
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 similar to that of a braying donkey!
Cape Peninsula scenery
During your stay you will enjoy a complimentary three course dinner at the hotel’s Azure Restaurant. Savor the finest indigenous and international cuisine on offer in the extremely popular Azure Restaurant.
Accommodation: Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa – Classic Room (B, D)
Day 3 - Cape Town
Enjoy a day at leisure in the fascinating city of Cape Town or choose to join our Franschhoek Experience Tour, exclusively for our Lion World Travel guests, at a special price of $175 per person – please let us know if you would like to join this excursion which would run as follows:
After an early breakfast you will be met by your guide for today’s tour to the exquisite Franschhoek Valley in the beautiful mountains of the 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.
Franschhoek 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 to Cape Town.
Table Mountain view
Accommodation: Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa – Classic Room (B)
Day 4 - Cape Town
Your final day in Cape Town! Enjoy a day of leisure with time to do some last-minute shopping or visit historic and cultural sites, world-class museums and bustling markets, inviting beaches and lush gardens, as well as great restaurants, wonderful shopping and culture.
Accommodation: Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa – Classic Room (B)
Day 5 - Cape Town/ Durban/ Amakhosi
It is time to say goodbye to beautiful Cape Town as you are transferred from your hotel to Cape Town International Airport.
On arrival at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport you will be met and transferred in an air-conditioned vehicle to the 5-star Amakhosi Safari Lodge, approximately 4 hours’ drive away. Amakhosi is in an area of savannah, wetlands and mountains. The safari lodge is situated on the banks of Zululand's Mkuze River in Amakhosi private game reserve.
Enjoy the plush comfort of the six palatial thatched chalets strung along the Mkuze River. Each is angled for the ultimate privacy and has a separate lounge, a seductive step-up double bath with candles, and a bedroom opening onto a viewing deck overlooking the river, some set with a personal plunge pool.
Amakhosi River Suite
Relax in your suite or in a rock-fringed lodge swimming pool and watch the flash of the Lilac-breasted Roller or Malachite Kingfisher, but when darkness falls, listen for the roar of the lions.
You can also unwind, revitalize and rejuvenate your body, mind and soul in the unique African surrounding of the new Amakhosi River Spa, here guests can enjoy holistic body, skin and beauty rituals; rejuvenating massages and soothing treatments by Africology, these are designed to relax the body and bring harmony to the spirit while preserving youthfulness and enhancing health and vitality.
This is Big 5 territory and what you don’t view from your deck, expert guides invariably will deliver on dawn and dusk game drives. Conversation around the fire at night is of close encounters with lionesses and playful cubs, sand-bathing elephants and streaking cheetah. But equally engrossing are the adventurous guide’s encounters with smaller creatures, from delicate bark spiders to glossy dung beetles; and anecdotes about the trees and medicinal plants of the reserve. Depending on the season, you can choose from fishing, walking, cultural and frogging safaris.
Game Drive
Conversation around the fire at night is of close encounters with lionesses and playful cubs, sand-bathing elephants and streaking cheetah. But equally engrossing are the adventurous guide’s encounters with smaller creatures, from delicate bark spiders to glossy dung beetles; and anecdotes about the trees and medicinal plants of the reserve. Depending on the season, you can choose from fishing, walking, cultural and frogging safaris.
On arrival at the lodge, freshen up and enjoy a late lunch before setting off on your first game drive.
Accommodation: Amakhosi Safari Lodge - River Suite (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Amakhosi Lodge
Game drives are done in open safari vehicles with both qualified rangers and trackers. Whilst nothing can be guaranteed, your chances of seeing at least four of the big five are pretty good, along with of course zebra, giraffe, cheetah, bush pigs, various antelope and much more.
Elephant Viewings
On return to the lodge dinner will be ready for you. Most evenings, center on gourmet plated bush dinners produced in the Amakhosi kitchen. After dinner take the time to linger contentedly on the expansive lodge deck and reconnect with nature through the sounds of the bush, then retire to the friendliness of the bar, or doze around a fire pit, where traditional Zulus and later, fireflies dance.
Dinner Al Fresco
Accommodation: Amakhosi Safari Lodge - River Suite (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Amakhosi Lodge
Enjoy your last full day at Amakhosi with morning and afternoon game activities.
You will be woken up at around 5am this morning, offered a selection of refreshments and then taken out on the morning game drive. Midway through the drive there will be a stop for refreshments before the search for animals continues.
Lioness
On return to the lodge a late breakfast will be ready. After that, either settle in for a morning nap, visit the spa for a relaxing massage, take a dip in the pool or ask your ranger about a possible bush walk.
High tea is served before your afternoon/evening game drive.
Accommodation: Amakhosi Safari Lodge - River Suite (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Amakhosi/Umhlanga Rocks
After an early game drive and breakfast, you will be picked up and transferred to the Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga where you will spend 3-nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
En-route from Amakhosi Game Lodge to The Oyster Box Hotel, stop in at Zamimpilo Community Market. Started and is still run by local women in an endeavor to support their families (the word Zamimpilo loosely translates to ‘endeavor to work’) after their husbands had lost their jobs.
The ladies sell curios such as Zulu beading, look out for Zulu ‘love letters’, and clay pots as well as organic fruit and vegetables. Remember though not to buy reed/grass carpets & wooden carvings as they cannot be brought back into North America.
Located just off a main highway, close to the town of Hluhluwe, the market is open daily from 7am to 6pm and there is no cost to visit other than a big smile and any purchases made. We suggest spending about half an hour at the market before waving ‘ngiyabonga, sala kahle’ (kahle is pronounced ga-shle and the phrase means thank you and stay well in isiZulu) to the ladies.
Arrive to the 5-star Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga which is one of South Africa’s most iconic hotels. It stands majestically on the eastern seaboard of KwaZulu-Natal, with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and has direct beach access. This colonial-styled hotel is a short 5-minute walk from Umhlanga Village Centre which offers a selection of shops, restaurants and bars.
The luxurious rooms include movies on demand complimentary Wi-Fi, mineral water and tea and coffee as well as a soap and pillow menu.
Sun umbrellas, beach bags and sun block are all available from reception. Insider tip: be sure to have a photograph taken with the hotel’s most well-known resident – Skabenga the cat…!
The grand Palm Court serves traditional English high tea which offers treats that are beautiful to look at and delicious! Local style mavens have practically colonized the Lighthouse Bar, which leaves the breezy Oyster Bar or cozy Chukka Bar for a quiet drink. The Ocean Terrace is famous for its curry buffet – try it if you enjoy a little spice!
Classic Sea-Facing Room
Accommodation: The Oyster Box - Classic Sea Facing Room (B)
Day 9 - Umhlanga Rocks
Enjoy the day at leisure, indulge in a spa treatment or simply relax at the pool. Alternatively, ask your Africa Specialist about optional day excursions that can be arranged.
The Oyster Box is set in lush, sub-tropical surroundings with indigenous gardens framing one side of the property and the magnificent, warm Indian Ocean, the other. An abundant bird-life inhabits the plants and trees, adorned with orchids and Staghorn Ferns. A secluded heated swimming pool and a Victorian-style Gazebo, with a small amphitheater, lend an air of peace and tranquility to the floral landscape.
Oyster Box - Pool
The food is an experience, so be sure to try out the restaurants serving tasteful, ethnically inspired menus perfect for guests seeking anything from special fine dining occasions to simple, relaxed meals or just a small bite.
Umhlanga forms part of the Sugar Coast. The name 'Umhlanga' means 'Place of Reeds' and is also well known for its landmark lighthouse, golden beaches and beautiful parks. The Natal coast is very tropical with warm weather all year round, due to the warm Indian Ocean, and the coastline offers some of the best surfing anywhere in the world.
Accommodation: The Oyster Box - Classic Sea Facing Room (B)
Day 10 - Umhlanga
Enjoy another day at leisure. Relax at one of the two pools on the property or enjoy direct access to the Umhlanga beach, where they will arrange beach chairs, towels and an umbrella to keep you comfortable while lazing in the sun.
Durban’s sub-tropical climate means that you can enjoy the outdoors all year round.
Umhlanga Beach
Accommodation: The Oyster Box - Classic Sea Facing Room (B)
Day 11 - Umhlanga/Johannesburg/Depart
After breakfast, it is time to check out and say goodbye to this beautiful part of Africa as you transfer to King Shaka Airport. (B)
Return home with a lifetime of memories!
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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!
Cape Peninsula Tour - Full Day
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 $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.
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.
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 in US Dollars and are per person based on double occupancy accommodations.
2021
US$2799 per person based on double occupancy
US$1400 single supplement
Valid on the following departure dates:
June 8
August 18
September 25
US$2999 per person based on double occupancy
US$1400 single supplement
Valid on the following departure dates:
October 19, 25
November 15
December 2, 10
Inclusions:
- Transportation in luxury vehicles
- Accommodation as specified
- Meals as specified including dinner at Azure Restaurant
- Full day Cape Peninsula Tour
- Game viewing as arranged by Amakhosi Safari Lodge
- Selection of drinks on game drives at Amakhosi
- Services of Rangers/Trackers
- Lion World Travel representative Meet and Greet upon arrival in Cape Town
Exclusions:
- South African Airways international economy flights: New York (JFK) /Johannesburg/New York (JFK) South Africa domestic flights: Johannesburg/Cape Town/Durban/Johannesburg
- South Africa domestic flights
- All items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, gift shop purchases, drinks and laundry, 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.