Witness Unforgettable Moments on Safari
Photo Info South Africa TourismTour the Idyllic Cape Winelands
Photo Info ThornybushStay in Luxury Safari Accommodations
Photo Info Table Bay HotelExplore Scenic Cape Town
- Summary
- Itinerary
- Pricing
- Options & Add-ons
South Africa in Absolute Style 2022 - Land Only - from US$1999
Trip Highlights
Cape Town | Thornybush Game Reserve
This experience is addressing and/or reducing inequalities within the country and promotes and educates our guests on sustainable consumption and production.
Experience
A delectable dinner at The Lounge in the Table Bay Hotel
Magical moments on safaris led by expert rangers and trackers
Discover
Beautiful Cape Town, rated the Top City in Africa by Travel & Leisure
Big game on open-vehicle safari drives in Thornybush Game Reserve
Choice
At additional cost:
See Adorable African penguins on a full-day Cape Peninsula tour
Beautiful scenery, delectable wines and tasty olive oils on a Franschhoek tour
Visit Robben Island for a moving perspective on Nelson Mandela's years in prison
Experience a Magical Safari with Lion World Travel
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. The cosmopolitan city of Cape Town 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.
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, environmental sustainability awareness, and a keen attention to detail. You will soon see that every detail has been taken care of to make your experience uniquely and luxuriously South African.
The Table Bay Hotel, Cape Town
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.
Accommodation: The Table Bay Hotel - Luxury Sea Facing King/Twin Room
Day 2 - Cape Town
Today is a day at leisure in the wonderful city of Cape Town. Cape Town is a city with a diverse range of attractions, sights and activities to offer and has something for everyone.
From the landmark beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay to the vibrant Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and Cape Town city center, the award-winning wine farms of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek - time spent in Cape Town will not be forgotten.
Perhaps spend time to do some shopping or join our Lion World Travel Table Mountain & Cape Peninsula Tour at a cost of US$175 per person. Please let us know if you would like to book this excursion.
View of Hout Bay - photo by Avi Bender
The main feature of Table Mountain is the level plateau from one side to the other, edged by impressive cliffs. The plateaus 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. Please note that the cable car-ride up Table Mountain is weather dependent.
Not only is Table Mountain a scenic photograph background or a place from where you can take some breathtaking photos of Cape Town, there are about 2,200 species of plants and 1,470 floral species found there.
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, towards the charming working harbour 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.
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!
An African Penguin at Boulders Beach
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!
Accommodation: The Table Bay Hotel - Luxury Sea Facing King/Twin Room (B)
Day 3 - Cape Town
Enjoy a day of leisure or join our Lion World Travel Franschhoek Experience Tour at a cost of US$175 per person. Please let us know if you would like to join this excursion.
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.
Enjoying the Hospitality at La Bourgogne
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.
Exploring the Cape Winelands, photo by South Africa Tourism
While staying at The Table Bay Hotel you will enjoy a dinner at The Lounge.
With unbeatable views of the harbor and Table Mountain, Camissa Brasserie is a hot spot in Cape Town, dishing up delectable local fare where diners experience a relaxing and sensory experience. All the innovative meals are made with the freshest and finest ingredients.
Accommodation: The Table Bay Hotel - Luxury Sea Facing King/Twin Room (B, L, D)
Day 4 - Cape Town
Your final day in Cape Town, explore your surroundings at your own pace. We recommend filling your days (or parts of them) with excursions.
View from Table Mountain in South Africa - by Rodney Omachi
We can arrange a private guide and vehicle to tailor make a day out for you based on your personal interests or reserve space on one of the scheduled tours (shared with other guests or on a private basis) that we offer. Please click on the following link: Tour Prices for some suggested tours and prices.
Accommodation: The Table Bay Hotel - Luxury Sea Facing King/Twin Room (B)
Day 5 - Cape Town/Jackalberry Lodge
It is time to say goodbye to beautiful Cape Town as you transfer from your hotel to Cape Town Airport.
Upon arrival at Hoedspruit you will be met and transferred to your lodge. You will spend 3-nights at the luxurious Jackalberry Lodge including all meals and daily game drives. You will have a personally assigned staff member who caters to all of your needs.
The 4-star Jackalberry Lodge, in Thornybush Game Reserve offers genuine African hospitality and understated luxury in this pristine location on the edge of the Kruger National Park, one of the world's premier "Big Five" game viewing areas.
The luxury accommodation creates a restful ethnic ambience in harmony with nature. Attention to detail and true South African hospitality will leave you with a real sense of a safari in Africa.
The comfortable chalet style rooms each have their own en-suite bathroom with separate bathtubs and showers, bathrobes, hair dryers, and slippers. All rooms include minibars, coffee/tea makers, safes, and phones. Each chalet is fully air-conditioned and has its own private patio from which one can enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Room with a view at Jackalberry Lodge
On one of your morning game drives you will experience a bush breakfast. While looking for tracks, to see what the animals have been up to during the night, you will stop either at the riverbed or in the bush for a sumptuous bush breakfast. The breakfast table will be set and waiting for you along with a bush kitchenette and a campfire. You are welcomed with a glass of freshly squeezed juice and a superb Out of Africa bush breakfast before returning to the lodge for some relaxation.
Your first game drive is scheduled for this afternoon. On arrival, have a quick freshen up then meet your ranger over afternoon tea before setting off in search of wildlife! Make sure your camera is charged, you never know what you will encounter!
Setting up a bush breakfast
Each day on safari brings a new experience. Perhaps you will see a leopard lounging in a tree or you may be lucky to follow a lion on the hunt or even watch a herd of elephants come down to the river to drink and play. There is no way to know exactly what the safari experience will bring from day to day, but it will be memorable!
You can also take a virtual safari tour by watching our video.
Accommodation: Jackalberry Lodge – Suite (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Thornybush Game Reserve
Your day begins early. Waking up at 5am will be worth it! The freshly brewed coffee and tea with rusks (South African version of biscotti), fruit and muffins will prepare you for this morning’s game drive. It is amazing what your skilled ranger and tracker can pick up – from lions submerged in grass to chameleons in trees – often within a few yards of the vehicle. Since this is a Big Five reserve, seeing lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo is possible. This is also home to an abundance of wildlife including zebra, giraffe, antelope and wildebeest.
Leopard spotted at Thornybush, photo by Matt Porter
After an exhilarating search for tracks to see what the animals have been up to during the night, and tracking down wildlife in the bush, you will stop for a break of hot drinks and snacks, and a chance to stretch your legs. Continue your game drive en route back to the lodge for a hearty breakfast that awaits you on your return.
After breakfast, you may enjoy a bush walk close to the camp accompanied by a ranger and tracker. Walks allow you a better chance to see some of the smaller creatures of the bush as well as an opportunity to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region and to have a chance to follow tracks in more detail.
Spend the afternoon at camp enjoying the tranquility of the bush or perhaps enjoy a siesta to make up for your early wake-up call.
In the late afternoon everyone gathers for high tea, before heading out with your ranger and tracker for the afternoon game drive through the reserve.
Seeing a pride of lions on a game drive at Jackalberry
The game drive extends into the evening to view seldom seen nocturnal species by torchlight. This is when the nocturnal animals come to life and the lions go out on their hunt! Once again, you will take a break somewhere out in the bush, in a scenic spot to watch a magnificent African sunset while sipping a sundowner (cocktails at sunset).
You will return to lodge for a delicious dinner, in the outdoor boma or possibly a dinner in the bush.
Relax around the boma at night
Accommodation: Jackalberry Lodge – Suite (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Thornybush Game Reserve
Your wilderness experience begins today with another early start. You are accompanied by your experienced game rangers, who will provide interesting information and anecdotes about the inhabitants of the bush. Each safari game drive is an opportunity to discover something new. While seeing big game is always exhilarating, there are many other smaller species that are just as captivating.
Baby Elephant at Jackalberry, photo by Matt Porter
Accommodation: Jackalberry Lodge – Suite (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Hoedspruit/Johannesburg
After an early morning game drive to track the animals that may have eluded you so far, return to the lodge for breakfast. Later you will be transferred to Hoedspruit Airport.(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 - February 2022 departures now US$1999. Save up to US$600 per person.
US$2399 US$1999 per person based on double occupancy
US$1200 single supplement
Valid on the following departure dates:
January 13, 24
US$2599 US$1999 per person based on double occupancy
US$1400 single supplement
Valid on the following departure dates:
February 5, 16, 26
US$2599 per person based on double occupancy
US$1400 single supplement
Valid on the following departure dates:
March 10, 18
April 1, 22
US$2399 per person based on double occupancy
US$1200 single supplement
Valid on the following departure dates:
May 5, 8, 16, 19, 22, 30
June 13, 20
US$2599 per person based on double occupancy
US$1400 single supplement
Valid on the following departure dates:
July 8, 20
August 3, 10, 17, 24, 30
September 13, 20, 27
US$2699 per person based on double occupancy
US$1600 single supplement
Valid on the following departure dates:
October 3, 12, 18, 26, 31
US$2599 per person based on double occupancy
US$1400 single supplement
Valid on the following departure dates:
November 7, 16, 23, 30
US$2399 per person based on double occupancy
US$1200 single supplement
Valid on the following departure dates:
December 6
Inclusions:
- All services and transfers as specified
- 7 Breakfasts / 3 Lunches / 4 Dinners including one Dinner at the Camissa Brasserie in the Table Bay Hotel (for two people per room to the value of R800.00 excluding gratuity and beverages)
- 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
- Domestic flights in South Africa
- Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, etc.
- All other services not mentioned
- Gratuities/tips for game rangers/trackers, 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 Africa – proof of insurance must be provided before bookings are confirmed. It is your personal responsibility to ensure you have enough travel insurance coverage for the entire duration of your travels, from the provider of your choice. Please let your Africa Specialist know if you would like information on this.
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TRAVELER TESTIMONIAL
We returned yesterday from our South African adventure. I wanted to thank you and your company for a wonderful holiday.
Cape Town was beautiful and we saw many interesting things, but for me the best was our time at Thornybush. Our rides were great, our guide Willie was the best and the facility, staff and food terrific. We truly had a memorable time.
Thanks again,
Ed C.
