South African Safari
Departing May 2024
A South African Sojourn
Our first foray into the wilds of Africa, in the ‘new normal’, is here! We will commence our ladies-only journey in Johannesburg – the gateway to Southern Africa and a city heaving with fabulous artists and street art. We’ll visit the Apartheid Museum and Soweto before wandering Maboneng & the Neighbourgoods Market where we will listen to live music while we dine on local specialities. And just wait until you see the treasures housed at Amatuli – squeal!
Then the wilderness awaits! Six glorious days in the African bush staying in two legendary safari camps bordering the world-famous Kruger National Park. Both are havens of understated luxury, combining superb service with spectacular game viewing. Kruger is South Africa’s oldest wildlife reserve and one of the best places in the world to see leopard, lion, buffalo, rhino and elephant – not to mention giraffe, zebra, cheetah and a startling array of birds. Accompanied by skilled rangers and trackers we’ll experience an authentic Big 5 safari on foot and by 4WD.
With our wildlife wishlist complete we’ll fly to cosmopolitan Cape Town to revel in all the ‘Mother City’ has to offer! From its spectacular setting nestled beneath Table Mountain and girt by a glittering sea, we’ll explore its beautiful beaches, dine in world-class restaurants, stay in a gorgeous hotel and revel in Cape Town’s thriving art and design scene – including joining a jewellery workshop to make our own African inspired memento! We’ll explore the Cape of Good Hope, Chapmans Peak, Bo-Kaap and the Cape Quarter. We’ll wine and dine our way through Franschhoek and Stellenbosch and we’ll visit a myriad of creative hubs and hear inspirational stories as we travel.
This is a genuine once-in-a-lifetime journey showcasing South Africa’s wealth of history, cultural diversity, magnificent wildlife, stunning accommodation, passionate safari guides and quirky locals. Come join us on this adventure!
You will love
- Big Five game viewing
- Stunning safari lodges
- Cosmopolitan Cape Town
- South Africa’s rich history
- Authentic ethnic experiences
- Fabulous retail therapy
- Decadent dining & urban foraging
- Wonderful wildlife & wine
- Small group of likeminded travellers
Let us design your perfect itinerary.
14 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS
DAY 1 | JOHANNESBURG | 2 NIGHTS – The Peech
Welcome to South Africa. On arrival in Johannesburg you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to The Peech Hotel. After settling in enjoy a welcome drink in the Peech Boutique Hotel’s gorgeous gardens. Dinner is by own arrangements this evening as you may prefer a light snack, full meal or in-room dining as you adjust to the time zone.
DAY 2 | JOHANNESBURG
This morning we will head out to visit the incomparable Apartheid Museum – the pre-eminent museum in the world dealing with 20th Century South Africa; the first of its kind that illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid.
We will then drive through Soweto where we will learn the history behind this bright and energetic township as we visit the Hector Pieterson Museum and view Nelson Mandela’s old house on Vilakazi Street before travelling to the vibrant semi-outdoor market known as the NeighbourGOOD Markets. Here we have the opportunity to eat oysters from Namibia, drink craft beer from South Africa, and devour paella, gelato, cheeses, and chocolate…a food lover’s paradise! There is often live music and it’s a wonderful way to spend time with Jozi residents doing what they do.
We will return to The Peech via Amatuli – a fabulous store full of African treasures from all over the continent! There is a bar with fabulous views of Johannesburg where we can enjoy a refreshing cocktail or a coffee before we return to The Peech. For those of you who may arrive early this morning, we will ensure you rendezvous with us before we all have a quiet (no doubt jet-lagged) evening.
DAY 3 | KRUGER | 3 NIGHTS – Kapama Buffalo Camp
We head back to the airport this morning to fly to Kapama Private Game Reserve. Kapama borders Kruger National Park, offering the same exceptional wildlife experience, without any of the crowds. Our home for the next 3 nights will be Kapama Buffalo Camp, set high in the treetops and accessible only by elevated wooden walkways – a magical safari retreat!
During our time here we’ll enjoy exhilarating game drives with an expert guide and tracker along with guided bush walks. Lion and cheetah are often seen and even the shy leopard is quite habituated. Giraffe, wildebeest, greater kudu and impala are all numerous, along with an abundance of birdlife. Our days will start early when the animals are most active, and will end with spectacular sunsets. And in between, there will be plenty of time to unwind by the pool or indulge in spa treatments.
DAY 6 | KRUGER | 3 NIGHTS – Rhino Post Safari Lodge
Today we transfer to Rhino Post Safari Lodge to explore a different part of Kruger and undertake more incredible game viewing.
For the next few days we will experience nature on nature’s terms from an authentic, unfenced, yet totally chic safari lodge where large glass windows and doors bring the beauty of the outside in and private decks overlook the dry Mutlumuvi Riverbed with all its passing wildlife. The Big 5 – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo – roam the reserve, along with an array of antelope, bird species and OTHER large game. Activities include game drives, bush walks, birding and sleepouts on raised wooden platforms under the stars for those who are game!
DAY 9 | CAPE TOWN | 6 NIGHTS – The Queen Victoria Hotel
The bright city lights are calling! A quick flight takes us on to Cape Town where we will check in to The Queen Victoria Hotel. The hotel’s great location places us right at the V&A Waterfront – a fabulous place to wander, shop, drink coffee and browse artwork at leisure when we are not exploring further afield.
After check in the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure before we gather for a sundowner and a ‘Welcome to the Mother City’ dinner.
DAY 10 | WINELANDS
Today we enjoy a full day in the famous Cape Winelands with a private tour guide. Our stops are carefully planned to showcase a wide range of wines, techniques and settings, and of course the scenery throughout is stunning. All entrances & tastings are included along with a delicious and decadent lunch.
We’ll return to Cape Town this evening for our second night at The Queen Victoria Hotel. There are no dinner plans as you are likely to still be full to the brim, but we will gladly gather in one of our favourite local spots if required. And there are many!
DAYS 11 – 14 | CAPE TOWN
Our time in Cape Town provides the opportunity to really explore the city and get under its skin. There is so much to see and do!
We’ll take a day to tour around the Cape Peninsula and visit the penguins of Boulders Beach, and we’ll scale Table Mountain (either by cable car or on foot – your choice!) for stunning views across the city bowl. We’ll wander through the predominantly Muslim BoKaap area, where all the houses are painted in bright colours (highly Instagrammable!) to sample samosas and spices, browse the gentrified Biscuit Mill market, and take a street art tour to appreciate the many cultural undercurrents of the city.
We’ll have time to shop the upmarket boutiques and peruse the many artisanal products on offer – everything from clothing to cosmetics and confectionery. We’ll join local ladies for a private jewellery workshop and will create our own modern African keepsake before enjoying sundowners overlooking the ocean.
We’ll soak up the thriving café culture with cold brews and cocktails and finally we’ll take a ‘city eats’ walking tour to meet some our favourite foodies and gourmet producers. You’ll be amazed by how stylish and cosmopolitan the city is, and its joyful spirit is infectious! There’s plenty of free time available for you to pursue your passions – be that retail therapy, galleries, gardens or indulging in the spa or sitting by the pool.
Please reach out to us for a detailed day-by-day itinerary for details on all the amazing dining, shopping & creative spaces we will discover!
DAY 14 | FRI 12 MAY | END OF ITINERARY
Our itinerary draws to a close today and you will be privately transferred from The Queen Victoria Hotel to Cape Town Airport to begin your journey home or continue with onwards travel arrangements.
Our time in South Africa may be over but a little piece of its soul will forever remain in your heart!
NEED TO KNOW
Friday 28 April to Friday 12 May 2023
FROM AUD $12,790 per person twin share
Start: Johannesburg
|
Finish: Cape Town
Destinations: Johannesburg | Kapama Private Game Reserve | Rhino Post Kruger National Park | Cape Town | The Cape Winelands & Cape Point
OPTIONAL POST TOUR EXTENSION: VICTORIA FALLS – 3 days ex Cape Town or Johannesburg from A$1,200 per person twin share | note this is an unescorted extension
Inclusions
- Hosted ex Johannesburg by Sarah Hoyland
- Arrival & departure airport transfers
- Economy class domestic flights Jo’burg / Kruger Park / Cape Town
- 6 nights on safari including all meals & (local) alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, tea & coffee
- All park fees & concession fees
- Game vieiwng in 4WD safari vehicles
- Services of professional safari guides whilst in camps
- Breakfast daily in Cape Town + three decadent dinners
- Air-conditioned luxury vehicle in Cape Town
- Full-day Cape Winelands tour including wine tasting and lunch
- Full-day Cape Point tour including jewellery workshop, lunch & sundowner
- Full-day Table Mountain, BoKaap & Cape Quarter walking tour including snacks
- Street Art Walking tour & Artisanal Shops with lunch
- Cape Town City Eats Walking Tour
- Gratuities for local guides in Cape Town
Exclusions
- International flights & all applicable prepaid departure taxes
- Extra safari arrangements and/or accommodation
- Gratuities for safari guides and camp staff [discretionary … +/-A$250 as a guide}
- Extra and / or optional activities
- Visas if required
- Comprehensive Travel Insureance
- Laundry & items of a personal nature
- Any item not specified
Terms and conditions apply – please click here for full details.
This tour departs with a minimum of 6 people and a maximum of 12 people (plus host).
A single room supplement applies – please ask for a quote – if you wish to secure your own room. If you are ‘willing to share’ we will do all possible to pair you with another participant. If unsuccessful the single supplement will apply.
The price is subject to change due to currency fluctuation and unforeseen changes beyond our control.
We reserve the right, due to situations beyond our control, to substitute any hotel or boat with another of comparable quality – this would be advised as soon as possible.
All quoted airfares & taxes are subject to change at anytime prior to, or at the time of, ticketing.
Australian & New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa for South Africa for a stay of up to 30 days. If you do not travel on an Australian or New Zealand passport please be sure to let us know.
By making any payment for this tour, and/or joining this tour, you acknowledge the potential health risks & you accept full responsibility for all potential quarantine and/or health requirements.
Hosted by...
Sarah Hoyland
An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.
Judith & Roger Williams
Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!
The McGowan Tribe
It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.
Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud
The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.
Annette Whiley
Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10
Di & Kingsley Yates
Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.
Ron & Alison Guthrie
If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.
Miriam & Joseph Harrison
Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.
Andrew & Pip Stevens
Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!
Ros Wheeler
Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.
Simon & Jackie Adams
The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.
Emma Jeffcoat
You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!
Buckingham Family
Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.
Tim Bradley
Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!
Jane & Robert Happell
Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.
Paul Cozzi
An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!
Sheryl & Robert Taylor
We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!
Laurence & Remi Cunningham
Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.
Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones
The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.
Rowntree family
We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.
Kim & Brad Balance
Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.
Milford family
We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!
Mark Taylor
Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.
Elizabeth Mackintosh
Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip.
Jenny Kidd
