*South Africa Bucket List
Register Now
Every Village Experience Responsible Tourism Program Includes the Following:
- One on one consultation with our travel experts
- Private registration and trip page
- Pretrip Packet
- Handpicked accommodations
- Experienced Private Guide
- Artisan shopping opportunities
- Our favorite tour activities
- Donation to one of TVE’s community partners
Rounding out the southern tip of the African continent, South Africa is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Known as the rainbow nation, South Africa has 11 official languages, multiple religions, and many distinct cultures and identities among its people. The landscape is as varied as the people from the breathtaking coastlines of the South and the lush river basins of the Central to the desert areas of the West and the mountains ranges of the East.
A trip to South Africa should include the main sites of Cape Town including the V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch botanical gardens, the beaches of Camp’s Bay, Cape Point, and the historical site of Robben Island.
Exploring the food and wine of the Cape Winelands is such a treat. Stroll through the town of Stellenbosch to learn about Cape Dutch Architecture before embarking on a tour of one of the many quaint vineyards dotted throughout Stellenbosch, Franschoek, and Paarl.
Fancy a drive along the Garden Route? You’ll find opportunities for whale watching in Hermanus, hiking through the plentiful forests of Knysna, exploring the Cango Caves in the Swartberg Mountains, and walking along the famous suspension bridge of Storm’s River.
And don’t forget the incredible wildlife of South Africa! Safari in Kruger National Park, Pilanesburg National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, or one of many private conservancies including Amakhala Game Reserve and Sabi Sands. Get ready to see everything from the Big 5 to adorable meerkats.
South Africa has something for everyone – come and see for yourself!
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive to Cape Town International Airport. Meet your Village Experience representative and transfer to hotel for the evening.
Day 2 – Today, we will stretch our legs and get some fresh air! In the morning, we will visit the famous Table Mountain via cable car to the top. Enjoy a coffee with an incredible view of the city. Once we descend the mountain, we will have a lovely stroll through Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Our guide will take us along the Tree Canopy Walk which goes from the forest floor through the trees and bursts out above the canopy for spectacular views of the mountains, gardens, and Cape Flats. We will then head over the the V&A Waterfront for lunch, exploring and some time to shop at The Water Shed – housing over 150 shops for locally designed goods in a super cool industrial space. Head back to the hotel in the evening.
Day 3 – Today, we will explore the Cape Peninsula Route. We’ll start with a visit to Boulder’s Beach to visit the resident African Penguins. This will be such fun! We’ll then pass through Fishhoek on our way to Cape Point. This is Africa’s Southern most point and the spot where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. We will then travel through Chapman’s Peak on our way back to Cape Town. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a historical walking tour of Cape Town ending in the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood. We will then visit our local hostess for a Malay cooking class and dinner – such a treat!
Day 4 – Today, we will visit Robben Island – the island prison of former South African President, Nelson Mandela and now a UNESCO World Heritage site and symbol of freedom. In the afternoon, we will visit the District Six Museum to learn about the Apartheid policies of the previous white regime and the displacement of over 65,000 people in District Six. We will also walk through what is left of this district and witness reconstruction efforts taking place.
Day 5 – Check out of Cape Town hotel and get ready for wine country! Today, we will enjoy a tour of the Cape Wine-lands and enjoy tours of the vineyards, wine tastings, wine pairings, and lunch. We’ll visit hidden gems with beautiful scenery and then overnight on a vineyard in Stellenbosch.
Day 6 – Lazy morning to enjoy the vineyard. Optional massages, bicycle hire, walking tours, and more can be arranged. After lunch, we’ll begin the drive to the seaside town of Hermanus. Check into hotel and get settled for the evening. (B)
Day 7 – Today, we will experience the “Marine Big 5” on a Dyer Island Cruise. This includes whales, dolphins, seals, sharks, and penguins. This will be an unforgettable nature experience! In the afternoon, we’ll explore the wind farms around Hermanus and have free time to explore and enjoy lunch.
Day 8 – This morning we’ll drive about 4 hours to Oudtshoorn. Upon arrival, we will visit the Cango Caves – a cultural and natural landmark in South Africa dating more than 20 million years old. These caves are situated in the Swartberg Mountains and have been inhabited since the early Stone Age. The caves are often referred to as one of the Wonders of the Natural World! Check into hotel in the evening.
Day 9 – Meerkat Safari Day! Get up bright and early today for a sunrise safari with the local meerkats. We will head to the meerkat burrows, settle in with some coffee, and spend a few hours observing these feisty creatures as they rise with the sun and forage and frolick. We can’t wait for this experience! Head back to the lodge for breakfast. We’ll then check out and drive to Storm’s River for a walk over the suspension bridge. This bridge takes us through the forest accompanied by many different species of birds and to ocean look out points. Check into our hotel in the Tsitsikamma National Forest in the evening.
Day 10 – Free day in Tsitsikamma National Forest today. Optional tours available for hiking the forest, 4×4 driving, Segway, canopy tour, kayaking, and more. Or simply rest and enjoy our accommodations in the forest.
Day 11 – Depart in the morning and head to Amakhala Game Reserve – a Big 5 game park located in the Eastern Cape. Enjoy lunch upon arrival. Then head out in open land rovers for an afternoon game drive. We’ll be on the lookout for lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, elephant, cheetah, black wildebeest, giraffe and more. Enjoy dinner and overnight at our luxury tented camp.
Day 12 – Game drives in the mornings and afternoons. Enjoy free time by the pool overlooking the park throughout the day as well.
Day 13 – After breakfast, transfer to the Port Elizabeth Airport for the end of the trip. You may depart back to Cape Town from here, fly home from here, or stay on an explore Port Elizabeth.