12-Nights Best of South Africa from $22,550

Itinerary Details

Swain Destinations: Best of South Africa

Day 1 Welcome to Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg is the economic heart of South Africa, the central focus of Egoli ('Place of Gold'), as the Sotho name for Gauteng suggests. The largest and richest city in South Africa, Johannesburg's lifestyle is vibrant and energetic.

Intercontinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport Hotel

Day 2 Johannesburg to Madikwe Game Reserve
Enjoy a scenic charter flight over the vast South African savanna to Madikwe.

The Madikwe Game Reserve spans an impressive 75,000 hectares of untamed natural beauty in South Africa's North West Province, bordering Botswana and near the fringes of the Kalahari Desert. This wild and diverse terrain features a tapestry of landscapes—from sweeping open plains and dense bushveld to rugged rocky outcrops. It provides a vital sanctuary for an extraordinary array of wildlife, including the Super Seven—lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard, cheetah and wild dog.

Jamala Madikwe
Meals: B, D

Day 3 Activities at Jamala Madikwe
Madikwe Game Reserve is regarded as one of the best conservation areas in all of Africa. At Jamala Madikwe, you will experience a rich ecosystem that is home to over 130 mammal and 300 bird species. You'll immerse yourself in the Reserve's varied landscapes which support and sustain its diverse inhabitants. You will witness the magic of sunrise and sunset under beneath vast African skies while embarking on twice-daily dawn and dusk game drives.

Jamala Madikwe
Meals: B, L, D

Day 4 Activities at Jamala Madikwe
Relax while watching wild elephants play at a waterhole 20-meters away on a Jamala-coined sofa safari or pool safari. Or, if you're looking for even more tranquility, treat yourself to a spa day in the Jamala Madikwe Royal Spa.

Jamala Madikwe
Meals: B, L, D

Day 5 Madikwe Game Reserve to Tswalu Kalahari
Enjoy one last game activity at Jamala Madikwe before transferring to the airstrip for charter flights to Johannesburg on to Tswalu. Upon arrival into Tswalu, you will be met and transferred by open vehicle to your accommodation.

Tswalu is a vast, magical land of infinite possibility, with sweeping vistas and a liberating sense of space. The green Kalahari is nature at its most diverse and surprising, and to spend time here is to be touched by exuberant, soulful beauty.

Loapi Tented Camp, Tswalu Kalahari Private Reserve
Meals: B, D

Day 6 Tswalu Kalahari Reserve Loapi
Tswalu Kalahari offers an unrivalled wealth of experiences. Explore the green Kalahari and its treasures by vehicle with your field guide. Learn more about research in action. Tswalu is home to most of the "charismatic" African big game species such as lion, cheetah, wild dog, desert black rhino and buffalo, the arid habitat also supports a surprising array of smaller animals, birds and plants (there are already over 77 species of mammals, 240 species of birds, 42 species of reptiles and 4 species of amphibians confirmed as occurring at Tswalu). Activites include open vehicle game drives, guided bush walks and horseback safaris.

Loapi Tented Camp, Tswalu Kalahari Private Reserve
Meals: B, L, D

Day 7 Activities in Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
Today is another full day in Tswalu Kalahari Reserve as you enjoy the activities offered by the lodge.

Loapi Tented Camp, Tswalu Kalahari Private Reserve
Meals: B, L, D

Day 8 Tswalu Kalahari to Cape Town
Enjoy your last game activity before transferring to the airstrip for your scheduled charter flight to Cape Town. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

South Africa's “Mother City” is indescribably beautiful, steeped in fascinating history and pulsating to a heady African rhythm. Indeed, few urban centers anywhere can match its setting along the mountainous Cape Peninsula spine, which slides into the Atlantic Ocean. A ride in a cable car to the top of Table Mountain, a ferry journey to Robben Island, or a meandering tour through the Winelands will be absolute highlights of your travel in South Africa.

Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel
Meals: B

Day 9 Uncover the City of Cape Town
The beauty of Cape Town, aside from it's spectacular views, mild weather and coastal location, is the proximity of multiple world renowned landmarks and wineries to the city. On a half day private guided tour of Cape Town city, visit the iconic Table Mountain, including a thrilling cable car ride to the top (weather permitting). Venture into the Cape Malay area where you will enjoy a walking tour through the colorful Bo-Kaap. This area has a rich cultural, religious and architectural heritage, and is a mixed and cosmopolitan neighborhood with strong links to Muslim traditions and culture. Explore the historic part of the city with traditional architecture and beautiful company gardens. This afternoon is yours to enjoy the facilities at the hotel or wander through the V&A Waterfront for some shopping.

Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel
Meals: B

Day 10 Explore the Cape Peninsula
The Cape Peninsula is exceedingly beautiful and offers a window to some of the most fascinating biodiversity on the planet. From the fynbos on the mountain side to the marine life of the ocean rock pools, there is endless beauty all around you. Today you travel along the Atlantic Seaboard to explore the Fairest Cape, so described by Sir Francis Drake in 1578. Winding along the coast you pass glorious beaches for a stop at Cape Point Nature Reserve, where you'll have a breathtaking viewpoint of the meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Next, visit historic Simon's Town, home to the Boulders Penguin Colony where nearly 3,000 African penguins reside. These adorable flightless birds are free to explore the seas, but always return to their protected haven at Foxy Beach within Boulders.

Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel
Meals: B, L

Day 11 Discover Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Valley
This morning, set out for the Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Valley. Aptly named Heaven and Earth, Hemel-en-Aarde is celebrated for its award-winning, cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay—an irresistible destination for true connoisseurs eager to explore the nuanced appeal of South African wines. The region's unique terroir and maritime influence, shaped by its high elevation and cool sea breezes, create ideal conditions wine production. The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley wine route is home to 20 wine producers (and growing!), each offering a glimpse into the diversity and excellence of wines produced in the area.

Your day continues to the coastal harbor town of Hermanus, nestled between magnificent mountains and the shores of Walker Bay. Despite its popularity as one of South Africa's most beloved destinations, Hermanus has retained its quaint, small-town charm. During whale season (July to November), whales can often be spotted from the shore as they gather in the sheltered bay to mate and give birth. The World Wildlife Fund has recognized Hermanus as one of the world's top 12 whale-watching destinations.

Your journey concludes at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, an exquisite retreat set between mountains, forest and sea. Blending harmoniously into the pristine natural surroundings, this eco-luxury lodge offers exceptional service and an unforgettable connection to nature.

Grootbos Nature Reserve
Meals: B, L, D

Day 12 Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is true to its name, it has a sea of multi-hued flowers and lush fynbos foliage on a slope of the Duineveld Mountains. This 2,500-hectare landscape resembles a modern-day Garden of Eden, where buck, bee and bird still freely go about their way unperturbed by human awe. Enjoy a unique botanical safari to learn about the incredible flora and fauna. Traverse the reserve on horseback or enjoy one of the many hikes and walks on the reserve along the ocean's edge. Grootbos offers a collection of curated experiences which have been inspired by the pristine surroundings with conservation and community at its core.

Grootbos Nature Reserve
Meals: B, L, D

Day 13 Grootbos Private Nature Reserve to Franschhoek
Today you'll depart Grootbos for Cape Town to connect with your departing flight.

Meals: B