South Africa - An Elegant Adventure

This 12-day South Africa tour goes beyond the ordinary with amazing travel experiences that include game drives in two of the most sought-after private game reserves – stay in the heart of the reserves, where you just might spot leopards, lions, elephants, impalas, and zebras.

Attend wine tastings, special presentations and lectures with local experts... and experience the vast legacy of cultural and natural history in Cape Town, Robben Island, Johannesburg, and Soweto. Learn more about the struggle against apartheid, travel up Table Mountain for extraordinary views of "the end of the continent," and meet some elephants during your two-night stay at Victoria Falls

What's Included:

• Return flights with British Airways
• Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
• 26 meals (11 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 9 dinners);
• Gratuities to local guides
• Service charges
• Taxes
• Porterage
• Private game drives with skilled rangers and trackers
• Four nights at private game reserves in or near Kruger National Park
• Two nights at Lion Sands - Kruger National Park
• Two nights at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
• A prearranged visit to Cape Town's Robben Island, where you'll learn the story of the South African freedom fighters and see the cell where Nelson Mandela was held for decades
• A sparkling wine-tasting dinner in the Cape Winelands
• A private gemologist lecture in Johannesburg
• Two nights in Victoria Falls, with a private lunch with the elephants in Zambezi and a sundowner river cruise
• Three nights at one of the "World's Best" hotels, Cape Grace in Cape Town, on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

Day 1: Cape Grace

Meet your Tauck Director and your fellow travellers at our welcome reception at the Cape Grace followed by dinner.

Day 2: Robben Island and the Winelands

Today's sightseeing begins with a ferry ride across Table Bay to Robben Island. Back on the mainland, spend some free time in Cape Town before a drive to Constantia in the Cape Winelands for a memorable wine-pairing dinner.

Day 3: Table Mountain - Cape Peninsula

Explore Cape Town today on an orientation sightseeing tour in and around the city. Following a journey by rotating cable car, you’ll find yourself atop famous Table Mountain. Enjoy magnificent 360-degree views of the city and bay during the ride up and on a walk at the top. Next, drive to Cape Point and take a funicular up to the historic lighthouse. This evening, enjoy the dining and entertainment options of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront as you please.

Day 4: Kruger National Park

Fly from Cape Town to Skukuza airstrip and the incomparable Kruger National Park for a two-night safari stay; Lion Sands-Kruger National Park,, thought to host more mammal species than any other game reserve on the continent. Be on the lookout for them on an afternoon game drive before dinner.

Day 5: Kruger National Park

You’ll have ample opportunity to spot the animals who live here on two game drives today. Tonight, feast on regional culinary specialties at dinner at your lodge at Lion Sands.

Day 6: Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Enjoy a final game drive at Lion Sands this morning before moving on to Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge. Comprising five smaller private game reserves set along the Sabie River, the Sabi Sands reserve is home to a great biodiversity of habitat and wildlife, including Africa’s iconic “Big Five” – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard; wild dogs, cheetahs and over 300 species of birds can also be spotted here. An afternoon game drive is your introduction to life in the African bushveld.

Day 7: Safari

Morning and afternoon game drives aboard four-wheel-drive, open-top Land Rovers make your South Africa tour come alive with up-close sightings of African game. Expert Shangaan trackers and experienced rangers help you spot the animals who migrate through the reserve, including gazelles, antelopes, kudu, impalas and giraffes. Enjoy afternoon coffee, tea and biscuits, or perhaps a swim, between game drives, and dinner around a fire this evening, weather permitting.

Day 8: Johannesburg

Bid farewell to safari days and depart the Sabie River region on a flight to Joannesburg for a two-night stay at 54 on Bath. Dine tonight at the hotel.

Day 9: Soweto

During today's guided tour, you’ll experience the diversity of Soweto, from its thriving business environment of today to its historical importance as a residential township in the time of the apartheid. You’ll see the homes of Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, as well as South Africa’s Constitutional Court. Visit the Apartheid Museum, acknowledged as the pre-eminent museum in the world dealing with 20th-century South Africa, at the heart of which is the apartheid story; the museum illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid. Return to the hotel, where the remainder of the day is free to spend as you please in Johannesburg.

Day 10: Victoria Falls

Fly to Victoria Falls today, regarded as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Enjoy elegant accommodations at The Victoria Falls Hotel. Nowhere is the hotel's gracious service more welcomed than at traditional afternoon high tea, which you experience during your stay. A local historian offers insights into the life of the famous Dr. David Livingstone aboard a private sundowner cruise on historic Zambezi River this evening .Tonight, dine at your choice of restaurants in the hotel.

Day 11: Victoria Falls - Zambezi National Park

First up this morning is a privately guided walk around Victoria Falls. Next you’ll gain some amazing insights about African elephants from a naturalist during a hands-on visit to an elephant sanctuary where you’ll interact with the elephants and watch them as they feed, play, and socialize.. Join us this evening for our farewell cocktail reception and dinner, where you'll have a chance to share memories and stories from this enriching South Africa tour with your fellow guests.

Day 12: Journey Home

Enjoy a final morning at leisure in Victoria Falls before your flight to Johannesburg.