12-Nights Best of South Africa from $22,955

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 a fast-paced and hectic one.

Intercontinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport Hotel

Day 2 Johannesburg to Madikwe Game Reserve
This morning you will be met at the hotel and escorted on foot to check in desk for your flight. Fly by scheduled charter flight to Madikwe Game Reserve. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your accommodation located in the Madikwe Game Reserve.

The malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve is a 75 000 ha region of untamed beauty. A natural splendor located in South Africa’s North West province, on the border with Botswana close to the Kalahari Desert. This wild terrain boasts a tapestry of awe-inspiring landscapes that encompass vast open plains, dense bushveld and towering rocky peaks. All of which offers sanctuary to a kaleidoscope of creatures, including the ‘super seven’.

Jamala Madikwe
Meals: B, D

Day 3 Activities at Jamala Madikwe
Madikwe Game Reserve is know as one of the best conservation areas in all of Africa, at Jamala Madikwe you will get to experience this diverse and rich ecosystem with over 130 mammal and 300 bird species not to mention the vast landscapes of plant life that keeps the whole reserve alive and healthy for all its inhabitants. Twice-daily game drives at dawn and dusk form the daily routine of your Safari day. You will witness sunrise and sunset under incredible African skies whilst enjoying the daily animal sightings.

Jamala Madikwe
Meals: B, L, D

Day 4 Activities at Jamala Madikwe
Enjoy another day of wildlife activities at Jabulani. Not to be missed is the introduction to the Jabulani elephants. Their sheer size and extraordinary presence is humbling, one cannot help but be changed forever after sharing an experience with the Jabulani elephants.

Jamala Madikwe
Meals: B, L, D

Day 5 Madikwe Game Reserve to Tswalu Kalahari
Enjoy your last game activity at Jamala Madikwe before transferring to the airstrip for scheduled charter flight to Johannesburg, conecting with your next scheduled charter flight 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.

The Motse Camp, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
Meals: B, D

Day 6 Tswalu Kalahari Reserve Motse
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 driveds, guided bush walks and horseback safaris.

The Motse Camp, Tswalu Kalahari 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.

The Motse Camp, Tswalu Kalahari 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 chater 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 leave you in no doubt that this place is an absolute highlight on any vacation to 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 and enjoy a thrilling cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain (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 arthtecture 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 Camp, so desrived by Sir Francis Drake in 1578. Winding along the coast you pass glorious beaches, stopping Cape Point Nature Reserve. Here you will have a viewpoint where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. Visit historic Simonstown where you will find Boulders Penguin Colony with almost 3000 African penguins. These endangered, flightless birds are free to roam the seas and return to their private haven - Foxy Beach at Boulders.

Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel
Meals: B, L

Day 11 Discover Hemel-en-Arde Wine Valley
This morning depart Cape Town traveling to the Hemel-en-Arde Wine Valley. Hemel-en-Arde or Heaven-and-Earth, known for its fine wines is critically acclaimed for its award-winning cool climate Pinot noir and Chardonnay and is a delight to true connoisseurs wanting to discover the diverse appeal of South African wines. The region is known for its unique terroir and maritime character, which derive maximum benefit from the high elevation and cool sea breezes. The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley wine route in home to 17 wineries which gives visitors an idea of the diversity of wines that are produced in the area. Only a few miles inland from the quaint seaside town of Hermanus, the vineyards extend for 12 miles towards Caledon. You will explore wineries on the Hemel-en-Aarde valley wine route in South Africa with a stop for a lunch (own account). Continue to seaside harbor town Hermanus, which lies between magnificent mountains and the shores of Walker Bay. This quaint town has managed to maintain its quaint, tranquil atmosphere, despite being one of South Africa’s most loved tourist destinations. Here, during whale season (July to November), whales can be spotted from shore as they congregate in the sheltered waters to mate and give birth. Hermanus has been recognized by the World Wildlife Fund as one of the 12 best whale-watching destinations in the world. Your tour ends at Grootbos Nature Reserve. This afternoon enjoy activities available at the lodge.

Grootbos is a luxury eco-reserve close to the Southern tip of Africa tucked between mountains, forest and sea. Blending harmoniously into the pristine natural environment, the unique accommodaton offer the ultimate in luxury and style.

Grootbos Nature Reserve - Forest Lodge
Meals: B, L, D

Day 12 Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Grootbos 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 unique botancial safaris on board an open landrover learning about the incredible birds, plants and animals in the floral kingdom. Traverse the reserve on horseback or enjoy one of the many hikes and walks on the reserve on on 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 - Forest Lodge
Meals: B, L, D

Day 13 Grootbos Private Nature Reserve to Franschhoek
Depart Grootbos for Cape Town airport to connect with your departing flight.

Meals: B