If you have only one week to spend on safari in South Africa, choose our Cape to Kruger adventure. This journey takes you from the cosmopolitan Cape Town to the wild Kruger National Park to discover South Africa’s most spectacular natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and exceptional safari game viewing. With a homebase in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, you have several relaxed days to explore the stunning mountain scenery, dramatic coastline, and Cape wine region under the guidance of local expert guides. After exploring the city, head northeast to South Africa’s world-renowned Kruger Park area for safari game drives and bush walks with expert game rangers and trackers. Accommodations on this itinerary are comfortable, locally-run lodges and guesthouses – perfectly situated to watch sunsets over the awe-inspiring South African landscapes. Though we believe this itinerary is a wonderful week in South Africa, it can also serve as a foundation for a myriad of custom South Africa safaris. If you are interested in biking in the Cape Winelands, kayaking to Boulders Beach, adding a few nights at Victoria Falls or traveling with younger adventurers, we can customize this itinerary to make it perfect for you.
A few more reasons why you've gotta go:
01
Cape of Good Hope
02
Wine tasting in South Africa's premier wine region
03
Wildlife Safari in the Timbavati or Sabi Sands private game reserves bordering the Greater Kruger National Park
Arrive at Cape Town International Airport and transfer to the Cape Cadogan. Free evening to explore the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, the original Cape Town wharfs renovated as an upbeat gathering place full of restaurants, bars and cafes on the water.
About Cape Cadogan Hotel
Converted from a farmhouse in 1912, the stately Cape Cadogan was declared a national monument in 1984. This Victorian style South Africa hotel is comprised of 12 luxurious bedrooms decorated with a mix of contemporary and antique furnishings. Each bedroom has satellite TV, air conditioning, an electronic safe and comfy robes and slippers. The reception area is designed for comfort and tranquility, and public areas comprise a welcoming lounge with an open fireplace, a garden and pool area, and a library where you can relax and read or enjoy a cup of tea. These common areas all carry the theme of Oscar Wilde’s wanderings throughout Europe and New York during the late 19th century. The hotel is located in a quiet neighborhood just off bustling Kloof Street, with its many cafes, restaurants and bars. Consider the Cape Cadogan not only a hotel, but also a luxury vacation experience.
Today you’ll nibble your way through Cape Town, exploring the city with a local who weaves together history with the city’s burgeoning food scene. From Bree Street to local food stalls, your personal guide will take you to the out of the way places only a local knows. Pro tip: do NOT eat breakfast this morning! Overnight Cape Cadogan or More Quarters.
Today you’ll head off to the wine country and the heart of South Africa’s wine industry, Stellenbosch. Walk down the canal-lined avenues, in the shade of giant oak trees and beautifully preserved historic buildings. You are truly spoilt for choice when you enjoy your first wine tasting of the day at the Waterford Estate (or similar). Travel over the Helshoogte Pass to the town of Franschhoek, historically dating back to the 17th century when the French Huguenots arrived. This charming town, in a most picturesque valley, retains a French Huguenot style. Enjoy a wine tasting before taking time to enjoy the fabled culinary skills of the Franschhoek chefs at one of the many award-winning restaurants (lunch not included). Onward to Paarl, one of the Cape’s first farming districts. The town is set at the foot of the cluster of remarkable granite domes from which it takes its name. Our last stop for the day is at a wine estate on the Paarl wine route. You’ll return to the bustle of city life after an enthralling day in the countryside.
Our tour begins at Kalk Bay, best known for its working fishing harbor and bohemian feel. Browse the arts and crafts on offer, perhaps do a bit of shopping in the quirky fashion boutiques and enjoy the antiques and collectibles along the main strip. Before heading into the Cape Peninsula itself we search for our own rogue penguins – a splinter colony away from the crowded boardwalks over the main breeding site – on a beach known only to locals. Our tour ends with a gentle hike in the Cape Peninsula Reserve, exploring secluded beaches, shipwrecks and this region’s unique wildlife. The return journey weaves back to Cape Town via Noordhoek Farm Village a food artisan hub of the Peninsula and stopping for a little wine tasting at Cape Point Vineyards, producer of some of South Africa’s finest Sauvignon Blanc. Lunch options are a choice of local eats, fine dining or a wild picnic lunch (lunch at an additional cost).
Option A: Timbavati Game Reserve Tanda Tula is located in the Timbavati Game Reserve, on the western border of Kruger National Park. There is no border between the reserves so wildlife moves freely. Home to breeding herds of buffalo up to 1000 strong, leopards, rhino, elephant families and particularly the rare white lion, open vehicle game drives are always exciting. The Timbavati Reserve encompasses only 9 lodges in nearly 200 square miles, meaning plenty of space not only for wildlife but for private game viewing by guests in the reserve.
The three guides at Tanda Tula bring over 50 years of combined experience to your open vehicle game drives. Their extensive knowledge and training ensures that your game experience will be exciting, informative, and most of all unforgettable. Enjoy bush walks to experience the bush at a slower pace, and in-between game drives watch wildlife at the watering hole from your tent.
Option B: Sabi Sand Game Reserve: The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is a 250 square mile reserve with a 30 mile unfenced border with the Kruger National Park. The oldest private reserve in South Africa, this area has only ever been a wilderness area and is the birthplace of sustainable wildlife tourism in southern Africa. Enjoying one the highest densities of wildlife populations in South Africa the Sabi Sands Reserve is home to the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) as well as cheetah, plains game, and a large assortment of bird species.
Savanna lies in an area where ‘Big 5’ sightings are so frequent, it is not unusual to see lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino in a single game drive. Famous for having the best leopard viewing in the world, the Sabi Sand area is known worldwide as ‘The Land of the Leopard’.
About Savanna Private Game Lodge
The nine beautifully appointed suites nestle amongst indigenous bush and trees that provide privacy, quiet and a haven for birds. The epitome of elegance and comfort, the décor is a blend of colonial and classic with hand crafted furniture, fine linen and beautiful artwork. Three Executive and four Luxury Suites offer a unique ‘Out of Africa’ experience with canvas roofs above draped ceilings set on permanent structures. All have magnificent bathrooms and decks looking onto waterholes in the bush. In addition, the larger Executive Suites have plunge pools.
Relaxing in the comfort of the public lounge with its spacious patio, or at the main pool looking out over lush gardens and floodlit waterhole, guests are frequently treated to fantastic views of birds and game drinking and bathing, A barman is constantly in attendance to ensure the humans’ thirst is just as adequately taken care of. A viewing loft above the lounge makes a pleasant nook for a quiet game of chess as well as a bird’s eye view of the waterhole, while an adjoining library provides wireless broadband internet access. A close-knit team of friendly staff provides personalized service with each guest regarded as a valued friend.
About Tanda Tula Camp
Tanda Tula Safari Camp is situated within the pristine wilderness of the Timbavati Private Game Reserve which shares an unfenced border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park. The lodge is set on the banks of the Nharalumi riverbed, under the shade of huge old trees, overlooking an active waterhole. The main area comprises a cozy open plan thatched lounge and fireplace, merging into an open-sided bar. Meals are served around log fires in the traditional open air boma. There is a secluded, open air therapy hide at the edge of the watering as well as an inviting infinity pool also overlooking the watering hole.
The 12 luxurious tented suites are privately situated along the banks of the Nhralumi River, surrounded by lush riverine bush. The canvas structures are shaded by thatch and the interiors have a calm and elegant décor. En suite bathrooms have traditional Victorian bathtubs and outdoor showers overlooking the bush and riverbed. All the suites open out to private decks with lounge deck chairs. Highly skilled ranger and tracker teams guide you through more than 20,000 hectares of “Big Five” country on early morning and evening game drives. Daily guided bush walks are also offered.
Tanda Tula also offers a separate rustic, yet luxurious, field camp for a special overnight experience of old world Africa and a bygone era. No technology is allowed; no phones, watches, alarms etc (cameras okay), which makes for a special African experience.
The typical day starts with an early morning game drive, then after breakfast a bush walk gives you the opportunity to learn about the smaller wonders of the veld. Conclude your afternoon game drive at a carefully selected natural site to enjoy a sundowner whilst watching the sunset over the awe-inspiring wilderness.
There is time for an early morning game drive and breakfast before your transfer back to the Kruger Airport in time for your departing flight.
Consider extending your stay in Africa with a visit to Botswana’s Okavango Delta, the thundering Victoria Falls, trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda or relaxing beach side in South Africa or Mozambique.
Meals Included
B
Overnight
No Overnight
Departure Dates
Call for Availability
Depart on Your Own Schedule / Custom Trip
Contact us for custom itineraries and departure dates
Your trip begins with your arrival at Cape Town International Airport where you will be met by an Austin Adventures representative. They will transfer you to Cape Cadogan accommodation for check-in. On Day 8, you will be transferred to Kruger Airport for your flight home, approximately three hours prior to your flight departure time.
Activities
Cape Town walking foodie tour
Private full-day tour in the winelands
Private full-day tour of Cape Point, peninsula and penguins
Safari activities in Kruger region
Cultural Discoveries
This journey takes you from the cosmopolitan Cape Town to the wild Kruger National Park to discover South Africa’s most spectacular natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and exceptional safari game viewing. Based from one of the most beautiful cities in the world, you have several relaxed days to explore the stunning mountain scenery, dramatic coastline, and Cape wine region under the guidance of local expert guides.
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments and receptions – except one dinner on your own – are included as indicated by itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
Pre-departure Information
After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
What's Included
Included in the Price:
All guided tours and excursions
English-speaking naturalist guides
Airport-hotel transfers, land transportation
Seven nights hotel accommodation as indicated
Laundry service at Tanda Tula and Savannah Private Game Lodge
Meals as indicated [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner]
Soft drinks, local beers, house wines, and spirits at Tanda Tula and Savannah Private Game Lodge
Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services
Not Included in the Price:
International airfare: into Cape Town and out of Johannesburg
Flights Cape Town (CPT) /Hoedspruit (HDS) / Johannesburg (JNB) (for those staying at Tanda Tula) Flights Cape Town (CPT) /Skukuza (SZK) / Johannesburg (JNB) (for those staying at Savannah Private Game Lodge)
Tips and gratuities
Table Mountain cableway tickets – to be purchased on day of tour
Airport departure taxes
Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above
Laundry service in Cape Town and at Tanda Tula
Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control
Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation
Any other items not mentioned above
View the "Wow Factor" Included in Each Austin Adventure
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
AFRICA EXPERT
Carol Austin
Want to know how to fully experience the depth of beauty and culture in a place? Ask Carol Austin. A Montana native who treasures the land and people in her own backyard—be it Yellowstone, the Beartooths, or the family around her dinner table—Carol knows how to embrace any destination she explores, a feat at 40+ countries and counting. And with more than 20 years in the travel industry, she’s really good at helping guests plan—and fully enjoy—their adventure vacation, too. She co-founded Austin Adventures with her husband, Dan Austin.