You are in for the trip of a lifetime! This trip builds excitement and wonder each day. Many are surprised to learn that South Africa is almost twice the size of Texas. Elevations tower to over 11,000 feet at Mount Mafadi to sea level. South Africa includes almost 10% of all mammals, fish, and plants.
The government recognizes 11 official languages. Fortunately, English is almost universally spoken. Rather than just one capital, South Africa has three, including Pretoria, which serves as the executive capital, Bloemfontein, the judicial capital, and Cape Town, the legislative capital. Johannesburg is the largest city, with just shy of 10 million inhabitants. Five South African cities are home to more than 1 million people.
South Africa is so diverse that it is often called "the world in one country." Rugged coastlines, varied and expansive wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands make it a fantastic country for inquisitive travelers. The government is well set up for tourism, with an excellent infrastructure. It is the only genuinely modern country on the continent. You'll be impressed by the quality of service and accommodation. The food and wine are simply world-class. Many past clients have commented that the service is beyond anything they've experienced while traveling in the United States.
This small reserve, located outside Pretoria, offers a nice introduction to big game. You might see hippos, cheetahs, cape buffaloes, ostriches, and many antelope species.
You depart your lodge after a cup of coffee or tea. You'll traverse Lindani, searching for large game and birds. Giraffes are common, as are zebras, warthogs, and numerous antelope species. After lunch, you depart your lodge for the short drive to the adjacent reserve, where you'll marvel at some Stone Age art. This activity is made exclusively for our group.
You'll be awakened at 5 for your first safari drive in a "Big Five" game reserve. After coffee and biscuits, the driver and tracker will search for big game. You'll be glad to have a thick blanket to keep you warm against the cool morning air. As you round a bend, your pulse quickens when a herd of elephant block the road ahead. It's surreal to see this largest of land animals roaming freely through the bush. You will be awakened at 5 AM for your first safari drive in a Big Five game reserve. After enjoying coffee and biscuits, the driver and tracker will begin their search for big game. You'll be grateful for a thick blanket to keep you warm against the cool morning air. As you round a bend, your heart races when a herd of elephants blocks the road ahead. It's surreal to witness the largest land animals roaming freely through the bush.
You'll be up before sunrise to enjoy coffee or tea before heading out to the bush. One magical part of game drives is that no two drives are alike. Animals you missed yesterday will be familiar sights today. Perhaps you only saw elephants at a distance yesterday, but today, they walk so closely by your safari vehicle that you can hear their breath. You'll enjoy a bush break halfway through your morning drive. After about three hours, you'll return to Tshwene for a hearty breakfast and a chance to catch up on lost sleep. At around 2:00, you'll enjoy a gourmet lunch. You'll board your safari vehicle for another bush drive later. Each evening, your safari driver will pick a safe point with a fantastic view of what will usually be a stunning sunset.
You'll be into the early morning routine, excited to see what new animal sightings you'll share with loved ones. Your driver will work hard to find you a pride of lions. You can't believe how close you approach this apex predator, with the lion caring at all.
On all drives, you'll stop at mid-drive for a drink break. At this reserve, at least one break will include wonderful views of hippos while you sip your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
You'll start your day with a visit to Table Mountain National Park, where the vistas provide one jaw-dropping site after another. Next, you go to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, an amazing and massive garden, which is home to numerous sunbirds and the endemic Cape Sugarbird.
After lunch, you'll head to Simonstown, where you can see African Penguins. This critically endangered species seems unaffected by hordes of humans takoing their photos from a boardwalk just a few feet away.
After l
Today is a full-day visit to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Your journey begins with a brief tour of downtown Cape Town. Other highlights include a tour of the extraordinarily colorful Muslim community of Bo-Kaap, where homeowners cannot change colors without first obtaining city council approval.
You'll also visit an African Penguin colony at Boulder's Beach. Your trip concludes with several hours exploring the Cape of Good Hope, part of Table Mountain National Park. You'll have a chance to ride a funicular to a high point overlooking the stunning scenery below, with vistas of gorgeous False Bay