logo

Overview

May 3-14, 2026: South Africa!
Bucket List Travel
May 3 - 14, 2026
Bucket List Travel image
Bucket List Travel
$3,899
Deposit: $250

About your trip

Is s safari on YOUR Bucket List?

Join us on this amazing 12-day, 11-night adventure in South Africa! 

This tour includes nine game drives to see the wild African animals; visits at sanctuaries for lions, elephants and monkeys, including a chance to walk with elephants and lions; and tours of the Cradle of Humankind, Soweto, and the Apartheid Museum.

It also includes a 3-night visit to Cape Town, including airfare there and back, and tours of Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope, the Boulders penquin colony, and a full-day tour of the winelands.

There is a limit of 10 guests on this tour to give each guest a chance to best see the wildlife from the safari vehicles. We are only traveling in malaria-free areas!


We offer 2 optional excursions if you'd like to extend your trip:
 3-day add-on excursion to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe;
3-night extension to the famous Kruger National Park!

Stop dreaming; start packing!!

The Best Time for Safaris!

South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, so the seasons there are opposite of the USA. When it’s summer here, it’s winter there!  Winter lasts from April to September for most of Southern Africa.

This is the best time to go on safari. Water is more scarce and animals are forced to congregate around the few remaining water sources, making them easier to spot. The grass is lower, affording better visibility; and dirt roads are dry and easily navigable, increasing your chances of a successful safari. Traveling in the dry season also means avoiding rainy season inconveniences and discomforts like flooding, high humidity and an abundance of insects.

Weather

In Johannesburg, it starts to get cool in May as the high-altitude city settles into winter. Daytime highs average 68°F and the nights get down to 46°F. May is one of the driest months in Joburg, and it only rains an average of three days. 

In Cape Town, you can expect an average high temperature of 70°F, and the overnight low temperatures average 50°F. The city averages 12 days of light precipitation during this month, and it is not uncommon to have cloudy days throughout May.

What to Expect

Remember: Africa is a third world country! You are not in Kansas anymore!

Roads are bumpy and dusty, WiFi is spotty, electricity may go off at odd times, and everything happens on Africa time (really S-L-O-W)!  

This escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking and requires an average level of physical fitness. 

• On game drives, we will spend much of our time driving over rough dirt roads in open air safari vehicles, which have high ground clearance and require some agility to get on and off. During game drives, you may come into proximity of wild animals whose actions can be unpredictable. Certain inherent risks are involved which should be considered at your own discretion.

• Many days we leave early in the morning. 

• There will be limited bathroom stops. 

• Meals may be delayed for unforeseen reasons. We'll try to have snacks available, but if you have blood sugar issues, please bring any snacks you know you may need. 

We find our guests are happiest when they can roll with delays and last-minute changes that may happen in the unpredictable world of African travel. 

The best things you can bring with you are flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor!

Cost and Payment

This 12-day, 11-night adventure is priced $3,899 per person double occupancy (not including airfare to and from South Africa). 

Single supplement is $450.

Your space will be secured when we receive a deposit of $250. Upon receipt, your deposit is nonrefundable.

PAYMENT PLAN

We have a payment plan which allows the entire cost of the trip to be paid in 12 equal monthly installments of about $290. (You are welcome to make larger payments at less frequent intervals if you choose.) 

The entire balance must be paid by three months before your departure (February 3, 2026).

Please note: If you pay with a credit card, WeTravel will add a 3% fee.

However - if you pay directly from a checking account, there is no fee.

Spending Money

The price you have paid for your tour includes: 11 nights accommodation; almost.all meals; all tours escorted by a private guide; entrance fees to all sights in the itinerary; all transportation, with free water provided on board; domestic flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town; and all airport transfers.

Your tour does not include the cost of beverages other than water, 3 dinners in Cape Town,  and gratuities.

You will also need money for drinks and souvenirs. Alcoholic beverages are less expensive in South Africa than they are in the USA.

Tipping is customary in South Africa. It is not compulsory; tipping is entirely at your discretion. Ten percent is customary in restaurants. When you register, we'll provide suggestions for appropriate tips for tour guides and others throughout the tour.

As a guideline, most guests spend $400-$600 during the 12-day tour. 

Arrival Flights

Please plan to fly into and out of O.R. Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa. 

You need to be in Johannesburg on Sunday, May 3, 2026, which means you will need to depart the USA on Saturday, May 2. (You might even need to leave as early as Friday, May 1 if your flight has multiple stops.) If you are adding any excursions before the main tour, please talk to us about flight dates.

Please plan to arrive in Johannesburg before NOON on SUNDAY, MAY 3.  (If your flight doesn't arrive before noon, you might consider flying in the previous day and spending an optional night at Protea Hotel O.R. Tambo Airport-available as an option for $140.)

Plan to depart from Johannesburg in the evening on Thursday, May 14 unless you are adding any excursions after the main tour, in which case please talk to us about flights.

Please ASK US if you have any questions before you purchase your airfare!

Packing for an African Safari

Because temperatures can change dramatically throughout the day,  the key to a comfortable safari outfit is layers. You should pack and wear layers to adjust to the wide range of temperatures you can experience on a typical day. While the morning can be freezing, by midday it can be hot. Layers will save you.

Best colors to wear on safari  

The basic rule on dressing for safari is to go neutral. Ideal colors to wear on safari are greens, browns, olives and khakis. Other neutral colors are fine too. When trying to spot wildlife you’ll have the best chance if you blend in as much as possible with your surroundings. 

Unless you are seriously tracking wildlife on foot, which we are not, the color of your clothing is really NOT that important.  

Navigating dirt roads in an open-top vehicle means that you'll get covered in dust.  You should avoid wearing· white and very pale clothes that show the dust and dirt, and is hard to get out!

Also avoid bright colors, which can attract insects.

Suggested Packing List

Here is a suggested packing list: 

1-2 pair chinos or other light pants 

1 pair jeans 

1 pair shorts or capris 

4-5 tee shirts 

1-2 long sleeve tee shirt 

1 fleece jacket 

1 light puffer jacket or down vest

1 warm hat 

1 pair sturdy sneakers/hiking shoes 

1 pair sandals, like Tevas 

Underwear and socks-6 to 8 of each

Sunglasses

Optional: bathing suit

Sunscreen (SPF 30-50), mosquito repellant, small flashlight

Keep it light, because there is a restrictive weight limit on the domestic flight to Cape Town.

Your domestic flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town flight entitles you to one free checked bag weighing up to 44 pounds and one piece of hand baggage weighing up to 15.5 pounds, plus a laptop bag or small handbag.  Any bag weighing between 44-70 pounds will incur a heavy bag fee of about $25 at the airport.

Remember, there is laundry service at all the places we are staying, and they are relatively inexpensive, quick, and convenient. 

Passport Requirements

Every traveler entering South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana is required to show a passport valid for at least 6 months. 

South Africa requires travelers to have two completely blank visa pages in their passports upon every arrival in South Africa. You will be denied entry and forced to return to your point of origin if you do not have two blank visa pages.

The US State Department advises making at least one photocopy of the information and photo page of your passport. You should carry this in a separate place from the original. In this way you can make it easier to replace your passport if you lose it during your time in South Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions

All accommodations provide shampoo and body wash, but not conditioner. Most provide hair dryers.

Currency

The rand (ZAR) is the official currency of South Africa.  As of May 2024, $1 USD equaled 18.48 South African Rand. You can either buy Rand at home and bring it with you, or get it from an ATM when you arrive in Africa. It is difficult to convert US dollars to Rand when you are in South Africa, so we don’t recommend this option.

Adapters

In South Africa the power plugs and sockets are of type D, M and N, so you will need an adapter for electrical appliances from the United States. The standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.

WiFi

Free WiFi service is available in the rooms and common areas at all of our accommodations. In some places, it is better than others. If you need to be sure to have WiFi at all times, you can rent a mobile hot spot at the airport upon arrival in Johannesburg starting at about $30.

Laundry

Laundry service is available at Mziki Lodge, Cradle Moon Lodge, and Villa Rosa. It is very inexpensive. Average costs are: 

T shirts, blouses, or shorts: $1

Jeans, trousers or dresses: $1.75

Socks and underwear: 75 cents

Immunizations

All travelers should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination.  These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and your yearly flu shot.


Most travelers get these vaccines  because there is a risk of these diseases in South Africa:

• Hepatits A: CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in South Africa, regardless of where you are eating or staying.

• Typhoid: You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in South Africa. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers. 


Some Travelers: Ask your doctor what vaccines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, and what you will be doing,.

• Hepatitis B: You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

• Malaria: When traveling in South Africa, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on where and when you are going, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. 

PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS NO MALARIA PRESENT IN THE AREAS WE VISIT ON THIS TOUR!

But malaria is present in Zimbabwe near Victoria Falls, and in Kruger National Park. if you are adding extensions to Victoria Falls or Kruger, speak to your doctor about the possibility of malaria prevention medication

• Yellow Fever: THERE IS NO YELLOW FEVER PRESENT IN THE AREAS WE VISIT!

Immunization is only required if you are traveling from a country with risk of YF virus transmission. 

Itinerary Changes

Traveling in Third World countries is often challenging, and sometimes changes in the itinerary are unavoidable. 

If changes are needed, Bucket List Travel will always make our best efforts to provide alternatives that are equal to or better than what was originally planned.

Cancellation and Refunds

In the event that you need to cancel your trip, these fees will be applied:

• Between 150-101 days before your arrival date, $375.

• Between 100-61 days before your arrival date, $775 (25% of the entire tour price.).

• Between 60 and 46 days before your arrival date, $1,550 (50% of the entire tour price.)

• Between 45 and 31 days before your arrival date, $2,325 (75% of the entire tour price.)

• Between 30 and 1 days before your arrival date, 100% of the entire tour price.

Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight

You have the option of taking a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the savannah.  Drift above the beautiful landscape, watching wild game roam the vast plains below. On most tours, we have seen animals on the ground below us, including rhinos, antelopes and baboons! 

Pickup will be at around 5 a.m. and take off around 6 a.m. to see the sunrise. After the flight, we'll have champagne on landing and then a full breakfast. We will be back at our lodge by 10 a.m. to leave for the rest of the day's tour. 

Price of the balloon flight is $235 per person.

*Please note that agility is required to embark and disembark the balloon basket. Wildlife viewing, quantity and species of animals seen is dependent upon local conditions including weather, wind and seasonal migration patterns. The take-off time and the duration of the flight and tour may vary due to weather conditions. Balloon rides vary but are usually 45 minutes to an hour.  

Optional Farewell Dinner

On our final evening of the trip in Cape Town, you may choose to join us for a festive farewell dinner at GOLD Restaurant.

Guests at GOLD Restaurant cannot help but be swept up in the excitement of archetypal African stories told through our live entertainment. To start, you'll feel the heartbeat of Africa with our pre-dinner interactive djembe drumming session. Then we'll enjoy praise singing to welcome you, Mali puppetry, and dancing to the rhythms of the marimba percussion and djembe drums.  

Then dinner-an edible map of Africa! African food is traditionally shared and enjoyed with family and friends. Similarly, our 14-dish tasting menu is served in generous individual and shared portions. Each dish is brought to your table with country of origin, cooking techniques and spicing explained. 

Price of this optional farewell dinner is $50.

http://goldrestaurant.co.za/ 

Optional: Bush Walks with Lions

Lions are Africa’s apex predator: fierce, wild, majestic, mighty. It is a thrill to have a lion sighting on safari, but it is mind-blowing to walk through the African bush a few feet behind these 500-pound beasts. Come with us as we spend an hour walking with the male lions of a famous Conservation Center. Observe their behavior and interaction with each other in their natural environment under controlled and ethical conditions, with no touching of the lions allowed. These guided Bush Walks with Lions are focused on providing visitors with a unique wildlife experience, and on providing sensory enrichment for the lions. 

This adventure also includes an interaction with a cheetah, which you may touch.

The  Conservation Center is a world-class research and conservation facility, specializing in Wildlife Research and Predator Conservation. 

NOTE: We have investigated many animal facilities, and are convinced that this conservation center treats the animals in a completely ethical manner. Lions are not drugged, abused or forced to participate in bush walks.

The cost of this option is $160 per person, with a minimum of two visitors. (Cost for a single visitor would be $235.)

Victoria Falls 3 Day Add-On Excursion

Spanning more than a mile across the cliffs between Zimbabwe and Zambia—Victoria Falls is known as the largest sheet of falling water in the world. A little over a mile wide and 351 feet high, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one-and-a-half times as wide and twice as high as Niagara Falls! The spray from the falls typically rises to a height of over 1,300 feet, and on a clear day, you can see the mist from the falls from up to 30 miles away.

With a flight time from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls of only 1 hour and 40 minutes, it’s easy to add a short side trip to see this natural wonder of the world before or after your South Africa tour. We’ve put together an exciting 3-day, 2-night excursion for our guests.

After pickup from the airport and a transfer to your hotel, we’ll see the sun dip below the horizon during a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River Africa’s fourth largest river. Relax onboard with a drink as you look for hippos, elephants, and buffalo that come to the water’s edge to drink at the end of the day. We'll have dinner at the hotel.

The next morning, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of Victoria Falls and discover the best spots for photo opportunities. Well have lunch at the Rainforest Cafe, and then visit a cultural and craft market. 

The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the village and shops, relax by the falls, or take advantage of one of the many available activities – from bungee jumping and helicopter rides over the falls, to swimming in Devil's Pool at certain times of the year. We'll be happy to provide you with a list of available optional activities and their prices.

Tonight we'll share dinner at the hotel. 

The next morning after breakfast, we’ll head back to the airport for the flight back to Johannesburg.

The price for this tour is $855 per person, double occupancy. Single supplement is $135. This does not include the price of the round-trip flight from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls (which usually varies between $350-$450).

This excursion includes: 

·  2 nights accommodation, with breakfast

·  Sunset cocktail cruise on the Zambezi River

·  Guided tour of the falls

·  Lunch at Rainforest Cafe

·  Visit to cultural and craft market

·  Day 1 and Day 2 dinners at the hotel

·  Airport transfers

Optional extension Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park

Some people want to add on a visit to the famous Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in Southern Africa. The park spans an area stretching for 217 miles from north to south, and 37 miles from east to west, which makes it bigger than the country of Ireland!

We will leave Johannesburg early in the morning, and drive six hours to the Kruger. We spend three nights at the luxurious Maqueda Game Lodge.

In Kruger, we spend two full days on games drives. Routes travelled within the park will mainly be determined by the sighting reports we get from other rangers.

We'll get lunch each day in the park, and dinner will be at the lodge.

On our last day, we'll start back to Johannesburg stopping on the way at the Chimp Eden Institute, the first and only chimpanzee sanctuary in South Africa. The goal of the sanctuary is to rescue chimpanzees that have survived the bush meat trade, been orphaned, traded in the illegal pet market, or rescued from the trauma of appearing in circuses or other entertainment venues. The chimps here live out their lives in a risk free environment, provided with the necessary attention to recover from the trauma they have experienced. 

Cost for this optional excursion is $900.

NOTE: Malaria is present in the Kruger. We strongly recommend that you see a doctor before your trip and obtain preventive medication.

Pretour night, double, per person

Rooms, $140 per night double

$70 per person

What's included

1 night stay

Lesedi Cultural Village - https://www.aha.co.za/lesedi

4 nights stay

Mziki Safari Lodge - https://www.mziki.co.za

3 nights stay

Cradle Moon Lodge - https://www.cradlemoon.co.za

3 nights stay

Villa Rosa - https://www.villa-rosa.com

Tours

All safaris and tours escorted by a private driver and a private guide

Entrance Fees

Entrance fees to all sights in the itinerary

Domestic Flight

Domestic flights between Johannesburg to Cape Town

All airport transfers

Meals

11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 8 dinners

What's not included

International Airfare

Airfare between the United States and South Africa is NOT included

Meals

3 dinners in Cape Town

Beverages with meals

Tips

Customary tips to tour guide, driver, etc.

Hot air balloon ride

Farewell dinner at Gold

Victoria Falls excursion

2-night extension

Walk with lions

Kruger Park Extension

3-night extension

Pretour night - double p

$140/2

Day 1 - May 3, 2026

Day 1 - May 3, 2026 image

Welcome to South Africa!

Arrive in Johannesburg at O.R. Tambo International Airport. A Bucket List Travel agent will meet you and help you claim your luggage. Transfer to your accommodations at Lesedi African Lodge and Cultural Village.

Cultural show: Lesedi reflects the diversity of South Africa’s original inhabitants, and contains elements of Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho, Nguni and Ndebele cultures. 

Traditional song and dance and a feast fit for a king top off an unforgettable day and night.

Buffet dinner: variety of meats (crocodile, ostrich, beef, lamb), assorted vegetables, pap (grits), salads and desserts.

Overnight at Lesedi African Lodge and Cultural Village in a traditional hut that offers the comforts of home. Wake to the sounds of the maskanda Zulu guitar and African melodies before being treated to a full English breakfast.

Day 2 - May 4, 2026

Day 2 - May 4, 2026 image

Walk With Elephants!

 Breakfast at Lesedi African Lodge and Cultural Village.

Walking With Elephants and Mini-Safari

Come and meet Three, Marty and Hannah, the trio of semi-habituated elephants that were orphaned at a young age. You will get to observe and interact with the elephants in their natural environment as you walk side by side with these gentle giants of Africa.

http://www.southafricaadventures.com/adventures/elephant-walking-safari

• Lunch. 

Ala-carte menu at Glen Afric Country Lodge Monarch of the Glen restaurant with scenic views of the wildlife and bushveld. Featuring renowned lamb shank slow-cooked in red wine, prime cuts of beef, seafood and pasta.

• Travel to Mziki Safari Lodge

After lunch we travel to the Mziki Safari Lodge, home to three of the “Big 5" - elephants, buffalo and rhinos - as well as 47 more species of mammals and 372 species of birds. We will have an evening game drive and a wonderful dinner.


Day 3 - May 5, 2026

Day 3 - May 5, 2026 image

Mziki Safari Lodge and Nature Reserve!

Full day to enjoy Mziki Safari Lodge and Nature Reserve. 

After a sunrise morning game drive at Mziki, we'll return to the lodge for a sumptuous breakfast.

We'll then have about six hours to enjoy some leisure time at this beautiful lodge. Massages and other spa services are available, or you can nap or enjoy the beautiful grounds of our lodge.

Lunch will be served around 2, and then we'll have an evening game drive around 4:30.

• Boma dinner at Mziki Safari Lodge. 

When we return to the lodge after our game drive, your chef will prepare your meal on an open flame giving you the true African braai (BBQ) experience. On nice evenings, dinner is served outdoors.

Day 4 - May 6, 2026

Day 4 - May 6, 2026 image

Pilanesburg Safari!!

 • Morning game drive in Pilanesberg National Park, the fourth largest park in South Africa. Among Southern Africa’s fascinating game reserves, Pilanesberg National Park is possibly the most accessible. Situated in the ecologically rich transition zone between the Kalahari and the Lowveld, this vast area promises thrilling big game viewing in a malaria-free environment. 

This rich transitional zone attracts an incredible variety of game animals, flora and fauna that are not often found living side by side. Virtually all of the animal species native to southern Africa can be found here, including the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo), wild dog, Roan, Tsessebe, Sable antelope and more than 360 species of bird. https://www.pilanesbergnationalpark.org

After our 6-hour game drive, we'll return to Mziki Safari Lodge for an evening game drive and Boma Dinner.

Day 5 - May 7, 2026

Day 5 - May 7, 2026 image

Optional Bush Walk with Lions!

If you choose, you can join us for a bush walk with lions! Lions are Africa’s apex predator: fierce, wild, majestic, mighty. It is mind-blowing to walk through the African bush a few feet behind these 500-pound beasts. Come with us as we spend an hour walking with these male lions, observing their behavior and interaction with each other in their natural environment under controlled and ethical conditions. No touching of the lions is allowed. 


If you don't join the optional walk with lions, you will have a morning game drive and breakfast at Mziki. 

Enjoy a free afternoon at the lodge, followed by the evening game drive.


We'll have dinner under the African night sky in the lodge's boma.

Day 6 - May 8, 2026

Day 6 - May 8, 2026 image

Bush Babies Monkey Sanctuary

 • Morning game drive in Mziki Safari Lodge, followed by breakfast.

Bush babies Monkey Sanctuary

Bush Babies Monkey Sanctuary  is one of only eight free-release primate sanctuaries globally. Primates are given a new lease on life here. Our squirrel, spider and capuchin monkeys, lemurs and bush babies, which were previously raised as household pets or bred for the pet trade, are introduced to a wild world laden with waterfalls, lush vegetation, natural mountain streams, and the chance to reside in as natural an environment as possible. The mission here is to provide the opportunity for primates to live as they would in the wild, and to create awareness of the benefit of releasing primates into sanctuaries such as this one. 

https://www.monkeysanctuary.co.za/index.php/about-us

After visiting the Monkey Sanctuary, we'll visit Chameleon Village for lunch and shopping. Then we'll travel to Cradle Moon Lodge, where we will spend the next three nights.

• Dinner at Carnivore Restaurant.

Enjoy a selection of succulent, charcoal grilled game and domestic meats, skewered on Masaai swords and cooked to perfection over an open fire (vegetarian and fish dishes are also available). Best of all, eat as much as you like - we only stop serving when you lower your flag in surrender!

 http://carnivore.co.za 

Day 7 - May 9, 2026

Day 7 - May 9, 2026 image

Cradle of HumanKind

• Optional hot air balloon ride.

 • Cradle of HumanKind World Heritage Site

Home to around 40% of the world's human ancestor fossils. All of humanity shares an African heritage. South Africa has yielded fossils of some of the earliest known life forms on Earth. Hominids, the ancestors of modern humans, first emerged here about 7 million years ago. Many significant fossil finds have been made here in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, including the famous Australopithecus Africanus fossil called Mrs. Ples (2.1 million years old!) and a full skeleton about the same age called Little Foot. 

The first stone tools were made and used here by our ancestors, at least 2.6 million years ago. We have evidence that our ancestors were able to use and control fire here at least one million years ago. Some of the oldest rock art in the world has been discovered here in southern Africa. Homo sapiens – modern humans – emerged only about 200,000 years ago! We are one diverse species spread across the globe, all with roots here in Africa.

https://www.maropeng.co.za/content/page/maropeng-exhibition-highlight


• Afternoon game drive or boat ride at Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge.

Day 8 - May 10, 2026

Day 8 - May 10, 2026 image

Soweto and Apartheid Museum

 • Soweto!

Tour Soweto, one of the most energetic and fascinating townships in the City of Johannesburg. Soweto came to the world's attention in 1976 when 23 people died during violent anti-apartheid rioting when a student protest led to clashes with police. The impact of the Soweto protests reverberated through the country and across the world. On the vibrant Vilekazi Street, we can take in sights like the Mandela House Museum, where the South African president once lived, and the residence of Nobel peace prize winner Desmond Tutu.

• Apartheid Museum. 

The Apartheid Museum details the injustice, cruelty, and absurdities of white minority rule in South Africa. Apartheid, meaning “separateness” in Afrikaans, was officially in effect from 1948 to 1994, though segregation had been a cornerstone of South African politics since the country’s inception. The museum is dedicated to helping South Africa overcome its oppressive past and look toward the future.

We'll have lunch at the museum cafe.

• Sunset boat cruise 

Enjoy the sunset cruising on the dam at the Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge. Dinner will be catered on board.

Day 9 - May 11, 2026

Day 9 - May 11, 2026 image

Cape Town Here We Come!

 • Early breakfast and transfer to Lanseria Airport for flight to Cape Town.

• Table Mountain

Ascend Table Mountain, the most iconic landmark in South Africa.  The five-minute cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain offers a 360-degree view of Cape Town, the ocean, and the neighboring mountains.

http://tablemountainnationalpark.org

Lunch at the Table Mountain cafe

• Visit to Cape Town's vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, We'll spend several hours at the beautiful Waterfront. https://www.waterfront.co.za/  

There are a wide variety of attractions and activities to enjoy on the property. From cultural landmarks such as the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) to more leisurely pursuits such as a sunset cruise on one of the chartered boats berthed here. You'll have opportunity to shop, walk around, and enjoy the atmosphere at this wonderful location. With over 450 retail outlets selling everything from fashion, homeware and curios, to jewelry, leather goods and African curios the V&A Waterfront is South Africa’s most popular shopping destination.

We'll have dinner at a fun pub on the Waterfront. 

Day 10 - May 12, 2026

Day 10 - May 12, 2026 image

Cape of Good Hope and African Penguins

 Full-day Cape Peninsula Tour:

• Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, offering stunning view of the sea, flora and fauna.

• Chapman’s Peak 

One of the world’s most spectacular marine drives!

https://www.chapmanspeakdrive.co.za/the-drive.html

Boulders Penguin Colony

 Penguins in South Africa?!? Yes! A colony of African Penguins, also widely known as the 'Jackass Penguins’ for their donkey-like bray, settled here in Boulders Bay in 1982 on the magnificent wind sheltered, safe beaches.

https://www.capetownmagazine.com/boulders 

Day 11 - May 13, 2026

Day 11 - May 13, 2026 image

Winelands!

 Full-day Winelands Tour:

• Tastings at three wine farms

South Africa’s wine farms have a fascinating history and legacy. 


Optional farewell dinner at Gold Restaurant

Guests at GOLD Restaurant cannot help but be swept up in the excitement of archetypal African stories told through our live entertainment. To start, you'll feel the heartbeat of Africa with our pre-dinner interactive djembe drumming session. Then we'll enjoy praise singing to welcome you, Mali puppetry, and dancing to the rhythms of the marimba percussion and djembe drums.  

Then dinner-an edible map of Africa! African food is traditionally shared and enjoyed with family and friends. Similarly, our 14-dish tasting menu is served in generous individual and shared portions. Each dish is brought to your table with country of origin, cooking techniques and spicing explained. 

http://goldrestaurant.co.za/ 

Day 12 - May 14, 2026

Day 12 - May 14, 2026 image

Farewell to enchanting, amazing South Africa

Breakfast at your hotel.

Transfer to Cape Town airport.

Bid farewell to enchanting, amazing South Africa, and depart for the United States.


If you are adding one or more excursions after the tour, check with us for your departure date.

Location

Loading Map…

1. Bucket List Travel

Bucket List Travel

About your organizer

Hi - I'm Annie, the founder of Bucket List Travel! Travel is my life! I left a 30+ year career as a corporate marketing exec to start my own travel business, taking people to Bucket List locations! I'd like to take you somewhere you've always dreamed of going. Stop dreaming, start packing!

Reviews

Photo gallery

Image 0
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
Image 5
Image 6
Image 7
Image 8
Image 9
Image 10
Image 11
Image 12
Image 13
Image 14
Image 15
Image 16
Image 17
Image 18
Image 19
Image 20
Image 21
Image 22
Image 23
Image 24
Image 25
Image 26
Image 27
Image 28
Image 29
Image 30
Image 31
Image 32
Image 33
Image 34
Image 35
Image 36
Image 37
Image 38
Image 39
Image 40
Image 41
Image 42
Image 43
Image 44
Image 45
Image 46
Image 47
Image 48
Image 49
Image 50
Image 51