Epic South Africa Safari & City
14 days, 13 nights
Price Range:
$14,101 – $34,014
(all-inclusive price per person, depending on dates & camps selected)
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A fortnight in South Africa allows the sophisticated safari-goer to combine the best of nature and culture in one extraordinary adventure. Look for the legendary Big Five amid the baobabs of Kruger or Mashatu. Capture the perfect leopard photo in Sabi Sand, where luxury safari camps are nearly as famous as the extraordinary wildlife. Explore sand forests and pristine beaches in Zululand before wrapping it up in cosmopolitan Cape Town, where food and wine are as spectacular as the Table Mountain backdrop.
Our Expert Says
South Africa is enormous, with all the varied terrain, wildlife and cultures that one might expect of such a vast land. This safari is designed to incorporate all the country has to offer, from wildlife hotspots, to remote and wild coastline and "the world's most beautiful city" – Cape Town. A country so big and varied might take a bit more time to see it all, so if that is your m.o., this is your safari.
– Ben Bressler
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Day 1: Johannesburg
Cosmopolitan Johannesburg is the jumping-off point for most South African safaris. The city of four million is a vibrant mélange of colors and cultures. Food and music are central to life in ‘Joburg,’ and its clubs and pubs are an integral part of the social fabric. Tour Soweto or visit the Apartheid Museum to gain a deeper understanding of Johannesburg’s history, travails and rich multicultural heritage.
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Days 2-4: Kruger National Park
World-renowned Kruger National Park in South Africa is a flagship destination for safari-goers, thanks to its dense wildlife populations. Checking off the big cats, major mammals and a host of bird species is a given in this diverse ecosystem. A number of private game reserves dot the greater park area providing exclusive access to the treasures here and allowing a variety of modes to experience them, from wildlife drives in open vehicles to intimate safari walks.
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Days 5-7: Sabi Sand Reserve
Sabi Sand is one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife locales. This private 150,000-acre reserve shares a border with Kruger National Park and is named for the two rivers that flow through it. Renowned for its excellent “Big Five” viewing—the elephant, rhino, Cape buffalo, lion and abundant leopard, which were once favorite hunting targets—Sabi Sand has led the way in bringing them back.
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Days 8-10: Madikwe Game Reserve
Madikwe Game Reserve, bordering Botswana, is a prime wildlife safari destination, and among the largest wildlife reserves in South Africa. Lying within the transition zone between the Lowveld and the Kalahari thornveld, it is ideally situated to attract an incredible diversity of large and small game. The reserve is home to 66 mammal species, including all of the Big Five, and more than 300 resident and migrant bird species. Plus, without prevalent malaria it is a wonderful destination for families.
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Days 11-13: Cape Town
Located at the Southern tip of the African continent where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet, Cape Town and the Western Cape are strikingly beautiful. At the foot of Table Mountain, the city of 3 million is a charismatic blend of cultures, renowned for its scenic setting, creative cuisine and world-class local wines. Outside the city, enjoy spectacular beaches, sheer sea cliffs along the Cape of Good Hope, and wildlife encounters from penguins to sharks.
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Day 14: Cape Town/Home
Your safari adventure ends today in Cape Town, South Africa.