Diverse South Africa

11 days, 10 nights
Price Range: $15,355 – $24,066
(all-inclusive price per person, depending on dates & camps selected)

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This South African safari combines the most popular wildlife reserve, the Sabi Sand, with the largest one in South Africa, Tswalu in the Southern Kalahari. Cape Town adds a marine wildlife element to the adventure with seasonal whales and great white sharks. The diversity of wildlife one observes between these three distinct ecosystems is astonishing. Tick off the "Big Five" while also tracking unique nocturnal animals like aardvark, unique antelope like the sable and the impressive Kalahari lion.

Photo of Wendy Klausner

Our Expert Says

This itinerary combines the "Big Five" wildlife of the Sabi Sand with the unique black rhino, Kalahari lion, aardvark, aardwolf, sable antelope and other rare species of the Southern Kalahari desert. You're in private wildlife reserves throughout the safari, and then Cape Town is a nice transition back to civilization at the end, with the added bonus of marine wildlife and beautiful scenery.

– Wendy Klausner

Photo: Johannesburg view image gallery

Day 1: Johannesburg

Cosmopolitan Johannesburg is the jumping-off point for most South African safaris. The city of 3.6 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.

Photo: Sabi Sand Reserve view image gallery

Days 2-4: Sabi Sand Reserve

Fly to the famed Sabi Sand today. 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.

Photo: Southern Kalahari view image gallery

Days 5-7: Southern Kalahari

Fly via Johannesburg today to Tswalu Kalahari Private Reserve. Situated in South Africa’s Northern Cape province, this area is often known as the “green Kalahari” for its ability to support a broad diversity of plants and wildlife. This semi-arid grassland hosts rare species, such as Kalahari black-maned lions, roan and sable antelope, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, a good population of desert black rhino, cheetah, gemsbok and many more. Friendly meerkats are a highlight!

Photo: Cape Town view image gallery

Days 8-10: Cape Town

Fly directly to Cape Town today. 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, including a private, full-day Cape Peninsula excursion.

Photo: Cape Town/Home view image gallery

Day 11: Cape Town/Home

Bid farewell to South Africa today as you depart for home.

Recommended Extensions
Cape Coast, South Africa
Cape Winelands, South Africa

Notes

  • iSafari.com's Africa safari planner cannot precisely calculate the costs of air and land transfers to all camps and lodges as the locations and travel distances vary slightly. With this in mind, your final quote may increase or decrease by a small amount.
  • The estimated rates given for these itineraries are adult rates, but many properties offer reduced rates for children. Please contact our office for more information.
  • Holiday surcharges may apply for travel in late December and early January, and occasionally over the Easter holiday.
  • A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the trip fee per person is required upon booking to confirm your reservation.

Inclusions

  • All accommodation on a double occupancy basis
  • Meals at camps and lodges
  • Breakfast daily while in Cape Town
  • All transfers as noted
  • Services of the lodge guides and staff unless a NHA Safari Expedition Leader is booked
  • Relevant park fees
  • Alcoholic and soft drink beverages are included at some camps and lodges
  • Laundry service is available at most permanent camps/lodges and hotels; in some cases this service is included in the tariff quoted
  • Private full-day Cape Peninsula excursion while in Cape Town, including lunch and entrance fees
  • Accommodation taxes, the applicable Tourism Levies and all relevant Value Added Tax (VAT) or Government Sales Tax (GST)

Exclusions

  • Travel to the start and end point of the route
  • Generally lunch and dinner in city hotels
  • Alcoholic and soft drink beverages at some camps and lodges
  • Cancellation, baggage and medical insurance
  • Staff gratuities
  • Any newly-implemented government taxes, levies, fuel or industry increases which are beyond our control
  • Visa fees where relevant
  • International airport departure taxes applicable from manned airports only, which is to be paid in US$ cash on departure unless included in your ticket cost
  • Any items of a personal nature