Journey Through South Africa

(19 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Johannesburg, southern Kalahari safari, Rovos Rail, Cape Town, Cape Winelands, Hermanus, Sabi Sand Reserve safari

On this private luxury tour, travel through some of South Africa’s most dramatic landscapes by train, explore beautiful Cape Town and the Cape Winelands, learn about South African history in Johannesburg, relax along the coast in Hermanus, and enjoy one of the country’s best safari experiences at a top luxury lodge in legendary Sabi Sand Reserve.

Begin in Johannesburg (Joburg), South Africa’s financial center and most populous city. During private touring, visit boutiques and art galleries in upscale neighborhoods, and learn more about South African history at the Apartheid Museum and in Soweto, one of the country’s largest townships. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange a private excursion to the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of limestone caves that contain the fossilized bones of ancient hominids.

Continue to the southern Kalahari for an unforgettable safari experience in a semi-arid and malaria-free landscape. Stay at Tswalu, an incomparable luxury safari lodge on South Africa's largest private game reserve. During private game drives with expert guides, look for some of the unusual animals that inhabit the area, such as Kalahari lions, wild dogs, desert black rhinos, Hartmann’s mountain zebras, aardvarks and bat-eared foxes. Other options include visiting a meerkat colony, horseback safaris, guided bush walks, sleeping outside in a star bed, seeing ancient rock engravings, birding, wine tasting, and visiting a community clinic and preschool.

Next, enjoy a train journey on Rovos Rail from Pretoria to Cape Town, crossing much of South Africa while passing through the grasslands of the Highveld, the desert plains of the Great Karoo, the historic diamond mining town of Kimberley and the vineyards of the Cape Winelands.

Continue to Cape Town, one of the world’s most beautiful cities. During private touring, explore the city’s stunning landscapes, vibrant neighborhoods, fascinating history, and excellent food and wine scene. Enjoy fast-track access for the cable car up iconic Table Mountain, and walk among native fynbos plants in beautiful Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Learn about Cape Town history in evocative places such as Bo-Kaap (the Cape Malay Quarter), the Company’s Garden and the Castle of Good Hope. Browse for locally made clothing, jewelry and other treasures in top handicrafts markets. Enjoy reservations at Cape Town’s best restaurants, find a snack in the Time Out Market food hall, stop at a farmers market or have afternoon tea at the atmospheric Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel. Depending on your interests, Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional options, such as an excursion to Robben Island, scenic helicopter flights, Jewish touring, a visit to a township, visits to the District Six Museum or the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, touring in the Constantia wine region or an excursion to the seaside town of Hermanus.

One day, enjoy a private excursion to the spectacular Cape Peninsula to see penguins at Boulders Beach, dramatic landscapes at Cape Point and along Chapman’s Peak Drive, and the area’s unique vegetation, which is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Continue to a luxurious countryside hotel in the Cape Winelands, a region of vineyards, small towns and dramatic mountains. During private touring, enjoy personalized wine tastings at some of South Africa's premier vineyards and stop at Babylonstoren, a farming and culinary complex with whitewashed Cape Dutch buildings and lush gardens. Also visit the towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek to see charming historic districts, browse boutiques and dine at acclaimed restaurants according to your interests.

Next, you will be transferred to Hermanus, a beautiful coastal town that’s renowned for whale watching. One morning, enjoy an early morning whale watching (in season) or a marine safari cruise to look for penguins, fur seals and other animals. Artisans of Leisure can also arrange spa treatments, land-based whale watching and other activities.

Continue to Sabi Sand Reserve, a private concession that borders Kruger National Park and is renowned for its diverse wildlife. During morning and afternoon game drives, look for the Big Five (elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and Cape buffaloes), as well as hippos, giraffes and other animals and birds. During leisure time, perhaps indulge in spa treatments, lounge by the pool or browse the boutique for locally made crafts and artworks. Also enjoy three gourmet meals per day, accompanied by top South African wines. Walking safaris, a visit to a local community and other activities can also be arranged.

This tour can be further customized with additional destinations or activities according to your interests.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Johannesburg Airport assistance through immigration. Private transfer to luxury hotel for 2 nights Day 2 Johannesburg & environs Full-day private city tour, including Soweto, Apartheid Museum and shopping, or private excursion to Cradle of Humankind Day 3 Johannesburg – Southern Kalahari Private transfer to airport for scheduled light-aircraft flight to the southern Kalahari. Arrival transfer to luxury safari lodge for 3 nights. Afternoon private safari Day 4 Southern Kalahari Morning and afternoon private game drives. Options for horseback riding, walking safaris and excursions to cave art sites Day 5 Southern Kalahari Morning and afternoon private game drives Day 6 Southern Kalahari – Johannesburg – Pretoria – Rovos Rail Transfer to airstrip for scheduled light-aircraft flight to Johannesburg. Private arrival transfer to Pretoria to board luxury train journey for 3 nights Day 7 Rovos Rail Train journey and touring Day 8 Rovos Rail Train journey and touring Day 9 Rovos Rail – Cape Town Private transfer to luxury hotel for 3 nights Day 10 Cape Town Full-day private city tour, including fast-track tickets for Table Mountain Day 11 Cape Town & Cape Peninsula Full-day private excursion: Boulders Beach penguin colony, Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope, Chapmans Peak Drive Day 12 Cape Town – Cape Winelands Private transfer to luxury hotel for 2 nights with touring and wine tasting in Stellenbosch en route Day 13 Cape Winelands Half-day private tour, including top wine estates Day 14 Cape Winelands – Hermanus Scenic transfer with wine tasting en route to luxury hotel for 2 nights Day 15 Hermanus Full-day private tour, including whale watching or marine safari Day 16 Hermanus – Cape Town – Sabi Sand Reserve Private transfer to airport for flight to Johannesburg, connecting to light-aircraft flight to Sabi Sand Reserve airstrip. Arrival transfer to luxury safari lodge for 3 nights. Day 17 Sabi Sand Reserve Morning and afternoon wildlife safaris Day 18 Sabi Sand Reserve Morning and afternoon wildlife safaris Day 19 Sabi Sand Reserve – Depart Johannesburg Transfer to airstrip for light-aircraft flight to Johannesburg. Private transfer to international terminal

Accommodation

Johannesburg: Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa Southern Kalahari: Tswalu Kalahari Reserve Rovos Rail: Rovos Rail Cape Town: One&Only Cape Town, Cape Grace, Ellerman House or Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel Cape Winelands: La Residence or Babylonstoren Hermanus: Birkenhead House Sabi Sand Reserve: Singita Ebony, Singita Boulders, Londolozi or Royal Malewane (Thornybush Private Game Reserve)

Cost

Upon request