Essence of South Africa

(12 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Cape Town, Blue Train, Johannesburg, Victoria Falls (Zambia), Sabi Sand Game Reserve

This private tour includes South Africa’s best cultural and natural wonders as well as a luxury rail journey, an impressive game-viewing safari at Singita in the Sabi Sand Reserve, and a side trip to Victoria Falls (in Zambia).

Begin in beautiful Cape Town and stay at one of our favorite luxury properties. Enjoy comprehensive private touring with one of Cape Town’s most knowledgeable guides. Learn about the city’s fascinating history and architecture; take a cable car to the top of the iconic Table Mountain; experience local markets, boutiques, museums, and noted African art galleries; and enjoy Cape Town’s incredible food and wine scene, including reservations at top restaurants. Depending on your interests, enjoy other highlights, such as Robben Island, Bo Kaap (the Cape Malay Quarter), and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. One day, take a private excursion along the scenic coastal road to the Cape Peninsula and visit the Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Beach and quaint seaside towns or opt to spend a day in the Winelands region with personalized wine tastings at South Africa’s best vineyards and a visit to the charming towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Private yacht cruises, scenic helicopter flights, adventure activities, and day trips to Hermanus can also be arranged, upon request.

Next, enjoy one of Africa’s most famous rail journeys. Board the Blue Train for an overnight luxury train ride to Pretoria. Take in spectacular scenery while enjoying fine dining and first class accommodation aboard the train. En route, enjoy stops at the quaint historic town of Matjiesfontein.

Spend two nights in Johannesburg’s most exclusive residential neighborhood and enjoy private touring of the city’s highlights. “Joburg” also has an excellent shopping and art scene and you might like to visit the city’s best gallery districts, designer shops, local African art markets, and up-and-coming neighborhoods or opt to visit to the excellent Apartheid Museum, have an insider’s tour of Soweto, or take a day trip to the Cradle of Humankind.

Continue to Livingstone, Zambia for two nights at Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Enjoy a private sundowner cruise, a private walking tour of the falls, and other activities such as a scenic helicopter ride over the falls, kayaking on the Zambezi River, an elephant-back safari, or a visit to a Mukuni village.

Conclude your tour with three-night luxury safari at Singita in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, a private reserve that borders Kruger National Park. This area is renowned for its diverse wildlife—including the Big Five—and is particularly known for leopard sightings. Stay at an ultra-luxurious safari lodge and enjoy morning and afternoon game drives and guided bush walks during your stay. If desired, a visit to a local community can be arranged. There will also be time to indulge in spa treatments and enjoy elaborate gourmet meals paired with South Africa’s best wines. Return to Johannesburg, where you will be assisted to your international flight.

Please contact one of our Africa travel specialists to begin planning your perfect tour.