Highlights of South Africa & Namibia

(15 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Cape Winelands, Cape Town, Sossusvlei, Skeleton Coast, Greater Kruger NP

Wildlife safaris in spectacular landscapes, the finest luxury lodges and hotels, and private cultural and wine experiences make this an unforgettable tour of South Africa and Namibia. It combines the beauty and sophistication of Cape Town and the Cape Winelands with the Big Five wildlife of Greater Kruger National Park, the red sand dunes and desert animals of Sossusvlei and the untamed wilderness of the Skeleton Coast.

Begin in the beautiful Cape Winelands. Spend two nights at a luxurious retreat in Franschhoek with private touring in the region, including personalized wine tastings at some of South Africa's premier vineyards and a visit to the charming and historic town of Stellenbosch. There will be ample time to explore the town, browse high-end artisan boutiques and indulge in some of the country's most acclaimed gourmet restaurants.

Transfer over the beautiful Franschhoek Pass to Gansbaai to enjoy an early morning whale watching (in season) or shark diving cruise. Afterwards, enjoy some free time in Hermanus before continuing to Cape Town, one of Africa's premier cultural destinations, for three nights at one of our favorite luxury properties. Enjoy comprehensive private touring with one of Cape Town's most knowledgeable guides. Learn about thecity'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 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. Private yacht cruises, an excursion to Robben Island, scenic helicopter flights, adventure activities and philanthropic touring of nearby townships can also be arranged, upon request.

Fly through Windhoek, the modern capital of Namibia, to Sossusvlei, a desert region of dramatic red sand dunes in the middle of Namib-Naukluft Park, one of the largest national parks in Africa. Stay at a top desert lodge, and tour highlights such as Deadvlei, a dried lake bed with an eerie grove of dead trees surrounded by enormous sand dunes. If desired, hike up Big Daddy, the highest dune in the world, for breathtaking views over the ridges and valleys of the sprawling sand landscape. Other activities include looking for wildlife such as brown hyenas, springboks and gemsboks (oryx); walking nature trails to see interesting birds, reptiles and insects; quad biking; night walks; seeing ancient rock art; and stargazing.

Fly to the Skeleton Coast, a remote wilderness where towering sand dunes meet the pounding surf of the Atlantic Ocean. Stay at a contemporary lodge among the sand dunes of Skeleton Coast Park, and enjoy activities in the area such as visiting the Mowe Bay seal colony, seeing shipwrecks and an abandoned diamond mine, going quad biking, and taking a 4WD tour to the Hoarusib River to see the Clay Castles geological formations and look for hyenas, lions and elephants. Other options include surf fishing, lunch on the beach and sundowner cocktails in the sand dunes.

Spend one night in Johannesburg before concluding your tour with a three-night luxury safari in Greater Kruger National Park (Sabi Sand Reserve or Thornybush Reserve). 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.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Cape Town, South Africa – Cape Winelands Private arrival transfer to Cape Winelands for 2 nights Day 2 Cape Winelands Full-day private tour Day 3 Cape Winelands – Cape Town Early-morning private transfer to Gansbaai for shark diving or whale-watching cruise. Private transfer to Cape Town for 3 nights, with stop in Hermanus en route Day 4 Cape Town Full-day private city tour Day 5 Cape Town & Cape Peninsula Full-day private excursion Day 6 Cape Town – Windhoek, Namibia – Sossusvlei Private transfer to airport for commercial flight to Windhoek, connecting with scheduled light aircraft flight to Sossusvlei. Arrival transfer to luxury safari lodge for 3 nights. Afternoon game-viewing activity Day 7 Sossusvlei Morning and afternoon wildlife safaris Day 8 Sossusvlei Continue twice-daily game drives Day 9 Sossusvlei – Skeleton Coast Morning lodge-based activities. Transfer to airstrip for scheduled light aircraft flight to Mowe Bay. Arrival transfer to luxury safari lodge for 2 nights Day 10 Skeleton Coast Morning and afternoon wildlife safaris Day 11 Skeleton Coast – Johannesburg, South Africa Morning lodge-based activities. Transfer to airstrip for scheduled light aircraft flight to Windhoek, connecting with commercial flight to Johannesburg. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night Day 12 Johannesburg – Greater Kruger NP Private transfer to airport for scheduled light aircraft flight to luxury safari lodge for 3 nights. Afternoon game-viewing activity Day 13 Greater Kruger NP Morning and afternoon wildlife safaris Day 14 Greater Kruger NP Continue twice-daily game drives, with option for local community visit or walking safari Day 15 Greater Kruger NP – Depart Johannesburg Transfer to airport for commercial flight to Johannesburg. Airport assistance to international departure flight

Hotels

Cape Winelands: La Residence Cape Town: The Silo, Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel or Ellerman House Sossusvlei: &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge or Little Kulala Lodge Skeleton Coast: Shipwreck Lodge Johannesburg: The Saxon Greater Kruger NP: Singita Boulders (Sabi Sand Reserve) or Royal Malewane (Thornybush Reserve)

Cost

Upon request