A Bucket List trip - Experiencing Cape Town & The Big 5 on Safari
Private Guided
CAPE & SAFARI - 8 Days
A Bucket List trip - Experiencing Cape Town & The Big 5 on Safari
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our Cape Town and Greater Kruger Park itinerary. Discover the vibrant city of Cape Town, cycling along the Cape Peninsula, exploring Table Mountain, and indulging in culinary delights. Then, venture into the wilds of the Greater Kruger Park, where thrilling safari experiences await at the Makalali Private Reserve and Thornybush Game Reserve. Encounter the Big Five, enjoy sleep-out deck experiences, and relax in luxurious accommodations. This captivating journey combines urban charm with untamed wilderness, creating a remarkable African getaway.
Pricing: Pricing is per person based on double occupancy, pricing is subject to change, and is based on low season.
Accommodation Upgrades: Can be arranged on request we offer upscale safari lodge upgrades.
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Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Cape Town
Welcome to Cape Town. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by our friendly team and transferred to your hotel in the vibrant city. Take some time to settle in and relax, or venture out to explore the nearby attractions at your leisure.
Accommodation: Pineapple House or a similar
Property Overview:
Pineapple House is a captivating boutique hotel that showcases nine exquisitely furnished rooms, each possessing its own distinctive charm. The team at the hotel embraces the pineapple as a symbol of "welcome," representing their dedication to fostering friendship, hospitality, and warmth. Within the premises, you'll discover whimsical textiles and captivating artwork seamlessly merging with wonderfully contemporary and lavish facilities. The owners hold a deep commitment to social impact partnerships, ensuring they remain the foundation of this cherished, family-owned establishment.
Day 2: Cycling tour of the Cape Peninsula & Boulders penguin colony
Today, embark on a privately guided full-day cycling tour (driving tour also available) of the Cape Peninsula. Pedal your way to the breathtaking Cape of Good Hope Reserve, where you'll witness stunning coastal landscapes and encounter unique flora and fauna. Continue cycling to the renowned Boulders penguin colony, home to a charming colony of African penguins. Take a leisurely walk along the popular Kalk Bay coast and, if you're up for it, brave the refreshing ocean waters with a swim—a popular activity enjoyed by Capetonians. Delight in a delicious lunch at a local restaurant near the coast, savoring flavors that showcase the region's culinary delights.
Accommodation: Pineapple House or a similar
Day 3: Table Mountain Adventure & City Food Tour
Rise early for an exhilarating adventure up Table Mountain. Choose to hike up the iconic mountain or opt for a scenic cable car ride to reach the summit. Marvel at the panoramic views of Cape Town, the surrounding ocean, and the sprawling landscapes. After descending, immerse yourself in the historic heart of the city with a walking food tour. Explore the bustling streets, visit local food markets, and indulge in a variety of mouthwatering dishes that reflect the diverse culinary heritage of the region.
Accommodation: Pineapple House or a similar
Day 4 & 5: Safari - Makalali Private Reserve
Bid farewell to Cape Town as you transfer to the airport for your flight to Hoedspruit. Upon arrival, a local representative will be there to meet you and transfer you on a scenic 90-minute road journey to the Makalali Private Reserve in the Greater Kruger Park. Settle into your luxurious accommodations amidst the pristine wilderness. Over the next two days, immerse yourself in the thrill of safari experiences. Enjoy morning and evening game drives in the game-rich private reserve, accompanied by knowledgeable guides who will share their expertise and help you spot the abundant wildlife. For a truly memorable experience, you have the option to spend a night on the sleep-out deck, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African bush. Enhance your romantic safari adventure with a star bath, a soothing bush bath under the twinkling night sky, complemented by a bottle of bubbles.
Accommodation: Garonga Safari Camp or a similar (2 nights)
Day 6: Thornybush Game Reserve (Greater Kruger National Park)
Depart the Makalali Private Reserve and return to Hoedspruit. From there, continue your journey to Thornybush Game Reserve, a wildlife haven known for its biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Travel by road transfer, enjoying the scenic beauty of the region, or opt for a quick air hop for a more efficient transfer. Check into Thornybush Game Lodge, a peaceful and luxurious retreat that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Spend your afternoon relaxing and soaking up the serene atmosphere. In the evening you will enjoy a magical game drive in a new region packed with Big 5 animals.
Accommodation: Thornybush Game Lodge or a similar
Day 7: Thornybush Game Reserve (Greater Kruger National Park)
Immerse yourself in the magic of Thornybush Game Reserve with morning and evening game drives. Venture into the reserve's diverse ecosystems, accompanied by expert guides who will navigate the terrain and provide fascinating insights into the region's wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for the famous Big Five and an array of other fascinating creatures that call this area home. After an exciting day of wildlife encounters, unwind at the lodge and consider indulging in optional spa treatments, allowing yourself to be pampered and rejuvenated amidst the tranquil surroundings.
Accommodation: Thornybush Game Lodge or a similar
Day 8: Farewell
On your final day, savor your last moments in the African wilderness. After a leisurely morning, embark on a road transfer, approximately 45 minutes, back to Hoedspruit. From there, catch your onward flight to your next destination, carrying with you unforgettable memories of your Cape Town and Greater Kruger Park adventure.
If you choose to extend your trip to nearby countries or regions, or if you would like any customization, please reach out to us via email or phone.
Private vehicle and guide in Cape Town including park fees, cableway tickets, bicycle hire (fully suspended mountain bikes or carbon fibre road bikes – e-bikes also available at additional cost), city food tour on day 3, lunch on day 2
Accommodation at Pineapple House Boutique hotel in a deluxe room on bed & breakfast basis
All road transfers between airports and hotels/lodges
Accommodation on safari on a fully inclusive basis (all meals, local brand drinks, park entrance fees, conservation levies)
Optional sleep-out platform and star bath included at Garonga Safari Camp
All dinners in Cape Town
Premium drinks, spa treatments and any additional activities on safari
Internal flights Cape Town - Hoedspruit - onwards (these can be included - please inquire)
Property Overview: At Garonga Safari Camp (2 nights), luxury tented safari romance meets the wild beauty of the South African bush setting. It's an exclusive tented camp, with just six luxury en-suite units that combine a canvas canopy, rustic-textured walls and raised wooden deck overlooking a dry riverbed.
Garonga Safari Camp immerses you in nature at every opportunity. The elegant tents blend natural materials and neutral tones with modern fittings. Take in the view from your four-poster bed or spot wildlife like a visiting elephant or two while relaxing on the deck lounge, complete with hammock. Each tent has an indoor and outdoor shower so you can enjoy the sounds of nature while under the African sky.
This is your home away from home in a Big 5 wilderness. It perfectly balances nature’s tranquillity and our modern luxuries for absolute rejuvenation.
6 luxury en-suite tents, each sleeps 2
Private outdoor deck & hammock
Ideal for couples
Swimming pool
Indoor & outdoor showers
Shared & private dining
WiFi
Our favorite part: the view from the main camp deck over the dry river bed and wilderness. Elephants and other wild visitors drop by often.
Property Overview: Thornybush Game Lodge (2 nights), a pioneer in the safari industry, holds a prestigious position as one of the first commercial camps in South Africa, elevating Thornybush Nature Reserve to a world-renowned game-viewing destination within the Greater Kruger Park.
Recently revitalized, the lodge effortlessly blends classic safari charm with a fresh contemporary aesthetic. Exquisite textures and tones take center stage, as wood, steel, leather, and rattan harmoniously merge with neutral accents and lush greenery.
As you arrive, a sense of tranquility envelops you while strolling along the pathway leading to the thatched main area, commanding a view of the sandy riverbed. Indulge in a delightful harvest table-style lunch at the splendid bar, while herds of elephants, buffalo, and plains game gracefully pass by. Start your mornings with scrumptious breakfasts here after the exhilarating morning game drives, accompanied by the sight of sunbirds fluttering around aloes and nyalas grazing on the verdant lawns.Private and adorned with sophistication, the lodge's 16 luxury suites cater to your every need, boasting amenities like plush slippers and invigorating outdoor showers. With expansive sliding doors, you can relax on your bed, draped in a sarong, and gaze out into the captivating bush.As the evening unfolds, relish in à la carte dinners or boma-style dining under the mesmerizing starlit sky. The lodge also offers enchanting dinners in the heart of the bush, an Out of Africa experience that remains etched in your memory as a breathtaking highlight of your safari adventure.
