Description
A Safari Exploration of Untamed Ancient Lands and Cultural Treasures in Cape Town, South Africa for Four Nights, and Johannesburg, South Africa for Five Nights at a Luxury Safari Camp for Two, Including Air Transfer Between Cape Town and Johannesburg
With safaris, mountains, wineries, an endless coastline, and cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa is a magical place full of rich history, dramatic natural beauty, and an appealing blend of international cultures. Your adventure will take you all around the intense beauty and legends of the Mother City (Cape Town), as well as to the City of Gold (Johannesburg), where opportunity and energy abound! Then spend five full days and nights on a photo safari in the South African bush of the Limpopo Province, home of ancient lands and pre-historic secrets!
Your South African journey begins with four days in the beautiful city of Cape Town, South Africa's Mother City, known for stunning landscapes, natural wonders, art and design and its blend of cultures. By land and by water, Cape Town has something for everyone, and tales behind every bend, all of which you'll get to explore during your first few days. The Cape Peninsula is one of Cape Town's top ten tourist attractions and ranks as one of the most breathtaking drives in the world - and you'll see why! This spectacular region boasts magnificent scenery, quaint towns, exquisite beaches, and lovely vineyards. When it comes to picture-postcard beaches, you'll find no shortage of options, but Boulders Beach offers up something the others don't ? African Penguins! The beautiful Boulders Beach is one of Cape Town's most visited beaches and the only place in the world where you get close to the endangered African Penguins in all their smartly dressed, waddling glory! Stroll along the boardwalks that wind their way through the dunes and vegetation - and you may even spot one or two of the little fellas waddling through the parking lot! Just outside of Cape Town is the Cape of Good Hope, a rocky promontory at the tip of the Cape Peninsula with a history that dates back to the 15th century during times of sea trade. Commonly called Cape Point, this 77.50 square-kilometer section of Table Mountain National Park boasts awesome scenery, fantastic walks, great bird-watching (250 species have been spotted!) and often deserted beaches. At the end of the day, seek refuge in your four-bedroom guesthouse, replete with four private bathrooms, heated floors, and a swimming pool, as well as an enviable location next to the oldest vineyard in the Southern hemisphere.
Your third day in Cape Town will bring you to the always spectacular Table Mountain. Cape Town locals are pretty fond of the mountain that looms over their city, as it is home to the richest, yet smallest, floral kingdom on earth, and was voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2011. It's hard to imagine, but the mountain's distinctive flat top ? a three-kilometer level plateau ? was once the bottom of a valley! The mountain was given the name Taboa do Cabo (Table of the Cape) by Antonio de Saldahna after he climbed up Platteklip Gorge in 1503. Legend has it that the tablecloth of clouds that pours over the mountain when the southeaster blows is the result of a smoking contest between the devil and a retired sea captain called Jan van Hunks. Make your way to downtown Cape Town, where the history is riveting and the people are friendly! Though fairly compact in size, it features interesting historical sites, diverse architecture, terrific views of the surrounding mountains and the sea, and close proximity to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Set against a backdrop of magnificent sea and mountain views, the V&A Waterfront is South Africa's most visited destination, attracting millions of visitors each year! Much of its charm lies in the fact that this busy commercial harbor (South Africa's oldest!) is set in the midst of a huge entertainment venue with pubs, restaurants, specialty shops, craft markets and theaters, intermingled with world-class hotels and luxury apartments. You can go seal-watching, visit the Two Oceans Aquarium, and the Maritime Museum, among other activities! Just a short walk from the V&A Waterfront, you'll find Greenmarket Square, one of South Africa's oldest public squares. Originally a slave market, this cobblestone plaza now fills with local vendors selling everything from painted fabrics to hand-crafted trinkets. While you're perusing the merchandise, various "buskers" will keep you entertained with music, dance, and even mime performances. Before you depart Cape Town, sample some of South Africa's best-known wines in the lands where they're grown on a wine country tour. During each stop, learn about how the combination of climate, soil and grape varietals create the unique wines for which South Africa is known throughout the world.
The second half of your trip takes you to Johannesburg, more commonly known as Jo'burg or Jozi. This rapidly changing city is also the vibrant heart of South Africa. After almost 20 years of decline and decay, the city is now looking optimistically towards the future. The hipster-friendly urban neighborhood of Maboneng is considered one of the most successful urban-renewal projects in the world. Still, Jo'burg is an incredibly friendly, unstuffy city and there's a ton to experience, from sobering reminders of the country's recent past at the Apartheid Museum to the progressive streets of Melville, from the artists' studios and traditional African eateries in gentrified Joziburg Lane, to the tremendous historical significance of South West Townships (Soweto).
The crown jewel of this South African journey is an unforgettable two person photo safari in the South African bush for five full days and nights. Located just three hours north of the Johannesburg Airport in the Limpopo Province, the camp is arguably the finest South Africa has to offer. Situated on the banks of three hippo-filled lakes and surrounded by an abundance of African wildlife, the location and your experience will be unparalleled! There is simply nothing like waking up immersed in the sounds of the African bush. Known as the Great North, Limpopo Province is home to Modjadji, the fabled Rain Queen; the Stone Age and Iron age relics of Makapansgat Valley. The Limpopo Province is the perfect place to see untamed Africa at its finest. This is the land of wide-open bushveld, big-sky country, the ever-present thorn tree and the mystical baobab tree. Live out your own National Geographic adventure on the daily game drives, and rest easy in well-appointed chalets that offer a perfect blend of rustic charm and luxury, complete with en suite bathrooms and breathtaking views of the wild South African landscape. Experience native authenticity while enjoying American standards.
Your South Africa Photo Safari trip for two includes:
? 4 nights accommodations at a private guest house in Constantia Wine Valley in Cape Town
? 5 nights accommodations at a luxury safari camp in the Limpopo Province
? Peninsula Drive, Penguins at Boulder Beach, and Cape of Good Hope National Park tour
? Table Mountain, Downtown and Green Market Square, and V&A Waterfront tour
? Cape Town wine country tour
? Flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg
? All meals at the photo safari camp
? Daily game drives
? Airport transfers in Cape Town and Johannesburg
Item Special Note
NOTE: This trip is not offered by National Geographic Expeditions.