Luxury Tailor Made Journeys depart on the dates that work for you and feature expert local guides throughout your journey. The itinerary below can be customized to your interests.
Arrive Johannesburg, South Africa
Arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport, where you are met by your A&K representative and transferred to your hotel.
Thornybush Game Reserve | Spotting the “Big Five”
Depart Johannesburg and fly to the Thornybush Game Reserve, where your wildlife adventure begins as you spot game en route to your luxurious accommodations, Royal Malewane, an exclusive, private game lodge in the heart of big game country. The focal point of Royal Malewane, the thatched central lodge, has been beautifully decorated in colonial style by one of South Africa’s leading interior designers, with antiques, comfortable deep-cushioned sofas and floors strewn with jewel-colored Persian rugs. Six freestanding, private suites are all connected to the main camp by elevated walkways. Spend three thrilling days in this wildlife haven, looking out for the “Big Five” — lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and Cape buffalo — along with a host of other species such as cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, baboons and even wild dogs. Set out on twice-daily game drives, take an optional walking safari and end each day with a refreshing drink around the fire pit.
Grootbos Nature Reserve | Luxury Wilderness Haven
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cape Town. Arriving at Cape Town International Airport, drive to Grootbos Nature Reserve, an eco-paradise nestled between mountain and sea that showcases the incredible flora and marine life of the southern tip of Africa. Your luxurious lodge offers free-standing suite accommodations, an infinity pool, and a deck for enjoying cocktails and taking in your spectacular surroundings.
Grootbos Nature Reserve | Shark Encounter
Today brings the opportunity for a one-of-a-kind wildlife encounter: a dive with great white sharks. Board your luxury ocean vessel and head to so-called Shark Alley, a stretch of water between Geyser Rock and Dyer Island, perhaps the best place in the world to view these magnificent predators. Your crew includes a fully qualified marine biologist, who takes you beyond the man-eater myths to introduce you to a complex and vital ocean species. Don your provided wetsuit, enter the cage and watch spellbound — and safely — as these 10-foot-long sharks glide past you. This area is also an excellent place for spotting the “Marine Big Five,” and in addition to great whites, you have a good chance of spying Southern right whales, Cape fur seals, African penguins and bottlenose dolphins.
Grootbos Nature Reserve | A Day to Explore
Spend the day exploring the reserve in whatever way you find most satisfying. Popular options include hiking along the coast, horseback riding, an ATV trek through the forest or even a Southern Africa historical tour or even a scenic flight aboard a light aircraft. Alternately, opt for a massage in the heart of the forest, surrounded and soothed by the distant calls of birds and insects.
Cape Town | Wine Tasting
Depart for Cape Town, stopping at a local winery, where you meet the dedicated winemakers and taste a selection of their renowned varietals. In the afternoon, proceed to Betty’s Bay to visit its colony of resident African penguins; wooden walkways allow you to get up close and personal with the frolicking, gregarious birds. Continue to your luxurious hotel, the Cape Grace, for an afternoon to relax and settle in. Set on a private quay on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the Cape Grace embodies classic colonial elegance while offering delectable views of the harbor and nearby Table Mountain.
Cape Town | Robben Island & Table Mountain
Explore the gem of South Africa, Cape Town, starting with a visit to historic Robben Island. Cape Town's answer to Alcatraz, it was here that Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 of the 27 years that he spent as a political prisoner of the apartheid regime; your tour of the complex includes the cell where Mandela was confined. Following lunch, ascend to the top of Table Mountain via cable car; the panoramic view of the sea and city from the summit is magnificent. Spend the afternoon exploring the city on a guided tour matched to your interests, whether you want to take in the historic sites or mingle where locals gather.
Cape Town | Day of Adventure
With scenic beauty, riveting history, and a lively arts and culinary scene, Cape Town has something for everyone and more — experience it for yourself with a full day enjoying the activities of your choice. A wide range of options includes a sunrise trek to the top of Lion’s Head, a peak affording stunning views of Table Mountain and the city below; a visit to the fishing village at Kalk Bay; a walking tour among the colorful homes and cobblestone streets of the Bo Kaap neighborhood; a wine tasting at Cape Point Vineyards; or a chance to create your own work of art in the studio of a local artist.
Depart Cape Town
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Enhance Your Journey
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