South Africa: An Elegant Adventure
Discover the best of South Africa on this 12 day tour. Taste some of the world’s best wines in the Cape Winelands. Be led by skilled rangers and trackers on private game drives in and around Kruger National Park. Visit the elephants in the Zambezi and the incredible Victoria Falls.
The 12 day South Africa: An Elegant Adventure tour from Tauck Tours is the perfect way to explore the beauty that is South Africa. From the streets of Cape Town, with bustling marketplaces and big city accessories to the National Parks for which this part of Africa is so well known. Your adventure includes much more than just a safari, you'll be exploring some of the most exclusive preserves and game reservations in all of South Africa on this stunning Tauck tour.
10 Days • fr. $11,990
Tour Includes
- On-tour film vignettes custom-made for Tauck by BBC Earth natural history experts
- Field equipment may include FLIR® thermal imaging cameras and night vision goggles
- Includes four on-tour flights
- Private game drives with skilled rangers and trackers during four nights at private game reserves in or near Kruger National Park - two nights at Lion Sands - Kruger National Park and two nights at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
- A sparkling wine-tasting dinner in the Cape Winelands
- A private lecture in Johannesburg on the history of Apartheid
- Two nights in Victoria Falls, with a private lunch with the elephants in Zambezi and a sundowner river cruise
- Three nights at one of the "World's Best" hotels, Cape Grace in Cape Town, on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
- All customary gratuities for bellmen, luggage handling, dining room servers, safari guides, and drivers are included.
Not Included
- The customary gratuity to the Tauck Director is not included. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.
- All items of a personal nature (room service, beverages, telephone charges, laundry, special food requests, etc.) and meals not specified on the tour itinerary are not included and must be paid by the client.
- Airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, airport arrival and departure taxes, individual train and airport transfers (when applicable), and other optional or incidental extras are not included.
- All rates exclude airfare unless expressly noted.
Meal Inclusions
- 11 breakfasts
- 8 lunches
- 9 dinners
Hotel Details
- Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa (3 nights)
- Lion Sands-Kruger National Park in Lion Sands-Kruger National Park Concession, South Africa (2 nights)
- Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge in Sabi Sands Private Reserve, South Africa (2 nights)
- 54 on Bath Hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa (2 nights)
Day 1
Tauck's South Africa tour begins in Cape Town Location Information Description
Cape Town, South Africa
our South Africa tour and safari begins at the Cape Grace at 6:30 PM. A transfer from Cape Town International Airport to the Cape Grace is included; the hotel, found on the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List is perfectly situated right on the waterfront in the heart of the city. Meet your Tauck Director and your fellow travelers at the welcome reception in Bascule Bar followed by dinner in the Conservatory.
Dinner
CAPE GRACE HOTEL
Day 2
Explore Cape Town and the Winelands Location Information Description
Cape Town, South Africa
Explore Cape Town today on an orientation sightseeing tour in and around the city including views of City Hall, Parliament and St. George's Cathedral (where Desmond Tutu was inaugurated as Archbishop). Following a journey by rotating cable car, you’ll find yourself atop famous Table Mountain. Enjoy magnificent 360-degree views of the city and bay during the ride up and on a walk at the top.
After lunch, enjoy a walking tour of Kirstenbosch Gardens, the national botanical gardens on the eastern slope of Table Mountain highlighting the unique plant life of southern Africa. Back on the mainland, spend some free time in Cape Town before a drive to Constantia in the Cape Winelands for a memorable wine-pairing dinner. Please note – the order of sightseeing on days 2 and 3 is subject to change.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
CAPE GRACE HOTEL
Day 3
On and Around the Cape Peninsula Location Information Description
Cape Town, South Africa
First up today, travel to Cape Point and take a funicular up to the historic lighthouse. The views are outstanding, and you'll overlook the Cape of Good Hope – and the point that is thought to be where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean. Meet African penguins in a boulder-strewn coastal park before returning to your hotel.
This evening, enjoy the dining and entertainment options of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront at leisure. Please note: the order of sightseeing on days 1 and 2 is subject to change.
Breakfast, Lunch
CAPE GRACE HOTEL
Day 4
Kruger National Park, Africa Untamed Location Information Description
Cape Town, South Africa
Fly from Cape Town to Skukuza airstrip and the incomparable Kruger National Park for a two-night safari stay; Lion Sands-Kruger National Park is set in the South African lowveldt in Kruger, thought to host more mammal species than any other game reserve on the continent.
Location Information Description
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Home to Lion Sands Tinga Lodge and Lion Sands Narina Lodge, Lion Sands is located in a private riverside setting inside the park. The river is home to many endangered and rare animals, birds and reptiles – be on the lookout for them on an afternoon game drive before dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
LION SANDS-KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Day 5
A Riverside Retreat in Kruger National Park Location Information Description
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Wildlife viewing is at its best on our South Africa tour at the Lion Sands-Kruger National Park Concession, which covers 12,000 acres and boasts one of the highest recorded densities of predators – and especially of leopards – in Africa; guests have spotted elephant, cheetah, rhinos, wild dogs and, of course, leopards in Kruger during their stay. You’ll have ample opportunity to spot the animals who live here on two game drives today. Tonight, feast on regional culinary specialties at dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
LION SANDS-KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Day 6
Game Drives in Sabi Sands Game Reserve Location Information Description
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Enjoy a final game drive at Lion Sands this morning before moving on to Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, situated within the Sabi Sands Game Reserve bordering expansive Kruger National Park.
Comprising five smaller private game reserves set along the Sabie River, the Sabi Sands reserve is home to a great biodiversity of habitat and wildlife, including Africa’s iconic “Big Five” – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard; wild dogs, cheetahs and over 300 species of birds can also be spotted here. An afternoon game drive is your introduction to life in the African bushveld.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SABI SABI BUSH LODGE
Day 7
At Home on Safari Location Information Description
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Morning and afternoon game drives aboard four-wheel-drive, open-top Land Rovers make your South Africa tour come alive with up-close sightings of African game. Expert Shangaan trackers and experienced rangers help you spot the animals who migrate through the reserve, including gazelles, antelopes, kudu, impalas and giraffes. They are well-versed in the geography of the area, the wildlife and the efforts being made to conserve these living treasures and eagerly share their knowledge with you.
Enjoy afternoon coffee, tea and biscuits, or perhaps a swim, between game drives, and a traditional braai barbecue at dinner tonight.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SABI SABI BUSH LODGE
Day 8
A Day in Johannesburg Location Information Description
Johannesburg, South Africa
Return to Skukuza airstrip and fly to Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city and commercial hub, for a two-night stay. Johannesburg is the world’s biggest city not situated on a river, lake or coastline. Among the most modern and prosperous cities in South Africa, “Jo’burg” has derived much of its wealth from the major gold- and diamond-mining industries based here.
Learn about the history of apartheid at a special presentation early this evening. Your hotel, 54 on Bath, is centrally located in the lovely Johannesburg suburb of Rosebank; dine at your hotel restaurant this evening.
Breakfast, Dinner
54 ON BATH HOTEL
Day 9
The Sights of Soweto, Past and Present Location Information Description
Johannesburg, South Africa
During today's guided tour, you’ll experience the diversity of Soweto, from its thriving business environment of today to its historical importance as a residential township in the time of the apartheid. You’ll see the homes of Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, as well as South Africa’s Constitutional Court.
Visit the Apartheid Museum, acknowledged as the pre-eminent museum in the world dealing with 20th-century South Africa, at the heart of which is the apartheid story; the museum illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid. Return to the hotel, where the remainder of the day is free to spend as you please in Johannesburg.
Breakfast, Lunch
54 ON BATH HOTEL
Day 10
Experience the Grandeur of Victoria Falls Location Information Description
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Fly to Victoria Falls today, regarded as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The Zambezi River plunges more than 300 feet into the Zambezi Gorge, often creating rainbows in the spray; the cataracts are nearly twice as wide and twice as high as Niagara Falls.
Enjoy elegant accommodations at The Victoria Falls Hotel, established in 1904; in your free time, stroll the hotel’s private pathway atop the gorge for inspiring views of the Victoria Falls Bridge crossing into Zambia. Nowhere is the hotel's gracious service more welcomed than at traditional afternoon high tea, which you experience during your stay.
A local historian offers insights into the life of the famous Dr. David Livingstone aboard a private sundowner cruise on historic Zambezi River this evening – watching the setting African sun is an added bonus on this South Africa tour. Tonight, dine at your choice of restaurants in the hotel.
Breakfast, Dinner
THE VICTORIA FALLS HOTEL
Day 11
The Falls &Eelephants in Zambezi National Park Location Information Description
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
First up this morning is a privately guided walk around Victoria Falls, stopping to view its thundering waters from various vantage points including the Devil’s Cataract, Rain Forest, Main Falls and Danger Point.
You’ll gain some amazing insights about African elephants from a naturalist during a hands-on visit to an elephant sanctuary where you’ll interact with the elephants and watch them as they feed, play, and socialize. Majestic, wise and very intelligent, they have earned their nickname “gentle giants” as they are thought to be the largest living mammal on Earth today.
Join the group this evening for a farewell cocktail reception and dinner, where you'll have a chance to share memories and stories from this enriching South Africa tour with your fellow guests, now friends.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
THE VICTORIA FALLS HOTEL
Day 12
Journey Home Location Information Description
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Tauck's South Africa tour ends at Johannesburg Airport. Enjoy a final morning at leisure in Victoria Falls before your flight to Johannesburg at the conclusion of your South Africa tour. You should allow a minimum of three hours from the time of arrival in Johannesburg for check-in for your flight home.
Breakfast
Important information:
Cancellation Policy
- 60 days or more before departure: $600.00 per person
- 59-8 days before departure: $1250.00 per person
- 7-1 days before departure: $2000.00 per person
- On departure day and later: 100% of total price
- Any changes or cancellations to airline reservations made through Tauck either before or after departure are subject to the cancellation / change policies of the individual airlines. In n some instances these cancellation / change fees may be up to 100% of the ticket price.
- Cancellation fees may also apply to any additional services, including extra night accommodations, independently supplied services, and optional excursions reserved prior to, during, and after the tour. If flight changes, including, but not limited to, flight cancellations or name changes, are requested after full land and air deposits are received, revision fees, change fees, or airline cancellation fees will apply.
- All cancellations must be received in writing prior to tour departure. The cancellation policy will apply according to the date that the cancellation notification is received. The MINIMUM cancellation penalty is the deposit amount.
- The purchase to trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
Terms and Conditions
- Land only “from price” is per person based on two people sharing a room together and does not include airfare unless expressly stated.
- All prices are in US Dollars
- A $600 non-refundable, non-transferable, per-person, per-vacation deposit is required to reserve space for you. Payment of the deposit indicates you have read and accepted all Terms & Conditions. Your booking is not confirmed until the deposit payment is processed and you receive a confirmation invoice.
- Final payment is due 75 days prior to departure. Within the final payment date, payment in full is required at time of booking to reserve space. Reservations (land, cruise, and air) are canceled if final payment is not received by the due date.
- Additional deposits or payments are required for international air added to the start and/or end of your vacation.