South Africa Highlights and Safari

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Cape Town, South Africa’s oldest city.

Welcome to Africa – a land as diverse as its scenery and people. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a representative of Mayflower Cruises & Tours and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to begin getting acquainted with the unique culture of South Africa.

Enjoy a full-day tour with a local guide as you discover its monuments, learn about the history of the city and see the sites from its historical beginnings to the modern waterfront area. Visit Cape Town’s most iconic destination…Table Mountain. Ascend to the summit via the aerial cableway and be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding oceans and city below. Returning to ground level, drive through the Bo-Kaap neighborhood, filled with charming narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses, to get a feel for the local culture. During a visit to the 17th-century Cape Castle Good Hope you’ll discover the oldest existing colonial building in South Africa. Hear about the evils of its storied past and how it transformed into a symbol of hope and reconciliation. End the day at Signal Hill where outstanding views of the Atlantic Seaboard and the city’s coastline await. Return to the hotel for an evening at leisure. Meal: B

While visiting the famous Cape of Good Hope, discover the rich biodiversity of life – both flora and fauna. Travel along the Atlantic Seaboard to Hout Bay, a quaint village and fishing harbor with magnificent mountain views and beaches. Continue the journey along Chapman’s Peak for breathtaking coastal views of jagged mountains surrounding the harbor. Arriving at Cape Point Nature Reserve, you are officially at the South-westernmost point of Africa. It’s here where famous shipwrecks throughout history have left their skeletons. A ride on the Flying Dutchman funicular brings you to the peak of Cape Point for the best views of the area. Travel to historic Simon’s Town, a village with charming Victorian architecture and home to Boulders Beach where you won’t find a better combination of beach and wildlife. Hundreds of the endangered African (Jackass) penguins waddle freely on their white sand beach and are happy to pose for the camera! Before returning to Cape Town, visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens which include five of South Africa’s six biomes and is renowned for the beauty and diversity of the Cape flora it displays. This evening, dinner is included at Gold Restaurant. Meals: B, D

The full day excursion into the wine country will take you to Stellenbosch, the country’s second oldest town, where your winelands adventure begins. Stroll along the streets, lined with Oak trees, where Cape Dutch architecture, wine shops, cafés and art galleries can be found. Enjoy the first wine experience with a wine and cheese tasting on a country estate in the heart of the Cape Winelands, surrounded by majestic mountains. Continue to the nearby village of Franschhoek, located in a breathtaking valley, showcasing more of the area’s scenic treasures. You’ll be treated to a wine and chocolate tasting at a wine estate in this charming village. After a beautiful day in the picturesque wine country, having sampled its local flavors, return to the hotel in Cape Town for an evening at leisure. Meal: B

Early this morning, depart for the Cape Town airport for the flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival, journey by coach to Pilanesberg for the start of your safari adventures. Following lunch at the lodge, your first game drive takes place this afternoon as you traverse the reserve in open safari vehicles with your driver/guide. Return to the lodge after an exciting game drive and enjoy the included dinner this evening. Meals: B, L, D

Today you have more opportunities to witness the majestic wildlife of Africa on your morning and afternoon open-vehicle, guided, game-viewing drives. Keep an eye out for the “Big 5” – lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros, and have your camera ready! Over 7,000 animals and 360 bird species can be found on the reserve. Lions basking in the sun, elephants roaming the vast expanse of the land, and perhaps an elusive leopard…your driver/guide will do his best to track them so you can witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat! Meals: B, L, D

The day begins with one final morning game drive. Return to the lodge for lunch and a bit of leisure time before departing for the Johannesburg airport for your flight home. Memories of your visits to Cape Town, the wine country and amazing safari adventures are sure to last a lifetime. Meals: B, L