Compare Kruger & Cape Town Short Break by Plane by Intrepid Travel vs South African Family Adventure by Great Value Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 11 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 5,040 | $ 5,899 |
| Price Per Day | $ 458 | $ 590 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Enjoy an incredible African adventure on this journey from Kruger National Park to Cape Town. Feel the thrill of spotting one (or more) of Africa’s Big Five for the first time on a game drive safari, hear the trumpet of elephants across the plains and learn about the park’s unique ecosystem on a guided walk. Travel to bustling Joburg – a juxtaposing city of mansions and shantytowns – before travelling to the chic streets of Cape Town to learn about the city’s dramatic past. Immerse yourself in the culture, beauty and history of this astonishing region and sample a few glasses on regional wine along the way. |
South Africa, also called The Rainbow Nation, is a country filled with surprises at every corner. From jaw-dropping coastline to vibrant cities to the African wild, there is really something for the whole family. Tour three different regions and see the best of the best in each city with fun, informative tours in each place. This is one vacation you'll never forget! Begin in Johannesburg, more commonly known as "Jo’burg" or "Jozi". Spend the day touring South Africa's largest city while you get adjusted to life down south (it's the southernmost country on the Eastern Hemisphere!) Then it's off to Cape Town, a melting pot of cultures and beautiful landscapes. While you're there for four days, enjoy three tours that will take you to popular kids attractions in the city's heart, seaside vistas, and verdant wine country. You'll then hop on a plane to the Eastern Cape, home of the Kariega Game Reserve where you'll spend your remaining three nights. The whole family will go nuts seeing cheetahs, giraffes, elephants and more on twice-daily safari drives on the reserve. Seeing the world's fiercest predators up close is promised to be a memory you'll never forget! Other activities at the malaria-free reserve include boat cruises, walking safaris, canoeing, and fishing. Helpful links for travel to South Africa: Visa & Passport Info |
Day 1 Johannesburg / Greater Kruger National Park
Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Your adventure starts very early this morning to get you to Kruger for a late lunch. You'll arrive in the Greater Kruger National Park in the afternoon and after some time to settle in, you'll head off on a 3-hour game drive in open 4WDs through a private game reserve. Enjoy the thrill of spotting impalas, zebras, giraffes and lions among the brush. Half way through the safari, stop for drinks at one of the waterholes before continuing the game drive into the early evening. Tonight, why not get to know your fellow travellers a little better in the intimate lodge setting?
Day 2 Greater Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Southern Africa and is home to over 500 bird species, 100 species of reptile and 150 mammal species, including the Big Five and the endangered African wild dog. This morning you'll rise early, heading into prime game viewing areas to catch a glimpse of some of the Big Five. Have breakfast at one of the picnic spots then continue through the park – game viewing, bird watching and stopping off at the various waterholes. Leave the park in the late afternoon and return to the lodge for an evening of relaxation.
Day 3 Greater Kruger National Park
Today is another full day of exploring Kruger National Park. Head out on game drives, look out for your favourite animals, soak in the atmosphere and excitement of a safari and take as many photos as your heart desires! Tonight, you'll spend another evening at your lodge. Why not relax around the fire, listening to the night sounds of Africa after dinner.
Day 4 Greater Kruger National Park
Spend the day at the lodge at your leisure today or take part in the optional drive along the Panoramic Route, viewing the Drakensberg Escarpment – some of the most stunning scenery South Africa has to offer awaits. The sights on this drive can include God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes and some of the magnificent waterfalls within the Blyde River Canyon.
Day 5 Johannesburg
Rise early this morning and head out on a morning bush walk. Guided by a qualified nature guide, you'll learn about nature's finer details like bird, tree and spoor identification. Transfer back to Johannesburg in the early afternoon. There's plenty of time to stop and explore along the way and take in the amazing views at the viewpoint over the Blyde River Canyon and the Three Rondavels. When you arrive, you'll be dropped at the Holiday Inn Rosebank where you'll spend the night. The hotel has a restaurant and bar, and is also located next to the Mall of Rosebank.
Day 6 Cape Town
Check-out of the hotel after breakfast today and transfer to the airport. Fly to Cape Town and when you arrive, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Cape Town's stunning coastline, dominating mountain and modern cityscape makes it one of Africa's most appealing cities for visitors. With vineyards on its doorstep, adventure activities around every corner and plenty of restaurants and cafes to while away the time, this is a very easy city to spend time in. You have a free afternoon here, so maybe take a stroll around the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, laze on one of the city’s popular beaches or sample your first taste of authentic South African cuisine while watching the sun set over the bay.
Day 7 Cape Town - Walking Tour & Cape Point Peninsula
Today, you'll drive along the peninsula and see the many natural highlights of the area before retracing 350 years of Cape Town’s history on a two-hour walking tour of the city. Starting on the Atlantic Seaboard, take in natural sights like Maiden's Cove, Sentinel Lookout and the Cape of Good Hope in Table Mountain Nature Reserve. Look out for local wildlife, walk up to the old lighthouse at Cape Point and see the place where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Carry on to Simonstown, the home of the South African Navy, and to Boulders Beach to see the African penguins. See the prison where Nelson Mandela spent six years of his life then learn about the history of apartheid as you arrive into Cape Town's centre. Gain valuable insight into the effects of racism and discrimination on the lives of modern-day South Africans. See historical sites like the Castle of Good Hope (the oldest existing colonial building in South Africa), significant slavery sites such as the Iziko Slave Lodge Museum, the District Six Museum and the parliament buildings where apartheid laws were made and later repealed. End the day with a photo stop in Bo-Kaap.
Day 8 Cape Town - Winelands
Spend a full day travelling through Cape Winelands, visiting both old and new estates for a taste of the region’s best wines. You'll start off in the Fairview Estate for a wine and cheese tasting. On the slopes of the Paarl Mountain, this working farm is world-renowned for its wines, artisanal cheeses and the iconic goat tower. After, visit the Groot Drakenstein prison where Nelson Mandela was released in February 1990. Then, it's into the hills to Franschhoek. The view of the valley from here is lined with rows of manicured vineyards. Soak up the scenery and enjoy a glass of the region's finest from Rickety Bridge in the La Cabriere Estate. You can take the chance to lunch at the estate’s gourmet restaurant or visit one of the village’s many cafés instead. This afternoon you'll visit the college town of Stellenbosch to wander the boulevards and town center before heading to your final activity – a cellar tour at Hidden Valley Estate, which sits on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain. You'll also indulge in a chocolate and wine pairing experience to elevate your time here. Later, return to the city for a free evening.
Day 9 Cape Town
Today is a free day in Cape Town to explore at your own pace. Maybe hit the beach for a full day of relaxation in the sun or hop on the revolving cable car and set off on one of the hundreds of hiking trails that criss cross Table Mountain to its summit. You could even strap on a harness and abseil down! Alternatively, you could head to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were detained or take in the atmosphere of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Tonight, unwind in the evening with an optional group dinner and another few glasses of the region’s best vino.
Day 10 Cape Town
Today is another free day to enjoy this great city. Perhaps take the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tour around Cape Town or take a kayaking tour in the morning of the city's gorgeous oceans.
Day 11 Cape Town
Your adventure comes to an end today. There are no activities planned for the final day and you can depart the accommodation at any time after check out. Additional accommodation can be booked if you’d like to extend your time in Cape Town, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Day 1 Welcome to Johannesburg!
Arrive in Johannesburg and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. Spend the remainder of your day at leisure while you get adjusted to the time change. If you're feeling up to it, take a stroll through Joziburg Lane and try some traditional South African food.
Day 2 Johannesburg
Enjoy a free day in Johannesburg! Don't miss the kid-friendly Origins Centre, a museum exploring the African origins of humankind through interactive exhibits. The museum also houses the most formidable collection of rock art in the world, led by the San people.
Day 3 Johannesburg - Cape Town
After breakfast, transfer to Johannesburg Airport for your flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel; the remainder of the day is at leisure. You might want to see South Africa's Dutch influence in the historic City Bowl neighborhood, perfect for a casual stroll.
Day 4 Cape Town
Today you will see Cape Town on a city tour taking you to all the fun, kid-friendly attractions. After the tour, enjoy the rest of the day seeing whatever you choose.
Day 5 Cape Town
Today you will enjoy a full-day scenic tour of the Cape Peninsula! See Cape Point, Chapman's Peak, and the penguins of Boulders Beach. You’ll also enjoy a picnic lunch along the way.
Day 6 Cape Town
Embark on your third and last Cape Town tour today in the Cape Winelands region. Visit two wineries at Fairview and Spier and taste incredible wine while the kids enjoy fun activities.
Day 7 Cape Town - Kariega Private Game Reserve
Today you will transfer to Cape Town airport for your flight to Port Elizabeth. Once you arrive, you will be met and transferred to the malaria-free Kariega Private Game Reserve. At the reserve, experience twice-daily safari drives and be captivated by sightings of the Big 5 as well as a multitude of other African wild game and bird species.
Day 8 Kariega Private Game Reserve
Today, enjoy your first full day at the Kariega Private Game Reserve. Consisting of rich biodiversity and lush landscapes, Kariega is a malaria-free safari destination home to the Big 5 (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard) and much more! Kids will love going on the twice daily game drives from open game vehicles and seeing animals up close. This will surely be the center of your safari experience at Kariega.
Day 9 Kariega Private Game Reserve
Continue enjoying game drives while you explore other safari activities offered at Kariega. Take the kids on walking safaris, morning cruises on the Kariega River, canoeing, and fishing. Leave the kids on a supervised tour while you enjoy a relaxing massage at the tranquil health spa! Then celebrate your last night in South Africa with a traditional braaivleis (barbeque) meal.
Day 10 Depart South Africa
Your South African family adventure comes to an end today. After an early breakfast, transfer to Port Elizabeth Airport for your flight to Johannesburg, where you will connect to your flight home.
