The essence of South Africa

From Cape Town to the Big Five

8 days
Overview

The essence of South Africa

An exciting 8-day tour to discover Cape Town and South Africa’s wild nature. Starting in Cape Town, the itinerary includes visits to the Cape Peninsula, Boulders Beach penguin colony, and the stunning Kirstenbosch Gardens. Explore the city with a walk through the Company Gardens, the Slave Lodge, and enjoy a culinary experience with African music and dance at Gold Restaurant. Then fly to Kruger National Park for Big Five safaris, Olifants River cruises, and an immersion into rural village life. The tour also features a traditional South African braai and concludes along the Panorama Route, with the majestic Blyde River Canyon and a Ndebele cultural experience before returning to Johannesburg.
Price:
starting from

On request

BOOK
Days
8 days
Tour language
Italian
Countries
South Africa
Route
From Cape Town to Johannesburg
Tour type
Small group
Group size
2 to 8 participants
Accomodation
Hotels and Lodges
Meals
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners, 1 high tea
lina-loos-04-C1NZk1hE-unsplash hu-chen-60XLoOgwkfA-unsplash simon-hurry-_h-L45TSmGM-unsplash diego-morales-NWwv0ETyzxc-unsplash andrew-liu-EunFGVJLPmQ-unsplash joshua-kettle-x-aMZUTxVjo-unsplash casey-allen-UjpEGHu8uNU-unsplash marlin-clark-kpdWINVf3JI-unsplash

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival, Cape Town
Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you will be greeted by an English-speaking driver who will transfer you to the Cape Milner Hotel. Cape Town is famous for its vibrant harbor, world-class beaches, renowned vineyards, and surrounding mountains rich in extraordinary flora and fauna. The city offers a unique blend of culture, cosmopolitan atmosphere, nightlife, exceptional architecture, breathtaking landscapes, and natural wonders. Around 7:00 PM, meet the Italian-speaking guide at the hotel reception. The guide will provide your travel documents, explain the program, and answer any questions. At 8:00 PM, enjoy a welcome dinner at 2 on Milner Restaurant, located within the hotel.
Day 2 Cape Peninsula
After breakfast, depart at 8:00 AM with your guide for a full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula, including lunch and entrance fees to: Seal Island cruise, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Point Nature Reserve, and Boulders Beach Penguins (Essenza private tour). Drive along the Atlantic Seaboard through Sea Point, Clifton, and Camps Bay to Hout Bay, a picturesque village and harbor with stunning mountain and beach views. Option for a Seal Island cruise (weather permitting). Continue along Chapman’s Peak, one of the most spectacular coastal roads in the world, to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point, considered the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Next stop is Simon’s Town, a historic village with charming Victorian architecture, a naval base, and the famous African penguin colony at Boulders Beach, where lunch is included. The day ends with a visit to the renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, famous for the Cape’s flora framed by the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. Return to the hotel around 6:00 PM.
Day 3 Cape Town
After breakfast, depart at 8:00 AM with the guide for a half-day city tour. The tour begins with a visit to Table Mountain (weather permitting; cable car cost not included), offering spectacular views of the city and Atlantic Seaboard, with Robben Island in the distance. In the city center, take a short walk through the Company Gardens, see “The Arch” monument next to the historic St. George’s Cathedral, a symbol of resistance against apartheid, and visit the Slave Lodge (Essenza private tour). The tour ends with a stop at Truth Café (meals and drinks at own expense). Return to the hotel around 12:30 PM with free time to freshen up before the evening activity. Participate in an interactive Djembe drumming lesson at 6:30 PM, followed by a 14-course African dinner (drinks not included) with live entertainment at Gold Restaurant. Return to the hotel around 9:30 PM.
Day 4 Matimba Bush Lodge
Early breakfast and transfer with an English-speaking driver to the airport. Upon arrival at Hoedspruit Airport, you will be met by an English-speaking driver for transfer to Matimba Bush Lodge. Upon arrival, enjoy a High Tea/Lunch. Meet Daniela and Alberto, owners of Matimba Guest Lodge, professional photographers and safari experts. Matimba Bush Lodge is less than 5 minutes from Kruger National Park entrance, located in the Hans Merensky Golf Course area overlooking Mala Mala lagoon. The area hosts hippos, giraffes, crocodiles, antelopes, and many birds, creating a magical and relaxing atmosphere. Matimba Bush Lodge is perfect for golf enthusiasts, Kruger explorers, or those seeking pure relaxation by the lake.
Day 5 Kruger National Park
Early morning departure for a full-day photographic safari in Kruger National Park with an Italian-speaking guide in an open 4x4 vehicle, searching for the famous Big Five. Departure from Matimba Bush Lodge at 5:15 AM, with breakfast and packed lunch prepared by the lodge (drinks not included). Return in the late afternoon, around 5:00–6:00 PM.
Day 6 Kruger National Park and Olifants River
After breakfast, depart with the Italian-speaking guide for a half-day Kruger safari in a 4x4 vehicle. Departure from Matimba Bush Lodge at 5:15 AM with a packed breakfast prepared by the lodge. Return to Matimba Bush Lodge at noon for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a cruise on the Olifants River. While sipping a drink, observe crocodiles, hippos, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, kudu, and impalas at the river, with possible sightings of lions and leopards.
Day 7 Matimba Bush Lodge
Breakfast at the lodge, then depart with Daniela to share her passion for rural communities. Visit local families, the Matimba Daycare Centre, and enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant with local dancers. Return to the lodge in the early afternoon. Weather permitting, in the evening Alberto and Daniela will invite you to experience a typical South African "braai".
Day 8 Departure, Johannesburg
After breakfast at 8:00 AM, meet the English-speaking driver/guide for the road transfer to Johannesburg Airport. The journey takes the entire day, with a stop at Blyde River Canyon, the third-largest canyon in the world. Lunch at Corn & Cob Restaurant, including a visit to a Ndebele village representation. Arrival at Johannesburg Airport is expected around 6:30 PM.

Includes

Guided tour with an Italian-speaking guide, accommodation in hotels and lodges, meal plan, activities and transfers as per the itinerary, airport transfers.

Does Not Include

Flights to/from South Africa, airport taxes, medical, cancellation and baggage insurance (mandatory), flight to Hoedspruit, tips, personal expenses, and anything not expressly mentioned under “Includes.”

Important

Participation prices are updated at the time of publication. Please contact our Travel Designers to check for any changes and to find out whether special offers or promotions are currently available.

We are here
for you

We’re at your disposal to answer any questions and provide personalised support. Fill out the form to get in touch with us!

Book

Do you need assistance or advice for your next trip?

Our professional travel consultants, with experience all around the world, are ready to help you.

Click the “Send Now” button to get in touch with us—it will be a pleasure to guide you in planning your travel experience and turning your dreams into reality.

By submitting the form, I consent to the processing of my personal data*