Day-by-day itinerary

• Day

  01

  Cape Town

  Touch down in Cape Town, South Africa! Once through customs and immigration, you'll receive a warm welcome from Born Free Safaris' VIP host. As most international flights arrive in the evening, you will be escorted directly to your hotel and assisted with check-in.
  
  Cape Town is a fabulously diverse and vibrant city, from its beautiful natural scenery to its colorful Cape Malay arts district. With Table Mountain rising behind the city skyline, Cape Town is undeniably one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is surrounded by verdant valleys, magnificent coastlines, and stunning granite mountains. The city is abundantly endowed with rich, historical "Old World" ambience, heightened by Victorian buildings, cobble-stoned squares, mosques, and Cape Dutch architecture.
• Day

  02

  Cape Town

  Table Mountain

  This morning, your introduction to the Cape region will be from the top of Table Mountain. Ascend via rotating cable car for views of the city, coast, surrounding mountains, and across the water to historic Robben Island.
  
  Then discover Cape Town up-close on your orientation of the city. Each city tour is designed to your interests, but top sites include the colorful Cape Malay art district, Greenmarket Square, public buildings, House of Parliament, City Hall, and The Cape Castle.
  
  This evening, you are treated to dinner and entertainment at the Mama Africa Restaurant.
  
  Born Free Safaris' Concierge Service will be more than happy to assist in making dinner recommendations and reservations for the rest of your stay. Some top restaurants require reservations with a deposit months in advance.

  Breakfast / Dinner
• Day

  03

  Cape Peninsula & Historic Towns

  Penguin Beach

  Meet your guide at the hotel this morning, then travel on a full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula. This is one of the most spectacular coastal drives in South Africa.
  
  Travel over Chapman’s Peak, stopping at the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point. Visit Boulders and Foxy Beach, the home to African penguins. Head through charming fishing villages, stopping for a seaside lunch. Depending on the timing and season of travel, visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens before making your way back to your hotel.

  Breakfast
• Day

  04

  Cape Region

  À la carte Touring

  Spend today on your choice of "À la carte" touring. You'll select from a range of excursions that are already included in the price of the trip. Discuss your interests with a Born Free Safaris Specialist, who will then create your personalized private tour.
  
  Ideas for À la carte touring:
  
  1) A full day exploring Cape Town on your own. Perhaps visiting the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art of Africa, which features stunning architecture as well as a collection of art pieces, and the Jewish Museum adjoining the oldest synagogue in South Africa.
  
  2) A full- or half-day visit to magnificent Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, an area dotted with Cape Dutch architecture, majestic granite peaks, fine wine, and cheese & chocolate tasting venues.
  
  3) A ferry ride to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned and is now a monument and museum dedicated to those who fought against oppression.
  
  4) A visit to the philanthropic Uthando Community Project, an amazing collection of innovative, inspiring, and fun community development projects and charitable organizations across a broad spectrum of sectors.

  Breakfast

  Special Activity:
  Shark Cage Diving
  Get safely and exhilaratingly up close to these beautiful creatures of the sea. Cost from $300 per person.
• Day

  05

  Greater Kruger

  Private Game Reserve #1

  Your safari begins today!
  
  Fly from Cape Town to the Greater Kruger regional airport, where you will be transported into the Africa you envisioned. Bordering Kruger there are fabulous private game rich reserves such as Sabi Sands, Timbavati, and Thornybush.
  
  Lunch awaits in the open dining lounge. Excitement builds as there is always the chance an elephant may come to feed. Then head out on your first game drive, returning to the lodge at sundown.
  
  Here the wildlife runs freely between the reserves and the main park areas. Game drives are in open vehicles that are limited in numbers and viewing time. The region is one of the finest in all of Africa, for a high density and variety of species, but especially known for the ease in finding the "Big Five" - elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and Cape buffalo.
  
  Each lodge's activities vary slightly but all include game drives. There are also nature walks, night drives, and some properties offer community visits. Game drives are led by two safari professionals - a tracker who is an expert at locating the animals and a highly skilled driver-guide who will maneuver you close to the animals and give you a background on the given species.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  06

  Greater Kruger

  Private Game Reserve #1

  The private game reserves are renowned for their high-density "Big Five" sightings, particularly leopards. You will be able to approach the game at close range, and vehicles are strictly limited at sightings. Set out for your first early morning game drive. This is when the wildlife is most active, and predators are on the hunt. After a few hours in the bush, return to camp for a hearty breakfast.
  
  Midday is the time for nature walks, community visits, or just time to relax and take in the very special surroundings.
  
  Night drives are a highlight of any safari. Vehicles are equipped with big spotlights with a shield to protect the glaring light on the game. These drives are especially fun and a chance to see nocturnal species. Search the bush for nocturnal creatures such as a civet cat, big eyed Bush Babies, a lioness on the move with her cubs, or a leopard sitting high in the trees, scoping out the area below.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  07

  Greater Kruger

  Private Game Reserve #2

  Traveling on the outskirts of the reserves, head to your second area for safari. A contrasting experience to the first two days on safari. Each day is very different, observing the wildlife as they hunt for food, take care of their pride, or just relax in the shade of the bush.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  08

  Greater Kruger

  Private Game Reserve #2

  On your last full day on safari in South Africa, embark on game drives to find any species you might have missed. Our guides are all anxious to please and will do their best to search out sightings.
  
  In the early evening, Sundowners (cocktails) will be served in the bush. Then return to your lodge for dinner and perhaps chat with fellow travelers about your safari adventures. If you're up for it, set out on one last night drive - you may be able to spot the elusive leopard.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  09

  Johannesburg

  Onward Journey

  As dawn breaks, head out on an early morning game drive. Then your journey to Africa draws to a close. Bid a fond farewell to the South Africa bush with promises of returning to this majestic continent.
  
  Board your flight to Johannesburg and homeward, taking with you the lifetime memories of a magical African experience.

  Breakfast

  Optional Extension
  Add 2 nights at Victoria Falls before heading home.