Cape Town, Wine Region, Sabi Sand & Victoria Falls

Cape Town, Wine Region, Sabi Sand & Victoria Falls

Start in the "Mother City" of Cape Town, considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. With iconic Table Mountain as her backdrop, Cape Town is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city surrounded by stunning mountains and a spectacular coastline. Visit the impressive Cape of Good Hope, see a lively penguin colony, sample fine wines in the Wine Region and ascend Table Mountain for a panoramic view of the Cape Peninsula. Continue to the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve for some of the continent's best "Big 5" safaris. A large variety of wildlife can be found in these private reserves that form part of the Greater Kruger National Park eco-system. Luxury accommodation and fine dining make for the ultimate luxury safari experience. Continue to the magnificent Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Quick Summary

Itinerary Detail

Day 1: Cape Town

Arrive Cape Town
Daily Summary

Upon arrival you will receive our V.I.P. Meet and Assist. As you exit the aircraft door, look for a representative holding a paging board with your name. You will be assisted through Customs & Immigration and then with baggage collection. You will then be escorted to the arrivals halls where you will meet your driver who will take you to your hotel by private vehicle.
NOTE: Should your aircraft park on the apron (not directly at the terminal building), you will be taken by bus to the terminal building. In this case you will be met as you enter the building off the bus.

About Cape Town

Scenically beautiful, Cape Town is a compelling mix of trendy modern and old-world elegance. Glamorous hotels, world-class dining and stunning vistas merge seamlessly with dynamic student suburbs and vibrant nightlife. Malay and African heritage are evident in the cuisine, traditions and entertainment while the architecture reveals a strong Dutch, German and English flavor and style. Contemporary art is proudly displayed in a variety of galleries and modern boutique hotels, and wine bars and brandy tasting lounges will appeal to the fashionable set. With its dramatic ocean vistas, sandy beaches and stunning stretches of hill and fynbos-covered mountainside, the coastal landscape of Cape Town and the Southern Peninsula are truly memorable. Side-walk cafes and vibrant promenades fringe glorious turquoise waters.


Day 2: Cape Town

Full Day Cape Town City & Table Mountain Tour
Daily Summary

Full Day Cape Town City & Table Mountain Tour

You will be met by your guide for a full day exploration of the Cape Town, known affectionately as the Mother City. Your tour will take in the Houses of Parliament, the Castle (built between 1666 and 1679, this is South Africa’s oldest building), lively Greenmarket Square with its daily market, the Company Gardens and of course Table Mountain which will give you spectacular views over the city and Peninsula. On our descent, we stop at the Bo Kaap, home to the Cape Malay community, with its cobbled streets and brightly colored houses. Lunch - Own Account
NOTE: the Table Mountain Cable Car is weather dependent and subject to annual maintenance closures.

Day 3: Cape Town

Cape Peninsula Tour/Full Day
Daily Summary

Cape Peninsula Tour/Full Day

Today you embark on a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula. Take in the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, before crossing over to Hout Bay, a quaint village and fishing harbor with magnificent mountains views and beaches. From here you drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve via Chapman’s Peak, one of the world’s most breathtaking coastal drives, where you will board a funicular (optional and for your own account) to get to the top of the Peninsula to witness the symbolic meeting of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans and enjoy spectacular views over False Bay.

After lunch (for your own account), continue to Simonstown, the naval base, and visit the African Penguin breeding colony at Boulders Beach. Then stop at the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Gardens before arriving back at your hotel.

Day 4: Cape Town

Free Day Cape Town
Daily Summary

Free Day Cape Town

Your day is free to explore South Africa's "Mother City" on your own. From impressive Table Mountain down to the blue waters of Table Bay, Cape Town is simply stunning, but the city doesn't thrive by its looks alone. Proudly multicultural, its flourishing arts, dining, and nightlife scenes are proof of this modern metropolis' creativity and innovative spirit.

Day 5: Wine Region

Wine Region Tour/Full Day
Daily Summary

Wine Region Tour/Full Day

This full day tour visits the Cape Winelands consisting of several towns including Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek. Gracious Cape Dutch homesteads set against a backdrop of mountains, forests, and rolling vineyards provide an unforgettable landscape. You will have the opportunity to sample and purchase noble vintages, to explore the realm of the winemaker and experience a rich historical and architectural tradition while you learn first-hand how this picturesque part of South Africa produces some of the world’s finest wines.

Day 6: Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve

Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Daily Summary
  • Transfer: Transfer Hotel to Airport
  • Transfer: Transfer from airstrip to lodge
  • Accommodation: Tengile River Lodge
  • Meals: B, L, D

Today you are transferred to the airport in time for your flight.

You are met at your airstrip and taken to your lodge. Keep your eyes peeled for game viewing en route!

Sabi Sand Game Reserve

The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is a 65 000 hectare reserve, pioneered by the land-owners of the area in the 1950’s, when the internal fences were dropped and a shared environmental management program was put in place. The Reserve shares a 32 mile unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park. The wildlife in the Sabi Sand Reserve is well habituated resulting in unforgettable close encounters and prolific sightings, particularly of the elusive leopard. The Sabi and the Sand Rivers run through the reserve, which add further dimension to the bio-diversity of this area.

Days 7 - 8: Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve

On safari in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve
Daily Summary

On safari in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve

Your time on safari will been carefully planned around the best game viewing opportunities. The more productive times to enjoy game viewing are first thing in the morning before the heat of the day kicks in, and late afternoon as the day starts to cool down ensuring further animal movement. Not only do you get to see amazing wildlife on your morning drive, but you will enjoy a steaming cup of coffee and muffins in the middle of the African bush, while welcoming the new day. On your late afternoon drive you will stop at a special site to watch the sun set and toast to a spectacular days safari.

Day 9: Victoria Falls

Daily Summary

An early morning transfer by road to the Mpumalanga airport (approx. 2 ½ hours).
NOTE – you will miss your morning game drive in order to get to the airport in time for your flight from Mpumalanga to Victoria Falls

We recommend obtaining the UniVisa on arrival as this covers both Zimbabwe and Zambia.


Day 10: Victoria Falls

Full Day at Victoria Falls River Lodge
Daily Summary

Full Day at Victoria Falls River Lodge

A selection of activities are included when booking your accommodation with Victoria Falls River Lodge. Your hosts will help schedule activities such as a trip to see the Victoria Falls, a Zambezi River Cruise, a safari in the National Park or bird watching. If you have time, other additional activities are provided by local partners at an extra cost.

Day 11: Johannesburg

About Johannesburg
Daily Summary
  • Transfer: Transfer Hotel to Airport
  • Transfer: Transfer Airport to Hotel
  • Accommodation: The Peech Hotel

Today you are transferred to the airport in time for your flight.

Upon arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel.

About Johannesburg

Johannesburg stems from gold and diamond mining, dating back to the 1800’s, and the city’s local name, Egoli, means The City of Gold. Today Johannesburg is the powerhouse of Africa and home to the continent’s busiest airport. Johannesburg is a wealthy and fast-paced city, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world.

Day 12: Depart

Daily Summary
  • Transfer: Transfer Hotel to Airport

Today you are transferred to the airport in time for your flight.

Accommodation

One & Only Cape Town

One & Only Cape Town

Offering an unprecedented level of luxury and style to one of the world's most fascinating cities, One & Only Cape Town will enchant your senses and renew your sense of self. The urban chic resort creates a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. From our world-famous restaurants and beautiful bar, to our extraordinary spa facilities, we invite you to experience the warmth, hospitality and generosity of the resort. The spacious guest rooms with outstanding views of Table Mountain are detailed with African textures and styles, providing guests with a comfortable, luxurious and unique experience.

Angala Boutique Hotel & Guest House

Angala Boutique Hotel & Guest House

Angala Boutique Hotel & Guest House is magnificently situated on the slopes of Simonsberg Mountain with wonderful views of the Boland Mountains and the surrounding winelands. You are ensured gourmet meals as the Inn is part the Good Cooks route. Angala's luxury spacious rooms, each with is own veranda and secluded garden, allow you to witness splendid sunsets and relax in the beauty of it all. Self contained chalets are also available. Relax and sun bath in the swimming pool or take walks through indigenous fynbos or bird watching. Treat yourself to a massage and pampering from the beauty therapist.

Tengile River Lodge

Tengile River Lodge

Situated in a perfect position on the banks of the Sand River, with sweeping river views from every vantage point, lies Tengile River Lodge. Meaning ‘tranquil’ in the local language, the lodge certainly has an advantage over all others in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The Sabi Sand Game Reserve benefits from a great diversity of wildlife including, the Big Five as it neighbours and shares a 50 km (31mi) unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park. World-renowned for its prolific leopard sightings, strict vehicle limits at sightings ensure the exclusivity of an up-close game viewing experience with game drives traversing an area of 10,500 hectares (26,000 acres). This magnificent lodge features nine enormous, air-conditioned, secluded suites, dotted in the dappled shade of the bushveld, each with panoramic river views. In addition to a master bedroom, bathroom and outdoor shower, there is a lounge, dining area, fully-stocked bar, coffee station and outdoor seating and dining area that guaranteed to take your breath away. A private lap pool on your spacious private deck comes complete with sunken outdoor lounge looking out onto the famed Sand River. For families, two of the lodge’s suites are joined by a covered walkway to create a family suite. The lodge’s guest area offers a mixed selection of open, interactive and private places. The viewing deck is an incredible highlight and the library is a fascinating treasury of curated objects and interesting books. Bespoke furniture, lights and unique décor pieces have been created from skilled local artists and striking fabrics have been masterfully hand-painted. A massage and gym area offers guests a space of well-being and tranquillity and a Safari Shop is stocked with beautiful handcrafted items. Choose from a variety of exciting activities such as twice-daily game drives and evening safaris, interpretive bush and nature walks, photography lessons, birdwatching, star gazing, private and photographic safaris.

Victoria Falls River Lodge

Victoria Falls River Lodge

Tucked into the banks of the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls River Lodge is close enough to the magnificent Victoria Falls to see the spray in the distance, and yet secluded in a remote corner of Zambezi National Park. Boasting panoramic views of African sunsets, spacious, romantic luxury thatched tents are constructed of canvas, glass and wood – each extending out onto a private deck with its own plunge pool and boasting larger than king size beds, comfortable sitting area, open plan bathroom with freestanding bathtub and both indoor and outdoor showers. Stay in the Island Treehouse set among the trees on the banks of the private Kandahar Island, and accessible by boat only. Each romantic treehouse features a host of luxury conveniences, elegantly appointed sitting area, open plan ensuite bathroom and private deck with plunge pool. The Starbed Treehouses feature a spacious sitting area, ensuite bathroom with twin vanities and twin rain-showers and a private rooftop sitting area, with its signature Starbed – ideal for Honeymooners. Set in stunning surrounds, under starry skies, relish delicious dishes with mouth-watering combinations of flavours unique to Southern Africa. Taste loval favourites such as sadza (an African starch accompanying meals) and baobab fruit or maas (a dairy product similar to yoghurt). For the more adventurous enjoy ostrich steak, Mopani worms or Kapenta (local sardines). Carefully positioned for ideal views of the river, the main lodge is remarkable, while the Toa Spa (Africology) creates divine couples treatments, whilst enjoying a truly authentic African offering. Explore the beautiful natural setting on a selection of game drives, and walking safari options. Leisurely river cruises, guided tours of the falls and various canoe safari opportunities offer game viewing from a different perspective and much fun for the love birds.

The Peech Hotel

The Peech Hotel

The Peech is an eco-chic boutique hotel situated in Johannesburg’s upmarket suburb of Melrose. 16 attractive rooms and suites overlook lush, landscaped gardens and some rooms boast private patios or balconies. Contemporary décor, clean lines and modern art, style the spacious interiors equipped for comfort. Delicious meals are served in the bistro and patio, and you can select your vintages from within the well-stocked wine cellar. The hotel offers gym access to the local fitness center, or perhaps you may wish to use of the outdoor pool during hot summer days. Proud of its progressive policies, The Peech keeps an eye on minimizing its environmental impact and participating in responsible community involvement.

Why Maxim Tours?

Why Maxim Tours?

Uncommon Safaris for Discerning Adventurers

Experience Matters

Since 1993 Maxim Tours’ passion for exotic destinations has made us a highly sought after Boutique Tour Operator for discerning travelers. After three decades we continue to exceed our clients' expectations. Our approach over these many years is simple; offer the very best service and travel experience at the most competitive prices while balancing the importance of sustainable tourism with a high quality travel product.

Premier Guides 

Maxim Tours' guides have a reputation for being the best in the business. Experts in their fields, friendly and interesting,  a good guide will bring the most out of every excursion while creating lifelong memories.  

24/7 Support

At no time during your adventure will you be alone. Our local partners are available 24/7 in the event you need any assistance while traveling. We will monitor your progress and take care of any unexpected developments so that your trip continues unhindered.

Responsible Tourism

Responsible and sustainable tourism should be more than just a phrase - it has to be an ongoing and tangible commitment to balancing tourism with the upliftment of local communities and preservation of the natural environment. Maxim Tours actively supports camps and lodges whose business models reflect this commitment.