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 Reserves 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 romantic dining fine dining make for the ultimate luxury safari experience.
End with a luxurious and romantic beach vacation on the spectacular coast of Mozambique where honeymooners are treated like royalty!
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.
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.
Take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain and let incredible panoramas wow your soul. A short hike later, having left the crowds behind, we peer down at the fascinating city sprawled out before us, and view magnificent stretches of ocean (the Table Mountain Cable Car is weather dependent and subject to annual maintenance closures). Over freshly brewed coffee and home-baked treats, let the stories of Cape Town be brought to life by your guide, getting your bearings from this ultimate vantage point.
With a better understanding of the city layout, we descend and wander through the inner city, soaking up the magical vibe of Cape Town, through a combination of tales of the past juxtaposed with modern day culture, and meet some of the absorbing communities which form the town's vital building blocks. Focusing on food, design, arts and crafts we uncover a selection of historical sites, such as Company's Garden, Green Market Square and St George's Cathedral - buildings and monuments which stood as the backdrop for memorable icons who changed the world. Depending on your interests, touch on the fascinating and controversial politics that have shaped the city - delving into recollections of the once-vibrant District 6 community or perhaps the occasion where Mandela made his first free speech.
Continue your exploration heading to the Bo-Kaap, with its brightly colored 17th century houses, cobble stone streets, Muslim shrines and beautiful mosques. Visit local upliftment projects which impact positively on the lives of their artists and crafters and uncover the immense talent born of this city, and exhibited in galleries, street art installations and within the urban regeneration of historical suburbs. Bree Street is a hotspot for artisans, fashion, jewelry and interior design - the air fragrant with the mouth-watering aromas from a variety of foodie gems.
End the day mingling with locals at a cool city haunt, rooftop bar or beach cove, sundowners in hand.
Includes: Entrance fees, lunch, selection of craft beers, wines, local gins & tonic, specialist tea, coffee & hot chocolate, juices, ice tea, gourmet pantry with home baked goodies & local snacks.
Our tour begins at Kalk Bay, best known for its working fishing harbor and bohemian feel. Browse the arts and crafts on offer, perhaps do a bit of shopping in the quirky fashion boutiques and enjoy the antiques and collectables along the main strip.
Next, we’ll head over to Simon’s Town to for those keen to find out more about the rich history surrounding this naval town, museums and monuments providing plenty of insight. Bringing this naval town to life is an insight into the shark diving industry and stories of Just Nuisance - Great Dane, WWII mascot and only dog ever enlisted in the Royal Navy.
Before heading into the Cape Peninsula itself we search for our own rogue penguins - a splinter colony away from the crowded boardwalks over the main breeding site - on a beach known only to locals. Our tour ends with a gentle hike in the Cape Peninsula Reserve, exploring secluded beaches, shipwrecks and this region’s unique wildlife. The return journey weaves back to Cape Town via Noordhoek Farm Village a food artisan hub of the Peninsula and - time permitting - stopping for a little wine tasting at Cape Point Vineyards, producer of some of South Africa’s finest Sauvignon Blanc.
Includes: Entrance fees, lunch, selection of craft beers, wines, local gins & tonic, specialist tea, coffee & hot chocolate, juices, ice tea, gourmet pantry with home baked goodies & local snacks.
We explore one of the most scenically beautiful areas in SA, visiting fascinating towns and taking a look into off-the-beaten-track farms which revel in their old-world roots and influences. Today is about so much more than just sipping the wines. Depending on time and season, stroll through the vines, learning about farming methods and techniques. Take an intimate wine-tasting and cellar tour and possibly meet the driving force behind the estate. If lucky, our behind-the-scenes experience could include grape picking or barrel tastings.
Spend time in Stellenbosch, browsing through its wealth of appealing stores and museums and sip local coffee blends in tempting cafes. Let the pairing of wine and olives awaken your senses before we meander through lush gardens bursting with life. Admire a collection of contemporary art, see the highest-growing vines and, from an elevated point, take in the stunning vistas over an old-world estate.
This afternoon, discover Franschhoek. Established by the French Huguenots in 1688, this town retains its historic charm but has fused it with a contemporary vibe. It boasts gourmet restaurants, appealing boutiques and art galleries.
Includes: Entrance fees, lunch, selection of craft beers, wines, local gins & tonic, specialist tea, coffee & hot chocolate, juices, ice tea, gourmet pantry with home baked goodies & local snacks.
Today you are taken by private vehicle to Cape Town Airport for your flight to the Kruger/Mpumalanga Airport. (This service is on a private basis.)
You are met at your airstrip and taken to your lodge.
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.
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.
After your morning game drive and breakfast, you are transferred to the airstrip in time for your flight.
You are met at the airstrip and taken to your lodge.
The Mozambican islands of Benguerra and Bazaruto offer white sandy beaches, lush vegetation and an azure blue sea for swimming amongst the rich coral life. You float above starfish, anemones, seahorses and a bewildering range of jewel-like fish, which extend out to the many dive sites where you also encounter green turtles, manta ray, sailfish and a variety of docile sharks. Above all, there are no people! If you want a cosmopolitan bustling resort experience, these islands are not for you. There are no shops, no real roads and few vehicles. The more adventurous will enjoy the thrill of a night dive or wreck dive whilst beginners can take the PADI open water dive course. Experience the exhilaration of big game fishing, fighting marlin (Oct to March) as well as barracuda, kingfish, tuna and sailfish. On the islands themselves a mosaic of forest, savanna and saltwater lakes sustains a diversity of flora and fauna on these idyllic island retreats. Bird-watchers will not be disappointed with over 125 species recorded including the rare Crab plover, Olive Bee-eater, Green Coucal, Narina Trogan and Paradise flycatchers.
Spend your time relaxing and enjoying your lodge’s activities. All activities can be scheduled during your stay.
After breakfast you are transferred to the airstrip for your flight to Vilanculos and onward flight to Johannesburg.
| Accommodation | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Grace Hotel | Cape Town, South Africa | |
| Leopard Hills Safari Lodge | Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa | |
| & Beyond Benguerra Island | Benguera Island, Mozambique |
Since 1993 Maxim Safaris & Journeys’ 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.
Maxim Safaris & Journeys' 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.
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 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 Safaris & Journeys actively supports camps and lodges whose business models reflect this commitment.
Since 1993, Maxim Safaris & Journeys has been dedicated to creating unforgettable journeys to some of the world's most exotic destinations. Over three decades, we’ve earned a reputation as a trusted boutique tour operator for discerning travelers, with a level of experience and personal service that is unmatched. Proudly rooted in the 21st century yet firmly committed to old-fashioned service values, we still answer the phone when you call and respond to emails without delay. Our philosophy has always been simple: deliver exceptional service and travel experiences at competitive prices, while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainable tourism and high-quality programs.
I'm Paul Webster, the owner of Maxim Safaris & Journeys. Born and raised in Zimbabwe and South Africa, I spent most of my life in Africa and developed a deep passion for its extraordinary landscapes and cultures, a passion that extends to all the destinations we offer. I personally oversee every trip we design, ensuring each journey is as unique as the traveler taking it. I look forward to helping you craft your own “Uncommon Safari.”
We highly recommend getting travel insurance upon booking your trip, as unforeseen events can affect even the best-laid travel plans. Travel insurance plans can cover trip cancellation, missed connections and itinerary changes, baggage issues, emergency medical and other issues, and more.
For many of our itineraries (eg. Inca Trail, etc) we require your passport information to be able to complete the booking process. Please check with your travel specialist after purchasing your trip. Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six month after arrival date.
Please consult a Travel Doctor or Travel Clinic prior to departure to make sure you receive professional advice about required and recommended shots.