Personalized Best of South Africa Safari

Lioness and two cubs in South Africa

What to expect on this itinerary

The Rainbow Nation is yours to explore on this astounding 12-day adventure leading from Cape Town to Madikwe Game Reserve. Tailormade to spotlight the fascinating local culture, remarkable history, and heritage, as well as the wondrous unspoiled wilderness, this journey across South Africa is set to reveal a country more beautiful than one may believe made possible through participating in an array of enchanting activities.

Countries Visited

South Africa

Places Visited

Cape Town, Franschhoek, Kapama Private Game Reserve, Madikwe Game Reserve

Suggested Duration

12 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Cape Town - Paradise on the Shores of the Western Cape

Table Mountain climbs to the clouds from Cape Town city’s borders, velvety beaches hug the coastline that wraps around Cape Peninsula, and emerald wilderness havens sweep slices of the Western Cape’s cosmopolitan jewel destination. You will gaze upon these mesmerizing scenes as your airplane approaches the international airport and you transfer with your private driver to an accommodation tucked away in Bantry Bay. With views of the sparkling sea ahead and scenes of the soaring mountains behind, you will feel swept away by the paradise shores of the Western Cape.

What's Included:

Transfer
Accommodation
Day 2

Cape Town - Unraveling the History of the Rainbow Nation

Day 3

Cape Town - Beauty Beyond the City’s Borders

Day 4

Franschhoek - Seclusion in the Emerald Franschhoek Valley

Day 5

Franschhoek - The Fabulous Flavors of Franschhoek’s Wines

Day 6

Kapama Private Game Reserve - The Starry South African Sky

Day 7

Kapama Private Game Reserve - Searching the Bushveld for the Big Five

Day 8

Kapama Private Game Reserve - Unique Animal Encounters in Kapama

Day 9

Madikwe Game Reserve - Your Second Stay in Wildlife Paradise

Day 10

Madikwe Game Reserve - Meandering through Majestic Madikwe

Day 11

Madikwe Game Reserve - Fine Dining amongst the Green

Day 12

Madikwe Game Reserve - Slow, Radiant Mornings in the African Bush

Trip Highlights

  • Witness the wonderful scenes of Cape Town from atop Table Mountain and discover the history of the Rainbow Nation at iconic cultural landmarks peppering its diverse districts
  • Discover the fascinating untamed wilderness that surrounds Cape Town city as you cruise along the Cape Peninsula towards the spectacular tip of Africa at the Cape Point Nature Reserve
  • Find refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city in the evergreen rolling hills of the Franschhoek Valley, where some of the country’s finest vineyards are grown to produce exemplary wines
  • Cruise across the luxuriant Franschhoek Valley to elite wine estates, alongside a knowledgeable guide, for superb wine tasting tours of prestigious vintages led by sommeliers as well as tours of the wineries’ cellars
  • Soak up the splendors of the African wilderness from the comfort of your game reserve camp in Kapama, gazing upon the bright stars in a region unaffected by light pollution
  • Ride through the forested lands of Kapama during sunrise and in the evening to discover the marvelous animals and curious critters dwelling in the bushveld, as well as search for the famous Big Five
  • Journey across the golden pastures and emerald grasslands of Madikwe in search of more marvelous wildlife encounters
  • Tuck into an array of delectable South African dishes prepared by master chefs and enjoyed alongside panoramas of Madikwe’s spectacular environments

Starting Price

$8,100 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.9

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 1211 reviews

Mary J.
South Africa, Zimbabwe Travel Review: 12 Nights

Everything was what we hoped for and more! All details were perfect and we did not have a flaw in the schedule, connections, or anything! We had a few unexpected surprises that were amazing! It was a trip of a lifetime! What else can you say?

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Jim F.
South Africa, Zimbabwe Trip Review: Cape Town, Safari, 9 Days

We had the most amazing safari trip to South Africa and Zimbabwe. Zicasso’s tour company did an amazing job, from the upfront planning all the way to support during the travels. We could not have had a better itinerary or agency working for us. It was a trip of a lifetime.

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Raydene G.
South Africa Vacation Review: 2 Weeks

I could not have imagined a better trip than the one we had with Zicasso’s travel designer's help! She was very responsive to what we wanted to get out of the adventure and had a lot of great ideas. Besides being incredibly attentive, she made me feel very comfortable with all our decisions for a place that I had never been to and did not know much about. Thank you for making our trip so organized and fun!

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Steve O.
South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe Tour Review: Game Drives, Safari, 18 Nights

Zicasso’s travel designer was outstanding. She was very attentive to all of our needs, both pre-trip and during the trip. The places she recommended, along with the tour operator coordinating transfers and tours, were exceptional.

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Marc L.
South Africa, Zimbabwe Trip Review: Safari, 12 Nights

Zicasso’s travel agent was easy to work with, responsive, and thorough from start to finish. He and his staff created a lifetime experience. From planning through execution, everything was perfect. Without hesitation, I would recommend the tour operator to all.

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Cyndee S.
South Africa Tour Review: Cape Town, Nature Reserves, Wildlife, Game Drives, 11 Nights

The trip was extraordinary, amazing, and perfect in every way! Every aspect of the trip Zicasso’s travel agent planned for us was perfectly executed.

Our drivers were punctual and professional.

The hotel in Cape Town was lovely and the staff were so attentive. The staff at the nature reserve made everyone feel like part of the family.

We saw the Big Five within the first two days there! Super-fun!

The Cessna Caravan flight between lodges enabled us to see the African savannah and bush from the air, which was so beautiful.

The lodge in Sabi Sand Game Reserve was elegant and the staff were so attentive, meeting our every need and anticipating our every wish!

We had some excellent surprises, such as a full breakfast in the bush.

Our trackers and our rangers were truly wonderful and knowledgeable, and made the experience delightful.

Other travelers at the lodges were so friendly.

It was a trip of a lifetime... though we may have to go back again!

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

29,000+ Verified Traveler Reviews