PREMIUM PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI: BEST OF SOUTH AFRICA

Day 1-3

Depart Johannesburg for a scheduled charter flight to the Madikwe airstrip. You will be met on arrival for a short road transfer to the lodge.

Bordering the Kalahari Desert to the west, rimmed by the mighty Vaal River in the South and extending to the craggy, scenic hills of the Magaliesberg in the northeast, the North West Province is a treasure trove for travelers.

Thakadu River Camp is a stylish tented lodge in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, a community project of the highest standards. A blend of natural stone, fibres and wood reflect the spirit of Africa and the bushveld. This Afro-Asian style tented camp is set in the riverine forest on the tranquil banks of the Marico River. Madikwe is home to a tremendous diversity of fauna and flora, including both black and white rhino, buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog.

Spacious, air-conditioned tents have sliding doors opening onto private decks with river views. Relax over fine cuisine in the boma under a canopy of trees or in the open-air dining room. Game drives spotting the Big Five and the elusive wild dog. Pool deck with bar and views.

The camp is a superb open vehicle safari destination where guests are accompanied by well-trained and informative rangers who are able to interpret the many encounters whilst on safari.

Spot the Big Five in the malaria-free Madikwe Game reserve –where springbok and impala are found naturally together.

2 nights at Thakudu (Fl)

Day 4-5

Madikwe Game Reserve is one of the few malaria-free reserves in southern Africa. Located in South Africa along the Botswana border and 20 kilometres from Gaberone, the Reserve lies within a transition region between lowveld bushveld and the Kalahari thornveld. As a result, the region is host to an incredible diversity of species from both ecosystems. Geographically the region has enormous volcanic intrusions known as Inselbergs, which are prominent throughout the reserve and create a spectacular backdrop.

Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge is a 16-bed luxury facility .The lodge is situated at a prime site in the west of the Madikwe Game Reserve.

The central lodge sits on the slopes of a hill across a ravine, separating it from the chalets. It is spectacularly located on two tiers of the ridge, accessed via a wooden bridge that crosses a ravine surrounded by rock figs.

The lodge has eight suites, each with their own viewing deck, decorated in natural hews of color and texture, offering a very private and luxurious experience. Each of the chalets is positioned on the ridge with expansive views to the north.  The thatched suites, with sliding doors from each room and shower allow the guest to experience  oneness with the bushveld. Each of the living areas has its own character, mood and style providing guests with a choice of breathtaking views and tranquil spaces.

Open vehicle game drives, walks, tracking, stargazing, bush dining, birding, botany interests.

2 nights at Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge (Fl)

Day 6

Cape Town

Return transfers and connecting flight to Cape Town. Aiport transfers abd check-in. Spend the rest of the evening exploring Cape Town's Waterfront.

Day 7

Table Mountain, the city & the Waterfront Tour

• Drive through the 'Mother City' and see the Castle Good Hope, Houses of Parliament, Greenmarket square and other sites.
• Kirstenbosch Gardens
• Take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting)
• Visit Cape Town’s famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Dinner on the docs will be a highlight!

Day 8

Cape Wine lands Tour

Considered by many to be the true heart of the Cape winelands, the romantic town of Stellenbosch it is the second oldest town in South Africa. Gorgeous scenery, old Cape Dutch houses and picture perfect streets lined with old oak trees one can easily get lost in this quaint little town.

The culinary capital of South Africa, Franschhoek boasts some of the best restaurants in the country. Dotted with wine farms, many being of French origin, this is where the original French Huguenots settled in South Africa around 1692. Nowadays this little town is booming with the good vibrations of fine wine, great dining and gorgeous scenery.

Your day will include a visit to the Spier Wine Estate and their Cheetah Outreach Program, Raptor breeding program and outdoor African curio market.

• Visit the main wine producing areas of South Africa.
• Visit historic town of Stellenbosch.
• Cellar tour  and wine tasting.
• Visit picturesque Franschhoek surrounded by striking mountains.
• More shopping/browsing in shops unique to this town.

Day 9

Cape Peninsula & Cape Point tour

• Visit scenic Peninsula Area… See the Southwestern most point of Africa!
• Travel along both coastlines with lovely views.
• Visit Hout Bay Harbor with optional boat trip to see Cape Fur Seal Colony.
• See African Jackass penguins at Boulders Beach.
• Visit Cape Of Good Hope Reserve - do the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet here?
• We may see some game here, including Bontebok, Eland, Ostrich and Chacma Baboon.
• See the Southwestern most point of Africa.

Fees include entrances to Cape of Good Hope Reserve and penguin colony. Excludes optional boat trip.

4 nights at Cape Castle Hotel(BB)

Day 10

Last day

Day at leisure & return

NOTES:

All tours in Cape Town area are privately guided tours in a luxury mini van.

Contact a Cape to Cairo Representative for more information.

* Prices are per person sharing and may vary depending on actual booking dates

They say that all bugs in Africa bite...but the Safari bug is the worst of them all!