Cape to Safari: Journey into the Wild Soul

Welcome to South Africa.

Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you will be met by an English-speaking driver and transferred to the hotel.

Fall in love with the Mother City, where magnificent mountains meet a sparkling sea. Cape Town is alive with culture, great food, excellent wines, and breathtaking landscapes at every turn. From the vibrant V&A Waterfront to the historic charm of Bo-Kaap’s streets, it has something for every taste. Adventure, relaxation, and world-class attractions come together to make this city unforgettable.

The Portswood Hotel offers an elegant and contemporary stay in the heart of Sea Point. Just steps from the waterfront, it combines comfort and modern design, with bright, spacious rooms and a welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy a relaxing breakfast, the panoramic terrace, or simply the sea breeze: the Portswood is the perfect base for exploring Cape Town and feeling at home.

Check-in at the hotel (according to arrival time). Afternoon at leisure to explore the V&A Waterfront.

At 19:00, meeting with an Italian-speaking guide who will give you your travel documents, explain the program, and answer your questions.

At 20:00 2-course Cape Malay dinner at the Quarter restaurant, located in the hotel (drinks not included).

Overnight.

After breakfast, at 08:00 departure with Italian-speaking guide for a half-day city tour, with entrance included to the Slave Lodge.

Start with a short walk in the Company Gardens, rich in greenery and a pleasant local atmosphere. At the end of Wale Street you will find the Arch for Arch, a monument dedicated to Desmond Tutu, symbol of the values of the South African Constitution. The installation is next to St. George's Cathedral, also called "the People's Cathedral" for its key role during apartheid. Continue to the Slave Lodge, where you will discover the stories of those brought to the Cape against their will and the impact they had on South Africa’s cultural identity. Along the way, you’ll experience the city’s lively mix of communities and influences. The tour ends with a stop at Truth Café, a steampunk-style café famous for roasting beans in a vintage cast-iron drum (at your own expense).

Return to the hotel around 12:30.

Afternoon at leisure: you can visit Robben Island or Table Mountain (weather permitting – tickets at your own expense), both unmissable attractions.

In the evening, transfer with English-speaking driver to the Gold Restaurant.

The GOLD Restaurant offers a set Cape Malay and African menu, with live shows and djembe drumming for a complete African experience. Upon arrival you’ll take part in a drumming session before dinner. Enjoy the 14-course tasting menu inspired by the continent’s flavors, with traditional music and dances.

Transfer to the hotel around 21:30.

Overnight.

After breakfast, departure at 08:00 for a private full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula with Italian-speaking guide and lunch included (drinks not included). Included entrances: Seal Island cruise, Cape Point Nature Reserve, Flying Dutchman funicular, and penguin beach at Boulders Beach.

The tour follows the Atlantic Seaboard passing Sea Point, Clifton, and Camps Bay up to Hout Bay, a picturesque village with wonderful views and a beach. Embark for the boat excursion to Seal Island (sea conditions permitting). Continue along Chapman's Peak, one of the most spectacular coastal roads in the world, with a scenic stop at Noordhoek Beach. Visit to Cape Point Ostrich Farm, then entrance to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Lunch in Simon's Town at the Seaforth Restaurant. Visit to the beautiful Boulders Beach, home to a large African penguin colony.

Return via Boyes Drive with a view of Muizenberg Beach. Arrival between 17:00 and 17:30.

Overnight.

After breakfast, at 08:00 departure with Italian-speaking guide for a full-day tour to the Cape Riviera and Hermanus, with lunch included (drinks not included). Included admissions: Old Harbour Museum and wine tasting in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.

Depart towards Hermanus, with a visit to the Old Harbour Museum. Hermanus offers the best coastal whale watching in the world: during the season, southern right whales come as close as 5 meters to the shore. Possibility of boat tour (direct payment). Continue to the beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde Valley for a wine tasting.

The return follows the scenic coastal road from Cape Hangklip to Gordon's Bay, with spectacular views.

Arrival at the hotel around 17:30.

Overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel. Private transfer with English-speaking driver to the airport for the flight to Skukuza (recommended: 4Z 651 CPT/SKZ 10:30 12:55 – not included in the price).

Arrival and transfer to Umkumbe Bush Lodge (about 1 hour).

Enter legendary Sabi Sand, where safari is authentic, intense, and incredibly exclusive. Bordering Kruger National Park with no fences, this private reserve is renowned for some of the best Big Five sightings in all of Africa, especially for its leopards accustomed to human presence, often seen at close range. With no barriers separating the two areas, wildlife roams freely, creating a rich, vibrant, and constantly evolving ecosystem. Cool sunrises, golden sunsets, and nights lit by endless stars frame memorable encounters, while expert rangers and trackers bring the savannah to life with stories, explanations, and adrenaline-filled off-road safaris. Sabi Sand isn’t just a place to visit: it’s a memory that stays with you forever.

Umkumbe Bush Lodge invites you to discover all the magic of Sabi Sand in an atmosphere that combines refined comfort with an authentic African spirit. Nestled among towering trees and overlooking the wilderness, the lodge blends safari elegance with a relaxed, welcoming style. Expect stylish tented suites, fires crackling in the boma, and those quiet moments when the sounds of the savannah seem to sync with your breath. Morning and afternoon safaris offer excellent opportunities for spotting the Big Five, while downtime at the lodge allows you to relax by the pool or simply watch animals pass by. At Umkumbe, you’re not just guests of the savannah: you become part of it.

Meet your new Italian-speaking guide who will accompany you until day 8. Lunch (depending on arrival time) and afternoon safari.
Overnight at Umkumbe Bush Lodge in a tent, full board with 2 safaris a day (drinks not included).

Day devoted to safaris in search of the Big Five in open vehicles guided by expert rangers.

A typical safari day can unfold as follows:
Guests wishing to join the early morning game drive will receive a wake-up call at 05:15.
Tea and coffee are served at 05:45, before departure for the morning game drive around 06:00.
The drive lasts about three hours, depending on sightings, after which breakfast will be served. Once breakfast is over, guests can relax until lunchtime. Lunch is served from 14:00. In the afternoon, at 15:45, departure for a guided safari in an open 4x4 vehicle in search of the famous Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant).

Upon return from the evening game drive, guests will have time to freshen up before dinner.
Overnight at Umkumbe Bush Lodge, full board with 2 safaris a day (drinks not included).

After the morning game drive and breakfast, at 10:30 departure to visit the Panorama Route, with entries included for Blyde Canyon (Three Rondavels) and Bourke's Luck Potholes. Lunch en route (drinks not included).

The iconic Panorama Route is home to some of South Africa’s most impressive natural wonders. You will admire the Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world, stretching for 26 km and reaching a depth of 800 meters. Stops include the Three Rondavels, reminiscent of traditional African huts, and the unique cylindrical rock formations of Bourke's Luck Potholes. Lunch will be enjoyed along the way (drinks at participants’ expense).

Late evening arrival at Blyde River Wilderness Lodge.

Blyde River Wilderness Lodge offers a tranquil and rustic stay immersed in nature, perfect for those wishing to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Panorama Route. The lodge is located next to the scenic Blyde River, surrounded by lush vegetation and gentle wooded hills. The accommodations are comfortable, with lovely cottages or chalets that make guests feel at home in the heart of nature. From your room, you can often hear the soothing flow of the river or the sounds of the surrounding fauna, and once outside you are completely immersed in the natural environment.

Dinner and overnight at Blyde River Wilderness Lodge in a standard room, with breakfast included (drinks not included).

Breakfast at 09:00.

Departure for OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg (about 6 hours’ drive).

Arrival around 15:00.

We recommend flights departing after 18:00; otherwise, an additional night in Johannesburg will be required.