Overview

This 13-day journey combines South Africa with the remote island of St Helena. Discover Cape Town’s iconic mountain, coastline and vibrant city life before exploring St Helena’s rugged landscapes and fascinating history. End back in South Africa with an exciting safari in the Greater Kruger, searching for the Big Five.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 | CAPE TOWN

Resting at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean, sandwiched between the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain and the glistening sapphire waters of Table Bay, the exceptionally scenic city of Cape Town is in a class of its own. Some cities boast rich culture, vibrant nightlife, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and extraordinary architecture, while others boast breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary natural wonders. Cape Town, is lucky enough to be blessed with all of these attractions and so much more. With its bustling harbour, world-class beaches, top-notch vineyards, and its mountainous surroundings brimming with diverse flora and fauna, Cape Town consistently captivates the hearts of all who visit.

Day 2 | CAPE TOWN

Full day private guided Cape Peninsula tour. Travel along the scenic Atlantic Seaboard via Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak Drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point. Visit historic Simon’s Town and the famous Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, before ending the day at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.

Day 3 | CAPE TOWN

Embark on a private guided half-day city tour visiting Table Mountain by cable car (weather permitting), the Company Gardens, and the Castle of Good Hope. Enjoy spectacular views over Cape Town and the Atlantic Seaboard, explore the historic Company Gardens, and discover the city’s rich heritage at South Africa’s oldest surviving colonial building.

Day 4 | CAPE TOWN

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Cape Town at your own pace. Spend the day discovering the city’s restaurants, shops and attractions, relax along the waterfront, or head beyond the city on an optional Cape Winelands tour.

The nearby wine regions of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek offer a relaxed contrast to the city, with historic estates, mountain scenery and some of South Africa’s best-known vineyards. Spend the day enjoying wine tastings, cellar visits and a leisurely lunch at a wine estate, with time to explore the charming towns and surrounding countryside before returning to Cape Town in the afternoon.

Day 5 | ST HELENA ISLAND

In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, about halfway between Africa and South America, lies St Helena, one of the most remote islands in the world. Along with Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, St Helena forms part of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena. The island boasts some extraordinarily scenic, untouched landscapes ranging from dramatic cliffs and towering sand dunes to the lush green hills of the sub-tropical interior, all of it is surrounded by pristine beaches and glistening ocean where dolphins and whales are often

Day 6 | ST HELENA ISLAND

Set out at 09:30 for a private 4x4 tour exploring St Helena’s history and diverse landscapes. Visit Deadwood Plain, once the campsite of Boer prisoners during the Anglo-Boer War, before taking a short walk to Flagstaff for panoramic views across the island.

Continue to Levelwood to discover the Bell Stone, an unusual rock that rings when struck. Along the way, experience the dramatic scenery and remote character that make St Helena so distinctive. Lunch is included during the excursion.

Day 7 | ST HELENA ISLAND

Today begins with a private tour of Plantation House, the official residence of St Helena’s Governor. Explore the historic house and grounds, which are also home to Jonathan, the world’s oldest known living land animal.

After lunch, visit a local coffee plantation to learn about the cultivation and roasting of St Helena’s celebrated Green Tipped Bourbon Arabica coffee, one of the world’s rarest and most sought-after varieties.

More active travellers can choose to replace the full Plantation House tour with a brief visit to see Jonathan followed by the moderately rated Blue Point hike. The trail takes approximately two to two and a half hours and includes some inclines and two short, steeper sections. This option must be requested in advance.

Day 8 | ST HELENA ISLAND

Depart at 08:00 for a three-hour cruise along St Helena’s dramatic coastline. Look out for the island’s marine life while enjoying a different perspective of its volcanic cliffs and offshore scenery. Snorkelling is incorporated into the excursion for those wishing to enter the water.

Delve into St Helena’s remarkable history with a visit to Longwood House, where Napoleon Bonaparte spent his last years in exile.

After lunch, visit the Millennium Forest and contribute to the restoration of St Helena’s natural environment by planting an endemic tree. This experience supports the St Helena National Trust’s ongoing restoration of the island’s endemic forest. Return to Jamestown, stopping along the way for a short walk to Napoleon’s Tomb.

***The marine excursion is weather-dependent. Should sea conditions prevent the cruise from operating in the morning, the day’s arrangements may be adjusted, with the cruise moved to the afternoon where possible or an alternative excursion arranged.

Day 9 | JOHANNESBURG

Johannesburg is one of Africa’s biggest and most vibrant cities. It is the economic capital of Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. Although not as famous as other South African destinations, there is plenty to do in Johannesburg and nearby Pretoria. The old city is a multi-cultural mixture of traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants, taxi ranks and ultra modern skyscrapers. There are excellent museums, art galleries and organised tours of historical and political interest. The shopping is Southern Africa’s best and the many restaurants cater for all tastes. The nearby township of Soweto is Johannesburg’s most popular tourist attraction.

DAY 10-12 | TIMBAVATI PRIVATE RESERVE, KRUGER

Timbavati Private Game Reserve shares a common, unfenced border with Kruger National Park and encompasses many exclusive private lodges. The region is best known for the ‘white lions of Timbavati’, two unusually pale lion cubs discovered here in the 1970s, their colour due to a rare recessive gene. The Timbavati is a “Big Five” Game Reserve: Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo roam freely as do many more species of predators and antelopes. Over 40 mammal species and 350 bird species have been identified within the area. This, together with the abundant variety of flora, the tranquillity and the natural beauty of the land, ensures an adventure to be remembered. It said to have the densest giraffe population in the world.

DAY 13 | END OF ITINERARY

After breakfast, transfer by road to Hoedspruit Airport before boarding your flight to Johannesburg, where your journey comes to an end.