Cape Town

Flat-topped Table Mountain, on the northern end of the peninsula, has long dominated Cape Town. When viewed from the city, the central massif has Devil’s Peak on the left, Lion’s Head on the right and Signal Hill in the foreground: together they form a sort of amphitheatre, which encloses the city centre.

The coach will take you to the lower cable-way station for the ascent to the summit of Table Mountain. The journey takes just under 4 minutes and the floor rotates 360 degrees during the ascent and descent, giving you a full panorama of the area. There is nothing to beat the mountain top for fabulous views of the city, Table Bay and Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.

The tour includes a short orientation tour of the ‘Mother City’, famed for its meticulously preserved Edwardian and Victorian buildings.

Stellenbosch is named after its founder, Governor Simon van der Stel, who discovered the broad fertile valley of the Eerste River in 1679. Today, this is one of South Africa’s premier wine-producing regions.

Stellenbosch has one of the most beautiful settings of all South Africa’s inland towns. Its original oak-lined streets, clear water furrows and classic architecture have all been preserved, and some of which have been declared national monuments. The best way to explore Stellenbosch is on foot and during a short guided walking tour the guide will introduce you to this University town.

Visit the Stellenbosch Museum, which comprises of 4 different houses, depicting different eras of the town’s architectural and social heritage, before enjoying some free time in the area.

Your tour is rounded off with a visit to a privately-owned wine estate in the Stellenbosch area, where you can participate in a wine-tasting session and gain a glimpse of the fascinating skills practiced in the cellar.

Your scenic extravaganza begins with a drive through the suburbs of Bantry Bay and Clifton to Camps Bay, behind which rise the impressive peaks of the Twelve Apostles. You’ll then continue along the Atlantic coast to the fishing village of Hout Bay.

Continue to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point, said to be the meeting point of 2 oceans. This area plays host to a wealth of indigenous flora and fauna with dramatic sea cliffs (among the highest in South Africa) and Cape Point as the main attraction. A funicular railway will whisk you to the viewing platform at the top of the Point. Take in the breathtaking views and enjoy fantastic photo opportunities. At the platforms, you may opt to climb the additional 120 steps to the top of the Point, where the lighthouse is located.

A delicious lunch will be served at a scenically situated restaurant.

Highlights include visiting the enchanting penguin colony at Boulders Beach as well as a visit to the wonderful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Marvel at the scenery on this tour as you pass whitewashed homesteads, rolling green hills with wild flowers and fertile valleys, alive with the sounds of surging streams. Heading east towards the famous Cape Winelands, your first stop is the town of Paarl. Surrounded by fruit and wine farms in the Berg River Valley, it lies beneath the imposing granite rocks of Paarl Mountain.

After visiting the Taal Monument, the only monument ever built to immortalise a language (Afrikaans), you’ll enjoy a guided tour of a wine cellar, followed by a formal wine tasting in the Paarl region.

From here, head to the lush Franschhoek Valley, and the village of Franschhoek (French Corner) for a brief stop at the Huguenot Monument, commemorating the arrival of the Huguenots in South Africa.

A second wine tasting will be conducted prior to a picnic lunch.

Stellenbosch, ‘Town of Oaks’, includes examples of Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian styles, which can be appreciated during an orientation tour.

Your tour to the Ostrich Ranch takes you along the west coast, where you’ll stop briefly for a photo of Table Mountain and the city across Table Bay.

The Ostrich Ranch is home to a variety of ostrich species and other birds, including the Westcoast White Ostrich, Dwarf Ostriches, Black-Neck Ostriches, emus, rheas and peacocks. During your visit, you’ll learn about the habits, breeding and characteristics of this unique bird. The trail through the Ranch takes around 45 minutes, during which you will see a display room, leather factory and cactus garden, which affords spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The highlight of the tour is a photo opportunity, sitting on an ostrich against the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain.

Following this unique experience, you’ll head for a Winery in Durbanville. This Winery draws its grapes from a group of neighbouring farms, selected for their outstanding quality crops. Enjoy a guided tour of the cellar, followed by a formal wine tasting.

Take a scenic drive along the Atlantic coast, passing by Sea Point, Bantry Bay, Clifton and Camps Bay. Stop at Maiden’s Cove to enjoy the magnificent views of Camps Bay Beach and the Twelve Apostles, before continuing along the coastal road, past the up-market suburb of Llandudno and on towards the fishing village of Hout Bay.

From here, you’ll travel along one of the world’s most spectacular routes, Chapman’s Peak Drive, which offers magnificent views over the ocean towards Hout Bay and The Sentinel.

Passing the pristine white sands of Noordhoek Beach, call in at Noordhoek Farm Village for a comfort stop. Join the scenic Ou Kaapse Weg (Old Cape Road) for views over the Southern Peninsula, Cape Flats and False Bay.

Heading back to the city via the M3 motorway, your route takes in the University of Cape Town, Rhodes Memorial, Mostert’s Mill and the famous Groote Schuur Hospital.

Skirting the slopes of Devil’s Peak, you’ll travel to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens spread over 1,300 acres on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, and are home to over 8,500 species of indigenous plants. Wander through the beautiful surroundings and enjoy some free time in the well-stocked Curio Shop.

Afterwards, you’ll travel through the prestigious suburbs of Bishopscourt and Constantia into the region where South Africa’s wine industry began over 3 centuries ago. Groot Constantia Estate boasts one of the most magnificent Cape Dutch homesteads. Once the private home of Dutch Governor Simon van der Stel, the manor house, which you will be able to visit briefly, is a fascinating blend of the West, East and Africa, incorporating European ideas, Asian craftsmanship and African materials. Join a guided tour of the cellar, followed by a formal wine tasting.

Returning via Hout Bay, you’ll pass through the Atlantic seaboard suburbs of Camps Bay, Clifton and Bantry Bay.

This tour takes you towards the mountains of the Western Cape, with their spectacular peaks, fertile valleys, farms and vineyards. The route is made accessible by means of the stunningly beautiful ‘Four Passes’.

You’ll head for Somerset West situated at the foot of the magnificent Hottentots Holland Mountains, which will be crossed via Sir Lowry’s Pass. The view from the summit embraces the whole of False Bay and the Cape Peninsula, from Table Mountain to the lighthouse at the tip of the Cape of Good Hope.

Passing Grabouw and Elgin, you’ll make your way towards the Viljoen’s Pass and Franschhoek Pass. Also known as the Elephant Path, Franschhoek Pass was used by the original settlers, who discovered that migrating wild animals had found the most practical way over the mountain. You’ll pass the Huguenot Monument and enjoy lunch and some free time in the beautiful town of Franschhoek.

Crossing the last of the Four Passes, Helshoogte, you will arrive in Stellenbosch, South Africa’s second oldest town. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the oak-lined streets before continuing to a wine estate, where you’ll be treated to a tasting of some outstanding local wines.

The Aquila Private Nature Reserve is a prestigious 4 star Reserve, situated over 11,000 acres of the Southern Karoo Highlands and encapsulating breathtaking majestic mountains, rivers and valleys.

Depart on a 2 hour safari in a 4x4 vehicle with a ranger guide. Having been proclaimed a Nature Reserve in 1985, Aquila has a natural wetland, magnificent mountains and valleys which make for varied and ideal game viewing. Aquila has free roaming elephant, buffalo, rhino, giraffe and hippo. Large herds of game are also found on the Reserve such as Black Wildebeest, Burchell's Zebra and Black Backed Jackal.

Aquila is home to 172 species of birds with several breeding pairs of the rare and endangered Black Eagle, after which the Reserve has been named. Karoo Chat and Fairy Flycatcher can be found on short walks into the surrounding wilderness.

A buffet lunch is served in the Reserve’s restaurant.

Your scenic drive will pass the wine region of Paarl, travelling through the fertile Tulbagh Valley to the fruit-growing region of Ceres. Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink upon arrival at the Inverdoorn Game Reserve.

The Inverdoorn Game Lodge and Safari's 10 thousand hectares are dedicated to conservation and contain over 1,200 wild animals representing 28 different species and hundreds of species of birdlife. Africa’s magnificent wild animals have returned to this area for the first time in over a century.

During your 2-hour game drive, you will have the opportunity to see giraffe, zebra, waterbuck, oryx, sable antelope, kudu, impala and springbok. A large number of birds can also be seen. Inverdoorn runs a Cheetah Rehabilitation Programme on site and lions and cheetahs can be seen in an enclosure. Enjoy a lunch of fresh farm produce in the Lodge’s restaurant.

Since 1960 Robben Island has been synonymous with the political struggle against apartheid in South Africa, holding prisoners such as Nelson Mandela and poet, Dennis Brutus, during its incredible history. As well as holding past prisoners Robben Island is a home to over 20 mammals and 130 different bird species including the 3rd largest colony of African Penguins.

A short coach transfer will take you to the ferry terminal at the Nelson Mandela Gateway, where you embark the ferry across Table Bay to the Island. Upon arrival enjoy an orientation tour, by bus, of the old leper colony, Muslim shrine, shipwreck and the lime quarry where prisoners went through back breaking work.

A highlight will be a former inmate giving a guided tour through the maximum security block and inside Nelson Mandela’s cell, where prison conditions can be witnessed firsthand.

Your scenic drive takes you through the city centre, passing the houses of Parliament along the way. Your destination is the imposing entrance to the Mount Nelson Hotel where you will be invited into the elegant lounge and terraced gardens, and you can relax in comfort and style.

The Mount Nelson Hotel is the most iconic luxury hotel in Cape Town situated within a sprawling lush garden estate in the heart of the city’s vibrant cultural centre and close to the bustling V&A Waterfront and some of Cape Town’s best beaches.

Accompanied by the sound of classical piano music, sample the many delicacies from the high tea buffet and enjoy the elegant atmosphere of yesteryear. The return drive is via the scenic route over Kloof Nek Road, Camps Bay, Clifton and Sea Point.

Parkwood Primary School first opened its doors in 1961 with just over 300 pupils in 7 classrooms. Due to overpopulated classrooms, double shift classes were introduced, whereby teachers had to teach 2 separate class groups per day. Today with the help of Non-governmental Organisations and community workers, Parkwood Primary has over 528 eager pupils with 15 dedicated educators.

Your guide will take you to the school, where you will have a chance to interact with the pupils and teachers as well as help prepare the meals for the children. At around 10.30am, the children will be fed and here you will have a chance to meet some of the youngsters that benefit from this special programme. After the meal, you’ll once again have the chance to get stuck in and to help clearing the dishes (if you wish) and there is also the opportunity to interact with staff at the school.

Your scenic drive will follow the steep road up Kloof Nek, enroute to conquering the summit of Signal Hill. Views from the 1100 foot high summit are nothing short of spectacular, rewarding visitors with vistas of Table Mountain, Cape Town Harbour, Table Bay and Robben Island.

Signal Hill is one of the only places in the world where critically endangered Peninsula Shale Renosterveld vegetation can still be found. It used to be the dominant ecosystem of the Cape Town City Bowl and was completely endemic.

Relax and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and a selection of tasty canapés, whilst taking in the sunset and the beautiful views of the ‘Mother City’, before returning via the upmarket Atlantic seaboard suburbs of Camps Bay, Clifton and Bantry Bay.

Day 1 – SUSSI & CHUMA EVENING GAME DRIVE
Take a flight from Cape Town to Livingstone via Johannesburg. Livingstone is the capital of the Southern Province of Zambia, named after explorer and missionary, Dr David Livingstone. A 45 minute drive brings you to the incredible Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma Safari Game Lodge. The resort is an exclusive haven in the heart of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, which in addition to the Victoria Falls, also boasts a wide variety of game and countless opportunities for adventure. Enjoy lunch before becoming acquainted with your surroundings. The main lodge is built within giant ebony trees overlooking the Zambezi. Enjoy afternoon tea before taking a sundown game drive. Look out for elephant, impala, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, zebra and an array of birds. Returning to the lodge, for dinner.

Day 2 – VICTORIA FALLS
Your second day at Sussi & Chuma allows you a choice of activities. Choose an early morning game drive or opt for a visit to the mighty Victoria Falls. Described by Dr Livingstone as “the Smoke that Thunders”, the falls make a constant roar and generate a cloud of brilliant spray as the mile wide Upper Zambezi falls 300 feet into the Lower Zambezi. For a more local experience you may take a tour of the local village. To round off your day, enjoy an evening river cruise on the Zambezi. Your expert guide will take your boat through a series of grade 2 rapids, guaranteed to get exciting, and a little wet. Soak up the warm Zambian hospitality back at the lodge with a wonderful dinner.

Day 3 – GAME DRIVE AND JOHANNESBURG
An early morning start allows you to head off on a morning game drive. On your return, sit down to a full breakfast before returning to Livingstone Airport to fly to Johannesburg, during which you’ll be served a light snack. In Johannesburg, you’ll be staying at the Grace Rosebank Hotel, which contrasts your Zambia accommodation with its sophisticated stylings. Dinner will be included at the Hotel.

Day 4 – RETURN TO ARCADIA
After breakfast in the Hotel, check out and return to the airport for your flight to Walvis Bay. On arrival in Walvis Bay, take the brief 30 minute transfer to the port where Arcadia awaits.

Day 1 – SUSSI & CHUMA EVENING GAME DRIVE
Take a flight from Cape Town to Livingstone via Johannesburg. Livingstone is the capital of the Southern Province of Zambia, named after explorer and missionary, Dr David Livingstone. A 45 minute drive brings you to the incredible Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma Safari Game Lodge. The resort is an exclusive haven in the heart of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, which in addition to the Victoria Falls, also boasts a wide variety of game and countless opportunities for adventure. Enjoy lunch before becoming acquainted with your surroundings. The main lodge is built within giant ebony trees overlooking the Zambezi. Enjoy afternoon tea before taking a sundown game drive. Look out for elephant, impala, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, zebra and an array of birds. Returning to the lodge, for dinner.

Day 2 – VICTORIA FALLS
Your second day at Sussi & Chuma allows you a choice of activities. Choose an early morning game drive or opt for a visit to the mighty Victoria Falls. Described by Dr Livingstone as “the Smoke that Thunders”, the falls make a constant roar and generate a cloud of brilliant spray as the mile wide Upper Zambezi falls 300 feet into the Lower Zambezi. For a more local experience you may take a tour of the local village. To round off your day, enjoy an evening river cruise on the Zambezi. Your expert guide will take your boat through a series of grade 2 rapids, guaranteed to get exciting, and a little wet. Soak up the warm Zambian hospitality back at the lodge with a wonderful dinner.

Day 3 – GAME DRIVE AND JOHANNESBURG
An early morning start allows you to head off on a morning game drive. On your return, sit down to a full breakfast before returning to Livingstone Airport to fly to Johannesburg, during which you’ll be served a light snack. In Johannesburg, you’ll be staying at the Grace Rosebank Hotel, which contrasts your Zambia accommodation with its sophisticated stylings. Dinner will be included at the Hotel.

Day 4 – RETURN TO ARCADIA
After breakfast in the Hotel, check out and return to the airport for your flight to Walvis Bay. On arrival in Walvis Bay, take the brief 30 minute transfer to the port where Arcadia awaits.