We all have a travel bucket list whether it is written down or kept inside one of those many file folders in our mind.  When we scan over that list there are those places that just scream “life changing adventure”.   South Africa is one of those places.

DAY 1: CAPE TOWN

When you arrive in South Africa’s oldest city of Cape Town, it will most likely be late afternoon early evening and your internal clock will be feeling all sorts of jumbled.  Collect your bags, head to your hotel with your transfer and RELAX.  I recommend Cape Grace Hotel for its fantastic location on the harbor as well as their gorgeous rooms and family suites.   There is plenty of time tomorrow to view the extensive coastlines, rugged mountain ranges and gorgeous costal plains.  

DAY 2: CAPE TOWN

Tour the vibrant town of Cape Town and take a cable car ride up to Table Mountain.  The ride itself is incredibly scenic with windows surrounding you and the car slowly spinning so you can take in all the views.  

With its distinctive flat top, it is arguably one of the most iconic landmarks on the city.  At the top you can get a 360-degree view of the entire peninsula. There is multiple look out points and each vantage point is worth a look.

After your tour check out the Victoria and Albert Watershed. Here you will find local artisans with goods such as jewelry, ceramics, clothing, and leather goods are all on display.  

DAY 3: CAPE POINT

Where the Icy Atlantic Ocean meet up with the warm Indian Ocean, take in the awe-inspiring views.  Walk along the trails or up to the lighthouse for some amazing picture opportunities.  Afterwards head over to Boulder beach for an unforgettable encounter with African Penguins.  Starting with just 2 breeding pairs in 1982, the colony has climbed to over 2,200.

DAY 4: FRANSCHHOEK

Head 45 minutes to the east to visit one of my favorite spots, the wine making valley of Franschhoek.  Settled in the 1680’s by French Huguenots, they brought not only their culture, but their agriculture and this region now produces Champagne to Shiraz. Franschhoek is also a great place to spend a few nights.  I stated at the La Cotte Inn.  Their onsight gardens were simply spectacular. 

For the thrill seekers, you can alternatively head out on high adventure with shark diving, sand boarding or whale watching.   

DAY 5-8: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Say good-bye to Cape Town when you board your plane and fly to Kruger National Park.  Here you can spy all of Africa’s iconic species including the big 5-lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and cape buffalo.  And don’t forget the giraffes!  These much-loved animals are on everyone’s “must see” list.  There are many accommodation options with private game reserves or in the public park areas.  Twice daily Safari’s in well-appointed Jeeps, walking safari’s or simply sitting outside enjoying a lunch high up in a tree house, there are so many ways to be a part of the wild and amazing landscape.

DAY 9-12: VICTORIA FALLS

Depart Kruger National Park and fly into Victoria Falls.  The Zambezi River is the dividing line between Zambia and Zimbabwe and both countries offer gorgeous 4- and 5-star accommodations, phenomenal cuisine, and some of the friendliest people I have met in all my travels.  

While in Victoria Falls take a sunset cruise along the river spotting hippos.  Have high tea while overlooking antelope at a watering hole and afterward head out on a black rhino safari to try and get your chance to spot one of the critically endangered animals.  Take a tour of Victoria Falls where adorable monkey’s can be found playing around while you walk along all the microclimates and take in the breathtaking views of the falls.  For the adventurous, head out to Devil’s pool at the top of the Falls or hop onboard a helicopter and observe the falls from above as well as the stretching river teeming with wildlife.  

DAY 13: FLY HOME, OR MAYBE NOT?

Today you say goodbye to Victoria Falls and either hello to home or on for more adventure. For history buffs fly back to South Africa to visit Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa and with over 14 million residents.  Established in 1886 after the discovery of gold, there is a very dark side to this mega city.  Thinking of the beach, then maybe a few days in Mozambique.  Whatever you choose to do, the memories you will have made visiting the African continent whether it is your first or fifth time, will be ones to remember for a lifetime.  

Want to learn more?  Connect with me and let me help you by planning your next big adventure!