South Africa: Kruger Wildlife Tracking & Vineyards

Africa's most populous city, Johannesburg is an exciting launch pad for adventures of all kinds. A thriving art and food scene tell the story of a city embracing its unique identity while honouring its complex history. Welcome to Johannesburg, and to South Africa, and we invite you to learn the past and the present South Africa.

Join your CEO and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing. Head out for a delicious meal in Nelson Mandela Square-known for the iconic six metre statue of Mandela himself.

TRANSPORT: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

ACTIVITY: EVENING Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy your welcome dinner at a local restaurant in Nelson Mandela Square this evening. The square is the base of Johannesburg's finest dining options in the heart of Sandton. Home to the iconic statue of Nelson Mandela, the square is an example of African pride and an important symbol of freedom.

What does it take to be a guide in South Africa? How do you learn the way each animal leaves its mark on its surroundings? What is it like being on foot in the African bush at dusk and dawn? Ecotraining is the leading guide training company in Africa and your African journey starts with an exclusive two day experience learning what it takes to be a guide in these iconic national parks and conservancies. This is not just a safari-this is an opportunity to step into another life for a brief two days. Ecotraining promises to leave their guides "passionate guardians of nature" and we guarantee you will gain the same passion during your time in the Pridelands.

A 4500-acre former buffalo hunting farm, Pridelands Conservancy is now your playground for the next two days. The conservancy lies just outside of the town of Hoedspruit, adjacent to Kruger National Park. After a short flight to Hoedspruit, embark on a search for wildlife with your guides, learning how to recognize animal patterns and behaviours.

ACTIVITY: Sit back and take in your surroundings on an afternoon safari drive inside Pridelands Wildlife Estate after lunch. Your stay at the Raptors Lodge is hosted by Eco-training, the most well-known and accredited guide and ranger training facility in all of southern Africa. Jump into the 4x4 vehicle and keep your eyes open wide for some unforgettable wildlife encounters. Enjoy a sundowner at the perfect sunset spot before your bush braai dinner.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

TRANSPORT: MORNING Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Begin the day at dawn, heading out on foot with your guides in search of elephant, buffalo and zebra. Breakfast is served out in the bush with wildlife free to move about while you dine. Safari drives in the afternoon focus on animal identification and behaviour with an extra focus on situational awareness when near large wildlife.

After a full day exploring with your hosts, dinner is served al fresco at the Ndlovu Dam. Eating most of your meals in the bush maximizes the time you spend completely immersed in this special environment. Work on perfecting your bird calls over dinner with your fellow travellers.

ACTIVITY: Travel once again, from the lodge into Pridelands and disembark from the vehicle. Participate in a morning walking safari with your expert guides and focus on tracking and trailing while learning the signs of the bush and how to identify animal prints.

ACTIVITY: This late afternoon safari drive will have you experiencing the bush in a whole new light. Stop at the perfect spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon and enjoy light snacks and drinks together. Then after the sun has set, experience an evening in the African bush with a heavy focus from your guide on animal identification, behaviour, and situational awareness.

FREE TIME: After your morning safari the group will transfer back to the lodge where you will have free time to unwind and relax after the immersive morning activity. Enjoy all of the wonderful amenities that the lodge has to offer before a group lunch on the property.

Kruger National Park is so vast and so full of wildlife, history and culture that travellers often return again and again, uncovering new discoveries each time. If this is your first or twenty-first time, safari drives and sundowners never get old. Your day begins with a safari drive en route to the lodge. Another afternoon safari drive makes for an incredible first day in the park.

It's hard to improve upon morning and afternoon safari drives in Kruger park. But we think downtime for the pool and sundowners in the bush just might hit the spot.

ACTIVITY: En route to Mdluli Safari Lodge the group will enjoy a safari drive in Kruger National Park. Be on the lookout for elephants, giraffes, hippos, lions, zebras, and many other species as you pass through.

ACTIVITY: MORNING Traverse into the Pridelands once again this morning to track large game on foot while learning skills on how to safely operate in the bush.

FREE TIME: Spend free time at the Mdluli Safari Lodge and enjoy the amenities on the property. The lodge is designed to make you feel as close and connected to nature as possible while also retaining a level of comfort uncommon in the bush. View wild animals walking by the lodge or cool down from the sweltering African sun in the infinity pool.

ACTIVITY: Climb into the 4x4 safari vehicle and take off from the lodge to spend the evening traversing Kruger National Park. Enjoy a sundowner drink and keep your attention sharp in case any elephants, giraffes, hippos, lions, zebras, or other wildlife are nearby.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Kruger at dawn is unlike anything else on earth. Animals are waking and so must you, if you want to have the best chance to witness their behaviour first thing in the morning. Walk to Granite Rock for an outdoor picnic breakfast before your local guides accompany you on a walking safari through the national park.

Another safari drive in the afternoon marks your last opportunity to get out into the bush to spot wildlife. Time flies when you're having the adventure of a lifetime. Celebrate this evening with a bush braai with your fellow travellers.

ACTIVITY: The safari lodge has a unique granite rock formation on the property. It's a short walk from your tents and offers captivating 360-degree views of Kruger National Park from an elevated viewpoint. Climb up with the group and sit basking in the views as you enjoy a picnic breakfast.

ACTIVITY: Rise early and set off on a guided bush walk through the wild terrain of Kruger National Park. Enjoy being as close to the bush as possible to the land and learn from your experienced guides all about the park as well as their own personal stories of past experiences while on safari.

ACTIVITY: Jump into your safari vehicle and get ready for another chance to spot elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, lions, and many other species in one of Africa's greatest wildlife areas. The safari will be within the Mduli private roads and will finish off with sundowners for the group at the watering hole.

ACTIVITY: Settle in for an unforgettable braai dinner experience in the African bush. Drive in 4x4 vehicles out to Mdluli Dam and enjoy dinner together around the fire under the vast African sky. Your experienced guides will accompany you and make sure you are safe as you eat dinner in one of nature's most magnificent settings.

Known as the food and wine capital of the world, Franschhoek offers a welcome contrast to the safari adventures thus far. Set amongst the verdant green vineyards and with the towering Drakenstein mountains in distance, its easy to imagine just sitting and just "being" in this peaceful of a place. But first things first-dig into a three course dinner at Sauvage restaurant. Located within the Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa and led by head chef Kyle Norris, Sauvage is known for their colourful plates inspired by what grows locally. Your hardest choice today is whether its wine or coffee after dinner.

A flight from Kruger brings you southbound to Cape Town. Before your Cape Town discoveries start, spend two days discovering the vineyards of Franschhoek. Delicious food and wine await.

TRANSPORT: MORNING Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Enjoy free time to relax at this beautiful hotel and spa in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Ease into pure luxury surrounded by magnificent mountain vistas.

ACTIVITY: Sit down for dinner at Sauvage, one of the most renowned restaurants in Franschhoek. The menu is always seasonal and the establishment is known for its warm, hospitable service, and picturesque dining views. There property also boasts an elegant lounge and a terrace bar which are both great locations to opt for a pre-or-post-dinner cocktail.

Franschhoek was named Time magazine's top 50 places to visit in 2022, and it's easy to see why. With an e-bike, you will be able to pedal as much-or as little-as you wish while exploring the vineyards and small towns between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Sample wine and gourmet snacks but don't worry about filling up, because lunch is served at Babylonstoren Gardens. These gardens must be seen to be believed- 8 acres of cultivated fruit and vegetable gardens and expertly manicured pathways throughout.

Biking through the countryside of Franschhoek, it's easy to see why it has become an iconic destination for food and wine. The vineyards themselves are sprawled out as far as the eye can see, mountains rising as a backdrop against the rows of vines. While using your e-bike to get around, visit a number of vineyards and choose to sample the wine, the delicious coffee, or the gourmet food. Babylonstoren Garden is your final stop of the day. Enjoy lunch here in the Greenhouse before spending the afternoon in the gardens exploring at leisure.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: This 3.5 hour e-bike ride through the vineyards is made a breeze by the use of electronic bikes. Pedal through the breathtaking wine land scenery that this part of South Africa is known for and see the Stellenbosch and Franschoek regions. This is your chance to meet some locals and taste the great cuisine of this region. Travel to two different vineyards and sit down for tastings at each, or choose to sample of the gourmet food and other delicacies produced locally.

ACTIVITY: Babylonstoren is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms, set at the foot of Simonsberg in the Franschhoek wine valley and committed to growing fresh food and wine in a setting that evokes a sense of wellbeing. Sit under the oak trees and enjoy a seasonally inspired menu of food for lunch with the group.

FREE TIME: HALF DAY Spend the afternoon at your leisure and explore the gardens of Babylonstoren at your own pace. In the evening, once back at your accommodations, wander the beautiful town of Franschoek on your own and opt to find a cozy restaurant for dinner.

The days full of culinary delights must come to an end, but the adventure continues in Cape Town. Paddling through Table Bay with views of Signal Hill and Table Mountain, it's easy to feel a million miles from the rush of a city. Heaviside's dolphins are frequent visitors during your paddle.

With a very short distance between Franshchhoek and Cape Town, it's the perfect day for a bit of a late start. Once in Cape Town, join your CEO for a walk around the city to explore. After a thrilling two hour paddle in Table Bay, join your fellow travellers for dinner on the iconic Cape waterfront.

ACTIVITY: For spectacular views of the ocean, head to the V&A Waterfront. The complex is a popular destination for dining, leisure and entertainment. Spend time here browsing the shops or relaxing at a bar with ocean views. This is where you will have time to find a dining spot for lunch on your own.

ACTIVITY: Set out on a short, but sweet orientation driving tour of Cape Town to get your bearings.

ACTIVITY: The activity begins at a beach at Three Anchor Bay where the kayaks are stored. Start paddling 3-5km towards Granger or Bantry Bay. The views of Signal Hill, Lion’s Head, and Table Mountain are unforgettable. Let the uninterrupted views and the fresh sea breeze rejuvenate you. Paddle past the Green Point Lighthouse and search for Cape Town's endemic Heaviside's Dolphins. Summer mornings are their favourite time to come say hi.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Without doubt the most recognizable symbol of Cape Town, Table Mountain rises behind the city touching the clouds with its flat top. Reach new heights one of two ways. Join a local guide and hike through the Platteklip Gorge, Table Mountain's oldest and most frequented route. If you are ready to kick back and relax, join your CEO in a cable car ride to the top.

Whether you decide to climb Table Mountain on your own steam, or take a cable car all the way up, you reunite with your fellow travellers at the top and descend together via the cableway. The entire afternoon is dedicated to exploring Kirstenbosch National Botanic Gardens. Walk the Centenary Tree Canopy walk, a new curved steel and timber bridge that winds and dips its way through and over the trees of the Arboretum.

ACTIVITY: Option 1: Start the morning with a hike up Platteklip Gorge with a local guide. This is Table Mountain's oldest and most frequented route. Hike to the upper cable station, navigating a steep and winding climb. Wander through groves of indigenous trees like, Wild Olive, Bladder Nut, Silky Bark, Water Blossom Pea, and Red Alder. Breathtaking views of Cape Town await you at the top. After reaching the top enjoy a scenic descent via cable car. It takes around 2.5 hours to reach the top and the distance is 3km along a trail rated as difficult. Elevation gain is 700m.

Option 2: Hop aboard a cable car with your CEO and enjoy a much less strenuous, but no less scenic, ride up to the summit of Table Mountain. Experience a different perspective and marvel at the sweeping views of Cape Town below and the surrounding coastline. At the top you will have free time to enjoy the views, explore the walking trails, or simply bask in the mountain's serene ambience. Meet up with the hikers of the group and travel down the mountain together via cable car.

ACTIVITY: Visit and enjoy Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens at your own pace this afternoon. This is one of the greatest botanical gardens in the world and a must-see while in Cape Town along the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. Make sure to check out the new Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway dipping it's way above and through the trees in the arboretum. The winding walkway takes visitors from the forest floor into and through the trees to burst out above the canopy.

FREE TIME: Enjoy a free evening to have dinner on your own along the waterfront.

OMG indeed. There is plenty to choose from to make your day in the Mother City a truly unique experience. Make your last day in South Africa a perfect fit for you. Choose between a Black Route walking tour and cooking experience, and a half day Urban Cycle tour. Both options cover a ton of ground and get you out and about before your trip home.

Come together after your unique adventures and join your CEO and fellow travellers for a farewell dinner.

ACTIVITY: Option 1: Set out on the Black Route city walking tour and enjoy a Cape Malay cooking class this morning. See sites like Bo-Kaap, Grand Parade, Castle of Good Hope, Slave Lodge, the Parliament building, St Georges Cathedral, Company Gardens, Apartheid benches, Berlin Wall, Green Market Square, and the Old Slave Church. After working up an appetite attend a 2-hour cooking class and 1-hour tour of Bo-Kaap. Make traditional curry, samosa, and rotis from scratch. Enjoy your bounty of food for lunch.

Option 2: Cycle through Cape Town's vibrant neighbourhood of Woodstock and view the famous street art scene there. As you cycle, take in the epic Chapman's Peak Drive and colourful huts on Muizenberg Beach. Seeing Cape Town on two wheels ensures you see so much more than you would by just walking.

ACTIVITY: Rejoing your CEO and group for a final dinner together in Cape Town at Gold Restaurant for an authentic African experience. Enjoy a 14-dish feast paired with traditional Mali puppets and entertainment.

Your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time today.

ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.