2 Spaces in 2026 Left! 2027 Available Now!
Who hasn't dreamt of riding across the African savannah in an open vehicle, checking out the elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and a few big cats? I think everyone had this dream when they were young, but for many Canadians, an African safari has always seemed too far, too expensive, too dangerous, or just too much to seriously contemplate. But that's not true! An African safari is within your reach, and TravelMaven can make your dream a reality!
Our Best of South Africa program balances the very best of three worlds: the vibrant city of Cape Town, the rich country culture of Stellenbosch, and the thrilling safari of Kruger National Park. Instead of rushing from place to place, we’ve carefully crafted a sixteen day journey with only two domestic flights and three hotels. That means more time spent exploring and less time packing and unpacking.
Groups are limited to just twelve guests, which keeps the experience personal and flexible. Together we can walk through city streets, share meals in wine estates, and venture out on safari drives in search of the Big Five. From the moment you arrive in Cape Town, our team is there to welcome you and set the stage for an unforgettable adventure that combines city, country, and safari in perfect harmony.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to limited hotel availability during peak season, some tours begin in Cape Town, folllowed by Stellenbosch. Others begin in Stellenbosch, followed by Cape Town. Both options work equally well and offer the same program. In all cases, Kruger is the 3rd stop.
TOUR DETAILS
LAND PACKAGE: C$9,280
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: C$1,860
TYPE: Classic
HOTELS: 4-star
GROUP: Max 12 guests
DURATION: 18 days (17 nights)
STARTS: Cape Town
ENDS: Johannesburg
START DATES:
January 17, 2027 (12 Spaces Remaining)
January 31, 2027 (12 Spaces Remaining)
February 14, 2027 (12 Spaces Remaining)
Our Three Regions
Cape Town
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch
We begin with five nights in Cape Town, where Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront set the stage. Highlights include Kirstenbosch Gardens, Hout Bay with a Seal Island cruise, the Cape of Good Hope, and penguins at Boulders Beach, plus free time to explore with your City Sightseeing pass.
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch
Next, five nights in Stellenbosch immerse us in South Africa’s wine country. We wander oak-lined streets, visit wineries for tastings, and spend a day in Franschhoek enjoying fine food and vineyards. Another day brings coastal beauty and penguins in Hermanus and Betty’s Bay, with time for cycling, golf, or the Wine Tram before a Franschhoek-style farewell dinner.
Kruger
Stellenbosch
Kruger
The trip ends with seven nights near Kruger National Park, where open vehicle safaris offer close encounters with elephants, lions, and leopards. We explore the Panorama Route, visit Chimp Eden and the Sudwala Caves, and spend a day in eSwatini. Evenings bring a sunset safari, a bush braai, and relaxed dinners at our riverside lodge overlooking the Crocodile River.
DAILY AGENDA (2027)
Day 0
Depart Toronto
Your South African adventure begins today! There are multiple flight options from Toronto to Cape Town, all requiring a connection somewhere. If you’re unsure which route to take, Barry is happy to provide recommendations to help you find the best option based on your schedule, preferences, and travel style. The adventure of a lifetime is just a flight away!
Day 1
Arrive in Cape Town
Welcome to Cape Town! No matter what time you arrive, Barry will be there to greet you at the airport and take you to the Portswood Hotel, perfectly located in the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront district. If you arrive early enough, take advantage of the hotel’s pool or enjoy a meal at its in-house restaurant as you settle into this world-class city.
Day 2
Orientation Walk, Robben Island &Welcome Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of Cape Town’s vibrant Waterfront District, ending with lunch at the upscale TIME OUT food market. In the afternoon, we'll board the 1 PM ferry to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison. As the day winds down, we'll gather for a Welcome Dinner at one of the exceptional eateries in the Waterfront.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 3
Table Mountain, Camp's Bay, Two Oceans Aquarium & Sunset Champagne Cruise
We start the day with a visit to Table Mountain, one of Cape Town’s must-see attractions. A scenic cable car ride takes us to the summit, where breathtaking panoramic views stretch across the city and coastline. Then we're off to Camp’s Bay for lunch by the ocean. Back at the Waterfront, we’ll visit the Two Oceans Aquarium before ending the day with a Sunset Champagne Cruise from the main harbour.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 4
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Hout Bay & Seal Island
Today, we explore the Western Cape using City Sightseeing’s excellent hop-on hop-off bus network. Our first stop is the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, where we’ll stroll the treetop Boomslang Canopy Walkway. Then it’s on to Hout Bay for a scenic boat trip to Seal Island and a relaxing lunch by the water. We return to the Waterfront via a scenic coastal drive, with the evening free to relax or explore.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 5
Free Day in Cape Town
Free days are a great opportunity for guests to tailor their experience, choosing activities that match their interests and energy levels. With your provided City Sightseeing bus pass and City Pass, you have the flexibility to explore many attractions. You might visit top attractions like the District Six Museum, browse local art galleries, or take a sightseeing boat tour of Table Bay. Activities Included in City Pass
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6
Cape Point Tour & Transfer to Stellenbosch
After checking out, we’ll head south along the iconic Chapman’s Peak Drive to the Cape of Good Hope, the southwestern tip of Africa known for its dramatic coastal scenery. On our way back, we’ll stop at Boulders Beach to see the colony of African penguins. In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Stellenbosch, check in to the Stellenbosch Hotel, and settle into the heart of South Africa’s renowned wine country.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 7
Stellenbosch & Winery Tour
We begin today with a walk through downtown Stellenbosch and a visit to the Stellenbosch Museum. After lunch, we’ll take a scenic driving tour around the city before heading to one of Stellenbosch’s renowned wineries. Guests will sample local wines while taking in the stunning vineyard scenery. After returning to the hotel in the late afternoon, guests will have a free evening to relax or explore.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 8
Franschoek & Winery Tour
Today, we visit Franschhoek, South Africa’s culinary and wine capital. After a stroll through its charming main street, we’ll visit our first winery for a tasting experience. Next, we’ll enjoy lunch at Le Pommier, a lovely spot surrounded by vineyards. In the afternoon, we’ll tour a working winery where guests can see the winemaking process in action before returning to the hotel by mid-afternoon. The evening is free.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 9
Hermanus Tour
After breakfast, we’ll make our way to Hermanus, a coastal town along the Indian Ocean, known for its dramatic cliffs and rich marine life. We’ll spend the day exploring the region, including a visit to Betty’s Bay to see a colony of African penguins. Midday, we’ll stop for lunch at a local seaside restaurant. We return to the hotel in the late afternoon, and the evening is free time to spend as you choose.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 10
Free Day in Stellenbosch
Today is all about choosing your own adventure in Stellenbosch! Barry will be available to help guests plan their ideal day, whether it’s a bike or e-bike tour, a round of golf, visiting more wineries, or a scenic ride through vineyards on the Wine Tram. In the evening, we’ll gather for a special "Farewell to the Western Cape" dinner at Helena’s, located in the elegant five-star Coopmanhuijs Hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 11
Fly Cape Town to Kruger
After checking out, you’ll transfer to Cape Town Airport for your flight to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport. Upon arrival, our local partner CD Tours will transfer you to Rio Vista Lodge (less than an hour away). Tonight guests can enjoy the lodge's peaceful atmosphere before tomorrow's early start. Swim in the pool, look for animals along the Crocodile River, and enjoy dinner at The Deck, the lodge's restaurant.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 12
Full-Day Kruger Safari
Today is the day many have dreamed of for a lifetime—a full-day African safari in Kruger National Park. You’ll set out early in open safari vehicles, catching the sunrise and spotting wildlife as the park comes to life. Along the way, stop for coffee at Afsaal Trader’s Rest and lunch at Skukuza, the park’s largest rest camp. After a final afternoon drive, return to Rio Vista Lodge to relax before dinner at The Deck.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 13
Panorama Ridge & Blyde River Canyon
Get ready for a rewarding day along the scenic Panorama Route, with a stop at Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest and most spectacular green canyons in the world. You’ll also visit Graskop Gorge, where a glass elevator takes you down into a lush rainforest. Optional ziplining and bungee jumping are available for adventure-seekers. After a full day, we’ll return to the lodge for dinner and a well-earned rest. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14
Free Time & Sunset Safari & Bush Braai
After a relaxing day at the lodge, the adventure continues with a 4-hour sunset safari in Kruger National Park. As daylight fades, watch for nocturnal animals and active predators. The evening ends with one of two memorable dinners: a traditional bush braai (BBQ) in the park, hosted by National Park staff (weather and conditions permitting), or a delicious meal at one of the region’s top restaurants.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15
Chimp Eden & Sudwala Caves
In the morning you’ll visit Jane Goodall's Chimp Eden, a sanctuary that provides care and rehabilitation for chimpanzees rescued from abuse, neglect, or illegal captivity. Afterward, you’ll head to the Sudwala Caves, some of the world’s oldest known caves, where you’ll enjoy lunch at the on-site restaurant before setting off on a guided underground tour. After an exciting day, you’ll return to the lodge for dinner.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 16
eSwatini (Swaziland) Tour
Just beyond Kruger Park lies the independent kingdom of eSwatini (formerly Swaziland). This full-day tour explores Swazi culture with visits to Swazi Candles, known for handcrafted designs; Ngwenya Glass, where recycled glass becomes art; and Matenga Cultural Village, where we’ll experience traditional homes, customs, and a lively music and dance performance. We return to the lodge in the evening.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 17
Full-Day Kruger Safari
Today marks the final safari of the tour, a 6-hour game drive offering one last chance to take in the beauty of Kruger. Our expert guides can adjust the route based on previous sightings, giving guests one last opportunity to search for any wildlife they may not have seen yet. In the evening, enjoy your last dinner at The Deck and take the opportunity to try something new from its extensive menu.
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 18
Transfer to Airport & Fly Home
After breakfast and check-out, guests will be transferred to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport for a short flight to Johannesburg, where they will connect to their international flights home. Departure time from Rio Vista Lodge will depend on individual flight schedules, but we'll ensure everyone arrives at the airport with plenty of time to catch their flights. This marks the end of our tour. Safe travels!
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 19
Arrive Home
Depending on individual flight itineraries, travelers will arrive back in Toronto in the morning, afternoon, or evening. We hope this journey has exceeded your expectations and left you with unforgettable memories and stories to share with your loved ones. We sincerely thank you for choosing to travel with Travelmaven. Last tip: ask whoever is picking you up at the airport to bring you a coat! Welcome home!
The TravelMaven Touch
Smart Pace
Freedom Within a Group
Freedom Within a Group
Instead of rushing from one hotel to the next, we carefully designed this journey with just three bases: five nights in Cape Town, five in Stellenbosch, and seven near Kruger. This means less packing and unpacking and more time to enjoy each destination in depth.
Freedom Within a Group
Freedom Within a Group
Freedom Within a Group
Our tours give travelers the structure of a group with room to make personal choices. We include some meals and leave others open, so you can choose what suits you best. You will also have free time on select days to explore on your own, giving everyone the chance to do something they're interested in.
Very Small Group
Freedom Within a Group
Very Small Group
With a maximum of twelve guests, our tours feel personal and efficient. Smaller groups move easily through city streets, fit comfortably into local restaurants, and experience safaris without the crowd, creating a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.