Small Group SOUTH AFRICA Highlights

Each day's title includes the initials of the meals included (B for breakfast, L for lunch, and D for dinner).

DAY 0:  Depart Toronto

Today marks the start of your South African adventure! Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey filled with rich culture, stunning landscapes, and incredible wildlife. There are several flight options available from Toronto to Cape Town, all of which include at least one connection—typically through major international hubs. 

DAY 1: Arrive at Cape Town Airport, transfer to Stellenbosh

Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, we will be greeted by our trusted local partner, Afrivista Tours. From there, we’ll enjoy a comfortable transfer to the charming town of Stellenbosch, nestled in the heart of South Africa’s scenic winelands. As you travel through the picturesque landscapes, get your first glimpses of the country’s natural beauty setting the tone for the adventure ahead.

DAY 2:  Stellenbosch &  Winery Tours (B,L)

We'll begin the day with a walk through downtown Stellenbosch, exploring its charming Cape Dutch architecture, followed by a visit to the Stellenbosch Museum. After lunch, we'll enjoy a scenic drive around the city before heading to a renowned local winery for a memorable tasting experience. Guests can relax or explore on their own after returning to the hotel in the late afternoon.

DAY 3: Franschoek & Winery Tours (B)

Today, we'll head to the picturesque town of Franschhoek, South Africa’s culinary and wine capital. After a stroll down the main street, we’ll visit your first winery to sample some of the region’s finest wines.  Next, we’ll enjoy lunch at Le Pommier, a lovely spot surrounded by vineyards. In the afternoon, we’ll tour a working winery before returning to the hotel by mid-afternoon for a free evening.

DAY 4: Hermanus Day Trip (B,L)

Today we will 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 thriving colony of African penguins. Midday, we’ll stop for lunch at a local seaside restaurant before continuing our journey. We return to the hotel in the late afternoon for a free evening. 

DAY 5: Transfer to Cape Town via Boulder Beach and Cape Point (B,D)

After checking out of our hotel, we’ll travel south to the Cape of Good Hope, the southwestern tip of Africa. At Cape Point, we’ll enjoy sweeping ocean views and visit the historic lighthouse. On our way north, we’ll stop at Boulders Beach to see a colony of African penguins, then drive the scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive before arriving in Cape Town to check into our hotel and enjoy dinner with your guide.

DAY 6: Cape Town  Day #1 (featuring Robben Island) (B)

Guests will begin their day with a guided tour of Robben Island, the historic site where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison. This powerful experience offers insight into South Africa’s resilience and journey to democracy. Afterwards, guests can explore the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Attractions include the Two Oceans Aquarium and lots of trendy shops, cafes and restaurants.

DAY 7:  Cape Town Day #2 (featuring Table Mountain) (B)

Guests are encouraged to purchase a hop-on hop-off bus ticket for the day—a convenient way to explore Cape Town’s top sights at their own pace. Highlights include iconic Table Mountain where guests can ride the cable car for breathtaking views of the city and coastline, the downtown historic district, and stylish Camp’s Bay. TravelMaven staff will assist guests in planning their day in the beautiful “Mother City.”

DAY 8:  Fly to Kruger, transfer to Rio Vista & Sunset Safari (B,D)

Today, guests will head to Cape Town Airport for their flight to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by our local partners, CD Tours, and transferred to Rio Vista Lodge (less than an hour away) for a late lunch. In the late afternoon, the adventure truly begins with your first venture into Kruger National Park, a 4-hour Sunset Safari, your first chance to see South Africa's incredible wildlife. 

DAY 9: Full-Day Kruger Safari (B,D)

Today is the day many have dreamed of for a lifetime—a full-day safari in Kruger National Park. You’ll set out early in open safari vehicles. This 10-hour safari takes you deep into Kruger, offering the chance to spot the Big Five and countless other species. Mid-morning, you'll pause for breakfast at a rest stop, and later stop for lunch at Skukuza, the park’s largest rest camp, before heading back out for a final drive.

DAY 10: Panorama Route & Blyde River Canyon (B, L, D)

Get ready for a long but rewarding day as you travel north along the famous Panorama Route, one of South Africa’s most scenic drives. Highlights include breathtaking viewpoints like Blyde River Canyon and a visit to Graskop Gorge, where you'll take a glass elevator 51 meters down into a lush micro-rainforest with trails to explore. After a full day of sightseeing, you’ll return to the lodge for dinner.

DAY 11: Chimp Eden & i'Langa Mall (B, D)

The day begins with a visit to Chimp Eden, a sanctuary run by the Jane Goodall Foundation that provides a safe home for rescued chimpanzees. Guests will learn about their stories and the conservation efforts behind the sanctuary. Afterward, you’ll stop at i'Langa Mall for lunch and free time to explore shops and soak in the modern South African atmosphere, before returning to the lodge for the evening.

DAY 12: Full-Day Kruger Safari (B,D)

Today marks the final safari of the tour, a 6-hour game drive offering one last chance to take in the beauty of Kruger National Park. 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, giving you a final opportunity to try something new off their menu. 

DAY 13: Sudwala Caves, fly Kruger to Jo'burg to home (B)

After a late breakfast and check-out, guests will head to the Sudwala Caves, one of the oldest cave networks in the world.  Before the spelunking begins, you'll have lunch at Sudwala's outdoor cafe. After the caves, guests will be transferred to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport for a short flight to Johannesburg, where they will connect to their international flight home.  

DAY 14: Arrive in Toronto

Today begins in the air and ends at home. Depending on individual flight plans, travelers will arrive back in Toronto at various times—morning, afternoon, or evening. As your unforgettable journey through South Africa comes to a close, we hope you return home feeling inspired, enriched, and full of stories to share. Welcome home!