Small Group SOUTH AFRICA Highlights

(B for breakfast, L for lunch, and D for dinner.)

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.

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

Welcome to South Africa! Guests will arrive at the Cape Town airport and be transferred to Stellenbosch by our local partner Afrivista Tours.

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

We begin today with a walk through downtown Stellenbosch, exploring its charming streets lined with Cape Dutch architecture, followed by a visit to the Stellenbosch Museum to learn about the town’s rich history. After lunch, we’ll take a scenic driving tour around the city before heading to one of Stellenbosch’s renowned wineries for a memorable tasting experience. Guests will sample exceptional 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 more of Stellenbosch.

DAY 3: Franschoek & Winery Tours (B)

Today, we head to the picturesque town of Franschhoek, known as the culinary and wine capital of South Africa. After a leisurely stroll down its charming main street, we’ll visit our first winery for a tasting experience, sampling 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 visit a working winery, where guests can see the winemaking process in action before returning to the hotel by mid-afternoon. Guests have a free evening. 

DAY 4: Hermanus Day Trip (B,L)

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, where guests can watch a thriving colony of African penguins waddling along the shore. Midday, we’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant, enjoying the relaxed seaside atmosphere before continuing our journey. We return to the hotel in the late afternoon, and the evening is free time to spend as you choose. 

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

After checking out of the hotel in Stellenbosch, we’ll travel south through the coastal towns en route to the Cape of Good Hope, the most southwestern point in Africa. At Cape Point, we'll take in the sweeping ocean views and visit the historic lighthouse. Heading north, we’ll stop at Boulders Beach to see the colony of African penguins up close. We’ll then drive the dramatic Chapman’s Peak Drive before arriving in Cape Town to check into our hotel and have dinner with our guide. 

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

Guests will begin their day with a guided tour of Robben Island, the place where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison. 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)

This is a free day in Cape Town but guests are encouraged to consider getting a hop-on hop-off bus ticket to see the sights, including magnificent Table Mountain (not included). Other sights include the downtown historic district and uber-cool Camp's Bay. Before departure, TravelMaven staff will help guests plan 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 to catch their flight to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport. Upon arrival they'll be picked up by our local partners CD Tours who will transfer them to Rio Vista Lodge (less than an hour away) for a late lunch. In the late afternoon, guests will head to Kruger National Park for a Sunset Safari. 

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

Today is the day many have dreamed of for a lifetime—a true African 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 another long but rewarding day as you travel north along the famous Panorama Route, one of South Africa’s most scenic drives. Along the way, you’ll stop at some of the route’s most spectacular viewpoints, including Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest and most stunning canyons in the world. The journey also includes a visit to Graskop Gorge, where you’ll experience The Drop Zone, a glass elevator that descends 51 meters (167 feet) down the face of the gorge. At the bottom, you’ll step into a micro-rainforest, where a network of trails winds through the dense vegetation, allowing you to explore this unique ecosystem up close. After a full day of exploring, 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 operated by the Jane Goodall Foundation. This incredible facility provides a safe haven for rescued and rehabilitated chimpanzees, many of whom were abused or displaced. As you observe them in their forested enclosures, you’ll learn about their stories and the ongoing conservation efforts that help protect them. Afterward, we’ll stop at i'Langa Mall for lunch and free time to explore shops, grab a coffee, and soak in the modern South African atmosphere, before returning to Rio Vista 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 extensive 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, we'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

Depending on their flight plan, travelers arrive back in Toronto in the morning, afternoon, or evening. Welcome home!