Experience Wild & Scenic South Africa at Luxury Safari Lodges Upgrade
A taste of city and nature in South Africa
Set off on an 8-night South African adventure that takes you from vibrant Johannesburg to the wildlife-rich Kruger National Park and the exclusive Makalali Private Game Reserve. Explore the stunning Panorama Route before heading to Cape Town, a city bursting with culture, coastlines, and charm. With luxury safari lodges, transfers, tours, game drives, and more included, this package provides a thrilling and seamless vacation. This upgrade includes two additional tours in Cape Town!
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Johannesburg, out of Cape Town
- 8 nights' accommodations in South Africa, in the following hotels, or similar:
- 1 night in Johannesburg at the Protea Hotel Balalaika
- 2 nights in Kruger National Park at Skukuza Safari Lodge
- 1 night in the Makalali Private Game Reserve at AHA Makalali River Lodge
- 1 night in Graskop at Hoyohoyo Angel's View
- 3 nights in Cape Town at La Splendida Hotel or the Sunsquare Cape Town City Bowl
Tours & Entrances
- Panoramic drive including visits to Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Lisbon Falls, God’s Window, The Pinnacle
- Daily conservation fees into Kruger National Park and a private game reserve
- Full day open safari vehicle game drive in Kruger National Park
- Afternoon and morning open safari vehicle game drives in a private game reserve
- PLUS! Half-day Cape Town Tour
- PLUS! Full-day Cape Point Tour
Transportation Meals & More
- One-way economy class air from Johannesburg to Cape Town
- Hotel Porterage on days 2-5
- 24-hour manager on duty as a helpful contact for the full duration of the clients’ stay in South Africa
- Tourism levies
- Transfers with English-speaking driver as per the itinerary
- 8 breakfasts and 4 dinners
Great Ways to Explore
Explore Makalali – known for its diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
- Visit the Blyde River Canyon, the world’s largest green canyon.
Discover the attractions of Cape Town, including Table Mountain.
Indulge in South African foods such as rusks (a traditional breakfast biscuit).
Enjoy safari game drives to see lions, elephants, and more.
Get ready for an unforgettable 8-night journey through South Africa’s most iconic spots!
Start in Johannesburg, the country’s buzzing urban hub, before heading into the wild heart of Kruger National Park for incredible game drives and up-close wildlife moments. Spend a night in the exclusive Makalali Private Game Reserve, where you’ll track animals like lions and elephants in a more intimate safari setting. Take in jaw-dropping views along the Panorama Route, with stops at Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, and more.
From there, it’s on to Cape Town, where mountains meet the sea and every corner is full of color, culture, and charm. Explore the area in depth with your included city and Cape Point tours. You’ll have flights, transfers, daily breakfasts, some dinners, and a friendly English-speaking driver to guide the way. This South African adventure is the perfect mix of natural scenery and cityscapes.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Johannesburg, out of Cape Town
- 8 nights' accommodations in South Africa, in the following hotels, or similar:
- 1 night in Johannesburg at the Protea Hotel Balalaika
- 2 nights in Kruger National Park at Skukuza Safari Lodge
- 1 night in the Makalali Private Game Reserve at AHA Makalali River Lodge
- 1 night in Graskop at Hoyohoyo Angel's View
- 3 nights in Cape Town at La Splendida Hotel or the Sunsquare Cape Town City Bowl
Tours & Entrances
- Panoramic drive including visits to Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Lisbon Falls, God’s Window, The Pinnacle
- Daily conservation fees into Kruger National Park and a private game reserve
- Full day open safari vehicle game drive in Kruger National Park
- Afternoon and morning open safari vehicle game drives in a private game reserve
- PLUS! Half-day Cape Town Tour
- PLUS! Full-day Cape Point Tour
Transportation Meals & More
- One-way economy class air from Johannesburg to Cape Town
- Hotel Porterage on days 2-5
- 24-hour manager on duty as a helpful contact for the full duration of the clients’ stay in South Africa
- Tourism levies
- Transfers with English-speaking driver as per the itinerary
- 8 breakfasts and 4 dinners
Explore Makalali – known for its diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
- Visit the Blyde River Canyon, the world’s largest green canyon.
Discover the attractions of Cape Town, including Table Mountain.
Indulge in South African foods such as rusks (a traditional breakfast biscuit).
Enjoy safari game drives to see lions, elephants, and more.
Get ready for an unforgettable 8-night journey through South Africa’s most iconic spots!
Start in Johannesburg, the country’s buzzing urban hub, before heading into the wild heart of Kruger National Park for incredible game drives and up-close wildlife moments. Spend a night in the exclusive Makalali Private Game Reserve, where you’ll track animals like lions and elephants in a more intimate safari setting. Take in jaw-dropping views along the Panorama Route, with stops at Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, and more.
From there, it’s on to Cape Town, where mountains meet the sea and every corner is full of color, culture, and charm. Explore the area in depth with your included city and Cape Point tours. You’ll have flights, transfers, daily breakfasts, some dinners, and a friendly English-speaking driver to guide the way. This South African adventure is the perfect mix of natural scenery and cityscapes.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to South Africa!
After landing in Johannesburg, you'll head to the Protea Hotel Balalaika in Sandton. The rest of the afternoon is yours to unwind and settle in at your own pace.
Transfer from airport to hotel
Check-in - Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton
The Protea Hotel Balalaika on Maude Street, in Sandton, is located in Johannesburg’s economic heartland. The hotel’s charming colonial theme is accentuated with wooden elements and delicate floral accents. The English countryside atmosphere defines this four-star hotel as a little bit of country in the heart of Sandton. Birdsong makes guests forget that they are in a bustling metropolis.
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel; and a complimentary shuttle to and from the Gautrain station makes the Balalaika easily accessible. Whether it is for business or leisure, the central location and warm hospitality of the Protea Hotel Balalaika are unrivalled, making it your first and only choice when staying in Johannesburg.
Day 2. Johannesburg - Kruger National Park
After breakfast, your journey sets off from Johannesburg, heading northeast toward the legendary Kruger National Park—South Africa’s premier safari destination and one of the world’s few remaining unspoiled wildernesses. Feel free to pause along the way for an optional lunch stop (at your own cost) before entering the park in the afternoon.
As you approach the lodge at Skukuza Rest Camp, the adventure begins with a scenic game drive. Keep your eyes peeled for the iconic Big Five—lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos—along with an astonishing variety of wildlife, from over 500 bird species to dozens of mammals, reptiles, and more.
After arriving at the lodge in the late afternoon, enjoy a dinner served at the on-site restaurant.
Check-in - Skukuza Safari Lodge
Set within the famed Skukuza Rest Camp in Kruger National Park, Skukuza Safari Lodge is a true gateway to an extraordinary bush escape. Offering 120+ beautiful rooms inspired by the nature around them, this lodge combines the raw beauty of the African wilderness with refined comfort. Each air-conditioned room is designed with garden views, a private bathroom, a work desk, a TV, and free Wi-Fi.
After thrilling game drives and guided safari tours across Kruger’s spectacular landscapes, guests can unwind with a refreshing dip in the year-round outdoor pool or soothe tired muscles in the hot tub.
The lodge’s spa and fitness facilities, along with a tennis court and sunlit terraces, offer relaxation and recreation in equal measure. Guests can dine in delight at the on-site restaurant, which serves a la carte breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Nearby attractions include the Indigenous Plants Nursery and the Skukuza Museum.
Day 3. Kruger National Park
Begin your day with an early morning wake-up and a steaming cup of coffee paired with crunchy rusks, a beloved South African treat. Then, set off on a thrilling full-day game drive through Kruger National Park in an open safari vehicle, guided by experienced rangers. A packed breakfast is provided to enjoy at one of the park’s scenic picnic sites.
As you journey deeper into the wilderness, stay alert for sightings of mighty and minute wildlife—this is your chance to spot the Big Five and so much more. Watch elegant giraffes glide between acacia trees, scan the sky for circling vultures hinting at a recent hunt, and listen for the piercing call of a Fish Eagle or the commanding roar of a lion echoing across the plains.
Midday, take a break with a peaceful lunch (at your own expense) at a picturesque rest stop, soaking in the serene atmosphere of the bush. In the late afternoon, return to the lodge where a delicious dinner awaits.
Cap off the evening beneath a canopy of stars, sharing stories of the day’s wildlife encounters around the campfire or at the lodge’s inviting restaurant.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Day 4. Skukuza - Makalali Private Game Reserve
Leaving behind the untamed beauty of Kruger National Park may be bittersweet, but the adventure continues in Hoedspruit—an area famed for its rich wildlife encounters.
After a hearty breakfast, the journey takes you on a scenic three-hour drive to Orpen Gate, where you'll bid farewell to the park and make your way toward the Makalali Private Game Reserve. This vast reserve, framed by the dramatic silhouette of the Drakensberg Mountains, is celebrated for its rich biodiversity and is one of the few places where the elusive African wild dog still roams.
Take a moment to enjoy your lunch along the route (not included) before arriving at the lodge. Here, you can unwind with a refreshing dip in the pool, enjoy a tranquil high tea, or simply take in the views from the deck. In the afternoon, you’ll set off on your first open-vehicle safari, guided by a knowledgeable game ranger. Covering 26,000 hectares of unspoilt wilderness, Makalali promises unforgettable encounters and thrilling moments.
As the day winds down, prepare for a memorable evening of gourmet dining under the stars, followed by a restful night in your elegant suite.
Check-in - AHA Makalali River Lodge
Located west of Kruger National Park, Makalali Private Game Reserve offers an immersive retreat across 26,000 hectares of unspoiled bushveld in South Africa’s North-eastern Lowveld. Activities in the region range from thrilling game drives and hot air balloon adventures to educational visits to a cheetah conservation project. Wildlife sightings may include the iconic Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo — along with cheetahs, giraffes, wild dogs, zebras, and kudus, making this a truly unforgettable safari destination.
Inside, your suite is thoughtfully designed with indulgent touches — from a wood-burning fireplace and covered patio to a fully stocked minibar and a bathtub with panoramic views. Cool off in your own plunge pool, enjoy a traditional boma, or unwind in the elegant lounge. With both indoor and outdoor showers, air conditioning, and seamless luxury throughout, every detail invites you to relax and reconnect with nature in style.
From open-air feasts in the bushveld to the legendary boma dinners beneath the stars, dining here is an experience all its own. Guests can also enjoy meals in the indoor-outdoor dining area, whether indulging in a beautifully plated dish or sharing a family-style spread in the company of fellow travelers.
Day 5. Makalali Private Game Reserve - Graskop
There’s something magical about dawn in the African bush—the crisp morning air alive with birdsong, and wildlife moving gracefully toward watering holes. Immerse yourself in this tranquil scene with a guided bush walk, or hop into an open safari vehicle for an early game drive.
After breakfast at the lodge, you'll set off on one of South Africa’s most scenic drives: the Panorama Route. As you leave the bushveld behind, the landscape transforms into dramatic highlands, with emerald valleys and towering cliffs. Enjoy a brief lunch break en route (at your own expense), surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
The first major stop is the awe-inspiring Blyde River Canyon—the largest vegetated canyon in the world. Marvel at natural wonders like the Three Rondavels, whose rounded peaks resemble traditional African huts. Further along, you’ll tread the walkways above Bourke’s Luck Potholes, where centuries of swirling river water have sculpted deep, cylindrical rock pools into the sandstone.
Next, witness the spectacular Lisbon Falls, plunging 94 meters in a graceful torrent that often catches the light in misty rainbows. If time allows, you can enjoy a short trail to the base of the falls for an even closer view.
Then it’s on to God’s Window, a viewpoint so stunning it earned its celestial name, followed by the towering Pinnacle Rock—a dramatic spire jutting from the forest below. The day ends in the charming town of Graskop, once a gold rush outpost and now surrounded by pine plantations. Settle in for a peaceful evening and a well-deserved dinner at your hotel.
Check-in - Hoyohoyo Angels View
Angels View Hotel is a 4-star hotel with an extensive array of amenities designed to enhance the guest experience. The hotel features a year-round outdoor swimming pool, a sun terrace, and a garden.
Guests can enjoy meals at the modern restaurant which offers international cuisine with diverse dietary options, including vegetarian and vegan. The hotel also features a bar, two outdoor pools, and barbecue grills.
Guest rooms at Angels View are designed for comfort and convenience. Amenities include a private bathroom, air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, a coffee maker, refrigerator, and work desk.
Day 6. Graskop - Cape Town
After breakfast at your hotel, you'll begin your journey back to Johannesburg. Along the way, you can enjoy a short break for lunch at a local spot (at your own expense) before continuing to O.R. Tambo International Airport.
Upon arrival in Cape Town, a transfer will be waiting to take you to your accommodation.
Nestled along Cape Town’s prestigious Platinum Mile, La Splendida Hotel offers a chic, art-deco retreat in the heart of Mouille Point. Its prime location places guests just steps from the Atlantic Ocean promenade, the historic Green Point Lighthouse, and the vibrant V&A Waterfront.
The hotel features 24 stylish rooms and suites, each equipped with air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and options for sea, mountain, or stadium views.
Guests can indulge in Mediterranean cuisine and cocktails at the on-site Sotano restaurant, a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Additional amenities include bicycle rentals, concierge services, and assistance with organizing local tours.
For business travelers, the hotel offers a business center with printing, faxing, and internet facilities. Whether you're exploring Cape Town's attractions or relaxing by the sea, La Splendida provides a perfect blend of comfort and convenience.
Built on the cornerstones of great service and personalized hospitality, Sunsquare Cape Town City Bowl is the city center's hottest new hotel. Proudly standing on the corner of Buitengracht and Strand Street, the hotel has dedicated basement parking for visitors with cars who would like to explore beyond the City Bowl. Take off on foot to explore the vibrant city square then return to the hotel to enjoy a piping hot cup of coffee in the lobby. Vigour & Verve is the on-site restaurant where you can sample local food and relax in the feel-good atmosphere with a delicious drink. Don't miss the views from 14 Stories Rooftop Bar, where you can sip a cocktail, go for a dip in the enclosed pool, or simply take in the breathtaking scenery of Cape Town harbor and Lions Head.
Day 7. Cape Town
Set off on a captivating half-day adventure that takes in some of Cape Town’s most iconic sights. Ascend the world-famous Table Mountain by aerial cableway for breathtaking panoramic views—weather permitting. You'll also explore the colorful streets of the Bo-Kaap (formerly the Malay Quarter), the historic city center, and the serene Company's Garden. If time allows, you’ll stop at the Castle of Good Hope, one of the oldest surviving colonial buildings in South Africa.
The experience concludes with a visit to Diamond Works, where you'll delve into the fascinating history of South Africa’s diamond and gold trade. Watch as master craftsmen demonstrate the delicate art of diamond cutting and fine jewelry creation.
Cable Car - Cape Town, South Africa
A Tip For Your Trip: Cableway ticket not included.
Day 8. Cape Town
Discover the dramatic beauty of Cape Town on this full-day tour that showcases the best of the city and its surroundings. Journey along the scenic Atlantic coastline, where pristine white-sand beaches meet rugged mountains, en route to the charming harbor town of Hout Bay. Time permitting, you’ll have the chance to take an optional boat ride to Duiker Island to observe a lively Cape Fur Seal colony (at your own expense).
If conditions allow, continue along the breathtaking Chapman’s Peak Drive—one of the most picturesque coastal roads in the world. Explore the Cape Point Nature Reserve, home to dramatic cliffs, rich biodiversity, and the legendary tip of the Cape Peninsula, a site that has fascinated travelers for generations.
On your way back from Cape Town, travel along the False Bay shoreline with the option to stop at Boulders Beach to see a colony of endangered African Penguins up close (additional cost applies). Pass through the quaint seaside communities of Simon’s Town, Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay, and Muizenberg. Before concluding the tour, visit the Rhodes Memorial and take in sweeping views while learning about the historical significance of this landmark.
Cape Point, South Africa
Day 9. Depart South Africa
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cape Town International Airport, marking the end of a wonderful South African experience.
Transfer from hotel to airport
Fly home!
We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.
Advertised vacation package prices are per person based on two people traveling together, unless otherwise noted. Advertised package rates are based on select departures as noted on the booking calendar above, were available via the Great Value Vacations website and may not represent current prices.
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