WHALES & SAFARIS (Kruger National Park) – Fly & Drive: 13 days / 10 nights

Fly & Drive South Africa: Whales, Cape Town and a Safari in Kruger National Park

A 13-day journey through the ocean, vineyards and the Big Five

South Africa is one of the most well-rounded destinations in the world, a country capable of surprising visitors with extraordinary landscapes, incredible wildlife and a variety of experiences that is hard to match. This 13-day Fly & Drive has been designed for those who wish to experience the best of South Africa in a single trip, combining the freedom to explore the Western Cape at your own pace with thethrill of authentic guided safaris in the Greater Kruger.

From the scenic roads of Cape Town to the spectacular Cape Peninsula, from the elegant Cape Winelands to Hermanus, considered one of the world’s best destinations for whale watching, every stop offers completely different landscapes and experiences. The journey concludes amongst the vast savannahs of the Kruger National Park and the Balule Private Game Reserve, where you’ll have the chance to observe the famous Big Five in their natural habitat, accompanied by expert rangers.

This itinerary is based on the first-hand experience of our team, who have been living and working in South Africa for many years. Every accommodation &has been personally selected, as has the pace of the trip, designed to avoid long journeys and allow you to enjoy each destination at your leisure. Thanks to the domestic flight between Cape Town and Hoedspruit, you’ll be able to spend more time on experiences and less on travelling.

The trip is ideal for couples, families, honeymoons and first-time visitors to South Africa. The Fly & Drive package allows you to travel in complete freedom throughout the Western Cape, whilst in the second part of the tour you will be accompanied by professional guides and rangers during all safari activities.

Why choose this trip

This itinerary brings together some of Southern Africa’s most iconic experiences in a single programme, alternating between cities, the ocean, mountains, vineyards and safaris.

During the trip, you will be able to:

• Visit Cape Town, one of the most fascinating cities in the world.
• Drive along the spectacular Chapman’s Peak Drive to the Cape of Good Hope.
• Marvel at the African penguins at Boulders Beach.
• Take part in an unforgettable whale-watching excursion in Hermanus.
• Discover the historic wineries of Stellenbosch.
• Experience authentic safaris in the Balule Private Game Reserve.
• Explore the Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s most famous protected areas.
• Travel along the spectacular Panorama Route through the Blyde River Canyon.

All with support in Italian before and during the trip, and with an itinerary designed directly by South Africa specialists.

The experiences you’ll enjoy

Cape Town, between the ocean and Table Mountain: The journey begins in Cape Town, a cosmopolitan and vibrant city, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the majestic Table Mountain. Here you can stroll along the famous V&A Waterfront, climb Table Mountain to admire one of the most beautiful views in the world, visit the colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood or head to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent much of his time in prison. Cape Town is the perfect starting point for a trip to South Africa thanks to its climate, world-class cuisine and the extraordinary variety of activitieson offer.

The Cape Peninsula: One day will be devoted to exploring the Cape Peninsula, one of the most spectacular scenic routes on the entire African continent. Travelling along the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive, you’ll reach Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, iconic sites of the great maritime explorations. Along the way, we recommend a stop at Simon’ss Town and the famous Boulders Beach, home to a large colony of African penguins which can be observed from viewing platforms. Set against a backdrop of ocean, mountains and cliffs plunging into the sea, this day offers one of South Africa’s most iconic sights.

Hermanus and Whale Watching: From July to October, Hermanus becomes one of the world’s whale-watching capitals. Southern right whales come to these waters to breed and rear their calves, offering a unique natural spectacle. The boat trip included in the programme allows you to observe these gigantic cetaceans at close quarters, whilst fully respecting marine wildlife. Whilst out at sea, it is common to spot dolphins, seals and numerous species of seabirds, whilst the famous Cliff Path offers splendid vantage points from which to watch the whales directly from the coast.

Stellenbosch and the Cape Winelands: Leaving the coast behind, you reach one of the most important wine-growing regions in the southern hemisphere. Stellenbosch is an elegant little town, characterised by historic Cape Dutch-style buildings, top-class restaurants and numerous wineries where you can take part in wine tastings and guided tours. The landscapes of the Cape Winelands, with their vineyards, mountains and historic farms, offer a pleasant interlude before the start of the safari experience.

Safari in the Balule Private Game Reserve: After your flight to Hoedspruit, you’ll enter the heart of the Greater Kruger. The Balule Private Game Reserve is a private reserve adjoining the Kruger National Park, where animals roam freely without fences. This is where the mostexciting part of your journey, with a packed programme of activities including sunset safaris, night safaris, walks through the savannah accompanied by expert rangers, and a traditional Bush Braai – the typical dinner under the stars in the African bush. Theatmosphere of safaris in a private reserve is completely different from that of a normal national park: the limited number of vehicles allows for more exclusive encounters with wildlife and a greater sense of tranquillity during sightings.

Kruger National Park and the Panorama Route: The experience culminates in a full day’s safari in Kruger National Park, one of the most famous nature reserves on the planet. The Orpen and Satara area is considered one of the best for spotting large predators and the Big Five. Accompanied by expert guides, you will travel through some of the most wildlife-rich areas of theentire park, home to lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs and hundreds of bird species. The journey concludes with a drive along the spectacular Panorama Route, with short stops at the Blyde River Canyon and the Three Rondavels, two of South Africa’s most iconic natural landscapes.

Travel itinerary

Day 1: Departure from Italy on an international flight to Cape Town.

Day 2 – Arrival in Cape Town: Arrival at Cape Town International Airport, collection of your hire car (Volkswagen Polo Vivo or equivalent) and independent transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to take your first stroll along the V&A Waterfront, one of the city’s liveliest neighbourhoods, brimming with restaurants, boutiques and bars overlooking the harbour.

Hotel: AHA Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites
Room: Luxury Room
Nights’ stay: 3 nights
Meals: Breakfast included

Day 3 – Cape Town: A full day at your leisure to explore Cape Town. We recommend visiting Table Mountain, the city’s symbol, to stroll amongst the colourful houses of Bo-Kaap, visit the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden or take part in an excursion to Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, you can dine at one of the many restaurants on the Waterfront.

Hotel: AHA Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites
Room: Luxury Room
Stays: 2nd night of 3
Meals: Breakfast included

Day 4 – Cape Peninsula: A full day dedicated to exploring the spectacular Cape Peninsula. Travelling along the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive, you will reach Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, two of South Africa’s most iconic locations. Along the way, we recommend a stop at Boulders Beach, famous for its colony of African penguins, and at Simon’s Town, a charming town overlooking the Indian Ocean. Return to Cape Town in the late afternoon.

Hotel: AHA Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites
Room: Luxury Room
Number of nights: 3ª night of 3
Meals: Breakfast included

Day 5 – Cape Town – Hermanus: After breakfast, you’ll set off towards Hermanus, passing through some of the Western Cape’s most spectacular coastal scenery. On arrival, you can stroll along the famous Cliff Path, the scenic walkway that runs alongside the ocean and offers splendid whale-watching spots during the season. Hermanus town centre also boasts boutiques, art galleries and excellent restaurants where you can enjoy a pleasant evening.

Hotel: Windsor Hotel
Room: Sea-facing room
Nights’ stay: 2 nights
Meals: Breakfast included

Day 6 – Whale Watching: The morning is dedicated to one of the most exciting nature experiences of the trip. You will take part in aboat trip lasting around two hours to spot southern right whales, which migrate to Walker Bay every year to breed and raise their calves. During the trip, it is also common to spot dolphins, Cape seals and numerous species of seabirds. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Hotel: Windsor Hotel
Room: Sea-facing room
Overnight stay: 2nd night of 2
Meals: Breakfast included

Day 7 – Hermanus – Stellenbosch: Leaving the coast behind, you’ll reach the elegant Cape Winelands, one of the most renowned wine regions in thesouthern hemisphere. Arrival in Stellenbosch, famous for its Cape Dutch-style architecture, tree-lined avenues and historic wineries. Free time to stroll through the historic centre or take part in a wine tasting (optional).

Hotel: Oude Werf Hotel
Room: Whimsy Room
Nights’ stay: 1 night
Meals: Breakfast included

Day 8 – Stellenbosch – Cape Town – Hoedspruit – Balule Private Game Reserve: After breakfast, you will head to Cape Town Airport, where you will return your hire car before boarding your flight to Hoedspruit (flight not included), the gateway to the Greater Kruger. Onarrival, a transfer will take you to the Tremisana Game Lodge, situated in the Balule Private Game Reserve, a private reserve bordering the Kruger National Park where wildlife roams freely without fences. In the afternoon, your safari experience will begin with an exciting Sunset Game Drive in an open-top 4x4 vehicle. At sunset, an aperitif will be served on the savannah, followed by a traditional Bush Braai, the typical African dinner under the stars. The day will concludewith a Night Drive, dedicated to spotting nocturnal wildlife such as hyenas, owls, genets, porcupines and, with a bit of luck, even leopards.

Lodge: Tremisana Game Lodge
Accommodation: Standard Bungalow
Nights’ accommodation: 3 nights
Meals: As per itinerary (Sunset Drive with aperitif, Bush Braai, Night Drive, drinks not included)

Day 9 – Safari in the Balule Private Game Reserve: The day begins very early with an evocative Walking Safari along the Olifants River, accompanied by expert rangers who will teach you how to read animal tracks and learn about the savannah’s vegetation. Return to the lodge for brunch and some free time to relax before the afternoon safari. In the late afternoon, you’ll set off again in an open-top vehicle in search of the extraordinary wildlife of the Balule Private Game Reserve, one of the most biodiverse areas in the Greater Kruger. Elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, hyenas and numerous species of antelope can be spotted throughout the year.

Lodge: Tremisana Game Lodge
Accommodation: Standard Bungalow
Accommodation: 2nd night of 3
Meals: Full board (drinks not included)

Day 10 – Safari in Kruger National Park: After breakfast, you’ll set off on a full-day safari in Kruger National Park, one of the world’s most famous national parks and one of the best destinations for spotting the Big Five. The safari takes place in the renowned Orpen – Satara – Nwanedzi area, considered one of the richest in wildlife in the entire park. During the day, you may spot lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hippos and numerous species of birds. Lunch at your leisure at one of the park’s characteristic rest camps, followed by a return to the lodge in the late afternoon.

Lodge: Tremisana Game Lodge
Accommodation: Standard Bungalow
Accommodation: 3ª night of 3
Meals: Breakfast and dinner (drinks not included)

Day 11 – Panorama Route – Johannesburg: Final dawn safari and breakfast at the lodge. You will then set off towards Johannesburg along the famous Panorama Route, one of South Africa’s most spectacular scenic routes. Along the way, there will be short stops to take in the views at the Blyde River Canyon, the third-largest canyon in the world, and at the famous Three Rondavels, spectacular rock formations overlooking the canyon and offering one of the country’s most photographed views. Arrival in the evening near O.R. Tambo International Airport.

Hotel: Garden Court O.R. Tambo International Airport
Room: Standard Room
Nights’ stay: 1 night
Meals: Breakfast included

Day 12 – Johannesburg – Italy: After breakfast, transfer by the hotel’s free shuttle to Johannesburg International Airport. Departure on the return flight to Italy.

Day 13 – Arrival in Italy: Arrival in Italy and end of services.

The price includes

• Car hire (Volkswagen Polo Vivo or equivalent) with unlimited mileage.
• 3 nights at AHA Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites with breakfast.
• 2 nights at Windsor Hotel with breakfast.
• 1 night at Oude Werf Hotel with breakfast.
• 3 nights at Tremisana Game Lodge with meals as per the itinerary.
• 1 night at Garden Court O.R. Tambo International Airport with breakfast.
• Whale-watching excursion in Hermanus.
• Sunset Game Drive.
• Walking Safari.
• Night Drive.
• Bush Braai.
• Full-day safarifull-day safari in Kruger National Park.
• Entrance fees to the parks and reserves included in the itinerary.
• Transfer from Hoedspruit to the lodge and back.
• Registration fee.

The fee does not include

• International flights and associated airport taxes.
• Domestic flight Cape Town – Hoedspruit.
• Fuel, tolls and parking.
• Meals and drinks not specifically mentioned.
• Optional activities and entrance fees during the self-drive tour (e.g. wine tastings in the Winelands or entry to Boulders Beach)
• Tips.
• Personal expenses.
• Anything not specified under “The price includes”.
• Medical, baggage and cancellation insurance.

Why choose this itinerary

This trip is designed for those who wish to experience the very essence of South Africa, combining some of the country’s most iconic destinations in a single itinerary. In less than two weeks, you can stroll at the foot of Table Mountain, explore the spectacular Cape Peninsula, go whale-watching in Hermanus, sample wines in the Cape Winelands and experience the thrill of authentic safaris in the Greater Kruger and Kruger National Park.

The Fly & Drive package offers maximum freedom whilst exploring the Western Cape, whilst the second part of the trip allows you to relax and rely on the expertise of local rangers during your safari activities.

Request your personalised quote

Every traveller has different needs, which is precisely why all our itineraries can be personalised. You can add extra nights, change your accommodation, choose a higher-category lodge or extend your trip to include other destinations such as Victoria Falls, Botswana, Mozambique or Mauritius.

Contact us for a no-obligation quote: we’ll help you plan your ideal trip to South Africa, choosing the best time of year and the itinerary that best suits your interests.

Galleria fotografica