The Essentials of South Africa in 11 Days

Today, you continue exploring the Kruger National Park and fully enjoy the wildlife, through experiences that mark a stay at a safari lodge.

At Kambaku Safari Lodge, the spirit of safari rests on a simple idea: the moments that matter are those you share. The experience is designed to bring people together, with a safari approach conceived as an adventure to experience together, and as an opening to another way of experiencing travel in Afrique du Sud.

In The Timbavati Reserve, located in the Kruger region, you discover African wildlife up close. This private reserve offers safaris with great opportunities to observe the Big Five: leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros.

Depending on conditions and the program, exploration is done by 4x4 vehicle or on foot, accompanied by experienced rangers. They guide you through varied landscapes — grasslands, rivers, forests and open plains — to bring you closer to the wild. The reserve is also home to other species, such as giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hyenas, as well as a wide variety of birds.

✅ Sunset 4x4 safari
✅ Sunrise 4x4 safari

Over these two days, you set off on safari to explore the bush, with a sunrise safari and a sunset safari in the heart of Timbavati Reserve. These privileged moments allow you to observe wildlife up close, including the Big Five, in their natural environment. Alongside professional rangers and trackers, you deepen your understanding of the region's fauna and flora, within this unique ecosystem.

Sunrise Safari

The morning safari begins just before sunrise, depending on the season. You are gently awakened and start the day with a cup of tea or coffee. You then set off on a guided safari, hoping to spot certain rare species in the region, such as white lions, African wild dogs or aardvarks, which are more elusive. Back at the lodge, brunch is served by the culinary team, in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

Sunset Safari

After high tea, you head out again for a guided safari at the end of the day. The golden afternoon light accompanies your observations, while the animals take advantage of the last hours of daylight. A stop is planned to enjoy a personalized selection of drinks and snacks overlooking the sunset.

As darkness falls, the return to camp is made with the help of the tracker, who illuminates the surroundings and identifies nocturnal wildlife. Upon arrival, dinner awaits you, served indoors or under the starlit sky.

Depending on conditions, a walking safari may be offered. In case of bad weather, it is replaced by a vehicle safari. Walking safaris are led by qualified and experienced professional guides. They last between two and three hours and begin with a briefing on safety rules and behaviour to adopt in the bush.

✅ 4x4 safari at sunset
✅ 4x4 safari at sunrise

Today, you embark on a day of discovery accompanied by your guide, dedicated to Cape Town and one of its iconic sites: Table Mountain.

You begin with an ascent of Table Mountain by rotating cable car. During the ascent and descent, the cable car rotates 360°, offering an original experience. Once at the summit, at approximately 1,000 meters above sea level, you enjoy a walk on flat terrain, punctuated by clear viewpoints over the city and the Atlantic Ocean.

Table Mountain dominates Cape Town with its characteristic flat silhouette. Visible from many points in the city, it is an unmissable landmark. From its summit, the panorama extends over the city and its neighborhoods, the ocean, as well as the entire Cape of Good Hope peninsula, offering a comprehensive view of the territory.

You then continue with a stroll through the Bo-Kaap neighborhood. This emblematic neighborhood is recognized for its colorfully painted house facades and its distinctive cultural identity. Formerly called the Malay Quarter, it offers the opportunity to discover the history, architecture and gastronomy linked to the local community.

✅Table Mountain tickets included

This day is conducted in the company of your English-speaking guide, dedicated to discovering The Cape Peninsula and its emblematic site, the Cape of Good Hope.

You take the scenic route of Chapman's Peak, which winds along the mountainous slopes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The route offers a striking view of the coastline before reaching Simonstown, where Boulders Beach is located, known for its colony of African penguins.

A stop is planned at Boulders Beach to observe the jackass penguins. This colony has the particularity of having been initiated by the penguins themselves, who chose to occupy this residential area and public bathing zone. Boardwalks allow you to observe them very closely, without disturbing their natural environment. It is also possible to access an adjacent beach, suitable for picnicking and swimming in their company.

You then continue towards the Cape of Good Hope, formerly called the Cape of Storms. In the 17th century, many ships from the Dutch East India Company were wrecked there, before the establishment of a trading post on the peninsula, which was the origin of the city of Cape Town.

From the lighthouse at Cape Point, a walk of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes allows you to reach the tip of the peninsula. You can access the lighthouse, located 87 meters above sea level, either by a paved path, or by taking the Flying Dutchman funicular, whose name refers to the local legend of the phantom ship.

✅English-speaking guide
✅Cape Peninsula day
✅Boulders Beach tickets included
✅Cape Point tickets included

Today, you enjoy a free day at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, one of the most lively and friendly places in Cape Town. Whether you feel like shopping, culture, relaxation or a family moment, this iconic harbor lends itself perfectly to discovery and leisurely strolls by the water.

Here are some activity ideas, depending on what you feel like at the moment:

• Shopping : explore the many shops and stores offering local crafts, branded clothing, jewelry, etc.

• Two Oceans Aquarium : visit one of the most impressive aquariums in Africa, with a great diversity of marine life.

• Cape Wheel : board the big wheel to enjoy a view of the Waterfront and its surroundings.

• Sunset Cruise : embark on a cruise in the bay, with views of the harbor and Table Mountain, and maybe a few seals.

• Zeitz MOCAA Museum : discover the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art in Africa, recognized for its architecture and the variety of works on display.

• Gastronomy : take time to lunch or dine in one of the restaurants, cafes or food stalls, with a wide choice of cuisines.

• Live music and shows : enjoy the entertainment in the neighborhood, between street performances and music.

• Robben Island excursion : participate in a historical visit to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for many years.

• Walking tours : stroll along the waterfront, admire the landscapes and breathe in the ocean air.

• Helicopter flights : possibility to book a flight to discover Cape Town from the air.

The Waterfront also regularly hosts events, exhibitions and temporary markets, in addition to activities offered throughout the year. It's a wonderful way to feel the vitality of Cape Town and its cultural diversity, at your own pace.

A beautiful day awaits, marked by the sign of free discovery of the village of Franschhoek, and its many wine estates in the Cape Dutch style, in the heart of the wine region.

The history of Franschhoek is intimately linked to the arrival of Huguenot refugees of French origin, who left Europe in the 17th century to join the Cape Colony. These families are at the origin of the development of the region, whose name literally means "the corner of the French".

Suggestions for visits to Franschhoek:

• Huguenot Museum and Memorial: a place dedicated to the history of Protestant families exiled in Afrique du Sud in the 17th century.

• Babylonstoren: an emblematic wine estate dating from the 17th century, combining vineyards, gardens, accommodation and restaurant. The site is particularly renowned for its vast thematic gardens, wine tastings from wines produced on site and culinary experiences.

• Boschendal: one of the oldest wine estates in the region, offering vineyard tours, wine tastings and the possibility of gourmet picnics prepared with local artisanal products.

• La Motte: an estate recognised for the combination of internationally renowned wines and South African art, with tastings and an adjoining art gallery.

• Franschhoek Cellar: a wide selection of wines is offered, accompanied by tastings and a catering offer highlighting local products.

• Haute Cabrière: specialising in sparkling wines and white wines, the estate offers tastings in an underground cave and has a restaurant offering panoramic views over the valley.

These are just a few examples among the many wine estates that Franschhoek has, each distinguished by its identity, atmosphere and oenological approach.