The Cheetah Tour Itinerary
Cheetah Tour 10 days
Destinations:- The Greater Kruger National Park - 4 nights
- Johannesburg - 2 nights
- Cape Town and surrounds - 4 nights
Day 1 to day 2:
Welcome to South Africa! We meet you at the O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, and take you to your hotel. If flight schedules allow, an afternoon drive through Johannesburg will put you in the mood for what is to come. This evening, dine in one of the many restaurants in the posh Sandton district.
Day 2 to day 5:
We depart for the greatest wildlife sanctuary in Africa – the Greater Kruger Park. On arrival you will be welcomed by your ranger and tracker – your exclusive hosts during your stay. Discuss your itinerary with them, but remember, there is no typical day in the Kruger. Each day is different because of the unpredictable behaviour of the wildlife. Your ranger will take full advantage of a cheetah hunt, or a leopard feeding in a tree.
An early morning game drive is advisable because the bush is alive with activity at that time of the day. In the late afternoon, the amazing African sunset will make your sundowner even more enjoyable. As darkness descends, your tracker will scan the bush with a powerful spotlight and point out the elusive nocturnal wildlife. Tonight, around the log fire, you will enjoy superb food, excellent wines and impeccable service.
But keep in mind, you have come to relax and refresh the soul. Enjoy the pool deck, work out in the small gym or explore the camp – just don’t wander off too far! The afternoon siesta is a must, to make up for the early morning wake-up call. Soon you will feel relaxed, yet exhilarated.
Day 6:
After breakfast on day 6 we depart on the next leg of our journey with a sense of nostalgia –“I will return here, some day”.
On our sixth day in South Africa we explore two well-known landmarks of Johannesburg, namely Gold Reef City and Soweto. Johannesburg, more commonly known as Egoli, is built on the richest goldmine in the world. Experience the mining process by entering an underground mine, search for the elusive specs of yellow in the rough rock and feel the heat of the golden liquid as it is poured into the mould.
Soweto, the most populous black urban community in South Africa, is steeped in history. Its political heartbeat has guaranteed it a place on the world map. Soweto was at the centre of the uprising that led to the overthrow of the apartheid regime and the onset of the peace process towards a democratic dispensation. However, Soweto is far more than this. Despite its poverty, it has a vibrant cheerfulness and is a hive of activity. We will visit its landmarks and a "shebeen" – a traditional drinking joint where we will enjoy the music, have a pint or two and enjoy a traditional African meal.
Day 7 to day 10:
This morning we leave for Johannesburg airport for our flight to Cape Town. No trip to South Africa is complete without a visit to the Mother City. It lies beneath the sandstone countenance of Table Mountain, often shrouded in a veil of clouds. Far below its flat crest lies the harbour, with colourful sailing boats returning from stunning trips to the precipitous cliffs of the Twelve Apostles, the magnificent Monte Carlo-like mansions of Clifton, the sandy white beaches of Camps Bay, Muizenburg and Fish Hoek, not to mention Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years!
After breakfast we head for the wine region of South Africa, with vineyards and Cape Dutch homesteads, nestled in the foothills of majestic mountains. We first head for the farming district of Paarl, and take the scenic route through its oak-lined streets and the surrounding wine region. We stop at Laborie for a cellar tour and wine tasting.
Then we move on to Franschoek, historically dating back to the arrival of the French Huguenots in the 17th century. A drive up the mountain affords us spectacular views of the valley below. Closer to town we take a wagon ride through a patchwork of vineyards overlooking the town. Franschoek boasts some of the best restaurants in South Africa. We stop for lunch and also allow you time to browse through the small shops on Main Street to buy a trinket or two.
After lunch we depart for Stellenbosch. Walk down the canalised avenues in the shade of giant oak trees and beautifully preserved historical buildings. High up in the Simonsberg is a wine farm belonging to the golfer, Ernie Els, our country’s well-known export. What a vista of the Cape peninsula!
On our third day we head for “the Mountain”. We ascend its vertical cliffs by cable car and from the “table top” – one kilometre above sea level. The view of the city, the Atlantic seaboard, Robben Island on the horizon and the Peninsula will take your breath away. Then on to the Waterfront and our boat trip to Robben Island. What an experience to see and feel the “home” of the most admired person on earth – Nelson Mandela. An experience never to forget. Our last stop is Signal Hill, from where we will view the setting sun and the early lights of the fairest city of them all!
After breakfast our leisurely drive along the coastline takes us through the exclusive suburbs of Sea Point, Clifton, Camps Bay and Llandudno. We stop for a drink at the posh Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa and then head to Cape Point, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. On our way back we stop to view a famous penguin colony, and drive through the coastal towns of Muizenberg, Fish Hoek and Kalk Bay. We also drive through the grand suburbs of Constantia, Newlands and Pinelands and make a brief stopover at the tranquil Kirstenbosch botanical gardens.
This is our last day in the Cape of Good Hope. We board a colourful catamaran and sail south down the coastline, past the majestic mountains, with the suburbs in the foothills reserved only for the rich.
To soon our African safari has drawn to a close. The management of Sunset Safaris will be at the airport to bid you an African farewell – hamba gathle! We fly back to our country with so much to say about this country in the South.
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