10 Days South Africa Exploration Safari

Today, venture into the Cape Winelands for a day of wine tasting and cultural exploration. Start with a visit to Stellenbosch, where you can tour several renowned wine estates, enjoy tastings of some of the best wines in the world, and learn about the history and process of winemaking in South Africa. Take some time to explore Stellenbosch’s charming streets, lined with oak trees, Cape Dutch architecture, and art galleries. Continue your wine adventure with a visit to Spier Wine Estate, where you can enjoy a meal and see their art installations and conservation efforts.

Accommodation Options: The Twelve Apostles Hotel, One&Only Cape Town, or Radisson Blu Waterfront.

After breakfast, catch a flight to Port Elizabeth, and then transfer to Addo Elephant National Park. This park is renowned for its large population of elephants and abundant wildlife. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at your lodge before setting out on your first game drive through the park. As you explore the park, you’ll encounter elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, and a wide variety of birdlife. In the evening, relax at your lodge and enjoy a delicious dinner as you reflect on your first wildlife sightings.

Accommodation Options: Addo Elephant Park Lodge, Kuzuko Lodge, or Riverbend Lodge.

Spend a full day in Addo Elephant National Park. Start with an early morning game drive to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems. From dense thicket areas to open savannah, the park is home to not only elephants but also lions, leopards, giraffes, black rhinos, and wild dogs. Keep an eye out for the park’s large herds of elephants and various predators, which are often active early in the morning. After a break for lunch, venture deeper into the park to discover other wildlife hotspots, such as the Zuurberg Mountains, where the landscape and wildlife sightings continue to impress.

Accommodation Options: Addo Elephant Park Lodge, Kuzuko Lodge, or Riverbend Lodge.

After breakfast, you will take a flight to Johannesburg and then transfer to Kruger National Park for your next thrilling wildlife adventure. Upon arrival at your lodge, enjoy a relaxing lunch before heading out on your first afternoon game drive in Kruger, one of the most famous national parks in the world. The park is home to all of the Big Five and boasts a variety of other wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, cheetahs, and an extensive bird population. After your game drive, return to your lodge for dinner, surrounded by the sounds of the African bush.

Accommodation Options: Singita Lebombo Lodge, Londolozi Private Game Reserve, or Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge.

Spend a full day on game drives and safari experiences in Kruger National Park. The park offers an extensive network of roads, making it easy to explore its vast wildlife-rich landscapes. Your game drives will be guided by experts, and you’ll have ample opportunities to spot the Big Five, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos, as well as numerous antelope species and birdlife. In the afternoon, enjoy a sundowner at a scenic lookout or a walking safari for a closer look at the smaller details of the bush, from insects to plants, with a trained guide.

Accommodation Options: Singita Lebombo Lodge, Londolozi Private Game Reserve, or Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge.

After breakfast, drive to Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world and a stunning natural wonder. Along the way, stop at various scenic viewpoints to capture breathtaking views of the canyon’s dramatic cliffs, lush vegetation, and sparkling rivers. Visit iconic spots like the Three Rondavels, God’s Window, and the Blyde River Dam. You’ll also have time to explore the surrounding Drakensberg Mountains and the Panorama Route, offering some of the most scenic landscapes in South Africa. Check in to your lodge and enjoy a peaceful dinner with views of the canyon.

Accommodation Options: The Highlander, Blyde Canyon, or Forever Resorts Blyde Canyon.

After breakfast, transfer to Durban, South Africa’s coastal gem. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and head straight to Durban’s Golden Mile. This stretch of golden beaches is perfect for a leisurely walk, and you can enjoy the warm Indian Ocean or relax by the water. Visit uShaka Marine World for some family-friendly fun or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Durban Promenade. In the afternoon, take a city tour, visiting the KwaZulu-Natal Museum and the Victoria Street Market, known for its bustling mix of spices, crafts, and traditional Zulu goods. Enjoy dinner at a beachfront restaurant, featuring local seafood and Zulu-inspired dishes.

Accommodation Options: The Oyster Box, Beverly Hills Hotel, or Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban.

On your final day, you’ll have some free time to enjoy the beautiful beaches or visit Moses Mabhida Stadium, one of Durban’s iconic landmarks. Depending on your departure time, you can relax at the hotel or do some last-minute shopping. In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred to King Shaka International Airport for your flight back home or onward destination, bringing an end to your unforgettable 10-day South African safari.