A Perfect Week in South Africa

Most flights from the U.S. land in South Africa in the late afternoon/early evening. Enjoy seeing the sun go down over the towering Table Mountain on your ride into the city, and then get checked into your hotel. You may want to try to get some sleep to start adjusting to the time difference, but it could be a nice night to enjoy dinner at the hotel (perhaps using your room credit from booking with a Fora Advisor), or take an evening walk around the V&A Waterfront.

Take a Tour Around the Cape of Good Hope

Cape Town was first established as a port city for European traders wanting to establish an outpost as close to the southern tip of the continent as possible. One of the highlights of your trip will include a scenic drive along the coast to the Cape of Good Hope, the Southwestern most point on the African Continent. While you are there, be sure to ride the Flying Dutchman Funicular up to the cliffs for the beautiful views.

See the Penguins at Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach has been home to a large colony of African Penguins since 1982. An easy stop off on your drive back into town from the Cape of Good Hope, enjoy a nice stroll down to the beach on a wooden boardwalk. Enjoy viewing the penguins up close from the observation deck, or some tour companies also offer opportunities to kayak around the beach to see the penguins as well.

Spend the Afternoon Atop Table Mountain

Table Mountain is one of the most noticeable natural landmarks in the city. The city has cable cars that take you all the way to the top, or choose to hike the trail for a more challenging experience! Regardless of how you get there, the views from the top will be well worth it!

Experience History at Robben Island

Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in jail for trying to fight against Apartheid, the brutal system that marginalized the nation's African population and enforced strict segregation. Most of these years were spent on Robben Island, an infamous prison about 5 miles off the coast of Cape Town. Think of a "South African Alcatraz" for comparison. Today, the island no longer operates as an active prison, but serves as a historic site for visitors wanting to learn more about Mandela and the struggle against Apartheid. Since most of this history is actually fairly recent (Apartheid was only abolished in 1994), all of the tour guides are former political prisoners who spent time in jail on Robben Island. They offer personal stories and invaluable insights that contextualize the prison and its role in the Apartheid era. The moving experience concludes with a chance to view the very cell that Nelson Mandela was assigned to during his time in prison, before riding the boat back to Cape Town.

An Evening at a Local Vineyard

Cape Town is also home to some of the most famous wineries in the country. Find one that looks interesting, or hop on a vineyard tour if you can't choose! Enjoy a glass of wine and a gorgeous sunset on your last night in Cape Town before heading back to the hotel to pack up for the next adventure!

Fly to Kruger National Park

In the morning, you'll head to the airport and fly to Kruger National Park to begin your safari! There are various areas of the park, and several accommodation options in each one, but I would recommend staying at the Kruger Shalati - Train on the Bridge Hotel in Skukuza. This unbelievable all-inclusive safari resort will be there to greet you at the airport and will handle everything from there. The hotel's signature rooms are housed in renovated train cars suspended on a bridge over the Sabie River. Enjoy scenic views, and look out for elephants, hippos and monkeys all right outside your room!

Start the Safari

The Kruger Shalati room rates include two daily game drives, each around 3 hours. Begin the search for the "Big Five" (Rhino, Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Water Buffalo) on the first night at the hotel. The Game Drives start around 4 or 5 in the afternoon and wrap up about an hour after the sun goes down. Take a break about halfway through at the hotel's "sundowners", where they offer appetizers, snacks, champagne and more at a scenic spot to watch the sun go down. After these refreshments, you'll take off to see more animals as the evening goes on.

Wrap Up with a Delicious Dinner

The all-inclusive hotel also includes three impressive meals every day. Choose from familiar western favorites or try freshly sourced local African game such as Springbok or Ostrich. The meals are all delicious, as are the included cocktails, champagne, wine or whatever you need Head to bed early before your first full day in the wild!

An Early Wake-Up

Your morning will begin early, with a phone call to your room around 4:30 AM to let you know it's time for your safari to begin for the day! Grab a quick snack before rolling out at 5am sharp to see the animals as they wake up for the day. It is dark and a bit chilly, but the guides have prepared hot water bags for you to keep your seat warm and hold while you're waiting on the sun to come up. Continue to enjoy beautiful views and majestic wildlife before returning to the lodge for a delicious breakfast.

Breakfast and a Nap

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading back to your room to relax after an early morning. I always appreciated a good nap to recharge after the early morning.

Lunch and the Evening Game Drive

Head to the hotel restaurant for lunch, before preparing for your evening game drive. You will once again enjoy the beautiful landscape while searching for the incredible wildlife. Wrap up the evening with another delicious meal before heading to bed.

Last Day on Safari

Your last day in the park will begin with another early morning, but it will again be worth it! After your morning activities and breakfast, your guide for the week will personally take you to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg.

Arrive in Johannesburg

The flight from Kruger to South Africa's capital is fairly short, just over an hour, so you'll have plenty of time to get settled and find a nice spot for dinner in Johannesburg.

Learn About the History of Apartheid

Your morning will begin with a visit to the Apartheid Museum. The museum does an excellent job detailing the complex history of the Apartheid years, and tells the full story of how the laws came into existence, as well as the long fight for justice and equality led by Nelson Mandela and others. After the museum, continue out to the Soweto township, where the movement to end Apartheid really got going. Visit the houses of iconic leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, as well as somber monuments to some of the tragedies of the Apartheid era.

Fly Home

Most flights out of South Africa leave late in the evening, so this allows you to really make the most out of your last day in this incredible country. Booking with a Fora Advisor could help you score a late checkout at your hotel, which will make for a more convenient experience as you pack up and prepare to head to the airport.