top of page

Cape Town, South Africa Wildlife Safari

A unique exploration of one of the most historically significant, culturally rich and diverse destinations on Earth with an intimate African wildlife safari experience.

~Connect to the rich cultural center of Cape Town.

~See the dramatic landscape of The Cape Peninsula.

~Embark on a remarkable, up-close wildlife safari adventure.

9-Days, 8-Nights
Private Custom Journey

A unique adventure to Cape Town, South Africa is what cinematographers make movies about, but you can see it for yourself.

Priced from:

ask for pricing

Questions?
Call Us. +1 623.561.0846

This is a private custom sample itinerary. Your price will be determined according to the number of guests in your group, season, level of accommodations, private services, and meal requested. 

Cape Town & Cape Peninsula

Resting at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean, sandwiched between the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain and the glistening sapphire waters of Table Bay, Cape Town is in a class of its own. 

 

Some cities boast rich culture, vibrant nightlife, a cosmopolitan atmosphere, and extraordinary architecture, while others boast breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary natural wonders. Cape Town has them ALL and most are within walking distance of your hotel. 

 

The V&A Harbour (Alfred, not Albert) is at your doorstep, and world-class beaches, top-notch vineyards, and its mountainous surroundings brimming with diverse flora and fauna, are just a short ride away.

 

"Cape Town is simply one of our favorite cities in the world."  (Gene & Jo Ann)

Wildlife Safari

This is a safari where high emotions and the excitement of seeing the wildlife close-up fills each new day.

 

Evenings are set aside for magical sundowners as the sky turns golden orange. This is the place to truly unplug!

 

Dinner is an elegant affair and followed by the warmth of the cozy fire where you can take comfort in just being.

 

The sounds of the wild and the starlight of the Southern sky will mesmerize you.

Cape Town &

Western Cape Peninsula Highlights

Cuisine IMG_6404.jpg
ACCOMMODATIONS & MEALS

The One & Only Hotel is a destination unto itself. With captivating views of Table Mountain, the chic design and contemporary African flair of this urban resort find is a natural home in the heart of Cape Town. So much more than just an African restaurant, a night at GOLD is an immersive experience that will take you on a 14-dish taste-safari paired with traditional Mali puppets and entertainment. Camps Bay is known for its fine white sand, natural rock swimming pool and views of the Twelve Apostles mountains. Pre-dinner drinks on the rooftop at Chinchilla then dinner at Bilboa where the only distraction from the food is the view.

cable-car.jpg
WHAT YOU'LL SEE & DO!

The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is one of Africa's most visited destinations.  It's setting, in the oldest working harbor in the southern hemisphere, is simply spectacular.   Hike or ride the cable car up Table Mountain. Chapman’s Peak, Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Beach are all on the agenda, and wine regions of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek is where you can pair your lunch to your favorite wine.  

Langa-01.jpg
A LONG WALK TO FREEDOM
IN THE FOOTPRINTS OF MANDELA

Learn about the history of the Cape where you visit Bo Kaap, District Six and township of Langa. You can also visit a school or community center and then a visit to Robben Island. Your adventure includes a private visit to Drakenstein and Nelson Mandela's house. This is the last prison where he lived before being released. This exclusive tour is not available to the general public and it is led by a former guard. 

Your Safari Experience

GenesJourney-Leopard-Rock-Safari-01.jpg

Level of Activity

 

Each day, your guide will evaluate the movement of the wildlife, observe the rules of the reserve, and where possible, arrange interesting walks and hikes to stay active. You should not expect long or challenging "walking workouts" while on Safari. 

 

"WILDLIFE SAFARI"


Nestled in the heart of big five country adjacent to the Kruger National Park, is the Thornybush Nature Reserve. Big cats, huge elephant families, giraffe, zebra, hippos & rhino; along with a huge diversity of mammals and bird species donimate this pristine African Bushveld, all at close range.   

​

TAKING PICTURES!


Some will want to take a casual approach to their holiday and taking images is a lower priority. Some will be gear-ready to take wildlife images suitable for national publication. Either way, your days are filled with the opportunity to do both. 

Level of Comfort on Safari

YOUR COMFORT IS DEFINED BY CHOICE

 

The sleeping accommodations on this journey are "Safari Luxury", always en suite, and always with lots of personality. Although star ratings are not particularly helpful when it comes to remote lodges and camps, expect 5-star accommodations and services throughout your journey.


Our safari adds a relaxed pace to your journey. No reason to hurry unless there is an unexpected wildlife sighting. Your curiosity drives the day, your comfort is king during the evenings and nights.

​

October is Spring and average temperatures range from 61° to 82°. Overnight lows average 52°. The climate is mostly dry with occasional showers in the late afternoon.  

​

Just a few words about safety. It's a shared responsibility, yours and ours. We take it very seriously. Your safe return home is our top priority. We love talking about it. If you have a question or concern, please ask or tell us anything.

Safari Cape Town Glendale AZ
Itinerary Anchor

Day-By-Day

Please note that the details of this itinerary are subject to change. Many of the planned activities are organized according to availability, events or seasonal dates, appropriate weather conditions or the discretion of our guides. We make every effort to provide the experience described in the itinerary with the understanding that some things may change.

DAY 2 

Cape Peninsula

IMG_8117.JPG

Full Day - Cape Peninsula​ w/free time to explore the main road and shops.

​

  • 360 Chapmans Peak

  • Cape Point

  • Cape of Good Hope

  • Boulders Beach

  • Kalk Bay

 

Ride motorcycle sidecars to Rooftop Drinks @Chinchilla & Dinner in Camps Bay.

​

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: One & Only Hotel (Night 2 of 5).

Cape Point is a spectacular sight, covered in endemic fynbos and home to breathtaking bays, beaches and rolling green hills and valleys, just 60km outside of Cape Town. Cape Point falls within the Cape Floral Region, a World Heritage Site. The Cape Floral Region is one of the richest areas for plants in the world – it is home to nearly 20% of Africa’s flora. Cape Point is open daily and is a must-see.

DAY 3 

Winelands

winetasting.jpg

Full Day - Winelands & Franschhoek​

 

Today immerse yourself into the wine regions of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

​

  • J.C. le Roux

  • Hidden Valley Wines

  • Van Ryn Brandy Cellar

  • Holden Manz Country House

 

Enjoy a private cellar and tasting

Food and wine pairing at Holden Manz. After lunch, you will have some time to explore Franschhoek.

​

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: One & Only Hotel (Night 3 of 5).

Hidden Valley is the culmination of years of determined patience. This secluded farm is nestled against the Stellenbosch Mountains and boasts a magnificent new cellar among its pristine vineyards. 

 

Keeping with a holistic approach to the environment, the farm was developed to its current glory. Although the winery is a state of the art, gravity-fed cellar, it is nestled into the side of the slope and intended to blend back into the environment in time. The building materials, namely stone, wood, and glass are purposely selected to present a contemporary yet functional structure. The cellar is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, almond orchards, and natural vegetation, each occupying an integral part of the farms’ ecosystem. Sustainable agriculture is a common theme in every approach both in and outside the cellar.

DAY 4 

Cape Town & Table Mountain

Cape Town & Table Mountain Glendale AZ

Full Day @ Leisure - Cape Town & Table Mountain

 

Today immerse yourself into the Out&Back Spa or in a lounge chair by the pool.

​

Or, hike to the summit of Table Mountain. 

​

Or, explore the V&A, shipyard, coastline and endless cafe's, restaurants and shops.

​

Today is your free time to just "be" and enjoy.

​

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: One & Only Hotel (Night 4 of 5).

Cape Town is built for exploring by foot!

 

At your option, this day can be full of active adventure or relaxation time at the Out&Back Spa or feet up and drink in hand by the pool. The Mediterranean-like climate of Cape Town makes it the perfect place to just chill.

 

Choose to explore the amazing shipyard, visit the shops and cafe's of the V&A, tour the coastline or swim with the sharks at your leisure! Or, we'll organize a moderate hike on Table Mountain where you can hike up to the summit and take the Cable Car down. 

 

Whatever you choose to do, this is leisure time to truly go at your own pace.    

DAY 5 

Robben Island & Township of Langa 

robben island from table mountain.jpg

Full Day Cultural Tour (Past & Present)

 

Past

  • Bo Kaap

  • Distric 6

  • Township of Langa.

  • Robben Island.

​

Present

Sip gold leaf bubbly at Gold Restaurant.  Try your hand at keeping an African drum beat. Then enjoy an African/Cape Malay influenced 14-dish meal with fantastic entertainment while you dine.

​

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: One & Only Hotel (Night 5 of 5).

Similar to the nearby communities of Gugulethu and Khayelitsha, Langa is one of the many areas that were established prior to the apartheid era designated for Black Africans.

​

The name Langa means “sun” in the Xhosa language, but the name of the township is actually derived from the name Langalibalele – a famous chief who was imprisoned on Robben Island for rebelling against the government.

​

In recent years, the township has started to be rejuvenated as the government has invested in improved infrastructure. The Guga’sthebe Cultural Center was opened in 2005 and is now the site of many community and cultural activities.

Wildlife Safari (Drinks & Wifi Included!) 
 
DAY 6 

Thornybush Private Game Reserve - Saseka Luxury Tented Camp

a_IMG_5453.jpg

Hoedspruit & Safari

 

Depart Cape Town with a short flight to Hoedspruit.

 

Meet our safari guides and transfer to Thornybush Game Reserve and Saseka Luxury Tented Camp. Check-in and go on your first afternoon game drive.

 

​​

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, High Tea, Sundowners, Dinner and Drinks including teas, coffees, soft drinks, house wines, local beers & spirits and in-room minibar.

​

Accommodation: Thornybush Private Game Reserve - Saseka Luxury Tented Camp (Night 1 of 3).

DAYS 7 & 8 

Thornybush Private Game Reserve - Saseka Tented Camp

0160.jpg

Wildlife Safari

 

Big 5, Little 5 & Ugly 5! 

 

  • All Meals, Snacks & High Tea.

  • Safari

  • Sundowners

  • Drinks! 

​

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, High Tea, Sundowners & Dinner.

Accommodation: Thornybush Private Game Reserve - Saseka Luxury Tented Camp (Nights 2 & 3).

DAY 9 

Johannesburg International Airport & Points Beyond.

DSC00019.JPG

Johannesburg Airport

 

Depart Thornybush with a short flight to Johannseburg International.

 

  • Morning Game Drive

  • Airport Transfer

​

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

​

DAY 1 
Arrive Cape Town, South Africa
table-mountain-dark.jpg

Arrive Cape Town​

​

Your guide will meet at the Cape Town International Airport & transfer your group to the hotel via private vehicle.

​

Afternoon at leisure to rest and get your bearings. 

​

This early evening do a short city orientation tour that ends with sundowners at the Botanical Garden.

​

Meals Included: Sundowner Drinks.

Accommodation: One & Only Hotel - Premier Marina Table Mountain King Room (Night 1 of 5).

Gene and Jo Ann Taylor, co-founders of the Walking Connection, first visited South Africa in the 90’s and have enjoyed their stays ever since. Cape Town is one of the most fantastic centers of history, cultural exchange and dynamic urban energy of African continent. It's also a great place to start your safari adventure.

Where We Sleep

Casual safari luxury. The accommodations on this adventure were carefully selected by Gene and Jo Ann Taylor and are in the style they have created and the Walking Connection has become known for. 

one&only.jpg

One&Only Cape Town

​

 

Nestled within a natural amphitheater shaped by the vertical cliffs of Devil's Peak and Lion's Head sits Cape Town in all of its coastal glory.

​

In the heart of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is South Africa's most vibrant resort overlooking the marina with panoramic views of Table Mountain.

​

At the heart of the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and framed by the majesty of Table Mountain, discover an urban escape surrounded by private waterways at the South African resort. Capturing the authentic essence of this dynamic hub, the Cape Town hotel's stunning rooms and suites are the largest in the city.

 

logo_sun_01.jpg
logo_sun_01.jpg
logo_sun_01.jpg
logo_sun_01.jpg
logo_sun_01.jpg

Thornybush - Saseka Luxury Tented Camp

 

 

 

Saseka is the shining jewel in the Thornybush crown. After years of coming to this bend in the Monwana River to celebrate special occasions they finally decided to build something as remarkable as the setting feels.

​

With visionary designers, the lodge was created  with a strikingly unique layout that finds a superb balance between cutting-edge design, classical style and feeling connected to the outside environment.

​

logo_sun_01.jpg
logo_sun_01.jpg
logo_sun_01.jpg
logo_sun_01.jpg
logo_sun_01.jpg
saseka-room.jpg

The main area has a large, tiered deck with a broad view of the riverbed and a cleverly designed roof that mimics the dappled light of a tree canopy. This is the place to meet with friends for a drink or a meal, share stories and listen to the afternoon breeze bringing the surrounding trees to life.

​

Away from the soothing tones of the main area, there are just nine luxurious tented suites with stylish interiors, sweeping decks, private pools and uninterrupted views of the seasonal Monwana riverbed. 

Photo Credit: Maasai Wanderings

Safaris In South Africa Glendale AZ

A Dream Come True...

"“Thank you for organizing such an amazing trip to Africa. Everything was first class and far exceeded my expectations.  Each day I kept asking myself, how can this get any better?  And each day it did!

​

- Cindy R., California

"The guides, the food, the service, and most of all our fellow travelers made this a trip of a lifetime."

- Colleen H., Alberta, Canada

"The accommodations were all excellent and unique, perfectly suited to the terrain we visited. For those who count, the numbers of animals, especially the big ones, were amazing."

​

- Tom M. and Elizabeth D., Arizona

Questions?

 

Great! We love talking about Safaris and South Africa! Email us: info@WalkingConnection.com or call us at +1 (623) 561.0846 to speak with a team member. Either way, we are at your service, so please don't hesitate to reach out!

IMG_6644.JPG

WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?

Any items listed specifically in the itinerary as included. •9-Days/8-nights 5-star luxury accommodations. •Transfers per the itinerary; •Meals per the itinerary. •Private tours with resident local guides eager to share their extensive wildlife,  history and cultural knowledge. •Access and entrance fees to local sites, regional & national parks per the itinerary.  •Local beverages with meals. •Detailed “Know Before You Go” information including recommended website, reading lists, packing list, what to bring, weather and much, much more.

cheetah-cub-01.JPG

WHAT DOES THE PRICE NOT INCLUDE?

International or domestic airfare; departure taxes. •Travel insurance. •All items of a personal nature, including beverages and shopping •Photographs or phone calls  •Discounts/Refunds for any unused portion of the tour •Anything that is not expressly stated in the itinerary or on the inclusion list above.

​

vulture-feeding-01.JPG

WHO IS GOING ON THIS PRIVATE ADVENTURE?

Friends and Family of Mark Cullen!

 

Walking Connection travel experiences are inclusive for a variety of abilities of positive and like-minded guests, happy to enjoy nature, culture, history and fantastic food along the way including solo travelers, couples and friends traveling together.

leopard-05.JPG

WHAT IS THE CANCELATION POLICY?

Should you have to cancel your tour the following terms will apply: •Due to the exclusive and small group nature of this adventure, all cancellations requests will forfeit the initial trip deposit. After that: •For cancellations 61-90 days prior to the trip, 70% penalty of the total trip cost. •For cancellations and no shows 60 days or less prior to the trip, no refunds. •No refunds will be made for any unused portion of the tour.

hippo-eyes-02.JPG

More Details!

 

Here is the fine print...

Would you like more details and the trip terms and conditions? Please click here: http://bit.ly/MarkCullen-CapeTown

GenesJourney-Kalahari-Male-Lion.jpg
20180523_174143.jpg
20170114_094841.jpg
# # #
a-trans-walking-connection-logo-green-gi

We're at your service...

Call us at (623) 561-0846 to speak with a Walking Connection Team Member. 

bottom of page