Bucket-list South Africa

Hallo and welcome to South Africa. Bask in the views of Table Mountain and the sprawling coast as a private transfer escorts you from the airport to the Cape Town waterfront Radisson RED, a chic hotel located in the centre of the oldest working harbour in South Africa. After settling into your art-filled room, it’s time to meet your fellow Flashpackers at the RED Rooftop Bar. With a backdrop of Table Mountain and the sea, you’ll sip on craft cocktails, sample tapas and look forward to your days ahead exploring the colourful cape.

Today’s agenda: conquering Table Mountain. One of South Africa’s most iconic landmarks, this flat-topped mountain (hence its name) towers majestically at 1,086 metres. Once you’re at the top and all kitted out, you’ll gather your courage and literally “step off” the edge of Table Mountain to abseil down a 110-metre cliff face. Having conquered fears and mountain-faces, you’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant to refuel for a sundowner’s hike up Lion’s Head Mountain. As the South African sun sets, relax in the hotel’s rooftop pool or explore the five shopping districts and more than 80 eateries of the famous V&A Waterfront.

Start the morning in the best way possible: by strapping on a snorkel to swim in the eerie kelp forests made famous by the Netflix documentary My Octopus Teacher (if you haven’t watched it, be sure to make time before you fly). Be the first to spot squatted gully sharks and seals as your expert local kelp forest guide takes you on a private tour away from the crowds. Afterwards, stroll the boardwalk to take in colonies of African penguins at Boulders Beach. In the afternoon, you’ll tour the Cape Point Nature Reserve, the most southwesterly point of the African continent, where animals including ostrich and zebra roam freely before you. Then, finish off the day with a drive along the peninsula’s beautiful west coast.

After a hearty breakfast you’ll be whisked to the wine estates set within the rolling hills of the Stellenbosch wine region. Cycle through lush green hillsides on an e-bike as you follow an off-road path that winds through the spectacular patchworks of gardens and vineyards. A real highlight today will be your visit to Boschendal Wine Estate. Here you’ll get to experience a private cellar tour, with two exclusive wine tastings. Having enjoyed some of the best wines in the region, you’ll enjoy lunch on a terrace overlooking the gardens with free time to shop the artisan products from local suppliers. Later, you’ll have a chance to soak in the last of Cape Town and prepare to journey onwards into the wilderness.

Today you’ll start the trek toward Kruger National Park, one of the largest game reserves in the world. Upon arrival at Mpumalanga Province, you’ll be treated to a gin tasting at Gin & Co distillery, with four varieties of flavours and botanicals. Suitably sated, you’ll carry on to your wild base for the night. Nestled in indigenous gardens on the banks of the famous Sabie River, the chalets in Hippo Hollow Country Estate are the start of the adventure that awaits over the next few days. Don’t be surprised if an elephant or hippo greets you there.

Begin the day with a rejuvenating drive through the Panorama Route, home of stunning waterfalls, towering rock formations and canyons that will fill your camera with unbelievable photos. You’ll grab lunch at The Chubby Pig eatery, a rustic riverside hotspot featuring local South African food, before reaching Graskop Gorge. Here you’ll descend 51 metres down the face of the gorge in a glass-encased lift and into the indigenous forest below. On your private tour, you’ll see the forest from wooden walkways and suspension bridges, then get your heart rate up again with a high-wire zip-line over the gorge.

Today will see you setting up camp at the Mdluli Safari Lodge in the heart of Kruger National Park, where you’ll stay in a luxury tent on community land owned and operated by Mdluli royals. The lodge is one of the first projects of its kind, where land restitution and tourism work together. Enjoy lunch à la carte on the open deck by the infinity pool and prepare for your first game drive. Make sure you bring your binoculars and a serious camera lens so you can get the best look at some (hopefully all) of the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and African buffalo.

Following tea and rusks, you’ll head out to capture the diurnal wildlife of Kruger National Park. From your safari vehicle, you may spot a journey of giraffes, a dazzle of zebras, and some of the more elusive species like sable antelope, eland, and red duiker. We’ve got a surprise waiting at lunch, but you’ll have to wait and see exactly what this looks like… Feeling like you want to continue the adventure? You have the option of booking an additional game drive in the afternoon, which we’d thoroughly recommend.  

You’ll begin with an atmospheric sunrise bush walk where you can focus in on the tiny reptiles and insects of the bush, as well as learning how guides track big game. You might even spot animals in the distance — a totally unique and heart-stopping experience when on foot. After breakfast at the lodge, hop back in the 4×4 for an afternoon game drive, where you’ll have another opportunity to glimpse the Big Five. Back at camp, it’s time for a sunset hike to Granite Rock, where you’ll enjoy the blazing colours of sunset with a 360-degree view of Kruger. There you’ll be served locally produced gin and authentic Bushveld canapés — an idyllic way to toast a perfect day in the wilderness. Weather allowing, you’ll round out the evening around the fire, beneath an impossibly starry African sky.

After a final game drive, you’ll go from the wild bush to the cosmopolitan culture of Johannesburg, a city pulsing with the Rainbow Nation’s diverse histories, arts, and cultures. Upon arrival, settle in at the glamorous four-star Protea Hotel at Melrose Arch and rejuvenate from your time in the wilderness in chic style. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a truly unique Joburg Storytelling Dinner. This experience combines a seven-phase fusion of migrant-inspired South African food with captivating stories and conversation. Listen as your storyteller, Charlie, relays the riveting history of Johannesburg in its seven phases of development, including the future of the city. It’s the perfect introduction to a city with so many layers and so much incredible food.

The City of Gold is yours this morning. Having got to know your interests, your Flash Pack guide will help organise your customised tour through the heart of downtown Jozi. You’ll get to see Maboneng, listed as one of Forbes’ 12 coolest neighbourhoods in the world, with its brilliant markets and edgy artwork. You’ll visit Braamfontein, the historic mining district, and Victoria Yards, a shining example of inner-city redevelopment. Depending on your preferences, other stops may include the Rosebank art galleries or visiting Soweto Township. A final, immersive farewell experience to round off your South African adventure and the start of your love affair with this wildly beautiful continent.