Bucket List South Africa
This might be the ultimate South African escapade. World-class vineyards, wildlife and abseiling adrenaline are calling. Are you feeling bold enough to answer?
What's included
- Max 14 travelers per group
- Exclusively for people in their 30s & 40s
- All activities mentioned on the itinerary
About your trip
Wine, wildlife and abseiling adrenaline. Give up 11 days and you’ll get the best of South Africa in return.
Your 11-day South Africa adventure will see you snorkel in mysterious kelp forests and embrace adrenaline as you, quite literally, step off the edge of a cliff. You’ll catch your breath at the sight of animals you’ve only ever seen on screen roaming the African plains before you, and you’ll toast to spotting the Big Five in a safari-side infinity pool at your boutique tented lodge.
This small group tour is also an opportunity to witness the cosmopolitan side of South Africa. You’ll discover urban artwork and meet traditional storytellers; stroll through vineyards and dive into the history of Johannesburg; experience the bright lights of Cape Town by night and enjoy rooftop drinks overlooking its sprawling, coastal cityscape.
- Touch down in Cape Town, one of Africa’s most beautiful cities, where a private Flash Pack transfer will whisk you straight to your stylish hotel
- Get to know your group over a welcome feast of craft cocktails and tapas, raising a toast to the adventures to come
- Conquer the city’s most famous landmark by stepping off the edge of Table Mountain and abseiling down a 110-meter cliff face
- Refuel with light lunch before a moderate but spectacular hike that promises panoramic views over the city and ocean
- As the South African sun sets, enjoy a free evening to explore the famous V&A waterfront, buzzing with shops, bars and restaurants
- Swim with marine life in the eerie kelp forests made famous by the Netflix documentary My Octopus Teacher
- Stroll to Boulders Beach where a colony of cute African penguins have made their home on the soft, white sand
- Take in the views from Chapman’s Peak Drive – one of the most spectacular ocean drives in the world – descending into the picturesque fishing harbor of Hout Bay
- Cycle through the lush green hillsides of the world-famous Stellenbosch wine region; your e-bike will be doing all the hard work
- Experience two exclusive wine tastings, followed by a three-course lunch on the terrace at Boschendal Estate, a characterful 17th-century Cape Dutch farmstead
- Hop on a flight to Mpumalanga, a province in eastern South Africa; this is the gateway to Kruger National Park, one of the largest game reserves in the world
- Enjoy a gin tasting at Gin & Co distillery, sampling the different botanicals and garnishes that enhance the boutique flavors
- Settle into your stylish lodge, nestled in indigenous gardens close to the famous Sabie River; don’t be surprised if an elephant greets you there
- Begin the day at the dramatic Graskop Gorge, where you’ll navigate walkways and suspension bridges before a high-wire zipline over the abyss
- Stop for lunch at The Chubby Pig eatery, a rustic riverside hotspot featuring local South African food, before a rejuvenating drive thorough the Panorama Route
- Enter into world-famous Kruger Park and settle in to your boutique tented lodge on community land owned and operated by Mdluli royals
- Head out on your first game drive safari, together with an expert guide, spotting some (hopefully all) of the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo
- Enjoy a three-course dinner back at the lodge and drift off to sleep listening to the sounds of the savannah
- Wake up early for a dawn safari, when the animals are at their most active; keep your eyes peeled for elusive species like Sable antelope, eland and red duiker
- After lunch, hop back in the 4×4 to for more chances to spot the Big Five, along with perennial favourites like zebra and giraffe
- Hike to Granite Rock for sunset; sip locally produced gin and tuck into authentic Bushveld canapés while enjoying blazing colors and a 360-degree view of Kruger
- Enjoy a final dawn game drive (with a Flash Pack surprise at breakfast) before continuing your journey to the cosmopolitan culture of Johannesburg
- Check in at your hotel, then the evening is yours for you to explore the city at leisure; your Pack Leader can recommend some excellent restaurants for dinner
- Take a walking tour through Soweto, the once notorious township district, and learn Jo’berg developed from a dusty gold mind into Africa’s richest metropolis
- Visit Nelson Mandela’s house and learn about the country’s complicated past at the Hector Pieterson Museum, dedicated to the 1976 uprisings
- Settle in to a unique lunch combining traditional potjie and braai with captivating stories from Antoinette Sithole (Hector Pieterson’s sister)
- Say goodbye to your fellow Flashpackers and make your own way to the airport; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you arrange a local taxi
- Arrive home fueled by 11 days of incredible memories from your South African adventure and a sense of pride at all you’ve achieved; this is the start of your love affair with this wildly beautiful continent
As captured on Instagram
The latest from Flashpackers in South Africa on #picsworthsharing
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@rachundy
Western Cape
@rachundySouth Africa
@sarahfearn85Boulders Beach
Our favorite hotels
Here's a taste of the hotels we sometimes use on this adventure. The hotels you'll stay in for your departure will be shared with you one month before you go.
Radisson Red, Cape Town
This unique boutique hotel boasts stunning views of the Western Cape and the iconic Table Mountain. Expect contemporary food and drink at the OUIBar + KTCHN, and a poolside bar on the rooftop.
Mdluli Safari Lodge, Kruger
This lodge is a sustainable tourism initiative that benefits the Mdluli Community and honors a deep commitment to conservation. An infinity pool that overlooks the park, boutique tents, sightings of African wildlife, and a cozy boma fire create an unforgettable safari experience.
Hippo Hollow Country Estate
Nestled on the banks of the Sabie River and embedded within indigenous gardens, these quaint cottages will be your introduction into safari living. Sprawling gardens and two swimming pools next to Kruger National Park prepare you for a truly African experience.
Adventure FAQs
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Which airport do I fly in and out of? Plus airport code
Fly into Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and fly out of O R Tambo / Johannesburg International Airport (JNB).
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What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?
Before 4 pm ideally. The welcome meeting and dinner will be from 6 pm onwards starting at the hotel, which is approximately 20 minutes away from the airport.
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What time should my flight depart on the last day?
There are no activities planned for the last day, so leave any time you wish.
The airport is approximately 30 minutes away from your final hotel, and your Pack Leader can help you book your transfers the night before if needed.
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Do you include airport transfers?
If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.
Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.
We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. We will offer you support with finding a local taxi, which should cost around 1300 ZAR / 85 USD.
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Are tips included?
Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:
- Pack Leader: 10 USD per day
- Driver: 5 USD per day
- Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, porters, waiters, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.
However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.
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Do I need a visa?
Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.
You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
- Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.
Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.
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What vaccinations and medication will I need?
While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalized medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
1. Consult with a healthcare professional
We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.
2. Up-to-date medical advice
- UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
- US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialized health information.
- Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.
3. Government travel advice
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
4. Medication tips
If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.
We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.
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How much should I budget per day for extras?
We recommend approximately 500 ZAR, the equivalent of 25 GBP/35 USD per day.
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What fitness levels do I need for this trip?
This adventure is fast-paced, and perfect for you if you want to challenge yourself.
A reasonable level of fitness is required for the Table Mountain sundowner hike in Cape Town as there is a steep initial ascent, but no previous hiking experience is needed.
This trip does include abseiling and ziplining also, so please bear that in mind if you’re not the biggest fan of heights.
You will be walking most days across the national parks in Kruger also, so please ensure you are comfortable walking over uneven ground, and happy on your feet for a long time. We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.
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When's the best time to go? What is the weather like?
South Africa is an all-year-round destination, but between May to September is the best time for safari as the conditions for viewing big game like wildebeest are wonderful.
Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate and so it usually experiences rain between May-August. However, their summer months which are between November and February are hot and dry, and this is also a great time to visit for birdwatching in Kruger.
The best times to visit Cape Town are from March to May and from September to November. During these times, it tends to be much quieter tourist-wise too, and flights can be cheaper, making it a fantastic time to visit.
The best time to visit the Cape for whale watching is between July and November also.
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Will the itinerary change?
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.
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Is South Africa safe to visit?
At Flash Pack, the safety and security of our travelers are of utmost importance to us. We work closely with our ground staff to ensure that our itineraries prioritize safety above everything else. South Africa is a beautiful and welcoming country, but it’s important to be aware of potential safety issues.
Although most tourist areas are generally safe, it’s still possible for travelers to experience crime. Exercise caution, especially in major towns and cities after dark or during planned blackouts. We recommend avoiding walking at night and using reputable transportation services instead, like Uber or hotel shuttles.
For more detailed information on safe travel, we suggest consulting government websites such as the US State Department, British Foreign Office, and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs.
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