8-Day Journey: Safari, Cellars & City Lights

1 / 23

Safari itinerary · Sabi Sand

8-Day Journey: Safari, Cellars & City Lights

From the thrilling Big 5 sightings in Sabi Sand, to a taste of wine country in Franschhoek, and the vibrant pulse of Cape Town, this itinerary blends luxury, nature, and culture in perfect harmony.

Enquire now

From R 67 100 per person

Duration8 days
From, per personR 67 100
Flights & transfersIncluded

The journey

About this itinerary.

From the thrilling Big 5 sightings in Sabi Sand, to a taste of wine country in Franschhoek, and the vibrant pulse of Cape Town, this itinerary blends luxury, nature, and culture in perfect harmony.

Where you'll travel: Sabi Sand Cape Town Cape Winelands

Day 01

Arrival in the wild

Your adventure begins with a flight from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit, where you’ll be met and transferred to Arathusa Safari Lodge, nestled in the exclusive Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

Check into your elegant water-facing suite, where the sounds of the bush and the tranquil view of the waterhole set the tone for your stay. That afternoon, set off on your first game drive with expert rangers and trackers guiding your journey through Big 5 territory.

Return to the lodge for a gourmet dinner under the African stars, a fitting welcome to the wild.

Arrival in the wild

Days 02–03

Immersed in safari magic

Each day begins with a gentle wake-up and morning refreshments before heading out on an early game drive, when wildlife is most active. Expect thrilling encounters with lions, elephants, leopards, and more.

After a well-earned breakfast back at the lodge, enjoy some leisure time - whether lounging by the pool, relaxing at the spa, or watching wildlife from your suite.

In the late afternoon, enjoy high tea/snacks before heading out for another safari experience, timed for golden hour photography and the magic of dusk in the bush. Return to the lodge for cocktails and dinner, sharing stories by the fire.

Immersed in safari magic

Day 04

Journey to the Cape Winelands

After your final morning drive and breakfast, you'll be transferred to Hoedspruit Airport for your flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival, a scenic transfer will bring you to Rickety Bridge Estate, a charming wine estate nestled in the Franschhoek Valley. Settle into your suite and enjoy an afternoon exploring the estate, sampling fine wines, or discovering the heritage-rich town of Franschhoek nearby.

Optional wine tastings and vineyard walks complete this relaxed and indulgent day in South Africa’s culinary capital.

Journey to the Cape Winelands

Days 05–07

Cape Town Sophistication

The following morning, you’ll transfer to Cape Town for a stay at The Onyx Apartment Hotel, a modern and stylish retreat in the heart of the city. Your location puts you within easy reach of Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, Bo-Kaap, and other iconic landmarks. Spend your days exploring the city's vibrant neighborhoods, world-class cuisine, and breathtaking coastal scenery.

To enrich your experience, speak to your travel expert to arrange guided tours to places like Robben Island, Cape Point, or the penguin colony at Boulders Beach. The Mother City is yours to discover.

Cape Town Sophistication

Day 08

Farewell to South Africa

Enjoy a final breakfast before your private transfer to Cape Town International Airport for your onward journey.

You leave with unforgettable memories, from the raw beauty of the bush and the refined elegance of the Winelands to the vibrant soul of Cape Town.

Farewell to South Africa

The complete package

Everything included.

Stay

Arathusa Safari Lodge

  • 3 Nights in 4-star in Sabi Sand Game Reserve
  • All meals and house wines, beers and spirits; teas & coffees

Rickety Bridge Estate

  • 1 Night in 5-star in Franschhoek
  • Daily breakfast

The Onyx Hotel

  • 3 Nights in 4-star in Cape Town
  • Daily breakfast

Experiences

Arathusa Safari Lodge

  • 2 Daily game drives in open vehicles and a guided bush walks
  • Round-trip Transfer from Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) to Arathusa Safari Lodge

Travel

  • Transfer from Cape Town Airport (CPT) to Rickety Bridge Estate
  • Transfer from Rickety Bridge Estate to The Onyx Hotel
  • Transfer from The Onyx Hotel to Cape Town Airport (CPT)
  • Flight from OR Tambo Airport (JNB) to Hoedspruit Airport (HDS)
  • Flight from Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) to Cape Town Airport (CPT)

The same as booking direct

Rates and dates.

Per person sharing for the complete package. Final pricing depends on dates, room category and party size.

Valid until 30 Nov 2026

Show prices in

Peak / migration

1 Jun 2026 – 31 Aug 2026

R 67 100

per person

International flights excluded

Peak / migration

1 Sept 2026 – 30 Sept 2026

R 68 540

per person

International flights excluded

Shoulder

1 Oct 2026 – 31 Oct 2026

R 68 920

per person

International flights excluded

Shoulder

1 Nov 2026 – 30 Nov 2026

R 69 500

per person

International flights excluded

The rate is for the complete package, per person sharing. A single supplement may apply for solo travellers. We offer a price match guarantee, just ask your specialist.

"Very helpful with itinerary and excellent arrangements of transport from and to Cape Town, and Idubi in Sabi Sands and Lukimbi in Kruger. Although a rep for Safari.com said a letter from a doctor was not required, such a letter IS REQUIRED to go on bush walks if older than 65. Fortunately, we checked the reserve web site and had a doctor's letter."
August 2026 · Verified on Trustpilot ↗

Speak to a safari specialist

Let's plan your journey.

From your first enquiry to the day you come home, one named safari specialist looks after every detail. A safari specialist will be in touch within as little as 15 minutes during working hours.

Example: 14–21 Nov 2027 · 2 adults · departing NYC · Big Five focus.

A safari specialist will be in touch within as little as 15 minutes during working hours. Your details stay private. View our privacy policy.

Planning something beyond the ordinary?

Private & bespoke travel

Plan a safari

Begin your adventure with us.

Five short steps. A safari specialist will be in touch within as little as 15 minutes during working hours.

Step 1 of 5 When