10 Days of Safari & Beach in South Africa

On this 10 Day South Africa Beach and Safari you will discover the very best of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve within the Greater Kruger Area, all that the City of Cape Town has to offer, as well as the tranquillity of the pristine beaches of the De Hoop Nature Reserve.

10 Days of Safari & Beach in South Africa

Itinerary at a Glance:

  • Day 01

    Day 1 – Arrival at Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp

  • Day 02 & 03

    On safari in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

  • Day 04

    Cape Town, The Commodore Hotel

  • Day 05

    Cape Town City & Table Mountain Tour

  • Day 06

    De Hoop Nature Reserve, Lekkerwater Beach Lodge

  • Day 07, 08 & 09

    De Hoop Nature Reserve

  • Day 10

    Departure from Cape Town Airport

Day 01

Day 1 – Arrival at Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp

Your journey will begin at the Johannesburg Airport where you will board your flight to Hoedspruit Airport.  Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve where you will spend the next 3 nights at Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp.

View of the tents at Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp
Luxury rooms to relax in at Thabamati
Main area at Thabamati overlooking the waterhole

Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp is situated on the banks of a permanent dam, giving guests a wonderful view right from their deck, it is not uncommon to watch wildlife coming down to drink from the dam whilst relaxing in your tent.  Thabamati is eco-friendly running entirely on solar power and gas ensuring a minimal footprint in the environment.  Each tent is furnished with all the luxury amenities that you could need during your stay, with indoor and outdoor showers and a cosy deck to relax on during the day.

Day 02 & 03

On safari in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

A typical day on safari will begin with early morning tea and rusks before you head out on your morning activity, either a game drive or a guided walking safari where you will have the chance to do some game viewing and a chance to spot some or all of the Big 5.
A delicious brunch is served on arrival back from your activities and then the afternoon is yours to relax in camp, take a dip in the pool, game watch from the deck or have an afternoon siesta. 
Afternoon tea is then served before you head out on your afternoon safari; you will stop along the way for some sundowners as you watch the sun slip beneath the horizon before heading back to camp for another tasty dinner around the boma.

Buffalo sighting near Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp
Enjoy dinner around the Boma at Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp
Giraffes in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve

Day 04

Cape Town, The Commodore Hotel

Today you will leave behind the Timbavati as you are transferred back to Hoedspruit Airport in time for your flight to Cape Town.  As you arrive you will be transferred to the V&A Waterfront where you will spend the next 3 nights at the Commodore Hotel.

Strategically located next to the famous V&A Waterfront there are many sights to see within walking distance of the hotel.  Each room is tastefully furnished and equipped with all the amenities you will need during your stay and with beautiful views out over the harbour and Table Mountain.  The evening is yours to relax at the hotel or enjoy the sights at the V&A Waterfront.

The Commodore Hotel luxury rooms
Gorgeous views of Table Mountain from your balcony

Day 05

Cape Town City & Table Mountain Tour

This morning after breakfast you will be taken on a tour through Cape Town City and up Table Mountain.  The day starts with a trip up the cable car to Table Mountain, here you will have a chance to explore the top of this famous mountain, visit all the viewpoints and stroll along the many pathways across the top of the mountain.  From here you will head into the city centre where you will visit the Cape Malay Quarter, the Castle of Good Hope, Greenmarket Square, the beautiful Company Gardens and the V&A Waterfront.  You will stop along the way for lunch before continuing with the tour, after the tour is done you will be transferred back to your hotel.

View of Table Mountain and Lion's Head at sunset

Day 06

De Hoop Nature Reserve, Lekkerwater Beach Lodge

Today your journey to the De Hoop Nature Reserve begins, you will be collected after breakfast and enjoy a very scenic drive through the Overberg region before reaching your destination, The De Hoop Nature Reserve, where you will be spending the next four nights at Lekkerwater Beach Lodge.

Lekkerwater Beach Lodge, on the dunes of the De Hoop Nature Reserve
Listen to the sounds of the ocean from your luxurious room at Lekkerwater
Take in the views from the main area at Lekkerwater Beach Lodge

Lekkerwater Beach Lodge is located on top of the dunes of the De Hoop Nature Reserve, with views of the ocean as well as the surrounding bushlands.  Each suite is luxuriously designed to bring back the simplicity in life, with all the amenities you could need, cosy beach cottage décor and sweeping views of the ocean, you are sure to feel instantly at ease.

Day 07, 08 & 09

De Hoop Nature Reserve

Your next few days will be spent at leisure exploring the beauty of the De Hoop Nature Reserve and enjoying the hospitality of Lekkerwater Beach Lodge.  Activities at Lekkerwater include land-based marine safaris where you can explore the rockpools along the beach and the ecosystems that survive within them, walking nature trails in the fynbos landscapes where there are over 1500 different species of indigenous fynbos varieties, you can expect to see some wildlife such as zebra, eland, and the endangered bontebok.  The De Hoop Nature Reserve is not a safari destination, but more a destination that focuses on the ecosystems that thrive in this marine and cape fynbos environment.

Nature walks along the beach at De Hoop Nature Reserve
Some antelope can be spotted on the dunes surrounding Lekkerwater Beach Lodge
Whale Watching can be done by boat or helicopter at Lekkerwater Beach Lodge

De Hoop Nature Reserve is one of the best places to spot whales during the whale watching season, boating excursions can be arranged during whale season (approximately July – November). During whale season you can expect to see the Southern Right Whale, the Bryde’s Whale, the Humpback Whale and even dolphins frolicking along the shore. 
If you are not out exploring the dunes and rockpools you can enjoy an excursion to the Cape Vulture Colony, enjoy a romantic picnic on the beach or just take in the views from the lodge.

Day 10

Departure from Cape Town Airport

As all good things do, your time in South Africa draws to a close.
After breakfast and a morning activity (if time allows) you will be transferred back to Cape Town International Airport in time for your onward journey.

Tour Costs

2025:
January – April
R110,095 per person sharing x 02 adults

May – August
R86,580 per person sharing x 02 adults

September
R110,305 per person sharing x 02 adults

October – December
R112,230 per person sharing x 02 adults

Costs Include

03 nights of accommodation on a full board plus activities basis (Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp):
All meals
Teas, coffees & snacks
Twice daily game viewing activities
Park fees
The services of a professional ranger and camp staff

02 nights of accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis (The Commodore Hotel)

04 nights of accommodation on a fully inclusive basis (Lekkerwater Beach Lodge):
All meals
Teas, coffees & snacks
Twice daily activities
The services of a professional nature guide and camp staff
Bar accounts (excl premium imports)

All road transfers as per itinerary
Tourism levy of 1 %

Flights:
Johannesburg to Hoedspruit excl taxes (economy class)
Hoedspruit to Cape Town excl taxes (economy class)

Costs Exclude

Visas if required
Airport taxes
Personal items and gratuities
Bar accounts not specified
Meals not specified
Flights not specified
De Hoop Nature Reserve entrance fees

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Debbie Isaacs
Debbie Isaacs
21 January 2025
We used African Travel again for the second time over Xmas and New Year. Once again, every little bit of our trip ran smoothly and without a hitch. Their communication was great throughout and we will, no doubt, be returning to them in the future too. Thanks Petru.
Daniel Stewart
Daniel Stewart
08 January 2025
We had the most amazing time on our self drive tour of Namibia organised through African Travel Gateway. Everything from the planning and booking process, to the arrival and welcome in Windhoek, to the app with the itinerary and directions made for a really relaxed and well organised holiday. But the most important part was getting to experience Namibia - what a spectacular country! The only negative was that we should have booked for longer!
Hilda Stanfliet
Hilda Stanfliet
27 December 2024
Amazing hotel booked by Lize of African Travel Gateway, the most attentive service leading up to holiday
Zoe Heelas
Zoe Heelas
27 November 2024
ATG were fantastic from start to finish organising our trip 3 week trip in South Africa.Communication with Debbie was excellent before and during our trip. All accommodation and trips chosen by ATG was fantastic. This is our third trip with ATG and we are already thinking about our next.
Harrison Shore
Harrison Shore
09 November 2024
We used African Travel Gateway to plan our honeymoon, and it was incredible! Putting together the itinerary was really smooth and fun - Lize sent us a few options, and was really quick to make the changes we wanted and let us know what made the most sense. The planning portal had a lot of really useful information so we knew what to expect and made the whole thing very comfortable (this was our first trip to Africa!) The itinerary we ended up with was spectacular, and very well structured. We spent most of our trip in the greater Kruger area (Kapama River Lodge then Walkers Plains Camp) and then finished in Victoria Falls (Vic Falls River Lodge) - each stop was both nicer and more wild than the last, which made for a very cool trip. Some real gems - Walkers and the camp at Victoria Falls had both been open less than a year, and were super luxurious, no way we would have found places like that on our own! And starting at Kapama, which is a bigger operation and a little more controlled (fully fenced, very close to the Hoedspruit airport) was a great way to ease into the trip. The animal viewing at all three locations was amazing - we saw the Big 5 at both camps in South Africa, plus wild dogs and a cheetah at Walkers, and not just from a distance - we were able to get up pretty close at several of the viewings. The guides were excellent at all three, same with the staff, and the other guests! Logistics were seamless - all of our transfers were easy, the lodges knew our schedule and drivers were where they needed to be exactly on time. I would absolutely recommend African Travel Gateway, and hope to work with Lize on our next safari!
Hamdan nazarudin
Hamdan nazarudin
28 September 2024
Contacted Lize to get assistance with our trip. Her help has been really great! Enquiries are replied within a short period. Even asking for last minute arrangement of extra baggage and early hotel check-in. Itinerary are also seamless at every transition of camps and location.
Archie B
Archie B
16 August 2024
Travelled across South Africa with ATG. They picked the most amazing places to stay where we felt like royalty. The planning was efficient and there was regular communication during the booking process. The knowledge of Lize was excellent and so we knew what to expect at each stage. Would we use them again? YES, of course, and we are!!! - Already planning our next trip across Namibia for next year!
yvonne omer
yvonne omer
07 August 2024
We chose African Travel Gateway because of their awesome reviews and they did not disappoint! Bianca created a fabulous itinerary combining a luxury private reserve experience, a trip to Victoria Falls, a riverboat stay viewing the animals from a different perspective, ( and BTW the best scrambled eggs we have ever tasted) and a stay at a lodge where we saw different animals and a ride on a bush plane landing in what seemed the middle of nowhere! Every connection was seamless, no stress traveling at its best.Our hosts and guides were excellent, and lovely people. The food was wonderful and of course loved the sundowner drinks and our first” Bush Bar! Would definitely go back for more adventure, thank you ATG for a lovely experience!
Jennifer Morawiecki
Jennifer Morawiecki
06 August 2024
We've just returned from an incredible two-week holiday across Botswana and Zimbabwe with African Travel Gateway. The arrangements made by Bianca were perfect, the documentation provided was extremely thorough, and every detail of our journey was meticulously planned. Communication was excellent throughout. Coming from North America, we felt it best to work with a travel agent located in Southern Africa and it was absolutely the right choice. Highly recommended!
Maria Lohan
Maria Lohan
01 August 2024
Lize helped us find accommodation in Kruger when there was practically none to be got - and t was the best place. The tours she booked were tremendous and the people she booked were great and we are very grateful and glad we had the opportunity to book with Lize. Maria & family form Belfast
Arishana Riek
Arishana Riek
03 July 2024
Tailormade itinerary with knowledgeable guides (Apartheid Museum and Cradle of Humankind).
Sivan Debeljakovic
Sivan Debeljakovic
03 July 2024
Petru, of African Travel Gateway, planned our 12-day South Africa-Zimbabwe itinerary for three of us (arriving from two continents). Her expertise, keen insights, and care in arranging the most perfect accommodation for us, prompt and efficient transfers/drivers, and booking all internal flights, meant this was the smoothest, most enjoyable holiday experience, ever! We covered a lot of ground in a short time, but the precision-timing with transfers, and Petru's choice of such knowledgeable and personable tour guides really made all the difference. Huge thanks to Natasha (Afrifriends) and Chris (Paradise)! Highlights were: The Peech Hotel in J'burg (delightful boutique hotel with a fabulous breakfast - thank you, Oliver!); Ilala Lodge in Zimbabwe; Nkorho Bush Lodge in Sabi Sand (if you want up close & personal experiences with the wildlife, this is where you need to go!); Rickety Bridge Manor House in Franschhoek (perfectly appointed and beautiful accommodation); Boschendal Winery (try the pinotage; farm shop is a must!); Woodstock Markets in Cape Town (so much to see and buy here!). We had the most exceptional holiday – we will definitely return to SA in the future, and will be utilising the expert services of Petru at ATG. Thank you again, Petru.
Sergio Santini
Sergio Santini
03 June 2024
Petru has been our reference person at African Travel Gateway: she organised our self-drive travel through South Africa during April 2024. The itinerary has been tailored according to our wishes and her suggestions. She did a great job , fully meeting our requirements and tacking care about us in real time even during the trip. We really enjoyed the safaris she proposed and we saw what has to be seen in this beautiful country for a 3 weeks visit. The TravelKey App was new for us; it is an efficient tool and has been a very positive experience, having everything filed in the HP.
lilia sanabria
lilia sanabria
25 May 2024
I recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Namibia, and I owe it all to Bianca and her exceptional expertise! From the moment I contacted African Travel Gateway, Bianca was warm, knowledgeable, and dedicated to crafting a personalized itinerary that exceeded my expectations. Bianca not only helped me plan a seamless trip, but also introduced me to an incredible guide, Nicco Visser, who brought the country to life with his expertise, love for his country and passion for photography. With Nicco by my side, I experienced the real Namibia - from the stunning landscapes and incredible wildlife to the vibrant culture and warm hospitality of the people. Thank you, Bianca, for connecting me with Nicco and helping me create memories that will stay with me forever!"
Bill Lenew
Bill Lenew
13 May 2024
Amazing, Outstanding and Fabulous are a few words to describe our Safari. This was my 7th African Safari, that Lize at So. African Travel has planned for my Family and Friends. All of them were extremely over the top and satisfying. From the accommodations, to the food and most of all seeing all of the Big Five at every Lodge. I highly recommend using Lize, as she has always given us many options to pick from. All of which have been perfectly organized by Lize. Once you fly into Johannesburg, she reserves a room for you at the Hotel right next to the airport. Then the next morning we fly into the Krueger to get to our Lodge. She also organizes the flight for you. And then after the Safari, we usually go into Cape Town, which she also organizes that flight too. We can't say enough about what a Great Travel Agent Lize is. If you want your trip to be perfect call Lize! Thank you Lize! as I said before "You're the Best"! Karen Lenew.
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