12 Day African Elegance - A Platinum Small Group Tour
This tour is escorted by local city guides in each location. The local guides will join you during the included activities and local representatives will assist with transfer arrangements. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise, or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.
This tour is categorised as 2 out of 5
Relax and uncover: Enjoy ample free time alongside key sightseeing and activities. Moderate fitness is still recommended to fully experience the trip.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
Platinum Vacations - Luxury at its finest
❖ Exclusivity - Ultra-Small group touring. No more than 8 people
❖ Adults Only - Travel with like-minded adults on all Platinum Vacations tours
❖ Airfares - Add international airfares to any Platinum Vacations tour for peace of mind
❖ Comfort - The best in-destination accommodation with feature Inspiring Stays including three nights in an all inclusive luxury camp in the Greater Kruger National park, a two night stay at Sir Richard Branson’s vineyard estate in the heart of South Africa’s wine country and an unforgettable stay at the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel overlooking the spray of the fall.
❖ Culinary - Fine-dining daily with all breakfasts, 3 lunches and 6 dinners with feature Inspiring Tastes including a chef's table experience at the historic Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town and a 5-course tasting menu in Franschhoek - both paired with South Africa’s finest wines
❖ Experiences - Fully inclusive and immersive sightseeing and our thoughtfully curated Inspiring Sights including a guided tour of Cape Town’s Zeitz Mocaa Museum of Contemporary Art Africa led by the museum curator and a helicopter ride over the mighty Victoria Falls
❖ Experts - Join the highly qualified local expedition team and naturalist guides on safari through the Greater Kruger National Park
❖ Essentials - Travel in luxury small coaches, enjoy porterage at all hotels, included gratuities for your guide and driver, plus laundry service
❖ Airport transfer included on the first day of your tour
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
What we love about this tour
As one of our Platinum Vacations tours, 12 Day Luxury Africa, sets the benchmark in ultimate comfort and style while travelling: intimate, ultra-small group touring, curated sightseeing, plush accommodation and exclusive culinary experiences, all backed by our industry-leading, 24/7 customer support.
Welcome to Cape Town! The dynamic capital city of South Africa.
On arrival you will be met by a local representative and transferred by private vehicle to your luxury 5-star hotel where you will spend the next three nights. Once settled in, the rest of the day is at leisure.
Your hotel, the award-winning Taj Cape Town, is located in the centre of the old city, and is within walking distance to some of South Africa's foremost landmarks and attractions, shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Please note: if you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.
After breakfast we will set out on our first day of sightseeing, beginning with a private city tour.
Cape Town city centre is rich in history and culture and is alive with the sights and sounds of a diverse people that call it home. We will visit some of the most celebrated attractions including the Castle of Good Hope to the City Hall where Nelson Mandela spoke to a crowd of hundreds of thousands after his release from prison. We’ll also see the cobbled streets and brightly coloured houses of the Bo to Kaap, which is often a postcard fixture. We will also enjoy a trip up Table Mountain (fast track entry), high above the clouds on the revolving cable car (weather permitting). Table Mountain is an icon in Cape Town and is most likely the most photographed landmark in the country. It’s been named one of the seven wonders of nature and attracts millions of visitors from all across the globe; since it opened in 1929, more than 22 million people have taken the trip to the top.
Later, we’ll head to our first Inspiring Site - a tour of Zeitz Mocaa Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA), led by the museum curator. The museum is a public, not-for-profit contemporary art centre which collects, preserves, researches, and exhibits 21st-century art from Africa.
After our visit, we’ll return to the hotel to freshen up before our first Inspiring Taste, a welcome dinner at the historic Belmond Mount Nelson for an incredible Chef’s Table experience. Hosted by the hotel executive chef, we’ll be seated at a hidden kitchen alcove for an immersive culinary spectacle of South African cuisine and paired local wines.
Note: the excursion to Table Mountain is weather dependent; if it is closed, we will visit Signal Hill instead.
Today is a full day to do as you please. Relax and enjoy the hotel amenities or venture out on your own to visit some of the incredible museums and galleries all within walking distance from your hotel. Be sure to visit the vibrant V&A Waterfront bustling with lively cafes, galleries, markets and stores.
Enjoy breakfast at leisure before checking out and meeting our guide in the hotel lobby.
Today we’re driving to the picturesque Cape Wineland region. Encompassing a huge region across the Western Cape, stretching up the West Coast, up and east into the Klein Karoo, and right down into the Hermanus and Overberg regions, this is a profoundly special place. Set in and amongst quaint and traditional Cape Dutch houses, magical trees and vineyards and majestic mountain surroundings, you might be mistaken for thinking you’re in Bordeaux when in fact you’ve found a piece of heaven right here in South Africa. The country’s famed and best-known wine regions are Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek, and although close to the city centre, it feels like you’re in a different world.
Our final destination is Franschhoek which means ‘French Corner’ - look forward to soul-stirring scenery, exceptional cuisine and century old wine estates that produce award-winning wine. Franschhoek has been described as South Africa’s food and wine capital - there are more award-winning restaurants in this town than anywhere else in the country. Vineyards over these mountain slopes have been nurtured and grown for over 300 years when the French Huguenots settled here in their escape from persecution. In the village you will find crafts, art and antique shops and galleries. For those in search of outdoor activities, there are a number of walking trails in the surrounding mountains and you could cycle or horse ride through vineyards.
On arrival, our Inspiring Stay is Mont Rochelle, a relaxing retreat with vineyard views in the heart of wine country. This afternoon is at leisure - relax and unwind in the picturesque surroundings or make use of the complimentary transfer service between Mont Rochelle and Franschhoek town to explore.
This evening’s Inspiring Taste will be held at the hotel’s restaurant, MIKO at Mont Rochelle. Together with breathtaking views of the Franschhoek valley and vineyards, we’ll enjoy a ‘Taste of Miko’, a 5-course tasting menu with paired wines. The cuisine is best described as a taste of South African favourites. Each dish uses the finest local ingredients and is perfectly paired with award-winning wines.
Note: laundry service is included at Mont Rochelle. It is recommended to submit any items you wish to have laundered on the day of arrival to ensure return of garments prior to departure.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before our wineland discovery. Spectacular vineyards cover these mountain slopes which were settled more than 300 years ago by the Huguenots, who brought with them their age-old French wine and food culture.
On our visit we’ll tour some of the region's finest wineries and get to sample the different wine varieties. Our first stop is at the beautiful Babylonstoren Wine Farm where we’ll enjoy a tasting followed by a guided tour of their expansive garden. Set within 5 hectares (12 acres) of cultivated fruit and vegetables, the garden at Babylonstoren is at the heart of the farm which was inspired by the historic Company’s Garden in Cape Town.
Our next visit is Boschendal Wine Estate, one of the oldest wine estates in South Africa and is located between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. Here, we’ll enjoy another wine tasting followed by lunch at The Werf Restaurant, which offers contemporary soil-to-fork dining using the best available local, seasonal and ethically sourced ingredients.
Head back to the hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Enjoy breakfast before we transfer to Cape Town airport for your included flight to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS).
On arrival, prepare to be pampered at our next Inspiring Stay, a 5-star safari lodge in an exclusive private game reserve in the Greater Kruger area.
With only 10 luxury suites, the lodge offers an intimate and personalised safari experience set within on of the largest private reserves in the Greater Kruger area, ajacent to Kruger National Park. Set amongst tall shady trees, your home for the next three incredible nights feature ultra-luxurious suites set overlooking a waterhole or river bank. Spacious suites offer stylish decor with air conditioning and featuring stunning en-suite bathrooms with bath tub.
Depending on the arrival time, we may be able to enjoy an afternoon game drive this afternoon (if arriving at the lodge by 3pm).
Your stay includes a wide selection of unlimited local and premium wines and spirits so be sure to take time to relax on your private deck or in the lounge before dinner with your favourite drink in hand while overlooking the African bush.
This evening, enjoy our first dinner together at the Lodge.
Enjoy a morning and afternoon game drive across the Private Game Reserve. Accompanied by expert naturist guides you will traverse the reserve in open vehicles where you will have the opportunity to spot lions, elephants, buffalos, rhinos and leopards as well as general game that thrive in this area.
Return back to the lodge in the late morning for breakfast before retiring to your luxurious tented suite in preparation for your afternoon game drive later in the day. Between drives, unwind with an African spa treatment on site, take a dip in the pool, or simply relax in the comforts of your suite.
A highlight on your afternoon game drive is the traditional “African Sundowners”. We stop in the middle of the reverse to enjoy a gin & tonic or drink of your choice as we watch the sunset over the African bushveld, a truly magical experience.
Return to the lodge where a warm welcome and sumptuous dinner awaits, all accompanied with the finest African wines!
Today we continue to explore the vast Reserve with morning and afternoon game drives of the incredible game reserve.
Also available during our visit are interactive and personal bush walks with the camp’s professional guides. Put on your walking shoes and get you up close and personal of the wild unseen from the safari vehicle.
Dinner will again be served tonight under countless stars.
Enjoy breakfast before we check out and farewell the stunning lodge and drive to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) for the included flight to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
On arrival, we’ll head to our Inspiring Stay - the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel. Echoing its glorious pedigree since 1904, the Victoria Falls Hotel is truly a five-star experience of pure grandeur, style, glamour and sophistication. A ten-minute stroll, via a private footpath, leads to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World: the Victoria Falls.
Check in and relax before enjoying a high tea this afternoon with a glass of sparkling wine. This tradition is as old as tourism in Victoria Falls itself. Pull up a chair on Stanley’s Terrace and let the afternoon sun, gentle clink of china and distant roar of the waterfall take you back in time.
The rest of the afternoon and evening is at leisure.
Enjoy breakfast at leisure before meeting our guide in the lobby and setting off on tour of the Falls & Local Village. We're exploring Victoria Falls inside, outside, and right from the top today! It's a full tour, and the fascinating stroll through the gentle rain and mist alongside the Falls is just the start. We’ll stop off at the key view sites for a photo call where the mighty roar of tons of water is the soundtrack.
A highlight today is an included Inspiring Sight - viewing the Falls from a different perspective, by air! Feel the freedom on a 13 minute helicopter flight over Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River. The helicopter has the ability to fly lower than a fixed wing aircraft, so you'll have unrivalled opportunities to view the breathtaking Falls, and of course, get those postcard perfect photos! The flight path extends over the seemingly tranquil Zambezi River and along the gorges, to the infamous Batoka Gorge downstream.
Later, we’ll visit the local village where we’ll learn more about the active roles played by both men and women in this society and visit an actual homestead, talking to those who live and work there. For those interested, we will visit a small curio shop, filled with homemade items for sale, all crafted by the extended family members of this homestead.
After our visit, we’ll return to the hotel where the afternoon is at leisure before joining together later to enjoy an Inspiring Taste: a 4-course dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi at sunset to mark the end of an incredible journey. Embark from the Pure Africa Waterfront and head off into the evening. You’ll be served a series of delicious courses, freshly prepared on the boat and paired with premium drinks. The hippos and other noisy animal residents in the distance will most certainly add to the ambience.
Enjoy breakfast and a leisurely morning before transferring to the airport for our flight back to Johannesburg this afternoon.
On arrival, you’ll be met and escorted to the adjoining InterContinental Johannesburg O.R.Tambo Hotel where the rest of the evening is at leisure.
After breakfast and check out it’s time to bid your new travel friends and Africa farewell! Make your own way to the adjoining terminal in time for your departure flight.
We hope that you enjoyed your tour and we look forward to helping you plan and book your next inspiring adventure!
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Comfort - Staying at a Platinum Vacations hotel is an experience in itself. Our experts select the best in-destination hotels, lodges and villas in the perfect location. To ensure your holiday is truly memorable, we include our favourite Inspiring Stays. Each Inspiring Stay provides an authentic, experiential, and cultural experience unique to the destination.
Culinary - Culinary exploration is a highlight of any destination. Our Platinum Vacations provide the perfect balance between self-adventure and curated culinary inclusions. Our experts have sourced a range of special experiences, from private dining to chef table dinners to allow your taste buds to embark on a sojourn through the destination.
Experiences - Platinum Vacations ensure you'll experience a full immersion of the destination. Experience the must-haves expected on a well-rounded itinerary, plus the extras that make it really special: incredible, all-inclusive sightseeing, enriching activities and one-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Platinum Vacations provide the discerning traveller with the benefits you would expect to provide a fully immersive travel experience like no other.
Inspiring Stays
Handpicked feature accommodation selections.
Cape Town – Taj Cape Town. This award winning 5-star hotel resides at the heart of the Mother City's dynamic business and leisure hub on Wale Street, Cape Town. Located in the centre of the old city, it boasts a strong sense of place and is within walking distance to some of South Africa's foremost landmarks and attractions and an eclectic array of shops, galleries, and restaurants. Spread across two heritage buildings, expect luxurious appointed rooms from your upgraded City View room.
Franschhoek – Mont Rochelle. Part of the prestigious Virgin Limited Edition portfolio of hotels, this luxury 5 star retreat is set against views of the picturesque Franschhoek Valley on a working vineyard. All rooms feature luxury amenities including a fully stocked complimentary minibar, Nespresso facilities, luxurious Africology bath and shower products and stunning views of the courtyard or over the valley.
Kapama Private Game Reserve - Greater Kruger National Park - Kapama Buffalo Camp. With only 10 luxury tented suites, Kapama Buffalo Camp offers an intimate and personalised safari experience set within the largest reserve in the Kruger National Park. Set amongst tall shady trees, your home for the next three incredible nights features ultra-luxurious tented suites set on stilted wooden decks built on an elevated riverbank. Spacious suites offer dark wood and leather finishes with air conditioning and featuring stunning en-suite bathrooms with free standing baths overlooking the bushveld, a fully stocked complimentary minibar, and Nespresso coffee machines.
Victoria Falls – The Victoria Falls Hotel. A member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World portfolio, the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel echoes its glorious pedigree since 1904. Having undergone a multi-million-dollar refurbishment, the Victoria Falls Hotels offers its guests a true a five-star experience of pure grandeur, style, glamour and sophistication. A ten-minute stroll, via a private footpath, leads to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World: the Victoria Falls.
Inspiring Tastes
Exclusive or unique culinary experiences designed to inspire your senses.
Inspiring Sights
Enjoy an included selection of experiences designed to give you a richer travel experience.
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
Lively Pace Tour: This itinerary will be conducted at a relaxed pace. You will typically spend several nights at one location which means less time spent packing and unpacking, and more sightseeing. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and handling your own luggage.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $7,645.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for this tour to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Group Size
Minimum: 4
Maximum: 8
Adults Only
Travel with like-minded adults on all Platinum Vacations tours.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
Click HERE for more information on weather in South Africa.
16 Sep 2020
Whether you love feasting on local delicacies and wine, or sightseeing from a great height, South Africa is just the ticket Only in recent years has South Africa’s gems – beyond safaris and braai – come to the attention of the savvy traveller. With an eclectic mix of culture, homegrown wines and more outdoor activiti...
16 Sep 2020
South Africa is a gastronomic tour de force with fresh fish, wild meats and world-class wine all on the menu. We look at some of the best local food and wine pairings to try Ever since the Dutch settled in South Africa back in the 17th century, bringing French Muscadet grapes with them, the country has been making fi...
16 Sep 2020
The ultimate nature reserve in South Africa is a dream destination for animal lovers who want to see it all Kruger National Park covers an enormous area – almost 20,000 sq km of different landscapes and biodiverse eco-zones ranging from wetlands to grasslands and tropical forests. It has an ancient history of human occ...
16 Sep 2020
A trip to Southern Africa is a true adventure. Astonishing landscapes, incredible wildlife, ancient cultures. But, when is the best time to go? Southern Africa is nothing short of mind-blowing. South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe all boast some of the most memorable experiences and sights on the planet. A...
16 Sep 2020
South Africa is an incredibly diverse country – its landscape, people and culture are like nowhere else. Here’s what you need to know before you go on a holiday to South Africa If there is one word that sums up South Africa, it is diverse. What other country has 11 official languages, ever-changing, dramatic landscapes...
