Cape Town

Cape Town City Tour – Together, we will enjoy exploring the Mother City with a City Tour, including a cable car ride to the top of South Africa’s most iconic landmark:  Table Mountain. We will visit the Company Gardens, the Castle of Good Hope, and the vibrant market of Greenmarket Square, where we can immerse ourselves in the lively atmosphere and discover local crafts and arts.  We also take a trip to Signal Hill with spectacular views, the V&A Waterfront, and a bustling hub of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Another highlight is the colorful and picturesque Malay Quarter known as Bo-Kaap, famous for its brightly painted houses and rich cultural heritage.  After touring Cape Town, enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.  Source Journeys will be hosting a welcome dinner at a restaurant in the heart of Cape Town where we will indulge in a delicious meal and connect with our fellow travelers.

Mount Nelson Hotel

Cape Town

After breakfast, we will be met by the guide for a stunning Cape Peninsula Tour, beginning by traveling along the Atlantic Seaboard past Clifton to Hout Bay along one of the most scenic drives in the world.  We will take a cruise to the seals on Seal Island, and continue over Chapman’s Peak to the Cape Point Nature Reserve, a declared Natural World Heritage Site.  From the Cape of Good Hope, we’ll enjoy lunch at a scenic seaside restaurant followed by a visit to the adorable penguins of Boulders Beach.  Then we continue to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, which is South Africa’s world-famous national botanical garden, set against the backdrop of Table Mountain and Devil’s Peak, and home to more than 22,000 indigenous plants, including rare and endangered species.  We return to our luxury hotel in the late afternoon.

Mount Nelson Hotel

Cape Town

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart with the guide for a full-day tour exploring the fabled Cape wine region with wine tasting at several wine estates.  As we journey through the picturesque Cape Winelands, you’ll be captivated by the lush mountains and historic homesteads that dot the landscape.  We will have the opportunity to taste the finest offerings at wine estates along the way. As the day unfolds, we’ll learn about the winemaking process, explore the vineyards, and take in the breathtaking vistas that surround us. During the tour, we’ll enjoy a delectable lunch at one of the charming wine estates, where we will savor the local cuisine and soak up the tranquil ambiance of the vineyards. After lunch, we’ll stroll together through quaint Cape Dutch towns like Franschhoek, known for its picturesque streets lined with art galleries, boutiques, and cafes.

Mount Nelson Hotel

Cape Town to Sabi Sands

In the morning, our guide will meet us for our transfer to the airport for the flight inland and transfer to Lion Sands River Lodge. This Lodge is one of the most beloved bush properties, located in the exclusive Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Get ready for days filled with luxurious comforts and spectacular game viewing.  Waking in the pale light of morning with a cup of coffee in hand…you’ll know you’ve arrived in the heart of old Africa. All Source Journeys travelers will congregate in the late afternoon for “high tea” before embarking on our first open-vehicle game drive under the guidance of our experienced ranger and tracker team in search of Africa’s famous wildlife. At sunset, we will stop for sundowners to toast the end of another day in Africa. Finally, we will continue the safari after dark with the aid of powerful spotlights to, hopefully, glimpse some of the elusive nocturnal game.

Lion Sands River Lodge

Sabi Sands

Enjoy a full day of safaris. Our twice-daily safaris take place at dawn and dusk when the bush is at its most active and chances of spotting game the best. Our experienced ranger and tracker team will help us make the most of our time on a safari through their extensive knowledge of the African savanna. The reserve is home to a wide variety of African games, including the “Big Five”, which are Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Leopard, and Buffalo. One of the highlights of our safari experience at Lion Sands River Lodge is the chance to enjoy sundowners in the bush. As the sun sets over the savanna, we will stop at a picturesque spot, where we can toast to the beauty of the African wilderness with a refreshing drink in hand. Here, we will listen to the sounds of the bush, watch the changing colors of the sky, and create lasting memories of this magical moment.

Lion Sands River Lodge

Sabi Sands

During our game drives, our expert guides will share their knowledge and insights about the African bush, its ecosystems, and the unique behaviors of its inhabitants. We will learn about the complex interactions between animals and their environment, and gain a deeper understanding of the delicate balance that exists in this pristine wilderness.

After our exhilarating game drives, we return to the comfort of Lion Sands River Lodge, where we can relax and unwind in the luxurious surroundings. This is when we can lounge by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment or simply take in the breathtaking views of the Sabie River and the surrounding bushveld from the lodge’s expansive decks.

With ample leisure time at the lodge, everyone has the option to choose to join additional activities such as guided bush walks, birdwatching, or cultural experiences to further enrich your safari experience.  These excursions are designed so we can capture the beauty of the African landscape with a camera, or simply revel in the sights and sounds of the African bush as we soak in the magic of this pristine wilderness.

Lion Sands River Lodge

Sabi Sands to Victoria Falls

After a delicious breakfast at our lodge in Sabi Sands, get ready for an exciting day as we embark on our journey to Victoria Falls, known as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

As we soar above the African landscape, anticipation builds for the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, known as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. No words can truly prepare you for the scale and grandeur of this mighty cascade, which spans the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Upon arrival at Victoria Falls, our expert guide will be waiting to welcome us and accompany us to the luxurious Royal Livingstone Hotel. This award-winning 5-Star hotel, located on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, exudes romance and colonial glamour, offering a truly enchanting stay.

In the late afternoon, we get ready for a magical experience as we embark on a spectacular Sunset Zambezi River Cruise on the African Queen. We will cruise along the Zambezi River, savoring the golden hues of the African sunset, while enjoying refreshing drinks and taking in the sights and sounds of the African wilderness.

 Royal Livingstone Lodge

Victoria Falls

After breakfast, we will be met by our guide and escorted over the border to Zimbabwe for a Tour of Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side. Victoria Falls constitutes one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. The local people call it “Mosi-oa-Tunya” the smoke that thunders. The Victoria Falls is 1,708 meters wide, making it the largest curtain of water in the world. July through September offer powerful views of the falls with less mist, so we’ll be witnessing the falls at the ideal time.  This is when we will enjoy  visiting an elephant sanctuary of rescued elephants, go on a helicopter ride over the falls, or just enjoy quiet moments on the hotel’s veranda with its breathtaking views. 

Royal Livingstone Hotel

Departure Victoria Falls to Johannesburg or extension to Botswana.

Now that our remarkable South Africa journey has ended, this is when we will transfer you to the airport for your return flight home. However, some Source Journeys travelers will extend their stay and continue the journey to our Botswana Extension. If you would like to join us on this small group LGBTQ+ experience, please don’t hesitate to inquire.