DAY 1: ARRIVE CAPE TOWN
Upon arrival at Cape Town airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to the Cape Grace Hotel for a three-night stay. You have the rest of the day to relax and rest up after your flight. In the afternoon you may wish to visit Robben Island. South Africa's version of Alcatraz is best known as the place where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for almost two decades. The indigenous flora is particularly attractive and Jackass penguins are rapidly increasing in numbers. The island is reached by ferry (departing from the Waterfront) and bookings must be made in advance. Discuss your touring options with your Absolute Africa travel consultant.

DAY 2: CAPE TOWN
Today, explore this bustling city, spectacularly situated at the foot of Table Mountain. Cape Town's geographical location has allowed it to absorb a wide range of cultures that were drawn to the city for its key position on the trade routes between Europe and Asia. A trip to the top of Table Mountain is a splendid highlight on a clear day: the mountain is part of a nature reserve, and boasts a wide range of plants and animals unique to the surrounding area. Tour the museums, browse at the market at Green Market Square, and stroll past the curio sellers who line the pavements with their wares. Visit the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront where you can waste away the afternoon at the shops, cafés, market, and bars or take a short cruise on one of the many boats waiting at the quays. (B)

DAY 3: CAPE PENINSULA TOUR
This morning head off on a tour of Cape Point, a scenic trip with many enticing villages en route. Head straight to the sea and follow the coastal road through Muizenberg with its long stretch of sandy beach, Simon's Town, and on to Boulders Beach, home to the Jackass penguins. From this point, keep your eyes peeled for baboons on or beside the road, and finally enter the Cape Peninsula National Park. Here you will find Cape Point, traditionally considered the meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Before heading home, make a stop at Hout Bay Harbor for a quick boat trip to Seal Island. Return to your hotel later this afternoon. (B)

DAY 4: CAPE TOWN -- HERMANUS
This morning the self-drive portion of your trip begins; your car will be delivered to the hotel. On your own, drive to the small cliff-top town of Hermanus. This charming town lies about 70 miles east of Cape Town and it forms the nexus of the Whale Route. Among the recreational opportunities available here, Walker Bay offers some of the best shore-based whale watching in the world. You will be staying at the Marine Hermanus, an imposing white mansion that has breathtaking sea views. (B)

DAY 5: HERMANUS
Spend this day exploring Hermanus and the outlying region. Walk along the dramatic coastline on the cliff paths or visit the Hemel-en-Aarde wine estates nearby, which date back to the early 19th century. (B)

DAY 6: HERMANUS -- OUDTSHOORN
Today, depart Hermanus and begin your drive along the Garden Route. The Garden Route runs along the western coast of South Africa and the region benefits from a healthy rainfall that keeps the grass and plants a vibrant green. Enjoy the spectacular scenery -- a backdrop of mountains and the white sandy beaches. Your drive from Hermanus to Oudtshoorn will take you over the spectacular Robinson Pass. In Oudtshoorn, check in to your accommodation for the night, the Rosenhof Country Lodge. (B)

DAY 7: OUDTSHOORN -- PLETTENBERG BAY
This morning, continue your drive to Plettenberg Bay and, upon arrival, check in to the exquisite Plettenberg Hotel. This is a beautiful resort town and a magnificent setting for water sports and sun lovers; it is fondly known as the Riviera of South Africa. It is a visitor's paradise and is renowned for its bird life, inter-tidal marine life and whales coming ashore to give birth. Among the recreational activities available are boat trips, horseback riding, canoeing, scenic flights, or walks around the picturesque Robberg Nature Reserve. (B)

DAY 8: PLETTENBERG BAY -- KWANDWE GAME RESERVE Continue along the Garden Route to Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, near Grahamstown on the Eastern Cape. The reserve is on the edge of the Karoo Basin, with a wide variety of plants and animals, and the camp overlooks the Great Fish River. The reserve has been stocked with animals that have been reintroduced to this 16,000-hectare area, which has rapidly become a haven for endangered animals and birds that thrive in the diverse vegetation zones of the area. The surrounding region is historically rich, having been home to San and Khoi people for thousands of years. Rock paintings, artifacts and stone tools have been found throughout the region. You will be welcomed upon arrival and showed to your room. In the afternoon, depart on your first game drive. A professional game ranger will take you out into the bush and can point out the animals and teach you more about them. After sunset, the game drive continues with spotlights. Since many of the animals are nocturnal, this is an excellent time to see them. Dinner is served in anair boma around a warm fire. (B,L,D)

DAY 9: KWANDWE
Today you will go on two game drives, one in the early morning and one in the evening. If you're lucky, you can catch some of the animals just waking up and looking for a morning snack. Lions are especially active at this time, either moving around with their young or on a hunt. You may also expect to see rhino, leopards, or giraffes in the morning. During the day the animals retreat from the heat and are unlikely to be seen, but the cooler evening brings them out for more food. At night, larger carnivores can usually be seen hunting. Dinner or breakfast may be served in the bush, if the weather permits. (B,L,D)

DAY 10: KWANDWE -- JOHANNESBURG
After an early morning game drive, deliver your car to the Port Elizabeth Airport and catch a flight to Johannesburg. Once known as the "Gold Capital of the World," Johannesburg underwent rapid development when the valuable mineral was first discovered. It remains a thriving metropolis and it is the largest city in South Africa. You will spend the night at the elegant Grace Hotel. (D)

DAY 11: JOHANNESBURG -- LONDOLOZI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your shuttle flight to Londolozi Private Game Reserve, located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve on the border of Kruger National Park. Londolozi is the premier game viewing lodge in South Africa, and the standard against which all other deluxe lodges are measured. Each of the five camps that comprise the Londolozi Private Game Reserve has its own unique flavor and distinct style. (B,D)

DAY 12: LONDOLOZI
Enjoy a full day of game viewing activities in the morning and again in the afternoon or evening. Bush walks during the day offer close encounters with the subtleties of nature and a brush with the traditional legends and uses of plants. This region supports an astonishing variety of wildlife including the "Big Five." Breeding herds of elephants make for exceptional viewing. Around 260 species of birds may be seen, including the Woodland Kingfisher, Scops Owl, Crested Barbet, Marico Sunbird, Spotted-backed Weaver, and White-throated Robin. (B,L,D)

DAY 13: LONDOLOZI -- JOHANNESBURG
After a morning game drive you will be transferred to the airport for your shuttle flight to Johannesburg. In Johannesburg, you can catch your international departure flight. (B)