Best of South Africa: Cape Town & Kruger National Park
March 16 - March 25, 2027
An epic adventure combining Cape Town, South Africa's "Mother City", the southern coast's never-ending beauty, and Kruger National Park, one 
of Africa's largest wildlife refuges! Our adventure begins at the southernmost part of Africa and its epic coast: Cape Town, South Africa. Resting at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic oceans, sandwiched between the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain and the glistening sapphire waters of Table Bay, the exceptionally scenic city of Cape Town is in a class of its own. Some cities boast rich culture, vibrant nightlife, a cosmopolitan atmosphere, and extraordinary architecture, while others boast breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary natural wonders. Cape Town is lucky enough to be blessed with all of these attractions and much more. With its bustling harbor, world-class beaches, top-notch vineyards, and mountainous surroundings
brimming with diverse flora and fauna, Cape Town captivates the hearts (and cameras) of all who visit
Our journey continues to the south end of South Africa’s most famous game reserve, Kruger National Park. Prepare to be blown away by getting up close and personal with the animals of Africa and the magnificent landscapes covered in African bushveld and savannah. This is a popular area to spot giraffe, playful hippos, and plenty of stunning wildlife. The game viewing is renowned for its rhinos and lions, with different prides boasting an array of hunting techniques and behaviors to photograph!
South Africa's Cape Town
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Cape Town (3 Nights)
"A coming-together of cultures, cuisines, and landscapes, there's nowhere quite like Cape Town, a singularly beautiful city crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain National Park. And one can’t help but be seduced by the glorious natural beauty of the nearby Garden Route. The range of topography, vegetation, wildlife, and outdoor activities is remarkable, not to mention the world-class vineyards & stunning beaches." -Lonely Planet
* The Mother City: Experience the best of South Africa's world-class city.
- Cable Car to Table Mountain: Enjoy the fresh air and capture stunning photographs as we ascend to
the summit of the most iconic landmark in South Africa. When we reach the top, take in the panoramic views and be on the lookout for caracals (wild cats), rock hyraxes, and chacma baboons. On a clear day, we'll get spectacular views of the city, its waterfront, Camps Bay, the majestic Hottentots Holland Mountains to the East, and the mountains of the Cape Peninsula all the way down to Cape Point to the south.
- City Highlights Driving Excursion: Our drive takes us by the president's official residence, Houses of Parliament, City Hall, The Cape of Good Hope Castle, Green Market Square, and the Company Gardens.
- Tour of Nelson Mandel's Prison on Robben Island: This windswept island served for centuries as a place of exile, isolation, and imprisonment, most famously holding Nelson Mandela for 18 of his 27 years behind bars. Reached by ferry across, guided tours - often led by former political prisoners - offer deeply personal insights as you explore the maximum-security prison, Mandela's tiny cell, and the island's layered history.
- The Bo-Kaap: Also known as the Malay Quarter, the architecture in this area is typical of what Cape Town was like
200 years ago. Here we'll experience first hand the cultural diversity that Cape Town has to offer on a guided walk through the historical heart of the Bo-Kaap.
- Traditional Cooking Demonstration & Lunch: Capture images of this interesting cooking demonstration, and learn how to fold samosas & mix Masala for Cape Malay Curry, before digging into a traditional, full course Cape Malay lunch!
- Explore Cape Point: An exciting road trip takes us to all the best beaches, bays, and viewpoints as we flank back & forth between the Atlantic and Indian coastlines, arriving at the meeting place of these two mighty oceans.
- Charming Hout Bay & Seal Island Cruise: Photograph the colorful fishing boats in this small harbor before hopping on a cruise for a first-hand view of the kelp forests and abundant sea life around Duiker Island ("Seal Island"). The ship takes us within feet of the shore for close up views and photo ops of the Cape Fur Seals in their natural environment.
- Cape Point & the Cape of Good Hope: Said to be the romantic meeting place of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, the
explorer Sir Francis Drake once called it "the fairest Cape that we saw in the whole circumference of the globe”.
- Boulders Beach & the Penguin Colony: Humans and penguins alike treasure this beautiful beach, protected from the wind and large waves by her ancient granite boulders. Search for creatures in the interesting rock pools before meeting the local residents and stars of this sandy white haven, the African Penguins! The only species found on the continent, these cute, little sea birds are ever so curious and 
eager to pose for our cameras.
- Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens: Home to some 3,500 species of Southern African flora and fauna, we'll discover this beautiful, green sanctuary on a guided walk through the forest floor, into and through the trees, and pop out above the canopy, giving spectacular panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, garden, and Cape Flats. Great shots to capture in every direction!
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Hermanus (2 Nights)
At the beginning of the famous & stunning coastal drive in the direction of the Garden Route, arrive in Hermanus. Here, the pristine beaches extend as far as the eye can see, and the Klein River mountain range provides a
breathtaking backdrop to this popular coastal town. It's a relaxing place for people coming from the city and draws people looking for extended peace and quiet. What might have otherwise just been a small fishing village is today a large, bustling town with an excellent range of accommodation, restaurants, and shops. For anybody looking to enjoy the coastal scenery on a sunny day, this walkable town is a stop on a path that stretches for miles in every direction.
- Astounding Abalone: Learn about the history of abalone in South Africa, the biology of this mysterious mollusk, and the 
unfortunate demise of wild stocks due to over-harvest and poaching. We'll boot-up for a guided walk to experience the aquaculture industry of abalone farming firsthand on one of the oldest and largest abalone farms in South Africa, Abagold. Visit & photograph Abagold's state of the art abalone hatchery where broodstock are cared for and baby abalone (spats) are produced. Learn more about the system & technical infrastructure that keeps Abagold's 10,000,000 abalone healthy and happily housed in their 40,000 baskets! Highlights include the impressive seawater pumps and aeration system, back-up power generation, innovative water reticulation & renewable energy projects, including the construction of the first-ever wave energy converter in South Africa.
- Fernkloof Nature Reserve: Located in the Kleinrivier Mountains above Hermanus, this 4,500-acre reserve harbors a huge number of plant species and ranges from sea level to 2800 ft. The Reserve lies across the entire northern side of town and with a 40-mile network of trails, we'll have plenty of easy and moderate hiking options to choose from with our guide.
- Hermanus Cliff Path (optional): Curving along the coast through scrublands, this well-maintained path is a total of 7.5 miles along glorious scenery. This path goes through the town of Hermanus and if our schedule permits, enjoy a casual walk at your own pace.
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Stellenbosch (1 Night)
Surrounded by vineyard-covered mountains and shaded by ancient oak trees, Stellenbosch is the heart of South Africa's celebrated wine country. Founded in 1679, the country's second-oldest town pairs Cape Dutch architecture and a lively university atmosphere with world-class wineries and acclaimed restaurants. Wander its charming streets lined with boutiques, galleries, and cafés before venturing into the surrounding valleys for cellar tours and wine tastings. Whether you're savoring award-winning vintages or soaking up the town's rich history, Stellenbosch offers an irresistible blend of culture, cuisine, and spectacular scenery.
- Explore Boschendal Wine Estate: Founded in 1685, this historic farm blends Cape Dutch heritage with contemporary country living, where centuries-old oak trees, whitewashed gabled buildings, and rolling vineyards create a picture-perfect setting. Wander through fragrant gardens, enjoy seasonal farm-to-table cuisine crafted from produce grown on the estate, taste some wine, browse artisan shops, or relax with views overlooking the vineyards.
- Wine Tasting at Babylonstoren: Dating back to 1692, this beautifully restored working farm is celebrated for its breathtaking gardens, historic Cape Dutch architecture, and deep connection to the land. Inspired by the historic Company Gardens of the Cape, its expansive botanical garden is a living showcase of seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and indigenous plants. Wander through orchards and formal gardens, sample award-winning wines crafted from estate-grown grapes, and enjoy mountain views in every direction.
Kruger National Park (3 Nights)
"Almost as much as Nelson Mandela and the Springboks, Kruger is one of South Africa's national symbols, and for many visitors, it is the 'must-see' wildlife destination in the country. Little wonder: in an area the size of Wales, enough elephants wander around to populate a major city, giraffes nibble on acacia trees, hippos wallow in the rivers, leopards prowl through the night, and a multitude of birds sing, fly and roost." - Lonely Planet
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Mdluli Safari Lodge
A luxurious tented safari experience
"Experience the perfect blend of comfort, expansive Kruger landscapes, and Big 5 sightings, interwoven with the charm of our signature Mdluli hospitality. Game drives, bush walks, boma dinners, and so much more. Designed to perfectly blend in with nature, each tent offers 750 square feet of eco-conscious design and refined safari-style luxury. The magic is in the detail, with a considered curation of natural timber, canvas textures, and an interior palette inspired by the surrounding Kruger environment. "
* Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner daily
* Game drives daily
* Guided bush walks
* Luxury tents include:
- Oversized king beds, or 2 twin beds (plush mattresses w/ frames, bedside tables, & lamps)
- Ensuite bathrooms w/ private indoor & outdoor showers
- Oversized patio
- Complimentary Wi-Fi in each tent and all main areas
- AC & heat
- Mosquito net canopy
The Southern Circle, Kruger National Park
The ‘Southern Circle’ near the park’s southeastern entry gate, Crocodile Bridge, grows lush grasses that feed white rhinos, zebras, Cape buffalos, impalas, and other antelopes. In turn, these large grazing herds attract predators such as cheetahs, African wild dogs, and lions—with different lion prides displaying an array of hunting techniques and behaviors.
The Crocodile River: Marks the southern border of the park and is an attraction on its own. In addition to the namesake crocodiles, you can see hippos swimming in these waters, look for animals like elephants and waterbucks gathering on the banks to graze and drink, and find colorful shorebirds wading in the shallows.
San Rock Art: Most of the park’s San rock art sites are in southern Kruger. These paintings of people and wildlife were made by the San people and range in age from 1,500 to 3,000 years old.
Wildlife Highlights
- The Big Five: Lions, Leopards, Cape Buffalo, Elephants, & White Rhino
- A Bounty of Wildlife: Giraffe, Cheetah, Baboon, Impala, Spotted Hyena, Blue Wildebeest, Burchells Zebra, Hippo, Warthog, Bushbuck, Vervet Monkey, Kudu, Waterbuck, Wild Dog, Jackal, Marabou Stork, Saddle-billed Stork, Lilac Breasted Roller, & Wattle Crane...to name just a few!
Game Drives
An open vehicle offers all-round views and an elevated aspect which helps considerably when searching afar for game. It also facilitates moving reasonably quickly from one place to another especially if lion sightings, for example, are reported by other rangers. They are purpose-built and equipped with sunshade roofs & warm blankets to ward off the chill in the early mornings. Each day, morning & afternoon game drives offer opportunities to experience and photograph the best Africa has to offer including lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, elephants, cape buffalo, zebras, a diverse array of bird species, and so much more.
Price: $4,995
Single Supplement: $1,209
E-mail us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!
Cancellation Policy & Refunds
There is a $300 administrative fee for all cancellations. Cancellations made 120 days (November 16th, 2026) or more prior to trip start date are fully refundable except for the $300 fee. Cancellations made less than 120 days (November 17th, 2026) prior to trip start date will receive no refund of full amount due. No refunds on unused portions of the tour. After airline tickets are issued, airline cancellations are per the airline’s policy and are usually non-refundable and changeable with a fee plus new ticket price. Hotels subject to change based on availability
Roommate Pairing Policy: Please be advised that PhotoFly endeavors, but does not guarantee, to secure a suitable roommate for travelers electing to share accommodations. In the event a match cannot be arranged no less than forty-five (45) days prior to the scheduled departure date, the traveler shall be required to convert to a single occupancy room and shall be responsible for the associated single supplement fee. Should a roommate become available after said date, PhotoFly will facilitate the pairing and issue a refund for the previously paid single supplement.
Optional Activity Cancellation Policy: Travelers wishing to cancel any optional activity(s) have until the day before Day 1 on the official itinerary to receive a refund. Please note that this is subject to approval by the provider and PhotoFly will act in good faith to recoup the money. From Day 1 on, cancellations for personal reasons (changed mind, potential bad weather, etc.) are not entitled to any refunds and PhotoFly will directly ask the provider for money back.
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