• Image showing Camps Bay Beach in Cape Town, South Africa on a tour with Gonana Travel | travel designers for the Scandinavian market

South Africa & Victoria Falls in a Month

Are you ready to explore South Africa's tourist must-sees as well as feel like a local? If so, then take a look at our 35-night exploration of our home country and Victoria Falls, with luxury hotel accommodation, a trip on the iconic Rovos Rail and much more. Of course, this is a sample itinerary and can be customised to your preferences, dates, budget and needs.

Your Journey

Day 1

Cape Town

You will take a Domestic flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town. We will arrange a chauffeur to collect you at Cape Town International airport and bring you to your accommodation.

Sea Point Luxury Stay

Situated along the scenic Sea Point Promenade and facing the Atlantic Ocean, with the majestic backdrop of Table Mountain, This Boutique Hotel in Cape Town is owned by an English family and is an iconic seafront hotel that has a rich heritage. Its iconic Cape Dutch architecture tells a story of luxury and sophistication of a romantic bygone era. Recently refurbished and has a great pool area. Located directly at the ocean and the well know Sea Point beach promenade. Off street parking can be arranged at a daily cost and you also within walking distance of the historic Sea Point swimming pool, as well as the shops and restaurants on Sea Point Main road.

Dinner in Cape Town CBD

For dinner you will experience a trendy restaurant, run by a Swedish chef. Taking its cue from minimalist Scandinavian design, the interior is dressed in a soothing palette of charcoal, black and pops of sage green. Expect a slew of fresh flavours, plenty of seasonal plant-based offerings and also artisanal pizza.

Day 2

Cape Town

Visit Table Mountain, one of the official new seven wonders of nature. The top of Table Mountain offers spectacular views in all directions and gives a bird's eye view of the city. The upper cable car station is situated at 1067 metres and the revolving cablecar makes sure that your trip up and down gives you a good look in all directions. Please note that this activity is weather permitting.

Spend the rest of the day at the V&A Waterfront which offers a shopping experience in a beautiful setting. Whether you want to find something for yourself or look for a gift, we are sure you will find something here. Do some exploring and shopping at your own leisure.

Dinner in Cape Town CBD

For your second evening we recommend dinner at new restaurant across from Heritage Square, a historical building, dating back to 1682, that has been beautifully spruced up into a gloriously grand culinary destination; its essence and best features are retained. 

Day 3

Cape Town Southern Suburbs

We recommend a visit to the Norval Foundation which is located in the serene Steenberg wetlands, with sweeping views of the vineyards and Table Mountain National Park beyond, the majestic, modern glass-and-metal structure matches the splendour within – offering an intriguing hint at what’s to come. The museum is home not only to world-class, purpose-built galleries but also a sculpture garden, outdoor amphitheatre, research library, restaurant, bar and shop. Dedicated to showcasing art with global appeal in an environment that fosters an appreciation for nature.

Lunch in Muizenberg

Enjoy lunch in Muizenberg at an extremely unique and exquisite restaurant located inside a grand residence that formerly belonged to Count and Countess Labia. The building is fashioned after the style and architecture of Venice in the 18th Century. Offers simple Italian-style inspired food, excellent wines, the best coffee in Muizenberg and homemade cakes and pastries.

Afternoon at Kirstenbosch Gardens

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world. Few gardens can match the sheer grandeur of the setting of Kirstenbosch, against the eastern slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain. Spend the afternoon enjoying this beauty.

Dinner in Artsy Woodstock

Experience dinner this evening at The Potluck Club. A ballad of different shades of wood tucked away on the sixth floor of an old biscuit mill, this is one of Cape Town’s coolest spots for seeing and being seen. British-born Luke Dale-Roberts favours sharing plates that evoke an American-style potluck dinner from the 1950s. R350 per person deposit is required to book a table.

 

Day 4

Cape Town

Visit the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) which is a public not-for-profit contemporary art museum which collects, preserves, researches, and exhibits twenty-first-century art from Africa and its Diaspora; hosts international exhibitions; develops supporting educational and enrichment programmes; encourages intercultural understanding; and guarantees access for all.

Harbour Lunch

Have a beautiful lunch at a restaurant situated right on the sea-front shoreline. It even has its own private beach and wooden walkway. From here you can enjoy incredible views of the Atlantic and Robben Island. Style and luxury abound in this destination restaurant and nightspot, which has become famous for beach-chic dining and lazy sundowners. Built within a restored boathouse, the Grand offers a unique blend of fun and relaxation.

Dinner in Cape Town CBD

For the evening you will dine in a restaurant set in a magnificent Victorian house, an experience as enigmatic as it is intimate. It is more than just a restaurant, it is a collection of interesting rooms and spaces, each bursting with a character of its own. Delicious meals, cozy ambiance and friendly staff that will make you feel right at home.

 

Day 5

Cape Town Like a Local

You start the day at the beautiful Oranjezicht City Market with Jonas. Cape Town residents come here early to shop for organic vegetables, eggs, meat, bread and pastries and much more. It's a nice environment that invites you to explore the range and enjoy a coffee or smoothie.

Spend some time exploring Cape Town, or The Mother City, that the city is called by locals. Jonas will take you on a wonderful tour around Cape Town city and tell you everything you want to know and more. You will also receive some tips on some hidden gems. Included is a tour around District Six, focusing on the history and personal stories in the area, providing an opportunity to remember and celebrate the vibrancy that characterised the former District Six before its destruction.

Dine Overlooking the Atlantic

Tonight you will dine at a restaurant overlooking the picturesque Clifton Beach of Cape Town, where there is absolutely nothing to interrupt the panoramic views of the ocean. The views of the mountains swooping to meet the ocean are rivalled only by the spectacular sunsets, which are best enjoyed along with a cocktail or glass of the finest bubbly.

Day 6

Cape Town - Hermanus

Situated in the heart of the Cape Whale Route, the once-humble fishing village of Hermanus has developed into a world-famous tourist destination. Still, despite its fame, Hermanus has maintained the rustic charm and natural beauty that made it such a sought-after destination to begin with.

Hermanus preserves its seaside seclusion while offering a host of activities that appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and culinary connoisseurs alike. Whale-watching, wine- tasting, beaches, restaurants, art galleries... this town has it all. Perched on top of the cliffs overlooking Hermanus’s Walker Bay, this hotel offers first-class splendour and elegance and a spectacular seascape, with imposing views extending across the bay and beyond.

Have a relaxing afternoon at the hotel soaking up sun at the pool area or just simply exploring the property. In the evening enjoy dinner at the hotel's own restaurant. 

Day 7

Hermanus

Today you experience a whale-watching trip by boat. You will have the greatest chance of seeing these enormous creatures. Even though the boats may not go too close, it happens that the curious giants come close by their own will.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Take a walk on the biodiversity cliff path by the ocean and see the different art sculptures around the rocks and cliffs. The path offers many benches to sit and watch the whales (during whale season June to December) or to enjoy ocean views. 

Dinner

In the evening enjoy a dinner at a restaurant overlooking the historic old harbour and the sea beyond. Whether you choose to sit indoors or out indulge in ocean-fresh seafood and South African-style cuisine while taking in the magnificence of Walker Bay.

Day 8

Hermanus & Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

Today head to a nearby nature reserve for a nice walk at a slow pace a couple of hours. In the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, there are six of the seven endemic plant families within the Cape flora region and there are over 100 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles.

Enjoy wine tasting in the Hemel-en-aarde valley.

Dinner

In the evening you will have dinner in a historical building that was built in the late 1800s and was then converted into a small restaurant in 1991. The restaurant offers a unique and intimate dining experience.

Day 9

Franschhoek

Once the tramping ground of elephants centuries ago, Franschhoek has long been considered South Africa’s French Quarter as it was established by French Huguenot’s in the late 17th century. Over the past three centuries, farmlands and homesteads have flourished into world-renowned vineyards – many still boasting their original Cape Dutch-style buildings.

Here you will stay at a historic hotel. Characterised by ancient oaks, forestry expanses and a Manor House dating back to 1685, the estate permeates centuries-old heritage, which acts as an inconspicuous backdrop for the wonderful array of modern-day pursuits available on the property. From food-and-wine offerings and a weekly drive-in to mountain biking, trail running, pony rides and picnics.

We highly recommend the Franschhoek Wine Tram Tour: This hop-on hop-off tour is the best way of experiencing the beauty of the Franschhoek Valley, A combination of tram and tram-bus transports passengers around a loop of stops allowing them to hop off at each stop and experience the activities on offer and when they are ready, hop-on to continue the tour. Visit Haute Cabriere for a look at their art collection. and do a tasting of the famous Pierre Jordan range of Cap Classique sparkling wines. Lunch can be enjoyed at any of the wine farms visited on during the wine tram tour.

Day 10

Stellenbosch

On the way to Stellenbosch from Franschhoek visit Babylonstoren, one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms. It has a fruit and vegetable garden of beauty and diversity, fine food and wine, and a sense of wellbeing. With the Simonsberg, Du Toitskloof and Franschhoek mountains as backdrop, Babylonstoren's garden is majestic. Enjoy a stroll around the garden and then stop for lunch at one of their well-known eating places, Greenhouse Restaurant. This restaurant do not take bookings, they work on a first come first served basis.

Dinner

On your first evening visit one of Stellenbosch's newest restaurants. It’s chic and it’s got loads of character and is set in an old post-office building and is Stellenbosch’s latest fine-dining spot – and what makes it especially fabulous is that it’s fine without being fussy. The chef cooks up some fresh takes on South African classics, with a touch of Asian-inspired flavours and the freshest locally sourced produce.

 

Day 11

Stellenbosch

Today you are in for a real treat. The Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden is without doubt one of the most beautiful gardens around The Cape. Walking through the paths and viewing the sculptures puts you almost in another world if I can describe it like that. Easy walking and a totally immersive experience with one of South Africa's leading artists. This activity needs to be pre-booked.

Lunch in the Winelands

Enjoy lunch and wine tasting at a wine estate in the Banhoek Valley where art, wine and locally-sourced food collide. The restaurant as a polished stone dining room is draped in large-scale tapestries by internationally renowned artist William Kentridge and filled with light from panoramic windows

Dinner in Stellenbosch CBD

Enjoy dinner on this evening at a landmark Stellenbosch space with indoor and alfresco casual dining options. Small plates. Global cuisine.

Day 12

Paternoster

Think of fishermen and fishing boats, hardy fynbos growing on whites dunes, and of bokkoms bouquets drying in the wind. Paternoster, one of the oldest villages in the West Coast area encapsulates this sun-beaten dream perfectly. All the buildings have the same white-washed facade. Here you will stay at our very own eco-friendly, sustainable guesthouse. 

After check-in, in the afternoon enjoy a relaxing massage in the comfort of your room or at the pool area. Flex the body and soothe the mind with a yoga lesson at the pool area or at the beach.

Dinner

For your first evening you will have dinner at one of our favourite restaurants in Paternoster. The menu changes daily and might serve black mussels in white wine, garlic and turnips. The seafood is excellent. Feast on calamari and prawns, mussels and the freshest of fresh fish dishes. For non-seafood lovers there are plenty of alternate options to choose from including pizza and steak.

Day 13

Paternoster

You simply have to experience the unique eco-friendly eBike tour that are professionally guided. Experience an unforgettable feeling of freedom while riding effortlessly through the beautiful West Coast landscape in Paternoster.The eBikes are easy to ride and has comfortable seating positions.

Lunch 

Visit a family-owned restaurant & microbrewery striving to provide a Paternoster experience through great beer and food. They, unfortunately, do not take bookings, a first come first served. Enjoy some beer tasting and some lunch.

Dinner

Dinner this evening will be served right on the beach, this quaint restaurant is an awesome spot to watch the tide drift in and out while you enjoy the local seafood. The interior is cosy and warm in this 114-year-old tin house.

 

Day 14

Paternoster

Enjoy early morning kayaking in Paternoster with an experienced guide with double, sit-on-top, Epic kayaks. All safety gear and paddles are supplied. Trips are weather dependent and leave early morning, the best time to enjoy the Cape West Coast. The launch point is from the main beach where the fishing boats are pulled up on the sand.

Lunch

Today we suggest lunch at the sister restaurant of the best restaurant in the world, Wolfgat. This restaurant offers foodies the joy of West Coast-inspired food in an unpretentious and down-to-earth setting. Known for foraging unusual ingredients from the surroundings.

Dinner

This night you will have dinner at a restaurant that enjoys bright and breezy seaside décor, one of the best locations in the village, with broad verandas offering sea views from tables set just above the sands. Unsurprisingly, there’s a focus on seafood. A wide-ranging menu with an Asian spin.

Day 15

Paternoster

The West Coast National Park, which stretches from Yzerfontein to Langebaan, is a pristine nature reserve which offers an array of activities such as birdwatching, game sighting, biking and whale spotting. The Park can be easily accessed via, either via the R27 gate or via Park Street, on the Langebaan side of the Park, where the second gate is situated.

The Park was established in 1985 with the aim of conserving the Langebaan Lagoon, a Ramsar site, and surrounding landscapes, including the islands in Saldanha Bay. The habitats in the park are varied, and the whole area is of international and national importance in respect of both terrestrial and marine life.

Dinner

On the last evening enjoy a culinary journey of refined and contemporary West Coast cuisine Expect dishes made with sustainable seafood, free range meat as well as a selection of vegan and vegetarian options.

Day 16

Paternoster - Cape Town International - OR Tambo

Self-drive from Paternoster to Cape Town International Airport and fly to OR Tambo International Airport. We will arrange a transfer to your hotel in Pretoria.

You will be staying over in Pretoria this evening to be in good time for your Rovos Rail trip leaving from Pretoria the next day.

Day 17 - 20

Rovos Rail

We arrange transfers from the hotel to the Rovos Rail station.

The Rovos Rail experience is like stepping back in time. Be prepared to turn off your mobile phone and shut down your computer to open a book, newspaper or game of backgammon to dream away the day as the train chugs by.

Rovos Rail is described as ‘the most luxurious train in the world’ and is decorated with traditional furnishings and period décor giving the train a certain elegance and grandeur. The dress code is smart casual in the day and elegant in the evenings – there is a sense of historic romanticism seeing all the men dressed in ties and women in elegant dresses.

Day 21 - 24

Victoria Falls

A ten-minute stroll, via a private footpath from the hotel you'll stay at leads to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World: the Victoria Falls. The hotel is surrounded by carefully tended tropical gardens, lily ponds and century-old shade trees. The guestrooms, including deluxe suites with views of the Zambezi River gorges and spray from the Falls, are traditional in style.

The panoramas also figure prominently during afternoon tea, which is served on Stanley Terrace, overlooking the Victoria Falls Bridge that links Zimbabwe to Zambia. For romantics, the hotel offers sunset river cruises and can arrange guided game drives, as well as helicopter and microlight flights over the Falls.

Day 25

Victoria Falls - Johannesburg

Fly from Victoria Falls to OR Tambo where we will arrange transfers to your hotel set in a peaceful garden in the heart of energetic Johannesburg, this boutique hotel is a relaxing city-centre retreat.

Centrally located, whilst still being a calm and tranquil escape from the busy nearby hubs of Sandton, Rosebank and Melrose Arch. They pride themselves on ensuring fairness, respect for, and diversity among our employees. Proudly Fair Trade in Tourism certified, and continue to lead the way in sustainable urban hoteling and tourism.

Day 26

Soweto & Johannesburg Tour

Embark on a fun, interactive and informative tour of Soweto. By using bicycles to easily move between the various neighborhoods making it easy to experience life and culture and to interact with people and at the same time learning about Soweto’s rich history. After the bicycle tour, enjoy a traditional lunch in Soweto.

Keyes Art Mile is known to be the hippest, coolest and most vibrant art hub in Johannesburg. This amazing precinct situated in heart of Rosebank is home to a collection of artistic brands and creators, including décor stores, art galleries, interesting boutiques, interior design spaces, creative agencies and much more. Let's not forget to mention the lovely restaurant scene, offering some of the best cuisines on this side of town. A visit to Keyes Art Mile is an absolute must.

Dinner

For this evening, end your day off with dinner at a restaurant headed by award-winning chef David Higgs, who brings the international trend of live-fire cooking. With spectacular views of the Johannesburg sunset in the distant Magaliesburg mountains.

Day 27

Johannesburg

Do not leave Jo'burg without visiting Constitution Hill. One of South Africa's most important historical sites, the deeply moving and inspirational exhibitions here are split across four locations: the Old Fort, which dates from 1892 and was once a notorious prison for white males; the horrific Number Four Jail, reserved for non-white males; the Women's Jail; and the Awaiting Trial Block – now mostly demolished and replaced by the Constitutional Court. Tours depart on the hour and provide essential context.

In the afternoon visit a leading museum on the African continent, Wits Art Museum. Home to an extraordinary collection of 15 000 artworks. It includes historical, modern and contemporary African artworks and the Jack Ginsberg Centre for the Book Arts.

Day 28

Cradle of Humankind

A full-day guided tour starting with a visit to the World Heritage Site, Cradle of Human Kind. The site comprises a strip of a dozen dolomitic limestone caves containing the fossilised remains of ancient forms of animals, plants and most importantly, hominids.


This will follow with a visit to the Nirox Sculpture Park, once a commercial trout farm, and is now a game farm. Not all that well known, it seems the reserve is something of a Johannesburg 'secret'. An effortless blend of formal gardens, complete with lawns and lakes, within a wider veld landscape. Among the gardens are the sculptures of artists.

Day 29 - 34

Johannesburg - Northern KwaZulu-Natal

You will take a Domestic flight from Johannesburg to Richards Bay Airport. From here we can arrange a transfer from Richards Bay Airport to Librodi Lodge for your transfer to the Beach Lodge.

You'll stay in a beach lodge ideally located along the northern KwaZulu-Natal coastline, set in the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Isimangaliso Wetland Park. Overlooking a secluded bay, the lodge is nestled in a picturesque dune forest. Set above a secluded bay, just metres from the beach. Spacious suites are hidden in the dune forest and raised on wooden stilts. All have private balconies and en-suite bathrooms.

A magical place of unspoilt beaches, coastal forests, grasslands and shimmering lakes, its crystal-clear, warm waters offer leisurely swimming, amazing snorkelling on beautiful coral reefs and spectacular scuba diving.

Day 35

Northern KwaZulu-Natal - Johannesburg

Fly back from Richards Bay Airport to OR Tambo, we can arrange transfers to hotels for your last night in South Africa.

Day 36

Johannesburg

Sadly, today is your last day before flying home. We can arrange transfers from the hotel to the airport for you. 

Rates

Inclusions

  • Arrival Airport Transfer
  • 29-night luxury accommodation including breakfasts
  • Cape Town City Walking Tour
  • Deposit at The Potluck Club restaurant
  • Whale Watching tour in Hermanus
  • eBike tour in Paternoster
  • Kayaking in Paternoster
  • Transfer from Oliver Tambo Airport to hotel in Pretoria
  • Transfer from Pretoria hotel to Rovos Rail station
  • 3-night Luxury Rovos Rail Train Journey to Victoria Falls
  • Full Board at the lodge in KwaZulu-Natal
  • Transfers from and to Oliver Tambo Airport to hotel in Johannesburg
  • Service fee 

Service, Support & Reservation Fee

We charge a minimal service, support and reservation fee of 1500 ZAR (ca 911 SEK) per adult, which includes:

  • Itinerary planning & assistance from the head office
  • Restaurant & Activity bookings
  • Jonas assisting with tips
  • 24-hour WhatsApp service during your trip

Exclusions

  • Your Domestic flights
  • Lunch & dinner meals and drinks at the restaurants
  • Car rental
  • Other transfers and other activities you choose to do outside of this sample itinerary

Terms

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to availability. Once we have a better idea of what you're after, we include specific terms applicable to your journey.