October 11-25, 2025 | Approx. $20,000 (including air)
I’ve created a rough itinerary outline based on our discussion below, as well as some recommended hotels. Let me know if any of them stand out, and I can price out from there. I can also find more options if you’d like. Availability isn’t guaranteed at this point.
October 11: Arrival in Cape Town
This is usually a short day, as flights from the United States arrive in the afternoon or evening. A representative will meet you at the airport, escorting you to a driver who will take you to your hotel. Enjoy a dinner out and relax at your hotel.
The best winelands farm to table hotel. Approx $750/nt
The Cape Town waterfront
October 12: Cape Town
Today, enjoy one of the city’s many activities: take a food tour around town, go hiking, or drive down the scenic coastal road.
October 13: Cape Town or Winelands
This is a flexible day. You can continue with the city activities listed above. Alternatively, if you would like to spend more than one night in the Winelands, a car can drive you to your hotel in the afternoon.
October 14: Winelands
Spend today tasting wine, eating great food, and biking through the winelands. If you don’t want to move around as much, one alternative to staying overnight is to book a full-day wine tour. A driver will pick you up at your hotel in Cape Town and drive you out to a selection of vineyards for the day.
October 15: Cape to Safari
A driver will take you to Cape Town airport in the morning for your flight to the Greater Kruger area. Upon arrival, a representative from your safari lodge will pick you up and drive you to the lodge. You should arrive in time for an afternoon game drive and a sunset cocktail.
This is the best value for experience in the private Timbavati Reserve. It has large rooms, a private pool, and a good view of the surrounding landscape. They have a 25% off honeymoon offer, so it’s one of my more popular camps. 8 rooms – $6,520
Jabulani is slightly further from Kruger Park, but it has a unique elephant rehabilitation program on-site if you are an elephant lover. Its food is really well-regarded, and you will have a good safari. This is booked on the dates you wanted, but is available earlier in the month. 8 rooms – $6,960
This is one of my favorite properties in the Sabi Sands. You get the style of neighboring Singita (one of the most expensive lodges in Africa) for a reasonable price. 6 rooms – $9,380 for 4nts
Their lodges are some of the top in Africa, and they have the largest private concession in the Sabi Sands. Despite the luxury, they are very down-to-earth and connected to the community. Varty Camp is the most affordable, but they have a range of camps. 10 rooms – $10,750 for 4nts
October 16 -18: Safari
The rhythm of a safari involves an early wakeup for game drives followed by a relaxing afternoon in your room. After lunch, venture out for another game drive, sundowners, and a night drive before returning to dinner. Other activities include walking safaris, massages, and community visits.
October 19: Overnight in Johannesburg
Because of reduced flight schedules, you usually have to overnight in Johannesburg on the way to Mozambique. This takes extra time but breaks up the travel day, so you don’t have to rush out of the safari lodge at the crack of dawn. I recommend staying at an airport hotel for convenience, though spa options are available for slightly more.
October 20: Johannesburg to Mozambique
Awake in the morning and cross into the airport terminal for your flight to Vilankulos, Mozambique. After clearing customs, depending on where you are staying, you may need to take a helicopter flight to the islands. This costs $800-1000, but it will be one of the highlights of your trip.
Bazaruto Reef near Azura Benguerra Island, Mozambique / Courtesy of Azura
This is a new resort by Azura Benguerra, my favorite hotel in Mozambique. It’s a great deal compared to their other property. It is also very accessible to a wide range of activities, including snorkeling and scuba diving. I just found out that 3 rooms do have a private pool. $5,400 for 4nt (in pool room) + Helicopter, $4,500 for 4nt (no pool) + helicopter
