South Africa's Kruger & Cape Town: Hike, Bike & Kayak

Day 1 Johannesburg

Sawubona! Welcome to Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city. You'll meet your fellow travellers at a 6 pm welcome meeting, but there are no other activities planned before then so feel free arrive early and explore the city. The Apartheid Museum is an essential visit to learn about South Africa's 20th-century history, then why not spend some time in one of Jo'burg's hip neighbourhoods like Braamfontein or Newtown. After tonight's meeting your leader will suggest a traditional steakhouse for dinner so you can get to know your fellow group members.

Day 2 Greater Kruger National Park

Strap in for what may be a long travel day but is also the start of a truly great adventure. Drive from Jo'burg to the Greater Kruger National Park region (approx. 8 hours), arriving at camp in time for a late lunch. After some time to settle in, head off on a late afternoon/evening Big Five game drive in open 4x4 vehicles in a private game reserve. Sundowner drinks are enjoyed at one of the waterholes before continuing our game drive into the night. You'll return to camp for a traditional South African meal eaten around the fire. Located in the greater Kruger, your camp is wonderfully intimate, with limited camping tents. Tents include stretcher beds, mattresses, sleeping bags and linen. The camp is situated on the grounds of a lodge that offers a comfortable lounge, swimming pool and WiFi.

Day 3 Greater Kruger National Park

The group is up early today to venture into the Kruger National Park itself, one of the largest game reserves in Southern Africa and home to over 500 species of bird, 100 species of reptile and a whole bunch of mammals including the Big Five: rhino, leopard, lion, elephant and buffalo. It all kicks off as soon as you enter the park as the group heads into prime game viewing areas, hopefully catching the animals at their most active before the heat of the day kicks in. A late breakfast will be eaten at a picnic spot inside the park, while lunch will be at your own expense at a group of restaurants within the park. The rest of the day will be spent viewing game, bird watching and kicking back with the animals at all the waterholes en route. Return to camp in the late afternoon for an evening spent relaxing and chatting with your leader and fellow travellers about just how ridiculously good today was.

Day 4 Johannesburg

Rise early and take the optional walking safari with a qualified field guide within the private game reserve. Keep your nose to the ground and learn to use animal tracks to search for elephant and lion as well as rhino, which the area is known for monitoring and keeping safe. Just remember to lift your eyes every now and then or you'll miss it all. Return to Jo'burg for a free evening – your leader can help with suggestions on where to eat and drink.

Day 5 Overnight Train

This morning you'll transfer to the station for a scheduled departure at 12.30 pm. Your destination is Cape Town and your transport the Shosholoza Myel train, which will take approximately 26 hours. You'll travel in a tourist class sleeper cabin, a 4-berth compartment that converts to bunk beds at night. This is a great opportunity to relax, read and play cards on an otherwise active adventure. Watch the scenery change as you pass through arid Karoo, traverse the Hex River Pass and pass through the beautiful winelands shadowed by towering mountains just outside of Cape Town.

Day 6 Cape Town

Arrive in Cape Town, South Africa's lively and beautiful port city sitting under the watchful eye of Table Mountain. The evening is free once you've checked into your private room at a hostel, and your leader will be on hand to suggest some ways to spend the time. Perhaps take a short walk to the famous Long and Bree streets for dinner and a locally brewed beer.

Day 7 Cape Town

This morning you'll tackle the hike up Table Mountain, an essential Cape Town experience. You'll be rewarded for your glute-busting efforts with panoramas over Cape Town and the Atlantic, and with spectacular views of Lion's Head, Signal Hill and the City Bowl. Save your legs by taking a cable car for the return journey to the city and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. There are plenty of optional activties available here, like jumping on the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus to explore the city further, visiting the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront or brushing up on your history by catching a ferry to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned before the fall of Apartheid. In the evening, the group will head to Bo Kaap, formerly known as the Malay Quarter, for a cooking class (and dinner, naturally).

Day 8 Stellenbosch

Begin the day with a morning kayak to visit the penguins of Boulders Beach. Paddle out past the leviathans resting in the civilian and naval harbours and if you're lucky, you may well encounter a number of Cape fur seals along the way. On your return, the group will take a short drive to Stellenbosch for a free afternoon. This is a buzzing university town known for its lovely architecture, tree-lined streets and lively bar and restaurant scene. And did we mention it's also a world-famous wine region? Perhaps take a walk through town after checking into the hotel, or stop into one of the cellar doors for a wine tasting.

Day 9 Stellenbosch

It's a stellar morning in Stellenbosch as you jump on a mountain bike for a cycling tour of the region's vineyards. This is arguably South Afria's most famous wine region and is known for its cabernet and Bordeaux-style blends, while also being the birthplace of pinotage – the love child of pinot noir and cinsault. You'll visit three estates over the course of the morning and cover a distance of approximately 10 kilometres. Please remember that it gets hot in the summer and the combination of cycling, sunshine and wine can easily lead to dehydration. Be sure to carry sunscreen, water and a hat to wear when you're not modelling a very stylish helmet. Enoy a free afternoon on your return, either taking it easy, furthering your wine exploration or tucking into a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants.

Day 10 Cape Town

The focus today is on experiencing Cape Peninsula's natural beauty as you leave the winelands behind (approx. 55 km or one hour). The option is there to jump on a bicycle and visit the historic navy suburb of Simon's Town, pass the penguins at Boulders Beach, cycle the East and West coasts and meander through the Cape Point Nature Reserve. Your efforts will be rewarded with a platter lunch at the picturesque Cape Point Vineyards, which have commanding views over the Atlantic Oceann. The ride is a bit more challenging than yesterday's – it's approximately 40 km in total – but you'll be riding road bikes on sealed roads. Alternatively for those who prefer a more leisurely cycle there is the 3 hour (approximately 12km) Beer & Bikes tour. The tour will introduce you to some of the best brews Cape Town has to offer while cycling through the vibrant CBD, stopping to visit a pub, a traditional brewery and beer garden along the way. After the ride is complete, return to Cape Town and perhaps celebrate this adventure with a farewell dinner down at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a popular working harbour with restaurants, bars and cinemas.

Day 11 Cape Town

This trip comes to an end after breakfast and you're welcome to leave at any time.