Your private Compass Odyssey guide greets you at Cape Town International Airport and says amkela (“welcome” in the local isiXhosa language) to Southern Africa. As you travel from the airport to the vibrant inner-city neighbourhood of Gardens or the bustling V&A Waterfront precinct, you fall under the watchful eye of Table Mountain and look out across Table Bay to Robben Island and beyond. Depending on your arrival time today, your guide will happily commence your exploration of the city this afternoon should you wish.

Your time in Cape Town is completely customised, allowing you to explore at your own pace with your private guide. Sheltered between ocean and mountain, the “Mother City” blends history, diverse cultures, and breathtaking scenery.

Ascend Table Mountain for panoramic views before exploring the vibrant streets of the city, from the colourful houses of Bo-Kaap to the poignant history of Robben Island. A journey down the Cape Peninsula takes you along spectacular coastal roads, stopping to see African penguins at Boulders Beach and standing at the dramatic meeting point of two oceans at Cape Point.

The Cape Winelands, with its rolling vineyards and historic estates, offers an indulgent day of wine tastings and gourmet dining. Or, immerse yourself in Cape Town’s cultural heartbeat with visits to local markets, museums, and townships, meeting the people who shape the city’s story.

From its rugged coastline to its rich heritage, Cape Town is a destination that captivates at every turn.

Your guide now returns you to Cape Town Airport for your flight to South Africa’s wildlife-rich Lowveld where you are met by one of our local drivers and immediately embark on your first game drive on the way to your lodge in the Northern section of Greater Kruger. This afternoon and over the following days, you can anticipate quality wildlife viewing within this “Big Five” reserve adjoining Kruger National Park.

One of the most undeveloped and pristine wilderness areas of Greater Kruger, the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve reserve spans large swathes of pristine savannah and woodland on either side of the seasonal Klaserie River. While it is known for its unparalleled sightings of the “Big Five”, it is bordered by more developed and better known private reserves, hence there is a relative lack of visitors and often guests will be the only vehicle at a sighting.

We now transfer you south to your camp in Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Still within the Greater Kruger, you can again anticipate quality wildlife viewing within this famous “Big Five” reserve.

Considered South Africa’s most prestigious wildlife reserve, the 650km² (250mi²) Sabi Sand Game Reserve is situated in the southwestern corner of the world-renowned Kruger National Park. The area has been at the forefront of wildlife conservation in South Africa since the inception of the original Sabie Game Reserve in 1898. An association of private landowners, the modern Sabi Sand Game Reserve shares an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park and has the very rare and fortunate distinction of two perennial rivers in a relatively small area. While the resulting riverine bushveld is a haven for leopard, the reserve is also home to the four other members of the “Big Five” – lion, rhino, elephant and buffalo – as well as cheetah and the occasional pack of African wild dog. As there has been no hunting in the area for generations, the animals are relatively comfortable in the presence of humans and this makes for superb wildlife sightings.

After an early morning game drive and a hearty brunch, we transfer you to Kruger-Skukuza Airport for your flight to Johannesburg, where you are greeted by our local guide, Alan and transferred to your boutique hotel in the city’s leafy northern suburbs.

Your time here offers a fascinating, informative and inspiring cross-cultural voyage of discovery into the many facets of South African society. Accompanied by Alan, you can visit your choice of sights and attractions within the greater Johannesburg/Pretoria region.

After your day of sightseeing, Alan returns you to Johannesburg-OR Tambo Airport for an evening flight departure.