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Hodophile Experience cannot be held responsible for any travel disturbances, occurred due to very rare but possible flights delays. All participants need to carry travel and medical insurance on all our trips to protect themselves against any extra costs.
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Email us at: travel@hodophileexperience.com
Welcome to Cape Town!
Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you will clear customs and immigration. From here you will make your way to the arrivals hall where you will be met by one of our representatives. You will then be transferred to the Commodore Hotel where you will be spending the next 4 nights. (Standard Room)
The afternoon is yours to relax at the hotel.
Set at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic oceans and backed by the iconic Table Mountain, the bustling city of Cape Town presents an alluring combination of drawcards. Incredible powdery white beaches, highly acclaimed wine routes, and astonishingly beautiful mountain trails surround a cosmopolitan hub. This diverse metropolis is filled with superb shops and restaurants, extraordinary heritage monuments, a multitude of entertainment venues, and a spectacular, chic waterfront harbour. Highlights include the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art; Table Mountain’s jaw-dropping views; Boulders Beach, where penguins might swim right up to you in the warm Indian ocean waters; the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, where you can walk along a treetop canopy among incredible native flora or watch an open-air concert at the base of the mountain; Robben Island, where visitors can see the cell where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years; and many more.
Overnight at the Commodore Hotel
Meals: Nil
Breakfast.
Today is yours to relax at the hotel or explore the nearby V&A Waterfront, a destination in itself filled with shops, restaurants, the Two Ocean Aquarium and much more.
The V&A Waterfront in Cape Town is a vibrant hub of culture, history, and entertainment. Originally a harbour, it has transformed into a world-class destination. With roots dating back to 1860, it seamlessly blends historical landmarks with modern attractions. Visitors can explore its diverse offerings, including luxury accommodations, delectable dining, captivating museums, and thrilling boat rides. The lively atmosphere, breathtaking views of Table Mountain, and bustling markets make it a must-visit location for locals and tourists alike.
Overnight at the Commodore Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
This morning after your breakfast, you will be taken on your half day privately guided Cape Town City & Table Mountain Tour, including entry fees but excluding lunch.
Take a step back in time and join us on an exploration of the “Mother City” – its views, its history and its people.
Highlights include:
• Travel by cable car to the top of the world-famous Table Mountain and enjoy spectacular views of the city (weather dependant)
• City orientation tour
• The Castle of Good Hope – our first fort
• Malay Quarter
• Flower market
• Green Market Square – our oldest market
Optional Extras:
Abseiling City / cycle tour
Tunnel tour / Sidecar tour
Please Note:
This tour is subject to change due to weather, traffic and time constraints.
Due to Table Mountain being an extremely popular tourist attraction, we cannot be held responsible for time spent in queues or cancellation of tickets.
No preference is given to persons with pre-booked tickets – Table Mountain works on a first come first serve basis.
Lunch and Table Mountain tickets are not included.
This morning after your breakfast, you will be taken on your full day privately guided Cape Peninsula Tour, including entry fees and lunch.
We depart after picking you up at your hotel, along the spectacular Atlantic Seaboard. We drive through the coastal suburbs of Sea Point, Bantry Bay and Clifton. We will stop for a photo opportunity of Table Mountain’s impressive Twelve Apostles. We then travel on past Bakoven and Llandudno which are marked by shipwrecks which fell foul to the infamous Cape winter storms, then on to the scenic fishing village of Hout Bay. An optional extra would be to board a boat to view the Cape Fur Seal colony on Duiker Island.
You will also head over the 600m heights of Chapman’s Peak Drive, which is without a doubt one of the world’s most spectacular mountain passes. You will also have a chance to watch Southern Right Whales frolicking just offshore from June to November.
Chapman’s Peak Drive winds its way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay. Situated on the Atlantic Coast, at the southwestern tip of South Africa, it is one of the most spectacular scenic drives in the world. The 9km route, with its 114 curves, skirts the rocky coastline of Chapman’s Peak. The drive offers stunning 180-degree views with many areas along the route where visitors can stop and take in the scenery or sit down for a relaxing picnic.
Explore the rocky coastline and unique Cape Fynbos vegetation which is home to unique birdlife such as African Black Oystercatchers and Cape Sugarbirds amongst others. The opportunity is also there to view small animals such as the Cape Mountain Zebra, Bontebok, ostrich and Baboon as we enter the Cape of Good Hope National Park. Climb to the famous Cape Point Lighthouse to capture the magical vistas of False Bay, and stop at the south western most point of Africa – the fabled Cape of Good Hope. (A funicular is an optional extra for those who prefer)
Lunch will be at one of the restaurants of your choice after having been giving suggestions by your guide. We will visit Boulders Beach for an exciting close-up encounter with African Penguins. Drive through the historical naval village of Simons town and over yet another spectacular mountain pass; Boyes Drive, where you will take in views of the quaint fishing harbour at Kalk Bay as well as the seaside villages of St James and Muizenberg.
Visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens – with time to browse these magnificent gardens set on the slopes of Table Mountain before returning to the city.
Optional Extras:
Boat trip to a seal colony in Hout Bay Camel rides
Peninsula cycling Cape point funicular
Horse riding Kayaking
Ostrich farm Sidecar tour
Snake Park World of Birds
Overnight at the Commodore Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast at the hotel.
Today after breakfast you will check out of the Commodore Hotel and be transferred into the beautiful Cape Winelands.
The afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy the facilities at the hotel, or take a stroll around the town.
Set just over an hour from Cape Town, within the inspiring landscapes of the Cape Winelands, Franschhoek is a heritage town and a world-renowned food and wine destination. Travellers could choose to focus their visit on any one aspect alone – nature, cuisine or culture – and find plenty to keep them busy. The estates here attract wine experts from around the globe with their Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cap Classique sparkling wine (among others). Five-star restaurants alongside the cellars are surrounded by the same jaw-dropping valley scenes that have brought artists and writers to the area for centuries. A superb literary festival takes place around May every year, and, combined with the town’s Cape Dutch manor houses, fascinating museums, and charming boutiques, makes Franschhoek a wonderful place to visit in winter. Summer provides endless hiking, cycling and other outdoor opportunities among the lush farmlands and mountains.
Overnight at the La Fontaine Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
This morning after your breakfast, you will be taken on your full day privately guided Cape Winelands Tour, including entry fees and lunch. Visit the Cape Winelands with its backdrop of majestic mountains, lush valleys, quaint villages and scenic vineyards.
Drink in both the stunning views and world-renowned wines in the breathtakingly beautiful Winelands region. Explore the picturesque, historic towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, each with something unique to offer.
Highlights include:
• Stellenbosch, tree lined streets, historical architecture, alfresco cafés and good shopping
• Franschhoek Valley with its endless mountain vistas
• Paarl – “the pearl of the Cape” – home to the Afrikaans language
• Cape Dutch architecture – visit the acclaimed Boschendal Manor House
• Wine tasting on some of the finest Cape Wine Estates
• Cellar tour
Optional Extras:
Sidecar tour Helicopter trip
Butterfly World Winelands horse riding
Spier eagle encounters Cheetah encounters
Winelands auto museum Winelands cycling tour
Please Note:
This tour is subject to change in direction and Estates visited due to traffic and time constraints.
Lunch is included, at the suggestion of your guide depending on your preference
Overnight at the La Fontaine Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning after breakfast you will be collected and transferred back to Cape Town International Airport in time for your flight to Hoedspruit Airport.
Upon arrival at Hoedspruit Airport, you will be transferred into the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve where you will be spending the next 3 nights on a full board (all meals), local drinks and game drives basis at Bateleur Safari Camp. (Safari Unit)
Located in the Mpumalanga Province, the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve shares a fenceless border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park. This magnificent 60 000-hectare reserve is best known for its two very rare white lions discovered here in the 1970s, which gave this destination its name. Meaning ‘the place where something sacred came down to earth from the heavens’, the park lives up to the hype with its enthralling African savannah, abundant wildlife, and friendly people. Visitors have the opportunity to see 40 mammal species, 360 bird species and the famous Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo). Enjoy a wide array of activities including daytime safaris, guided night game drives, bush walks, and excellent bird watching.
There will be time for you to relax and freshen up before afternoon tea and your first game-viewing activity.
Dinner is served upon return from your afternoon activities, enjoy a delicious meal under the African skies.
Overnight at the Bateleur Safari Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On safari in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.
Overnight at the Bateleur Safari Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On safari in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.
Overnight at the Bateleur Safari Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast and a morning activity (if time allows) you will be transferred to Hoedspruit Airport in time for your flight to Johannesburg.
Upon arrival at OR Tambo Airport, you will be transferred to the Davinci Hotel & Suites in Sandton, where you will be spending the next 2 nights.
Johannesburg is one of Africa’s largest and most vibrant cities. It is an economic powerhouse in Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. This bustling city offers a wide range of activities, attractions and plenty to do in and around the city including nearby Pretoria.
Downtown is a multi-cultural mixture of traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants, taxi ranks and ultra-modern skyscrapers. There are excellent museums, art galleries and organised tours of historical and political interest. The shopping is Southern Africa’s best and the many restaurants cater for all tastes. Soweto, a township steeped in history and a significant part of the Greater Johannesburg metropolitan area, is a popular tourist destination.
This afternoon relax at the hotel or head to one of the nearby shopping centres for dinner.
Overnight at the DAVINCI Hotel & Suites Nelson Mandela Square
Meals: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel.
On the tour, we will experience old and new, wealth and poverty, from different points while you hear the story of the largest gold fields in the world. Drive through Hillbrow, past Constitutional Hill, over the Nelson Mandela Bridge, and onto Mary Fitzgerald Square. ¡ Stop for a drink at Urbanologi at 1 Fox OR 44 Stanley, a 1930’s industrial complex transformed into a boutique shopping destination (if the tour ends in Sandton) OR drive through the Maboneng Precinct – view wall murals and the lifestyle of the up-and-coming young Johannesburger – the place to be seen! (If the tour ends at O.R. Tambo Int Airport.)
Soweto – an acronym meaning: South Western Townships. Soweto is steeped in history, with a diverse array of vibrant cultures, trend setting fashion and art coupled with a friendly warm atmosphere. The tour takes you into the community and around Soweto’s famous landmarks like Hector Pieterson Memorial, Vilakazi Street and Nelson Mandela’s House. Soweto was, and is home to many heroes in the fight against Apartheid. Its history goes back to 1904 when black mine workers, who had flocked to the gold fields since 1886, were housed in a township called Klipspruit, the oldest of a cluster of townships that constitute present day Soweto.
Experience and mingle with the people who call Soweto home, a community of extremes: On the one hand, there is abject poverty and on the other, extraordinary wealth in the upper-class suburbs, with some houses selling for over two million rand.
After your Soweto Tour you will head to the Outdoor Restaurant where you enjoy lunch in the op
As all good things do, your time in South Africa draws to a close.
After breakfast you will be transferred to OR Tambo International Airport in time for your departure flight to. You will then continue your onward journey with wonderful memories of your time in this beautiful country.
Meals: Breakfast
The tour ends at the airport for check-in and security formalities and to board the flight home.
END
Register here for the trip and further details will be sent
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Travel@hodophileexperience.com
Rates High Season: (Jan-Apr 2026 and Sep-Dec 2026)
Solo Traveller – on request
02 pax EUR4650 per person
03-05 pax EUR4175 per person
06-07 pax EUR3800per person
08-10 pax EUR3450 per person
Accommodation shared Double/Twin rooms
Rates Low Season: (Jun-Aug 2026)
Solo Traveller – on request
02 pax EUR4430 per person
03-05 pax EUR3880 per person
06-07 pax EUR3530per person
08-10 pax EUR3315 per person
30% payment required on booking
Remaining payments can be done in 2 instalments with the final payment, 4 weeks before departure.
Cancellation fees apply – for further details see:
https://hodophileexperience.com/index.php/about-our-trips/
Will be sent with full itinerary when confirmed
Will be sent with full itinerary when confirmed
Click here to check the visa requirements
South Africa averages up to 9 hours of sunshine a day, regardless of the season! Visit between November and March for some relaxing beach time. Visit between May and October during peak safari season when you can enjoy incredible wildlife viewing in the Kruger. No matter what month you travel we can tailor-make a prime experience tailored to make the most of the seasonal conditions.
The climate in South Africa ranges from desert and semi-desert in the north west of the country to sub-tropical on the eastern coastline. The rainy season for most of the country is in the summer (October to March), except in the Western Cape where the rains come in the winter (April to
Sept). Rainfall in the Eastern Cape is distributed evenly throughout the year. Winter temperatures hover around zero, summers can be very hot, in excess of 35° Celsius in some places.
GAUTENG (Johannesburg & Pretoria)
A summer rainfall area, Gauteng experiences hot summer days that often result in short but intense afternoon thunderstorms, commonly accompanied by thunder and lightning. Summers nights are also hot. Winter is dry and cold with temperatures dropping to a little above freezing at night; however, winter days are beautiful with comfortable daytime temperatures.
MPUMULANGA/LIMPOPO (Kruger National Park and surrounds)
The topography of this province results in significant variations in the climate. Changes occur between the Highveld and the Lowveld. The Lowveld (Kruger National Park and surrounds) has a tropical climate and will be hotter, with high summer rainfall between the months of September and March. The Highveld, a grassland savannah, also experiences a summer rainfall during these months but the temperatures will be cooler.
WESTERN CAPE (Cape Town and surrounds)
The Western Cape enjoys a Mediterranean climate. In summer from October to March it enjoys warm coastal temperatures. Winter along the coast can be chilly and the area typically has winter rain. Winds, particularly the southeasterly winds can reach gale force.
KWA ZULU- NATAL (Durban and surrounds)
KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a warm, subtropical coastal climate with plenty of sunshine, high humidity and light rainfall, even the winters are mild. Travelling east towards the Drakensberg Escarpment temperatures drop as the air becomes crisper and cooler. In winter, this area is much cooler than Durban and snow often falls on the mountain peaks.
The South African rand, or simply the rand, is the official currency of South Africa. Rand (ZAR; symbol R) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of R200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of R5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.
MasterCard and Visa are preferred. American Express and Diners Club are also widely accepted. ATMs are available in all towns, cities and shopping malls and most petrol stations, and accept international cards. Almost all hotels, shops, restaurants, national parks and game reserves accept credit cards. They are now acceptable at most petrol stations too, but since that is a relatively new measure, it’s worth checking before you fill up.
ATMs are available in all towns, cities and shopping malls and most petrol stations, and accept international cards. Be alert when using ATMs, and do not accept help from anybody as conmen are adept at switching cards.
Check your statements afterwards for a few weeks too, as cloning machines are occasionally planted in ATMs. More obviously, be aware of who is hanging around and don’t withdraw money if your instinct tells you not to.
Most places even the safari camps in Southern Africa accept credit cards (Visa, Master & Amex), however it is a good idea to carry some cash with you to pay for curios, bar accounts, gratuities etc… In South Africa it is advisable to change your money into Rands as it is the accepted currency countrywide.
When travelling in Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, ESwatini, Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar and even Namibia), it will be easier to carry some cash in USD, but in small denominations. The reason being when paying for something with USD, you will receive change in the local currency, which you can then use whilst you are still there but won’t be able to change back to USD once you have left the country.
When on safari in Southern and East Africa, its customary to discreetly hand the tip to the safari guide or driver at the end of your safari. Depending on the quality of service and the luxury level of your safari, the typical suggested amounts would be:
Safari Guide: Considered the most important role on safari, so tip the highest amount, usually between $10-20 per person per day.
Tracker: Typically receives slightly less than the guide, around $5-15 per person per day.
Transfer drivers: Similar to the tracker, depending on their responsibilities, around $5-10 per person per day. Consider the level of service: If your guide went above and beyond to ensure a great experience you can tip on the higher end of the guideline. Its always a good idea to tip in the in local currency (or USD) for convenience to the individual receiving.
Many lodges also have a designated tipping pool where tips are distributed evenly amongst
the non-guiding staff, (ie: kitchen, housekeeping etc..), that you may not come into direct contact with but add to your overall experience. Here the guideline would be $ 10 – 20 USD per day that you stayed there.
No vaccinations are essential. However:
* Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga and northern KwaZulu-Natal are low risk malaria areas during December-April.
** A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year old arriving from an infected area.
Yellow Fever
All travellers entering South Africa, Mozambique or Botswana after having been in any of the 43 countries where yellow fever has been diagnosed, (even if just in transit), must present a valid certification of vaccination against the disease, unless in possession of a valid waiver certificate on medical grounds. Any passenger who cannot present such a certificate at his or her point of entry will be vaccinated at passenger’s own cost before entering the country. Yellow fever has been reported from approximately 43 countries, mostly in Africa and Latin America.
Malaria and Avoiding Mosquitoes
The mosquito is the most dangerous animal in Africa by far! It is essential that casual visitors to Ghana take proper precautions against mosquitoes and the malaria that some may be carrying. Taking a prophylaxis is no guarantee that you will not get malaria if bitten, but do not over-react and think that every mosquito bite is deadly.
While you may have heard that malaria-carrying mosquitos come at dusk and dawn, there are many types of mosquitos traveling at all hours of day and night. These beasts can also transmit a number of other maladies, so it is best to avoid mosquitoes as best as possible.
For protection, stay in open, sunny, breezy areas and wear light coloured, loose fitting long pants and long-sleeve shirts, shoes and socks. Mosquitoes can bite through T-shirts and other lightweight, tight-fitting clothing. Mosquitoes are attracted by motion, heat, the trail of carbon-dioxide (CO2) in your exhaled breath, the smell of Lactic Acid, found on your skin when exercising, and other elements of your skin biotics. Scientists estimate that genetics account for 85% of your appeal to mosquitos.
Mosquitoes do tend to prefer men over women, adults more than children, and larger people. Larger bodies produce more heat, more carbon dioxide and have more body mass to bite. Sleeping with a strong fan makes it difficult for mosquitoes to find you and also helps prevent the ability of these insects to fly. They also can love the bacteria that grows at your ankles, so keep your feet washed well.
Be sure you bring a DEET-based mosquito repellent, as these are difficult to find in Ghana. After extensive testing, the US military has determined that a 35% time-release (micro-encapsulated) formulation offers best coverage with the least side effects. Anything in the range 20%-35% will be effective in most situations. DEET works by inhibiting signals from the mosquitoes’ antennae and making it difficult for them to find you. It does not stun or kill mosquitos.
Water
It is very important that you drink plenty of water especially during the warmer months. Dehydration is possibly the single biggest cause of ill health on safari. It is generally recommended that guests drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration. This excludes tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages, which act as diuretics and can actually contribute to dehydration. If water is not fit for human consumption the lodge of hotel will advise guests and supply drinking water, but bottled mineral water is readily available at most places anyway.
Billharzia
Billharzia is a disease, which is common in most large bodies of water in the southern half of Africa. In the unlikely event of billharzia being contracted, it is easily diagnosed by a simple blood test and easily and effectively treated with biltracide. We recommend a test is taken after any visit to Southern Africa, where you may have swam or drank water from rivers or lakes.
OTHER HEALTH ISSUES
There are no other health issues, which one needs to be concerned in terms of diseases. However below are a few points that may have crossed your mind:
Wild Animals
Most safari camps & lodges in Southern & East Africa are unfenced and potentially dangerous animals can and do wander through the camps. Attacks by wild animals are rare, but make sure that you listen to and abide by the safety talks given by your guides or camp staff. Some guidelines on this:
– Don’t go wandering off on your own without a guide – even to your rooms, a guide must escort you to your room. After retiring to your rooms at night, don’t leave your rooms.
– Observe the animals silently and with a minimum of disturbance to their natural activities. Loud talking on game drives can frighten the animals away. Don’t stand up when the vehicle is close to dangerous animals.
– Never attempt to attract an animal’s attention. Don’t imitate animal sounds, clap your hands, pound the vehicle or throw objects.
– Please respect your driver or guide’s judgement about our proximity to lions, cheetahs and leopards. Don’t insist that he take the vehicle closer so you can get a better photograph. A vehicle driven too close can hinder a hunt, or cause animals to abandon a hard-earned meal.
– Litter tossed on the ground can choke or poison animals and birds and is unsightly.
– Never attempt to feed or approach any wild animal on foot. This is especially important near lodges or in campsites where animals may have become accustomed to human visitors.
Refrain from smoking on game drives. The dry African bush ignites very easily, and a flash fire can kill animals.
– Never walk on your own. Always have a guide with you.
Crime
Crime has been a much-reported evil of certain areas in Southern Africa, particularly the big cities.
We have had no problems of this nature happen to any of our clients. The hotels we suggest are in good areas and you are invariably out of the “rough” city centres. However, we do urge guests to exercise the same common sense they would whilst in any other big city of the world, and not to openly display cash and valuables whilst out on the street. If you will be self- driving in a section of your itinerary, don’t pick up any hitch hikers, or stop near informal settlements (shanty towns), unless you are with a guide who will have good local knowledge.
Trip Highlights
Boulders Beach: penguin colony
Cape Point
Cape Town
Chapman’s Peak Drive
Franschhoek with its majestic mountain vistas
Greenmarket Square
Hout Bay
Johannesburg
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
Malay Quarter
Paarl, home to the Afrikaans language
Safari
Simons town historical naval base.
Soweto
Table Mountain by cable car
The Castle of Good Hope
The quaint, university town of Stellenbosch with its unique historical architecture
