Welcome to Cape Town. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting this evening followed by dinner with your fellow intrepid travellers. If you arrive early, we recommend taking the cable car up to the top of Table Mountain to admire epic views across the city, then catching the ferry across to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years.

Enjoy a fascinating introduction to colorful Cape Town this morning, as your local guide leads a walking tour through the city’s many highlights. Gaze upon the majesty of Table Mountain, soak in breathtaking views from atop Signal Hill, and wander beneath the trees of Company's Garden, South Africa’s oldest park. Explore the picturesque Bo Kaap neighborhood, with its camera-friendly pastel-coloured houses and learn about the Cape Malay residents’ tumultuous history. Then learn the secrets of Cape Malay cuisine during a hands-on cooking class.

Afterward, expand your horizons with an enlightening visit to the Save our Seas Foundation. The Foundation is dedicated to protecting life in our oceans, especially sharks and rays. Our Atlas Obscura expert, Melissa Cristina Marquez, will guide us through the visit and shed light on the many conservation efforts dedicated to learning about sharks and rays in this specific part of the world. 

Today is likely to be an unforgettable day, as you day trip your way to Gansbaai, a former fishing village known for its spectacular fynbos scenery and shark diving industry. Set sail on an exclusive marine safari cruise, and keep your eyes peeled for whales, dolphins, seals, and great white sharks. After lunch, we take an insightful tour of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust.  With the aim to deliver conservation and research programmes to protect the biodiversity of the marine eco-system surrounding Dyer Island, the trust mainly focuses on the endangered African Penguin, the vulnerable Great White Shark and the Southern Right Whale. We have the opportunity to engage in discussion before returning to Cape Town. The evening is yours to explore the city at your own pace. 

Get ready for a fin-tastic kayaking adventure as you head to Simon’s Town for a paddle around the crystal-clear waters of False Bay. Here you are likely to spot seals and possibly a whale (in winter season). Then you’ll head to the world-famous Boulders Beach Penguin Colony. Prepare to be enchanted by the adorable antics of African penguins, as they waddle, swim, and bask in the sun along the sandy shores. Get up close and personal with these charismatic creatures as we get our feet wet with a tide pooling experience as our Atlas Obscura expert, Melissa, walk us through the elements of the tides and how these impact this beloved species. 

Jump on a plane to Hoedspruit today, your gateway to the untamed beauty of the African countryside. As the golden hues of dusk descend upon the savannah, embark on an unforgettable sunset safari adventure through the vast expanses of the Makalali Private Game Reserve. Spot lions, giraffes, leopards, and elephants, and listen to the sounds of nocturnal birds. After an exhilarating game drive, return to the luxurious comforts of Makalali Main Lodge for a mouth-watering dinner under the starlit African sky.

Witness the majesty of elephants lumbering through the savannah, the grace of giraffes silhouetted against the rising sun, and the stealth of predators on the prowl, during a sunrise safari this morning. Return to the Lodge for a leisurely day of rest and relaxation. Lounge by the pool, treat yourself to a pampering spa treatment or simply unwind on your private deck, basking in the warmth of the African sun. Then prepare for another exhilarating adventure with a sunset game drive through the reserve. Top off your unforgettable day with some fine dining as you share stories of the day's adventures with fellow travellers.

Get another chance to spot the animals in the reserve today with a sunrise and sunset game drive. Enjoy some more down time in between safaris, taking time to enjoy the luxury amenities of the lodge, and end the day with another fabulous meal of regional African cuisine. As the stars illuminate the night sky, reflect on the beauty and serenity of your time in the bush, knowing that tomorrow holds even more treasures to discover.

Enjoy one final exhilarating morning game drive through the reserve, giving you one last opportunity to spot the iconic Big 5. Then take a scenic drive to Johannesburg's vibrant Rosebank district. Your afternoon is free to explore the city. You could choose to browse the stalls at the hip Neighbourgoods Market where you’ll find unique souvenirs, and handcrafted treasures to commemorate your South African adventure. Alternatively, unwind and recharge at the hotel, and take a refreshing swim in the pool. A farewell dinner this evening will give you a chance to reminisce with your fellow travellers on all the wonders you have witnessed together over the last eight days.

Your African adventure comes to an end today. Whether you're returning home or you intend to continue exploring this beautiful continent (check out the Atlas Obscura Guide to South Africa for inspiration), we wish you well. Totsiens, until next time.