10 days - Cape Town, a day on the Antarctic ice and Kruger

Cape Town, a day on the ice and Kruger

Ten days from Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula, with a day flight to the Antarctic ice from Cape Town, then a safari in Kruger National Park.

1 Country
2 Stops
9 Nights
Ultra Luxury Service level
  • The storyThe headline tells the journey in a few lines, one after another.
  • At a glanceThe figures beneath it are the essential facts of the trip.
  • The legsRead the images left to right: each panel is one leg, in the order you travel it, and each is set out in full below.

The journey

When to go

Antarctic day flight
Cape Town weather
Game viewing in Kruger
Antarctic day flight Cape Town weather Game viewing in Kruger Avoid
January Primary window

Midsummer on the ice, with 24 hours of daylight at Wolf’s Fang. Cape Town is warm and dry, though wind can pause the cableway. Kruger is hot and green.

Peak ice season Cape summer

The route

Cape Town Kruger National Park
01

South Africa

Cape Town and Table Mountain, then the Winelands by helicopter.

Upon arrival in Cape Town, an Iconic Expeditions representative will greet you at the airport and take you to your city accommodation.

You’ll have the afternoon and evening to spend at your leisure. Our team is happy to assist you in selecting the best restaurant and making a reservation for you.

Private Afternoon City Tour: After breakfast, enjoy a privately guided half-day city tour of Cape Town. Your tour will take you through the city’s rich multiethnic character and historical wealth. Cape Town is a rare cultural gem, shaped by the amalgamation of various nationalities and indigenous tribes. Alongside modern office buildings, you’ll find a harmonious blend of architectural styles, including Edwardian, Victorian, and Cape Dutch, meticulously preserved. Narrow cobblestone streets and the Islamic character of the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood enhance the cosmopolitan ambiance.

The itinerary includes visits to the City Hall, the Castle of Good Hope – a pentagon-shaped fort and the oldest surviving building in South Africa; the Company’s Garden – a large public park that was originally Jan van Riebeeck’s vegetable garden, established in 1652 to feed the original colony; and Signal Hill, where you’ll be treated to spectacular panoramic views of the city before returning to your hotel.

Table Mountain Cableway Experience:
Marvel at Cape Town’s stunning views from the aerial cableway on Table Mountain. The iconic mountain, flanked by Devil’s Peak to the east and Lion’s Head to the west, provides a dramatic backdrop to the city. Table Mountain, part of the Cape Floral Region (a protected area), is home to vibrant biodiversity. Keep an eye out for the rock hyrax, or "dassie," as they scurry through the scrub.

From the summit, enjoy views of Table Bay, Robben Island, and the Atlantic seaboard. The cable cars depart every 10 to 15 minutes and rotate 360 degrees as they ascend to 302 metres above sea level, offering passengers panoramic vistas. The ride takes just five minutes to reach the top. Once there, you can enjoy the sights, dine at the restaurant, or browse the extensive curio shop. Please note, the cableway operates only when weather conditions permit.

Today, we’re embarking on a wine tour with a difference! You’ll take a thrilling helicopter flight directly to the heart of South Africa’s world-renowned wine country.

Seeing the landscapes unfold below is the perfect way to begin a day filled with world-class wines and delicious gourmet cuisine in the twin wine towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

02

Antarctica

A day flight from Cape Town to Wolf’s Fang, with about three hours on the ice.

The day has come to explore Antarctica. You fly from Cape Town aboard an Airbus A340 (or similar), crossing the Southern Ocean in about five hours to the Wolf’s Fang runway. The African night turns to day as you fly over icebergs and into 24 hours of continuous sunshine.

On arrival you spend about three hours on the ice, with a gentle hike from Wolf’s Fang Camp to a nearby nunatak and a champagne picnic with views unlike anywhere else on Earth. You then board your return flight to Cape Town the same day.

03

South Africa

A rest day in Cape Town, then a full day on the Cape Peninsula.

After all the exciting adventures you’ve experienced so far, you deserve a well-earned rest. Use it to recharge before the safari that follows.

After breakfast, we’ll embark on a full day of exploration along the stunning Cape Peninsula. This journey is brimming with isolated beaches, unspoiled landscapes, charming villages, and the unique wildlife that makes this region so beloved.

We’ll begin at the idyllic beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, where you can soak in sweeping coastal views. From there, we head to the bustling fishing town of Hout Bay. While in Hout Bay, you’ll enjoy a boat trip to Seal Island, where you’ll have the chance to observe the playful seals that call the island home.

Next, we’ll visit the iconic Cape Point, a dramatic location where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. From here, we continue to the highlight of the day: the penguin colony at Simon’s Town! These adorable African penguins inhabit the picturesque Boulders Beach, and you’ll have the opportunity to see them up close.

On our return journey to Cape Town, we’ll pause for a visit to the enchanting Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Set at the foot of Devil’s Peak, these gardens offer a serene atmosphere, perfect for stretching your legs and capturing beautiful photos.

We’ll arrive back in Cape Town in time for dinner, rounding off a full day.

04

South Africa

A flight to Kruger and three nights on safari, then the journey home.

Whether you’re arriving on a charter jet or taking a domestic flight, today is all about travel and unwinding. Don’t worry—we’ve got everything covered.

Upon landing at your designated airstrip, we’ll transfer you to a luxurious lodge that will be your home for the next few nights.

After completing the check-in formalities, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon and evening to enjoy the exceptional facilities at your lodge. Unwind by the pool, sip on a refreshing sundowner, or take part in the activities offered (these vary depending on the property).

Be sure to get an early night, as tomorrow promises to be a day packed with adventure!

Wake up bright and early to experience the magic of a sunrise game drive in Kruger National Park. As the sun sets the savanna ablaze with its golden hues, you’ll witness predators like lions, leopards, hyenas, and cheetahs on the hunt for their morning meal.

Kruger is renowned for its incredible wildlife, including the iconic Big Five—lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinoceros. Beyond these famed species, the park is also home to an astounding variety of animals, including over 100,000 impala, 9,000 kudu, 10,000 wildebeest, and 25,000 zebras.

Your game drive experience will vary depending on your chosen accommodation. Some lodges offer morning and afternoon game drives, with a break to savour a delicious lunch, while others provide full-day game drive adventures.

Spend the day exploring the majestic park, or divide your time between an exciting safari adventure and some well-deserved relaxation at the lodge.

Today, it’s time to say goodbye to Kruger National Park as you check out and head to your next destination. Whether you’re travelling overland or by air, we’ll ensure all your transfers and flights are seamlessly arranged for a smooth and hassle-free departure.


The detail

About this trip

Ten days that pair South Africa with a day on the Antarctic ice. You begin in Cape Town with a private city tour and the Table Mountain cableway, see the Winelands by helicopter, and spend a full day on the Cape Peninsula with its penguin colony.

On day four you fly from Cape Town to Wolf’s Fang in Antarctica, about five hours each way, and spend around three hours on the ice with a walk to a nearby nunatak and a champagne picnic. You return to Cape Town the same day. The journey ends with three nights on safari in Kruger. The Antarctic flights run in the southern summer, from November to February.

What is included

  • Park fees (For non-residents)
  • All activities (Unless labelled as optional)
  • All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation (Unless labelled as optional)
  • Round-trip airport transfer
  • Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)

What is not included

  • International flights (From/ home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Increase in taxes and/or fees for parks set by the government
  • Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

How does the Antarctica day fit in with Cape Town and Kruger?
Everything starts in Cape Town. Day 4 is a day trip: you fly from Cape Town to the Wolf’s Fang runway in about five hours aboard an Airbus A340 or similar, spend about three hours on the ice, then fly back the same day. On day 7 you fly to Kruger, by charter jet or domestic flight, and continue to your lodge.
When is the best time for the Antarctica and Kruger trip?
The Antarctic flights decide your dates. December and January score highest, with long daylight at Wolf’s Fang and a warm, dry Cape. November and February are alternatives, with the season opening in November and limited flight dates in February. There are no Antarctic flights from March to October, though Kruger is strongest for game in the dry months.
What does a typical day look like on this trip?
Days alternate between big experiences and rest. Day 2 is a private half-day Cape Town tour and a Table Mountain cableway ride, weather permitting. Day 3 is a helicopter flight to the winelands, and day 6 a full day on the Cape Peninsula. In Kruger, days start with a sunrise game drive, and day 5 is a rest day.
What can we adjust on the Antarctica and South Africa trip?
Your Kruger rhythm depends on the lodge you choose: some offer morning and afternoon game drives with a lunch break, others full-day drives. Day 5 is a rest day, and on day 9 you can mix safari with time at the lodge. Antarctic flight dates are limited, so share your preferred dates early.
Can you combine more than one country in a single trip?
Yes. Many of our journeys cross borders, for example Botswana with Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, or Cape Town with a safari and the Falls. Tell us the places you have in mind through the enquiry form and we will plan the route and transfers as one itinerary.
What meals are included on safari?
Meals depend on the camp or lodge and are set out in your itinerary. On safari they are usually taken at camp, with a picnic or packed meal on some days. Tell us about any dietary needs when you enquire.
Do I need vaccinations or medication before an African safari?
Health requirements depend on where you are travelling from and where you are going, and they change. Check your country's official travel health advice or TravelHealthPro (travelhealthpro.org.uk), and see a travel clinic well before you depart. Ask about malaria prevention early.
What should I pack for an African safari?
Lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your arms and legs helps against sun and insects, in neutral colours. Bring comfortable closed shoes (boots if you will walk), a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a camera with spare batteries and memory cards. Your itinerary lists any luggage limits for charter flights.
How do I stay safe on safari?
Your guides brief you on how to behave around wildlife. Follow their instructions, stay in the vehicle or camp area as told, and never approach or disturb animals. Conditions differ by country and change over time, so check your government's current travel advice before you book and again before you travel.

Book it in this order

Work down the list. Each step depends on the one above it.

Field notes

The practical detail that decides whether a trip runs smoothly.

The day on the ice

The flight from Cape Town to Wolf’s Fang takes about five hours, and you spend around three hours on the ice. Pack for cold and bright conditions: sunglasses, a warm hat and gloves, and sunscreen.

Weather and flexibility

Antarctic flights depend on the weather at the runway. We keep you informed as your date approaches, and day 5 is left free as a rest day.

Table Mountain cableway

The cableway operates only when the weather allows, and wind is the usual reason for a closure. Carry a light jacket for the summit.

Helicopter flight over the Winelands

The flight on day 3 depends on weather and weight limits. Wear light, close-fitting clothing and secure hats and loose items.

Early game drives in Kruger

Sunrise drives start early and mornings are cool, so bring a fleece and a windproof jacket. Daytime can be hot in the lowveld.

Gratuities

Lodge staff and guides in Kruger, and your drivers in Cape Town, are customarily thanked with a tip. Your final documents give a guide to amounts.


Plan this journey

Make this trip your own

Every journey is planned around your dates and your party. Tell us who is travelling and when, and a specialist will come back with a tailored itinerary and a quote. Payment is by invoice.