The Magnificent Seven Safari

Duration 11–days
Ideal time to visit July – October
Price guide
From
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Buildings along the waterfront with Table Mountain in the background, Cape Town
A view of elephants from a safari vehicle
The tail fin of a Southern Right Whale off a South African beach
A herd of buffalo seen on safari
Chapman's Peak Drive near Cape Town in South Africa
An adult lioness grooms her cubs
This is the ultimate wildlife adventure in South Africa. There are only a few months of the year (July to October) during which you can see the ‘Big Seven’, combining the iconic Big Five on safari (rhino, elephant, leopard, lion and buffalo) with whales and great white sharks spotting off of South Africa's Cape.

Begin on the aptly named Whale Coast to spot great white sharks and whales, before a three night exploration of Cape Town and a classic safari in the exclusive Sabi Sands Game Reserve, an incredible wilderness where you'll spot the Big Five and more.

Trip Highlights

  • Private guided tours of Cape Town and the peninsula
  • Guided whale watching excursion
  • Luxury safari in the exclusive Sabi Sands game reserve
  • Spot the Big Five on a game drive
  • Take in the views from the top of Table Mountain
  • See great white sharks at Gansbaai

Our bespoke trips include

We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:

  • Luxury accommodation throughout
  • Privately guided tours
  • Private transfers
  • Meticulously selected experiences
  • Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Black and white illustration of two guides pointing to a building in the distance
  • Days 1–4 The Whale Coast
  • Days 4–7 Cape Town
  • Days 7–11 Sabi Sands
The Magnificent Seven Safari
Price guide
  PP
  • Days 1–4 The Whale Coast
  • Days 4–7 Cape Town
  • Days 7–11 Sabi Sands

Itinerary in detail

Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.

Days 1–4

Three nights on the Whale Coast

Almost immediately south-east from the outskirts of Cape Town and following the Atlantic shoreline along the Western Cape, this is a protected collection of beautiful bays with crescents of pristine white beaches, wild surf, tranquil mountains that dramatically descend into the Atlantic, sleepy valleys, nature reserves, charming coves bustling with wildlife and pleasant villages brimming with local heritage.

Some of the world’s premier destinations for viewing nurseries of southern right whales, as well as other marine life, are located on this coast, such as Hermanus, Overburg and Walker Bay, as well as the shivers of great white sharks that gather off Gansbaai.

A view of the Hermanus coastline on South Africa's Whale Coast

Make it mine

Whale watching

Shark safari

Aerial view over a Southern Right Whale and her calf along the overberg coast close to Hermanus in South Africa

Half day whale watching tour from Hermanus

Board a shared catamaran with a nautical guide to embark on a whale watching tour. While the focus is on the southern right whale, there will also be the chance to spot humpback and Bryde’s whales, dolphins, seals and marine birds, including the African penguin. The purpose-built catamaran has different viewing levels, offering spectacular viewing and photographic opportunities.

A great white shark swimming in the ocean

Shark safari encounter

An exhilarating experience which allows you to get heart–stoppingly close to some of the world’s most majestic predators. Jacada works with ethical companies who specialise in shark research and conservation to provide a respectful shark encounter in open waters.

Days 4–7

Three nights exploring Cape Town

Spend your time relaxing and exploring this wonderful city. Cape Town’s instantly recognisable skyline, dominated by the iconic Table Mountain, will take your breath away. This is the oldest city in South Africa, steeped in history and full of beautiful buildings from its colonial past – explore every aspect of its history on private guided tours throughout the city and on Robben Island.

There are also myriad day trip opportunities, from the Cape of Good Hope to the rolling hills of the winelands, if you wish to venture out of the city.

An aerial view of Cape Town in South Africa

Make it mine

Cape Town Tour

Cape Point tour

Cape of Good Hope

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

The cable car making its way to the summit of Table Mountain, South Africa

Cape Town tour with Table Mountain

Start with a private half day tour of Cape Town, taking in historic buildings such as the Castle of Good Hope, the oldest building in South Africa, and the Grand Parade – the location of Nelson Mandela’s address to the nation in 1990. Continue exploring the city before taking the cable car to the top of Table Mountain to soak up awe–inspiring views of the city and ocean.

African penguins crowded together at Boulder's beach.

Private Cape Point and Peninsula tour

Take one of the most scenic journeys in the world in this wonderful, full-day privately guided tour. Enjoy the scenic drive up Chapman’s Peak with incredible views of the ocean to your right as the road winds around narrow corners. The typical highlights of this tour include quaint villages such as Noordhoek, the bustling fishing suburb of Kalk Bay, the penguins in Simon’s Town and Boulders Beach and of course Cape Point – the ‘tip’ of Africa.

The Cape of Good Hope, Cape Town, South Africa

Cape of Good Hope tour

Explore the rocky coastline and unique Cape Fynbos vegetation which is home to unique bird-life such as African Black Oystercatchers and Cape Sugarbirds amongst others. 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 footbridge through Kirstenbosch botanical gardens in Cape Town, South Africa

Kirstenbosch botanical gardens

The UNESCO–rated Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are considered some of the greatest botanical gardens in the world. Nestled on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, they celebrate the botanical diversity of the Western Cape. Take a stroll around the gardens and soak up the sounds, colours and aromas that flourish here.

Days 7–11

Four days on safari in Sabi Sands

Africa’s premier game reserve, Sabi Sands is made up of over 60,000 hectares of private reserve brimming with abundant game. Thrilling game drives here will show you why it’s considered one of the best places in Africa to spot the Big Five, although it is especially renowned for spotting leopards.

Your days here will comprise a custom built itinerary of game drives, including the possibility of tracking leopards and wild dogs, combined with a stay at a luxury safari lodge.

Portrait of a male leopard in Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa.

Game drive in Sabi Sands

A lion pride crossing a river, Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa.

Embark on either a morning or afternoon game drive with your private guide and vehicle. Your expert guide knows the reserve inside out, and will educate you on its wildlife while helping you spot the Big Five. The game here has become very accustomed to the vehicles, allowing for fantastic, up close viewings.

“Amazing South Africa & Zimbabwe‌”

The trip was perfect from start to finish which I completely attribute to the communication with James and Eugenia. I really felt as if our needs were anticipated and our style of travel understood. They truly picked the best accommodations and made transfers between easy. I've never had such a seamless and well-organized travel experience. It is so worth it…

Published 01st September 2024 on Trustpilot
Candice Hall