Camps Bay beach and the Twelve Apostles mountains in Cape Town at sunset

At the edge of the continent

Cape Town Extension

Overview

From Dramatic Table Mountain to the Stunning Coastline of South Africa’s Mother City

Table Mountain National Park provides the dramatic backdrop to this vibrant, colorful city, set between mountain and ocean. Explore colorful neighborhoods, South Africa’s best vineyards and fine dining in town, observe penguins at the famous Boulders Beach, and visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela’s—and South Africa’s—struggles echo poignantly.

From rugged headlands to golden beaches, Cape Town is a relaxed yet deeply enriching way to conclude your time in Africa.

Trip Highlights

  • Penguins at Boulders Beach

    A private full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula runs the coastal roads to Cape Point Nature Reserve and stops at the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach, where the birds are close enough to photograph well.

  • Taste through the Winelands

    Spend a day in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, with oak-lined streets, Cape Dutch architecture, boutique wineries and tastings between vineyards and mountains.

  • Robben Island with former inmates

    A ferry from the V&A Waterfront reaches the maximum-security prison where Nelson Mandela was held. Parts of the tour are led by men who were imprisoned there.

Itinerary

Itinerary 1 itinerary

Day 1: A quiet evening in Tanzania’s largest city after safari

  • Fly from Arusha to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s vibrant coastal city along the Indian Ocean.

  • Transfer to the Johari Rotana Hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure, unwinding after your safari adventure.

Day 2: Arrive in Cape Town for Table Mountain and the waterfront

  • Fly to Cape Town via Johannesburg, with private gate assistance during your connection and a transfer to your boutique hotel upon arrival.

  • Discover Cape Town’s spectacular setting, from the towering heights of Table Mountain to its scenic beaches and dramatic coastline.

  • Explore colorful neighborhoods, stroll along the vibrant waterfront and savor the city’s diverse culinary offerings.

Day 3: See African penguins up close at Boulders Beach

  • Explore the breathtaking Cape Peninsula on a private guided tour, traveling along scenic coastal roads through charming seaside towns and dramatic landscapes.

  • Visit Boulders Beach to observe a colony of African penguins in their natural habitat among sandy beaches and granite boulders.

  • Discover Cape Point Nature Reserve, enjoying spectacular ocean views, rugged cliffs and exceptional photography opportunities.

Day 4: Wine tastings in the Cape Dutch towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek

  • Explore the scenic Cape Winelands, where rolling vineyards, dramatic mountain landscapes and charming historic towns create a picturesque countryside escape.

  • Visit Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, discovering their oak-lined streets, Cape Dutch architecture and rich winemaking heritage.

  • Enjoy visits to boutique wineries, tastings of exceptional South African wines and opportunities to savor the region’s renowned cuisine.

Day 5: Tour Robben Island, led in part by former inmates

  • Take a ferry from the V&A Waterfront to Robben Island for a guided tour of the former prison where Nelson Mandela was held, learning about South Africa’s struggle against apartheid.

  • Explore Cape Town on a private guided city tour, discovering historic landmarks, colorful neighborhoods and vibrant local markets.

  • Visit the iconic Bo-Kaap neighborhood and enjoy sweeping coastal views while learning about the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Cape Town

Day 6: Depart Cape Town and connect with homeward flights

  • Transfer to Cape Town International Airport for your onward international flight, concluding your post-safari extension.

Accommodations

Dates, Prices & Info

Extension length and pricing vary based on your travel plans. Contact a Thomson Safari Specialist to explore your options and plan your extension.

Group Size

Extensions are custom additions to your safari itinerary. You may or may not be with other Thomson guests, but you’ll still enjoy small group travel.

What's Included

Your Cape Town extension package includes all accommodations, meals, services of guides and drivers, airport transfers, internal flights, and tours as noted in your itinerary.

Not Included

  • International airfare, other than flights noted in the itinerary, is not included.

  • Additional costs may include tips for guides, drivers, and staff, bar beverages, laundry service, phone calls, passport and visa fees, souvenirs, and travel insurance.

  • Your pre-departure packet includes visa application instructions and information on travel insurance and tipping.

Important Information

A 50% deposit is required to reserve your space. This deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. Full payment is due 90 days prior to the first land day of the trip.

Notification of cancellation must be made in writing to Thomson Safaris. At the time we receive the cancellation, all moneys will be refunded less the following cancellation charges:

  • 91 days or more before departure: cancellation fees equal the amount of your deposit

  • 90 to 61 days before departure: 50% of the package price is non-refundable

  • 60 to 46 days before departure: 65% of the package price is non-refundable

  • 45 days or less before departure: 100% of the package price is non-refundable

No partial refunds will be given for unused meals, hotel rooms, airport transfers, etc., for any reason whatsoever. Thomson Safaris reserves the right to increase the tour price in the event of cost increases due to changes in airfares, currency fluctuations, park fee increases, fuel surcharges, taxes, etc. Accommodations are subject to change.

Travel Insurance

Thomson strongly encourages you to purchase travel insurance within two weeks of making your deposit to protect your investment, as we are not able to make changes to our cancellation policy for any reason. Travel Guard comes highly recommended by our guests.

Getting There & Getting Home

Cape Town extensions may be scheduled before or after your safari, and may align best with international flights from O.R. Tambo International Airport or Cape Town International Airport. Please check with your safari consultants or trip managers before making any flight arrangements.