From Uganda’s mist-covered forests and open savannah to the dramatic coast of Cape Town, the vineyards of the Winelands and the wild landscapes of Greater Kruger. A remarkable journey through two of Africa’s most captivating countries.
Begin in Uganda, travelling from Entebbe to the extraordinary forests of Bwindi, where the opportunity to encounter mountain gorillas creates one of Africa’s most moving wildlife experiences. Return to Entebbe after your time in Bwindi, ready for the onward flight to South Africa.
In Cape Town, enjoy three nights surrounded by ocean, mountains and the city’s celebrated food and culture. Continue into the Cape Winelands for two nights among vineyards and mountain scenery, before ending with five nights on safari in Greater Kruger.
A carefully balanced itinerary brings together extraordinary wildlife, beautiful places to stay and the distinct character of each destination.
A 15-day journey combining gorilla country, open landscapes, coastal beauty, vineyard stays and a classic Big Five safari.
Arrive in Uganda and settle in before travelling west towards the forests.
Two nights in the forest region, with time for the unforgettable mountain gorilla experience.
Return to Entebbe for a relaxed final night in Uganda before your international flight south.
Ocean scenery, Table Mountain, beautiful neighbourhoods and exceptional dining.
Vineyard landscapes, celebrated food and wine, and relaxed country elegance.
Five nights immersed in the African bush, with game drives and Big Five country.
Begin in Entebbe, a relaxed lakeside town on the shores of Lake Victoria, before travelling west through Uganda’s changing landscapes to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The journey leads into a world of steep green hills, terraced farmland and ancient rainforest, where guided nature walks reveal the forest’s remarkable birdlife, plants and primates.
The defining experience is a guided mountain gorilla trek. Accompanied by experienced park guides, you follow forest trails in search of a habituated gorilla family; once found, visitors are permitted a strictly limited hour in their presence. The trek can be physically demanding and its duration depends on where the gorillas are located that day. If time and interest allow, a Batwa cultural experience offers a meaningful introduction to the heritage and forest knowledge of the community neighbouring Bwindi. Return to Entebbe for your final night, with the possibility of a gentle Lake Victoria or botanical-garden visit depending on your transfer and flight schedule.
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and transfer to your accommodation. Enjoy a relaxed first evening in Uganda before the journey continues west.
Depart Entebbe and travel towards the Bwindi region. Arrive at your forest retreat and settle in, surrounded by the lush hills and extraordinary scenery of southwestern Uganda.
Enjoy your day in the Bwindi region. The highlight may be a guided mountain gorilla trek, subject to confirmed permits and the allocated trekking sector. Return to your lodge after this memorable forest experience.
Travel back from Bwindi to Entebbe and settle in for your final night in Uganda. Enjoy a relaxed evening ahead of your international flight to Cape Town on Day 5.
For a standard mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s tariff effective January 2027–June 2028 lists a permit at US$800 per foreign non-resident. Every trekker requires an individual permit, regardless of room-sharing arrangements.
Seasonal rate: UWA lists a reduced foreign non-resident permit of US$600 for April, May and November only. June 2027 falls outside those months, so this itinerary uses the standard US$800 rate. UWA notes that tariffs may change without prior notice; reconfirm the rate and availability when booking.
The separate Gorilla Habituation Experience is listed by UWA at US$1,800 per foreign non-resident from January 2027, with up to four hours alongside a semi-habituated group. It is a different experience from the standard trek priced above.
Fly from Uganda to Cape Town and settle into three nights in one of the world’s most scenic coastal cities. Framed by Table Mountain and the Atlantic coastline, the city brings together dramatic natural landscapes, layered history, vibrant neighbourhoods, galleries, markets and an acclaimed food scene.
Depending on weather and your interests, classic first-visit experiences include a visit to Robben Island, where a guided heritage tour explores the former maximum-security prison and the island’s wider history, and a trip up Table Mountain for sweeping views across the city, coastline and Atlantic Ocean. Robben Island ferries depart from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront; the standard excursion takes approximately 3.5–4 hours including the return ferry crossings and island tour. Table Mountain can be reached by the rotating aerial cableway or, for active travellers, by a suitably guided hike. The cableway operates only when weather conditions allow, so the visit should remain flexible. You can also explore the V&A Waterfront, historic city centre and colourful Bo-Kaap. With three nights, these experiences are best arranged around ferry availability and the mountain weather.
Travel from Uganda to South Africa, flying from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to Cape Town International Airport (CPT). All currently identified routings require at least one connection; there are no nonstop flights on this route.
Airport pickup and hotel transfer: On arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you will be met by your private driver or transfer representative and assisted with your luggage before being transferred directly to your Cape Town hotel. Settle in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, depending on your arrival time.
Enjoy a full day to discover Cape Town, from the V&A Waterfront and colourful neighbourhoods to the city’s beautiful beaches and restaurants.
Begin at the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront for a ferry excursion to Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site closely associated with South Africa’s struggle for freedom. The standard guided visit takes approximately 3.5–4 hours including the return ferry crossings. On the island, learn about its layered history and visit the former maximum-security prison where Nelson Mandela and many other political prisoners were held; the tour route includes key heritage sites and the prison complex. Ferries are weather-dependent, so advance booking is recommended and guests should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure with their booking confirmation and identification.
After returning to the city, continue to Table Mountain for panoramic views over Cape Town, Table Bay and the Atlantic coastline. Take the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway to the summit, where walking paths and viewpoints offer time to enjoy the landscape. The cableway is weather-dependent and may close in strong winds or poor conditions; if the mountain is not operating, the visit can be rescheduled where the itinerary allows. A guided hike may be considered as an alternative for suitably prepared guests and in appropriate conditions.
Planning note: Combining both highlights makes for a full day. The Robben Island ferry time should be secured first, with Table Mountain planned around the return time, daylight and current weather. If ferry or mountain conditions disrupt the schedule, the experiences may need to be swapped with another available time during your Cape Town stay.
Travel from Cape Town into the Cape Winelands for two nights among rolling vineyards, historic towns and dramatic mountain scenery. This beautiful region is known for its wine estates, exceptional cuisine and elegant country retreats.
Enjoy time to relax, discover the local food and wine scene and take in the peaceful atmosphere before travelling onward to the Greater Kruger region.
Depart Cape Town and travel into the Winelands. Check in to your accommodation and enjoy an afternoon surrounded by vineyards and mountain scenery.
Enjoy a full day in the Cape Winelands, with time for wine tasting, beautiful scenery, relaxed dining and the region’s celebrated hospitality.
Conclude your journey in Greater Kruger, an immense wilderness of savannah, riverine forest and rocky outcrops that supports an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. Your five-night stay allows time to settle into the rhythm of a private-reserve safari, with early-morning and late-afternoon game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, led by knowledgeable guides and, at many lodges, tracker teams. These cooler hours are especially rewarding for looking for the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo—as well as giraffe, zebra, antelope, hyena and prolific birdlife. Sightings are always shaped by nature and can never be guaranteed.
A typical lodge day begins before sunrise with coffee before heading into the bush, followed by breakfast and a relaxed midday pause. Afternoon tea often precedes a second drive, which may include a sundowner stop as the light fades. Evenings bring dinner beneath the stars or in the lodge’s dining area. Depending on the property and conditions, optional guided bush walks, birding or night-drive experiences may also be available. Between activities, enjoy the lodge’s setting, pool and peaceful views across the reserve.
Travel from your Cape Winelands accommodation to Cape Town International Airport (CPT), then fly to the airport best suited to your selected safari lodge. On arrival at your safari airport, you will be met by your lodge representative or private driver and transferred directly to the lodge, with assistance for your luggage. After check-in and time to settle in, head out on your first afternoon game drive with your lodge’s safari guide and tracker team. The drive will be subject to your flight arrival time and the lodge’s afternoon activity schedule.
Your itinerary specifies the travel sequence (Day 10 from the Cape Winelands via Cape Town; Day 15 from Greater Kruger) but does not include calendar dates. The times below are published timetable examples in local South African time, not date-confirmed bookings; operating days and schedules can change.
Airlink 4Z655: 08:35 CPT → 11:05 HDS (2 hr 30 min; selected days).
Airlink 4Z657: 10:15 CPT → 12:45 HDS (2 hr 30 min; varies by day).
CemAir 5Z991: typically 09:30 → 12:00, or 10:00 → 12:30 (2 hr 30 min; day-dependent).
FlySafair: published schedules show a 12:15 departure (about 2 hr 30 min; verify date-specific arrival).
Total direct journey: approximately 2 hr 30 min CPT–HDS, with no connection.
Best for: Kapama, Timbavati, Klaserie, Manyeleti, Balule and Thornybush-area lodges.
Airlink 4Z651: 10:30 CPT → 12:55 SZK (2 hr 25 min; published daily).
Total direct journey: approximately 2 hr 25 min CPT–SZK, with no connection.
Best for: Lion Sands, Dulini and selected Sabi Sabi / Sabi Sand lodges.
Airport recommendations below are matched to the properties in your Greater Kruger shortlist. Transfer times are approximate and can vary by lodge entrance, road conditions and the exact camp.
Note: Simbambili is in Sabi Sand, not Thornybush Reserve. Private airstrips and lodge-operated charter services are separate from scheduled commercial flights and must be arranged directly with the property or its operator. All listed times are local (South Africa, SAST) and are indicative timetable examples; reconfirm exact times against the final travel dates before ticketing.
Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives with your experienced safari guide and tracker, exploring the surrounding wilderness in search of the Big Five and other wildlife.
Continue your safari experience with another day in the bush. Each drive brings a different opportunity to observe the wildlife and landscapes of this remarkable region.
Savour your final full day in Greater Kruger, with time for game drives, relaxation at the lodge and one last unforgettable evening in the African wilderness.
After your final morning in the bush, transfer to the airport matched to your lodge and fly to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) for your onward international departure.
Select the departure airport that corresponds with your lodge. Times below are published timetable examples in local South African time because the itinerary does not specify calendar dates. Allow a generous connection buffer before your onward international flight, especially if sectors are on separate tickets.
Airlink 4Z876: 11:45 HDS → 12:50 JNB (1 hr 5 min; selected days).
Airlink 4Z872: 12:10 → 13:10 (1 hr; published daily pattern, subject to date).
CemAir 5Z981: 12:35 → 13:30, 13:05 → 14:00 or 14:25 → 15:20 (55 min; varies by day).
Airlink 4Z874: 14:30 → 15:30 (1 hr).
Total direct journey: approximately 55 min to 1 hr 5 min HDS–JNB, depending on the selected flight.
Best for: Kapama, Makanyi, Kings Camp, Motswari / Geiger’s Camp, Misava, Isambane, Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge, Honeyguide Khoka Moya and Royal Malewane.
Airlink 4Z862: 13:35 SZK → 14:40 JNB (1 hr 5 min; published daily).
Airlink 4Z866: 14:35 → 15:40 (1 hr 5 min; published daily).
Total direct journey: approximately 1 hr 5 min SZK–JNB, with no connection.
Best for: Lion Sands River Lodge, Dulini Moya and selected Sabi Sabi / Sabi Sand properties.
Additional northern option: Phalaborwa Airport (PHW) has scheduled Johannesburg connections, but it is not a direct Cape Town arrival option in the routes outlined above. For Sabi Sabi, Simbambili and Royal Malewane, private or scheduled lodge-airstrip services may offer a more direct alternative; confirm these with the property. All times are local (South Africa, SAST). Airlines, flight times and operating days are subject to change and must be reconfirmed for the actual date.
Choose from three carefully selected accommodation levels in each destination. Each property includes room options, indicative USD pricing and a five-image gallery.
5–6 and 8–9 June 2027 · two separate overnight stays
A discreet boutique hotel set in leafy gardens, with a swimming pool, spa, restaurant and individually styled rooms. A polished choice for the first and final nights in Uganda.
A full-service lakeside hotel with a pool, landscaped grounds, restaurant and familiar international-hotel standards. Convenient for airport arrivals and departures.
A relaxed lakefront hotel with spacious rooms, garden and water views, and an easy-going resort feel. A good option for guests who want to unwind between flights.
A characterful garden hotel with colonial-era architecture, verandas, a pool and a peaceful residential setting close to Entebbe International Airport.
A relaxed lakeside property with a beach setting, swimming pool, restaurant and garden spaces. Lake-view rooms are the standout choice for a more scenic overnight stay.
A contemporary hotel with modern suites, lake-facing outlooks, dining and a rooftop setting. A comfortable middle ground between a full-service resort and a smaller guesthouse.
A leafy, informal guesthouse with a garden atmosphere and convenient access to the airport. A practical, comfortable option for a short overnight stay.
A small, garden-style inn with cottage accommodation and an easy, homely atmosphere. A useful value option for guests who mainly need a comfortable place to rest between flights.
A relaxed guesthouse close to Entebbe International Airport, with garden surroundings and straightforward accommodation. Well suited to the arrival and final night of the Uganda portion.
6–8 June 2027 · two consecutive nights
A high-altitude lodge with stone cottages, fireplaces and sweeping views towards the Virunga volcanoes. An exceptional base for a quieter, more secluded Bwindi stay.
A signature forest-edge lodge overlooking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, with private bandas, generous decks and an immersive setting close to the gorilla habitat.
An intimate luxury forest camp in Bwindi, with spacious tented suites set within the forest environment. A standout choice for guests prioritising a highly immersive gorilla-trekking experience.
An intimate eco-lodge with timber chalets and private verandas, set close to the Buhoma gorilla-trekking trailhead. Its location makes it especially convenient for guests trekking in the northern sector.
A refined lodge overlooking the Munyaga River valley, with spacious suites, private verandas and a tranquil garden setting near the Buhoma trekking area.
A comfortable lodge in the Rushaga area, with cottages overlooking the forested hills and convenient access to the southern Bwindi gorilla-trekking sector.
A welcoming hillside lodge in the Buhoma area, with timber chalets, forest views and an easy-going atmosphere close to the northern gorilla-trekking trailhead.
A practical, comfortable lodge in the Rushaga area, with cottage accommodation and access to the southern gorilla-trekking trailheads.
A forest-edge lodge with simple, comfortable cottages and views across Bwindi's green hills. A strong value choice for guests trekking in the southern sector.
All prices are in USD and rounded. Entebbe totals cover both one-night stays. Bwindi totals cover two nights and show per-person sharing rates where lodges publish rates on that basis. Gorilla permits, transfers, conservation or community charges are included only where specifically stated. Confirm final room inventory, meal plans, single supplements and all 2027 rates directly with each property before issuing a client quotation.
Choose from nine properties across Luxury, Premium and Classic categories for the three-night Cape Town stay.
3 nights · 9–12 June 2027
The iconic Belmond grande dame set in lush gardens beneath Table Mountain. A classic city retreat with refined rooms, dining and spa experiences.
A waterfront address at the V&A Marina, combining polished service, elegant suites and immediate access to Cape Town’s harbour precinct.
An intimate Bantry Bay mansion hotel known for its art collection, ocean views and highly personalised service.
A dramatic Atlantic-seaboard setting below the Twelve Apostles range, with a celebrated spa, restaurants and ocean-facing rooms.
A small luxury boutique hotel on the slopes of Table Mountain, with panoramic city and harbour views and personalised hospitality.
A contemporary boutique stay with a calm, design-led atmosphere and a convenient city location.
A practical central-city base with mountain views and easy access to museums, restaurants and the Company’s Garden.
A characterful Sea Point hotel on the promenade, with Cape Dutch architecture and easy access to the Atlantic seaboard.
A well-located V&A Waterfront hotel suited to guests prioritising convenience, harbour access and comfortable facilities.
Choose from nine properties across Luxury, Premium and Classic categories for the two-night Cape Winelands stay.
2 nights · 12–14 June 2027
An art-filled estate high above Stellenbosch, with contemporary private lodges, vineyard and mountain views, acclaimed dining and a serene spa setting.
A secluded 30-acre Franschhoek estate surrounded by vineyards, orchards and mountains, known for individually designed suites, exceptional dining and personalised service.
A refined Franschhoek wine estate with individually appointed rooms and cottages, landscaped gardens, vineyard trails, art and celebrated dining within the Leeu Collection.
A historic Cape Dutch farm at the foot of Simonsberg, celebrated for its extraordinary gardens, farm-to-table dining, wine experiences, spa and beautifully restored farm accommodation.
A historic Stellenbosch wine estate offering elegant manor-house accommodation, a destination spa, wine tasting, fine dining and views across the Jonkershoek Valley.
One of the Cape’s historic wine farms, with beautifully restored cottages, orchard and vineyard settings, farm-to-table dining, wine tasting and outdoor experiences across the estate.
A welcoming boutique hotel in the heart of historic Stellenbosch, offering individually styled rooms and an easy base for exploring the town, restaurants and nearby wine estates.
A relaxed country-house retreat just outside Franschhoek village, with garden and pool settings, comfortable suites and villas, and the Monneaux restaurant on site.
A characterful heritage hotel in central Stellenbosch, blending historic Cape Dutch architecture with contemporary rooms, a leafy courtyard and easy access to the town’s restaurants and wine bars.
Eleven safari properties across Luxury, Premium and Classic categories for the five-night Greater Kruger stay.
5 nights · 14–19 June 2027
An exceptional private-reserve safari experience with highly personalised guiding, refined suites and an elevated all-inclusive offering.
Kapama’s flagship lodge, with spacious private villas, refined design and a private safari experience in the Greater Kruger region.
A striking, design-led lodge in Sabi Sand, known for its sculptural architecture, private suites and excellent wildlife viewing.
Five-night total for all three guests: $40,650.
A secluded luxury lodge beneath ancient ebony and leadwood trees beside the Mabrak River in the Sabi Sand. Six spacious suites feature private heated plunge pools, outdoor showers and riverbed views, with twice-daily Big Five game drives and guided bush walks.
A classic Timbavati safari lodge with elegant suites, a waterhole setting and an intimate safari atmosphere.
A riverside lodge in the Sabi Sand with contemporary suites, excellent guiding and access to a productive wildlife corridor.
A relaxed, classic safari lodge in Timbavati, with comfortable bungalows, strong guiding and a welcoming atmosphere.
A stylish, intimate lodge in Klaserie with river and garden-view suites, suited to guests seeking a quieter private-reserve experience.
A welcoming tented camp in Manyeleti, offering an authentic safari experience with game drives and a relaxed camp atmosphere.
A small, intimate safari camp in the Timbavati area, offering a more understated bush experience and a personalised atmosphere.
An owner-run, four-star safari lodge in Balule Nature Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem. Its thatched rondavels and family rooms sit among mature trees, with a pool, welcoming boma and two daily open-vehicle game drives in Big Five country.
Discover the extraordinary diversity of Africa on a journey that brings together Uganda’s mountain forests, the beauty of the Cape and the unforgettable wildlife of Greater Kruger.
This itinerary is an invitation to experience two remarkable countries at a thoughtful pace. Every Forrest James Safaris journey can be tailored around your dates, interests and the experiences you would most like to enjoy.