Rio, Antarctica, South Georgia and Africa Safari Southern Adventure
35 Days - 27 Feb 2025 & 25 Feb 2026
Experience the adventure of a lifetime with our 35-day luxury tour, beginning with the electrifying atmosphere of Rio de Janeiro and the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls. Revel in the elegance of Buenos Aires with tango shows and city tours before embarking on a grand Antarctic expedition from Ushuaia, exploring the pristine wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula and the wildlife haven of South Georgia. Sail through the remote Tristan Da Cunha, and discover the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Cape Town. Conclude your journey with a thrilling safari in the heart of South Africa, where the wonders of the wild await in your luxury lodge in the Kruger. This exclusive itinerary promises unparalleled luxury and unforgettable experiences across some of the world’s most captivating destinations.
from NZD $24536pp
Prices shown after discount
Home » 35 Days Rio, Antarctica, South Georgia and Africa Safari Southern Adventure
Itinerary Highlights
- Marvel at iconic landmarks such as Corcovado's Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, and experience the vibrant culture and stunning beaches of this lively city.
- Explore the breathtaking Iguazu Falls from both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides, witnessing one of the most magnificent natural wonders of the world.
- Immerse yourself in the charm and sophistication of Buenos Aires with guided tours of historic neighborhoods, a captivating tango show, and the vibrant local cuisine.
- Embark on an unforgettable voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula, experiencing pristine landscapes, towering icebergs, and diverse wildlife in one of the most remote and untouched regions on Earth.
- Discover the wildlife-rich island of South Georgia, home to vast colonies of penguins, seals, and seabirds, set against a backdrop of rugged mountains and glacial scenery.
- Discover the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty of Cape Town with tours of its historic city center, the majestic Table Mountain, and the scenic Cape Peninsula.
- Conclude your journey with an exhilarating safari in your luxury lodge in the Kruger, South Africa, where you'll have the chance to encounter the Big Five and other incredible wildlife in their natural habitat, offering an intimate and luxurious wildlife experience.
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro and check-in to your hotel
- Day 2: Corcovado & Santa Teresa
- Day 3: Sugarloaf Mountain
- Day 4: Fly to Iguazu Falls & Tour Brazilian Side
- Day 5: Argentinean Side of the Falls Tour
- Day 6: Fly to Buenos Aires
- Day 7: San Telmo & La Boca City Tour, Dinner & Tango Show
- Day 8: Recoleta & Palermo City Tour
- Day 9: Buenos Aires Free Day
- Day 10: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
- Day 11 and 12: Day at Sea
- Day 13 to 15: Antarctic Peninsula
- Day 16 and 17: Day at Sea
- Day 18 to 20: South Georgia
- Day 21 to 24: Day at Sea
- Day 25: Tristan Da Cunha
- Day 26 to 29: At Sea
- Day 29: Disembark in Cape Town
- Day 30: Cape Town City Tour
- Day 31: Cape Point & Peninsula Tour
- Day 32: Fly Cape Town to Hoedspruit and transfer to Little Garonga
- Day 33 and 34: On Safari
- Day 35: Road transfer to Hoedspruit and fly to Johannesburg
Tailor-made suggestions
- Upgrade your Antarctica cruise cabin to a balcony cabin from AUD2,800pp!
- Add a few days to explore the breathtaking scenery of Patagonia
- Add a stopover in the spectacular Lakes District of Chile and Argentina
- Enjoy a cruise through the Chilean Fjords prior to Antarctica
- Discover the stunning views of the Garden Route from Cape Town.
Fly to Rio de Janeiro
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Golden beaches and lush mountains, samba-fueled nightlife and spectacular football matches, Rio is sure to be one of the highlights of your South American adventure. This evening you are at your leisure. We recommend trying a local churrasco (Brazilian BBQ) for dinner.
Corcovado tour & Santa Teresa
Leave the hotel in the direction of the Cosme Velho neighborhood to board the train, which will take us up the beautiful mountainside before arriving at the feet of Christ the Redeemer, one of the seven "New Wonders of the World," located 2,300ft above sea level. There will be available time here to enjoy the most famous panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro, also known as the "Marvelous City."
From here, drive to the tram station to embark on a tour through Santa Teresa, a traditional neighborhood located high up on the city's hills, overlooking downtown and Guanabara Bay. Home to several Twentieth-century mansions, cultural houses, galleries, and gourmet restaurants, Santa Teresa's charming cobbled streets are also a haven for local artists and intellectuals.
Next, stop by Ruins Park ('Parque das Ruínas') to enjoy a spectacular view of Rio de Janeiro. Afterward, the Chácara do Céu Museum has a fascinating Brazilian and European art collection, highlighting Portinari, Di Cavalcanti, Matisse, and Modigliani.
The tour continues to Selaron staircase and Largo do Guimarães, considered the heart of the neighbourhood, with several bars and restaurants. After this tour, guests will certainly feel as though they know a little more about the history and culture of Rio de Janeiro.
Duration: approximately 6 hours.
Days of operation of Museums and Parks:
- Chacara do Ceu Museum from Wednesdays to Mondays, between 12 pm and 5 pm. Closed on Jan 01st, Dec 25th, and 31st.
- Ruins Park from Tuesdays to Sundays, between 9 am and 6 pm.
Breakfast included.
Half Day Sugar Loaf Mountain
Over a million tourists every year visit the world famous Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain), which has become an iconic symbol of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Rising up from a small peninsula at the entrance of Guanabara Bay, its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of concentrated, refined sugarloaf. A cable car takes passengers to the top of Urca Hill, which rises 215 metres above sea level and offers spectacular views of the entire bay and its islands. From Urca Hill, passengers continue in a second cable car to the top of Sugarloaf, which rises 395 metres above sea level and offers a 360-degree view of the entire city, including Botafogo and Copacabana Beaches, Corcovado and downtown Rio.
Breakfast included.
Depart Rio
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport.
Arrival into Foz do Iguazu (Brazil)
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to the falls.
Brazilian Iguaçu Falls Tour
Upon arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and taken on your tour of the Brazilian side of the falls. Here, you'll watch as 14 separate waterfalls drop with such force that a tall cloud of mist stays permanently suspended overhead. Great photo opportunities abound, however, raincoats are highly advisable!
At the conclusion of the tour you will be transferred to your hotel.
Breakfast included.
Argentinean Falls Tour
In the morning you'll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Iguazu National Park. From the entrance, a small train will take you on a tour of the park. On the first of two stops you'll follow pathways to the top of the Cataratas (“The Falls”) where you'll have a spectacular view of the falls and their surrounding scenery including an abundance of orchids, colourful birds and other native wildlife. The second stop occurs at La Garganta del Diablo (“The Devil's Throat”), the largest fall in the park and also the highlight of the tour. A suspended platform at the brink of the fall allows for a startlingly close view of this breathtaking natural wonder.
At the end of the tour you will be taken back to your hotel.
*For those who want a little more adventure, we recommend the Great Adventure Boat Tour, which enables you to gain a different perspective as you cruise on a motorboat underneath the falls.
Please note: After the great flood of the Iguazu River in October, the footbridges of the Devil's Throat are still under repair. For this reason, an additional tour is offered free of charge to the Triple border.
Breakfast included.
Depart Puerto Iguazú
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport.
Arrive in Buenos Aires
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Buenos Aires, capital of the Republic of Argentina and the country's largest city, is undeniably one of Latin America's hottest destinations. Located on the shores of the Rio de la Plata, the city's combination of European architecture and the passion of its people – the porteños (people of the port) – work together to create a colourful and dynamic modern city.
Breakfast included.
San Telmo and La Boca City Tour
This morning's excursion will introduce you to the magic of the Argentine capital. After being picked up from your hotel we start with a visit of 'San Telmo', the oldest barrio (neighbourhood) of Buenos Aires which is famous for its historic architecture, tango parlours and antique shops. We take our time and wander through the cobblestone streets learning about the history of the area and seeing its sights including its impressive old churches and its abundance of colourful street art.
We leave San Telmo and the tour continues past the many architectural highlights of Buenos Aires including the Palace of Justice, the Argentine National Congress building, the 'Cabildo (old town hall) and the presidential palace 'Casa Rosada' (pink house).
Next we visit ‘La Boca', the most picturesque of all neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires. This extravagant zone is completely different to the old and to the modern Buenos Aires and romantic stories tell us that tango was born in this working class area. We wander its famous street “Caminito” where you will have the chance to view the spectacle of impromptu tango dancing, street performers and have the chance to buy some local handicrafts.
On our way back to your hotel we pass through the newly restored Puerto Madero area where you can choose to be dropped off at for a nice meal by the waterfront. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure with the chance to visit some of Buenos Aires' many great museums or do some shopping.
Dinner & Tango Show
Tango expresses the heart and spirit of Argentina and no visit to Buenos Aires would be complete without it. This evening you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to La Ventana where you will experience the intimacy of this dance in equally intimate surrounds while you indulge in delicious Argentinean cuisine. At the end of the show you will be taken back to your hotel.
*Before the show you have the option of arriving before the others and taking a short tango lesson with a professional dancer or a wine tasting. This comes at an additional cost but if you would like to book either of these please let your consultant know.
You will be picked up from your hotel and taken back at the end of the tour along other passengers. We suggest to upgrade to a private transfer as the pick ups and drop offs could take a considerable time.
Dinner included.
Recoleta & Palermo City Tour
This morning you will further discover what makes Buenos Aires great as we explore its better known and sophisticated districts; Palermo and Recoleta. We start with a drive through Recoleta with its open green spaces mixed in with elegant boutique shopping, cafés, embassies and impressive architecture. We visit such landmarks as the Pilar Church and Evita Monument before taking a short walk through the Recoleta cemetery where Evita's tomb can be found.
We continue on to Palermo which is Buenos Aires' largest neighbourhood, and also its trendiest. Here you will walk the streets which are full of beautiful parks, hip boutique hotels, chic restaurants and bars, and high fashion stores. Throughout the morning your knowledgeable guide will give you an insight into local life and excellent local cuisine and on completion of the tour you will have the option of being dropped off at an excellent restaurant for lunch or being taken back to your hotel.
* Please note entry to Recoleta Cemetery is an additional cost for foreign visitors. Entry during the tour is optional.
South Atlantic Semi-Circumnavigation
Gaze at captivating glaciers and majestic icebergs as we sail from Ushuaia to the icy wilderness of the South Shetland islands. Immerse yourself in the magnificent landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula. Encounter nesting Adelie penguins and downy snow petrels. Explore the stunning scenery of South Georgia, home to the world's largest macaroni penguin population. Then observe some of the world's rarest animals on the volcanic islands of Tristan da Cunha. End your epic voyage in South Africa's capital, Cape Town, knowing you've made memories you'll treasure for a lifetime.
Day 1: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
After an early breakfast you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Ushuaia. On arrival you will be transferred to the ship for embarkation.
Ushuaia is the gateway to the White Continent. Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range in Argentina's Patagonia region, Ushuaia’s colourful streets and mismatched buildings cascade from the imposing mountains before coming to an abrupt halt at the shores of the Beagle Channel. Often described as 'the End of the World', the city carries the reputation well - the moody weather and dramatic surroundings certainly help.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 2 and 3: Day at Sea
Spend your day at sea enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable experts.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 4 to 6: Antarctic Peninsula
Among captivating glaciers, majestic icebergs and snowy islands, the Antarctic Peninsula is where most visitors to the White Continent live their Antarctica dream. It's the most accessible part, with scientific bases and incredible scenery. Shore excursions might include Petermann Island, where among Adelie penguins, blue-eyed shags and skuas, huge, lumbering elephant seals haul out.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 7 and 8: Day at Sea
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 9 to 11: South Georgia
Often called the 'Galapagos of the Poles,' South Georgia has a number of landing sites with half a million king penguins or three million breeding pairs of macaroni penguins, making up the largest population in the world alongside harrumphing elephant seals. Among its remarkable sites is Grytviken, the historic whaling station where legendary British explorer Ernest Shackleton (1874–1922) rests in peace.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 12 to 15: Day at Sea
Spend your day at sea enjoying your boutique 5-star ship. Treat yourself to a spa day, attend an expert-led onboard lecture or enjoy the ocean views from the deck or the comfort of our Observation Lounge.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 16: Tristan Da Cunha
Seabirds outnumber humans on this remote British outpost in the middle of the southern Atlantic. Millions of species like the rare yellow-nosed albatross, skuas, terns and petrels, including the endangered Tristan albatross, inhabit the bluffs. Northern rockhopper penguins breed on the beaches, while upwellings attract whales and dolphins. Fur seals also haul out on the island teeming with avian life.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 17 to 20: At Sea
Today as you sail, you’ll bask in the endless comforts of your ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views. Relax with a nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa or delve into the ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 21: Cape Town
Between mountains and the ocean, Cape Town is a vibrant, multicultural city with a lively waterfront featuring seafood restaurants, shopping and attractions. A cable car transports visitors to distinctive Table Mountain with sweeping views. Boats head to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. Nearby Boulders Beach is home to African penguins, and world-class Stellenbosch vineyards offer wine tastings amid Cape Dutch architecture.
After breakfast you will disembark and continue with your travel arrangements.
Breakfast included.
Disembark in Cape Town
On arrival at the port you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Cape Town's most distinctive feature is its stunning setting: it lies on a dramatic coastline of pristine white beaches and ice waters, overlooked by the iconic flat-topped Table Mountain. Its attractions cover the natural world and the country's fascinating history in equal measure.
Breakfast included.
Cape Town City Tour
Departing between 8 and 8.30am, experience the highlights of the city as your drive through the city centre takes you past famous landmarks such as the Castle of Good Hope, City Hall and the Grand Parade. As your guide follows the city’s main thoroughfare of Adderley Street, you will see St. George’s Cathedral, before passing the Company Gardens and then the Malay Quarter (also known as the Bo-Kaap).
Continue to join a sparkling tour, during which you’ll witness the art of diamond cutting while discovering the history of the diamond and gold trade in South Africa. You will then be offered the option of continuing to Table Mountain, where you can ascend to the top (weather permitting) by revolving cable car (cost excluded and for your own account). See wildflowers, the famous silver tree, and marvel at a birds-eye view of the city and its beaches. On a clear day it is even possible to see Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on one side and Cape Point on the other.
* Please note that the Table Mountain Cableway tends to close for annual maintenance usually from mid July until the beginning of September. If this happens again in 2025, during the closure, we can include a drive to Signal Hill to take in the amazing views of Table mountain from there. Table Mountain has not released their 2025 Maintenance dates yet.
Breakfast included.
Cape Point & Peninsula Tour
Your day of scenic splendour will begin with a drive along the glittering Atlantic seaboard, passing through the cosmopolitan suburbs of Sea Point and Camps Bay before continuing to the fishing village of Hout Bay. Here there is an option to take a short boat trip to Seal Island (for own account & time permitting) to view the Cape Fur Seals, which inhabit the island.
From Hout Bay you will travel to the Cape Point Nature Reserve to see the dramatic coastline and the union of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans (as per legend) and may even feel the brisk wind that is dubbed the "Cape Doctor" for its presumed curative powers.
Following the coastline along False Bay, you'll return to Cape Town by way of Simon's Town, where you will stop off at the Penguin colony at Boulders Beach (for own account) and Fish Hoek fishing village. Before your return to Cape Town you will stop for afternoon tea & cake and a visit to Rhodes Memorial which is situated on the slopes of Table Mountain and offers spectacular views across the city.
The tour commences around 8am and you will return to the hotel by 5pm.
Breakfast included.
Depart Cape Town
At the scheduled time this morning our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Cape Town Airport for your departure flight.
4 Day Little Garonga Safari
Located within the spectacular Makalali Game Reserve, Little Garonga is a small, luxurious camp that provides an intimate and personal safari experience. Guests can expect impeccable levels of service with a dedicated host, chef, waiter and housekeeper to ensure total comfort. The camp offers just three thatched suites situated around a centralised indoor and outdoor lounge area, and a sparkling swimming pool with a built in barbeque area. With a strong focus on delectable cuisine, Little Garonga serves gourmet meals in a variety of wonderful locations including dinners in the boma, bush picnics and private dining under the stars. The camp also has an exceptional wine cellar specialising in outstanding South African wines. When not indulging in the many delights the camp has to offer, guests can enjoy a true Big Five safari experience, with unforgettable game drives, guided walks and sleep-out excursions, all with expert guides and trackers who are very knowledgeable about the incredible variety of animals in the reserve.
Your stay includes: all meals, local brand drinks, 2 game drives per day, bush walks, "Sleep Out" excursion, Bush Bath & Star Bath experiences, laundry, and conservancy fees.
Arrival Day
On arrival into Hoedspruit Airport you will be met and transferred approximately 75 minutes to the camp to get settled in your room and (time permitting) enjoy lunch. Depending on your arrival time, you should have the opportunity to head out on your first afternoon game drive before returning to the lodge for a delicious dinner.
Lunch and Dinner included.
Game Viewing Activites
Enjoy two full days on safari on the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve. Little Garonga offers a true Big Five safari experience, with expert guides and trackers who are knowledgeable about the wide variety of animals in our nature reserve. Track wildlife in the pre-dawn or enjoy traditional early morning and late afternoon game drives.
Game Drives are at the heart of the Garonga experience, allowing our visitors to encounter the Big Five up close. Your stay will typically include a morning and afternoon game drive on our open-air Landrovers. Enjoy tea, coffee and snacks in the bush as the animals are waking up on our morning game drives, and cocktails or a glass of wine as the sun dips below the horizon on our evening game drives. In addition to the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, white and black rhino), we also have cheetah, hippo, crocodiles, spotted hyenas, wild dog, and plains animals like zebras, giraffes, and several species of buck.
Safari walks with a game ranger are another highlight, bringing our guests up close to the flora and fauna of the nature reserve. The Little Garonga guides will also point out the varied birdlife, and explain how they track animals by their prints.
Other special experiences included in you stay are the 'Sleep Out' Experience, Bush Bath, and Star Bath. The 'Sleep Out' is a viewing deck with a four-poster bed where guests can enjoy dinner under the stars, and spend the night alone in the bush. The Bush Bath and Star Bath are outdoor bath sets overlooking the surrounding landscape. Enjoy a glass of wine and the sounds of the bush from the comfort of a warm bubble bath - bubbles and stars make a great combination for ultimate relaxation.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Departure Day
Enjoy your final early morning game drive and breakfast at the lodge before you say goodbye to the camp staff and are transferred back to Hoedspruit Airport for your onward flight.
Breakfast included.
27 Feb 2025 & 25 Feb 2026
Season | Type | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
27 Feb 2025 - 02 Apr 2025 | NZD $24536pp | ||
Package price | NZD $24536pp | Contact us | |
25 Feb 2026 - 31 Mar 2026 | NZD $25602pp | ||
Package price | NZD $25602pp | Contact us |
- Upgrade your Antarctica cruise cabin to a balcony cabin from AUD2,800pp!
Package price
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Miramar Hotel by Windsor
Puerto Iguazú, Argentina - Loi Suites
Buenos Aires, Argentina - Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta
Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica - SH Diana
Cape Town, South Africa - Dock House Boutique Hotel
Kruger, South Africa - Little Garonga Safari Lodge
Whats included?
- Internal airfares (Rio to Iguazu / Iguazu to Buenos Aires / Buenos Aires to Ushuaia / Cape Town to Hoedspruit / Hoedspruit to Johannesburg)
- Cruise from Ushuaia, Argentina to Cape Town, South Africa onboard the SH Diana
- Cabin Oceanview D4 on a double/ twin share basis inclusive of shore excursions, all meals, drinks including selected alcoholic beverages, expedition parka and use of rubber boots.
- Gratuities on your cruise
- Whilst on safari: All meals, teas & coffees Game drives, bush walks Sleep-out experience, bush bath, star bath, and yoga sala, all house drinks (standard beers, wines, soft drinks, spirits, liqueurs) Wi-Fi
- Accommodation with private facilities
- Transfers
- Entrance fees
- English-speaking guided tours
- Meals as specified
What’s not included?
- International airfares into Rio de Janeiro and out of Johannesburg
- Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, hotel city taxes, visa fees where applicable
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities
- Gratuities (Gratuities on the cruise are included)
- Any items not mentioned as included
Notes
- Upgrade your Antarctica cruise cabin to a balcony cabin from AUD2,800pp!
- Hotel rates are based on double / twin share lead in rooms. Other room types and hotels are available.
- Internal airfare prices are based on your arrival into South America being with LATAM Airlines. Supplements may apply if you arrive with another airline.