Daily deal: Safari in South Africa

Explore the vast countryside of the lion-viewing reserve of Pilanesberg National Park.

If you're getting parched just thinking about it, quench your thirst for adventure with this week's escape to South Africa, including round-trip airfare, on an 11-day city and safari excursion from Africa Answers.

Fill your canteen, grab your binoculars and depart from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, or New York between 1 January and 31 March, 2012 ($3,079); San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Dallas, or Seattle between 1 April and 31 May, 2012 ($3,279); Dallas between 1 February and 31 March, 2012 ($2,999); or Seattle between 1 March and 31 March, 2012 ($2,999).

Your roundtrip flight aboard Emirates stops en route in Dubai, before travelling on to the coastal cliffs of mystical Cape Town.

After an included private transfer from Cape Town Airport, you'll check into The Taj Cape Town—a luxury hotel situated in the heart of Mother City's historical downtown district—for a five-star, four-night stay.

During your daily included breakfast, study up on the must-see sights of this vast, diverse city before setting out to explore. Visit Cape Town's most famous landmark, Table Mountain, before setting sail for Robben Island, known as the Alcatraz of South Africa (Escapees will receive a discount upon admission).

Keep an eye on the horizon for a unique breed of cuisine at The Taj eatery, Mint, which serves up an inspiring selection of Indian and South African dishes.

On day seven, jet to Johannesburg, where a host will meet you at the airport and accompany you to the Ivory Tree Game Lodge, a five-star luxury lodge situated inside the lion-viewing reserve of Pilanesberg National Park. You'll stay three-nights in a colonial-inspired double suite with a terrace, ensuite bathroom with indoor bath and outdoor shower. All meals and daily game activities are included, and a bottle of chilled wine will greet you upon arrival like a desert oasis.

This cushy camp has a restaurant, bar, pool and award-winning Sanctuary Spa, where you'll want to relax after your first sunrise sightseeing safari, flush with Big 5 game and stunning scenery. Then, join your fellow travellers for high tea by the pool before pouncing on the chance to see more wild animals on an early evening game drive.

On days eight and nine, you'll be roaring at the chance to spend the next two mornings and afternoons deep in the bush, studying wild animals up close with expert guides and trackers on hand to test your tusk and lion knowledge.

Once you've earned your stripes learning all things South Africa, you'll migrate with the rest of the pride back to the US via Dubai, ready to profess your love of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

For additional information view Africa Answer's full itinerary.

Escape kit

• Round-trip coach airfare aboard Emirates from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, or New York between 1 January and 31 March, 2012 ($3,079); San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Dallas, or Seattle between 1 April and 31 May, 2012 ($3,279); Dallas between 1  February and 31 March, 2012 ($2,999); or Seattle between 1 March and 31 March, 2012 ($2,999)
• Four-night stay at The Taj Cape Town with complimentary upgrade based on availability and breakfast each day
• Local carrier flight and airport transfer from Cape Town to Johannesburg
• Three-night say at Ivory Tree Game Lodge with all meals included and daily game drives
• Book by 30 November

For details and to reserve your stay, visit LivingSocial Escapes.