Every country in the world displays some diversity, but South Africa, stretching from the lions in the Kruger National Park to the iconic Table Mountain in the Cape, takes some beating. Enjoy the Country’s sweeping valleys of the Winelands, Cape Town’s jumping nightlife - there is something here for any person with any interest or any age. Although the country has its fair share of problems, South Africans are some of the most upbeat, welcoming and humorous folk you’ll encounter anywhere, from farmers in the rural Cape who tell you to drive safely on those dirt roads, to Khayelitsha kids who wish you molo (‘good morning’ in Xhosa).

 

Day 1 - Arrive Cape Town International Airport, Cape Town

 

You will be met upon arrival and transferred to the Victoria & Alfred Hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may have an afternoon to take in some of the sights. Admire it all from above by taking the revolving cable car up Table Mountain. Or relive history by visiting the poignant Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his incarceration. For many, simply soaking up the relaxed and friendly atmosphere is enough to endear Cape Town for many a year. This is a very safe city and discovering the hidden sights is a great way to spend the afternoon; wander between the vivid terraced houses of Bo Kaap, tucked away Ethiopian cafes, thought provoking museums, and tropical gardens in the heart of the city. Acting like the locals is pretty easy. Just grab a beer or glass of local wine, sit on a terrace overlooking the ocean, and watch the sun burn red onto the horizon.

Victoria & Alfred Hotel 

 

 

Day 2 - Private Cape Point Full Day Tour, Cape Town

 

You will be picked up from the hotel at 8am. Your drive will take you along a wonderfully scenic road that hugs the coastline. The majestic Twelve Apostles mountains tower above you on the left, and the awesome ocean is a stone’s throw to the right, stopping for photographs allong the way to the harbour village of Hout Bay. You have an optional boat trip (weather permitting) to Duiker (Seal) Island. After Hout Bay you take the breathtaking Chapman’s Peak Drive (this road is sometimes closed after heavy rainfalls). After which you arrive at the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, the home of Cape Point. On leaving Cape Point, you now enjoy more breathtaking views, this time along the False Bay coast. We pass Smitswinkelbaai, and head to Boulders Beach Penguin Colony. The drive continues along the False Bay coast, through Fishhoek, Kalk Bay, St James and Muizenberg. Just after the leafy suburb of Newlands, you turn up to Rhodes Memorial which is nestled at the foot of Devil’s Peak. This is the last stop before returning to your hotel.

Victoria & Alfred Hotel (B)

Tour Inclusions: Toll fees Chapman's peak drive, Entrance fees to Cape Point, Transport – Minibus.
Exclusions: Hout Bay boat trip (optional & weather permitting), Boulders Beach entrance fees, Refreshments, Meals.

 

 

Day 3 - Private Cape Winelands Full Day Tour, Cape Town

 

You will be collected from your hotel at 08h30. Today is dedicated to indulging in the splendor of South African wine. The undulating Cape Winelands have a gentle tranquility, lush landscapes dotted with enchanting stone farmhouses and empty country roads. Most exported South African wine comes from the vineyards around Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, the elevated hills perfect for cultivating both red and white. You'll tour some of the region's finest estates, basking in the beauty of the Winelands and pampering yourself with many fine samples. Cape Dutch architecture is on display today while wine history also plays a part, with stops at the Hugeunot Monument and the Museum in Franschhoek. After a few glasses the enchanting white streets of Stellenbosch are even more endearing, and the fine dining experiences found here are some of the best in the country.

Victoria & Alfred Hotel (B)

Tour Inclusions: Transport – Minibus, Cellar Tour, Tastings, Visit 3 wine farms.
Excluded: Lunch.

 

 

Day 4 - 6 - Grootbos Nature Reserve, Whale Coast   

 

Only 2 hours from Cape Town and 30 minutes from Hermanus on the way to the world-renowned Garden Route, Grootbos is perfectly situated between the classic attractions of the Cape and is most certainly a highlight on any itinerary. This rugged stretch of South African coastline snakes along the Atlantic Ocean, with magnificent mountains rising up on the other side. The spectacular scenery is made up of charming seaside villages, farms, rivers, coves and valleys, and during the right season, the region’s namesake – whales – can be seen cruising and wallowing in the coastal waters. Grootbos is in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom - by far the smallest of the kingdoms (the only one to fit within one country) but it is also the most diverse, with more than three times the floral species of the Amazon Jungle! Within an area of just 90 000 km2 there are over 9000 species of flowering fynbos plants, 70% of which are found nowhere else on earth. 

Grootbos Nature Reserve Garden Lodge  (BLD)

 

 

Day 7 & 8 - Knysna, Western Cape

 

Nestled between the imposing Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean and surrounded by world-renowned forests, Knysna offers a wealth of activities for visitors. The beautiful lagoon and more than eight beaches provide opportunities to swim, surf, canoe, yacht, jet-ski, boat, fish, walk on soft sand and take ferry rides. Various markets offer organic goods, delicious food, indigenous plants and a social atmosphere. Mountains, valleys, lakes, forests and streams are ready to be explored. The region isn’t known as the “Garden of Eden” for nothing! A birding route is available for avid bird watchers. World class golf courses are at your doorstep. And of course the area is famous for the Knysna Heads and delicious oysters.

Villa Afrikana Guest Suites  (B)

 

 

Day 9 - 11 - Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape

 

A vast and pristine 22,000 hectare/ 54,000 acre wilderness extending along 30 km/ 19 miles of privately owned Great Fish River frontage in South Africa’s Eastern Cape region, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is home to a diverse array of wildlife including the ‘Big Five’, as well as cheetah, hippo, springbok, giraffe and more. The soul-stirring beauty of the landscape lends its charm to all four of its modern, yet intimate Relais & Chateaux accredited lodges. The reserve is a delight to travellers young and old and provides superb game and bird viewing as well as providing habitat for protected species such as the Black Rhino, Blue Crane and Martial Eagle. Guests can participate in day and night game drives, nature walks with experienced trackers, and picnics or sundowner drinks on a specially designed floating platform on one of the reserve dams. Also offered are specialised activities such as rhino darting and big game walking safaris.  

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge (BLD)

 

 

Day 11 - Departure 

 

After breakfast you will be transferred to Port Elizabeth International Airport. From here your international departure will take you home, filled with memories and bursting with desire to return to Southern Africa.