This escorted group tour blends a selection of South Africa’s quintessential experiences into a well-paced itinerary for lovers of wildlife, walks, wine and sensational scenery. Begin with safari drives in a ‘Big Five’ private game reserve in the Eastern Cape, before making your way along the picture-perfect ‘Garden Route’. Take a welcome deviation to the vineyards of the world-class Winelands, ending up in the captivating city of Cape Town, steeped in momentous history and bordered by dramatic landscapes.
Fly overnight from London (regional connections available) to Port Elizabeth, via Johannesburg. Transfer to Amakhala Safari Lodge (or similar) where you will stay for 2 nights. Join a brief welcome meeting over lunch with your guide and fellow travellers, followed by a late afternoon game drive if time allows.
Board specialist safari vehicles for morning and late afternoon wildlife drives in a ‘Big Five’ game reserve. Cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests and an assortment of antelope species also roam these lands.
Early morning wildlife drive, before travelling to the Tsitsikamma National Park. Here you can take a picturesque walk and cross the suspension bridge that spans the gorge at the mouth of the Storms river. Then continue west to Knysna and stay 3 nights at the Knysna Hollow, located on a beautiful three-hectare country estate.
Cruise across a stunning lagoon to the Knysna Heads aboard the John Benn, a classic boat named after a legendary harbour pilot. Then enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Featherbed Nature Reserve. Spend the following day at leisure, relaxing or joining an optional excursion.
Drive to Oudtshoorn, ‘the feather capital of the world’. Take a guided tour of the Cango Caves, one of Africa’s most spectacular natural rock formations. Its vast caverns are adorned with beautiful and delicate stalagmites and stalactites. Then enjoy lunch and an informative excursion to a working ostrich farm, where you will come face to face with the world’s largest birds. Overnight at Swartberg Country Manor (or similar).
Head out on an optional early morning meerkat adventure, meeting rescued former captives, accompanied by an expert guide. Then continue along Route 62, a scenic roadway that leads through the Karoo. Stop at the quirky town of Barrydale for lunch (payable locally) at Karoo Art Hotel. Stay 2 nights in the Winelands at Oude Werf Hotel (or similar).
Full-day tour of the Cape Winelands. Drive through mountain ranges, vineyards and Cape Dutch homesteads between the golden triangle of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl. Take a Land Rover wine tasting safari at Warwick Wine Estate, tasting ‘Big Five’ grape varieties.
Morning guided walk around Stellenbosch, including a visit to the village museum, which charts the history of the region. Transfer to Cape Town for an afternoon at leisure. Stay 3 nights at the Cape Milner Hotel, which lies in the shadow of Table Mountain.
Day 11: Cape Town
Morning cable car ascent to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting). Afternoon at leisure for exploration of the waterfront area or take an optional excursion to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for three decades. Dinner in a local home in the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, tasting authentic Cape Malay cuisine.
Full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula. Drive along the Atlantic seaboard passing authentic fishing villages and the pretty seaside suburbs of Camps Bay and Hout Bay. Continue to the southernmost tip and visit Cape Point, returning via the penguin colony at Boulders Beach and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. Evening farewell dinner at Gold Restaurant, accompanied by an interactive drumming experience.
Day at leisure to explore Cape Town or take optional excursions. Evening transfer to the airport for your flight to London, arriving the following day. Alternatively, contact our travel consultants to discuss extending your holiday.
Amakhala - Safari Lodge, Amakhala Game Reserve
African tribal designs have inspired the creation of Amakhala Safari Lodge, one of seven lodges situated in the Amakhala Game Reserve, adjacent to Shamwari. The lodge is owned and managed by the same families who farmed the area with sheep and cattle five generations ago. Here you can relax in your intimate thatched safari hut, soak in a luxurious double bath, or cool off in an outdoor shower before gathering around the fireside under the stars. You can take game drives in an open Land Rover in search of rhino, elephant, cheetah, buffalo, giraffe, black wildebeest, zebra, tortoise and over 16 antelope species. Alternatively, take a night drive to seek out elusive nocturnal animals such as lynx, porcupine and spring hare.
Cape Milner, Cape Town
Located on the edge of Cape Town’s CBD, The Cape Milner is a perfect choice of Cape Town hotels for the business traveller. It is a functional, minimalist hotel that is all about dove grey and mahogany wood. The hotel has 55 standard rooms and two suites. Rooms are extremely practical, with muted, masculine décor and all the essential mod cons you will need during your stay. Crisp white linen with earthy-toned curtains and carpets make décor unobtrusive. The en-suite bathrooms are relatively spacious with a separate bath and shower. Some rooms have private balconies with mountain views. A rectangular pool in the centre of a black slate patio with oversized deckchairs lends itself to lounging here on a summer afternoon. The in-house restaurant, 2 On Milner, overlooks the sunny patio and has a skylight spanning the length of it as well as large, open windows.
Knysna Hollow Country Estate, Knysna
The Knysna Hollow Country Estate is set on a secluded 3-hectare site, 5 minutes from the centre of Knysna. This contemporary country retreat offers stylish accommodation with warm personal service and a high quality restaurant. The 44 suites are spread throughout lush gardens and meandering walkways.
Features: 44 suites, restaurant, 2 outdoor pools, bar, lounge, Wi-Fi.
Room amenities: Minibar, safe, television, hairdryer, airconditioning,...
Oude Werf Hotel, Stellenbosch
Situated in the heart of the winelands, within easy reach of all the attractions in the Western Cape, d' Ouwe Werf was established in 1802. The 25 individually decorated en-suite bedrooms combine traditional old Cape atmosphere with modern comfort and convenience. Beautiful authentic antiques and faithfully copied reproductions grace all the rooms. All rooms are fitted with air-conditioning and tea & coffee making...
Swartberg Country Manor, Oudtshoorn
Swartberg Country Manor is nestled in the Cango Valley, at the foot of the world-renowned Swartberg Mountain Pass. The farm "Voorbedacht" offers a tranquil retreat with panoramic views that can be enjoyed from the veranda. The main house has eleven stylish rooms and dates back to 1864. There are a further four rooms in the Historical house and nine Karoo-style cottages as well as an idyllic honeymoon suite that was the old bakery. With bountiful aloe and jacaranda trees, the garden is lush and verdant.
Meals are served in the charming restaurant and guests can have sundowners on the wooden deck. Enjoy the swimming pool on hot days, while in winter, relax in front of the fireplace in the lounge. Visit the waterfall look-out and swimming hole, or perhaps take advantage of the bird-watching, photography and star-gazing opportunities.
Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don't include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment's notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.
