South Africa Safari & Wine 

Day 1: Johannesburg 

Welcome to Johannesburg

Welcome to Johannesburg. Upon your arrival at the airport, you'll be greeted and whisked away to your luxurious hotel in Sandton. Take some time to settle in and freshen up before embarking on your exciting 2-hour walking Soweto tour in the afternoon. Soweto – acronym for South Western Township, (located South West of Johannesburg) emerged just after 1900 as a racially segregated area re-locating an emerging black labour force for white companies, especially the gold-mining industries. Johannesburg or ‘Egoli’ – ‘The City of Gold’, attracted South African’s from all corners of the country, the vast majority of Black African people settled in Soweto. Besides accommodating the working class, Soweto was also home to anti-Apartheid political activists such as Walter Sisulu, Nelson Mandela and PAC-leader Zeph Motopeng.

Take a stroll around the township with a knowledgeable local guide who will make sure you get a true personal experience by seeing the various neighborhoods on foot. Learn the local lingo and stop and greet people along the way. Support the local vendors along the streets selling fruits, snacks and ice lollies. Visit some of the historical sites and learn about the history.

Later, indulge in a delightful welcome dinner at Marble Restaurant before being escorted back to your hotel for a restful evening.

Day 2: Johannesburg

Unearthing History at the Cradle of Humankind

This morning, after breakfast, head to the Cradle of Humankind for a half-day tour. At the Sterkfontein Caves, you'll descend into the depths of history, exploring ancient chambers where some of the most important hominid fossils were discovered. Led by expert guides, uncover the mysteries of our human ancestors and gain insight into the groundbreaking research conducted within these remarkable underground passages.

Next, journey to the Maropeng Visitor Centre, where a captivating journey through time awaits. Immerse yourself in interactive exhibits and engaging displays that unravel the story of human evolution. From the emergence of our earliest ancestors to the dawn of modern Homo sapiens, this award-winning exhibition offers a comprehensive exploration of our shared origins, leaving you with a deeper understanding of humanity's remarkable journey. Thereafter you will be returned to the hotel.

 Day 3: Kapama Private Game Reserve

Into the Wild – Johannesburg to Hoedspruit

 This morning after breakfast at 08H00, you will head to the Kruger region, where you will spend the next 3 nights.  Kapama was one of the first safari lodges to offer such a dynamic and qualified team to enhance guests' wildlife experience. Encountering (any or all!) of the Big Five is highly probable during your Kapama stay. There are hundreds of other species of animals to spot so the early morning and early evening game drives are the best way to start and end the day. With approximately 350 bird species recorded on the reserve, bird enthusiasts are also spoilt for choice.

Upon arrival, check in and enjoy lunch,

• 16:00 gather for refreshments and light snacks
• 16:30 depart from the main entrance of the lodge
• Mid-drive stop for drinks and snacks
• 19:30 arrive back at the lodge with time to freshen up before dinner
• 20:00 dinner is served

Days 4 - 5: Kapama Private Game Reserve

Safari Bliss in Kapama Private Game Reserve

These two days are reserved for thrilling game drives in Kapama Private Game Reserve:

Your day begins with at 05:00 with a  wake-up call,  05:30 meet for tea, coffee, homemade pastries and fresh fruit, 06:00 depart from the main entrance of the lodge where guides will escort guests to their game vehicle, Mid-drive stop for hot drinks, homemade rusks and biscuits at a lookout point, watering hole or designated area in the reserve. Your guide and assistant guide always know the best place to stop and at 09:00 return to the lodge after an approximate 3-hour drive for a full breakfast with time to relax at the lodge till after lunch.

Considered one of the finest safari spas in Africa, the River Lodge Spa is a firm favorite with all our guests. Lounge by the spa pool or get a quick workout in before you hand yourself over to our highly trained and experienced beauty therapists for one of our distinctly African treatments.

This afternoon at 16:00 gather for refreshments and light snacks, 16:30 depart from the main entrance of the lodge, Mid-drive stop for drinks and snacks, 19:30 arrive back at the lodge with time to freshen up before dinner,  at 20:00 dinner is served

Day 6: Cape Town

Hoedspruit - Cape Town

This morning enjoy your last early morning game drive, returning to the lodge in time for breakfast and check out. Thereafter you will be transferred to the Hoedspruit Airport for your flight (not included) to Cape Town. Upon  arrival in Cape Town, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your accommodation for the next 2 nights.

After checking in and freshening up, you'll proceed to Signal Hill for a short guided walk and picturesque sundowner experience. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Cape Town's skyline and the Atlantic Ocean, this iconic location offers the perfect setting to unwind and savor the beauty of the sunset. Relax with a refreshing drink in hand as you soak in the panoramic views, capturing unforgettable moments against the backdrop of Table Mountain. Return back to V & Waterfront from where you will be returned to your hotel.

Day 7: Cape Town

Cape Town

This morning after breakfast and checking out, embark on your journey up Table Mountain after breakfast and check-out promises to be a remarkable experience. The panoramic views of Cape Town from atop the mountain are truly awe-inspiring.

Following this adventure, you'll delve into the world of Tanzanite and diamonds at the Rockwell Tanzanite Diamond Tour, accompanied by a delightful chocolate and wine pairing experience. Afterwards return to your hotel for the evening.

Day 8: Cape Town

Cape Town

This morning after breakfast and checking out, you will enjoy a full day Cape Peninsula Tour. This awe-inspiring tour begins your travel along the Atlantic Seaboard to Hout Bay, a quaint village and fishing harbour. It’s then on to Chapman’s Peak, one of the world’s most breath-taking coastal drives, to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point. It’s then off to historic Simon’s Town, a village with charming Victorian architecture, a naval base and a large penguin colony at the beautiful Boulders Beach. Boulders Penguin Colony is home to a growing colony of the endangered African Penguin. A lunch stop is made (lunch for your own account) and later, you'll be transferred to your new hotel, ensuring a seamless transition for your continued exploration and relaxation.

Steenberg Farm boasts the 5-Star Steenberg Hotel & Spa, with 24 rooms encapsulating the dictum of understated luxury, offering spectacular views and discreet, personalized service. Choose from relaxed dining at Tryn or popular bistro-style fare and tapas at Bistro Sixteen82. A complete destination, the farm houses an exceptional winery, producing some of the finest Sauvignon Blanc in South Africa, along with several other celebrated varietals.

This will give you the opportunity to see another side of Cape Town, as well as to learn about a different part of the history of the Cape region.

Day 9: Hermanus

Cape Town - Hermanus 

Today, after breakfast you will be transferred to Hermanus, where you will spend the next few nights. Check-in and the rest of the day is at your own leisure. Hermanus is a seaside town southeast of Cape Town. It is well known for its whale watching (The best time to enjoy whale watching in Hermanus is between July and November) as well as many beautiful beaches, short hikes/ walks and delicious wines at an additional cost.

Day 10: Hermanus

Hermanus 

Today, you're in for a treat with a full-day tour of the renowned wine region, the "Hemel-en-Aarde" valley, meaning "Heaven and Earth" valley. You'll explore three exquisite wine estates, indulging in tastings of their finest wines and savoring a delectable lunch. At the Char'd Grill and Wine Bar, you'll delight in farm-to-table cuisine, showcasing the freshest local ingredients and flavors, perfectly complementing your wine tasting experience. It's a day of culinary delights and memorable experiences amidst the picturesque vineyards of this heavenly valley.

Here is a short introduction of each wine farm:

Creation Wine Estate: Nestled in the picturesque Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Creation Wine Estate is renowned for its innovative winemaking, award-winning cool-climate wines, and exceptional food and wine pairings. With breathtaking vineyard views and a focus on sustainability, it offers a truly immersive tasting experience.

Spookfontein Winery: A hidden gem in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Spookfontein Winery is a boutique estate producing elegant, terroir-driven wines. Surrounded by stunning fynbos-covered mountains, the winery offers a serene atmosphere, artisanal wines, and a charming restaurant with farm-to-table cuisine.

Newton Johnson Wine Farm: A family-run winery in the heart of the Hemel-en-Aarde region, Newton Johnson is celebrated for its refined Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. With a strong focus on organic practices and minimal intervention, this estate delivers wines of remarkable purity and expression, complemented by breathtaking valley views.

Day 11: Stellenbosch

Hermanus - Stellenbosch

Today, after breakfast you will transfer to Stellenbosch where you will spend the last few nights of your tour. Stellenbosch is the most well-known wine region in South Africa and you will definitely be spoilt for choice of wonderful wines on offer here.

Check-in and freshen up before you head off on a half day cycle tour of some wine estates within Stellenbosch/ Franschoek. This is a fantastic way to get moving and exercising while also savoring the many incredible wines from various wine estates on the route.

Here is a short introduction of the wine farms you will visit:

Neethlingshof Wine Estate: Steeped in history and tradition, Neethlingshof Wine Estate is one of Stellenbosch’s most iconic wineries, known for its signature avenue of stone pine trees. The estate produces a diverse range of high-quality wines, with a strong focus on sustainability. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, food pairings, and the estate’s charming, historic ambiance.  

Skilpadfontein Wine Farm: Located in the heart of the Breedekloof Valley, Skilpadfontein Wine Farm is a boutique winery producing exceptional small-batch wines. With a passion for preserving the region’s rich winemaking heritage, the farm offers intimate tastings of its handcrafted wines, set against a backdrop of stunning mountain and vineyard views.

Day 12: Stellenbosch

Franschoek Valley
Today, you will indulge in the marvels of gastronomy and wine during an open-sided tram experience through the Franschhoek Valley. Get ready to be immersed in the culture through flavorful cuisine during multi-course meals paired with some of the finest wines and bubbles the Franschhoek Valley has to offer while enjoying the serene surroundings of the Franschhoek mountains and vineyards in the most exclusive locations. Return to the hotel and freshen up before enjoying a farewell dinner at the Wine Glass Restaurant in Stellenbosch.

Day 13: End of Itinerary

Stellenbosch - Cape Town International Airport

Depending on your flight time you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight home.