South African Winelands with Culture & Safari

Itinerary Highlights

Explore South Africa, the adventure capital of the world
Enjoy culture, wine and gourmet cuisine
Spot The Big Five, of the land and of the sea
Best time to travel March

What's Included

Accommodation Throughout
All Meals
Domestic Flights
International Flights

13 nights from £8,998 per person

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Travel Specialist

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Sample South Africa’s finest wines and track safari royalty on this epic 14-day adventure. Explore the beautiful port city of Cape Town, before setting off for the sprawling vineyards of Franschhoek. Follow the Garden Route down South Africa’s scenic southeast coastline and spot the Big Five in their natural habitat at Shamwari Game Reserve.

Whether you like adrenaline-fuelled activities, wildlife encounters, or leisurely coastal walks, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more beautiful and diverse country.

Itinerary

Day 1 Fly to Cape Town

Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, enjoy a VIP meet and greet followed by a private transfer to Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town for your four-night stay. Set in serene grounds on the lower slopes of Table Mountain, you’ll be in the beating heart of this historic city centre and close to the V&A Waterfront.

Staying at

Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town

Outdoor Terrace at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town

Superior Room at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town

Pool at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town

Day 2 Cape Peninsula

Cape Peninsula

After a delicious breakfast, embark on a private full day tour of the Cape Peninsula, which includes a wild picnic lunch on the coastline. You’ll be chauffeured along the scenic 15 km Chapman’s Peak Drive to Cape Point to soak up the dramatic ocean views – best seen from the top of the lighthouse! Marvel at the rare African penguins at Boulders Beach, where you can take a dip in the clear sea or stroll the sands to admire the 3,000-strong colony. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is your final stop, home to 7,000 of Southern Africa’s plant species.

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Day 3-4 At Leisure

Cape Town

The next two days can be spent at your leisure. With airy rooms, dreamy gardens, imaginative local cuisine and nourishing treatments at Librisa Spa, you may not ever want to leave your tranquil hideaway! However, being so close to Cape Town’s many attractions, we highly recommend you take advantage of the hotel’s tailor-made historic tours, winery and classic car excursions. In the evening, savour dinner in the hotel’s original 1899 dining room, Lord Nelson Restaurant.

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Day 5 Cape Winelands

Take a private transfer to the winelands of Franschhoek, just over an hour’s drive away. Your day includes a fine dining lunch. Arrive at Le Quartier Francais in the heart of the historic village of Franschhoek, where you’ll spend the next two nights. The property is the ideal base from which to explore the surrounding Winelands, or you can simply walk into the village to discover its quaint charms.

Staying at

Living Room at Le Quartier Francais, Cape Town

Restaurant at Le Quartier Francais, Cape Town

Bedroom at Le Quartier Francais, Cape Town

Day 6 At Leisure

Franschhoek

Start the day right with a leisurely breakfast, before exploring the breathtakingly beautiful Franschhoek valley. Go on a wine-tasting tour or enjoy a gourmet picnic amongst the surrounding vineyards, then admire modern and contemporary artworks by southern African artists at the adjacent gallery. Renowned for its fabulous cuisine, this hotel is home to fine-dining restaurant Épice, where you can journey through 11-courses of flavour-packed dishes.

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Day 7 Hermanus

Grootbos

Take a private transfer to Grootbos Lodge less than a two-hour drive away, where you’ll spend two nights amongst pristine wilderness. Spectacularly sited overlooking the vast sweep of Walker Bay, this area is South Africa’s premier marine and flora destination, and the lodge is perfectly positioned between mountains, forest, and sea. During your stay, enjoy buffet breakfasts, 3-course lunches, and 5-course dinners with spectacular views.

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4-Bed Villa at Grootbos Nature Reserve, Western Cape, South Africa

6-Bed Villa at Grootbos Nature Reserve, Western Cape, South Africa

Day 8 At Leisure

Grootbos

Along with full board meals, guided activities are also included in your stay; from whale watching to 4x4 tours, horse riding to deserted beach walks. Spot the Marine Big 5 (whales, sharks, dolphins, seals, and penguins) on either land-based or boat-based excursions. Blessed with unparalleled floral diversity, flower safaris through the 3,500 hectares of fragrant fynbos and milkwood forests also come highly recommended. The urge for an outdoor adventure satisfied, tantalise your tastebuds with an evening of food and wine pairings back in the sumptuous surrounds of the hotel.

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Day 9 Western Cape

Plettenberg Bay

Take a private transfer from Grootbos to The Old Rectory Hotel & Spa, Plettenberg Bay for a two-night stay. Located on the iconic Garden Route coastline, the hotel has a vibrant history dating back to 1777. Small and personal with world-class service, there’s just 18 luxurious suites with a private outdoor terrace or garden. A leading spa and a celebrated historic restaurant are among the standout features.

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Day 10 At Leisure

Plettenberg Bay

In the heart of Plettenberg Bay and just metres from one of the country’s best Blue Flag beaches, the hotel gives you easy access to one of South Africa’s most picturesque and naturally beautiful seaside towns. Spend the day at leisure, perhaps lounging by the sparkling pool, whale-watching or exploring the UNESCO-protected Robberg Peninsula. Come evening, wine and dine at Restaurant 1777, savouring seasonal, fresh ingredients under a Milkwood tree.

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Day 11 The Eastern Cape

Shamwari

Continue east with a private transfer from Plettenberg Bay to Shamwari Eagles Crag. Offering just nine suites and a maximum of 18 guests, you’ll spend three nights in one of South Africa’s most exclusive and secluded luxury lodges. Famed for its dramatic rocky setting where eagles soar, experience some of the Eastern Cape’s best game-viewing in the malaria-free Shamwari Private Game Reserve.

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Lobby, Shamwari Eagles Crag, South Africa

Day 12-13 Safari

Shamwari

Shamwari Game Reserve covers over 60,000 acres where Africa’s Big Five roam – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and Cape buffalo. Each day you are treated to two game drives, one early morning and one late afternoon with your ranger, giving you the chance to see incredible African wildlife up close. Other once-in-a-lifetime activities during your stay include a visit to two unique Born Free Foundation sanctuaries, home to rescued lions and leopards, as well as a rhino centre.

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