This trip highlights South Africa’s top three attractions, and your accommodations have been selected to place you in the centre of each. Beginning with a waterside hotel on Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, the journey also exposes you to a distinct side of the Cape: the winelands, a rural region of gourmet cuisine and wine set against the backdrop of jagged mountains.
There is lots to see and do within walking distance of both of your Cape Town hotels, and the well-paced schedule enables time for you to explore on your own or as part of an organized day trip. Then it’s a quick domestic trip to a completely different climate and surroundings.
You arrive near the Kruger National Park, but your eventual objective is a private reserve on the park’s western border: the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, a conservation area renowned for its exceptional animal sightings. This is the place to search for the iconic Big 5 – lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino – as well as a plethora of other creatures ranging from hippos and giraffes to baboons and warthogs.
Highlights
Days 1-4: At the Heart of the Waterfront
Days 4-6: Stay on a Wine Estate
Days 6-9: A Private Big 5 Safari
Day 9: The Journey Ends
DETAILED ITINERARY
Days 1-4: At the Heart of the Waterfront
This trip begins with a courteous greeting and a private transfer from Cape Town International Airport, then transfer to the hotel which is located close to the water, with bobbing boats and sleeping Cape fur seals as a backdrop, and is just a few minutes’ walk from the Robben Island ferry station, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, and just about any store and restaurant you could want.
With two full days a head of you, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the city as well as venture farther afield. South of Cape Town is Simon’s Town with its famed penguin colony, as well as Cape Point at the tip of the peninsula, which is located in a natural reserve with spectacular scenery and wildlife. Inquire with us about day trips in Cape Town, or chat with the hotel concierge while you’re there.
Days 1-4: At the Heart of the Waterfront
This trip begins with a courteous greeting and a private transfer from Cape Town International Airport, then transfer to the hotel which is located close to the water, with bobbing boats and sleeping Cape fur seals as a backdrop, and is just a few minutes’ walk from the Robben Island ferry station, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, and just about any store and restaurant you could want.
With two full days a head of you, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the city as well as venture farther afield. South of Cape Town is Simon’s Town with its famed penguin colony, as well as Cape Point at the tip of the peninsula, which is located in a natural reserve with spectacular scenery and wildlife. Inquire with us about day trips in Cape Town, or chat with the hotel concierge while you’re there.
Days 4-6: Stay on a Wine Estate
After breakfast, a private transfer takes you an hour or so out of Cape Town and into the Cape Winelands. You check into The Spier Hotel, located on a wine farm just outside of Stellenbosch, and look forward to learning why this region is known for its gourmet cuisine and wine. Following a culinary revolution over the previous decade, the region’s ‘farm to table’ gastronomy is world-class, and the wines are among the best in the country.
The hotel boasts a pleasant village ambiance with a range of activities and experiences on offer, as well as wine, cheese, and chocolate tastings for all ages. Again, this is a location to explore on your own or schedule a day tour – inquire about excursions for more details.
Days 4-6: Stay on a Wine Estate
After breakfast, a private transfer takes you an hour or so out of Cape Town and into the Cape Winelands. You check into The Spier Hotel, located on a wine farm just outside of Stellenbosch, and look forward to learning why this region is known for its gourmet cuisine and wine. Following a culinary revolution over the previous decade, the region’s ‘farm to table’ gastronomy is world-class, and the wines are among the best in the country.
The hotel boasts a pleasant village ambiance with a range of activities and experiences on offer, as well as wine, cheese, and chocolate tastings for all ages. Again, this is a location to explore on your own or schedule a day tour – inquire about excursions for more details.
Days 6-9: A Private Big 5 Safari
After breakfast, you will be taken to Cape Town Airport for a direct flight to Hoedspruit Airport, where you can enjoy an afternoon wildlife drive with a bush sunset in the exclusive Sabi Sand Game Reserve and offering exceptional game watching, including practically certain sightings of the Big 5.
A private environment also allows you to participate in things that are not authorised in the national park, such as driving off-road for extra-special sightings and doing night drives with a spotlight. Back at camp, you’ll stay in a thatched cabin with an en suite bathroom.
Days 6-9: A Private Big 5 Safari
After breakfast, you will be taken to Cape Town Airport for a direct flight to Hoedspruit Airport, where you can enjoy an afternoon wildlife drive with a bush sunset in the exclusive Sabi Sand Game Reserve and offering exceptional game watching, including practically certain sightings of the Big 5.
A private environment also allows you to participate in things that are not authorised in the national park, such as driving off-road for extra-special sightings and doing night drives with a spotlight. Back at camp, you’ll stay in a thatched cabin with an en suite bathroom.
Day 9: The Journey Ends
The day begins with a last breakfast at the Lodge, followed by a transport back to Hoedspruit Airport for your onward travel arrangements and the end of this journey.