Luxury South Africa Highlights: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari - 14 Days
Highlights
- Experience views from Table Mountain and penguin spotting in Cape Town
- Taste fine vintages in the Cape Winelands region and the southern coast
- Go whale watching, shark diving, and river rafting on the famous Garden Route
- Spot Big Five animals while staying in a luxury resort in a private game reserve
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Cape Town, Dinner at GOLD | Cape Town |
| Day 2 | Cape Peninsula & Penguins Tour, Lunch at Crofter's Kitchen | Cape Town |
| Day 3 | Cape Town City Tour, Cable Car to Table Mountain | Cape Town |
| Day 4 | Community Project & Sunset Champagne Cruise | Cape Town |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Franschhoek, Cape Winelands Tour & Tasting | Franschhoek |
| Day 6 | Private Wine Blending Experience | Franschhoek |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Hermanus, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Wine Tour | Hermanus |
| Day 8 | Shark Cage Diving & Whale Watching in Hermanus | Hermanus |
| Day 9 | Transfer to Knysna, Optional Activities | Knysna |
| Day 10 | Day Trip to Tsitsikamma National Park | Knysna |
| Day 11 | Day Trip to Plettenberg Bay & Sunset River Cruise | Knysna |
| Day 12 | Transfer to Eastern Cape Reserve, Game Drive | Eastern Cape |
| Day 13 | Morning & Afternoon Game Drives in Shamwari | Eastern Cape |
| Day 14 | Transfer to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town, Dinner at GOLD
Welcome to South Africa! The southernmost nation on the continent delivers the full African experience, from cultural diversity and safari adventures to natural wonders, coastal beauty, and much more. And there's no better place to kick off a luxury getaway than the Western Cape region and its capital city of Cape Town. Sitting on the coast near the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian oceans, this city offers a rich history and famous landmarks—plus it's a hub for coastal adventures and wine tastings.
Upon arrival, a driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Nestled in the hills of central Cape Town, the 4-star Camissa House offers both proximity to city fun and the tranquility of a mountain hideaway. It's the very definition of a "boutique" hotel, as it features only eight luxury guest suites with private terraces offering panoramic city views. If you like, take afternoon high tea down by the infinity pool, which also overlooks Cape Town's most iconic landmarks, like the massive Table Mountain.
Dinner tonight is an exclusive experience at one of the city's best restaurants. Located in the scenic (and trendy) V&A Waterfront district, GOLD features a 14-course tasting safari that spans the continent. But the food is only part of the experience—each night on stage, African musicians and dancers perform for the guests. The night begins with champagne flecked with 24-carat gold leaf flakes, followed by the meal and a curated "spice experience." This gastronomic storytelling adventure will take you down the continent's ancient spice routes, from Uganda to Burundi, one bite at a time.
Day 2: Cape Peninsula & Penguins Tour, Lunch at Crofter's Kitchen
A driver will pick you up from your hotel this morning for the ride south of the city to the tip of the famous Cape Peninsula and the towering headland of Cape Point. Throughout the trip, you'll be treated to epic views of the Atlantic coastline as you pass wide beaches and picturesque seaside villages. Feel free to stop and explore the rocky coastline with its fynbos shrubland vegetation, home to birds like oystercatchers and ostriches, as well as animals like baboons and the Cape mountain zebra.
Eventually, you'll arrive at Cape Point Nature Reserve, stopping at the Cape of Good Hope. Here, you can hike up to the iconic lighthouse and enjoy views over the headland to both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Afterward, it will be time for lunch, which is another culinary treat. Transfer to Crofter's Kitchen, the Cape Peninsula home of "rock star" celebrity chef Nicky Gibbs. The owner herself will welcome you with true South African hospitality for a delicious six-course meal utilizing fresh ingredients foraged from her own garden. Also, each course is paired with aromatic floral and herbal teas.
Later, head to the eastern side of Cape Peninsula to Simonstown. Besides its naval base and maritime museum, the town is famous for the wildlife at Boulders Beach. This sheltered inlet is home to a colony of African penguins, and you can view them up close via a network of wooden walkways. After spending time with your new penguin friends, you'll return to Cape Town. There's the option for one more stop at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Set against the slopes of Table Mountain, this lush paradise houses thousands of Indigenous and exotic plants.
Day 3: Cape Town City Tour, Cable Car to Table Mountain
See more of the "Mother City" this morning on a guided city tour. Explore its historic landmarks as you learn about South Africa's history and the people who shaped it. Stops along the way include the Company's Garden heritage site, the Houses of Parliament, the 17th-century Castle of Good Hope, and the Iziko Slave Lodge. You'll also visit Green Market Square, which once served as a slave market but nowadays hosts a popular flea market.
Experience more culture and history with a visit to the colorful Bo-Kaap. This neighborhood's brightly painted houses belies a painful history. This was the arrival point for enslaved Malaysians and Indonesians in the 18th century. When they were finally granted the right to own property, they painted their all-white houses bright colors as a symbolic expression of freedom. Their culture and delicious cuisine endured over the ages and remain a vital part of the city's fabric.
Afterward, head over to the base of Table Mountain. This sandstone monolith and UNESCO World Heritage Site stands 3,562 feet (1,086 m) over the city, and you'll ascend it via a dramatic five-minute cable car ride. From the summit, enjoy panoramic views of Cape Town, the Atlantic Seaboard, Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned), and the mountains of the Cape Peninsula.
Day 4: Community Project & Sunset Champagne Cruise
Experience an authentic slice of South Africa as you head to Cape Town's eastern townships (districts) with Uthando (Love). The goal of this responsible-tourism nonprofit is to raise awareness of the millions of South Africans living in extreme poverty who struggle to survive on a daily basis. Uthando does this by creating links between travelers and local community development projects.
During this half-day experience, you'll meet some of the unsung heroes doing great work in these communities while also learning about the country's turbulent history and distinct challenges. It's all about the people, as you'll visit several inspiring public works projects, which might include urban agriculture collectives, youth-led dance or music programs, special education, refugee support, and more.
After this heady and rewarding experience, you'll have some time on your own until the end of the afternoon. Then, transfer to the waterfront and board a luxury catamaran for a sunset cruise. As the sun bathes the Atlantic Ocean in a golden glow, you'll relax on deck and toast the experience with a glass of bubbly. It's the perfect end to a memorable day—or the perfect start to an evening of revelry in the city.
Day 5: Transfer to Franschhoek, Cape Winelands Tour & Tasting
You've had plenty of fun in the city; now it's time to leave Cape Town and discover the gorgeous wine region on its doorstep. Leave in the morning on a one-hour drive east to the famous Cape Winelands region. This scenic area is home to more than 500 wineries, and you'll visit a few of the best for a tasting.
Throughout the day, you'll travel between colorful Winelands valleys like Stellenbosch, Paarl, and the traditionally French town of Franschhoek (where you'll overnight). As you go, you'll visit estates producing top wines and enjoy tasting tours. At each one, you'll taste incredible cabernets, syrahs, and other varietals and pair them with delicious tidbits like homemade goat cheese and artisanal chocolates.
At the end of the day, you'll return to Franschhoek and your luxury accommodation, La Cotte. This redesigned farm was built by French immigrants in the late 17th century and enjoys a privileged location beneath the Cape Mountains surrounded by well-manicured gardens. The elegant guest rooms at this manor homestead feature high ceilings, French doors, and private terraces. An on-site gourmet restaurant serves everything from farm-fresh breakfasts to garden salads with locally harvested greens and line-caught Franschhoek river trout.
Day 6: Private Wine Blending Experience
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 7: Transfer to Hermanus, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Wine Tour
You'll say your goodbyes to Cape Winelands this morning—but the wine adventures are far from over. It's a 1.5-hour drive south from Franschhoek to Hermanus, on the south coast. This charming seaside town is known for its Blue Flag beaches and prime whale watching, both of which you'll get to do during your stay here.
Upon arrival, you'll check into the 5-star Marine Hotel. Perched on coastal cliffs overlooking the idyllic Walker Bay, the property offers jaw-dropping mountain and sea views of the Western Cape's Overberg region. As for amenities, you'll lack for nothing, as its premier rooms and suites are equipped with king beds and terraces, many affording ocean views. Enjoy the welcome drink on arrival, then perhaps head to the day spa for a wellness treatment. It's an extensive menu that includes a number of massages, facials, body wraps, manicures/pedicures, and more. There are also couples treatments.
Newly refreshed, meet your local sommelier guide in the afternoon for a quick ride inland to the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. This is the premier wine region in the area, and during a tour, you'll visit a few wineries in these vineyard-covered hills. The cool, coastal climate here is responsible for the chardonnays and pinot noirs that the region produces, and you'll sample some of the best pours during a full-day tasting. Afterward, you'll return to Hermanus.
Day 8: Shark Cage Diving, Whale Watching in Hermanus
Prepare for one of the most thrilling adventure tours anywhere in the world. The day begins with a morning transfer to the coastal town of Gansbaai, the heart of shark cage diving in South Africa. There, you'll break for a light breakfast, then meet the guide and group who will be with you as you enter the natural habitat of one of the ocean's most feared apex predators.
After a safety and equipment briefing, you'll slip into a wetsuit and board a boat for the ride to Dyer Island, where great-white sharks congregate. Here, you'll anchor for two hours, during which time you'll take turns in the cage for an experience of being eye to eye with one of the ocean's most fearsome animals. Alternatively, if you don't feel like meeting great whites on their turf, you can observe these magnificent creatures from the boat's deck.
After returning to the harbor, you'll have the option for another boat tour, this time to see less aggressive marine animals. From Jun-Nov, the coastal area around Hermanus affords some of the best whale watching in the world, as this is where pods of southern right whales come near shore to breed. To see them, board a catamaran in Hermanus and set off for a full day on the water. Besides southern right whales and dolphins, from May-Dec, humpbacks also migrate through the area.
Day 9: Transfer to Knysna, Optional Activities
It's another early start as you meet your driver and leave Hermanus on a five-hour drive along the coast to Knysna. To describe this journey as scenic would be an understatement. Most of the drive follows the famed Garden Route, which runs 190 miles (305 km) from the town of Mossel Bay east to the mouth of Storms River. Among other highlights, this stretch of road features some of South Africa's most incredible coastline and native forest.
Upon arrival in Knysna, you'll check into Head over Hills. This 5-star luxury retreat is situated next to the Knysna Heads—large headlands that shelter the town from the open sea. It's one of the most awe-inspiring landmarks on the Garden Route, and the hotel delivers front-row seats. Enjoy sweeping views of the Heads while relaxing on your personal wooden sun deck or while sprawled out in your Hästens handcrafted bed. If you like, take your meals on the deck—choose from the a la carte menu created by the private chef and pair it with a bottle from the hotel's extensive wine cellar.
After checking in, you can stretch your legs on a walk around Knysna. The town's waterfront area is a bustling hub with shops, restaurants, and cafés overlooking a river-fed lagoon. Enjoy a meal with a view, explore local artisanal shops, or take a leisurely stroll along the promenade.
Day 10: Day Trip to Tsitsikamma National Park
Rise and shine! Today, you're off to explore this region's world-famous native forest. After meeting your driver, you'll transfer a short way east to Tsitsikamma National Park. This gorgeous protected area on the Garden Route stretches for about 50 miles (80 km) and is famous for its lush temperate forests, unspoiled Indian Ocean coast, and mighty rivers, particularly the Storms River.
En route, you'll stop at Bloukrans Bridge and strap into the world's highest commercial bungee jump at 708 feet (216 m). Or, if you're feeling skittish, you can hang back and watch others make the leap. Once in the park, there are various outdoor adventures to enjoy. If you like, soar over the treetops and waterfalls on a zipline before hiking through Tsitsikamma's forests on suspension bridges. Aquatic activities include kayaking down the Storms River, which will take you through a massive gorge. At the end of the afternoon, you'll return to Knysna.
Day 11: Day Trip to Plettenberg Bay & Sunset River Cruise
It's a quick 30-minute drive east this morning to Plettenberg Bay. This charming seaside town is an ideal spot for a relaxing day trip, as it's famous for its wide, golden beaches and tranquil lagoons. There's plenty to do (and not do) here, be it lazing on the sand, enjoying a tasting at a nearby winery, or sitting down for a fresh seafood lunch at a waterfront café.
After whiling away the hours in Plettenberg Bay, you'll transfer back to Knysna. However, the day is far from over, as you'll head just outside of town to the Knysna River. There, you'll board a catamaran for a luxury cruise down this scenic waterway. The journey culminates with your arrival at the river delta, where you can witness the golden sun dipping below the Indian Ocean.
Day 12: Transfer to Eastern Cape Reserve, Game Drive
South Africa is famous for its national parks. However, throughout this country, various private game reserves offer the same great wildlife experiences, often without the mass crowds. Today, you'll transfer about four hours up the coast to the Eastern Cape region and one such private locale: Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
Your destination is the Sindile Safari Lodge. This secluded getaway is nestled deep in the African bushveld (woodlands), overlooking a river and vast savanna plains. Each of the freestanding tents comes equipped with luxurious amenities and modern conveniences, like air-conditioning, four-poster king beds, and French tubs with hot water. There's also a communal dining area and bar with a terrace affording views over the reserve. You can even choose from a list of "safari spa" treatments at the on-site wellness center, which includes massages, facials, and hand/foot rituals.
But that's for later. Upon arrival, drop off your things and hop in an open-topped 4WD vehicle for your maiden game drive in South Africa. This half-day tour is a great opportunity to spot the legendary Big Five (lions, leopards, buffalo, elephants, and rhinos), all of which can be found at Shamwari. The drive ends late in the afternoon after the sun sets over the savanna. Depending on your arrival time, you can opt for a night game drive followed by an African-style boma dinner full of traditional music, dancing, drumming, food, and entertainment.
Day 13: Morning & Afternoon Game Drives in Shamwari
Starting around dawn, you'll enjoy a full day of safari game drives in Shamwari. It's the best time to see the animals at their most active, as they often congregate near water sources early in the morning. Besides the Big Five, other creatures you'll see include giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, and antelope.
After the morning drive, return to camp for lunch, then spend a couple of hours relaxing and enjoying your private plunge pool. Later, meet a ranger guide and hop in a vehicle for another afternoon game drive. As with the safari yesterday, this one doesn't end until the sun goes down. You'll then return to camp in time for dinner with the other guests.
Day 14: Transfer to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Depart
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