CAPE TOWN - PAARL WINELANDS - KRUGE

Day 1 : Taj Cape Town, Cape Town (B / - / -)    

Arrival in Cape Town

Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport you will be met by your driver-guide, who will be with you for the duration of your time in Cape Town, and transferred to your boutique hotel in Camps Bay. Your guide will meet you in the arrival hall with a name board showing your name. Please call or WhatsApp the emergency contact number on your travel vouchers in the unlikely event that you do not manage to locate your guide.

Optional Activities (at an additional cost):
•    Visit the lively V&A Waterfront where there are a variety of shops, markets, restaurants activities and attractions to enjoy
•    Sunset Cruise in Table Bay
•    Sunset views from Signal Hill
•    Sunset Kayak Experience along Table Bay Coastline

Cape Town :

Set at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic oceans and backed by the iconic Table Mountain, the bustling city of Cape Town presents an alluring combination of drawcards. Incredible powdery white beaches, highly acclaimed wine routes, and astonishingly beautiful mountain trails surround a cosmopolitan hub. This diverse metropolis is filled with superb shops and restaurants, extraordinary heritage monuments, a multitude of entertainment venues, and a spectacular, chic waterfront harbour. Highlights include the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art; Table Mountain's jaw-dropping views; Boulders Beach, where penguins might swim right up to you in the warm Indian ocean waters; the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, where you can walk along a treetop canopy among incredible native flora or watch an open-air concert at the base of the mountain; Robben Island, where visitors can see the cell where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years; and many more.

Overnight : Taj Cape Town 
Meals : Bed and Breakfast

Day 2 : Taj Cape Town, Cape Town (B / - / -)    

Private Full Day Cape Town City Tour with Robben Island & Table Mountain

Pick-Up Time: 08.00 at hotel reception
Drop-Off Time: 18.00 at hotel

Included: Robben Island tickets, Table Mountain Aerial Cableway return tickets
Excluded: All entrance fees to museums – for own account if interested to visit and time depending. Lunch.

Note: Robben Island and the Table Mountain cableway are weather permitting

Today starts with a Robben Island excursion. The tour takes 3.5 hours in total, including the ferry trips across the bay and back. Robben Island is most famous for being where former president Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years of imprisonment. It is also possible (at an additional cost) to do this tour on a private basis and also to have Nelson Mandela's former prison guard who later became a close friend, Christo Brand, be your guide on the island.

Robben Island, the unique symbol of “the triumph of the human spirit over adversity, suffering and injustice” with a rich 500 year old multi-layered history, is visited every year by thousands of people eager to understand and honour the important aspects of South Africa’s history that the Island represents.

On return to the V&A Waterfront you will have some time to enjoy lunch before departing on your city tour which also includes a trip in the cableway to the top of

Table Mountain, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Cape Peninsula, over the city and across the Table Bay. 

The city tour will be largely a walking tour and some of the highlights on this tour include the colourful houses in the Bo Kaap (an Instagram hotspot!), the Company Gardens surrounded by many important historical buildings, including South Africa's Parliament buildings, and if there is time a visit to the District Six Museum. 

Highlights:
•    Robben Island Excursion - coach tour of the island and walking tour of the maximum security prison, including a visit to Nelson Mandela's prison cell 
•    Table Mountain and the aerial cableway 
•    Bo-Kaap – one of the city’s most Instagrammable spots thanks to its picturesque colourful houses and cobblestone streets
•    The Company Gardens – a large public park lined with oak trees and surrounded by iconic historical buildings, museums and art galleries
•    Vibrant Greenmarket Square market offering a wide range of African arts and crafts
•    Orientation drive to see The Castle of Good Hope, City Hall, Grand Parade and Adderley Street with its many statues and historical buildings

Robben Island :

Robben Island, an iconic destination in Table Bay near Cape Town, holds a significant place in history spanning 400 years. Dubbed "The Island of Exiles," it has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island's museum tells the compelling story of its past, offering visitors a profound understanding of its significance. Nelson Mandela, a towering figure in the fight against Apartheid, spent 18 years of his 27-year imprisonment on Robben Island. Beyond its historical importance, the island is also renowned for its diverse wildlife, including a colony of African Penguins. Exploring Robben Island allows travellers to appreciate its historical legacy while marvelling at the beauty of its birdlife and immersing themselves in a truly unique experience.

Table Mountain Cableway :

A trip up Table Mountain is quite rightly one of the first things a tourist wants to do when arriving in Cape Town. Once on the top, a 1000m above the city below, you are rewarded with spectacular 360 views. Take your time and enjoy this unique environment, go for a walk or have a bit to eat at the restaurant with arguably one of the best views possible.

Company's Garden :

The Company's Garden, located in Cape Town, is a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. This historic garden dates back to the 17th century and was originally established as a refreshment station by the Dutch East India Company. Today, it is a popular public park that offers a serene escape from the bustling city streets. The garden features lush lawns, beautiful flower beds, and majestic trees, providing a peaceful setting for leisurely strolls and picnics. It is also home to several notable landmarks, including the South African Museum, the Planetarium, and the famous Delville Wood Memorial Garden.

Bo-Kaap :

Bo-Kaap is a neighbourhood in Cape Town set on the slopes of Signal Hill and was originally established by members of the Cape Malay community who were brought to Cape Town during the 18th century as slaves. Bo-Kaap is known for its brightly coloured homes, beautiful mosques and vibrant culture. It is a popular tourist attraction and one of the most photographed areas in Cape Town. Visitors can explore the area on foot or take a guided tour to learn about its history and culture. Bo-Kaap is also home to many restaurants, cafes and shops offering traditional cuisine and handmade crafts from local artisans.

Greenmarket Square :

Greenmarket Square, situated in Cape Town, has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century as a trading hub for fresh vegetables sourced from the Company's Garden. Today, Greenmarket Square is a bustling public square renowned for its vibrant flea market. Visitors can explore an array of stalls offering local crafts, artwork, clothing, and souvenirs. The square also hosts live performances, adding to its lively atmosphere. Greenmarket Square remains a popular destination for both locals and tourists, serving as a vibrant cultural and commercial centre in Cape Town.

District 6 Museum :

The District 6 Museum in Cape Town is a poignant testament to the forced removals and apartheid policies that impacted the vibrant District 6 community during Apartheid. Housed in a former church, the museum tells the story of the neighbourhood's history, culture, and the devastating impact of segregation. Through interactive exhibits, personal testimonies, and preserved artefacts, visitors gain insight into the resilience of the community and the ongoing struggles for social justice.

Overnight : Taj Cape Town 
Meals : Bed and Breakfast

Day 3 : Taj Cape Town, Cape Town (B / - / -)    

Private Full Day Cape Peninsula Tour

Pick-Up Time:    08.30 at hotel reception
Drop-Off Time: 17.30-18.00 at hotel

Included: Chapman’s Peak toll fee (weather depending), entrance fees for Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve (Cape Point) and Boulders Beach (Penguins)
Excluded: Seal Island boat excursion and entrance to Kirstenbosch Gardens – for own account and subject to availability and time – note that there is only time for ONE of these two activities. Funicular at Cape Point.

Lunch: For own account

You will be met by your guide in your hotel reception area and taken on a Full Day Cape Peninsula Tour. Cape Town is frequently acknowledged and awarded as being one of the world’s most beautiful places – this tour will show you why! Experience the spectacular natural splendour and abundance of life of the Cape Peninsula. With scenic views to take your breath away and photo opportunities galore this trip also takes you through a World Heritage Site – the Cape Floral Kingdom.

Travel along the Atlantic Seaboard to Hout Bay, passing magnificent beaches and the coastal suburbs of Clifton, Camps Bay and Llandudno. From the busy fishing harbour at Hout Bay you have the option of a boat trip to see the thousands of Cape Fur Seals living on a rocky outcrop. Browse for souvenirs at the Hout Bay Craft Market or take a walk on the beach and paddle your feet in the sea.

The tour continues over Chapman’s Peak, known as one of the most spectacular scenic drives in the world, all the way along the Peninsula to the southern tip at Cape Point. An invigorating walk takes you to the two lighthouses at the top and bottom of the headland, from where you will enjoy extraordinary views of the cliffs and the ocean below. Alternatively, you could take an optional short funicular ride to the top. Take a photo down at the most south-western point of the African continent at the Cape of Good Hope beach.

Lunch will be enjoyed at a seaside restaurant (excluded and for your own account) before we make our way along the False Bay coastline to the Naval village of Simon’s Town. We will visit the delightful African Penguins of Boulders Beach and then the drive takes us back via Cape Town’s coastal and southern suburbs.

Highlights :
•    Drive along the Atlantic Sea Board passing the beautiful beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay
•    Photo stop at Maidens Cove to take in the views of the Twelve Apostles mountain range, Camps Bay Beach and Lions Head
•    Stop at Hout Bay Harbour – a busy fishing harbour
•    Optional boat ride to Duiker Island to see the Cape Fur Seals
•    Chapman’s Peak Drive – known as one of the World’s most beautiful drives
•    Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point – most South-Western point of Africa and the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula, spectacular scenery
•    False Bay Coastal Road – look out for whales between June and November
•    Visit the comical African Penguins at Boulders Beach
•    Simon’s Town – home to South Africa’s Naval Base
•    Picturesque drive past Kalk Bay and Muizenberg – see the famous colourful beach huts
•    Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens – optional and time dependent

There are also a number of other exciting ways to explore the Cape Peninsula and fun activities which can be included as an alternative to the standard routing above:

Optional Activities (at additional cost):
•    Snorkelling with Seals from Hout Bay
•    Kayaking with Penguins from Simon's Town
•    Waterbike Ocean Adventure from Simon's Town
•    Surfing lesson in Muizenberg
•    Explore the Peninsula or a section thereof via Side-car
•    Self-drive the Peninsula in a classic convertible Cobra

Hout Bay :

The originally small fishing village of Hout Bay is now a popular suburb of Cape Town. Over and above being a lovely family beach, it has many tourist attractions which include the World of Birds, a township tour to the vibrant Imizamo Yethu, arts and crafts, boat rides out to Seal Island and some great, casual restaurants where you can relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Chapman's Peak :

Chapman’s Peak Drive winds its way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay. Situated on the Atlantic Coast, at the southwestern tip of South Africa, it is one of the most spectacular scenic drives in the world. The 9km route, with its 114 curves, skirts the rocky coastline of Chapman's Peak. The drive offers stunning 180-degree views with many areas along the route where visitors can stop and take in the scenery or sit down for a relaxing picnic.

Cape of Good Hope :

Cape of Good Hope is located near the southernmost tip of the African continent in South Africa. The cape is surrounded by beaches, coves, and cliffs, making it a popular location for sightseeing. The Cape of Good Hope is well known for its rich history. It was an important stop on the early trade routes between Europe and Asia. Today, the location is a popular tourist attraction. It provides visitors with stunning views and is also home to a variety of wildlife.

Cape Point :

Cape Point is a spectacular sight, covered in endemic fynbos and home to breathtaking bays, beaches and rolling green hills and valleys, just 60km outside of Cape Town. Cape Point falls within the Cape Floral Region, a World Heritage Site. The Cape Floral Region is one of the richest areas for plants in the world – it is home to nearly 20% of Africa’s flora. Cape Point is open daily and is a must-see.

Boulders Beach :

Boulders Beach is located in Cape Town, South Africa. It is a sheltered beach made up of inlets between granite boulders and crystal clear waters. The area is home to one of the largest breeding colonies of African penguins. Visitors can observe the penguins close up from elevated boardwalks while enjoying beautiful views. It is a popular location for swimming, snorkelling, and birdwatching.

Simons Town :

Simon's Town (sometimes spelled Simonstown, is a town near Cape Town, which is home to the South African Navy. It is located on the shores of False Bay, on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula. For more than two centuries it has been a naval base and harbour (first for the Royal Navy and now the South African Navy). The town is named after Simon van der Stel, an early governor of the Cape Colony.

Muizenberg :

Muizenberg is a vibrant coastal town with a rich history and stunning beach. Its origins date back to the 18th century, and it has grown into a popular destination for surfers and beach enthusiasts. The beach is renowned for its consistent waves, attracting surfers of all skill levels. Along the shoreline, you'll find iconic and colourful bathing boxes that add a touch of charm to the area. History buffs can explore the Rhodes Cottage Museum and Het Posthuys Museum, which provide insights into the town's past. The Battle of Muizenberg's historical site commemorates a significant event during the Anglo-Dutch war. For entertainment, the Masque Theatre offers a diverse program of live performances. Additionally, Casa Labia, a stunning Italian-inspired mansion, houses an art gallery, café, and cultural centre.

Overnight : Taj Cape Town 
Meals : Bed and Breakfast

Day 4 : Taj Cape Town, Cape Town (B / - / -)     

Full Day at Leisure in Cape Town

Today you will enjoy a full day at leisure to relax and enjoy some down time or to take part in some of the other exciting activities on offer in and around Cape Town. 

Optional Activities (at an additional cost):
•    Visit to the lively V&A Waterfront where there are a variety of shops, markets, restaurants activities and attractions to enjoy
•    Paragliding from Signal Hill or Lions Head
•    Sky Diving
•    Quad biking, sandboarding and/or bumper balls in the Atlantis sand dunes
•    Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai or Simon’s Town
•    Scenic helicopter flight
•    Lions head guided hike (morning or sunset) or Table Mountain guided hike
•    Cape Malay Cooking experience in the Bo Kaap
•    If this day falls on a Saturday or Sunday a visit to a local Food Market (e.g. Oranjezicht City Farm or Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill)
•    Constantia Winelands Zip and Sip Trip (half day Ziplining and Wine Tasting in the Constantia Valley) or half day wine tour in the Constantia Valley

Overnight : Taj Cape Town 
Meals : Bed and Breakfast

Day 5 : Grande Roche Hotel, Paarl (B / - / -)    

Transfer from Cape Town to Franschhoek via a Private Full Day Cape Winelands Tour

Pick-Up Time: 08.30 at hotel reception
Drop-Off Time: 17.30-18.00 at hotel in Franchhoek

Included: 3 wine tastings at 3 different wine estates (3-5 wines per tasting – minimum 12 wines tasted), a chocolate OR cheese and wine pairing is included in these
Excluded: Additional and premium wine tastings and purchase of wine – for own account

Lunch: For own account

You will be met by your guide in your hotel reception area and taken on a Full Day Cape Winelands Tour. Situated only 45 minutes away from Cape Town, the Cape Winelands are surrounded by majestic mountains, beautiful vineyards and typical Cape Dutch style architecture. The Cape Winelands include the towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl and are home to more than 200 wine estates and wine farms producing top-quality world-class wines. This region is also highly acclaimed for its many award-winning restaurants.

Head off to the heart of South Africa's wine industry, Stellenbosch, boasting great beauty and culture that is steeped in South African history. Walk down the canal-lined avenues, in the shade of giant oak trees and beautifully preserved historical buildings. With the sheer vastness of wine estates on offer, we are truly spoilt for choice. Enjoy wine tastings at 3 different estates in the Stellenbosch area, with a lunch stop in between. 

Highlights:
•    Stellenbosch historical walk
•    Visit Oom Samie se Winkel an interesting and old fashioned general dealer
•    3 Wine Tastings, with a chocolate OR cheese and wine pairing included, at various wine estates

Paarl :

Situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands, Paarl boasts an array of cultural and historical attractions and is surrounded by some spectacular nature reserves. Paarl was named after the huge granite dome of rock, which overlooks the town founded in 1690. The famous 11-kilometre-long Main Street features the Strooidak Church, Die Oude Pastorie Museum and the Patriot Building. The beautiful homestead of Labories in Main Street was bought by KWV. The KWV cellar complex is the largest in the world, covering an area of 22 hectares. The magnificent Cathedral Cellar, with its barrel-vaulted roof and large carved red wine vats is spectacular and depicts the history of the Cape’s wine industry. Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of activities including: wine tasting, scenic fynbos hikes, cycling, sampling local cuisine and much more.

Cape Winelands :

Resting at the feet of the Boland Mountains in South Africa’s Western Cape Province, the Cape Winelands area is renowned for producing some of the world’s finest wines. The enthralling mountainous landscape boasts an impressive list of luxury wine farms, stretching across lush fertile valleys. Visitors can look forward to a variety of wonderful activities suited to all types of travellers. Explore a collection of historic little hamlets and towns dotting the countryside, sample a wide selection of world-class wine at historic Cape Dutch farmsteads and other wine estates; and make your way through a sublime network of hiking and biking trails. The culinary scene here is world-class and constantly improving; visitors who don’t drink alcohol will also enjoy discovering this destination as part of a ‘food tour’ - numerous superb restaurants are on offer.

Stellenbosch :

Just 45 minutes from Cape Town, Stellenbosch is an enticing Western Cape destination with an exciting culinary scene, photogenic historic buildings, and a youthful atmosphere. The beautiful university town is surrounded by mountains, vineyards, and nature reserves (Jonkershoek and Simonsberg), making it a charming base for wine tours, day trips and outdoor adventure. The town centre is characterised by both a “holiday feeling” - sublime art galleries, award-winning restaurants and alluring boutiques fringe leafy cobbled streets - and a sense of aliveness as students bustle between faculties. Architecture enthusiasts will enjoy the numerous Cape Dutch and Victorian buildings, while music lovers can look forward to world-class classical music concerts at the grand Music Conservatory. Two dreamy botanical gardens (with gorgeous tea rooms under the trees) add to the unique character of this special town.   

Overnight : Grande Roche Hotel   
Meals : Bed and Breakfast

Day 6 : Grande Roche Hotel, Paarl (B / - / -)    

Day at leisure in Franschhoek with Optional Wine activities 

Enjoy a full day at your own leisure to explore and discover Franschhoek. You might choose to take the day at complete leisure and enjoy the stunning views and setting of your suite, overlooking the vineyards of Franschhoek. Or you might choose to head out an enjoy some more wine tasting in the Franschhoek Valley on the fun Wine Tram or TukTuk, or enjoy a curated wine experience, alternatively we can arrange another private guided tour with a wine expert who will take you to some of the surrounding vineyards depending on your wine preferrences. 

For the more active there are some great hikes from Franschhoek and you could do a guided wine tour by bicycle!

Franschhoek :

Set just over an hour from Cape Town, within the inspiring landscapes of the Cape Winelands, Franschhoek is a heritage town and a world-renowned food and wine destination. Travellers could choose to focus their visit on any one aspect alone - nature, cuisine or culture - and find plenty to keep them busy. The estates here attract wine experts from around the globe with their Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cap Classique sparkling wine (among others). Five-star restaurants alongside the cellars are surrounded by the same jaw-dropping valley scenes that have brought artists and writers to the area for centuries. A superb literary festival takes place around May every year, and, combined with the town’s Cape Dutch manor houses, fascinating museums, and charming boutiques, makes Franschhoek a wonderful place to visit in winter. Summer provides endless hiking, cycling and other outdoor opportunities among the lush farmlands and mountains.

Overnight : Grande Roche Hotel   
Meals : Bed and Breakfast

Day 7 : Imbali Safari Lodge, Mluwati Concession (B / L / D)    

Flight from Cape Town to Hoedspruit for Kapama Private Game Reserve Safari
This morning you will have a transfer back to Cape Town International Airport for your direct flight to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport. You will be met here and transferred a short distance to the lodge. 

Mluwati Concession :

The Mluwati Concession is a 10 000 hectare private reserve hidden in the wilderness of Mpumalanga’s renowned Kruger National Park. Characterised by a sweeping landscape of bushwillows, acacias, open grassland, the N’waswitsontso River, and the eponymous Mluwati River, the concession is a nature lover’s and photographer’s paradise and provides an important protected habitat for a large lion population. Visitors can enjoy game drives and view an array of wildlife including leopard, wild dog, zebra, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, impala, giraffe, and wildebeest. The area also teems with hundreds of bird species including the southern yellow-billed hornbill, the crested barbet, and Burchell’s glossy starling. Ask a guide to tell you about the intriguing lost treasure of ‘Qugunyan's Fortune’ - an abandoned fortune of gold, diamonds, and coins with a fascinating story attached to it.

Overnight : Imbali Safari Lodge  
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities

Day 8 : Imbali Safari Lodge, Mluwati Concession (B / L / D)       

Typical Day on Safari 

The day starts with an early wake-up call between 5am and 5:30am. Tea, coffee and rusks are enjoyed together before heading out at first light. While seeing big game is always exhilarating, there are many other smaller species that are also captivating, and birding enthusiasts will be delighted at the approximately 350 species of birds recorded on the reserve. Halfway through the game drive, there’s a stop for hot drinks and snacks, before returning to the lodge at around 9am for a full breakfast. Throughout the day, it’s likely you will see wildlife around the lodge - nyala antelope and vervet monkeys are frequent visitors, though seeing some of the Big Five is also not uncommon.

While at leisure during the day you can spend time at the pool catching up on some reading, or indulge in a spa treatment. For those looking to something a little more active you can join a bush walk. There are a few of the finer things of nature that can be missed on a game vehicle so putting on your walking shoes and stepping into the reserve will get you up close and personal to interesting aspects of the wild unseen from the safari vehicle.

At around 3:30pm, everyone gathers for a decadent high tea, before heading out with your ranger and tracker for the afternoon game drive through the reserve. En route, you’ll stop for a sundowner drink and will have a chance to stretch your legs as you watch the sun set over the distant peaks of the Drakensberg mountains.

As darkness falls, the nocturnal animals of the bush come out. The skilled tracker will scan the landscape using a spotlight, which illuminates animals’ eyes. A variety of completely different species can be seen on the night drive back to the lodge. Arrival is at the lodge is usually around 7pm, allowing time to freshen up before enjoying a sumptuous dinner.

Overnight : Imbali Safari Lodge  
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities

Day 9 : Imbali Safari Lodge, Mluwati Concession (B / L / D)    

Another full day on safari - hopefully you will get to tcik off those animals on your wish list that you haven't yet seen! 

Overnight: Imbali Safari Lodge  
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities

Day 10 : End of Itinerary (B / L / D)     

Your African Adventure has sadly drawn to a close and it's time to say farewell! This morning you will have your last morning game drive and breakfast at the lodge before checking out. 

Transfer back to Hoedspruit Airport for your flight back to Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport for departure. 

Bed and Breakfast
End of our services