Cape, Wine and Safari: Cape Town, Stellenbosch & Kruger

Welcome to Africa! We are delighted that you have chosen to visit our beautiful country and we will ensure that the start of your journey with us is a superb experience. You can relax because we are the airport experts and we will get you to where you need to be. Your private service includes a complimentary refreshment, whilst we enjoy a conversation about your travel arrangements. This is the ideal time for you to ask any questions you may have about your holiday. Bags too heavy? No problem, a complimentary porter is available at your request. There are many airport facilities available to you. Whatever you need, we'll take you there. Connecting flight, transfer vehicle or car hire? You won't need to stress, we will co-ordinate and assist you to your next service. Even when you have left the airport, our relationship does not end there. Because you have booked our Gold Welcome service, you are guaranteed access to our nationwide emergency backup and support infrastructure. We are with you all the way.

Welcome to Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, strategically situated at the southwestern tip of Africa.

The city lies about 60km north of Cape Point, in a natural bowl with the magnificent Table Mountain to the rear and the vast Atlantic Ocean to the front. It has the reputation as being the most laid-back city in the Southern Hemisphere with Capetonians adhering to Africa time, which is somewhat slower than most other major cities. This relaxed atmosphere is attributed to Table Mountain, known to be amongst the most spiritual places on earth. People are drawn towards the mountain and every visitor feels the need to climb up or take the revolving Cable Car to the top. At 1086 metres above sea level, you will see the most dramatic views of the whole of the Cape Peninsula. The city is safer than most on any continent with a bustling street life of shops, cafes and market stalls, as well as street artists.

After transferring to your hotel, the balance of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the "Mother City" at your own pace.

This morning you will be picked up from your hotel for a half day Cape Town City tour. No visit to Cape Town is complete without a tour of the "Mother City". Take a cable car to the summit of the legendary Table Mountain, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, (own account and weather permitting) with views of the City and surrounding layout of this southernmost tip of Africa.
You drive to Camps Bay, an affluent oceanside suburb of Cape Town, boasting a magnificent white sandy beach and once the hunting ground of Lord Charles Somerset. Wind your way along through Clifton, an exclusive residential area, home to some of the most expensive real estate in South Africa before meandering through Sea Point, the first 'commuter suburb' of Cape Town and now a recognized Orthodox Jewish community. En route you willl see the sweeping silhouette of the Cape Town Stadium before passing down Adderley Street considered the main street of the central business district.

The City Hall located on the Grand Parade is up next. Nelson Mandela made his first public speech after his release from the balcony of Cape Town City Hall.
Drive past the Castle of Good Hope, a Provisional Heritage Site. The Castle of Good Hope was originally built as a maritime replenishment station and is the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa!

You then pass Charly's Bakery, home of Charly's Cake Angels, stars of the Food Network Show before hearing a brief history of District Six en-route to a visit at the Company Gardens. The public section of the garden is enjoyed for its sheer floral beauty as well as its historical setting. It is bordered by numerous landmarks including the Slave Lodge, present day Houses of Parliament and St George's Cathedral, the seat of the Anglican church in South Africa.
You hear about Greenmarket Square, the location for the well that was once the town's main water supply during summer months when streams from Table Mountain dried up, before a visit to the Noon Gun where you witness the historic time signal and learn more about the history of the Bo-Kaap and its people as you move up the cobblestoned hills to the Malay Quarter, and marvel at the ice-cream colours of the quaint Bo-Kaap homes.

Your final stop. A jewellery showroom where you meet a master diamond cutter and witness the process of cutting and polishing a diamond. You may even witness the rare opportunity of pouring of a gold bar!

This morning you will be collected from your hotel. You drive along the exquisite stretch of coastline known as Millionaire's Paradise - from Clifton to Camps Bay, to the exclusive beach hamlet of Llandudno - towards the charming working harbour of Hout Bay. Embark on an up-close-and-personal Seal Island cruise (optional and own expense). Wind along the legendary Chapman's Peak Drive, hugging the cliffs and relishing the breath-taking ocean views, before visiting the wild and beautiful Cape of Good Hope Section of the Table Mountain National Park, an integral part of the world-renowned Cape Floral Kingdom. After lunch (own account), you meander back along the coast and end your day at the  penguin colony at Boulder's Beach, where you get to watch these entertaining, waddling characters.

Formerly a political prison and a leper colony before that, the historic landmark of Robben Island was recently established as a museum, national monument and world heritage site. Experience the conditions of incarceration - view Nelson Mandela's maximum security prison cell (Cell 5) and see the lime quarries. In the one, hard labour was served, in the other prisoners discussed strategy, freedom and the future. Later, many would develop eye problems as a result of the sun's reflection off the lime surfaces. This well-preserved landmark is a monument to the triumph of freedom, dignity and determination over humiliation and oppression. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to explore the Murray's Bay Harbour precinct attractions, such as the Muslim shrine, or kramat, and the Museum Shop.

Discover GOLD in Cape Town. From the moment you walk through the glass doors into the aged brick interior, with its ancient doors, wooden beams and iron pillars, you will feel the heartbeat of a unique African restaurant in Cape Town. GOLD Restaurant will take you on a taste safari from Cape Malay to African cuisine - from Cape Town to Timbuktu with its set 14 course menu served at your table. Start your evening with an interactive Djembe drumming session which will get you in tune with the African rhythms and songs for the rest of the night. 30 minutes of vibrant playing of the drums will ensure an energized start to your evening. A soothing hand washing ceremony will complete your interactive drumming experience. Be captivated during dinner by tall, graceful Mali Puppets as they dance around your table with the drummers and singers. The live entertainment is unique to South Africa and their performances will embrace you and take you into the heart of Africa.

Today you will be picked up from your hotel for your half-day Walk to Freedom Tour. Drive past the Slave Lodge and City Hall to view Mandela's Statue, the site of the first-ever public speech Nelson Mandela delivered after his release from prison. Then visit the riveting District Six Museum and travel through the District Six Site (Museum closed Sundays & Public Holidays) for a sharp reminder of the past. We proceed to tour Langa Township, the oldest apartheid housing scheme in the Cape, visiting the local market - Gugu Sthebe, where the community showcases their skills and various projects including arts & crafts. Thereafter continue to see informal housing as well as new housing developments underway. For those who have the time, do extend to a full-day tour - a visit to Robben Island in the afternoon. Cruel home of our Nelson Mandela for so many years, it's a highly charged and emotional moment when you visit the site of this suffering and realize how far South Africa has come from those days.

Following breakfast you will be transferred to Stellenbosch.

The Cape Wineland region is found in the Boland, a mountainous area with fertile valleys that host some of the country’s finest vineyards. The Cape Winelands are cooler than their position of 34 degrees south of the equator suggests. As a result, the area is suited for growing many different types of wine including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Pinot Noir and the South Africa specalities of Chenin Blanc and Pinotage.

After checking in to your hotel, the balance of the day is at leisure to discover Stellenbosch.

This tour is always a private tour and a very unique way to experience the fantastic Vineyards and sights of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. During the day we will visit 3 to 4 wine estates, depending on your time and pace. With our 4x4 vehicle we will drive off road up into the vineyards to beautiful vantage points over the Franschhoek, Banghoek and Stellenbosch Valleys respectively. Here you will learn about the area, vines in the vineyard and the history of these settlements before going down to the cellars for a tasting. As this is a private tour, you can decide where you would like to have lunch, in the town of Franschhoek or Stellenbosch, or on one of the many wine estates in the region. Join us for an unforgettable experience.

Today, make your way to the meeting point for your private tour that includes an exciting collection of the best experiences currently available from our popular Classic Cape Cuisine Tour, the divine Foodies on Foot Tour and the brand new Bites in a Box Tour. Each experience chosen is unique, informative and takes guests on a wonderful, artisanal journey through the heart of Stellenbosch. Your guide will show you these gems where you can savor the delicacies that have been passionately created for you.

Following breakfast you will be transferred to the Cape Town Airport for your flight to Hoedspruit, gateway to the Kruger National Park (flight not included in price).

Upon arrival at your private game reserve your will be made to feel most welcome. Time permitting, this afternoon head out on your first afternoon open 4x4 game drive in the reserve to try to spot the Big 5. Afterwards, return to your lodge for a sumptuous dinner.

Today enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in the reserve as you continue to search out the Big 5 and the many other species that call this area home.

Another day is yours to explore the reserve with morning and afternoon game drives or simply relax at the lodge.

One last game drive this morning in hopes of that extra special sighting (time permitting). After breakfast, transfer to Hoedspruit Airport in time for your onward flight.