Colourful & Delicious South Africa. Enjoy a luxurious tour, while 'hunting' the BIG 5 with your camera in a malaria free area!
DEPARTURE DATES:
START OF TOUR: 13th SEPTEMBER 2025
END OF TOUR: 27th SEPTEMBER 2025
It is all about photographing the hot spots while enjoying good wine, amazing food, great company and lots of laughter!
Welcome to the adventure of a lifetime!
This unforgettable journey begins in the vibrant city of Cape Town, tucked against the breathtaking Table Mountain backdrop. Savour world-class cuisine and wines in Cape Town and the nearby Wine lands town of Franschhoek. Journey along the cliffs, beaches and quaint towns dotting the scenic Garden Route. Track the "Big Ellies" on safari at Addo Elephant National Park, home to the most dense elephant population in the world.
This tour ticks all the boxes of a classic South African Itinerary, but in addition it has got a strong focus on culinary delights for the discerning traveller with an adventurous pallet. Look out for the different , included lunch and dinner experiences in your day-to-day program.
The grand finale - open-vehicle game drives in malaria-free Kariega Private Reserve to observe lions, leopards, rhinos - more up-close in their natural habitat. From coasts to 'bushveld', vineyards to wildlife, this hand-crafted itinerary showcases the diversity of experiences and natural wonder that South Africa offers. Prepare for a great South African adventure!
Cape Town
The 'mother city' of South Africa, Cape Town still entices travellers from around the world. Wander through historic neighbourhoods like the colourful Bo-Kaap and Sea Point. See African penguins at Boulder's Beach and botanical beauty at Kirstenbosch Gardens. Hike to the top of Table Mountain for panoramic city-to-sea views. Indulge in world-class food and wine with locally influenced cuisine and nearby vineyards.
The cosmopolitan Victoria & Alfred Waterfront offers exceptional shopping and dining. With endless opportunities for discovery, from nature and culture to food and wine, Cape Town rewards intrepid explorers with beauty and adventure in this tourism paradise.
The Cape Wine lands Area
Beyond Cape Town lie two jewels of the Cape Winelands - Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Stellenbosch is South Africa’s second oldest European settlement, with oak-lined streets, charming cafe's, and the country’s top university. Its 300+ wine estates produce world-class Chenin Blancs and Cabernet Sauvignons amid stunning scenery. Nearby, tranquil Franschhoek meanders through valley vistas first planted by French Huguenots in the 17th century.
Boutique wineries like La Motte and Maison offer superb wines and cuisine. Wander historical Huguenot Street before hiking the Franschhoek mountains. With award-winning vineyards, refined restaurants, and Cape Dutch architecture, these Wineland towns encapsulate South African culture and hospitality.
Oudtshoorn
Nestled along South Africa's Garden Route lies the quirky town of Oudtshoorn - the ostrich capital of the world. This region earned its feathered fame starting in the 1860s, when farmers began breeding ostriches for their valuable plumes and leather. Today Oudtshoorn's numerous ostrich show farms let you get up close to these tall, speedy birds while learning about their history and biology.
When you've had your fill of these fascinating flightless giants, explore the glittering Cango Caves or drive through wildlife-rich countryside. From rare birds to underground wonderlands, Oudtshoorn is an unexpected Garden Route gem.
The Garden Route
Stretching along South Africa's southern shore, the Garden Route intertwines mountains, forests, wetlands and beaches in breathtaking fashion. Thrill-seekers can bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge or kayak at the mouth of The Storms River, while nature lovers traverse Tsitsikamma National Park's suspension bridges and hike through ancient Knysna tree forests. Quaint seaside towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay punctuate this gorgeous 200km route.
Stop for beach walks, swim in secluded lagoons, walk among towering Outeniqua Mountains, and indulge in farm-to-table cuisine. With endless outdoor adventures and jaw-dropping vistas around every bend, the winding Garden Route rewards those who take the time to unlock its beauty.
Addo National Park
Located in the Eastern Cape, Addo Elephant National Park protects over 600 elephants and an abundance of other wildlife across its 500+ square miles. Daily game drives reveal giant herds of elephants wallowing in mud baths and grazing in grassy plains, along with lions, black rhinos, buffalo, zebras and a diversity of antelope species. In addition to big game, Addo is a birdwatcher's paradise with over 400 avian species.
Visitors can enjoy guided safaris, walking trails, underground hideouts, and waterhole lodges promising intimate wildlife encounters.
Kariega Private Reserve
Set along the Eastern Cape’s scenic Garden Route, malaria-free Kariega Private Game Reserve spans nearly 25,000 acres of pristine wilderness. The Big Five – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo – roam Kariega’s landscapes, along with cheetah, giraffe, zebra and diverse antelope species. Guided open-vehicle game drives provide intimate sightings of wildlife in their natural habitat.
Kariega’s family-owned hospitality, expert rangers, and commitment to conservation create an exceptional, eco-friendly safari experience. From bush dinners under the stars to close encounters with iconic African wildlife, Kariega is the ideal private South African game reserve escape.
If you’re gonna take me, take me to The Nines. A new Cape Town icon and the latest addition to Kove Collection, The Nines is a rooftop restaurant and cocktail lounge that refuses to compromise where it counts. Hosted in a ninth-floor penthouse with 270-degree views, The Nines offers a rare perspective of upper Sea Point, magnified by floor-to-ceiling glass with vistas of the blue Atlantic, Lion’s head and unrivalled sunsets. Our menu showcases a repertoire of standouts that speak to provenance and produce-forward cooking. This is a confident, contemporary expression of the dishes and drinks we love. This is restaurant classics done right.
Ready to experience a culinary adventure like no other as they bring the vibrant fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavours to your plate. A newcomer to the Cape Town scene and a must visit'.
Bo-Kaap Kombuis - Cape Malay Cuisine
We go there not only for the delicious local cuisine, but also for the great view of the Cape Town City Bowl. This restaurant specialise in the mouth-watering Cape Malay cooking style and they will 'wow' you with dishes like Bobotie and Sugar Bean Curry. A Great Local hang-out!
The Table at De Meye - Wine Tasting & Foodie Afternoon
At The Table we source local, seasonal produce for our menu. We support local suppliers, small-scale farmers and delis, and we buy organic as far as possible. We try to get most of our produce from the Stellenbosch/Winelands Region. Our menu changes weekly (and sometimes daily) depending on the fresh produce available, so our set menu is always a fresh and delicious surprise for guests visiting the restaurant! We only offer a set, three course, sharing style menu.
Wine Tram Curated Experience in Franschhoek
Visit three Franschhoek wine farms and enjoy interactive wine tastings complimented by a tour of the vineyards and cellars. Enjoy a three-course lunch complimented by an 'aroma' wine tasting. Savour old-school charm while travelling on the double-decker tram & bus between wine farms.
Dinner at Monneaux Restaurant. (At FHC & Villas)
In the heart of Franschhoek, the acclaimed Monneaux Restaurant offers freshness, creativity, and generosity on every plate, without compromising on technique or elegance.
The Cape Winelands' dining scene has reconceptualised its dining offering from pass to plate. The focus is on showcasing Monneaux's true identity through seasonality, responsibly-sourced local produce and self-sustainability.
Emily’s is the most exquisite of dining halls. The spirit of Africa is in every archway, every antique table and in the collectors’ items which adorn every nook and cranny. Lunch by the pool or dine by candlelight and remember the experience for the rest of your life.
There is something particularly special about being able to walk into the garden and pick a few crisp leaves or pull a carrot or two from the soil. At Emily Moon we are fortunate to grow most of the fresh produce on your plate in our very own back yard. That which we do not grow on the property is sourced locally from organic farmers in the area.
Sunset Catamaran Cruise - Cape Town Harbour
Enjoy a sunset cruise at the start of the trip on the The Mirage Catamaran. Photograph the Cape Town city skyline, The Waterfront and the iconic Table Mountain while bobbing around on the icy blue of the Atlantic Ocean.
Yacht Cruise on the Knysna Estuary - Lunch Included
Travel to the Knysna Heads, with the Springtide Yacht, across the estuary to take stunning pictures of this 'gateway' to the Indian Ocean. The excursion is complimented by a yummy lunch and African hospitality.
Certified & English Speaking
Private transport between all destinations and excursions
Guaranteed Window Seat On The Bus
From Cape Town Harbour
Knysna Esturary
Knysna Township
Entrance
Entrance
1 x PM Open Vehicle game Drive
2 x AM Open Vehicle Game Drive
2 x PM Open Vehicle Game Drive
2 x AM Open Vehicle Game Drive
Sunset Boat Cruise (Game Viewing)
No Beverages included
No Tips Included
No Flights included
Day 1 Cape Town
Day 2 Cape Town
Day 3 Cape Town
Day 4 Cape Town
Day 5 Franschhoek
Day 6 Franschhoek
Day 7 Oudtshoorn
Day 8 Oudtshoorn
Day 9 Plettenberg Bay
Day 10 Plettenberg Bay
Day 11 Gorah Elephant Camp
Day 12 Gorah Elephant Camp
Day 13 Kariega Private Nature Reserve
Day 14 Kariega Private Nature Reserve
Day 15 End of Service / Airport Transfer
You will be travelling in a comfortable bus with enough seats so that everyone can have a window seat. ;-) Max Group Size 12
Welcome to The Mother City!
Meet your guide (and fellow adventure travellers) in the hotel lobby at 6PM for a short welcome meeting.
Afterwards, your guide will accompany you to the magic tastes of The Nines Restaurant. The Nines offers a rare perspective of upper Sea Point, magnified by floor-to-ceiling glass with vistas of the blue Atlantic, Lion’s head and unrivalled sunsets. Their menu showcases a repertoire of standouts that speak to provenance and produce-forward cooking.
Included Activities:
Welcome Dinner at The Nines Restaurant.
Accommodation: Cape Grace
Meals: D
It's Table Mountain Day!
Start the day early and get in line to get on top of one of the world's most photographed mountain. The revolving floor of the cable car will take you up to 1061 metres above sea level from where you will have unspoilt views of the city below.
After a visit to the beautiful company gardens, it is time to spoil your pallet with the Cape Malay tastes of The Bo-Kaap Kombuis. (Bo-Kaap meaning 'above Cape Town, and 'Kombuis' meaning kitchen). The restaurant is situated in the colourful suburb of the Bo-Kaap on a hill overlooking the city.
Included Activities:
Table Mountain Return Cable Car Tickets.
Cape Malay Lunch Experience.
Accommodation: Cape Grace
Meals: B/L
The most scenic day!
An action-packed day ahead of us as we embark on the Cape Peninsula full day tour!
Sit back and enjoy the dramatic coastline via Chapmans’s Peak Drive en route to Cape Point!
Your goal is to climb the stairs of the old lighthouse to be rewarded with 360 degree views over False Bay, the Cape Peninsula and the icy blue of the Atlantic Ocean. You are now at the most South-Western point of the African continent! This striking part of the coastline was first spotted in 1488, by Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias, who named it "Cabo Tormentoso" or the "Cape of Storms." Later it was re-christened to “Kaap de Goede Hoop” or “Cape of Good Hope”
In the afternoon we pay a visit to the resident, tuxedo-wearing African Penguins at Simon’s Town. African Penguins (Jackass Penguins) Spheniscus demersus, inhabit a few sites along the South African coastline. With the Boulders Beach colony on the Cape Town peninsular, near Simons Town, being the most famous colony of them all.
The penguins first came to False Bay in 1983 from Dyer Island, which is near Gansbaai. Back then, there was plenty for them to eat and the colony grew rapidly. Sadly, commercial fishing, marine pollution, and habitat destruction have taken their toll on the colony.
So make some friends and take lots of pictures – these feathered friends are unique!
Included Activities:
Full day Cape Peninsula tour.
Entrance fees to Cape Point and Penguins.
Accommodation: Cape Grace
Meals: B
Time For Gardening!
In the morning we pay a visit to the famous Kirstenbosch Gardens. South Africa’s flagship botanical garden and home to the national flower, King Protea.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world. Few gardens can match the sheer grandeur of the setting of Kirstenbosch, against the eastern slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain.
Early afternoon make your way to the Waterfront harbour area where you will board a luxury catamaran for a sunset cruise around the dramatic coastline of this beautiful city.
With Table Mountain as a backdrop and the African sun as your studio director, the Instagram picture will be perfect!
In the evening you will be treated to a dinner at the very popular Nikkei restaurant.
An exciting 'newcomer' on the Cape Town restaurant scene. Sporting a Japanese and Peruvian style menu, Nikkei restaurant is 'The Talk Of The Town!'!
Included Activities:
Kirstenbosch Gardens.
Afternoon Catamaran Cruise.
Dinner at Nikkei Restaurant.
Optional Activity: Own style picnic / lunch at Kirstenbosch Restaurant.
Accommodation: Cape Grace
Meals: B/D
Wine Time!
Travel to the second oldest settlement in South Africa, Stellenbosch, and learn about the interesting history of this historic university town. Follow your guide through 'Dorp' street as he points out interesting boutique shops and coffee places. Marvel at the sight and the history of 'De Groote Kerk'.
Your crash course in Stellenbosch history and its people will be followed by a wine tasting and outdoor lunch (weather permitting) experience at a unique restaurant.
Late afternoon it is time to visit one of the oldest wine farms in the area. Muratie wine farm was founded in 1699 and has kept it's old world charm. Settle down in the cellar and enjoy a world class wine tasting.
Included Activities:
Wine tasting and lunch experience in Stellenbosch.
Wine tasting at Muratie wine farm.
Accommodation: Le Quartier Francais
Or Similar
Meals: B/L
The French legacy lives on!!
Enjoy a full-day wine tram experience.
Visit wine farms, enjoy vineyard and cellar tours, chat to the wine makers and enjoy life!
Complimented by a three-course lunch and ending with an 'aroma' wine tasting.
Dinner at Monneaux restaurant.
Included Activities:
Curated wine tram experience.
Dinner at Monneaux Restaurant.
Accommodation: Le Quartier Francais
Or Similar
Meals: B/L/D
Road Trip!
Drive through the Klein Karoo and enjoy the barren, beautiful landscape. Stop for a light lunch at Diesel & Cream (also known for its photographic value) before ascending the Swartberg Pass for great sunset pictures.
Included Activities:
Scenic drive on the Swartberg Pass with Bubbly.
4 Course Dinner.
Accommodation: Mooi Plaas Guest House
Or Similar
Meals: B/D
Cave Exploration.
One of the biggest cave systems in the world is on the menu today.
Visit the Cango Caves in the morning and marvel at this famous attraction.
Oudtshoorn is known as the Ostrich Capital of South Africa. (During the feather boom of the 1930's the feathers of these big birds was equal to gold)
Visit a local farm for an olive tasting and lunch.
Return late in the afternoon to the guest house for an included spa treatment.
Included Activities:
Cango Caves.
Olive tasting and lunch.
Accommodation: Mooi Plaas Guest House
Or Similar
Meals: B/L/D
Time For The 'Kasi Experience'!
An early start to the day will reward you with stunning views as you drive towards the town of Knysna over the Outeniqua Pass.
Marvel at the 'Knysna Heads'. Separated by around 300 metres of water, The Knysna Heads are the headlands of two peninsulas that enclose and form the Knysna River Estuary.
At midday it is time for a 'Kasi Experience'. An educational visit to a Knysna township and complimented with a local style lunch offering.
In the evening, join your hosts at Emily Moon for a magical time of wine, laughter and excellent food.
Included Activities:
Township Tour Local Lunch.
Dinner Experience At Emily Moon.
Accommodation: The Plettenberg - Liz Mcgrath Collection
Or Similar
Meals: B/L/D
Set The Sails!
Early morning it's time to meet our feathered friends from Birds of Eden, the biggest aviary in the world.
Then we make our way back to the Knysna estuary to get on-board the Springtide Yacht. She will sail us towards the mouth of the estuary to get a closer look at 'The Heads' and to offer great photographic opportunities.
Lunch is served on the boat.
Back on dry land we drive up to the northern head to view the estuary from above.
Included Activities:
Birds of Eden.
The Springtide Yacht Experience with lunch.
Knysna Heads Viewpoint
Accommodation: The Plettenberg - Liz McGrath Collection
Or Similar
Meals: B/L
An active day awaits!
Start with a memorable visit to the Tsitsikamma National Park, situated on the coastline where the Storms River meets the Indian Ocean. Hike the popular suspension bridges and be rewarded with Instagram worthy pictures.
After an optional in lunch inTsitsikamma National Park, we settle in for a 4.5h drive towards Africa's BIG 5 animals.
Arrive late in the afternoon at Addo National Park in time for a quick 'sunset sundowner' drive with your ranger.
Included Activities:
Entrance to Tsitsikamma National Park & suspension bridge hike.
Sundowners at Addo National Park.
Accommodation: Gorah Elephant Camp - Hunter Hotels
Or Similar
Meals: B/D
Time to slow down.
After lively days, it is time to slow down and start taking it easy.
Experience the adventure and romantic mystique of the authentic African safari of centuries past.
Gorah Elephant Camp is a luxurious tented camp, with a gracious manor house overlooking a waterhole teaming with game in the heart of the Addo National Park.
Enjoy AM & PM open vehicle game drives.
Included Activities:
Morning and Afternoon, open vehicle game drive.
Accommodation: Gorah Elephant Camp - Hunter Hotels
Meals: B/L/D
Africa's BIG 5.
Wake up early for a sunrise game drive before breakfast. The animals don't sleep late and neither should you. ;-)
After breakfast it's time to say goodbye to the friendly hosts of Gorah before making your way towards Kariega.
Arrive in time for lunch, enjoy the short siesta and grab your camera for the afternoon game drive. (Shoot the BIG 5 with your camera: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo).
Included Activities:
Morning open vehicle game drive at Gorah Elephant Camp.
Afternoon open vehicle game drive at Kariega Private Reserve.
Accommodation: Kariega Private Reserve - Settlers Drift
Or Shamwari Private Game Reserve - Bayete Camp
Meals: B/L/D
Can you handle this daily program?
If you struggle, let us know. ;-)
Included Activities:
Morning open vehicle game drive.
Afternoon sunset boat cruise on Kariega River.
Accommodation: Kariega Private Reserve - Settlers Drift
Or Shamwari Private Game Reserve - Bayete Camp
Meals: B/L/D
Time To Say Goodbye!
Rush out the door and enjoy your last early morning sunrise game drive.
Wave goodbye to the African animals that you have learned to love in a short space of time. Share pictures and email addresses at the breakfast table before hugging your guides goodbye.
The adventure is about to end, but the journey will always carry on...
En route to the airport it is time to start planning your next African holiday.
Included Activities: Morning open vehicle game drive. Airport Transfer.
PS: The tour ends on the morning of day 15 at the Chief Dawid Stuurman Airport. Gqebera (Port Elizabeth Airport. FAPE.)
Meals: B
Currency
The currency is the Rand, which is divided into 100 cents. There are R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10 notes. Coins come in R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, and 10c.
Banking
Banks are found in most towns and are generally open from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays (Closed Sundays and Public Holidays). Most of them offer foreign exchange services - with cash, bank & credit cards as well as travellers cheques. You can also obtain cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs). Several international banks have branches in the main city centres. Always advise your bank that you are travelling outside the country as they might block your purchases if they are not informed.
Travelling around South Africa is relatively easy by air, road and rail.
Several airlines operate domestic routes with regular links between Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, George, Nelspruit and Port Elizabeth and relatively frequent flights to several smaller towns and cities too.
An extensive tarred road system makes travelling in South Africa by vehicle convenient and easy. You will find gravel roads in rural areas though. Please note that a valid international driver's licence is required. We drive on the left-hand side of the road. Most global car hire firms have branches in South Africa.
Another means of getting around South Africa are inter-city bus services. Metrobus buses are available for in-city transport. Metered taxis can be ordered and e-hailing services are available. There is the popular MyCityBus system in Cape Town and a hop-on-hop-off tourist bus in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
The rail system includes the long-haul, inexpensive Shosholoza Meyl Metrorail trains with more luxurious options are available. There is also the Gautrain rapid transit railway system in Gauteng Province.
Standards of hygiene in relation to food health and safety in South Africa, are generally high in hotels, restaurants, pubs and nightspots. Tap water in South Africa is safe to drink and cook with when taken from taps in urban areas. Not all tap water in rural areas is safe for consumption, so take precautions if necessary.
It is safe to eat fresh fruit, vegetables and salads and put ice in your drinks. South Africa's fish, meat and chicken are of excellent quality, so there is no need to limit yourself when enjoying the local cuisine.
Restaurants are subject to South Africa's food safety control legislation, which is implemented by local government. Regulations include certification and regular inspections by health inspectors to maintain hygienic standards.
Street food is not as common in South Africa as it is in other countries, although vendors selling traditional snacks and meals can be found in city centres and townships. Food safety in such instances cannot always be guaranteed.
South African temperatures, which are measured in centigrade, average at highs of 28°C to average lows of 8°C in the summer months, while winter temperatures range from 1°C at night to around 18°C during the day. Average annual rainfall is on the low side at under 500mm a year, making the country somewhat dry. Much of the rain falls in the Western Cape in the winter, differing from the rest of the country, which experiences summer rainfall. On the plus side, the South African climate boasts more than its fair share of sunshine, recording an average of 8.5 hours a day.
Summer
Bring cool, light and comfortable clothes because summer temperatures can get well into the 30 - 40 degree Celsius range in some areas. Also, bring an umbrella or raincoat during summer as this is when most of the country gets its rain, but don't forget a swimming costume (bathing suit).
Winter
The winters are generally mild, comparing favourably with European summers. But there are days when temperatures dive, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg, so be prepared with jerseys and jackets. Cape Town gets its rain during the winter season so it's advisable to bring rain gear along.
General
Always bring a hat, sunglasses and sunblock as the sun can be strong even in the winter months.
Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.
If you are doing business in the country, business attire is generally called for in the corporate sector, but media, for example generally dress more casually.
For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there's no need to go overboard. A good pair of walking shoes is also advisable.
For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, smart-casual attire is recommended.
Most accommodation offer Wifi in their business centres, rooms or restaurants. Internet cafes are found in most business areas and shopping malls. In addition, some South African restaurants offer WiFi access.
There are also outlets such as PostNet that offer internet, fax and postage facilities.
Electrical sockets in the Republic of South Africa are Type M (SABS-1661). If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug it in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types.
Electrical sockets in South Africa usually supply electricity at 230 volts AC / 50 Hz frequency. If you're plugging in an appliance built for 230-volt electrical input, or an appliance compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. A voltage converter will be necessary if your appliance isn't compatible with 230 volts.
