11 night South Africa Tour from Cape Town to The Winelands and Madikwe

Full day Private Cape Town City tour, including Table Mountain by Cable Car and Robben Island Museum

Tour Overview

At a glance
• Explore Kalk Bay – Meet the Resident Seals & Fishing Folk
• Explore – Conservation Walk near Boulders, Simon’s Town
• Explore Cape Point – History, Wildlife & Nature
• Choose between:
• Explore – Noordhoek Farm Village with a Cheeky ‘Kick Ass’ Ice Cream or Coffee
OR
• Explore – Wine Tasting – Constantia Winelands
• Early Evening Sundowners – Cape Peninsula
• Explore – Cape Town’s most scenic road with all 144 curves of Chapman’s Peak Drive

Our tour begins at Kalk Bay, best known for its working fishing harbour and bohemian feel. Browse the arts and crafts on offer, perhaps do a bit of shopping in the quirky fashion boutiques and enjoy the antiques and collectables along the main strip.

Next, we’ll head over to Simon’s Town to for those keen to find out more about the rich history surrounding this naval town, museums and monuments providing plenty of insight. Bringing this naval town to life is an insight into the shark diving industry and stories of Just Nuisance – Great Dane, WWII mascot and only dog ever enlisted in the Royal Navy.

Before heading into the Cape Peninsula, itself we search for our own rogue penguins – a splinter colony away from the crowded boardwalks over the main breeding site – on a beach known only to locals. Our tour continues with a gentle hike in the Cape Peninsula Reserve, exploring secluded beaches and this region’s unique wildlife. The return journey weaves back to Cape Town via Noordhoek Farm Village a food artisan hub of the Peninsula OR alternatively, pop into a gorgeous wine estate in Constantia, a well-known wine-producing area and one of the oldest in the southern hemisphere.

Time permitting, we stop for a sundowner at a local brewery, vineyard, beach or scenic look-out, whatever takes your fancy.

Please note that during your morning brief your guide may advise changing the route of your tour to allow for us to beat any pending crowds into certain areas during peak seasons, so that we can spend maximum time exploring outside the vehicle.

Includes:
Entrance fees, selection of craft beers, wines, local gins & tonic, specialist tea, coffee & hot chocolate, juices, ice tea, gourmet pantry with home baked goodies & local snacks, toy bag for children, car seats, children activity pack, child friendly snacks

A day at leisure in Cape Town

Private Transfer: Gardens to Franschhoek

An easy drive from Cape Town, the Winelands dramatic mountains stand guard over a quilt of working vineyards, elegant Cape Dutch estates and quaint towns boasting top restaurants, hotels and spas. Sample some of the regions award-winning wine offerings, stroll through exquisitely maintained gardens or explore art galleries and antique shops in the oak-lined streets of the local towns. The buzzing university village of Stellenbosch was named after the Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel and, as the historic hub of the Winelands it is surrounded by around 200 wineries.

Franschhoek, a charming town with French Hugenot heritage is arguably the culinary headquarters of the country and home to the creative genius of a number of resident chefs. Framed by a majestic backdrop of the Helderberg Mountains, Paarl lies peacefully nestled amongst vineyards laden with the harvest’s finest offerings.
Enjoy gourmet meals lovingly prepared by experienced chefs and served in lush gardens, or stylish restaurants. Sample local wines and explore the cellars of well-established wine farms. The Winelands is all about stepping back from the hectic pace of modern living, and appreciating the finer things in life in some of the most gorgeous and tranquil locations this country has to offer.

Accomodation

3 nights at La Residence – Luxury Suite

Your stay includes:
Breakfast, local beverages, house wines, full mini bar, tea/coffee, shuttle service into the town of Franschhoek and laundry.

La Residence is located in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley, on a private estate surrounded by vineyards and orchards. With the stunning mountains in the background and breath taking natural scenery, La Residence is a haven of tranquillity and exquisite opulence. 11 suites are individually decorated, the elaborate interiors rich and eye-catching. Persian rugs, velvet and silk fabrics, antique furnishings and lavish finishes encapsulate La Residence’s French flavour. With a reputation for superb cuisine and excellent service, dining is part of the property’s appeal. Enhanced by candle-light or the mesmerizing glow of the chandeliers, leisurely meals are paired with the regions finest vintages. Enjoy pampering spa treatments or soak up the sun beside the pool, admiring the sheer perfection of this location.

Approximately 3 to 6 hours depending on number of stops (excluding transfer time)

Please note:
• Tickets need to be collected from the Ticket Office at least 15 minutes prior to departure. Should you miss your scheduled departure time there is no guarantee that there will be space on the next departure
• The tram or tram-bus passes each stop once an hour. Should you wish to stay longer than 1 hour at any farm this is possible but would mean that you will forfeit another Estate
• The service operates in one direction and once you pass a Wine Estate you cannot go back
• Wine that is bought during the tour can be given to a conductor and will be available for collection at the Ticket Office at the end of your journey
• You must hop-off at least at 2 of the wine estates on the bus before moving on to the tram section with the 10.30 and 11.30 departures

The Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on hop-off tour is one of the best ways to discover the true essence of the Franschhoek Valley – picturesque vineyards, breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, world-class cuisine, fine wines and a 300 year history.

Passengers on board the hop-on hop-off tour experience a unique and leisurely way to see the Franschhoek Valley as they journey through rolling vineyards in an open-side tram and open-air tram-bus stopping in at some of South Africa’s oldest and most distinguished wine estates.
A combination of tram and tram-bus transports passengers around a loop of stops allowing them to hop-off at each stop and experience the activities on offer, be it wine tasting, a cellar tour, lunch or simply a stroll through the vineyards and when they are ready, hop-on to continue the tour.
The experience takes passengers right into the heart of the Franschhoek Valley, with a narration focusing on the history of Franschhoek and wine cultivation in the valley, unparalleled views of the valley and vineyards.

Private Transfer: Franschhoek to Cape Town Airport

Shuttle Flight- Johannesburg to Madikwe

Welcome to Madikwe Game Reserve…

Madikwe, one of the country’s top game viewing destinations, encompasses vast tracks of land, endless dirt roads and clear views over big game territory. Blazing sunsets close days coated in the greens and browns of Africa, and the sounds of the bush fall softly in your ears. It’s not uncommon to merge your path with that of the animals traveling in the same direction, follow along behind the wild dog pack as it trots along the road, yipping excitedly as dusk falls, move back to give the elephant bull some space as he crosses before you, his ears flapping a slow beat in the heat. Search for that insistent bird calling out in the midday heat, hidden from sight in the trees. Each morning a new chapter begins and the story of the bush starts again, fresh and clean in the morning air.

Madikwe, is a family-friendly reserve in the north of the country, bordering Botswana. Renowned for its prolific Wild Dog population, the destination is inhabited by numerous bird and game species, and by virtue of its proximity to the Kalahari, is endemic to animals absent in other parks: Springbok, Gemsbok and Tsessebe populate Madikwe and the fearless Etosha lions take down super-size kills.
An area of reclaimed farm land, this reserve was established in an effort to uplift the community and aided by government, private and community input Madikwe is a ground-breaking success story. Bordering private properties, work closely with Madikwe and community Lodges have been introduced.

Accomodation

3 nights at Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge – Luxury Suite

Your stay includes:
All meals, local brand drinks, 2 scheduled activities per day, return Madikwe airstrip transfers and laundry.
Lodge activities include: Game drives and bush walks. Minimum 6 pax per vehicle

About Sanctuary Matanyane Safari Lodge

Sanctuary Makayane Safari Lodge is situated on 18,000 hectares of private ground within the malaria-free Madikwe Reserve. Romantic and intimate, the lodge is positioned in a riverine forest and enjoys lush vistas into the surrounding bushveld. 8 impressive glass-walled suites ensure the scenery is uninterrupted. The rooms have been constructed using the rich textures of rock, tree trunks and thatch and open-fronted lounges extend onto private decks. Admire the tranquillity of the bush from outdoor showers or while soaking in free-standing baths. The lodge has a lounge, bar, curio shop and dining area, as well as a boma for evening meals. Guests can relax in the heated swimming pool, or visit the spa, gym and excellent wine cellar.

Activities include game drives, walks and hide visits. One of the main highlights is sleeping under the stars in the romantic outdoors hide.

Shuttle Flight- Madikwe to Johannesburg

Private Transfer: OR Tambo International Airport to Sandton

Welcome to Johannesburg

South Africa’s economic hub, the New York of Africa, bursts at the seams with a wealth of art, history and culture. Johannesburg is a fusion of chic sophistication and rustic, inner-city vibe born of Africa’s finest creative minds. Modern African art meets designer trend and the results are striking. From the inner city walking tours’ street art and graffiti, to the re-invented university suburbs, the rejuvenation exposes a vibrant urban life. Braamfontein’s Constitution Hill, art galleries and restaurants are an example of this regeneration. It is here the continent can express itself and the results are funky, a little off beat and totally captivating.

Upmarket Sandton, Rosebank and Melrose are shopping meccas, with restaurants, and activities easily located beside leafy suburbs. Soweto, once home to South Africa’s most well-loved legend, is an essential part of any visit to Johannesburg. Nelson Mandela’s house, the Hector Pieterson Museum and Regina Mundi Cathedral are part of the historical appeal of any Soweto visit, and the importance of South Africa’s turbulent past and hard won democracy is evident.

Accomodation

Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa – Grand Chateau Suite

Your stay includes:
Breakfast, complimentary transfers to the Sandton Shopping District and complimentary transfers to the Gautrain Sandton Station (Transfer times : 07h00 – 19h00)

About the Hotel

An exclusive boutique hotel in upmarket Morningside Manor, The stately Fairlawns is set in park-like tranquil gardens. Rolling lawns, trees, prolific bird-life and stables make this a haven set away from the bustle of the city. 40 opulent suites offer world-class accommodation, each individually created with tasteful appointments and traditional, euro-centric themes. Elegant main areas include a fine dining restaurant, Victorian tea lounge for high tea, a fitness centre and upmarket spa. Savour a brandy beside a roaring fire after experiencing the culinary offerings, and soak up the African sun beside the glittering pool. This luxurious property offers a peaceful ambiance and superb service.

Private Transfer: Sandton to OR Tambo International Airport