Discover South Africa

Saturday 4^th July

Today we start our journey to Cape Town.

Overnight in flight.

Sunday 5^th July

We’ll arrive into Cape Town around midday and transfer to our hotel. After check in, the afternoon is free for you to relax after your journey.

Overnight in Cape Town.

Monday 6^th July

We’ll start our adventure in spectacular style this morning with a trip to the top of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks – Table Mountain. Enjoy the sensation of gliding effortlessly in the rotating cable car as the city unfolds beneath you. At the summit, we’ll take time to wander along the pathways surrounded by unique fynbos vegetation, feel the cool mountain breeze, and take in the panoramic vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. Next, we’ll immerse ourselves in the rich heritage of the Bo-Kaap. This neighbourhood is steeped in history dating back to the 1760’s when enslaved people and exiles from Southeast Asia and East Africa settled here. We’ll stroll through the cobblestone streets lined with brightly painted houses, inhaling the rich aroma of spices wafting from local kitchens, and listen to the echoes of daily life as our local guide tells us of the culture and history surrounding this vibrant area.

Our afternoon takes us into the heart of Cape Town at the historic Company’s Garden. This lush oasis offers a peaceful retreat amid the bustle of the city and an ideal spot to perhaps enjoy a picnic lunch. Take this opportunity to wander among the ancient trees and fragrant rose beds, or to pause by the historic statues and fountains – a perfect spot to relax and reflect. We’ll conclude our afternoon at the Castle of Good Hope, South Africa’s oldest surviving colonial building. Stepping inside its sturdy walls, we’ll uncover stories of the Cape’s military past and discover its links to the roots of Cape Town.

After some downtime at our hotel to relax and freshen up, we’ll finish our first day in true celebratory style at the GOLD Restaurant. The sounds of djembe drumming alongside traditional South African dancing will accompany our set 14 dish tasting menu, inspired by ingredients from all over the African continent. After our delicious meal, there might be a chance to even have a go at some drumming yourself.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Cape Town.

Tuesday 7^th July

Today, we’ll leave the city and head to the coast, following one of the most scenic routes to Cape Point, part of the Cape Floral Region World Heritage site. The landscape of Cape Point is covered in endemic fynbos and home to rolling green hills and breathtaking bays… and the meeting of both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Here, a local ranger will share insights into the flora and fauna of this fascinating region.

We’ll lunch at a seafood restaurant, before heading to Boulder’s Beach to meet its endearing African Penguin colony – only found on the African continent. We’ll take to the boardwalks at the beach to get us up close and personal with these characterful little birds as they chatter and waddle across the sand. We’ll return to Cape Town via the charming seaside village of Kalk Bay, where we’ll stop for some final explorations. With its Fisherman’s harbour and quaint shops, this suburb of Cape Town offers beautiful views, unique treasures and local crafts – a perfect end to our day.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Cape Town.

Wednesday 8^th July

Today starts with a difference as we embark on a unique ‘Outtasight’ Street Art Experience. Led by a blind guide, we’ll be taken through selected Cape Town neighbourhoods, with a fresh focus on street art stories, local artists and community. Designed to accommodate both blind and sighted individuals, this tour will immerse us in the vibrant and creative areas of Cape Town bringing its vibrant artistic culture to life.

For lunch, we will head to the beautiful Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens where we can either sit inside in the Tea Room or, weather-depending, take a picnic into the gardens. After lunch, we’ll enjoy a guided walk of the Cape Floral Region, which showcases thousands of plant species only found in this region, as well as spend some time on the Boomslang canopy walkway which offers a unique perspective over the gardens.

Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight in Cape Town.

Thursday 9^th July

Leaving Cape Town behind today, our next exciting adventure begins at the Aquila Private Game Reserve. Consisting of around 10,000 hectares of natural habitat, the game reserve is home to the ‘Big Five’ – lions, elephants, cape buffalo, leopards and rhinoceros. Whilst here, we’ll embark on several game drives in hope of spotting these magnificent creatures, amongst many others.

Arriving late morning, we’ll settle into our accommodation before taking lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, we’ll embark on our first game drive in search of some of the wildlife the reserve has to offer. As the evening draws to a close, we’ll finish our safari in the glow of a stunning African sunset whilst enjoying a sundowner or two – a fitting end to our first day in the reserve.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Aquila Game Reserve.

Friday 10^th July

Today, we’ll start early for an exciting game drive at dawn, the most active time of the day for the majority of species in the reserve. At this morning golden hour, we’ll enjoy listening to the sounds of the savannah awakening as well as hoping to catch a glimpse of the illusive game. We’ll return to the lodge mid-morning where we’ll have some leisure time until our afternoon game drive. You might choose a horseback safari, a visit to the onsite rescue centre, to join a birding walk, or simply relax by the pool.

In the late afternoon, we’ll return to our vehicles for another thrilling game drive, this time following a different route to increase our chances of sightings, ending with another welcomed sundowner before heading back to our lodge for dinner.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Aquila.

Saturday 11^th July

Today, we head out early again, either on foot or for a short game drive, to make the most of our last morning at the Aquila Reserve. We’ll savour the fresh morning air and first rays of sunshine alongside the wonders of the African bush. After our morning adventures, we’ll return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast before we bid Aquila farewell and travel to Hermanus.

Known for its pristine beaches and natural scenic beauty, Hermanus is one of the best places in the world for whale watching and marine safaris. On arrival, this afternoon is free for you to start exploring the local area. With fantastic restaurants and cafes, a leisurely lunch might be your first stop, perhaps followed by a walk along the coastal paths and, if you’re really lucky, your first glimpse of the majestic whales often spotted offshore.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Hermanus.

Sunday 12^th July

This morning, we take to the water in search of the giants of the ocean. With the wind in our hair and the smell of saltwater filling our lungs, we’ll embark on a ‘Big Five’ marine safari with the anticipation of encountering dolphins, seals, marine birds, including the African penguin and, of course, whales, such as the Southern Right, Humpback and Bryde species. These majestic creatures travel to the coast of Hermanus on their journey from the icy waters of Antarctica to the sheltered bays of the western Cape, where they will mate, birth and nurse their calves before a long journey back.

We return to the shore for an afternoon at leisure. Perhaps a stroll along the beach, some shopping in the artisanal boutiques or a relaxing spa treatment might be the order of the day.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Hermanus.

Monday 13^th July

We’ve left today free for you to explore at your own pace. With plenty to do in and around Hermanus, you’ll be spoiled for choice. You might want to visit Rockland’s Farm where you can get up close and personal with a diverse range of animals, from emus to rabbits, or perhaps spend more time with our flightless friends, the African Penguin, at the quieter, Stony Point colony. There are many opportunities for experiencing the peace and calm of nature at the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, or the wilder side of the ocean at Gearing’s Point.  Whether strolling around the old harbour, or relaxing in the array of cafes and bars, there’s sure to be something for everyone in this cosmopolitan, yet nature rich town.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Hermanus.

Tuesday 14^th July

We’ll have a leisurely start to the day with a mid-morning departure for the Cape Winelands region and our final stop on this South African adventure. Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl are the most well-known regions of the Winelands, and are celebrated for their scenic beauty, historic towns and world class wines. The largest wine producing region of South Africa, the Winelands are home to many different vineyards and estates, all with opportunities to take part in tastings and learn more about this popular South African produce.

After checking in to our lodge, we’ll take a light tour of the grounds of the estate to get our bearings, before enjoying an introduction to the different South African wine regions and distinctive winemaking styles.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Stellanbosch.

Wednesday 15^th July

Today is a real treat for the taste buds with two wine tours at different premium estates and a traditional South African lunch. During our wine tours we’ll delve deep into the local specialities that Stellanbosch is known for, learning about the history behind these age-old productions and, of course, trying some of their famed wines. Each sip carries whispers of colonial history, indigenous heritage, and the resilience of South African winemakers of this region.

Staying with local traditions we’ll have what’s known as a “braai” for lunch at the Middelvlei Wine Estate and Boerebraai Restaurant. An integral part of South African culture is to have a braai, or barbecue, outdoors over wood or charcoal, which has evolved into a unique social event, with family and friends gathering to share good stories and a special bottle of wine. A resident braai expert will prepare chops, boerewors and chicken sosaties to perfection. And if the appetising aromas of pot of brood and braaibroodjies are not enough, homemade pâté and pumpkin fritters along with a glass or two of the estates’ wine, will make this lunch a feast for the senses… as well as the stomach!

Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight in Stellanbosch.

Thursday 16th July

After a later breakfast, we’ll drive to one of the most popular stops along the Paarl wine route for a Fairview Wine and Cheese pairing. In picturesque surroundings and with its range of cow and goats milk cheeses, as well as award-winning wines, we’ll learn the best way to pair the best tipple with the best cheese.

This afternoon, we’ll head a little further to the Wellington wine region where we will take part in a guided sensory tasting experience showcasing the Cape’s botanical flavours such as fynbos teas, honey as well as different rooibos blends. We’ll learn how the natural floral kingdom influences local wines, teas and cuisines.
This evening, we’ll have a final group dinner at our estate lodge. A long table experience featuring local seasonal produce will offer a chance to share our wonderful memories of this unforgettable South African adventure.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Stellanbosch.

Friday 17th July

A relaxed morning at leisure on the estate offers an opportunity to purchase those last minute souvenirs, or to wander the beautiful grounds, before we head to Cape Town airport to begin our journey home.

Breakfast included. Overnight in flight.

Saturday 18th July

Today we arrive home but the spirit of South Africa will stay with us in the stories we tell and the unique experiences we’ve shared.