Wellness, Wine & Safari in South Africa

From $5,495 pp

  • Duration

    14 days
  • Bookable From

    Year-round
  • Trip Style

    Privately Guided
  • Country

    Sustainable Travel in South Africa
  • Physical Rating

    Easy

Overview

Come away with us to enjoy wellness treatments, sip world-renowned wines, and go on a classic safari to round out an immersive trip experiencing the beauty and vibrant cultures of Cape Town, South Africa.

Is it time for a break from routine? Head down to the southernmost tip of Africa...

South Africa is one of the most magnificent parts of the world. It's a paradise full of exquisite scenery, beautiful beaches, wondrous safari nights, and exhilarating outdoor experiences, just to mention a few. And Cape Town is where it all starts.

Indulge yourself in traditional cuisine, nature walks, and time at the spa to restore your tired mind while enjoying fine wine in the Winelands. Finish your slow-travel experience in South Africa with a sensational safari in a scenic floral setting. Join us for this unparalleled travel experience!

Highlights

  • Explore scenic Cape Floral Kingdom with its many beauty spots around the Peninsula
  • Breathe in the wide open spaces of the unspoilt West Coast Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO site)
  • Be immersed in the culture of the Indigenous First People of the country
  • Enjoy the tranquillity of the Cape Winelands and take your time blending food and wine
  • Mingle with the locals through storytelling while eating traditional cuisine
  • Indulge in some pampering spa treatments
  • Experience a 2-day Cape Safari in search of the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo)
  • Visit a community project

Cape Town is a treat for any kind of traveler. No wonder so many visitors come back! There is an array of landscapes, a wide variety of natural beauty to admire, and no shortage of activities to enjoy. Whether you enjoy the buzz of the city, the quiet of the coast, or want to meander into the Cape Winelands, Cape Town offers adventures for all ages.

The 14-day tour is a beautiful mix of immersive culture, community and conservation in the breathtaking mother city of Cape Town. You will be introduced to the vibrant and rich history of the cosmopolitan city with ample time to explore iconic attractions like the District Six museum, Cape Point, Boulders Beach, Table Mountain, and the colorful cobbled streets of the Bo Kaap.

After 3 days of city streets, you will escape to the quieter and unspoiled corners of the West Coast, known for its quaint fishing villages. Here, you enjoy the open spaces on guided walks and learn about the ways of the San. From foraging for indigenous ingredients to sampling culture-infused food, you will be inspired by the simple ways of South Africa's First People.

Then, the pace gets even slower, when you venture into the Cape Winelands surrounded by beautiful mountains, rivers, and fine wine. Spend the next two days on a wine estate home to an incredible story of transformation. The scenery changes when you leave for a Cape country route that is off the beaten track and full of charm.

Your slow travel journey around Cape Town will end on a high note with a sensational safari at one of the most luxurious private game reserves.

Seasonal Notes

South Africa enjoys mild winters and long summers, making it a popular year-round destination. Remember: in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are flipped!

  • December-March: This is the best time for all those seeking the sun and beach days.
  • April-September: This is considered the best time to visit with cooler weather.

Special times to visit:

  • August-September: The West Coast blooms into a blanket of wildflowers and is one of the most beautiful sights to see!
  • November-February: This is the best time to travel for birding (though it can be rainy during this period). Temperatures remain warm at 72°F to 91°F (22°C to 33°C).

Itinerary

Day 1 Cape Town, South Africa (arrival day)

Arrive at Cape Town International Airport. Your driver will meet you and take you to your accommodation just 25 minutes from the city. After settling in, you might want to stretch your legs and walk around the uber-trendy Kloof Nek, situated on the slopes of Table Mountain. If you like, take a stroll at the V&A Waterfront before dinner and enjoy a variety of African cuisine at the GOLD restaurant.

  • Accommodation: Victorian-style Guesthouse
  • Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Cape Town: Colorful Cultures of the Bo Kaap

After breakfast, you join a guided street tour of the oldest residential area in the city, the colorful Bo Kaap. Learn about the history of the Cape Malay culture, led by a local woman and after an insightful walk, you will enjoy some traditional treats.

For the rest of the day, explore the markets or museums on foot in the city, take a boat ride out of the harbor to Robben Island, or visit Table Mountain... the possibilities are endless.

  • Accommodation: Victorian-style guesthouse
  • Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Cape Town: Cape Peninsula Tour

Join a full-day hop-on, hop-off bus tour around the Peninsula, stopping at iconic attractions like Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Garden, and Cape Point. You can take your time at the different stops as you like. You will drive the beautiful scenic route on Chapman’s Peak and stop at Boulders Beach to see the African penguins up close and personal.

If you are back in time, join the local folks for sundowners at Signal Hill. It’s a thing!

  • Accommodation: Victorian-style guesthouse
  • Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Outside Cape Town: Heading to the West Coast

After breakfast, we leave the busy city center and get into more cultural experiences. Your driver will pick you up to head towards the quieter corner of Cape Town, the rural, wide and wonderful West Coast.

Venture just 30 minutes west of the city, and you will experience the slow lane when you wander around in the West Coast National Park which turns into a tapestry of colors in the Spring. This coastal stretch delivers unspoiled areas with quaint fishing villages like Langebaan and Paternoster.

You will stay in simple and sophisticated accommodation at the San Centre. Khwattu is the home of the First People, the indigenous of South Africa. At your leisure, an Indigenous guide will take you on a tour around the farm and share about their language, food, medicine, and ways of the Khoi-San. For the evening relax on the porch to the quiet sounds of the night and some star gazing.

  • Accommodation: Farmhouse Cottage
  • Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 Outside Cape Town: Langebaan Lagoon

After breakfast, leave to visit the biodiverse West Coast National Park, only a few minutes from your accommodation. The West Coast National Park is one of 20+ South African National Parks. The park is located inside the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve, part of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program. This is a well-known park in the wildflower season (August to September)! Even if you don't consider yourself much of an adventurer, you can still enjoy the region's gorgeous nature.

A packed lunch will be prepared by the staff for you from the Atlantic viewpoint, which offers sheltered picnic spots and benches. On clear days, you can see Table Mountain from there.

Wander around Langebaan Lagoon enjoying the water activities along the beach or return to your quiet and secluded spot.

  • Accommodation: Farmhouse Cottage
  • Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 Cape Winelands

After breakfast, a driver will collect you for your stay in the Winelands. We travel along the back roads of farmlands before checking into tranquillity on a wine estate with an incredible transformational story to tell. After settling in, you are free to stroll on the estate.

Later in the afternoon, spend a few hours in the beautiful and quaint town of Franschhoek. Walk along the main road, pop into some French colonial flare, or take the wine tram that winds its way to several wine farms. Dinner can be enjoyed in the town that is one of South Africa’s best fine dining culinary delights.

  • Accommodation: Wine Farm
  • Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Cape Winelands: Paarl, the Pearl of the Winelands

Wake up to the soothing sounds of the farm and enjoy breakfast on the balcony of Hope restaurant. A morning walk in the vineyards will be led by the farm workers to share their transformational story.

In the afternoon, guests will be transported to the first sustainable town in the country, Paarl. Also known as the pearl of the Winelands, a local female guide will walk you down the longest street in the country sharing the history and culture.

After the walk, you are invited to enjoy a home-cooked meal prepared by a local woman in her home.

  • Accommodation: Wine Farm
  • Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 Cape Winelands: Food & Wine Tastings

Today, we are visiting the oldest town, Stellenbosch, and the hub of the Cape Winelands. With the beautiful mountain backdrop, the town is home to a rich history and produces some of the best wines the country is known for.

A visit to the distillery will have guests see how wine is produced and will continue with wine and food pairings at Seven Sisters Wine Farm. The rest of the afternoon you can spend at the Spice Route market, where you can sample and shop great local produce.

  • Accommodation: Wine Farm
  • Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 Cape Country Route

You leave the wine farm today after breakfast and drive along the beautiful pass towards the Karoo via the infamous Route 62. An extension to the wine route, the town of Montague is known for its natural springs and is only 2.5 hours drive away.

Settle in before you will be taken on a guided driving tour in vintage style.

  • Accommodation: Boutique Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 10 Wine Valley Safari & River Cruise

After breakfast, you will be taken on a hop-on, hop-off Wine Valley Safari on the Golden Mile in the Karoo. This safari tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of the countryside and indulge in some of the finest wines produced in the region.

You will be visiting three wine estates and tasting at least 12 distinct wines. The Viljoensdrift river cruise ends off your afternoon before returning to your hotel.

You can enjoy dinner at your hotel that will take you back a few decades in the unique Charleston restaurant, a favorite to locals and international guests.

  • Accommodation: Boutique hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 Luxury Safari Reserve

We say our goodbyes to the friendly staff of this restored gem in the Karoo and take to the road to the private game reserve in Mossel Bay.

Check in to your private game reserve after a 3-hour drive. This luxury private game reserve with free roaming of the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo) is one of the forerunners in conservation. The reserve offers guests attentive service, superb cuisine, inspiring interiors, expert game rangers, and an array of activities.

  • Accommodation: Safari lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 12 Safari: In Search of the Big 5

Enjoy a great diversity of wildlife and the natural Karoo beauty with the opportunity to capture stunning wildlife photos. Spend a full day on Safari with the friendly and experienced reserve rangers. Relax after an exhilarating day with a spa treatment.

  • Accommodation: Safari lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 13 Safari Reserve: Conservation Activity & Floral Kingdom Walk

After breakfast, guests can opt into a conservation experience where the skilled and passionate team will explain about the biodiversity of the beautiful floral-rich region and illustrate how best to preserve it. Nothing like getting active on Safari!

Later, guests will join a Fynbos walking experience under the escort of experienced field guides who know the bush and its secrets intimately. Fynbos is one of the world’s six Floral Kingdoms, the smallest yet richest of the kingdoms. Similar to wildflowers, Fynbos creates a tapestry of color and ongoing interest as it is ever-changing. Walks are conducted in the 1200-hectare Protected Endangered Species Area.

For the rest of the day, you can relax next to the pool or enjoy a pampering session in the spa.

  • Accommodation: Safari lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 14 Cape Town (departure day)

It's time to say goodbye... It is so sad to see you leave today!

After breakfast, we will head back to Cape Town. We might squeeze in a stop for a coffee along the way, depending on flight times.

We know you will have the most memorable and meaningful holiday in our beautiful South Africa! Please come back!

  • Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Customization

This trip is customizable upon request. Contact us if you want to tweak something!

Route Map

Route Map showing the 14 day itinerary from Cape Town, South Africa, to the west coast, for the Wellness, Wine, and Safari sustainable slow travel trip.

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • 13 nights' accommodation with breakfast

  • 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners

  • Airport transfers (2)

  • All transfers between locations

  • Day 3: bus tickets

  • 6 Guided tours

  • 2 Spa treatments

  • Conservation fees at game reserve

  • Community levy

  • Financial protection

  • Flights to/from Cape Town

  • Meals not mentioned

  • Entrance fees at attractions

  • Medical & Travel Insurance

  • Visa-related costs

  • Gratuities

  • Personal expenses

  • Touristic taxes

  • Anything not mentioned as 'Included'

Pricing

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

Contact us about discounted pricing based on your group size.

  • Deposit per person

    30% of trip price

  • Group of 2-4 Travelers - price per person

    $5,495

  • Single Supplement

    $550

Sustainability

Sustainability is at the very heart of what we do. Our focus is on local culture, the people, the environment and making a positive impact. We believe a collective consciousness is necessary for the traveler, locals, and environment to grow.

Therefore, we intentionally collaborate with those who want to be part of rebuilding an inclusive, more sustainable model that benefits all stakeholders in the tourism industry. All our tours/trips are a combination of celebrating all cultures, connecting travelers to local community experiences and bringing awareness about conservation. Travelers will enjoy the heart of the country through colorful and collaborative journeys that positively impact and empower.

Conscious of our impact on people and planet, we provide travelers with a Pre-Trip Guide to familiarize themselves with the culture, customs, traditions and how to minimize their carbon footprint on the destination.

Environmental

South Africa has a conservation culture from the start, and we encourage our guests to join us in our efforts to ensure the preservation of water, save energy, and respect our natural environment. We share tips in our Pre-Trip Guide which we send guests before departure.

The country is currently battling an energy crisis called load shedding. Most of our partners have implemented energy-saving practices and follow protocols and guidelines to ensure safe environments for staff and guests. They have installed smart switches in various areas to switch off lights etc. when not needed. Switching off geysers in guest rooms when they are not in use. Most have replaced all light bulbs with LED energy-saving bulbs. We support them in their effort through our wildlife volunteering program. In terms of wildlife conservation in the Cape Winelands, our provider partners with Cape Nature for rehabilitated Tortoises to be released on the farm. We also support two female entrepreneurs who turn waste into wonderful gifts which are included in the Welcome Gift to our guests.

Our suppliers and partners are encouraged to improve environmental awareness. They have contributed to several environmental matters, which in turn helps us on our sustainability journey. Each entity has initiatives from small to medium suppliers to preserve nature conservation, waste management and water saving. We encourage travelers to use public transport, especially in the busy city centers, instead of hiring cars.

We use locally owned and operated infrastructure.

Economic

We intentionally choose small operators within the community where travelers stay. From accommodation, transport, and fresh produce to co-creating travel experiences, to ensure the economic growth of that particular community as far as possible. Using local businesses and produce from the communities ensures a circular economy where money stays within the host community.

Choosing and supporting women-owned businesses from marginalized communities as our suppliers are essential issues we campaign for. We directly address social issues like this to reduce inequality within the country. Guests get to immerse themselves fully into the local culture by enjoying a home-cooked meal, learning to play the African drums, or partaking in a community walkabout. Introducing visitors to local experiences like this, protect and safeguard natural and cultural heritage. Real local experiences like the Cape Malay, Black, and Indigenous tours make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

To help put profits into local hands so they can benefit directly, we:

  • Intentionally use youth and women-owned businesses from overlooked and marginalized communities. Creating opportunities for women from disadvantaged communities means they can provide for their families and community. Accommodation, transport, and food suppliers live in and around the community our guests visit. This ensures the industry's economic impact is spread equally at all levels of society.
  • Co-designed travel experiences with local communities to ensure an authentic experience for travelers. This fosters a collective responsibility and gives them ownership of their product.
  • Provide employment and business opportunities for local people. All tour guides are locals. Trained and certified by the municipal and national tourism bodies, tour guides are well-prepared, friendly, and professional in sharing their local knowledge with international and domestic guests. They come with the recommendation of our travel and tourism partners. Most of our suppliers are entrepreneurs and owners of their social enterprises.
  • Provide welcome gifts for guests that are made and provided by women-owned businesses.

Sociocultural

From the Bo Kaap tour to the Indigenous sharing their cultures, we are highlighting the diverse cultures South Africa has, which also represent marginalized people. Through storytelling, local artists, small operators and suppliers from disadvantaged backgrounds offer and create authentic travel experiences. Guests will share home-cooked meals with local women.

Health & Safety

Be sure you have traveler's insurance.

All health and safety guidance will be given to guests on guided tours. The Pre-Trip Guide also gives tips on how to travel safely. Travelers do not need to be vaccinated for South Africa.

FAQs

What does the Physical Rating of "Easy" mean?

Travelers will be able to partake in all guided tours if they are relatively fit. There will be some walking tours including the conservation morning, when guests can help clearing vegetation.

What are the accommodations like?

The accommodations we have chosen are small, boutique guest houses. We have chosen to work with them because they are contributing to several environmental matters, which in turn helps us on our sustainability journey. Each entity has initiatives from small to medium suppliers to preserve nature conservation, waste management and water saving.

How is this trip safe for female, solo, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC travelers?

Cape Town city is a safe environment for LGBTQ+ travelers, female travelers, and solo travelers.

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