Luxury South Africa Highlights: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari - 10 Days

Highlights

• Sip champagne on sunset cruises and dine at Cape Town's best restaurants
• Witness exotic wildlife on penguin tours and safari drives at game reserves
• Sample the finest bottles at the famous Cape Winelands region 
• Hit the road on the famous "Garden Route" coastal drive through South Africa

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town, Dinner at GOLD

Welcome to South Africa! There are few better destinations for a luxury adventure than Africa's southernmost country. Travelers flock here for safaris at its national parks and reserves, plus its abundant natural beauty makes for some memorable road trips. The good life begins immediately with your arrival in Cape Town, the capital of the Western Cape region—one of the most gorgeous locales anywhere on the continent. 

At the airport, a driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Nestled in the hills of central Cape Town, the 4-star Camissa House offers both proximity to city fun and the tranquility of a mountain hideaway. It's the very definition of a "boutique" hotel, as it features a mere eight luxury guest suites with private terraces offering panoramic city views. If you like, take afternoon high tea down by the infinity pool, which also overlooks Cape Town's most iconic landmarks, like the massive Table Mountain.

Dinner tonight is an exclusive experience at one of the city's best restaurants. Located in the scenic (and trendy) V&A Waterfront district, GOLD features a 14-course tasting safari that spans the continent. But the food is only part of the experience—each night on stage, African musicians and dancers perform for the guests. The night begins with champagne flecked with 24-carat gold leaf flakes, followed by the meal and a curated "spice experience." This gastronomic storytelling adventure will take you down the continent's ancient spice routes, from Uganda to Burundi, one bite at a time. 

Day 2: Cape Peninsula & Penguins, Lunch at Crofter's Kitchen

You've got a packed itinerary for your first full day in Africa. A driver will pick you up early for the ride south of Cape Town to the famous Cape Peninsula and the towering headland of Cape Point. Throughout the trip, you'll be treated to epic views of the Atlantic coastline as you pass wide beaches and picturesque seaside villages. Feel free to stop and explore the rocky coastline with its fynbos shrubland vegetation, home to birds like oystercatchers and ostriches, plus animals like baboons and the Cape mountain zebra.

Eventually, you'll arrive at Cape Point Nature Reserve, stopping at the Cape of Good Hope. Here, you can hike up to the iconic lighthouse and enjoy views over the headland to both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Afterward, it will be time for lunch, which is another culinary treat. Transfer to Crofter's Kitchen, the Cape Peninsula home of "rock star" celebrity chef Nicky Gibbs. The owner herself will welcome you with true South African hospitality for a delicious six-course meal utilizing fresh ingredients foraged from her own garden. Also, each course is paired with aromatic floral and herbal teas.

Later, head to the eastern side of Cape Peninsula and Simonstown. Besides its naval base and maritime museum, the town is famous for the wildlife at Boulders Beach. This sheltered inlet is home to a colony of African penguins, and you can view them up close via a network of wooden walkways. After spending time with your new penguin friends, you'll return to Cape Town. There's the option for one more stop at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Set against the slopes of Table Mountain, this lush paradise houses thousands of indigenous and exotic plants.

Day 3: Community Project & Sunset Champagne Cruise

Experience an authentic slice of South Africa as you head to Cape Town's eastern townships (districts) with Uthando (Love). The goal of this responsible tourism nonprofit is to raise awareness of the millions of South Africans living in extreme poverty who struggle to survive on a daily basis. Uthando does this by creating links between travelers and local community development projects.

During this half-day experience, you'll meet some of the unsung heroes doing great work in these communities while also learning about the country's turbulent history and unique challenges. It's all about the people, as you'll visit several inspiring public works projects, which might include urban agriculture collectives, youth-led dance or music programs, special education, refugee support, and more.

After this heady and rewarding experience, you'll have some time on your own until the end of the afternoon. Then, transfer to the waterfront and board a luxury catamaran for a sunset cruise. As the sun bathes the Atlantic Ocean in a golden glow, you'll relax on deck and toast the experience with a glass of bubbly. It's the perfect end to a memorable day—or the perfect start to an evening of revelry in the city.

Day 4: Transfer to Franschhoek, Cape Winelands Tour & Tasting

Rise and shine! It's a quick one-hour transfer west to Cape Winelands, the premier wine region in the country. This scenic area is home to more than 500 wineries, and you'll visit a few of the best for a tasting.

Throughout the day, you'll travel between colorful Winelands valleys like Stellenbosch, Paarl, and the traditionally French town of Franschhoek (where you'll overnight). Visit estates producing top wines and enjoy tasting tours, sampling incredible cabernets, syrahs, and other varietals and pairing them with delicious tidbits like homemade goat cheese and artisanal chocolates.

At the end of the day, you'll return to Franschhoek and your luxury accommodation, La Cotte. This redesigned farm was built by French immigrants in the late 17th century and enjoys a privileged location beneath the Cape Mountains, surrounded by well-manicured gardens. The elegant guest rooms at this manor homestead feature high ceilings, French doors, and private terraces. An on-site gourmet restaurant serves everything from farm-fresh breakfasts to garden salads with locally harvested greens and line-caught Franschhoek river trout.

Day 5: Transfer to Hermanus, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Wine Tour 

It's time to bid farewell to Cape Winelands this morning—but the wine adventures are far from over. It's a 1.5-hour drive south from Franschhoek to Hermanus on the south coast. This charming seaside town is known for its Blue Flag beaches and prime whale watching, which you'll get to do during your stay here.

Upon arrival, you'll check into the 5-star Marine Hotel. Perched on coastal cliffs overlooking the idyllic Walker Bay, the property offers jaw-dropping mountain and sea views of the Western Cape's Overberg region. As for amenities, you'll lack for nothing, as its premier rooms and suites are equipped with king beds and terraces, many affording ocean views. Enjoy the welcome drink on arrival, then perhaps head to the day spa for a wellness treatment. It's an extensive menu that includes a variety of massages, facials, body wraps, manicures/pedicures, and more. There are also couples treatments.

Newly refreshed, meet your local sommelier guide in the afternoon for a quick ride inland to the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. This is the premier wine region in the area, and during a tour, you'll visit a few wineries in these vineyard-covered hills. The cool, coastal climate here is responsible for the chardonnays and pinot noirs that the region produces, and you'll sample some of the finest during a full-day tasting. Afterward, you'll return to Hermanus.

Day 6: Transfer to Knysna via the Garden Route

Meet your driver early and leave Hermanus on a five-hour journey along the coast to Knysna. To describe this drive as scenic would be an understatement. Most of it follows the famed Garden Route, which runs 190 miles (305 km) from Mossel Bay east to the mouth of Storms River. Among other highlights, this stretch of road features some of South Africa's most incredible coastline and native forest.

Upon arrival in Knysna, you'll check into Head Over Hills. This 5-star luxury retreat is situated next to the Knysna Heads—large headlands that shelter the town from the open sea. It's one of the most awe-inspiring landmarks on the Garden Route, and the hotel delivers front-row seats. Enjoy sweeping views of the Heads while relaxing on your personal wooden sun deck or while sprawled out in your Hästens handcrafted bed. If you like, take your meals on the deck—choose from the a la carte menu created by the private chef and pair it with a bottle from the hotel's extensive wine cellar.

After checking in, you can stretch your legs on a walk around Knysna. The town's waterfront area is a bustling hub with shops, restaurants, and cafés overlooking a river-fed lagoon. Enjoy a meal with a view, explore local artisanal shops, or take a leisurely stroll along the promenade.

Day 7: Day Trip to Plettenberg Bay & Sunset River Cruise

It's a quick 30-minute drive east this morning to Plettenberg Bay. This charming seaside town is an ideal spot for a relaxing day trip, as it's famous for its wide, golden beaches and tranquil lagoons. There's plenty to do (and not do) here, be it lazing on the sand, enjoying a tasting at a nearby winery, or sitting down for a fresh seafood lunch at a waterfront café.

After whiling away the hours in Plettenberg Bay, you'll transfer back to Knysna. However, the day is far from over, as you'll head just outside town to the Knysna River. There, you'll board a catamaran for a luxury cruise down this scenic waterway. The journey culminates with your arrival at the river delta, where you can witness the golden sun dipping below the Indian Ocean.

Day 8: Transfer to Eastern Cape Reserve, Afternoon Game Drive

South Africa is famous for its national parks. However, throughout this country, various private game reserves offer the same great wildlife experiences, often without the mass crowds. Today, you'll transfer about four hours up the coast to the Eastern Cape and one such locale: Shamwari Private Game Reserve.

Your destination is the Sindile Safari Lodge. This secluded getaway is nestled deep in the African bushveld (woodlands), overlooking a river and vast savanna plains. Each freestanding tent has luxurious amenities and modern conveniences, like air-conditioning, four-poster king beds, and French tubs with hot water. There's also a communal dining area and bar with a terrace affording views over the reserve. You can even choose from a list of "safari spa" treatments at the on-site wellness center, which include massages, facials, and hand/foot rituals.

But that's for later. Upon arrival, drop off your things and hop in an open-topped 4WD vehicle for your first game drive in South Africa. This half-day tour is a great opportunity to spot the legendary Big Five (lions, leopards, buffalo, elephants, and rhinos), all of which can be found at Shamwari. The drive ends late in the afternoon after the sun sets over the savanna. Depending on your arrival time, you can opt for a night game drive followed by an African-style boma dinner full of traditional music, dancing, drumming, food, and entertainment.

Day 9: Full-Day Shamwari Safaris

Starting around dawn, you'll enjoy a full day of safari game drives in Shamwari. It's the best time to see the animals at their most active, as they often congregate near water sources early in the morning. Besides the Big Five, other creatures you'll see include giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, and antelope.

After the morning drive, return to camp for lunch, then spend a couple of hours relaxing and enjoying your private plunge pool. Later, meet a ranger guide and hop in a vehicle for another afternoon game drive. As with the safari yesterday, this one doesn't end until the sun goes down. You'll then return to camp in time for dinner with the other guests.

Day 10: Transfer to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Depart

It's your last morning on the great plains of Shamwari. Make the most of it by embarking on one more dawn game drive to say goodbye to all the creatures of the African realm. Later, you'll meet your driver for the transfer to the coastal city of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), where you'll catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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