Nature in South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, & Cederberg - 5 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town

Welcome to South Africa! Arrive at Cape Town International Airport and transfer to your accommodation to unpack and unwind. After you settle in, spend the rest of your day exploring the city. 

Known as the 'Rainbow Nation,' Cape Town and South Africa have a long and complicated history involving a multitude of ethnic and cultural groups. The area's history starts with the indigenous Khoisan and Bantu people, who were the primary residents of the area until the Portuguese and Dutch arrived in South Africa, beginning a centuries-long occupation. 

These days, South Africa is home to a diverse population. Roughly 80% of South Africans are of Bantu ancestry from a variety of ethnic groups, each with a distinct language. The remainder of the community is made up primarily of European, Asian (Indian, Chinese, and others from the formerly enslaved and indentured population), and mixed-race (Cape Coloured) ancestry. 

After checking in to your accommodation, spend the afternoon relaxing, taking in the views, and exploring the town. In the evening, head to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Shop for art and crafts at the expansive Watershed market, visit the Two Oceans Aquarium to explore underwater life, or enjoy a harbor cruise as you watch the sunset. Other options include the Diamond Museum, which explores the history of the diamond rush in South Africa, or a helicopter flight to see Cape Town's sights from the sky. 

For dinner,  choose from a variety of restaurant and bar options.

Day 2: Guided Cape Peninsula Sidecar Tour

Hit the road with your guide for a full-day sidecar adventure on this Cape Peninsula tour. The Cape Peninsula is a rocky peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean at the south-western extremity of the African continent. At the southern end of the peninsula are Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. On the northern end is Table Mountain, overlooking Cape Town. The Cape Peninsula has outstanding flora and fauna and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Cape Floral Region. 

Head out from Cape Town early in the morning, passing Cape Town University and Constantia before heading for Ou Kaapse Weg in Noordhoek. Stop here for a coffee break and some photos, then head to the Cape Point Nature Reserve where you will visit the Cape of Good Hope and the lighthouse.

Afterward, head to Simons Town and visit the penguin colony before breaking for lunch at a local seafood restaurant along the water in the sleepy fishing town.

In the afternoon head to the scenic Boyes Drive above Muizenberg—famous for its surfing—then continue to the Constantia Winelands district. Pick from the many wineries to experience a South African wine tasting, then return to the city in time for dinner.

Day 3: Cape Town to Cederberg Mountains

In the morning, transfer to Cederberg, located 2.5 hours to the north. You'll spend time at an ecological reserve that sits at the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains. Enjoy the beauty of nature and explore the area, then relax in the award-winning retreat at night.  

The region is characterizing by dramatic landscapes, with striking sandstone formations, open plains, and ancient bush art sites that date back 10,000 years. The local sandstone, richly colored by iron oxides, is eroded into a variety of shapes. Hike or drive to see the well-known Wolfberg Arch, Stadsaal Caves, and the dramatic Maltese Cross. 

Most of the Cederberg Mountains are part of the Cederberg Wilderness Reserve and remain one of the protected wildlife areas in South Africa. Go for a hike along ancient mountain trails that wind through rare fynbos (like snow protea and Clanwilliam pincushion). 

For dinner, enjoy the fresh produce from the retreat's vegetable garden and take in the views of the vineyards and citrus groves of the Oliphants River Valley.

Day 4: Free Day in Cederberg

Enjoy a free day in the Cederberg area. Choose from a variety of activities to make the most of your time here. 

• View over 130 rock art sites, some dating back to 10,000 years
• Visit the Bushmans Kloof Heritage Center to see hunting artifacts, jewelry, dancing sticks, and musical instruments
• Get your heart rate up with an active adventure. Go hiking, explore the area on a mountain bike ride, or cool off on the river with a canoe ride or an afternoon of fishing
• Enjoy a wine tasting tour
• Spend time pursuing artistic hobbies, from watercolors to photography 
• Take advantage of the serenity to practice meditation or yoga, then top it off with an afternoon at the spa 
• Go on a guided wildlife and birdwatching tour

Day 5: Depart Cederberg via Cape Town

Transfer to the airport in Cape Town for your connecting flight home.