Romantic Cape Town & Safari Honeymoon - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town

Welcome to South Africa! On arrival in South Africa at Cape Town International Airport, a representative from the Cape Grace Hotel will greet and transfer you to your accommodation where you will spend three nights in a luxurious room. Situated on a private quay in Cape Town’s Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the elegant and centrally located Cape Grace offers phenomenal views of iconic Table Mountain, the gorgeous harbor, and the international yacht marina.

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. 

Day 2: City Tour & Table Mountain

 In the morning, meet your local guide in the city center for a 4-hour walking tour of the historic city. You'll explore the different eras of Cape Town and learn about South Africa's history, as well as the people who shaped it. Stops along the tour include the Company's Garden, Parliament, Green Market Square, The Castle of Good Hope, and the Slave Lodge.

The Company's Garden dates back to the 1650s when European settlers farmed the land to grow fresh produce to replenish ships rounding the cape. Around the corner is the Iziko Slave Lodge, a national history museum dedicated to exploring the history of slavery at the Cape. Since its construction in 1679, the building has functioned as a center for the bustling slave trade (primarily operated by the Dutch East India Company) as well as a government building and supreme court. 

Nearby sits the historic Green Market Square, which has served as a slave market, vegetable market, and center for political protests under Apartheid. These days it hosts a flea market with African souvenirs and crafts for sale. Just down the street is the Castle of Good Hope, South Africa's oldest existing Dutch East India colonial building. On the way, you'll pass by several memorials and monuments, including the We Are Still Here Street Memorial to destitute children and the District Six Museum, which commemorates forced relocation under apartheid. 

After strolling the streets of Cape Town, stop for lunch in the city center. In the afternoon, give your legs a rest with a hop-on-hop-off tour aboard the distinctive red open-top bus. Start at the Cape Town City Center Terminal, then take the bus to Table Mountain. From the bus stop, continue to the summit on the cable car for spectacular views of the city, mountains, and ocean.

Spend the evening delving deeper into Cape Town or immerse yourself in the numerous luxuries of the hotel including the various spa offerings.

Day 3: Cheese, Wine, & Chocolate Tour

Enjoy a full-day cheese, wine, and chocolate tour—a heavenly combination. You'll sample dark chocolates, creamy cheeses, and superb wine while experiencing South Africa's stunning scenery and acclaimed hospitality. 

Start your day with a drive to the Fairview Winery from Cape Town. With several hundred years of wine-making heritage originating on the farm, it's no wonder that Fairview wine has become a cornerstone of South African wine history. Enjoy a wine and goat cheese tasting in an intimate setting, then head outside to visit the winery's furry mascots (baby goats!) and take in the beautiful views. 

Your next stop is the Tokara winery in Stellenbosch for wine tasting, located on the southern slopes of Simonsberg Mountain about 20 minutes down the road. Round out your wine tour with a 20-minute drive to visit Bilton, on the foothills of the Helderberg Mountains. Here you can sample fine South African wines, accompanied by dark Belgian chocolates to complement the flavors of the wines.

Days 4-6: Thornybush Game Lodge

After breakfast at Cape Grace, you will be transferred to Cape Town Airport in time for your flight to Eastgate Airport (HDS) in Hoedspruit. On arrival, you will be greeted and transferred by road to the Thornybush Private Game Reserve, approximately a 45-minute journey. 

Neighboring the Timbavati Game Reserve near South Africa’s northeastern border, the Thornybush Game Reserve boasts over 12 000 hectares of pristine wilderness. Lying adjacent to the world-renowned Kruger National Park, Thornybush is home to the Big Five and an array of other African wildlife. The landscape is characterized by open savannah and woodlands interspersed with shrublands and thorny scrub. Visitors have a wonderful choice of upmarket accommodation to choose from and can look forward to an array of activities, including enjoying day and night safaris offering excellent game viewing opportunities, luxury spa pampering, and sampling delicious cuisine.

Enjoy exciting dawn and dusk safaris in open game vehicles and on foot, take a moment to browse in the intimate library, or simply relax at the pool with your favorite cocktail as you bask in Africa's glorious sunshine or while away the moments in the Thornybush Spa.

Unrivaled big game viewing is complemented by exquisite accommodation and sublime cuisine. The 20 luxury suites each have private indoor/outdoor showers and viewing decks, overlook the seasonal Monwana River, and offer an unsurpassed, 5-star luxury, wild encounter with seclusion and elegance, a seamless experience.

Day 7: Flight Home

End your stay with one last morning safari and breakfast at the lodge. After, you'll be transferred to Eastgate Airport (HDS) in Hoedspruit in time for your flight to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport and your outgoing flight home.