South Africa Luxury Safari: Cape Town, Winelands, Sabi Sands & White River - 10 Days

Highlights

• Visit Cape Town icons like Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront
• Enjoy wine tastings in Cape Winelands and stroll with penguins at Boulders Beach
• Embark on wildlife safaris in private nature reserves to spot Big Five animals
• Explore soaring river canyons on road trips along the famous "Panorama Route"

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town, Optional Activities

Welcome to South Africa! The continent's southernmost nation is also one of its most diverse, and you'll land in Cape Town, whose oceanfront streets overflow with the fruits of such diversity. You'll hear it in the music, see it in the historical landmarks, and taste it in the food and wine. Upon arrival, a private driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your 5-star accommodation at the beachside Tintswalo Atlantic. Settle into your glass-fronted suite, and decide if you'll spend the afternoon relaxing poolside or venture out to get your first look at the city.

Cape Town abounds with fascinating landmarks, like the Company's Garden (which dates to the 17th century), the Houses of Parliament, the 17th-century Castle of Good Hope, and the Iziko Slave Lodge. For more history, you can visit the District Six Museum, which commemorates forced relocation during South Africa's infamous apartheid era. Stroll along the V&A Waterfront, a historic harbor popular with both locals and visitors due to its wealth of restaurants, bars, shops, and cafés, then head back to the hotel for a colorful sunset and seasonal small plates at the on-site Chefs Warehouse restaurant.

Day 2: Table Mountain Tour & V&A Waterfront

Rise and shine! No trip to Cape Town is complete without ascending the gargantuan monolith looming over the city. That's why this morning, you'll head over to the base of Table Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands 3,562 feet (1,086 m). It's a scenic five-minute cable car ride to the top, and from the summit, you'll enjoy panoramic views of Cape Town, the Atlantic Seaboard, and the mountains of the Cape Peninsula. 

After enjoying the views, you'll head back down by cable car and will have some free time. Perhaps opt for a city tour on the famous Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus. From a seat on the open-air second floor, you'll ride around the city, stopping at landmarks whenever you like. Then, when you're ready, catch the bus again at one of the many dedicated stops throughout Cape Town.

Later, you'll visit the V&A Waterfront. This iconic harbor area is the place to go for seaside shopping and dining in Cape Town. The options for things to do are nearly limitless, whether it's browsing local art galleries and fashion boutiques, snacking on street food at the V&A Market, or admiring contemporary art at Zeitz MOCCA. Linger harborside to sip cocktails with epic waterfront views backed by the looming plateau of Table Mountain, then head to the popular Kloof Street House to dine on brasserie-style favorites amid a lush, fairy-lit garden.

Day 3: Full-Day Cape Peninsula & Penguins Tour

This morning, you're off on a half-day adventure to explore the southern end of the Cape Peninsula and witness some exotic wildlife. Your driver will pick you up for the drive south, during which you'll pass charming coastal villages and stunning scenery like Chapman's Peak and fynbos-covered hills.

Eventually, you'll arrive in coastal Simon's Town and the famous Boulders Beach. This stretch of sand is one of the only places in the world where you can walk with African penguins. The rocky beach on a sheltered bay is home to a colony of thousands of these flightless birds, and today, you'll take a stroll alongside. It's a real treat, as African penguins are only found on the coast of South Africa and Namibia and are currently on the verge of extinction.

After visiting the penguins, continue south to Cape Point Nature Reserve and 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. Before returning to the city, end the day with a visit to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, one of the world's most exceptional botanical gardens. Set against the slopes of Table Mountain, this lush paradise houses thousands of native and exotic plants.

Day 4: Transfer to Franschhoek, Tour Cape Winelands

You've visited some world-class landmarks; now it's time for a more refined (and tasty) adventure. Leave in the morning on an hour's transfer east out of Cape Town to the famous Cape Winelands region. This scenic area is home to more than 500 wineries, and you'll visit a few of the best. Throughout the day, you'll travel between colorful Winelands valleys like Stellenbosch, Paarl, and the traditionally French town of Franschhoek (where you'll overnight at the elegant Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard).

As you go, you'll visit estates producing top wines and enjoy private tasting tours. Options include Babylonstoren, which enjoys an idyllic location at the foot of Simonsberg Mountain; Boschendal, known for its exceptional food & wine (best enjoyed on a garden picnic); Waterford Estate, a classic in the beautiful Blaauwklippen Valley that offers chocolate and wine pairings; and Maratie, one of the oldest wine estates in the country (founded in 1685). At the end of the day, you'll return to your hotel, where the on-site spa and renowned farm-to-table restaurant beckon for the evening.

Day 5: Cape Winelands Optional Activities

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, then the day is yours to embark on optional Cape Winelands activities. There are many to choose from, including wine tours by car, tram, or even on horseback. You can also ride between the valleys on a bicycle tour or soar over the vineyards on a zipline adventure. Nature hikes and historical walking tours in Winelands towns are also popular options. You can also participate in a "winemaker for a day" workshop to learn the secrets to producing fine blends under the tutelage of master winemakers. 

Day 6: Fly to Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Optional Activities

Say goodbye to coastal Cape Town and hello to the vast savanna because this morning, you're off to the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Covering 494 square miles (1,283 sq km) in northeastern South Africa adjacent to Kruger National Park, the region is famous for its exceptional wildlife-viewing opportunities.

It's a two-hour flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg, where you'll connect on a charter flight to the reserve. Your friendly hosts will meet you on the airstrip and transfer you to the 5-star Dulini luxury lodge for your all-inclusive stay. Set on riverfront property within the park, besides the many safari activities on offer, Dulini features first-class amenities like infinity pools, wellness centers, and a gourmet restaurant.

Speaking of which, if you arrive around midday, sit down to lunch and choose from a menu of global favorites prepared with locally sourced ingredients. If you get here later in the afternoon, enjoy high tea and spend the rest of the day on an introductory game drive in an open-topped 4WD vehicle. During this safari excursion, your knowledgeable guide will reveal info about the area and its animals, which include the Big Five: lions, leopards, black rhinos, elephants, and buffalo.

Day 7: Sabi Sands Activities: Game Drives & Bush Walks

This is it—in the morning, you'll embark on your first full day of safari adventures in South Africa. And your luxury lodge offers many such activities. The most popular are game drives. Each of these safaris lasts half a day and involves driving around the park in a 4WD vehicle with an expert guide searching for exotic wildlife.

Besides the Big Five, there are plenty of other majestic specimens to see, including cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, zebras, and various birds, including waterbirds and raptors. You can divide the day into two game drives: a morning safari, when the animals are at their most active, and an afternoon drive to seek out the animals until the sun sets over the savanna.

But game drives aren't the only activities—guided bush walks are also a memorable experience. As you hike alongside your ranger guide, learn to track various animals by their prints as you connect with the surrounding nature on an intimate level. There are also dedicated photographic safaris led by experts skilled at capturing the perfect wildlife shot. These safaris cater to amateur and professional photographers, providing insights into composition, lighting, and wildlife behavior to enhance your photography game.

Day 8: More Sabi Sands Big Five Safaris

Rise early and embark on another dawn game drive to see the Big Five denizens of Sabi Sands when they're fresh and energetic, before the afternoon malaise sets in. There's at least one safari on the itinerary today, and you can opt for a second game drive later in the afternoon. Or head out on a bush walk for a hike across the bushveld (subtropical woodland) landscapes.

In between the safari activities, you'll have time to relax by the pool and enjoy delicious meals prepared by the friendly staff. You'll also want to avail yourself of the spa facilities to enjoy a massage or wellness treatment to rejuvenate body and mind. These treatments are often outdoors, allowing you to relax amid the natural splendor of Sabi Sands. 

Day 9: Transfer to White River via Full-Day Panorama Route Drive

Make the most of your last full day in the African bush with a road trip adventure around some of the region's most awe-inspiring natural landmarks. After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up for the day's ride along the Panorama Route. This 99-mile (160 km) stretch of road in Mpumalanga Province features some of the most incredible scenery in eastern South Africa. First, you'll stop at Blyde River Canyon. At 66,585 acres (26,946 ha), this is the third-largest canyon in the world. Its soaring cliffs rise as high as 2,625 feet (800 m), much of it blanketed in lush, subtropical foliage.

You'll also visit Berlin Falls, which plunge 260 feet (80 m) from a green valley over ocher cliffs down into a dark lagoon. Then, continue to God's Window, an incredible viewpoint overlooking a 2,952-foot (900 m) ravine. You can also take a refreshing dip in natural rock pools like Bourke's Luck Potholes and the famous Mac Mac Pools. A real highlight of this road trip is the Three Rondavels—huge rock formations that resemble ancient stone beehive huts. Here, you'll enjoy spectacular views over Blyde Canyon.

The road trip ends nearby at Graskop, a vast gorge carved by the Motitsi River. The area is famous for its unspoiled mountain landscapes, and there's even an elevator that will take you 167 feet (51 m) to a viewpoint where you'll enjoy the grand vistas of northeastern South Africa laid out below. After snapping plenty of photos around Graskop, you'll transfer to nearby White River and Oliver's Lodge, a luxe boutique property set amid gardens and an 18-hole golf course.

Day 10: Depart South Africa

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