South Africa Wildlife & Wine
Safari Adventure

Cape Town ~ Franschhoek ~
Kruger National Park ~ Sabi Sand

Itinerary Overview:
15 Days / 14 Nights

Day 1 Sunday, June 2, 2024

Arrive Cape Town, Transfer to Hotel
Commodore Hotel, Executive Room, Bed and Breakfast (BB)

Day 2 Monday, June 3          

Full Day Private Guided Tour Table Mountain & Constantia Winelands
Commodore Hotel, Executive Room, Bed and Breakfast (BB)

Day 3 Tuesday, June 4         

Full Day Private Guided Cape Peninsula Tour, including Boulders Beach Penguins & Cape of Good Hope
Commodore Hotel, Executive Room, Bed and Breakfast (BB)

Day 4 Wednesday, June 5

Morning: Private Robben Island Tour with Christo Brand
Afternoon: Cape Town City Orientation Tour, followed by Hope Distillery Gin Tasting
Commodore Hotel, Executive Room, Bed and Breakfast (BB)

Day 5 Thursday, June 6     

Transfer Cape Town to Franschhoek via Stellenbosch Winelands, with Wine Escapes, Franschhoek Boutique Hotel, Bed & Breakfast (BB)

Day 6 Friday, June 7

Full Day Cape Winelands Tour – Franschhoek and Paarl, with Wine Escapes,
Franschhoek Boutique Hotel, Bed & Breakfast (BB)

Day 7 Saturday, June 8

Transfer to Cape Town International Airport for flight to Hoedspruit, transfer to Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge, Mluwati Concession, Kruger National Park, Afternoon Game Drive

Days 8 - 9 Sunday, June 9 - Monday, June 10

Full Days on Safari - Twice Daily Game Drives and All Meals at the Lodge
Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge, Suite, Full Board, plus Game Drives (FB+)

Day 10 Tuesday, June 11

Morning Game Drive, Hoyo Hoyo
Transfer from Kruger to Savanna Lodge, Savanna Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sand Reserve, Luxury Suite, Full Board, plus Game Drives (FB+)
Afternoon Game Drive, Savanna Lodge

Day 11 Wednesday, June 12

Full Day on Safari - All Meals at the Lodge
Savanna Lodge, Luxury Suite, Full Board, plus Game Drives (FB+)

Day 12 Thursday, June 13

Morning Game Drive, Savanna Lodge
Transfer from Sabi Sand to Earth Lodge, Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, Sabie Game Reserve,
Amber Villa, Full Board, plus Private Game Drives (FB++)
Evening Private Game Drive, Earth Lodge

Day 13 Friday, June 14

Full Day on Safari - All Meals at the Lodge
Earth Lodge, Amber Villa, Full Board, plus Private Game Drives (FB++)

Day 14 Saturday, June 15

Morning Private Game Drive
Transfer to and Flight from Skukuza to Cape Town
Commodore Hotel, Executive Room, Bed and Breakfast (BB)

Day 15 Sunday, June 16

Departure Day

Day 1     Sunday, June 2, 2024

Arrive Cape Town International Airport (CPT), South Africa
Be greeted by your Driver/Licensed Guide, Nigel, and transfer to your Cape Town Hotel. Settle into your home for the next five days.
Commodore Hotel, Executive Room, Bed and Breakfast (BB)

Dinner ~ On Own at Time Out Marketplace

The Commodore Hotel is "Where Table Mountain meets the V&A Waterfront" Located in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, The Commodore Hotel provides sweeping views of Table Mountain, Cape Town Harbor, and Robben Island. Enjoy relaxing at the harbor, as well as dining at the fabulous, world-class restaurants at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

Day 2 Monday, June 3

Begin your day with a trip in the cable car to the top of Cape Town’s iconic landmark – Table Mountain, also a Natural Wonder of the World. Within Table Mountain National Park are an estimated 2,200 species of plants and 1,470 floral species, with many of these plants, and an estimated 70% of the flowers, endemic to Table Mountain.

The 65-passenger Cable Car, takes you to the summit in under 5 minutes, has a rotating floor, ensuring that all visitors get a 360 degree aerial view of Cape Town.

After Table Mountain, you will head to the Constantia Valley Wine Region. The Constantia Valley stretches up the Southeast slopes of the Table Mountain National Park and is the oldest wine producing region in the Southern Hemisphere.  Constantia’s viniculture history dates back to 1685. Although the region is known for sweet dessert wines, numerous wineries produce exceptional Merlots, Bordeaux Blends, and Pinotage. Your tour will focus on these wines, while experiencing the Southern Hemisphere’s oldest wine region.

Lunch ~ Constantia Glen 12.30

Dinner ~ GOLD African Restaurant 18.30

Day 3 Tuesday, June 4

You will be met by your Guide in the Commodore’s Reception area and taken on a Full Day Cape Peninsula Tour. Cape Town is frequently acknowledged and awarded as being one of the world’s most beautiful places – this tour will show you why! Experience the spectacular natural splendor and abundance of life of the Cape Peninsula. With scenic views to take your breath away and photo opportunities galore this trip also takes you through a World Heritage Site – the Cape Floral Kingdom.

Travel along the Atlantic Seaboard to Hout Bay, passing magnificent beaches and the coastal suburbs of Clifton, Camps Bay, and Llandudno. Visit the busy fishing harbor at Hout Bay where you can take a walk on the beach and paddle your feet in the cold sea.

Your tour continues over Chapman’s Peak, known as one of the most spectacular scenic drives in the world, all the way along the Peninsula to the Southern tip at Cape Point. An invigorating walk takes you to the two lighthouses at the top and bottom of the headland, from where you will enjoy extraordinary views of the cliffs and the ocean below. Alternatively, you could take an optional short funicular ride to the top. Take a photo down at the most South-Western point of the African continent at the Cape of Good Hope beach.

Keep an eye out for wildlife!

Guide then takes you along the False Bay coastline to the Naval village of Simon’s Town. Here you will visit the delightful African Penguins of Boulders Beach. After your visit with the African Penguins, the drive takes you back via Cape Town’s coastal and Southern suburbs.

You will finish your day back in Cape Town touring the beautiful Kirstenbosch Gardens. Located at the Eastern foot of Table Mountain, on land was bequeathed to the government by Cecil John Rhodes in 1913, Kirstenbosch highlights the unique South African indigenous flora.

Lunch ~ Black Marlin Seafood Restaurant, Simon’s Town 13.00

Dinner ~ The Pot Luck Club 20.30

Day 4     Wednesday, June 5

This morning you will embark on a tour to Robben Island, place of incarceration for Nelson Mandela for 18 years of his 27 years of imprisonment. Once you have crossed Table Bay to Robben Island on the scheduled ferry you will enjoy the Private Tour with Christo Brand. Christo Brand, a former prison guard who was responsible for guarding Nelson Mandela. He came to Robben Island, where Mandela was being held, in 1978 when he was 19 years old. In 1982, he was transferred along with Mandela, to Pollsmoor Prison. Christo and Mandela developed a close friendship over the course of many years. He is the co-author of his book, Doing Life with Mandela: My Prisoner, My Friend (2014).

The departure to Robben Island takes place from the V&A Waterfront, which is also where Nobel Square is situated. Here you will find four statues of the Nobel Peace Prize Laureates – Nelson Mandela, FW de Klerk, Desmond Tutu, and Albert Luthuli.

On return to the mainland, you will have time for a quick Lunch on your own before you will be taken on an Orientation City Tour to learn all about Cape Town’s rich history and vibrant cultures. Some of the highlights will be the beautiful Company Gardens (where you will see the Parliament Buildings and Tuynhuys the official Cape Town office of the President of South Africa – Nelson Mandela was President from 1994 to 1999), and the City Hall and Grand Parade. On his release from prison on 11 February 1990, Nelson Mandela addressed the thousands of people gathered on the Grand Parade to listen to his address from the balcony of the City Hall. There is now a statue on the exact spot where he stood, the bronze statue is slightly larger than life size – 1.95m.

Next your Guide will take you to Hope Distillery for a Gin Tasting. Located in Salt River section of Cape Town is one of South Africa’s premier Gin Distilleries, Hope Distillery. At the “Our Hope Distillery Tasting Room” experience Gin Tasting at its best. Only open to the public for tastings on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons, this an exceptional tasting for the Gin Connoisseur.

Experiencing the Hope Distillary’s Flagship Gin Tasting allows you to taste their three flagship Hope Gins and the Hobbs Cape Dry Gin, in a DIY-style Gin & Tonic format. You will be guided through how to pour a perfect Gin & Tonic, using each Gin.

The Tasting Room offers a welcoming, open-plan space on a mezzanine level, with a bird’s eye view over the distillery. You can taste Hope’s spirits and see where and how they’re made at the same time.

For military enthusiasts, Hope on Hopkins also handcrafts “Real Hope”, a traditional Navy Strength Gin.

Lunch ~ Kloof Street House 13.30

Dinner ~ To be Determined by the Day’s Schedule of Experiences.

Day 5 Thursday, June 6     

After another delicious South African Breakfast, your Driver/Guide will collect you and your luggage as you begin to make your way to Franschhoek. Along the way you will be met by John Grant of Wine Escapes for a full day of Wine Tasting in the Stellenbosch Winelands. Focusing on your preferred Dry Reds, Wine Escapes prides itself in offering you an interactive, informative and enjoyable days in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl, as you learn about South Africa’s spectacular Wine Regions.

The Stellenbosch Wine Route is the oldest wine route in South Africa. Approximately 30 miles from Cape Town, Stellenbosch is home to over 200 wine and grape producers.

Following your Stellenbosch Wine Route tastings, you will find your home for the next two nights at The Franschhoek Boutique Hotel. Your hotel is in the heart of Franschhoek. This convenient location is removed from the hustle and bustle of town, while still offering unparalleled access to an abundance of nearby Cafes and Restaurants. In addition, the Franschhoek Boutique Hotel has a specialized wine list for its guests.

With only 12 rooms, Franschhoek Boutique Hotel offers a calm space to relax after a day of wine-tastings in Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, and Paarl.

You will have your Private Driver Guide for Dinner Transfers both nights, within the Franschhoek Wine Region, “The Culinary Capital of South Africa”. John will assist you with Lunch Restaurants and Reservations.

Dinner ~ Chef’s Warehouse at Maison 19.30

Day 6 Friday, June 7

After Breakfast, John will meet you at your hotel. You will set out for another full day Wine Tasting in Franschhoek and Paarl, with Wine Escapes.

Franschhoek Wine Valley, also known as the “Valley of Dreams”, is situated in the southeast corner of Paarl. Founded by exiled Huguenots in the late 1600’s, Franschhoek retains much of its French viticultural roots. The terroir is ideally suited to the production of heavy, robust red wines.

The Paarl Wine Route, is also known as “The Red Route”, for its legendary red wines. The exceptional red wines are made from grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Merlot and Shiraz. The Red Route offers spectacular views and scenery.

Dinner ~ Reuben’s 19.30

Day 7 Saturday, June 8

Transfer to Cape Town International Airport for flight to Hoedspruit, transfer to Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge, Mluwati Concession, Kruger National Park.

Arrive in time for your first Afternoon Game Drive!

Airlink 4Z 657
Departure 08 June 10:40 Cape Town, (Cape Town Intl )
Arrival 08 June 13:10 Hoedspruit
Duration 02:30 (Non stop)
Booking status Confirmed
Class Economy (M)
Equipment EMBRAER 190
Flight meal Snack or brunch

Days 8 - 9 Sunday, June 9 - Monday, June 10

Full Days Safari

As one of the first private concessions in the Kruger National Park, Mluwati has worked tirelessly to ensure the sustainability of this pristine wilderness that for over 100 years has been a sanctuary for over 114 reptiles species, 34 amphibians species, 336 tree species and 147 mammal species, including Africa’s “Big Five”.

You will enjoy some of Kruger’s most spectacular landscapes and an extraordinary variety of wildlife, birdlife, and plant life within the Mluwati Concession, ensuring that each Safari experience will be unique.

You will be accommodated in one of six (6) circular air-conditioned suites, with traditional brightly earth-coloured walls, tapered thatched roofs and folding glass doors that allows you to fully experience the wilderness.

Please note: Wi-Fi is available in guest areas only and there is no cellphone signal at this exclusive and remote Safari Lodge, allowing for your complete relaxation. The suites offer a radio link to the Manager at the Lodge. Please find a Hoyo Hoyo fact sheet here.

A Safari Day at Hoyo Hoyo

05h30    Wake up time and morning tea 

06h00    Morning Safari departs 

09h00    Return for Breakfast      

13h30    Lunch   

15h00    High Tea             

15h30    Afternoon Safari departs                             

19h30    Return from Safari & Dinner is served

Please note: if you would like to take a Bushwalk, which is included, please schedule upon arriving at the Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge.

Day 10 Tuesday, June 11

After a Morning Game Drive and Breakfast at Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge, you will be transferred from Kruger National Part to Savanna Lodge in the Savanna Private Game Reserve within Sabi Sand Reserve. Arrive in time for an Afternoon Game Drive.

Day 11 Wednesday, June 12

Full Day on Safari

Savanna Private Game Reserve is located in the Western sector of the Sabi Sand, and is privileged to traverse more than 10,000 hectares of beautiful Bushveld. The area offers a diverse landscape from the open Savannah grasslands up to the thick Riverine Bushveld.

Savanna Safaris provide exceptional opportunities to see the “Big 5” – Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and Rhino – as well as Cheetah, Wild Dog, Hippo, Crocodile, an abundance of general game and over 400 Bird Species. The emphasis at Savanna is, first and foremost, on the Safari Experience, on the activities of the many rare and beautiful creatures encountered.

Each Luxury Suite, offering a unique blend of “Out of Africa” romance with the convenience of every modern facility, has an en-suite bathroom, with freestanding bath, double vanities, and both indoor and outdoor showers, deck, and private heated plunge pool. The bedroom opens onto a private deck, with sweeping views of the Bush and Waterholes. Tucked away with large stands of natural shrubbery separating them, the Luxury Suites are the ultimate in cosy, private hideaways.

Setting Savanna apart:

·         Experienced, dedicated, and close-knit team of Career Guides and Trackers.

·         Safari Vehicles specially modified for guests’ comfort and safety, with Bucket Seats separated by large storage boxes. For maximum photographic opportunities, there are never more than two people in a row, or more than 6 guests per vehicle.

·         Never more than two Game Drive Vehicles at a sighting, except with very relaxed animals in open terrain, in which case three vehicles are allowed.

·         Optional Bush Walks, between Game Drives, led by an Armed Guide and Tracker.

·         Numerous nearby Dams, and a series of Waterholes, in front of the Safari Lodge, attracting many species, especially in the dry Winter months, when Elephants are daily visitors.

Day 12 Thursday, June 13

After a Morning Game Drive and Breakfast at Savanna Lodge, you will be transferred from Sabi Sand Reserve to Earth Lodge, located in Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, situated within the Sabie Game Reserve, the South-Western section of the Greater Kruger National Park.

Arrive in time for a Private Evening Game Drive.

Considered one of the premier Private Game Reserves in South Africa, Sabi Sabi is a “biodiversity hotspot”. With 5,400 hectares and 2 converging rivers, the confluence of the Sand and Sabie Rivers, in 1993 the Reserve removed the fencing between it and Kruger National Park. You will be staying in the recently renovated Amber Villa at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, “Where the Safaris of old meet the Safaris of new.” One of the most beautiful and exclusive Villas in the greater Kruger National Park, you will have a Private Game Drive Vehicle throughout your stay at Amber Villa.

Your Amber Villa comes with two bedrooms and a private fitness area. Earth Lodge also has an award winning Private Wine Cellar, stocked with spectacular South African Wines.

Private Game Drive Vehicle for
Safari Activities at Amber Villa,
Earth Lodge

You will have your own Private Game Drive Vehicle for the 4 of you. You will not need to share with other guests, allowing you to explore the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, at your own pace, focusing on your special interests, at the times you wish to Safari.

Day 13 Friday, June 14

Full Day Safari - At Your Leisure, On Your Schedule.

During your stay, you may also want to experience Earth Lodge’s Amani Spa.

Day 14 Saturday, June 15

This morning you may choose for one last early Private Game Drive.
Flight from Skukuza to Cape Town
Commodore Hotel, Executive Room, Bed and Breakfast (BB)

Airlink 4Z 652
Departure 15 June 11:40 Skukuza
Arrival 15 June 14:25 Cape Town, (Cape Town Intl )
Duration 02:45 (Non stop)
Booking status Confirmed
Class Economy (M)
Equipment EMBRAER RJ135
Flight meal Lunch

Day 15 Sunday, June 16

Departure Day
Enjoy the day exploring the V&A Waterfront, including an optional visit to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), Open Sunday 10AM to 6PM
Late Check-out has been requested, is subject to availability
Early Evening Transfer to Cape Town International Airport

Have a safe flight home to The United States & We look forward to your return for your next Safari Adventure!

Price Per Person: $10,740 USD  (sharing)

Includes:

14 nights’ accommodation as per Itinerary

Breakfast daily

Full Board, plus activities, as noted at Hoyo Hoyo, Savanna, and Earth Safari Lodges, All meals and local drinks at Lodges

Twice daily Game Drives at Hoyo Hoyo and Safari Lodges

Private Safari Game Drive Vehicle at Amber Villa, Earth Lodge

Conservation Fees/Levies at Lodges

Tourism Levies

Walking Safaris at Hoyo Hoyo and Savanna

All private transfers, except from Hoedspruit to Hoyo Hoyo, where this is a complimentary Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge transfer with other guests

Driver Guide for Dinner Transfers within Cape Town on Days 2 through 4, and Days 5 and 6 within Franschhoek Wine Region

Private Robben Island Tour with Christo Brand

Table Mountain Tickets

Full Day Peninsula Tour – includes Private Guide, Cape Point, Funicular, Boulders Beach/Penguin Colony, Chapmans Peak, and Kirstenbosch Gardens

Constantia Winelands Tour – includes 3x Wine Tastings

Hope Distillery Gin Tasting

Full Day Cape Winelands Tour with Wine Escapes – includes Stellenbosch Region with 3x Wine Wastings

Paarl Wine Region & Franschhoek Valley with Wine Escapes – includes  3x Wine Tastings

Internal Airlink Domestic Non-Refundable Flights – Cape Town (CPT) –> Hoedspruit (HDS) and Skukuza (SZK) –> Cape Town (CPT)

Return private airport transfers upon return to Cape Town for overnight stay

Excludes:

International Flights

Additional meals and drinks not included (in Cape Town & Franschhoek)

Premium Alcohol

Tips and Gratuities

Personal Items

Travel Insurance

Additional Activities/Excursions/Entrance Fees not listed as included

Anything not mentioned as included – please ask if anything is unclear

*Please note, proof of Travel Insurance is required 14 Business Days prior to Departure.*

A Tourist Visa is not required for US Citizens traveling to South Africa for less than 90 days. However, please be sure to have 2 consecutive empty visa pages per entry.

Booking & Payment:

To secure the booking, a 30% Booking Confirmation, of which 10% is a Non-Refundable Deposit, is required.  Booking Confirmation and Deposit to hold booking for June 2024 is required by Wednesday, August 16, 2023.

Remaining:

35% due January 1st, 2024

35% due April 1st, 2024

Cancellation Policy:

Less the 10% Non-Refundable Deposit, Full Refund up to 90 Days before arrival. 90 - 30 Days prior to arrival, less the 10% Non-Refundable Deposit, 50% Refund upon Cancellation. Cancellation less than 30 Calendar Days prior to arrival, Full Forfeiture.