Prepared for you
Best of the Cape –
food & wine tour
MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE FOOD PAIRING IS THE PERSON WITH WHOM YOU DRINK THE WINE
Christian Moueix
Itinerary details
Travel Brief
Overview
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1 – 5
Spend 4 nights in Cape Town, exploring the icons and enjoying the local food and wine scene
Stay at The Winchester Hotel.
4 Nights.
Day 1
Arrive and transfer to the hotel. Your guide will be available to assist you with dinner arrangements, changing money, orientation of the city.
Day 2
Spend a full day in the city, with a morning trip up Table Mountain in the cable car, followed by a city tour and a Cape Malay cooking class. Enjoy a lunch-time feast of hands-on cooking at the home of a lady in the Bo-Kaap.
Day 3
Full day peninsula tour including Boulders penguin colony and the Cape Point reserve. We’ll stop for lunch along way at a family-owned restaurant (lunch on your own). We’ll return to the hotel to refresh then head out to Nelson Mandela’s prison guard’s house for a real South African braai. Enjoy an evening with the man who knew Mandela first as prisoner number 46664, then as a friend and finally as the president of South Africa.
Day 4
This morning we explore the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens before enjoying lunch with spectacular views from Constantia Glen. The afternoon is spent tasting wines from the country’s oldest wine region.
Day 5 – 8
Transfer to Franschhoek via a day of touring and spend 3 nights in the heart of the wine country.
Stay at La Fontaine Boutique Hotel.
3 Nights.
Day 5
We leave Cape Town today and drive to Hermanus where we taste wine at Luddite (or similar) before continuing to the Hemel en Aarde valley for a paired food and wine lunch at Creation winery. Continue to Franschhoek after lunch, stopping in at one of the Elgin wineries along the way. Check into your hotel late in the afternoon. You may want to dine out at one of the premium restaurants in the village. We can assist with reservations.
Day 6
Spend the day exploring and discovering the Stellenbosch wine route with tastings of some of the best wines in the region. Enjoy a winery lunch en route.
Day 7
Today we explore the home of South Africa’s most exciting wines as we head out into the Swartland. We taste wines at AA Badenhorst, enjoying lunch with the farm workers and the family. Then we visit reluctant wine farmers at Wightman & Sons before continuing to Riebeek Kasteel for an olive tasting. This is the undisputed home of SA olives and we’ll be there during the olive harvest.
Day 8 – 9
This morning we leave the Cape and fly to Johannesburg where we spend the day in Soweto, either on a Soweto walking tour or at the Apartheid museum (or both if there is time). We enjoy a traditional home-hosted lunch at a home in Soweto. This evening, you may want to dine in one of Johannesburg’s best restaurants
Overnight at the Hyde Park Guest House or similar. 1 Night.
Day 9 – 11
Enjoy 2 nights and one full day on safari in a private reserve near the Greater Kruger National Park. With morning and evening game drives, you will come close to the animals that characterise a typical South African safari. Stay at Garonga Safari Camp. 2 Nights.
Day 11
After your morning game drive and breakfast, you’ll transfer to Hoedspruit airport where you’ll fly back to Cape Town to connect with your onward flight.
Map
Overview
Visualize your journey
Key Dates
1) Day 1 – 5: The Winchester Hotel , Cape Town
2) Day 5 – 8: La Fontaine Boutique Hotel, Franschhoek
3) Day 9 – 11: Garonga Safari Camp, Makalali Private Game Reserve
Cape Town
Cape Town
Area Overview
Cape Town is a true fan favorite, with its exciting Mediterranean vibe, amazing culinary scene, beautiful Cape Dutch architecture, thriving art community, and successful sports teams – all set to the backdrop of iconic Table Mountain and the turbulent waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It is no wonder it is called The Mother City. This vibrant, trendy city has broad appeal. Local attractions include Table Mountain, Robben Island, the V&A Waterfront, Bo-Kaap, boutique shops, numerous museums, wineries, and world famous restaurants. For those venturing beyond the city, the Cape Winelands and Cape Peninsula are a day trip away.
Cape Town’s rich cultural heritage dates back more than 300 years and its diversity is evident in the city’s architecture, art, and food. It is the second most populous city in South Africa and sits at the southwest tip of Africa.
The Winchester Hotel
The Winchester Hotel
Property Overview
Situated along the scenic Sea Point Promenade and facing the Atlantic Ocean, with the majestic backdrop of Table Mountain, The Winchester Hotel in Cape Town is an iconic seafront hotel that has a rich heritage. Its iconic Cape Dutch architecture tells a story of luxury and sophistication of a romantic bygone era, making it popular among local and international guests.
A crisp classic black and white colour scheme features throughout the hotel’s main areas – seen in beautiful, white panelled walls and detailed ceilings, offset by striking geometric floor tiles, all accented by quirky décor elements and antiques that portray the building’s rich history and personality.
Accommodations
Classic Rooms
The 32 classic rooms have been designed in a loft style. Although these rooms are non-sea facing, they have been fitted with furnishings and decorative accessories that create an alluring setting.
Fast Facts
Highlights
– Beautiful seafront location
– Easy access to many of the major city sights
– Iconic Cape Dutch architecture
– Quirky decor elements
– Quick facts
– 76 rooms
– Dining and bar
– Spa
– Swimming pool
– Wifi
Franschhoek
Franschhoek
Area Overview
Located about 75 km (45 mi) east of Cape Town, Franschhoek is one of the oldest towns in South Africa. French Huguenot settlers first arrived in the late 1600s and began what has become a thriving agricultural industry focused primarily on winemaking. Much of the traditional Cape Dutch architecture has been preserved, making this one of South Africa’s prettiest places to visit, not only for the classic churches and farmhouses but also for its breathtaking landscapes. The town itself is situated in a picturesque valley nestled at the foot of imposing surrounding mountain ranges.
A variety of quaint boutique wineries and large cellars offer guided tours and tastings, which can be visited aboard the famous Franschhoek Wine Tram. For those seeking outdoor adventures, there are a number of scenic walking trails in the surrounding mountains, particularly in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve and around the Berg River. Other activities include cycling, horseback riding, polo, and golf.
La Fontaine Boutique Hotel
La Fontaine Boutique Hotel
Property Overview
This idyllic 4-star boutique hotel in the heart of Franschhoek has been beautifully appointed with rich colours and luxurious finishes. Just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, situated in the peaceful Franschhoek Valley, La Fontaine is as close as you can get to the town’s award-winning restaurants.
Fitted with all of the modern luxuries and amenities, you will relax as never before when exploring the Cape Winelands. The fleet of luxury tour vehicles is also at your service to ensure you see the very best of the Cape Winelands.
Experience & Activities
Just a block away from the main village centre of Franschhoek with world-renowned restaurants, charming gift shops, cafes and magnificent historical buildings and museums to explore. If rest is what you need, stay in and enjoy the tranquil gardens and swimming pools that stretch over two properties. The outdoor breakfast patio and front veranda under their vine and wisteria pergolas boast views of the surrounding mountains and tranquil settings.
Accommodation
Luxury Room
Each room has been beautifully appointed with individual decorative themes and characters. Totally refurbished, the luxury rooms have extra-length king size beds and beautifully appointed modern bathrooms.
Fast Facts
Highlights
La Fontaine is steeped in rich history, recognised as a heritage building in the heart of Franschhoek
The outdoor breakfast patio and front veranda under their vine and wisteria pergolas boast views of surrounding mountains
Quick facts
– 17 large suites
– Fire places in certain rooms
– Wine bar, lounge & patio
– Indoor & outdoor breakfast area
– Two swimming pools with sun loungers
– Wifi
Makalali Private Game Reserve
Makalali Private Game Reserve
Your safari for the soul begins as soon as you enter the wilderness of the 22’000ha Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve. This secluded corner of South African bushveld welcomes you for an immersive Big 5 safari experience, just beyond the bustling crowds in the Kruger National Park.
Revel in the sweeping views of its grassy plains, undulating hills and winding Makhutswi River. And let the Drakensberg mountain range inspire a refresh perspective as it sits so majestically beyond the reserve.
This Big 5 wilderness celebrates South Africa’s biodiversity and wildlife conservation, and is now a sanctuary for some of Africa’s most endangered species. All members of the Big 5 and various other game were the first to call the reserve their home thanks to important game reintroduction progammes.
Now, African wild dog, cheetah and pangolin populations also thrive here under the protection of K9 anti-poaching units. The endangered ground hornbill along with various threatened vulture and raptor species are a special part of the 200-strong bird species found here.
Garonga Safari Camp
Garonga Safari Camp
Property Overview
At Garonga Safari Camp, luxury tented safari romance meets the wild beauty of the South African bush setting. It’s an exclusive tented camp, with just six luxury en-suite units that combine a canvas canopy, rustic-textured walls and raised wooden deck overlooking a dry riverbed.
Experience & Activities
Fulfill your safari dreams with twice daily game drives led by experienced and knowledgeable guides. In addition to the Big 5 (elephant, leopard, rhino, buffalo and lion), look out for cheetah, spotted hyenas, wild dogs, hippos, crocodiles, diverse plains animals and colourful birdlife.Stretch those legs and take a walking safari or ‘solitude walk’ with one of our experienced guides/trackers. Get that bit closer to nature and take the time to notice the beauty that lies in the detail of the surrounding bush. You also never know what you might bump into.
Stargazing and a good bath are two of life’s greatest pleasures. These are combined in the Star Bath experience, best shared with your loved one. It’s the perfect end to a perfect day in the bush. This bath is semi-covered by a canopy and opens up to the night sky and bush ambience.
Enjoy a night under the stars on the safari sleep out deck, complete with four-poster bed and dining table for two. A 20-minute drive from the main camp, you will be fully immersed in your natural surrounds overlooking a waterhole that is known to attract a visitor or two.
Accommodations
Tented Room
Garonga Safari Camp immerses you in nature at every opportunity. The elegant tents blend natural materials and neutral tones with modern fittings. Take in the view from your four-poster bed or spot wildlife like a visiting elephant or two while relaxing on the deck lounge, complete with hammock. Each tent has an indoor and outdoor shower so you can enjoy the sounds of nature while under the African sky.
This is your home away from home in a Big 5 wilderness. It perfectly balances nature’s tranquillity and modern luxuries for absolute rejuvenation.
Fast Facts
Highlights
Luxury tented safari romance meets the wild beauty of the South African bush
Experience a night time bush bath or sleep under the stars on the sleep out deck
On game drives and walking safaris, look out for the Big 5, cheetah, spotted hyena, wild dog, hippo, crocodile, diverse plains animals, and colorful bird life.
Quick facts
6 luxury en-suite units
Lounge
Indoor/outdoor dining areas
Swimming pool
Firepit
Massage sala
Bush bath
Sleep out deck
Bush boma
Wifi
Wedding & honeymoon specials
The fine print
Costs
Costs
This cost includes:
– Accommodation at the Winchester Hotel in classic rooms on bed and breakfast basis
– Accommodation at La Fontaine in luxury rooms on bed and breakfast basis
– Accommodation in JNB on bed and breakfast basis*
– Accommodation on safari on fully inclusive basis (twice daily safaris, all meals and local brand drinks)
– Conservation and park fees
– Private vehicle + guide throughout Cape Town and JNB (guide will fly with them to JNB and spend the day with them, co-ordinating the visits, lunch and assisting with dinner arrangements)
– Water in the vehicle
– Internal flights per the above
– Lunches on days 2,4,5,6,7 & 8
– Dinner on day 3
– All transfers between airports and hotels
– Tickets, entry fees and tastings for tours mentioned in the itinerary
– Christo Brand dinner
– Guide meals, travel and accommodation where required
– Driver meals where required
– This cost does not include:
– Additional tastings or premium tastings
– Champagne, premium wines and spirits on safari
– International airfares from your home town to South Africa
– All and any meals not mentioned herein
– All and any touring, excursions not mentioned herein
– Gratuities for waiters, hotel staff, drivers/guides
– Laundry
– Freight/excess baggage charges for purchases made on tour, being shipped back to your home.
– Any internet charges (when there is no free internet), international telephone calls, postage etc.
– Any taxi/Uber charges for trips made privately, like to restaurants, theatres, movies, visits to friends etc.
Travel Insurance (NB: We cannot be held liable for any cancellations, due to any reason whatsoever if passengers do not take out appropriate insurance. Equally, we are not responsible for all and any medical emergencies that may occur, should passengers not have appropriate insurance. Equally any delays in flights/ cancellation of flights has nothing to do with ourselves. Appropriate insurance needs to be in place.)
Prices are based on the exchange rate of the day, and should these change, the passenger will be responsible for any difference created by said exchange rate.
The tour departure and price is subject to a minimum of six (6) adults travelling together on the entire itinerary.
Should you wish to do this itinerary on a strictly private basis, please request a quote from us.