Howzit! Welcome to Cape Town. After a private transfer from the airport to your hotel, take some time to acclimatize to your new surroundings, take a stroll around the city or just relax before meeting up with your tour leader and new friends for an early evening welcome meeting. Your welcome dinner tonight is a celebration of African cuisine; a spectacular 14-course tasting menu accompanied by local entertainment. The perfect way to kick start your African adventure.

Today’s adventure begins with a visit to Boulders Beach to see the resident African Penguin colony (an optional kayak or a stand-up paddle experience is available to view the penguins from a more intimate perspective). Pass through the scenic coastal town of Fish Hoek and onto Cape Point for some truly spectacular views. This is Africa’s most southerly point, where you can contemplate the mighty Indian Ocean to your left, and the immense Atlantic Ocean to your right. Enjoy a memorable lunch in a spectacular location overlooking Kalk Bay, then drive Chapman’s Peak, one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world, affectionately nicknamed ‘chappies’ by the locals. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. The evening is yours to explore vibrant Cape Town at your own pace.

After breakfast, take a guided walk of Kirstenbosch Gardens, a serene botanical garden on the slopes of Table Mountain. Then head over to the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, a culturally diverse community of cobbled streets, rainbow houses, and charming corner stores. Enjoy an interactive experience with one of the country’s oldest established communities, who were brought to these shores as captives in the 1600’s. Join a cooking class in the home of a friendly local resident, where you’ll learn how to cook samosas, rooti (flat bread) and chicken or vegetable curry for lunch. Your afternoon is dedicated to one of the world’s most iconic locations, Table Mountain. Take the cable car to the top for breathtaking panoramas across Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean and Robben Island from the summit. Enjoy another evening of solo exploring. 

Discover the ever popular wines of South Africa on a flavorsome tour of the Franschhoek Vineyards this morning. Then embark on a thrilling, 3-course epicurean adventure at an award-winning vineyard restaurant, inspired by the sailors who once upon a time returned to the Cape from Asia’s spice lands with great riches. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the cafes, galleries and boutique shops of Franschhoek, before reconvening with your group for dinner. 

Visit the world-famous wine estates and hidden gem wineries of Stellenbosch on foot today, tasting some of the best vino South Africa has to offer. Enjoy a cheese and wine pairing, cellar and vineyard tours, and a wine masterclass, teaching you how it is made, and, more importantly, how to taste it. A picnic lunch at one of our favorite wineries rounds off your boozy morning; only the best seasonal and ethically sourced ingredients, and locally made artisanal goods, are added to our picnic baskets. Spend the rest of the afternoon sampling more award-winning wines and exploring the farm. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon to freshen up before an elegant dinner at an acclaimed local restaurant.

Take a short flight to Port Elizabeth this morning and travel to Shamwari Game Reserve where you will check into your luxurious lodge accommodation for the next 3 nights. This tented paradise offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself into the spectacular sights and sounds of the African bush. This afternoon enjoy a 4x4 Safari through the reserve, eyes peeled for lions, elephants, giraffes, rhino and more. Dinner tonight will be at the lodge’s stunning open-air restaurant. 

Head out at sunrise in your 4x4 for an early morning Game Drive Safari, followed by breakfast at the lodge. Enjoy some relaxing leisure time, and perhaps book yourself in for a luxurious spa treatment at the wellness center. After a delicious lunch and some more time to chill and take a nap, you’ll head out again in the late afternoon for another Game Drive Safari, this time searching for animals as the sun sets across the plains. It’s a sight you’ll never forget. 

Today’s itinerary will be a repeat of yesterday’s but who knows what animals you might see today?! There will be a sunrise safari followed by lunch, private time and then you’ll head out again for one last sunset safari.

Get up early for your last sunrise Game Drive Safari, followed by a delicious breakfast at the lodge. You’ll then take a transfer to Port Elizabeth Airport, where you’ll say goodbye to your new safari friends. If you plan to extend your trip in South Africa, check out the Atlas Obscura Guide to South Africa for plenty of itinerary inspiration. Until our next adventure!